Winds of War

[CurtailedAmbrosia]

She was not going to make it.

Racing headlong through the thickly forested wood in a cacophony of broken branches and thundering hooves, Alice wasn't sure she had ever been more afraid. Her father's war horse tore through the forest at breakneck speed, every root he jumped and shrub torn asunder reminding her that one misstep, one hole or missed root could mean the death of them both-she would be thrown and his leg broken. But if they were caught-she would either be ransomed or killed, terrifying prospects to the daughter of Lord Lyons.

She could not be captured. She had to warn the king, she had to secure help for her father. So she spurned him onward, her hands tight on the reins and her dark green cloak flying behind her. Astride the powerful beast, she seemed even smaller in comparison.

She wore a dark green cloak quilted from a fine, heavy cloth over her slender shoulders and a beautiful silk gown beneath that. It was emerald in color and bore gold trim and detailing on the hem of the skirt and collar, the ends of the long sleeves. Riding boots clashed with so fine a dress, a dark leather that matched her horse's saddle.

The hood of her cloak was back, revealing tousled waves of dark red hair and a braided gold headpiece keeping it back and mostly away from her face-which was heart shaped and rather beautiful-though currently contorted with fear and anxiety. A smudge of dirt was swiped across one delicate cheek bone, a twig or two in her flying hair.

They were gaining on her. An arrow flew past, and then another-wringing a short, startled scream from the lady and a panicked look back. So it was murder they intended-one of the two men had drawn his sword and rode with it poised for a strike-while the other had his bow. And they were continuing to gain on her!

Even over the hooves and her hammering heart, she heard the water before she saw it-bursting through the trees and onto the banks of a wide, fast river-Shade reared and she wheeled around, racing headlong down the bank, water flying around the decorated war horse. She didn't dare try to ford the river-if she slowed and tried the crossing, no doubt her and her father's steed would be peppered with arrows before they ever made the far shore.

 

[Homerun2611]

Lord Robert had come to the kingdom to meet with the king 7 days ago, meeting with many of the other Lords of the Kingdom. They had dined on mutton and ale, and discussed their concerns in the King's audience. Lord Robert was the youngest lord in the vale, as his father had been killed only one year ago on a hunting expedition. He was strong and very large for the period standing 6 feet 2 and 190 pounds. He was the finest swordsman of the King and would be called on to address any turmoil.

The day's meeting had been focused on the uneasiness of the King and his fear as to traitors in his midst. Given the danger that the King felt was lurking, each of the Lords was directed to travel with their swords and shields handy and their quiver and arrows accessible over their shoulders.

Lord Robert had been on the road this past week headed back home. He was just nearing the crossing of the river and had stopped to give his horse Remington a cool drink for the day long ride that remained. When he first saw the rustling he had assumed it to be a wild animal chasing its prey, but he now realized it was two attackers on horseback chasing a woman or boy also on horseback. Given the cloak he assumed a woman, but either way, they were in peril

Lord Robert could see the one attacker draw his bow and take aim. Lord Robert did the same and fired in thier direction, if nothing more than to distract him. He quickly mounted his horse and raced for the crossing.

The attackers had now refocused on the girl and were gaining. Lord Robert flew across the crossing and headed directly at the girl, he could see the terror on her face. With shield in hand, and sword drawn, he closed from the opposite direction.

 

[CurtailedAmbrosia]

Oh no-she'd been routed. Lady Alice ducked her head closer to Shade and veered back towards the forest and away from the river-just in time for the new man to race past her.

Was he not of Lord Vincent's men? She dared not remain to find out, though his shield appeared to bear the standard of the King. Back into the forest she went, the sound of clashing blades and angry shouts behind her.

/////////////////////

Trapped. Shade reared up as they came to a small cliff, the craggy rocks below making for a dangerous landing-had the horse not skid to a stop just short of toppling off.

Alice soothed the animal and wheeled around, breathing nearly as fast as the well run horse. What did she do? She was lost, she was very lost. Perhaps she could pick out her own trail and-

The girl froze and stared at the figure appearing just over the rise, her stormy grey eyes wide with fear. Cornered.

Her fingers tightened on the reins and she swallowed, doing her best to compose herself.

"Are...are you a man of the King, good sir?" She tried, hoping against hope he had not beaten back her pursuers-only to become one himself.

The girl's voice has a musical quality to it, soft and pleasant even with the fragile, tender bit of fear that caused it to tremble.

 

[Homerun2611]

“Indeed I am my good Lady. I am Lord Robert of the Vale, I ride In service to his majesty and the good citizens of the realm. I am proud to serve as the trusted sword of the King”. Lord Robert looked more closely at the young woman. She was beautiful, but terrified. Her beautiful red hair poured out from her cloak and she was dazzling in her emerald gown braided in gold. She obviously came from a wealthy house, but he did not recognize her.

He grimaced, and suddenly grabbed his shoulder. He had prevailed, but had not come out unscathed. As he had finished off the first offender, the second had rushed him from behind an delivered a flesh wound to his shoulder. He could feel the warm blood trickling down his arm.

“You are safe my lady, those men will endanger you no more”. “May I guide you safely to your destination, it is not safe for a woman as beautiful as yourself to travel alone on these roads?...And, may I ask your name, my Lady?”

 

[CurtailedAmbrosia]

"Lord of the Vale..." She worriedly glances past him, still seeming ready to bolt before she remembers. "You are...you are Sir Roger's son." Had he passed then? He must have, if Robert had now taken his place.

The young woman visibly relaxes, but she is still tense and on edge. Her knowledge of his father spoke to an awareness in noble matters, and as he had correctly surmised from her attire-she was someone of some importance.

But indeed, he would have never seen her before-the young Lady Alice had not yet been presented to the court, despite being several years past her 16th birthday. Lord Lyons had kept his only child and heir close to home. How tragic then, that she had been sent on so treacherous a task.

But she was his only hope.

"You're hurt." She murmurs worriedly, nudging Shade forward, closer. "I...thank you, Lord Robert. They pursued me so very far...I regret our meeting has brought you suffering."

She pulls a small blade from her belt, the hilt a shimmering gold with an emerald pommel-hesitates, then cuts and tears a strip from the fine fabric of her cloak.

She's gentle, and for as large a beast as the stallion was he seemed obedient to the fragile girl's smallest movements and directions-making it easy for the two horses to stand aside one another as she pressed the cloth carefully to his wound, moving to bandage it while he talks. She pauses, her stormy grey eyes flitting up to his a moment, then back to the knot she was tying.

"I...I am Lady Alice of Lyons. Lord Vincent, the King's brother-he has returned with an army." She took in a sharp, short breath. "He has my father under siege!" Her eyes widened and she again seemed very distressed, casting a lost look about them. "I barely escaped with my life. I dare not trouble you further my Lord Robert, but I must warn the King."

 

[Homerun2611]

Lady Alice, Lord Lyons daughter, Robert thought to himself, now that made sense. The legend of her beauty had preceded her, and the legend had not been miscast.

"Lady Alice, it is my honor to serve Lord Lyons daughter. Your father is a highly respected man and loyal friend of the King and my dear departed father. I wish I could return with you directly and end your father's peril, but alas even I cannot try to take on an army single handed. It is not the King you need to warn, but the King whose army we must meet and return with to end the siege of Lord Lyons and arrest Lord Vincent."

"The King is a brilliant and just man. He had feared that a traitor was amongst us, and will not be surprised to learn it is that serpant Lord Vincent".

As Lord Robert spoke with Lady Alice, he was overwhelmed by her beauty, and the gentleness of her touch in attending his wound. When her grey eyes flitted at him he had felt his heart jump and his breath quicken. He would not leave this lovely lass unprotected. At that moment he dedicated himself to helping her even if it meant dying in her guard.

"Tonight it is late, our horses are tired and i must get some rest. At dawns first light we will ride forth with haste and begin our journey to the King".

Lord Robert, quickly dismounted Remington, and built a small camp fire for the Lady. He assembled his small tent and then with the skill of a seasoned hunter, he shot his bow and arrow and with only two attempts bagged two rabbits for their dinner. He roasted them on a spit and boiled potatoes from his satchel. When complete he delivered dinner to Lady Alice. "For you my Lady, forgive the primitive nature of my service".

They ate quietly as both were famished. When complete, Robert saw Alice look at the tent and then back at him with some alarm and trepidation.

Lord Robert smiled, "the tent and bedding are for you my Lady, I will stay out here and keep your guard. Consider me sworn to your service and I pledge to protect and serve you until I can return you safely to your father...Is there anything else you need from me this evening..."