Mere foot soldier (standard:romance, 1493 words)
Author: Khujo	Added: Feb 01 2003	Views/Reads: 3227/2071	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Lost in a tropical paradise, a rebel finds himself in more ways than one with the help of an oppresed royal.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


“Wait, I don't even know your name!” I retorted. 

“Its Charlemsan. Be here tomorrow okay?” she sputtered. 

“I'm still lost though,” I replied. 

“Follow the river downwards and you'll get to the village area.” She
said before trotting off hurriedly. 

The next day, I traced back the path where I followed the butterfly and
sure enough, Char was there under the same spot. We dived straightaway 
into our discussions and we volleyed questions to each other. Time flew 
and as the sun began to set, Char yet again hurriedly tried to scamper 
off. We said our goodbyes, but this time, I discreetly tailed her. 
Pretty soon, she ended up near a dirt road where a woman was waiting by 
two bicycles. Char got on and they rode on in a flash. Using the tracks 
as guide, I managed to trace Char to a large and important looking 
compound on a hill where a large wooden house stood proudly. Gold 
plated ornaments adorned the veranda while intricate dragon patterns 
crept from the roof of the house to its foundation. A few men who 
seemed armed were walking back and forth while giving anything that 
moved a sneer. Who is this girl?? 

The next day, I met up with Char again but instead of letting her engage
me I confronted her with my burning question. 

“I am sorry for not telling you earlier but I thought it was better. I
am Princess Charlemsan, niece to the King of Thailand, daughter to a 
deluded father. Upon my mother's untimely death, father had fled away 
from the scrutiny and pain to the countryside. Mother had developed an 
unfortunate chronic illness which went undetected for years and it was 
in the later stages when she decided to study English after being 
fascinated with its literature. She then decided to go further her 
studies overseas much to the displeasure of father. Soon after she came 
back, her strength left her and slowly death came upon her. Father was 
certain it was a curse by the gods and not even the doctors could tell 
him otherwise. He then barred me from continuing my studies for fear of 
the curse. Till now, my mother's books have sufficed in my thirst for 
more. I am afraid that if I don't continue my learning, my knowledge 
would be lost.” Char sighed deeply while I was listeining intently 
throughout. 

“That explains your foray's into the forest. Who's the woman who always
waits on you?” I asked. 

“She's the nurse who had brought me up. She keeps my father's suspicions
at bay.” She replied. 

“Well I don't have anymore time left here. I am here for something and
it will be delivered to me in the evening. Then, I must go back.” I 
said with a heavy heart. 

“Can't you stay just for awhile more?” Char pleaded. 

“I would love to princess, but no. I may not be all that you think I am
either. I am a mere foot soldier in a group of deceit.” 

“Whatever it is that you are, I'm sure it wouldn't ...” I stopped her
probing with a finger on her delicate lips. My eyes then stared deep 
into her gleaming hazelnut eyes. Nothing was said but everything was 
understood. The gratitude, the shock, and the disappointment. I ran my 
fingers through her hair while she looked up to me with her now 
gleaming eyes. I turned abruptly then. I had too. Should I linger, my 
desire to stay would take over. I walked away, as I have done on so 
many other occasions in life. My heart sank with every step. 

I can't do this! I fumbled around with my wallet and out came my
buspass. An insignificant little card with my address. 

“Here. Write to me.” I said to the Princess before going off. 

The day I arrived back home after getting the package, I was welcomed
warmly by my friends but I only had one thing that I looked forward to. 
The journey back home was uneventful and I found myself dreaming. 
Dreaming of how things might have been a little different had I stayed. 
I was lost in more ways than one. A princess had saved me from that 
predicament. Life's like that. You eventually find something 
worthwhile, then circumstances make you leave it. That's not fair. 
That's just not fair. The moments were magical and it was not wasted. 
Somehow I feel different. I decided to drop out of the league and then 
went back home to contemplate my situation. My heartbeat left me when I 
stepped home. There, on the floor with a golden emblem was a letter for 
“the Mere foot soldier” 


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