This is a Helmer fan fiction

Warning: in later chapters there will be spoilers if you have not read Embers End

This is not very good writing, but I honestly don’t expect it to be. It is also very short, at least to me. 😅 Constructive Criticism

welcome.

Helmer twirled the knife in his hand aiming it at the small target that was propped against a large pile of hay. He stole a glance outside from the large barn doors and saw it was still sprinkling. He sighed, bringing his attention back to the target, he exhaled bringing the knife behind his head, inhaled again, then exhaled, bringing the knife swinging forward to meet the target. It hit the small circle outside the center, and he scowled. Yes it was good, but good wasn’t good enough. He wanted to be perfect. He sat down heavily on an upturned bucket, looking around the deserted barn. Piles of hay lay strewn across the dirt floor, and bags of seeds for this year's planting season, were set neatly against the wood wall next to many spades and an over sized hedge clipper that had only been used once.

He ran over his plan in his head again, not until yesterday had he figured out how he was going to tell his family that he had joined King Jupiter's army. He had done it weeks before with his best friend Snoden. Helmer had always loved the stories of King Good, and now that he had gotten the chance, he wanted to fight for his son. He had made up his mind and he wasn’t going to change it, though he knew that his mother would want him to. It’s now, or never. He thought standing back up. He exited the barn slowly, aware that this may be the last time he walked through these doors. The drizzle had subsided and the now wet grass swayed slightly in a cool breeze. He shivered as he stepped onto the front porch of the house, he twisted the knob and stepped inside closing the door behind him. He entered the living room seeing his father sitting in his over-sized chair, plotting out the order of the field, his mother sitting, knitting a small hat for the neighbors kits, and his twin sister Airen standing, watching over their fathers shoulder, sipping a large mug of water. “Ummm….” He began, his sister looked up at him, her dark eyes showing confusion. She tapped their father on the shoulder and he looked up, removing his glasses. “I have something to tell you.” He paused as his mother looked up at him expectantly, setting down her knitting pins. He felt his face flush and his heart pounded loudly in his chest. “I’m leaving!!! I’m going to serve in the army, me and Sno signed up ages ago, and I was too scared to tell you, and now I’m rambling!!!” He blurted.

He looked around the room, Airens mouth was open, his father's face looked confused, and his mother had a shocked expression on her sullen face. “You're joking right?” his mother said “Because that's not humorous at all!” Helmer shook his head, wringing his hands together. “When do you leave?” Airen asked, her voice cracking slightly, as she set down the mug and moved closer to him. Her eyes were glazed over and her lip was quivering slightly. “Tomorrow.” He mumbled, casting his gaze downwards, nervous of the big reaction to come. But it never did. His mother stood and stomped past, an angry look on her face, accompanied by large tears. She stormed into his parents room, slamming the door behind her. His father spoke next, his deep voice dripping in disappointment. “I think,” He paused as if going on pained him. “I think that if this is what you want, then you should do it.” Helmer looked up surprised at these words. His father's voice became more sincere “ I wish you would have told us sooner. But I understand not wanting to. And when you return,” He added “These seeds can’t sow themselves.” Then he also stood, and rubbing his eyes in frustration, and confusion, he left to the kitchen.

Helmer turned to Airen, her reaction was the one he cared most about. But before he could see her expression she had flung her arms around his neck and was crying silently onto his shoulder. He hugged her back then whispered, feeling guilty “I’m sorry, I wasn’t think-” But she broke him off saying with a quavering voice “You know, I’m proud right?” He felt a sob choke his throat so he nodded in response, afraid that if he spoke he would break down. “I’m proud of you Helm, Because I love you, and you were brave enough to do what you deemed best.”

I’m proud....

***

The next day Helmer stood on the path, he was walking to meet up with his group. His group would meet up then go to Halfwind together. He was going with Snodem and Airen was accompanying them. His father stood on the edge of the road, a sad smile on his prideful face. He had taken the news better than his mother, and he had gotten used to the idea very quickly. He was happy to have a soldier in the family, as his father had been one for King Good. The past night he had spent asking questions, and making requests.

“We’ll wait,” his father began, tears starting in his eyes “All of us, Me and your mother, your friends, this home, this whole world will wait. You were always too good for us son, and I know you will use your skill for this Mended Wood.” He paused clearing his throat noisily. “I always told you, take a chance. That's all you need to do to be successful, take a chance and work hard. I know you’ll do both.” He turned away on tears. then trudged slowly back up to the house.

Helmer stared at the house, taking in every inch that he had taken for granted. The overgrown hedges, the large fire pit, the large swing that he and Airen had played on for hours on end. He took in the dewy grass, rolling hills, and the sun rising steadily over the brick chimney. He felt a hand lay on his shoulder and he turned to see Snoden, his eyebrow arched “C’mon Helm.” he said his voice raspy “Lets go.” Helmer nodded his own tears starting in his eyes. He blinked rapidly, as he turned away from the one place he had always called home. He picked up his large sack, and without a backward glance, he followed his best friend, and his sister down the road to his new life.