“My Lord.”
Hadrach turned from his gaze over the valleys that stretched far beyond his view. The sun would begin to set within hours. He turned to see his general, Cosam.
Hadrach sighed. He knew what this conversation would be about.
“Sire, the men are fat and bored and in need of training. The last of the winter snow has melted. I request permission to take them out on a training exercise.”
“You speak the truth. I suppose it is about time to thaw their blood. Very well, take your leave.”
Cosom bowed and left. Hadrach returned to his gaze over the valleys. It had been an unusually long winter. Hadrach would have taken his men out weeks ago had it not been for such the harsh winter they endured.
So much death had taken place in the six months. It was now rare to find a home that death had not stolen at least one from their beds. Some had lost over half their family. Hadrach’s heart shivered as the images of this winter blew through his mind. Death had stolen some most dear to him. Among those he lost were his mother, his brother, his wife’s sister and his own precious daughter. If winter was a fightable adversary he’d gladly go to war against it.
The sound of a baby’s coo brought him back to reality. He turned to see his wife approaching, holding their new son in her arms.
“Ah, my handsome son and such a beautiful wife!” He kissed his wife before he took their son into his arms. The infant weighed almost nothing.”
“I see you are finally sending the men out on a training exercise. It was a wise decision.”
“One I did not wish to make for another week. The men still mourn our losses.”
“As do we. But alas we must continue on with our lives. As hard as it is…”
“I know you speak with such a heavy weight. They are not easy to say.”
“Indeed not.”
He could still see the pain in her face. Losing a child...nothing could compare. He looked down into the wide eyes of this new life. Not four days old and already soaking in all that the world had to offer. Hadrach looked back at his wife. Such a strong woman she was.
“Why do you look at me so?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye.
“Remembering when I chose you to be mine.”
“Ah a good memory to think upon.” She nestled her head against his arm. “I do not think I will ever forget how my heart leapt in my chest when I saw you enter my father’s house. Oh how I paced as I waited for you to come back outside. Mother would not let me enter. Said it was man’s business inside.”
“I made sure to offer your father what he could not refuse. I knew I had to have you as mine.”
“Mhm to this day I think my father thought you insane. What daughter was worth the price you paid.”
“The heavens forbid you ever think yourself unworthy of any price. I’d gladly pay it a thousand times over if it means you are mine. I just didn’t realize you would pay me back tenfold the price I paid. You are a stronger woman than I ever realized. And I knew you to be stronger than most. You make a good chief’s wife.”
“It’s an honorable title. Enough of this splendid talk. I have much to do to prepare for our men’s return.” She took the infant from his arms as she spoke.
Hadrach kissed his wife and child. “You never cease to amaze me. The child is not yet a week old and you are already back to all your duties.”
“I must! Your men eat as much as a legion!” She smirked as she walked back down the hill to their home. Hadrach laughed.
~~~
Night had fallen yet sleep had hid from him. Hadrach had long since left the comfort of his bed and the warmth of his wife’s side. He sat by the fire, lost in thought. Images of his daughter dancing with the music filled his head. Even at such a young age, she was gifted. And oh how she adored him.
The beating of horses hooves approached his home at a wild pace. Hadrach jumped to his feet and threw open the door. Two men ran to his front door. He met them halfway. He was shocked to see an arrow protruding from Elam’s shoulder. Hazael bowed as they caught their breath. “My Lord! It was a trap! Cosam led us into a valley where we were surrounded by the Northern army. We were able to make our way to the outskirts of the battle and fled into the trees out of sight where we watched as our men were slaughtered like animals. We stood no chance and if it weren’t for such a grave situation we would have stayed and died with them but we dared not let the army come here without a warning be brought to you in haste. So we sped away, stealing horses on our way back. I doubt the army is not far behind us.”
Hadrach’s heart sank as his eyes grew wide. He looked back out over the valleys, waiting for a sign. With no army to protect themselves, this village would be plundered and burned to the ground. There was only one thing left to do. “Elam, Hazael, sound the alarm. Go to every home and wake them up. Tell them to gather only what they need. They have 2 minutes to gather before they must flee. Tell them to flee to our brothers in Hahrahm. Their number one item they must all have is a sword. They must not flee without a weapon. When you have finished, return to me. Now, GO!” The men nodded and ran off to the first home.
Hadrach turned and ran into his house, his wife groggy from being awakened from her sleep met him in the doorway. “What is it?”
“Our men are dead. They were led into a trap. Only Elam and Hazael survived in order to bring us warning. They are gathering our people now to flee to Hahrahm. Get dressed and grab the child. I will pack what you will need. There is no time to waste.” Adah did not argue and turned and did exactly as he said. He grabbed a bag and began filling it with food that she would need on the journey. He grabbed his sword and waited for her to finish.
A distant sound brought fear into his heart. He walked outside and there in the distant grove of trees at the end of the valley were the torches of a mighty army making it’s way here. Adah ran up beside him and gasped at the sight of the army approaching. He grabbed her arm and led her to the stable beside their home. He tied the bag to the saddle of his fastest horse.
The village was wide awake now, already people were pouring out of their homes and making haste to the west on horses and foot.
Hadrach turned to Adah, never before seeing such fear in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and held her and the child close. “I never loved anyone as much and as deeply I have loved you.” He looked at her, tears streamed down her face. She knew what that meant.
“Our people will not stand a chance if an army chases them down. I must do what I can to slow our enemies down and give our people a head start to flee. You understand?”
Adah sobbed as she nodded. Hadrach caressed the sleeping child as he kissed his forehead. He prayed a blessing over his son and wife, prayed for godspeed and long life. He took his son in his arms as his wife climbed the horse. With one last kiss, he handed his son up to his wife and strapped on his own sword to the saddle. “It should be his one day. Make sure he knows how to use it.”
Adah laughed through the tears. “He is your son. He was born to use it.”
Hadrach reached up and caressed her cheek. “Ride swiftly. Get to Hahrahm. Stay safe.”
He slapped the horses’ rear and sent it galloping off. Hadrach turned, his two men by his side, armed and ready to fight.
Hadrach led them to the edge of the cliff, overlooking the valley. Thunder rolled overhead and lightening struck the sky.
Rain began pouring from the sky as the oncoming army poured into the valley, drawing closer with each second.
Hadrach turned his sword around in his hand.
His blade would taste blood tonight. 
