Finley's POV
"Have a seat, Finn," the commander gestured to the chair in front of him, a parchment and quill in hand. It was the first time I had seen my commander in a while. Six months had passed since the... incident. Six months since Christo... yeah, it had been six months.
I took my seat and looked at him expectantly. "You called for me, Lord Thorne?" He nodded, scribbling something down before setting his quill aside and looking at me.
"Yes, yes, I did. This is regarding your time on the battlefield." My time on the battlefield—did something go wrong? Well, besides the obvious thing that went wrong—was there something I wasn't aware of? The commander must have seen the confusion on my face.
"Yes, don't fret, you did nothing wrong. In fact, your last performance against the Shibais was commendable. Regarding that, there's some land to be given to you, but that will be discussed at a later date. That is not the bone of contention at the moment. Now, as I said, I called you regarding your time on the battlefield. You have done a great service for the kingdom, but I think it is about time you rest. Now, this is not a forced resignation, and you could correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the battlefield will be your favorite place anytime soon, considering what happened the last time. You have paid your dues; no one would bat an eyelid if you were to leave the battlefield," the commander explained.
I won't lie and say not having to go to the battlefield isn't a delight, but what will I be doing? I've almost gone crazy in the past six months. With nothing to do and only my mind to keep me company, I've been training non-stop for a non-existent war. This is the life I've always known—what happens if I no longer have it? I want to take a step back from warfare, but what happens next?
"That all sounds great, commander, but... what am I to do? If it is not a forceful resignation, then what is it? In what way am I to serve the kingdom?" I asked, hoping the commander had a solution for me. The look on his face told me there was something for me.
"Well, if you are to accept the proposition, I have a new assignment for you. One that has nothing to do with the battlefield," Thorne explained.
"Another assignment, my lord?" I asked, curious about what it could possibly be. Hopefully, it would cure this boredom of mine.
Lord Thorne nodded. "You will be assigned to the castle. The prince is in need of a protector, and even if going to the battlefield was still something you loved to do, I'd have asked you because I think you'll be excellent for the job."
The prince? I can't lie and say leaving the battlefield and having something to do wasn't a pleasant surprise, but the prince? Why would the prince need special protection? "The prince, my lord? Is he in danger?" I asked curiously.
"The prince's health is... delicate," Lord Thorne explained. "He requires constant protection and someone who can ensure his safety at all times. Protection he has an aversion to. He needs someone who will be patient with him and try to move at his pace. Your assignment will be to be his personal guard. It is accompanied with accomodations with is a given and a monthly stipend of 250 silver coins."
The prince's personal guard? A prince that doesn't want protection? If we're being true to ourselves that sounds like a royal babysitter. Hmm, that doesn't seem half bad. I'd have something to do all day and still have time to train. "I see. I would be lying if I said I won't miss the battlefield despite everything that happened, but this assignment would be an honor."
Lord Thorne studied me for a moment. "You've served valiantly, Finley. I know this is a different kind of duty, but it is no less important. It is also one I think will be best for you. Remember, the prince's safety is paramount to the kingdom."
I smiled at the commander. I would miss fighting under his command. I had known the man since I was a squire and served under him. The commander knew me well, which led me to suspect that was the reason for my change in assignment. The commander must have known, like I did, that losing myself on the battlefield was not out of the question.
"I understand, my lord," I replied, bowing slightly. "I will protect the prince with my life." Serving the kingdom until my last breath had always been a part of the oath.
Lord Thorne placed a hand on my shoulder. "I have no doubt you will. The carriage to the castle leaves in three nights. Be prepared. Also, try to enjoy the moment, boy. Don't live in the past; there are people who need and want you alive."
I bowed my head, understanding the unspoken words in the commander's speech. "Thank you, my lord. I'll be ready."
I left the commander's office, heading home to properly think about my time in service—basically my whole life—and what my life was about to become. Protecting the prince would be a new challenge, but one I was ready to face. I had fought the strongest of men and come out victorious. In the same breath, I had been invited—because of my prowess—to dialogues that had stopped wars and saved kingdoms. Guarding the prince shouldn't be a struggle. The roar of the battlefield would be replaced by the quiet halls of the castle, and for once, I welcomed the change.
***
The day of my travels to the castle came, and I was prepared. With no one to bid farewell, I packed my bag and was fully ready for my new assignment. The ride to the castle was a smooth one, with neither me nor the driver sent to pick me up uttering a word, much to my satisfaction. Reaching the castle, I was reminded of its magnificence. The last time I was here was the day I was knighted.
Alighting from the carriage, I was led into the castle by a royal guard after explaining my business and led to the prince's quarters by a servant.
"Here we are, Sir Finley, the prince's quarters," the servant informed me with a curtsy. She all but scurried away, like she was afraid of what lay behind the door, leaving me to my thoughts. Maybe she had something to do; the prince couldn't be that big of a deal. Those were the thoughts in my head as I knocked on the door and awaited a response that welcomed me to my new life.