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@crazywriter,

The plan is to be done with Ch. 4 by next week! 🙂

***

With shouts of triumph, the fort’s defenders welcomed the reinforcements. It took the company of almost 500 men more than an hour to get inside the fort, simply because of the narrow gate, and the many wagons of supplies.

Major Maguire led the column, but broke away to salute Abner. After the courtesy, he dismounted, entrusting his steed to the stablehand that had appeared at his side.

“The journey was uneventful, sire. Although, we did have a small incident, regarding a volunteer.”

Abner looked questioningly at Maguire. “I’m not sure I understand, Major. A volunteer?”

Maguire chuckled. “Yes, a certain stable-hand from the capital somehow caught up with us, and begged to join us. I have no idea how he was able to find us that fast, let alone find us at all. He says he knows you.”

Abner’s eyes widened. “Gabriel?”

Maguire nodded. “He insisted on helping in any way he could.” Ohhh dear. XDDD

Abner couldn’t help but smile. Though it was bound to be very dangerous on the front, he was glad to have a familiar face around, if only in the stables.

“Well, I don’t think we should turn away any volunteer, Major. We’ll need every man we have.”

Maguire nodded grimly. “That’s certain, sir.”

Abner nodded back, chewing his lip. “Major, report to Commander Wise. He’ll fill you in on our plan.”

Maguire nodded, saluted the king, and left the courtyard. (Ok, you just had them nod three times in a row, and each paragraph started with “[name] nodded”. XD Maybe try a different action?) Abner inhaled breathed in deeply, and turned towards the stables. Maybe he’d find Gabriel there, helping with the reinforcements mounts.

He decided it would not be best to rush in and greet his old friend and make a scene, so he waited till the bustle of the newcomers died down before he made his way to the barn.

The commotion had receded, leaving many busy stablehands running to and fro between stalls, forking hay here, hauling water there. A few were grooming the horses, and Abner was willing to bet that would be where he’d find Gabriel.

Sure enough, Gabriel was busy grooming a greay-white (unfortunately, Britain stole the “grey” version of spelling gray. So we’re stuck with the “a”, which doesn’t look half as good. :P) stallion, who seemed to be enjoying the attention.

“Gabriel,” Abner said with a smile, “what are you doing here?”

Gabriel turned, surprised to see his king and close friend standing there. (Looks like you suffered from a bit of head-jumping here. “surprise” is Gabriel’s emotion, not Abner’s, and Abner is the POV. Try using body language to convey Gabriel’s surprise instead of saying that he was surprised to see Abner there. :)) “Oh, I’m sorry, Your Highness.,” Hhe said sheepishly. “You see, when you told me that you were going to fight, I was scared. I knew that I should go, and help anyway I could, but the fear of not coming back, and never seeing my family again—” [undo new paragraph to merge these paragraphs together] He paused, the silence heavy with emotion. He chewed his lip, then continued. “You see, my father’s dead, my mother is terribly sick, my sister’s too young to work. I’m the only way we can live, and if I’m gone, I don’t know what would happen. But I knew I couldn’t just stay here while you went. So, the day after you left I took Blaze, because I knew she was the fastest horse we had. I rode south, and in two days I came upon the main company, and Major Maguire was gracious enough to let me stay.”

Abner gave a grim smile. “Well, I’ll be honest with you: the situation isn’t looking very good.” Abner paused, gazing at the thick mist beyond the walls. He heaved a sigh, then continued.

“A part of me fears that we shall be forced to make a costly decision. A very costly decision.” He glanced back at Gabriel, and smiled. “But either way, it’s good to see you. It’s good to have a friend in a time like this.”

Gabriel grinned, and nodded. Abner smiled back, then glanced back out at the courtyard.

“I have to go speak with Maguire and Wise, but I’m glad you’re here. Take care of Breanon while I’m gone.”

“I will, sir.”

Abner nodded in appreciation, and walked out of the stables, aware of the planningstrategizing (you use the word “plan” in the next sentence) going on in the Commander’s Quarters. Maguire and Wise were probably formulating a plan that they would propose to Abner, and he was sure that, whatever it was, he wouldn’t like it. The fort seemed too vulnerable if the enemy launched any substantial siege, as it was more of a glorified outpost. (I love this wording. XDDD) The dense fog provided the attackers with cover, to sneak up on the walls, without ever having been seen. The entire situation seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. So, as Maguire and Wise were making their plans, Abner too, was thinking of a way to give them an advantage on the enemy.

(Duh duh DUUUUUHHHHHHH!!!!! Love it, Peter!! Keep ’em coming. :))