#KingsArm

Helmer looked down at the letter in his hands, he didn’t say anything, but merely looked back up at the young buck in front of him.

“Are you sure?” Helmer asked roughly. He looked back down at the letter, biting his lip.

“Yessir. The king himself sent this.” The messenger confirmed, “It's time.”

“Ok, you are free to go.” Helmer said, not looking up at the buck as he bowed and left, closing the door behind him.

Helmer blew out a shaky breath and turned away, slowly walking over to the wooden chair he had just been sitting at, he placed the letter on the desk in front and re-read it again;

Lord Captain Helmer of the King’s Army,

I must inform you that our fronts on the water and land are under siege on Grimble Island.

The wolves grow nearer as we speak.

You have been assigned to the rendezvous along with Lord Captain Perkin.

Lieutenant Traff is there waiting for your arrival.

You two shall meet at the palace gates, and an escort shall guide you and your bucks from there.

Signed with the king’s royal emblem, Jupiter Goodson.

Helmer snarled and folded the letter neatly, “Like I need an escort.” But the thought of himself getting lost on the way made him pause. Perhaps an escort would be wise. Or Jupiter knew he didn’t need one, but the others did. Huh.

Latching his sword to his belt, he quickly with swift fingers latched his armor on, he hadn’t been called to the front since...he paused in his steady work. Should he write a letter to Airen? No, this was merely a touch and go, he'd be back soon, right?

He huffed a slight of breath, then walked over to his door, his hand on the latch. He turned to take a quick look at his home, it was small, but tidy, a three room, good for a bachelor buck. The king had offered him a place in the palace, but Helmer had to admit that he liked living on his own. The palace was much too loud for his slow paced life.

Helmer laughed, “Slow life, hah, you wish.” he said as he left the house, a little cottage at the edge of town, right beside the river. And he walked towards the main entrance to the town.

Helmer walked along the cobblestone paths, the rough stone grazed his feet, he wasn’t very far from the marketplace. Rabbits bustled to and fro, suspicious and wary glances at Helmer’s armor, Helmer didn’t blame them, the war had yet to reach this cozy place, but bucks were being sent out every day.

Helmer heard a scuffle behind him and whirled around, a hand on his sword.

Helmer felt immediately guilty after seeing the frightened look on the pale brown buck in front of him, and he quickly released his weapon, “S-sorry.” Helmer stuttered, then turned to walk on.

“Wait!” The buck said, and ran ahead until he was in front of Helmer, his arms spread to block the older buck’s way. “Do you remember me?”

Helmer squinted down at the buck, his ragged clothes, eyes partially squeezed shut, his brown almost white fur.

“Yes.” He said softly, “The boy with the apple.”

He nodded his head, “Um. Sir, I noticed you are skilled in hand and mind.” The buck said, pointing to Helmer, then his sword. “I..” he paused and shuffled his feet around.

“Well? Spit it out! I have places to be you know.” Helmer snapped, glancing in the direction of the gates.

“I...I… I want you to train me!”

“Oh.” Helmer gaped, “Um. No.”

“What?! But I need your help!” he sputtered.

“Look kid, I have to go, I’ve trained one buck and geez did I hate it, so no. Also there are bucks who are lined up everywhere to train you so why not ask them?”

“But I don't want any of them, I want you!” He yelled, coming closer to the taller black furred buck.

Helmer sighed, too worried to be angry, of all the days, why now? “I’m sorry son, even if I wanted to, which I don’t. I’m being called to the front.”

The kid looked a little crestfallen at this but a twinkle sparked in his eyes, and he bowed, then scurried away.

What an odd buck. He thought. He looked up, checking the time, then hurried away.

Through the woods, over a shrub, under a low hanging branch. The woods were eerily quiet, and the bucks around Helmer seemed to sense it. The reddish brown buck beside him easily kept pace with him, the occasional spark in his single eye. A grin spread across his face and he let out a small spurt of speed, passing Helmer. Helmer flashed a smile back and lept forward, back on his feet he ran past Perkin. They kept this up for quite awhile, until the buck ahead of them let out an exasperated sigh.

“Would you two stop? Honestly, anyone would think you’re toddling children and not fully grown bucks at the head of the king’s army.” The black and brown buck barked. He slowed to a stop, “Ten minutes of rest bucks, then we will move on. We are going to be at Chelmsford by sundown. Not after.” He stared hard at the Captains. Helmer raised an eyebrow at the guard, a Lieutenant named Lytton, from Vandalia, who had made the journey to Grimble Island many times.

“Haha. fine with me.” Perkin chuckled, sitting down to grab his waterskin.

Helmer panted and laughed, followed suit. Gulping down water quickly, he went over the plan again, at Chelmsford, they would meet with bucks from Harbone and the citadel itself, from there, they would gather and go to the outpost, hopefully the wolves would not have overrun it, and they would merely raid and draw the attention away. They wouldn’t lose as many bucks that way.

But if the wolves already took the outpost...Helmer shuddered and pushed the gruesome thought away.

“Hey! Stop!” Helmer jumped and turned around, the shouting and scuffling coming from the back of the line. Helmer exchanged looks with Lytton and Perkin, then the three raced to the back.

“Oy! What is this?!” Perkin snapped at the three bucks surrounding a shorter one. One with pale brown fur…

“Hey! You! Why you-” Helmer growled he lunged forward and grabbed the buck by the scruff of his neck.

The small buck yelped and struggled to get away, but Helmer held on fast.

“Captain...You know this kid?” Lytton asked.

“Captain?” The kid said, “I thought you were some retired old soldier-”

“Stop talking.” Helmer snapped. “What do we do with him?” He asked.

They all went quiet at this. If he stayed, he’d be a nuisance, and possibly get hurt. But if they sent him back by himself...and they couldn’t waste someone to go back with him.

“Ugghghghgh.” Helmer groaned, and put the kid down, but he stayed close enough that if he tried to flee they could grab him. “We’ll take him with us to Chelmsford, then leave him there. They’ll take care of him…” Maybe they’ll get some meat on his bones too, he thought, glancing down at the skinny buck.

“Dismissed.” Lytton said to the bucks standing around, “Get going!” he said when they didn’t move, they then scrambled away.

“Come on kid. We need to talk.” Helmer said with barely concealed anger. The pale buck nodded and followed the darker buck.

They walked over to a small grove of oaks, their large roots sticking out and making a good spot for one to sit. Helmer beckoned the other over, the buck hesitated, but from the look the captain gave him he sat down on a jutting root.

Helmer sighed and sat down across from him, he was honestly tired, and this buck was making his 5/10 day a 3/10 day. “What’s your name son?” He asked, not looking up.

“Henry, sir. Henry Gavinson.” The buck’s voice choked up a bit at the mention of his last name, then he coughed.

Helmer glanced up at Henry, the buck looked extremely uncomfortable, “Why’d you follow us?”

Henry's face hardened, “I-I said I needed you, and I never give up. I never have never will.” He shifted around in his seat, “Plus I was curious if you were lying to me.”

“Hah.” Helmer chuckled. “I never lie.” He paused, “How’d you follow us?”

“It’s not that hard sir. I snagged a chestplate someone left lying around,” he knocked afist on the metal around his chest, “ and snuck in between some burly soldiers. When we stopped I bumped into one and they turned on me, asking who I was and why they’d never seen me in their unit. I explained I was a last minute replacement, but they recognized the breastplate as their friends and- uh- beat me up.” He rubbed his arm. “That’s another reason I wanted you to teach me. So I won't be so...so weak.” he spat the last word out.

Helmer stared at the pale buck’s face, mixed emotions crossing his face. “Why me?” Helmer mumbled.

Henry perked up, “Why not? You saved me. That shopkeeper would’ve beat me up, it’s not like that’s never happened before though.”

“Well then- oh.” Helmer could not find any words.

“My turn to ask questions,” Henry said, raising his chin, “Who exactly are you?”

Helmer smiled, “General Wasp of the hive of- Hiviness?”

Henry grinned, “Well I'm Captain Dainty Ladybug?” He laughed, “You don’t have to tell me, but I do want to know, Can I go with you? I want to help!”

“No. No no lots of NOS.”

“Why?!” Henry yelped.

“I don’t want you to get hurt, kid.” Helmer huffed. “And that’s final.”

Henry stared at Helmer, but Helmer didn’t meet his eye, guilt crept in, why? Why feel guilty? Thankfully, he didn't have to ponder that question for long, for Lytton hurried up.

“Lord Captain Helmer.” Lytton saluted. “We must go now if we wish to reach Chelmsford by dusk.”

Helmer nodded, he cast Henry a side look. Then stood up, offering his hand to the pale buck.

Henry frowned and looked at the older buck’s hand, he got up, not taking his hand.

The bustling echo of the closed area that led to the large gates of Chelmsford met Helmer’s ears, a familiar sound.

Lytton jogged towards the gates.

“A friend of the mending!” he shouted.

The gates squealed and lurched forward in a slow massive way, the gates opened halfway. The soldiers of First Warren made their way forward.

“Aye, welcome my friends.” A young buck strode forward, a smile on his face. The buck had long ginger fur and a medallion bearing the sign of Chelmsford on it; this was the young lord of Chelmsford, Lord West.

“Lord West,” Perkin said, bowing. Helmer bowed as well.

“Lord Captains,” West said, bowing in turn. The soldiers around them were being led into the warren, where, as Lytton said, they would have quarters and provisions. “Please, bring you and your lieutenants, we must meet. I do believe we have something important to converse of.”

“Yes my lord, but I must say. We have a stowaway. And I ask that he be taken care of until…” Helmer paused, “Until our return.” He said softly.

Lord West paused, then nodded, “Of course. Now if you’d follow me.”

Helmer, Lytton, Perkin, and a burly lieutenant named Whyte, followed West down the long winding tunnels of this warren.

As Lord West ushered them into the large room, the office area was close to empty. With only four other bucks in the room.

Two, wore the Chelmsford sign, the others the arms of a white field and a tree full of stars, Harbone.

The two members of Harbone turned to look at the five bucks that entered, both bucks had pale gold-grey fur and the older one a golden medallion marking he was a lord, and spectacles he seemed to always look over. The younger one was around Helmer’s age, and while the latter had a stoic expression, this one had a smile spread widely across his thin face.

The bucks stepped forward and each bowed politely to the two Lord Captains, while Helmer did the same.

“Ahem, Lord Captain.” The younger said, the smile somehow getting larger.

Helmer’s mouth twitched, “Captain Hewson.” He said coldly, Hewson’s eyes widened and his face turned from happy to confused. “Come here brother,” Helmer said, smiling mischievously, Hewson sighed then the two embraced.

“Hah, Helm old pal you had me worried,” Hewson said as they both pulled away.

“Why? You know me, my friend,” He put his hands on his hips, “I am a class clown.”

“YoU?” Perkin exclaimed from behind, “Helmer, you haven’t cracked a joke in your life.”

“Haha well, you haven’t been serious in your life.” Helmer chuckled, struggling for a comeback.

The older buck stepped forward, his serious face softening as he stepped towards the lord captain, “Son.” he said, stretching out his arms. Helmer smiled and embraced the buck. Lord Hews, the father of Captain Hewson, was his friend and in many ways, a father. When Helmer’s own father died when Helmer was off fighting in the war, Hews and his wife had taken good care of his mother and sister, For Hews and Helmer’s father were close friends, almost brothers. And Helmer was proud to be called ‘son.’

Hews and Helmer drew away from each other, while Perkin patted Hewson on the back. “Hello, friend! How goes Mrs. Hewson?”

Something dulled in Hewson’s eyes for a split second, then disappeared as quickly as it came, “My beloved Lynn is...well.”

Perkin flicked a long ear. “Good to hear.”

“Alright, Gentle-bucks.” A voice across the council room said. Helmer turned to spy a bright orange pelt, Lord West was standing behind a desk, a burly grey buck on his right with the mark of a captain on his shoulder, while a lieutenant on the lord’s left. “It’s time to talk War.”

Helmer watched as bucks from First Warren, Harbone, and Chelmsford hurried around making preparation for the challenge ahead. He rested on one foot and closed his eyes, exhaustion overwhelming him, in the dim light of dawn he replayed the events of the past week.

The King’s party, the calling, the war…

And Henry.

What was he going to do about this buck? He shouldn't feel guilty, but...a small part of him was. He was curious about the clay-colored kid, and he honestly, slightly did want to train him, he wanted to swallow his pride and train him...but he’d never have the chance to do that. Not while…

Helmer opened his eyes as a buck called his name, he slowly turned around searching for the sound. His eyes landed on-guess who?- Henry.

The pale brown buck had jogged up to him, a desperate look on his face.

“You…” Henry said, his eyes wide, “I know who you are. Captain Helmer sir- I” He looked down, he huffed then clenched his fists, “I want to come with you. No- I need to come with you!”

Helmer winced at the strong determined look in the kid’s eyes, how much they were alike. “I’m sorry kid. You can’t, what if you get hurt? What will I tell your parents?”

“I don’t have any PARENTS!!” He yelled, his face twisted in fury.

Helmer jerked back, the gilt he had felt before washing back over him again. “Henry I…” He looked down, “I can’t take you with me. If you don’t have family, then Chelmsford will take you in,” He looked back up. “ plenty of other-more capable bucks can train you. I- I’m afraid that if I train you- I won’t keep up to your needs, I have a war to fight. A war I need to win. And I can’t have you in it, even if your parents won’t mourn you dying. I would. Your blood would be on my hands anyway, I can’t watch any more bucks die, I see it every time I go into battle and I live with their deaths. I can’t bear to see someone this young go out. And son I do admit this, you have skills. You remind me of myself and lad-” He stepped forward and placed both his hands on Henry’s shoulders, the younger buck looked up, emotions pooling out his eyes, “Don’t go down that road, settle down-become a farmer find a wife.” He sighed, “And survive.”

“But I want to serve!” Henry’s face hardened again, “You of all bucks should know how hard it is to stand by!”

Helmer scowled, he hated to admit it, but the lad was right. “Look...if I come back.” he emphasized the word ‘if’ wincing as he did so. “Maybe I’ll think about training you.”

Henry smiled slightly. “So… when do you leave.” He prodded.

Helmer smiled, and looked up at the sky, “ I’d say ‘bout an hour.”

“Do...you have time for a quick lesson?” He pressed on, leaning closer to his possible master.

Helmer frowned, he should be getting ready to move, he should NOT get attached, but...something tugged at the back of his head, he placed his hand on his sword hilt. Fingering the black leather hilt, where an emerald lay embedded in it. A gift from the king, a light short sword that was merely a deadly extension of the captain’s arm. What had Jupiter said? Helmer was warmed by the thought. For the king gave this to him the day the eight had united.

“Your highness honestly this is too kind.” Young Helmer had flustered. The young brown buck beside him laughed heartily.

“Helmer please just accept the gift. That goes for all of you.” Jupiter said, pointing at the five other bucks who also held new beautifully crafted weapons.

Perkin smiled, holstering his large sword that was almost as tall as them he almost toppled down with it. “Yes sir but how could we ever repay you?”

“I agree with ol’ Perk on this one.” A dark brown buck said, his scarred face twisted in concern as he fiddled with the string on his ornately dressed bow.

“Gome, Perkin, Helmer- my friends!” Jupiter sighed in mock exasperation, holding the back of his hand to his face in woe. “It’s simply a gift! No repayment necessary!”

Harlan with his oversized spectacles peered down at the twin short swords, swinging them around as if he was about to slice someone in half. A grin on his face as he delivered the final blow. “Oh, yea. I like this.”

Stam nocked an arrow and tested the twine of his bow, it crept back and he closed his eyes. Helmer watched him closely across the field. The rest of the bucks watched as the master archer twisted around with his eyes still closed and let go of the arrow. ‘Twang!’ it chirped as it found its target, dead in the center. Stam whistled and looked down at the bow carved with a picture of rabbits and weapons on it. “Me too.”

Pickwand twirled a long spear with two deadly ends around, he then narrowed his eyes at the small metal middle, raising an eyebrow he twisted it the metal spot and yelped in surprise as it divided into two separate weapons, the cry turned into a laugh as he swung the deadly double around, “I second that!”

Fesslehorn, a large white buck, didn’t speak, he merely whirled a short ax around, its pommel decorated with a single emerald. Actually, as Helmer finally noticed, all of their weapons had an emerald in it. Helmer glanced at the crown on the young, recently coronated king’s head, there, surrounded by blazing orange gems was the green one.

The Green Ember.

“Aye, my friends,” Jupiter started, the others sheathed their weapons and drew closer to their friend, “We have fought many battles together, we have been friends since- well since my father lived. In those years of peace, our bond grew. And I am so proud to call you brothers. “ The young king looked down for a second, when he raised his head again there were tears in his eyes, “In these trying times it is wise to keep friends and family close, for thou doesn’t know when your last sun will set.” Helmer smiled at the old proverb, he remembered learning it as a young buck, when days were easy. “So it got me thinking, brothers,” The king raised his chin to look down at his friends, “It got me thinking. That I need to keep you all close, as my advisors, officers, and most importantly my friends. So brothers.” Jupiter unsheathed his sword and raised it high so that it was towards the middle of the band of bucks. “Will you defend and protect, love, and reign well with me? For Natalia? Goodness, for the whole rabble world?”

“For Virtue and Nobility!” Helmer shouted, drawing his sword and placing his weapon next to the king’s.

“For Natalia and the whole world!” Cheered Perkin, placing his ridiculously large sword up with a strong arm.

“For Family!” Gome put in, raising his bow.

“For Brotherhood!” Stam raised his bow as well.

“For Loyalty!” Fesslehorn hurrahed, lifting his ax.

“For Eternal Peace!” Pickwand exclaimed, raising his spear.

“For Wisdom and strength in our numbers!” Harlan Seer yelled with such surety Helmer knew he saw victory in his future peering eyes.

“And,” Jupiter said softly, his eyes glistening, “For our Friendship.”

Helmer looked down at the young rabbit, thinking of the king in his younger days, the king was like a younger brother to him, hec.k- he’d even trained him…

“Fine. One lesson then I have to leave.” He said.

Henry’s face brightened, then he spread his legs and lifted a fist way too far away from his face. Helmer cringed.

“First off you-” He stopped and sighed as Henry bounced around like a- honestly Helmer couldn’t explain how ridiculous Henry looked. “Ok stop. “ When Henry settled down Helmer continued. “Now answer me, this, how many weapons do I have?”

Henry squinted his eyes-which he squinted a little more, Helmer assumed he had bad eyesight-and studied Helmer, “Well, you have your sword, and I'm sure you have some hidden weapon? Like a knife?” He asked.

Helmer smiled, and flashed out his arm faster than light and grabbed Henry’s ear and yanked him to the ground.

Henry yelped and tried to push away from the larger rabbit, but Helmer merely stopped him by kicking dust into his eyes. Henry cried out for help as Helmer grabbed him by the front of his shirt and lifted him up, many of the passing soldiers paused in their work to watch the pair, while others scurried past avoiding any contact with the stoic buck. Henry blinked dust out of his eyes and looked up at Helmer.

“Rule Number One.” He growled as Henry struggled to get away, “everything is a weapon.”

Helmer jogged beside Hewson and Lytton, the two bucks of the hidden warrens were keeping pace with him easily. But Helmer’s mind was elsewhere, had Henry stayed? Or was he following them now? He had to admit it, the young buck was an amazing tracker, before the soldiers had left, Henry had helped Lytton and Lord West figure out a way to get past the enlarged encampment of wolves that blocked their way to the outpost.

Helmer grinned at the memory, Henry was having a terrible time reading the map, he kept on squinting at the paper. Finally though, Lord Hews came up and mumbled something, patted the younger buck on the back and placed his glasses on Henry’s face. The spectacles had done it though, apparently the rascal had terrible eyesight and needed them, though the prescription was slightly off. But Henry’s intellectual knowledge didn’t give him a free pass to fight in the war. But Helmer had no doubt the buck was following them.

“Aye. Lord Captain sir, keep up.”

Helmer jumped and looked up to see he had fallen rather behind, Lytton had called to him, and Hewson had even stopped. Helmer shook his head, then let on a burst of speed to catch up.

As soon as he was shoulder to shoulder jogging with Hewson, the grey-gold buck turned to him, “Hey, are you ok?” He asked, concerned, splaying across his face.

Helmer nodded his head absently, “Yea… I could ask you the same question. What was up with you today? You seemed...depressed.” He searched for the right word.

Hewson’s eyes darkened and he turned away, “You could say that. It’s...its Lynn.”

Helmer’s heart dropped, “No! Is she ok? Hew- what happened?”

“She recently had a child, I’m a father now-“ a small sad smile came across his face.

“Hewson! A child? Congratulations my friend!” He slapped him on the back, “but how could that be bad news, brother?”

“You didn’t let me finish…” Hewson started, “The child-a buck named Gantlin- came out well. But...Lynn was exhausted and-well- she was very weak when I was called to war.” He said soberly.

“Hewson! My friend I...I am so sorry.” Helmer murmured, they ran on in silence for a bit, the only sounds were the clanging of swords and armor and the repeated huffs of the rest of the band.

“So...are you planning on training that boy?” Hewson said curiously, cocking his head to the side.

Helmer hesitated in his steady run, he shouldn’t have been surprised by the question, for he had definitely been thinking about it himself, but in all honesty, he didn’t even know if he would live to see it. If Grimble Island was as hopeless a fight as it seemed, he might not see another sunset.

“I- I don’t know.” He finally murmured softly, the pale buck made his heart clench, he didn’t not want to train him but…

Before he could finish that thought he looked ahead, the large oaks that had been surrounding them for the length of their journey were thinning out and becoming smaller, soon they disappeared altogether as they left the shadowy wood and entered a sunny clearing. Helmer’s ears flicked as a large roaring sound reached him. The sound even made the earth around them rumble, Helmer linked against the blinding light that reflected the rough waters ahead of them.

The River Fay split into two large rivers, in between the twins was a large island, Grimble Island.

“So this is where the battle will begin,” Lytton said, coming up to stand at Helmer’s shoulder.

“Hopefully we won’t have to.” Lord Hews murmured, which was easily drowned out by the rushing rapids ahead.

Blinking against the sun Perkin stepped forward, the tall grass crackling beneath his feet. He turned to face the large band of bucks from Harbone, First Warren, and Chelmsford. “Alright buckos!” He yelled over the charge of water, “You know the plan! Group A goes with Lord West and I! B goes with Lord Hews and Lord Captain Helmer! C with Captain Hewson and Lieutenant Whyte! D with Lieutenant Lytton, and Captain Felson!” Helmer nodded and headed over to the far left with Hews, many bucks following behind them, the plan -thanks to Lord West and Henry- was to split into four groups, each going to the four bridges that led to the island. Seeing how all the wolves supposedly were coming to surround the island, it would be best to go in quickly in smaller groups to remain unseen.

As they moved silently and quickly just inside the protection of the sparse trees Hews crossed over closer to Helmer, the younger buck quickly looked up, expecting a quick word of warning, or a bland complaint. Instead, the older buck came closer and put a hand tenderly on Helmer’s shoulder, the buck’s eyes were tender yet he frowned, looking closer at Hews gold-grey fur Helmer realized it was becoming greyer. Hews spoke gently in his raspy tone, “I’m proud of you, son.”

Helmer’s eyes widened slightly, Hews was not quick to compliment, and though he had called Helmer son before, this time felt different. Hews stared at him a while longer before letting go and rushing ahead. Helmer merely stared after him in awe.

Crossing the stone bridge, Helmer couldn’t help but look down at the rushing waves below, it made him a little nauseous to think about slipping and falling into the foaming depths, Helmer had to admit, he was more of a man of the land. Water made him feel terrible, and he would hate to go out in such a terrible way. Unless it was for the good of the cause.

He also didn’t know if he trusted this bridge enough, the brick appeared to be ancient, and grass and even small trees were sprouting out of various cracks. He looked up at the sound of feet ahead of them.

“Ah, welcome to Grimble Outpost Lord Captain Helmer.” A large white soldier standing on the opposite end of the bridge said loudly, trying to be heard over the booming rivers, the muscular buck saluted, a powerful fist to his chest. “I am lieutenant Traff, keeper of this island. And we need your help.” he said somberly.

Ok! As I was writing this chapter, I realized it would probably be one of the longest, so I decided to separate the chapter into two parts. And this is the first half! I know it was supposed to come on Monday, but I'm a little busy that day so I finished today! Also I have a few Christmas and Birthday parties to attend to this coming weekend, so I can't any other day!

Question: Any feedback?/Theories?