In Blade of Truth, 18-year-old Bronwyn Darrow convinces his mum to let him enlist in the Aruam Castle Army. She’s hesitant, but understands he doesn’t want to follow in his brothers’ or granddad’s footsteps.
Here’s a snippet from the short story. Details on where to find the eBook free for your Kindle below.
“Mum.” His voice sounded softer than he anticipated.
“Yes, dear,”
His hands warmed and formed a cloud of moisture on the steel near where his fingers touched the fork. “Would you be upset if I didn’t become a wainwright with Joris and Calder?”
Maisie stopped washing the dishes. The skin on her face tightened. “Did you want to join your granddad making waggon wheels?”
“No.” His swallow hurt his throat.
“Do you plan on staying on at the bakery? We need another full-time worker. Our feet walk slower these days.”
“Mum.” Bronwyn left the table and leant on the counter next to her. “Mum, I want to enlist. It’s my only desire.”
“Bronwyn, you are so young.” His mother sighed. “Why don’t you wait until you’re older?”
“Would it make you happy if I waited?” He didn’t want to disappoint her. He loved her and respected her opinion.
“Being a soldier is dangerous work. As I’ve said before, I’d prefer it if you left the job to men more experienced.”
“I can’t become experienced unless I complete the training. No one can. I’m good with the sword, Mum. You know that. I practise every day. I’m strong and fast.”
“Bronwyn, I’m not certain how I would cope if you…”
“Mum, I’ve grown up. You can’t protect me forever.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder. “You taught me to always do what I believed in. I believe I can do this. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Maisie hugged him. “I know you are wise and strong. I know you would be the best soldier the castle ever had.”
A wave of relief consumed him. She’d finally agree to his trade choice.
“But you’re my baby.”
He rolled his eyes and endeavoured to defend his maturity, but she stopped him and continued her speech.
“Promise me one thing.” She gazed into his eyes as if to gather courage to grant his heart’s desire. “Promise me you will wait until the next waning moon to enlist. During this time, I want you to learn more about what is expected of a full-time soldier. I want you to think about the benefits and the drawbacks. Once this time passes,”—she paused, and he heard her swallow hard—, “if you still feel this is your calling, I will give you my blessing.”
He lifted her into the air and spun her around. “Thank you, Mum!” He set her down and hugged her tightly. “Thank you. I will not let you down. I gladly make the promise.”
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Cranberries. They’ve been a part of my life since I was conceived. I’m certain my mother ate them while pregnant, and soon after I was off the bottle and on real food, I’m certain she fed them to me. I have never stopped eating them. If I had a penny for every cranberry I’ve eaten, I’d be a millionaire with growing investments.
Diane McGyver 