In the distance the flashes of the battle and the sound of the cannons filled the room. The king looked at his two sons. Both were uniformed and ready to serve their King and Father. The King looked up and said two words... "Be Faithful" and pointed towards the battle.
One son ran out of the room saddled his horse and went to form an army. The other walked down stairs and stood at the door, rifle ready. Time passed and the first son had formed a small entourage to join the battle against the enemy. Day upon day they took position and fired their rifles at the advancing ranks.
Meanwhile the second son stood at the door on the ready. Each evening he would look up to the Kings window and see the light pouring from his throne room. He would also look towards the smoke and flashes of light coming from the war. Daily the King came to talk to the son at the door. He spoke of the war and all things to do with the Kingdom. He thought of his brother and how he had taken the Kings words and rushed to the front line. At times the King would pause, looking at the smoke and wondering if his other son was alright.
Years passed and the King came for his daily chat with his son at the door. This time the King had his royal robe around him. Taking it off he placed the robe around the son and took away his rifle. He looked his son in the eyes and pointed to the battle front. "Go." Said the King with a smile.
Looking at the Royal robe the son hugged his Father and walked towards the battle front. He approached the outskirts of the war and saw his exhausted and war weary brother aiming to take another shot. Placing his hand on his shoulder he walked through the front line of the battle. Astounded and perplexed, the soldiers at the front line just stared. The shots and cannons ceased as the son walked towards the enemies front line. He began to see the opposing soldiers who were unable to fire at the one bearing the royal robe.
Onward he walked towards the tent of the opposing dignitary. Approaching the tent the guards saw the garment and the ranks parted. The son approached the tent and walked in. Started and amazed the commander in chief of the attack dropped his pen. "How? What?" Stunned and amazed, the enemy took his sword and placed it on the table. The son took the sword and walked back to his Fathers palace.
Withing hours the enemy had retreated and the air resounded again with the song of the birds, the brooks and the gentle breeze. The following day the son who had bore arms returned to his Fathers house. Confused he came before his Father, the King, "Father I spent years in battle, sustaining injury and putting my life at risk." the King looked with compassion as his son explained his confusion, "Then he walks up, in your name, and the battle just ends? Could you please explain?"
The King stood up and walked to the window, "I simply asked you both to be faithful. I didn't ask you to try to defeat an enemy only I can overcome. But by staying here he learned my ways and didn't assume he had power, might or strength to affect this situation. When the time was right he was sent in my name and the enemy had to submit for I am all powerful. Now both of you, go occupy the land."
Gary Ward
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