Lord, or was it King, Leonas led the remnant of his people down the wilderness road in search of refuge. It was a giant responsibility for a twenty-three year old. Yet, leadership was thrust upon him. The attack had been sudden and unprovoked, but King Hilyan, his uncle had responded quickly and though doomed, he had bought time for the young Lord Leonas to lead away the women, children, and the elderly.
He had and his thirty men-at-arms had formed a blind on a hilltop to allow the column of refugees to gain the long East Road out of the kingdom. It was from that vantage-point that Leonas had seen his uncle, his older brother, and his cousin Prince Phinis fall. Now it was up to him; the people’s fates were in his hands.
“Lord Leonas,” an aged widow called. “How long until we find sanctuary?”
Speaking with a regal reserve, the youth responded, “Soon, brave lady, soon.”
She smiled, and took her grandchildren by the hands with a renewed strength.
In his heart he couldn’t be sure he could keep such a promise, but it was his duty to provide hope, and perhaps someday to bring his people home.
(200 Words)
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 
Lovely
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You have a talent for bringing out the essentials. In this case, what a young man, suddenly cast into the role of leader needs to know.
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He knows one of the most important things about leadership, even as a young inexperienced king. I see good things for him.
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I hope they did, indeed, find sanctuary soon. Good tale.
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