The Sacrifices for Peace.

 

Chapter 12

Jarrad waited at the stables slouched against the hay bales the lead weight that had settled in his stomach had yet to shift even a fraction, the lead only seemed to get heavier when he saw Brad approaching, stress marring his features. Jarrad straightened up and lead Brad to where their horses waited and didn’t speak until they were well beyond the castle’s walls and in the thick forest.

“Ok, I think the times come that you were honest with me.” Jarrad said capturing his friend with a stern gaze.

“Ok I’ll tell you everything but please. Don’t interrupt or make any judgements or decisions until I finish, ok? Promise me” Brad requested. Jarrad sighed heavily.

“I swear now please. I need to know what’s going on” Jarrad answered trying to be patient with his friend.

“When we were in training he used to refer to himself as ‘second in line for the throne’ he used to use that to make people take the rap for shit he’d done. Smuggling whores and alcohol in to the barracks ect. He was a bully. Then when we were in Thordabona we’d just won the battle, you got injured I was stood on guard outside your tent when I heard screaming. I left you alone with the other guard on duty and found Gordon.”

“He was supposed to be helping what villagers had not been able to escape, I caught him raping a girl… no older than sixteen. He was telling her she should be grateful that the future King wanted him so and that you were dying from his poisoned blow.” Brad rubbed his eyes. “I knew what Gordon poisoned his weapons with so I got you the antidote. I thought of going to your father…but it was just my word against Gordon’s. Your father would have killed the girl rather than news of Gordon’s disgrace get out and tar the family’s name.”

“When your breathing steadied I left you under guard and I freed Gordon’s captive. I rode north and gave her to the men there, the rebels, the men who stand against your father. I’d been purposely keeping you away from them for months. They don’t want you dead as your father would have you believe… they want you on the throne. I know this because I am one of them and Gordon knew this too. He used this as leverage to buy my silence when he figured out I knew. Your father only cares about money, power and land. You care about the people of this country which is why we put our faith in you. Turn me in if you feel you need to but know I was always your friend and should you need it you have a private army in the north.”

Jarrad sat in silence as he processed the information. His horse continued to amble aimlessly as Jarrad felt the last pieces of his life crumble. His whole world seemed to be based on lies. He had known Brad all their lives. Jarrad turned to stare at his best friend, the fact that the man remained there was a testament to his friendship.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” Jarrad asked.

“Would you have believed me?” Brad replied. Jarrad was forced to admit that he would not have. “I am willing to face any punishment you decide.”

“I know but right now my wife is priority and if you are right about my father and my cousin your betrayal may even save my life… for what the fourth or fifth time?”

It was a strange feeling to feel betrayed but grateful for it. Brad had saved his life apparently more times than he knew, he could not distrust his friend but he felt that even though Brad had lied to him over all this time that the fault lay with Jarrad himself. Jarrad knew that he would not have understood and he would not have accepted any explanation. Steeling himself he smiled at his friend, surprising Brad.

“I assume you have all your men looking for my wife too” Jarrad asked

“Of course.” Brad nodded “Your father and his personal guard have even set out to look for her…I fear they will kill her if they find her first.”

“Then we better be the ones to find her” Jarrad replied. “Gordon will be watching you so you will have to be extra careful because if Gordon knows, my father and his closest guards know.”

“Yes sir.” Brad nodded.

“If I find out either of them were involved I’ll kill them” Jarrad swore.