[Flashback] Racing Time [Solo]

[Robert Cithon]

80th Day of Summer 504AV Robert woke up late, again. This was the fourth time this week he had overslept. He quickly jumped out of his blanket. Scrambling for his clothes he had set out the night before. He was late to the field training and his neighboring soldiers found it amusing to let the “boss’s son” over sleep. They got a kick out of his the punishment his father would set him to. Robert couldn’t blame them for his faults though. He was a big fan of his sleep. In a rush he tried to force his leg through his breeches, the effort set him off balance and he went tumbling downward. “Ahh…son of a” He was interrupted by a shout from his tent flap “Robert!” It was his father voice, stern and commanding. “Just a minute!” He shouted back through the flap while reasserting himself upright. “Sir” He added in absently to avoid an further punishment. With a few more tugs and pulls, his clothing fell into the proper places. He quickly strapped his sword to his waist, clasping the leather tie o hold it into place and keep it from falling out. Robert rushed out of the tent and into the bright sunlight. The sudden change in lighting blinded him momentarily. He stumbled forward only to be stopped with a hand on each shoulder. Once his sight returned to him he could easily make out his fathers rough features. His father had stopped him from falling into him by placing a hand on each shoulder and firmly holding him in place. “Thank you” Robert breathed out silently. Robert did not want to look for a fool than he had already. “I apologize for overstepping myself again, Sir” Robert looked his father in the eye. Each was a proud man, and both admired each other in ways. The were a lot alike, Robert would undoubtedly call his father his role model. “What’s the rush son?” His father asked with a smile. A look of confusion came upon Robert’s face. But after a few seconds of thinking things through, it came to him. “There is no field training today” Robert said as if speaking to himself. His father never made the men run drills the day before or of battle. He believed the men performed better if given the chance to spend the last few days how they saw fit. And as long as they arrived battle ready when called upon, he did not question how they spent their personal time. “Correct. And tomorrow we ride into battle” The way his father said made it seem much more glamorous than it actually was. Tomorrow they faced off against a group of rag tag ex-slaves. Their numbers matched Roberts group, only in the 50+ range. But every man in his group had proven himself time and time again. It was supposed to be an easy day. Catch as many as possible, only kill if you must. Each one brought back into custody was a bonus in their pockets. “Yes it will be an excellent day to swell our pockets.” Robert replied sarcastically. His father laughed a bit at his remark. “I need a favor from you son” His father was down to business now. And Robert was a member of his military organization, now matter how small that group was at times. “Sir?” Robert was a professional. And when speaking to his superior, he acted as appropriate. His father reached into his coat, as over sized and old as it looked you would rarely catch him without it on. He pulled out a letter, it seemed to be a freshly crafted piece of parchment. The contents must be of some importance for the kind of delicacy his father was using while holding the letter. “I need you to deliver this to Nikoli. You remember where his camp was?” Robert answered as soon as the question was finished. “Yes father, over that hill and about a days ride there and back. Him and his men are down by the stream seeking voyage down stream where you have another job lined up.” As far as Robert could recall, his answer was correct. His father responded by handing the letter over, rather forcefully now. “Good. Your horse is already being saddled and I expect you to depart within the hour.” His father cutoff and began to walk away toward a group of men rolling dice. A few steps from where he previously stoop his father turned toward Robert and spoke again. “Hurry son. We need you back as soon as possible.” The look his father gave Robert was of sadness and remorse. Robert had no idea what to think. Instead he just headed toward the make shift stables for his mount.