"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.