"A knight lives to serve, to protect, to sacrifice." The words were tacked on the tavern sign post. A message that sent a thrill through many young men and a shiver through the mothers. Edmund wrestled with the urge to enter the tavern and enlist. His friends had all joined king Illian's force moments after the tavern advertised the scouts were inside. With the kingdom under stress since the neighbouring kingdom had sent vivid messages forewarning invasion. King Illian had called all able men to respond to the need of the land.

Edmund pushing the high thoughts away and trudged down the village street. he couldn't leave his wife alone with their young son, could he? He had made her a promise--to remain in his duty, to be the father he needed to be. They wouldn't survive if he left, worse still if he died. He was serving the kingdom by staying? He was protecting his son...his family.

Against his better judgement Edmund hesitantly turns around. The short walk back is difficult and he cannot fully drown his thoughts as pushes past the tavern doors and heads inside.

The process is lengthy and his morals battle amongst themselves in his head, the tension could be cut with a dagger, or well, in his case a sword. "Welcome Soldier! Your training begins next day cycle!"

The man's voice is too cheery for Edmund, he just signed his life away, how can this man be so happy. Even now his family still finds their way into his mind. He is not abandoning him, not necessarily. Although their lives will not be easy here on out, it will be impossible if they lose this war.

As a kid Edmund would fantasize about being a heroic knight, known by all, cheered for, but he knows now it can never be that simple, yet he still holds on to that sliver of hope. Maybe he can save his family and be the hero they need.