Forgotten Soldier

The war had its victims and prisoners, and Norick’s job was guarding the worst. As a soldier, he was honored to be chosen to keep the foulest scum from returning to battle.

“I understand, Mother. I should be on the battlefield, but who will watch these demons? If they should escape, think of the harm they might cause our people,” the son said to his mother.

Each day, he rose early, polished his helmet, and donned his uniform. After securing his scabbard, the soldier kissed his mother goodbye and marched to the prison tower, where he stood watch until sunset.

When the war was over, no one came to relieve him of his duty or release the prisoners, for that matter.

Things soon turn from boring to bad when all the prisoners start dying of starvation. Norbert did not know what to do or even who to ask about that matter.

“Be a good soldier, son, and don’t ask questions, follow orders, and all will be right with the world. Your father said that to me every day until he died of the black death,” remarked his mother.

So Norbert shined his helmet, dressed, and went to stand guard at an empty prison.

After a year, his mother died, but he honored her words and continued doing his duty each morning. “I will ensure the prison is ready for the next war,” said the soldier to himself.

Five years passed, and no new orders arrived. Norbert wondered if it was his fate to die protecting the bones high in the tower.

Still, he received a monthly pay packet and was grateful to have the work; he only wished it had meaning.

After ten years, he stopped shining his helmet and allowed his hair to grow. “Why should I care about personal hygiene when no one knows I even exist?” grumbled the soldier.

The time finally came for his retirement. On his last day, he came home, hung his sword by the door, removed his uniform, and burnt it in the fireplace.

“Tomorrow, I will go fishing and enjoy life,” said Norick, and that is precisely what he did. After all, he stood still well, just like when you fish.