Okay, This chapter is super short, but I wanted to post it so that you could get a small taste as of whats to come. WARNING!!!!!! If you are a very emotional person like my sister, this may conflict some very strong feelings, but not as much as next chapter. I'm sorry and good luck.

2 years later…

Helmer sat, he threw the knife in the air anxiously, then caught it repeating the process over and over. Clayton and Tomas sat next to him, polishing their swords. Helmer looked around the crowded ready area, many other groups were getting prepared, running through drills. “My Lord,” Tomas started. “Helmer.”

“Sorry, Helmer Sir, when do we start the march on the army.” Helmer shook his head, unsure. “I don’t know. I think it would be when the others start to move.”

“Oh, yah.” Suddenly heavy footsteps sounded and they turned to see Ioan and Frances running their way. They skidded to a halt, bending over to catch their breath. Helmer waited patiently for them to speak. Ioan was the first to recover. “Lord Captain Helmer Sir, His highness Garten Longtreader wants to speak with you.” Helmer got to his feet quickly, dropping the knife. He turned to Clayton who was sitting carelessly. “Clayton son, you're in charge.”

“Hey!” Frances exclaimed. “Why can’t I be in charge!”

“Because, last time I put you in charge, you burned down our bunkhouse.”

“It wasn’t on purpose!”

“That doesn’t matter.” Frances sighed, sitting grumpily next to Tomas, who shook with nerves. Helmer gave them one last glance before heading to the palace. Once he reached the door he knocked politely. The door swung open to reveal a ruffled looking Garten, his deep eyes flashing. Helmer backed up, surprised at the furious look and Garten's face. “Oh, it's just you.” He said, leading Helmer inside. “What do you need Sir?”

“I don’t need something, the king does.”

“Of course.” Garten took a deep breath, as though saying these words pained him. “Instead of the king's arm going to war, he wants you to go to blackstone and deliver a message.”

“WHAT!” Helmer couldn’t believe this. He had trained these bucks, grown so fond of these bucks, ready to fight, and he was going to deliver a message! “Listen.” Garten said leaning closer. “It’s about the heir. This is the most important job, and you must follow through. Do you understand?” Helmer nodded, though he hated every part of himself for it. Garten opened the door and Helmer started to leave as Garten handed him a scroll. “Wait,” Garten said. Helmer turned back. “Whatever you do, don't come back.” His eyes glinted dangerously, and Helmer knew he could not protest. Helmer nodded curtly, a scowl on his face. He tucked the scroll in his pocket and headed back towards his bucks. Why did his team need to deliver the scroll? Why was it that important that the heir of Jupiter be protected now? They had been in battle before. Before he knew it he was back in front of his bucks, they looked the exact same as when he had left. “What?” Tomas asked, seeing his scowl. “Change of plan bucks,” Helmer said. “We have to deliver this message to Blackstone. It's too important for anyone else to do.” Clayton looked disappointed but all the others looked relieved. “When do we leave?” Frances asked, gabbing a nearby bow and swinging it over his shoulder. Helmer looked up at the sun, it was setting quickly. “Now.” they nodded. As they grabbed their things none of them spoke, all for different reasons. Helmer was angry he was being left out of this work and he wanted to get revenge on Morbin for all he had done. But he had a mission.

***

They had turned back. Something was off, Helmer could tell. The cool air whipped around them, causing them to shiver. Helmer turned and saw Clayton pointing at something, then pushing toward it. A slight sprinkle started and they huddled closer. They broke into a clearing, a familiar clearing. This was the place that Snoden, Airen, Whittle, Wilfred and himself had stayed on their way to Halfwind. Ioan shivered violently, his lips blue, and teeth chattering. Helmer removed his cloak and threw it over Ioans back, not wanting his pupil to pass out. Suddenly there was a yell from behind. Helmer spun to see Tomas being held tightly by a large wolf. Helmer panicked. He drew his sword and charged at the wolf. Fury burst through his veins as he bolted. Then something heavy hit his head, and everything went black.

“Well, well, well.” said a cruel, yet familiar voice. “I thought I told you not to turn around.” Helmer blinked, regaining focus. He closed his eyes, sensing what was around him. A heavy chain was around his wrist, no doubt tied to a tree. He heard a muffled scream and his eyes burst open, taking in his surroundings. Clayton, Ioan, and Tomas were tied together, gags in their mouths. Clayton looked empty, like all hope was lost. He didn’t struggle, just sat blank eyed. Ioan glared definitely up at a wolf who liked his lips, glowering at them. And Tomas was sobbing hysterically, trying to move to a limp figure on the ground. No. No! It couldn't be. No! Frances lay limply on the ground. His eyes were wide and shocked, his mouth dribbling blood, a knife sticking through his chest. Helmer felt as though his world was shattered. Frances. He looked away as a sob choked him and tears streamed down his face. He looked up, unsurprised to see Garten. He could recognize that voice anywhere. Garten smirked down at him. The sob defeated Helmer and he tried to break free, pulling as hard as he could. “No!” He screamed, shaking violently “No! How could you!” He screamed at Garten, who looked down at him as though he were a child throwing a fit. “I’m doing this for the king.” He said a snarl on his lips. This confused Helmer for a minute. What could he mean? Then it hit him, as hard as he had been hit seconds ago. Betrayed. They were betrayed.