Once Lucas reached his dreadful village, he was immediately rushed by his best friend, Arthur. "Lucas! Lucas! Did you hear? The King of Wessex invaded Northumbria!" Lucas, not fully comprehending what he had been told, just stared at his friend, looking like a complete idiot. "r-really!" Lucas stuttered out, "Why did he violate the treaty? Surely he knows he'll be set upon from all sides for that!" Lucas couldn't help but show his concern for the King. The King of Wessex was one of the most powerful Kings in England, and one of the few who fought for the people, lost, and still kept his rank, power and land, if he truly did invade Northumbria, then the chances were he was planning to start another total war.
Lucas, after his moment of shock, immediately said to Arthur "Come on! We need to go!" Arthur, not understanding what his best friend meant, just stared at Lucas, "Go where?" Arthur asked. "What do you mean, where? We need to pack our stuff and go enlist for the People's army!" Lucas practically shouted at his only friend, too excited to contain himself. "What! You're hysterical if you think I'm going to fight a war that dangerous!" Arthur replied stubbornly, adamantly against death at the hands of some pompous noble.
"Fine, just don't feel bad if I get killed!" Lucas shouted over his shoulder, trying to guilt Arthur into coming whilst running to his house to pack. "Damn idiot," Arthur grumbled under his breath, running after his friend.
-----
After packing, Lucas and Arthur told their father's they were leaving, and began their ride to the Wessex-Northumbria front lines. It was a half-days ride on horse so Lucas and Arthur left early in the morning, to get there before nightfall, however, due to the village's poverty, they could not afford to take food with them. If they did take food, it would mean their families would not be able to eat that week.
Lucas had planned before packing that they were going to get there as soon as possible, making stops only if necessary, this way they could be there and enlisted before nightfall.
-----
They reached the camp about an hour earlier than expected, meaning they had time to take a short break before arriving. Once they were there, they were directed by a soldier towards what they were told was the captain's tent. The guards stationed outside showed proof of his importance, making it clear they were in the right place. After explaining their business with the captain, the guards stepped aside, happy to see so many recruits.
The captain, a ragged middle-aged man who had a scar running from his left eye to his lip, eyed them the second they walked in, clearly scrutinising them. Seemingly pleased with whatever he saw, the captain introduced himself, "Evening gentlemen, I'm captain Montgomery of the first battalion, right hand man to the King Edward himself," he said, showing his pride and integrity immediately. "Good evening sir, I'm Lucas, and this is Arthur, we were hoping to join you in the war effort, we're willing to do whatever it takes to reinstate the kingdom to its former greatness," Lucas said, hoping he had come across as determined, despite how terrified he really was. 'At least I'm doing a better job than Arthur,' Lucas thought to himself, 'I can see him sweating from here.'
"That's great! We always need more soldiers here on the front lines, now, if you'll just follow the lieutenant, who should be just outside, he'll get you setup and ready for training," The captain's smile was so wide it looked odd on his face, with the scar and general ragged appearance, he never looked like a jolly man. Lucas, a little surprised by how easy it was to join, just stood there, looking like a fish out of water," t-thank you sir," Lucas said saluting, still surprised.
Lucas left the tent, Arthur right behind him, and as the captain had said, the lieutenant was there to greet them. "Soldiers," he said, not a trace of happiness or joy on his face, "I am Lieutenant Howard, your new commanding officer. I will show you to the barracks and tell you your trading schedule, and after that you will be free to unpack. I expect you to be up at 5 every morning before I get there, if you are not, you shall be whipped. Am I clear?" The lieutenant asked, a certain expectance clear in his tone." Y-yes" Lucas and Arthur stuttered out simultaneously, successfully making themselves look like fools. "Yes, what" The lieutenant asked, obviously thinking they disrespected him somehow. "Yes, Sir!" Lucas and Arthur shouted out in a hurry. 'Damn, he's intense,' Lucas couldn't help but think to himself, slightly embarrassed by his and Arthur's apparent mistake.