The Unexpected

“Defenses are set, my lord,” Captain Milford said with grim serenity. “The men are prepared as best they can be.”

“Good,” Baron Herrick said as he stared off into the distance. The blue sky dotted with wisps of feathery clouds betrayed the ambiance of day to be. The Baron thought of his wife, twenty years whence they courted and picnicked on these very hills. It was a time of love back then. No longer.

“My lord?” Captain Milford still stood at the ready.

“We’ve done all we could, Captain,” Baron Herrick said, “Now all we can do is wait.”

Captain Milford was about to take his leave when a messenger came galloping up, shouting, “Attack from the east!”

The Baron and the Captain shared a glance of horror. They had not prepared for an attack from the east. It was rocky and nearly untraversable. Somehow the enemy had found a way.