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Writing Resources from Fifteen Minutes of Fiction

The Siege of Syrn

by Josiah T.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a piece of a longer writing project. You can view the entire project here: The Siege of Syrn

The following is a piece of writing submitted by Josiah T. on January 11, 2008
"I'd originally written part of this into the last piece, but then I revised it and started here. Enjoy! :-)"

The Siege of Syrn: Part XVI

Dirk and Arem walked back toward the main gate. Dirk's sword was sheathed, but his hand rested on the hilt. He had no idea what the Thargonite's next move might be.

As they neared the gate, they were approached by a group of several soldiers. They stopped in front of Dirk and Arem. Dirk cleared his throat nervously, "Um, yes...?"

The soldiers looked at each other for a minute, then an older man spoke up, "We've thought the whole situation over. We weren't sure if you knew that no senior officers made it back from the curtain wall."

"Um, yes, I did know that."

"Well, after thinking the whole thing over, we've decided that we want you to lead us."

Dirk said nothing. His heart sank. He had been hoping that his display at the gate would not have resulted in this. Finally he said, "Why? Why me?"

"Because you took the initiative at the gate and organized a formidable defense. Did you know that out of the sortie, we didn't loose anybody?"

"No, but why? I have never been in battle before tonight. I have no experience." He made a gesture with his fingers indicating a small amount, "None!"

"How many years have you spent in training?"

"Uh..." Dirk thought for a moment, "Officially three."

"Do you consider that inexperience?"

"Well, no, but I was never trained in how to organize an army."

"That's exactly what you did at the gate."

Dirk shook his head bitterly. "No, I saw a situation and reacted to it. I had no time to think of a better plan." He looked at Arem.

Arem's face was grave, "If you hadn't reacted to that situation, I would be dead right now. You saved my life, and the lives of the rest of us who helped bring the commander's body back."

Dirk sputtered looking for words. A younger man from the group cut in, "Exactly. We need someone who can react to that sort of situation like you did."

"But...but..." Sputtered Dirk. Finally he found the words he was looking for. "I'm not this great heroic mind that you seem to think I am. It's not at all like that. I can't guarantee that I'll be able to think like that again. Do you want someone like that commanding the defense? No, you need someone much older and wiser than I."

The older man spoke again. "But we want you. One last time I ask you, will you come and fulfill the position that the troops have requested you to fill?"

Dirk stared incredulously, "'The troops?' You mean you asked the entire army?"

"Well, no. Not the entire army. But a good portion of it." The younger man answered happily. "They all seem to think that you're the best for the job."

Dirk looked at Arem again. He looked around. The light from the burning town still danced red and orange on the wall above him. This was different. Finally he looked the older man square in the eye and said, "It is in defiance of the Aidarian laws, but I will take the position offered me. I do not want to, but who can refuse the request of so many?"

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