Reason for Disappearing

Sir Edward signed to the barkeep to bring over a few more drinks. It was clear that they would be spending some time over there. As the barkeep approached with drinks, Sir Edward looked over to James and said, "Do you want to eat something? I don't think that alcohol would sit well on an empty stomach."

Before James could reply to the question, Sir Edward looked at the barkeep and said, "Bring us two dinners. And don't forget the meat this time." Clearly, Sir Edward has been for quite some time, as he knew what is on the menu.

Looking back at James, he continued his story, "Well, you would say that it wasn't my fault and that I couldn't have known what the demonic beasts would do. Yet I totally disagree. It is the task of the general, be it acting or not, to know these things."

James could clearly see that Sir Edward was angry at himself. Taking the blame of everything that had happened. However this did not explain why Sir Edward disappeared. Curious about the subject James finally spoke up, "Sir that does not explain why you disappeared, what exactly made you take that decision?"

Hearing the question, Sir Edward paused for a moment. It seemed as he was not sure of the reason either. However after a moment of silence, Sir Edward spoke up, "After we got back to the barracks, I went to the prince's room to explain what had happened. However he was not alone in the room. Another knight, by the name of Sir Tobias, was also there. He was there complaining about my behavior."

There was a pause, as Sir Edward down one of the newly arrived cups. It was clear that this knight had something to do with the reason he disappeared. Sir Edward continued, "Apparently the eldest son of the knight died during the surprise attack of the demonic beasts. As he comes from an influential family, Sir Tobias ordered that I should receive all the blame for what happened and the lives lost. The prince initially did not agree with him, saying that in the battlefield everyone can die. But Sir Tobias was persistent and even threatened the prince in taking actions when we return to The King's City."

There was a moment of thought there as Sir Edward started to look for words. James knew what would happen next, yet patiently waited for Sir Edward to continue. And this Sir Edward did, "I understand the prince. Instead of putting the royal family into danger, the prince agreed with Tobias and decided that I would get the blame of what happened. Because of this, I was exiled from the army for a month and would only be able to return the last week of The Months of Demon."

As Sir Edward finished his last sentence, James could smell various delicious foods coming their way. Looking up, he saw several tavern wenches carrying the food over to the table they were sitting at. James now realized that the tavern sounded busier compared to when he first arrived. He knew notice that the tavern was getting rather full.

Feeling sorry for what happened with Sir Edward, James decided to stay at the tavern accompanying him for the time being.

…