You lead him down to a trail head, one that leads deep into the forest. You remain in the shallows of the trail, close to the edge, but deep enough in shadow to stay unseen and out of earshot. There are too many zealous young lads running about, brandishing their father's weaponry, eager for war.
"Jonathan, I have a plan. If you lead the army, I can run up on the foothills and ambush the enemy from behind." Your offer lingers in the air for a moment. Jonathan knows the risk of leading an army into battle. The two of you have grown up hearing stories of war with the Scorps. You fix him with a look of disbelief at his momentary cowardice.
"Yes, yes, of course I'll lead the army. It's an honor, really." He says, waving away his indecisiveness. You grin, but not at his bravery.
"Meet me here at daybreak, when we've defeated the enemy." He smiles hopefully.
You smile, too.
Plagued with sudden seriousness, he hugs you. "You've been like a brother to me. I'm honored that you chose me to lead our people into war."
With those words, he turns and gathers the children who think because they hold their father's weapons, they are men.
You turn around, a lightness about you. You run deeper into the forest, away from your people, who are sure to be slaughtered. You run away with no intention of ambushing the Scorps. No one but Jonathan knows where you've gone, and he's leading a losing army into battle. You wonder if the few who survive will tell your family that you died in battle. You can't suppress a laugh. Fools.
If you want to continue to safety while your people die, click here.
If you want to go back, tell Jonathan of your momentary cowardice, and beg for forgiveness, knowing the penalty of treason is death, click here.
-s.s.
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