“General Pandrigon”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Pandrigon stood at the top of the hill, looking over the horizon at the approaching army.

“Pan.”

He turned to see his right-hand man and best friend, Hennick, looking up at him inquisitively.

“What is it?” Pandrigon asked.

Hennick nodded at the army. “The reinforcements won’t make it in time,” he said, his voice soft.

Pandrigon sighed. “Yes, I know.” He lay a hand on his friend’s shoulder and looked him directly in the eye. “Listen, Henn, I need you to do me a favour.”

Hennick nodded. “Of course, anything.”

Looking into his friend’s eyes, Pandrigon hesitated. He took a deep breath and said, “I need you to lead our army back to Vendrigal. Warn the queen and evacuate the city.”

Immediately, Hennick’s eyes widened. “No,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry, Pan, but I can’t do that. I’m not leaving you.”

Pandrigon chuckled softly. “I thought you would say that,” he said. His expression hardened. “Which is why this is an order. Lieutenant Hennick, take our army back to Vendrigal.”

“No,” Hennick repeated, louder this time. “No, I don’t care if it’s a request or an order. My answer is the same. No. I’m not going to leave you here to fight an entire army by yourself.”

Pandrigon’s expression shifted and he melted into his role as General of the Vendrigan army.

“Now, Lieutenant,” he growled, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Unless you want to be tried for treason when you return.”

“If I’m found guilty of treason, which I would be, I’ll be dead anyway,” Hennick argued. “Please, Pan, let me stay with you. I’d never be able to forgive myself if I walked away now.”

Pandrigon glanced over his shoulder. The army would soon be upon them.

As he looked into his friends pleading eyes, Pandrigon knew what needed to be done.

“I’m sorry, Hennick,” he whispered.

With one fluid motion, Pandrigon withdrew his sword and hit Hennick over the head with the hilt. The lieutenant crumpled to the ground.

Pandrigon called the healer and relayed his retreat orders to the highest-ranking officer. He watched as Hennick was carried away on a cot. As his army retreated, Pandrigon felt a strange peace in his heart.

His best friend would be safe. His army would be safe. And he would be able to buy his queen and people some more time to evacuate Vendrigal.

Pandrigon took one last look at his army before turning to face the approaching sea enemies. Without waiting a moment more, he drew his sword and charged.

Final Comments: Alright, so realistically a single man charging against a full army wouldn’t really do anything to slow them down, I know that. But maybe there’s something more to Pandrigon that he decided to keep a secret… Who knows, anything could’ve happened…

Overall Rating: 😮