Life’s First Lesson (Thessan’s first experience as a soldier)

We were now in charge of the estate. It was a task that my sister did not want. She soon left and took up her cause for justice. She was then, and always will be, my moral compass. I however took the role of running the estate with zeal. I had nothing else to do. I also raised some men and began policing work to earn more money for the family.

I had learned well the use of a blade and the laws of the land. One thing I had never known, and was about to learn, was that even my life had taught me very little of the world.

One night as I was policing a nearby territory I was summoned to assist in the arrest of a group of thieves stealing grain for the stores of a local nobleman. I met up with the local police and joined his forces under his command. A reward was posted and paid dutifully to a local businessman who had knowledge of the location of the thieves. It later became known that the businessman was the mastermind of the thieving ring. Taking part in its creation, taking a large part of the earnings, and paying an even larger part to the local police. I was a complication. I was asked to join the hunt by the local magistrate. Something that made their little plan difficult.

Upon arriving at the location and entering the barn, the scene became clear. I was looking at squatters. Men, women, and children that the businessman wanted removed. They would do as thieves. I was to slow in my realization of what was happening. My men were under attack from the police. Somehow I and one of my men managed to survive. Fortunately the innocents fled in the chaos. Little did I know at the time that my brother was there to witness my actions.

I was wounded and all but one of my men dead. However, I knew it was for the right reason. Innocent lives were saved. I also began to understand the true nature of the world.

In two days time the message to my sister had been received, and she soon returned.

The local police had placed a bounty on my head for the murder of several of their men. Ironic that the men I lost were so quickly forgotten. Something I would soon correct.

My sister knew well where to find me. We knew what must happen and the trap was set.

While my sister contacted the magistrate with a tip as to the whereabouts of the supposed thieves, I hunted down the squatters. I asked them for assistance in clearing my name. I was met with thanks from all but one man. From him I was met with a sword. I was armed but not expecting a fight. It was not clear why I was hated by this man, but I soon would learn the truth. My life was his. In my wounded state and with the act of surprise I was lost. My life was saved by a single utterance that explained all.

“Kuhr Silvan lay down your sword”

My brother halted his actions, but remained ready to strike me down. As he was considering his actions I saw two things happen.

A local bounty hunter had followed me, as I was wanted alive the bounty hunter took aim at my brother. I noticed him but I was to late. Lesell, however, was able to save the life of her son at the cost of her own. In his grief my brother was stunned into inaction. The bounty hunter closed in on us all. I was able to save the life of my brother again that day.

He cast his blame on me for a moment. That changed quickly. I later came to find out that as she died she asked something of her son. Simply, to know the family that his father denied him. We came to agree that the local police was to blame. At that he was with us when the trap was sprung.

My sister had led the police to the location. Instead of squatters or thieves the police ran into my sisters well trained forces. My sister was able to convince the leader to reveal the truth of the matter for the sake of his life. Soon the corrupt police and the local businessman were executed for murder. My name was cleared and my brother was home.

My brother now runs the Estate, and I have joined my sister in the search for justice for those who can not seek it themselves. As for the relationship between me and my brother, that I believe will be explained another day.