this is where more characters begin to get introduced, and you start to get the jist of whats going on.
Chapter 3
Smivey, the sheriff of Haydurg, was in the stone section of the barracks. He was with his brother, William, who was the captain of the regions troops. William was higher ranked than his brother, but Smivey was more dominant and would openly argue with him. They both loved each other, but it ran deeper than brotherly love.
Their father had been the captain of the same region before William, and wanted William, his favourite son, to precede his position. The Monarchy didn’t have a problem with this; the San family were very loyal to the Monarchy, and had been for generations. They even allowed the two sons of George (their father) to stay together, after demands from William.
Their father never knew of their perverted relationship, and if he had done he would have probably had them executed. But Smivey hated his father anyway, and was openly glad when he died. He was not glad, however, when he found out his brother was to take his fathers positon. He had to settle for sheriff.
The two brothers stood well over six foot, and were very thin, but by no means were they weak or poorly trained in swordplay. Their faces were pale and their voices were unusually deep, with their teeth black with filth, dirtier than the average soldier, as they had never cleaned in their lives. It was said that no man could stand too close to them during discussion as the musty smell simply overcome them.
The last man to gag in front of them was the previous corporal as they informed him about battle field tactics with the absence of the sergeant. Smivey noticed this and grabbed the nearest thing on the table which happened to be Williams helmet, and struck the corporal with it until his head caved in. Thus the new corporal.
They were both in full armour, which their father had taught them to always wear, Smivey’s not being as grand or efficient as his brother’s. They were looking at a massive map that covered the top of the whole table, which had various items placed onto it to represent units of men. These items were not officially meant for use as troop representations.
“The Monarchy said they’re not sending any men to Haydurg. We have to do with what we’ve got.” Smivey said, staring at the desktop pieces spread out over the land, a couple dangerously close to Haydurg.
“When have they ever sent us more men?” William remarked, looking at the side of his brother’s head.
“Well, this rabble is definitely on its way to Haydurg.” Smivey replied, pointing a finger at an inkpot. “And this lot are coming in from the East, I suspect they will be waiting for their mates so they can both attack us at the same time.” Smivey said as he indicated towards another item, then letting out a sigh.
“Hmm...” William emitted, rubbing the stubble on his jaw line. “What about sending a messenger to the sheriff of Collern? He owes us for those archers we used to have, before that incompetent fool had them all massacred.”
Smivey thought for a moment. Why did he always ask him for advice and permission? He was the captain, he should sort it out himself. A sheriff wasn’t even meant to organise battle preparations and procedures, it was his job to ensure the running of the town and to force the occupants to abide by the Monarchy’s laws. He looked at his brother and raised his eyebrows. He was glad he asked his permission, it made him feel more powerful than he was.
“Yeah. Do that. Get the corporal up here.” He answered, looking back at the map.
William looked confused. “But Smivey...I would have thought sergeant Smith would be more competent?”
Smivey didn’t look up from the map, both hands on the table. “Do you want me to give you a hiding again, Wil?”
Smivey didn’t see it, but William grinned to himself, and walked out of the door.
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the brothers are probably going to be a couple of the most interesting characters in this story, along with a few others that will be entered later on.
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