Chapter 2: Start of the War 1320 AD
Clay had joined the crown army as an nationalistic young man who had thought that they would give him the chance to help his country. His dreams though were soon shattered as he saw the corruption and crimes committed by the same army and nation he idealized. He witnessed superior officers doing, and selling drugs as well as abusing their position to get special treatment from citizens.
Clay knew he needed to do something. So he did the only thing he could think of: Clay got his two best friends George and Nick and went to the throne room.
Wilbur had been close with Clay as kids they were friends and oftentimes got in trouble together but due to an early death of his father Wilbur was placed on the throne. As royal responsibilities got to him Clay seemed to drift away. So when the doors to his throne room were thrust open early in the morning he was quite surprised.
"Wilbur we need to talk." Clay stated. As he, George and Nick stood in the doorway in their military uniforms.
"Clay, George, Nick it has been too long, have a seat and we can talk but first can I interest anyone in tea?" Wilbur asked warmly motioning over to a table to their right.
As they followed his direction they noticed the details in the building with many expensive gems lining the walls and ceiling. Also being able to see a large glass art piece off to the side of the room. As they were walking Clay began.
"Wilbur this urgent we hav-" Wilbur cut him off. "Clay, I'm sure the world is not burning down. We can have some tea and catch up before we talk politics."
Clay was upset at the older man's lack of urgency but understood that it truly had been a while so a little catching up was in order. As they sat down Wilbur said something to a servant who then hurried off somewhere. The table at which they say was a large oak table that had expensive silverware on it and a long red fabric running down the middle.
"So tell me how you all are doing?" Wilbur inquired.
There was a round of fine and okay coming from the uniformed men. As they were continuing conversation 4 cups of tea were brought out for Wilbur and his guests. Clay examined his cup noticing the fine gold trim running around the rim and the intricate design on the base.
"So Clay, what was it you wanted?" Wilbur asked the man.
"Wilbur, we need your help. There is an overwhelming amount of corruption in our nation's army and we need you to back us in fixing it." Clay stated firmly.
Wilbur looked at the younger man as if he was trying to see what was inside him. After a few long moments Wilbur spoke.
"I was afraid of you asking me that." He said while sighing. "I can't help you and I need you to not bring this up again for your own safety."
"But Wilbur!" Nick shouted. "You are aware of this corruption and yet you do nothing to stop it yourself?"
"That's outrageous Wilbur!" George chimed in.
"Gentlemen, please calm yourselves, you're causing a commotion." Wilbur stated in a harsh whisper.
"So there's no reason not to. We have brought you information that the crown army is corrupt yet you sit here and spit in our face saying you can't help us." Clay expressed angrily.
Chaos soon broke out with shouting from both parties as one of Wilbur's guards named Eret told the men to back away from the king and stop shouting while pushing them back with his buckler. This angered the uniformed men more than anything as they began to push back at Eret and other guards came rushing over to protect Wilbur.
"Gentlemen please calm yourselves and stop shoving." Wilbur shouted, stopping the conflict as all the other men looked at him. "Clay George and Nick please don't do something you will regret. I would hate to see something happen to you guys." Wilbur said in a caring fashion.
"I'll do what I have to so that there is no corruption." Clay said in a certain tone. "I'm sorry Wilbur."
"So am I Clay." Wilbur said. "Guards escort them out."
"This is ridiculous!" Nick shouted.
He, George, and Clay had just been kicked off of the royal estate and were now walking back to the capital Calnetod.
"Stop." Clay said sharply. "We need a plan and we need it fast."
The two other men looked at him curiously as he was standing still looking at the sky and thinking. Before suddenly changing his expression to one of determination
"Ok so hear me out…" Clay began.
"Get me some parchment and ink. I need to write a letter." Wilbur commanded a servant harshly.
When the servant returned he had the items the king had asked for in his hands.
"Alright now leave me." Wilbur said.
Wilbur began to write saying "We need to talk General there is a loose end who is onto your operation meet me at the palace in 2 days and come at night."
"So basically you want to start a group that will fight to rid corruption?" George asked.
"Exactly." Clay responded. "But not only that we would be fighting for the people and we would allow all to join our cause."
There was a break in conversation where you could hear the men's boots on crushed gravel as they were walking down the road.
"That sounds great but how do we start the group?" Questioned Nick.
"I'm glad you asked." Clay said gleefully. "What we need to do is get our name out there and what better way is there than to pay some bar keepers to advertise to any able body men."
The 3 men split up going town to town giving some money to bar keepers and telling them about the green corps and where to send people interested.
When they all met back up they were in the town of New Lothrad where they had rented a small keep where they would meet up with the troops. Nick was the first to speak.
"So did you guys get to all the other towns on the list?" The other 2 men nodded.
"Do you think it will work Clay?" George inquired.
"I couldn't tell you for sure but I do feel good about the amount of advertising we've done but there's one thing left," Clay hesitated for a second then continued. "We need code names."
Alright that's going to be it for this chapter as now the stage is set for the next one. R&R and don't forget to follow!