"Several thousand...several thousand...several thousand." Those words rang over and over in Brandon's mind. He found it hard to hear much else of what the Captain said after that, as he became engrossed in his thoughts.
Several thousand. For just two words they carried an enormous amount of meaning. This wasn't going to be just another treck to exterminate some raiding party that, while keeping him away from home more than he'd like, was at least easily dispatched. This was going to be all out war.
As he looked around himself he saw tanners, bakers, blacksmiths, and huntsmen like himself. These weren't soldiers. They were just men and women trying to protect their homes from superior forces. He found it difficult to imagine that any of them, or himself for that matter, stood a chance in an actual campaign.
Finally his eyes fell on Melody, and he managed to shake off the depression and doubt that had started to take hold of him. There were too many people counting on him to be strong to give up before the fighting even started. His little brother that looked up to him like some kind of invincible hero. His little sister that, while he didn't blame her for his being in the militia to start, would likely never forgive herself if he never made it home. Melody, who while she could take care of herself, he still felt like an older protective brother toward. He made a promise to himself at that moment that no matter what happened, he would make sure he and Melody returned home safe. When the girl made eye contact with him he gave her his most confident grin.
Brandon was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the meeting had ended until the others had started getting up. He quickly got to his feet himself, and adjusted the bow and quiver on his back. He had to get home fast, had to make sure he was equiped for this treck, but most importantly he had to see his little siblings.
As he hurried along, and the crowd around him dispersed, he heard Melody quicken her pace to catch up to him. " So, what do you think? Have the Wildmen finally become civil and formed a professional militia of their own? I find it hard to believe that many Wildmen can be together without killing each other."
"Please, the Wild men civilized? I'd sooner believe wild boars were forming a civilization. I find it hard to believe that many can be together without their stench wiping them all out. Hmm... That gives me an idea." Brandon said donning a comediclly serious face, and making a wide gesture with his hands "Picture it. Stench warfare. He struggled to keep his poker face, but it wasn't long before he burst out laughing. He was still struggling with a case of the giggles as he looked over to see Melodies opinion of his "idea".
Silently, he took all the worry and concern, and locked it away until he could put it to productive use later on. He'd become quite adept at that, being a parent at his age and all.