Author Archives: paleololigo

Day 15: Your character is upset. What about? How does it affect them? Does anyone come to comfort them? Write a scene where your character is distraught.

——

“Where is she?” Trey asked wearily.

“My Lord?” asked Kevin.

“Hanna. Where is Hanna?”

“I know not, Lord Trey.”

“She was with me, Kevin. Where is she?”

“I know not. My concern is for you, not for her.”

“My concern is for her. I told you to care for her. Where is she?” Trey’s voice was getting louder.

“My Lord. Trey. I’m sure she is fine. We’ll find her,” assured Kevin.

Trey collapsed back onto the pillow. “You had best.”
Kevin stepped back and looked at Markus who stood beside him. The two men exchanged glances expressing their shared wonderment at Trey’s deep concern for this woman.

Jason stepped close to the two Lords of Herongarde. “I will seek her. Where was she last?”

“I found him on the north side, under an enemy trebuchet. He says she was with him, but injured,” muttered Kevin in a low voice.

“Aye, I will find her,” said Jason as he turned and quickly ran off. Jason knew that neither Markus nor Kevin were aware of the love that had been growing between Hanna and Trey. Jason had become aware of it two weeks past when Hanna’s nose was crushed by that warlord of Falgarth. Trey had been deeply concerned for her, though he tried to mask it. Jason could tell something was brewing in the tired heart of Lord Trey. Trey was a changed man, much more like the man Jason idolized as a boy. Trey seemed happy and interested in life, not so dark as he had been in recent years. Apparently, Trey himself was now aware of his feelings toward Hanna. Trey was urgently fearful for her.

Jason also cared for Hanna. She was a good woman by his estimation – thrust into an unfortunate circumstance, in which she was actually performing quite well. Jason had worried for both Trey and Hanna when to battle seemed to be gathering toward the tower where they had hidden themselves. It seemed that the battle found them. Jason prayed that Hanna was not lost. Not only would it be a loss of a friend, but he feared that it would be a fatal blow to Trey’s new-found inner peace.

As Jason rushed from the room, Trey’s mother, Queen Tessa, entered. She regarded the scene in front of her. Trey lay with his hand over his eyes. She could tell he was near tears. His mouth was stretched into an uncomfortable grimace. Markus and Kevin stared as him, arms folded defensively. Kevin was annoyed and Markus looked perturbed. Something was happening.

Markus looked up at the Queen as she entered. “Your Highness,” he greeted.

Kevin bowed to her, but said nothing. He was clearly troubled by Trey’s behavior.

“What happens here?” asked the Queen.

“What is this concern he has for this woman Hanna?” demanded Markus. “I worry that his priority is not with Herongarde.”

A small sound escaped Trey’s mouth. The Queen could tell he was very upset. “Well, where is she?” she asked.

Kevin straightened up, exasperated. “I know not!”

The Queen shot Kevin an angry look for his outburst.

Markus spoke. “Jason seeks her now. Apparently she was with Trey when Kevin found him. Kevin’s priority was with Trey and got him safely here. Others were left to deal with the remaining survivors.”

“Ugh!” cried Trey. “She’s not just some… ordinary—!”

“Was she injured?” asked the Queen calmly, cutting off Trey.

Trey uncovered his eyes and looked at his mother. “Aye, Mother. She was hurt. Badly.” He turned away again and shut his eyes. A tear dripped down his face. “I fear for her!”

“Then we will find her,” said the Queen calmly, pointedly making eye contact with both Markus and Kevin. She bent over Trey, stroking his cheek. “Do not condemn Kevin for his actions, Trey,” she said soothingly. “He acts only in the best interest of Herongarde. He knows not of you affection for her.”

Trey drew a deep breath. “Aye, Mother.”

“Jason seeks her,” the Queen continued. “I shall send others to look for her. She will be found and cared for, aye?”

“Thank you, Mother,” whispered Trey. He put his hand back over his eyes as fresh tears dripped from them.

“Now, my son, you must turn your focus to Herongarde, though it be difficult,” the Queen said softly. “Your countrymen need you.”

Trey nodded. “Aye, Mother. I know.”

“Rest for a moment and gather yourself,” she murmured. She rose slowly and turned to Markus and Kevin who looked at her in disbelief. “Do not mock his affection for Hanna. He has a great fondness for her.”

Markus screwed his face up, about to argue with her. She cut him off. “Now is not the time, Markus,” she hissed. “Trey loves his country, and will do his duties. But do not mock his affection!” She pointed her finger first at Markus, then at Kevin. “Just do not do it, aye?”

Markus and Kevin exchanged glances. “Aye, your Highness,” agreed Kevin.

Markus gazed sadly at his nephew, without speaking. He wondered what had happened in the months since the war had started. He returned his gaze to the Queen. “Aye, your majesty. We have much to do.”

The Queen smiled. “Thank you Markus.”

“I do pray I will get an explanation at some point before returning to the battle front, aye?” said Markus.

“That is a fair request, Markus. At a better moment, we will speak of it,” replied the Queen. “Now, my son must rest for a few moments, if you can afford him this?”

“Of course, your Highness,” replied Markus. “I will gather reports then return.”

“Thank you, Markus.”

He bowed and left the chamber. Kevin followed suit, leaving the Queen with her son.

She bent over Trey and stroked his hair. “They are gone, Trey. Talk to me.”

Trey’s hand still covered his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but his lips shook. His face contorted and he burst into sobs. The Queen took her son in her arms and held him as he wept. As he calmed, he spoke. “I love her, Mother. I love her. Please God, let her live.” He repeated these words over and over.

“God willing, she will be found safe, Son,” she whispered in his ear. “I know you love her. I pray for her as well.”

Day 14: FREE DAY! Write any scene you want!

——

Trey looked back over his shoulder. Hanna was following along quietly. He smiled at her, a gesture that she warmly returned.

“This way,” he said, turning his attention back to the path that twisted through the dense forest.

“Where are you taking me?” Hanna asked.

“A special place,” he said.

Hanna rolled her eyes. That seemed to be his preferred response. It didn’t tell her anything useful.

Soon the sound of flowing water came to her ears. A stream was nearby. The sound grew louder, and she realized they were approaching a small waterfall.

They stepped into a clearing. In front of them was the waterfall that Hanna heard. It stood perhaps ten feet tall. At its base was a deep clear pond. The area was open around the pond. The sun shown in between the trees, lighting up a luxuriant patch of grass.

It seemed that this special place had been shared by many people over the years. At the moment, however, Trey and Hanna were the only ones there. Trey guided Hanna to the sunlit spot. He spread out a blanket upon which they both sat down. He smiled at her broadly.

“This is a lovely place, my Lord,” said Hanna, also smiling.

“Oh, Hanna. Call me Trey,” he murmured.

Hanna blushed. “I forget.”

Trey leaned close to her. “My love,” he whispered.

“Love,” she echoed.

He kissed her softly. “Love,” he said again, as he settled back. He reached out and took her hand. “Aye, I came here often as a boy, ever hoping I could get Rose out here too.” He rolled his eyes flirtatiously.

Hanna clicked her tongue. “Bad boy,” she teased.

“Aye, but I kept her honest, you know.”

“I know.”

“Something about this place is just so calming,” he said, leaning back on his elbows. He shifted again and leaned his head against her arm. He shut his eyes and savored her scent. This felt so good to him.

Hanna stroked his hair. He was, in the end, a good man. He had a good heart, though he did have a tendency to be overly aggressive and oftentimes came off as brooding and angry. Somehow, she had found a path past his darkness and met this deeply loving man.

She sighed. It was difficult for her. She had a husband – somewhere – and felt that to love another would be unfaithful. However, she was quite certain that Davin was lost to her. If he lived, he was out of reach. She didn’t think she’d ever see him again. She was torn. Should she love Trey and abandon Davin? Or should she be faithful to Davin and keep Trey at bay.

Trey knew of her dilemma. It saddened him. He had finally begged her to simply let him love her. If she would let him love her, he would help her seek her husband. Trey would never force her to break faith with Davin. He would accept that she would never be fully his. This he agreed to because he loved her that much. To be able to take comfort in her arms when he needed it was worth the lack of complete monogamy. He knew that what he needed was her – the woman, the friend, the companion – not her – the body, the fornication, the sin. It wasn’t to say he didn’t want that, but only that it was not what he truly needed.

He reveled in her touch. Her fingers in his hair swept the stress of leadership out of him. Her hands on his cheek pressed life into him. At this moment, he felt complete. He sighed. He felt whole and safe, a way he hadn’t felt since before Rosaline was lost. At this moment, he felt as if he could handle his future as King of Herongarde – so long as Hanna was at his side.

They sat for a long time saying nothing. Hanna enjoyed watching the water flow over the stones. Trey alternately watched the water, then watched her. He pulled a bladder of wine and a couple of cups from his satchel and poured them each a drink. He her a cup as he held up his own. “To everlasting peace and love.”

“Peace and love,” Hanna echoed as she tapped her cup against his. They drank together. He leaned close to her again, pressing his lips against hers. She returned his kiss, enjoying the texture of his mouth against hers. After a few moments, they separated. Trey gazed upon her, his eyes full of adoration.

“One day,” he whispered.

Hanna smiled. “Yeah.”

They sat together the better part of the afternoon, occasionally chatting, kissing, and wrestling a bit. They drained the entire bladder of wine and completely enjoyed each other’s company.

A distant bell rang out. The evening meal was prepared. They would be late to the table. They exchanged knowing glances.

“Oops,” said Hanna.

Trey grinned. “We should hurry.”

“Aye,” Hanna agreed.

Hastily, they collected the items they had brought and stuffed them back into the satchel that Trey carried. He slung it over his shoulder and looked at Hanna.

“Shall we go?” said Hanna.

Trey stood close to her, taking each of her hands in his own. He bent and kissed her hard. Passion filled him for a fleeting moment, which she returned with an equal fury. All too soon, they stepped apart again, knowing that they could not continue though they both wanted to.

Trey looked on her with a smile. “I love you, Hanna.”

“And I love you Trey,” she replied reaching up and stroking his cheek.

Trey drew a deep breath. “We must return.”

“Yes, I know.”

Trey stepped back from her, looking rather sad. Then a grin spread across his face. “I’ll race you!”

“Wha—?”

Trey turned and starting running back along the path. Hanna took up pursuit, and they both laughed as they jogged back toward the Castle keep. For a moment, the world’s pressures were lifted from their bodies. They both felt terrific.

So in November I signed on to do the NaNoWriMo competition: to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. I chose to write the complete tale of Trey of Herongarde, who is featured in the 25 Days of Writing challenge (which I will someday actually finish). I wrote my 50k words and found out I wasn’t even close to finishing the book, but I’m still working on it. I’m thinking that, in addition to maybe finishing the Writing Challenge, I will post a few of the completed scenes from the book, Knights of Herongarde, on this blog. I dunno, maybe someone will read it and be interested in motivating me to finish it.

For fun, I also plan to join Script Frenzy in April, to write a 100 page screenplay for Knights of Herongarde. I took a screenwriting class a while ago. Maybe I’ll apply my screenwriting skillz? Or maybe it’ll just be easier to complete the story in screenplay format. Or maybe I’m just nuts!

Day 13: Your character has a whole day off to do whatever they want. Write a scene of them enjoying this free day.

—

Trey walked down the steps leading into the courtyard. It had been his intention to ride out for another patrol this morning, however his Uncle, Lord Markus, had warned him that the King was likely to call Council that evening. It would be poor form for the heir to the throne to be absent during council, especially during peacetime, so Trey found himself trapped at Herongarde Castle for the day. He wondered what he might do to amuse himself.

He walked slowly around the stone-bordered pond that formed the centerpiece of the courtyard. A sculpture of Mary stood at the center, overlooking any activity that occurred there. Trey knelt and said a silent prayer, that he might be calm this day and be at peace. He doubted that his prayer would work – he already felt the anxiety building in him. He longed for the open road and silence. He rose again and made the Sign of the Cross before the statue.

He gazed upon Mary and his mind began to drift. He thought about Rose – the times they had spent in this very courtyard. He shut his eyes, trying to banish the images, yet only making them stronger.

The sound of women’s voices jarred him back to reality. The Ladies of the court were walking out to the courtyard to take in some fresh air. This was the first truly warm day of the spring, and everyone was eager to get out from the castle walls. Trey looked up as the Ladies noticed him there. There were three in this group. Trey new them all: Margeth, the head Lady, Anise, and Katherine. They turned to each other and giggled with glee.

All the Ladies of the court were aware that Lord Trey was unmarried. All three of these Ladies fancied themselves as Trey’s next wife. It didn’t seem to matter to them at all that the only reason why Trey was alone was that his first wife, Rose, had died. They also seemed indifferent to his disinterest in ever wedding again. They only knew that one day, Trey would be King, and his wife would be Queen.

Trey looked away, glancing about the courtyard quickly. It had suddenly lost its charm with the presence of the Ladies. Trey stomped on a remnant lump of snow then strode away from the pond and the statue of Mary. He nodded at the Ladies as he rushed past them back into the security of the castle chambers. The women bowed reverently as he passed, then commenced to giggle and titter as he marched away down the hallway, toward the King’s Hall.

The King’s Hall was empty. Trey was disappointed, as he had hoped to find his father there. He turned to leave, beginning to walk out the door while still looking at the large tapestry that hung over the desk at the head of the room. The tapestry depicted the herald of Herongarde, the mark of Trey’s home and family, and the mark that he bore on the forearm of his right arm. He would rule Herongarde one day. The thought depressed him.

“My Lord!” cried Gilbert as Trey crashed into him in the doorway. Gilbert had been on his way in with various parchments to review with His Majesty, and had been paying as little attention to where he was going as was Trey. Trey snapped his attention onto the man in front of him, trying to keep hold of the rolled papers in his arms. Trey grabbed a few as they fell, as others bounced and rolled to the floor.

“Aye, Gilbert!” said Trey, embarassed. “So sorry, my Lord. My mind is on other things.”

“Aye, Trey,” said Gilbert, wrestling with the disordered pile of parchments in his arms. “Could you spare a moment to help me?”

“Of course, my Lord,” said Trey as he was already picking up the rolled papers that had fallen. “What business is this today?”

“We review our trade agreements, Trey. You should join us.”

Trey rolled his eyes. This would certainly be dull. “I would rather be riding Garnog beyond the walls of this castle, my Lord.”

“It will one day be your duty to endure these meetings, Trey.”

“Aye, but not now, Gilbert,” said Trey, with a forced smile.

“Aye, first you must learn to read, Lord Trey,” boomed a voice from the doorway. The King – Trey’s father – stood there smirking. “You need to turn your focus to your learning, and less to your riding and patrols.”

Trey frowned and looked away. “Rather not,” he grumbled.

“I am surprised, actually, that you remain here, Trey,” said the King. “Are you ill?”

“Lord Markus advises me that you may call council this day. Is this true, your Highness?” asked Trey.

“Aye, it is. I am glad that you take that duty seriously.”

“Of course, your Highness. Nevertheless, I request leave to ride patrol. There are questions near Quilgar that I wish answered.”

The King frowned deeply. “No, Trey. You will not indulge such foolishness this day.”

“But–,” began Trey.

“No, Trey. You will remain here this day and attend to your duties as a proper bearer of that Mark on your arm.” The King’s voice grew louder with each word. “I’ll not have you off chasing fantasies!” He ended with a great wave of his arm.

Trey knew he could not win such an argument with his father. He would spend the day in or near Herongarde Castle. He was disappointed.

The King’s expression lightened. “I suggest a day of rest for you, Trey. Rest and pleasure.

“This castle is a prison to me,” muttered Trey.

“Then go you to the market this day. To Artyl to enjoy a tankard of mead with your brothers at arms, aye?” suggested the King.

“Or to Gastin to repair your shield?” added Gilbert.

Trey frowned deeply. None of these things interested him.

“Ride out and pay your respects to Rosaline, perhaps Trey?” said the King with a much softer demeanor. “It is ten years since her passing. Is this why your mood is so dark?”

This angered Trey. Rage welled within him, but he knew better than to express it – not to the King. He clinched his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, drawing a deep breath. Exhaling slowly, he opened his eyes again. “I will find something useful to do, your Highness, Lord Gilbert.” Trey turned smartly and marched from the room.

***

Trey eased Garnog into an easy trot. He was on his way to the village of Artyl, an easy one hour ride from Herongarde Castle. He would avoid the market. He thought of shopping as women’s work, and certainly below a man of his status. Instead, he rode toward the shop of Gastin.

Gastin was a well-respected blacksmith within Herongarde. He has been entrusted with making many of the swords and shields borne by the Mark-bearers of Herongarde. His son, Jason, was himself soon to earn the Mark. Gastin was as much family to the brothers of the Mark as could be any man.

Trey’s shield had been damaged over a year earlier in an ugly match at tournament. The function of the shield was not harmed, but it seemed unsightly for the heir of Herongarde to bear such arms. Trey had put off repairing the shield as he had more important things to do. Besides, he did not care that he was heir. He didn’t want to be heir, and he didn’t care what others thought either. Today was a good day to get it fixed, as it was an appropriate excuse to get him away from Herongarde Castle for the greater part of the day.

As always, Gastin was in his shop busily working. Today he seemed to be working on making a set of horse shoes. Trey had seldom ever seen the man not coated with sweat and wielding his hammer. Trey wondered if Gastin ever slept. Trey dropped his bent shield onto a table in Gastin’s shop, making sufficient noise to call attention to himself.

Gastin looked up, and smiled broadly upon recognizing Trey. “My Lord!” he said, setting his work aside. “My Lord Trey! It is great to see you.” Gastin bowed. “How may I serve you this day, my Lord?”

“Aye, Gastin, Tis good to see you too,” smiled Trey. “My shield here is damaged. I wonder if you might repair it?”

Gastin eyed the shield, picking it up and turning it over in his hands. “Aye My Lord. It must have been quite a battle to cause this.”

“Aye, but I still defeated my opponent. Of course, this still functions fine, Gastin, but it is ugly and unbefitting me.”

“Truly, my Lord, this this true,” agreed Gastin. Gastin continued to inspect the damage. He looked up from the shield. “I can certainly straighten the damage this day, my Lord, and before you must return to Herongarde Castle. However, I cannot correct the herald. I am out of cobalt paint, and the merchant has not brought me any for months.”

Trey smiled. “I shall be pleased to have it the correct shape again this day, Gastin. Encourage your merchant to get proper cobalt quickly, however, as soon your own son will need properly marked equipment, aye?”

Gastin smiled broadly, exuding the pride he felt for his son. “Aye, my Lord. I shall remind the merchant that he serves his King, not just me.”

“I shall ride on to the tavern and have some mead, I think,” said Trey. “It is not often I have time to enjoy some leisure.”

“Of course, my Lord. I shall attend to this at once.”

“Thank you Gastin,” said Trey with a short bow. Gastin bowed deeply as Trey turned and left the shop.

***

He was already into his third cup of mead when two young men from Artyl came in, boasting of their success in a fight with some rival fellows over some woman. Trey tried to ignore them. He recalled when such ‘conquests’ were the fabric of life when he was younger. Trey knew now that such victories seldom lasted and these fights were wasteful of energy. He hoped they would just get drunk and shut up.

The young men’s boasting and bragging grew louder as they consumed their drinks. Trey was starting to feel annoyance. He was seated in a dark corner of the tavern, hoping for some peace. These men, little more than boys, really – were disrupting everything. Trey noticed that they were starting to act belligerent toward the tavern keep and other occupants as well.

A barmaid approached Trey’s table, offering him another drink. Trey glanced at her with a sour expression. “Those boys ought not to be here,” he commented.

She smiled. “Aye, my Lord. Yet they frequent this place. Always difficult, they are.”

“Whose are they?”

“They are local, my Lord. Their father has died; their mother is ill. The keeper tolerates them for pity.”

“I’ll not,” grumbled Trey. “Tis no excuse to act so vile.”

The barmaid smiled uncomfortably. “Another mead, my Lord?”

“Aye, woman. I would like that,” Trey said as he rose from the table. “But first, I shall have my peace.”

The barmaid stepped aside as Trey walked past her toward the pair of boasting men. She worried that this would not end well.

“Gentlemen!” said Trey with a malicious smile and open arms, “I hear you have had great success this day!”

One of the men, a blonde, smiled in return. “We have conquered some fools this day,” he slurred.

“Fools, aye?” said Trey. “What fools?”

“Aye, my Lord,” responded the other man who had darker hair, “the fools that thought they were greater men than us!”

Trey’s smile turned to a frown and he nodded. “There are none greater than you, aye?”

The blonde chimed in again. “Not in Artyl! We shall have whatever we want.” The other man grunted his agreement and raised his glass. The men tapped glasses and drank deeply.

“More mead, Keep!” shouted the dark-haired one. The Keeper looked up with a frown and began to move as if to obey the order.

“Nay, gentlemen,” said Trey in a low voice. “I believe you have had enough.”

Both men turned and glared at Trey. “We shall have what we wish!” said the blonde.

“No. We shall have what I wish. And that is silence,” growled Trey. The Keeper froze, and all eyes in the tavern turned to the conflict building before them. “You have had enough.”

“I don’t think you know who you’re dealing with,” muttered the blonde, too drunk not to slur slightly.

“Oh really?!,” boomed Trey. “I believe you know not who you are dealing with!”

“There are two of us,” added the dark-haired man.

Trey turned to the dark-haired man. “And I am ten times the man you are. I say silence. Harass this place no longer.”

“Hah!” laughed the blonde. “You know nothing.”

Trey’s lip twisted. “Nothing aye? Then why bear I this mark on my arm?” He pushed his sleeve up, exposing the symbol of Herongarde tattooed on his forearm.

The cocky expressions faded from the faces of both young men.

“Aye, boys,” continued Trey, “I believe you are finished here today.”

The blonde straightened. “I could –,” he started to speak, but the other man smacked him across the chest. The blonde glared at his brother.

“We will leave, of course, my Lord,” said the dark-haired man.

“Good,” replied Trey with a contemptuous smile.

The dark-haired man grabbed his bother by the tunic and pulled him out of the tavern, leaving Trey standing in the middle of the room. Trey nodded to the keeper and returned to his seat. A fresh up of mead was brought to him, which he drank slowly, savoring the new silence of the tavern. This was much better.

When his fourth cup of mead was drained, Trey glanced toward a window. Judging by the quality of the light, he knew it was time for him to return to Gastin’s shop and then on to the castle. He dropped a few coins on the table, and walked out of the tavern in silence. His time of leisure was over, and it was time to get back to his duties.

Finally.

This is another post not specifically called for by the 25 days of writing challenge. I started writing this, long hand, while out hunting with my Dad in Utah. My handwriting is awful, though, so I figured I’d better type it up! N*Joy!

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Hanna cautiously approached the table where Jason and Trey were seated and knelt. “That guy gives me the creeps, my Lords,” she said softly. Trey looked sourly at her. It was a breach of proper conduct for a woman to speak like this without invitation of her Lords, and this grated upon his nerves. Trey looked at Jason, who returned his gaze with a confused look. Trey found equally annoying this woman’s persistence in saying things using idioms he did not understand. Jason shrugged, and Trey turned back to Hanna, scowling. “What?” he snapped.

“I don’t trust that guy,” said Hanna, gesturing over her shoulder in the direction that the man that Jason and Trey had been talking to had gone. “He was grinning like a fool – like he’d just gotten away with something,” she continued.

“Ah,” said Trey.

“Aye, he did seem rather insincere to me as well, my Lord,” said Jason. “He was distracted.”

“Well, the look I just saw on his face made me want to bolt from this place,” added Hanna.

Trey cast her a stern glare, and Hanna bowed her head and looked away. This was not the first time she’d spoken without proper permission. Trey sighed and looked back to Jason. “Aye. I felt that too. I trust not a man who will not look me in the eye.”

Trey turned back to Hanna, who still knelt beside the table, eyes downcast. He frowned. After a moment’s pause, he addressed her. “Woman, collect our horses and bring them around front.” He reached into his purse and pulled out a coin, which he held out to her. “Give this to the stable keeper in payment.” She took the coin and regarded it carefully, flipping it over in her hand.

Trey leaned into her face. “Give that to the stable keeper and tell him we’ll take our horses now. Tell him nothing more.” He closed her hand around the coin. Their eyes met, faces only a few inches apart. He gaze softened slightly from its usual glare, filled with encouragement. “Now go,” he commanded softly.

She stared raptly back into his eyes, frozen by his gaze. Finally, she spoke again. “Yes, my Lord,” she said as she pulled away from him, rising to her feet. Trey’s eyes followed her as she turned and quickly left the room. He continued to stare after her, even after she was long out of sight.

Trey turned to Jason, leaning back heavily into his chair, thinking about the bad feeling they’d all gotten from the behavior of Tarin, the man they’d met this day. “Oh!” he spoke suddenly as he remembered something important. He dug into his coin purse again and drew out another coin. “Put this at her table, Jason, lest the keep think she dodged payment.” Trey handed the coin to Jason, who rose and place in on the table where she had sat. Trey had not permitted her to join them in the discussion with Tarin, but had allowed her to enjoy a pint of ale and a bit of food while she waited.

Trey had met with Tarin to discuss game meat for the upcoming Solstice Festival that would be held at Herongarde castle. Tarin claimed he would provide sufficient meat to support the entire festival, and could do so with only three weeks notice. Herongarde had had dealings with Tarin before for such events, but Trey himself had never met the man. Tarin’s strange behavior did not sit will with Trey.

Trey sipped on his tankard of ale, pondering an appropriate course of action, and waiting for the woman to bring up the horses. Jason finally nodded toward the window behind Trey. “She has the horses, my Lord,” he said.

Trey lifted his tankard to his mouth for one last drink. “Let’s go, then,” he said, wiping his mouth on his sleeve.

As Trey and Jason left the tavern together, Tarin shouted at them from across the road. Tarin stood between two buildings – shacks really – and was enthusiastically waving at them. “Aye! Come have an ale with my brothers and me!” he called. Tarin eagerly motioned them to come closer. “Aye! Come join us!” Tarin yelled again. The scene struck Trey as peculiar. Why would Tarin be inviting them to drinks between buildings?

“Aye, thank you good sir,” called back Trey, “Alas, we must return to Herongarde with haste!” Trey waved at Tarin and strode to where Hanna held their horses.

“Aye, my Lords,” returned Tarin in a less friendly tone. “I insist!”

Trey did not turn. He took up Garnog’s reins from Hanna. “Mount up now,” he ordered. Jason was already astride his horse. Trey held Hanna’s horse as she pulled herself into the saddle. As soon as she was seated, Trey leapt onto Garnog.

Garnog, sensing Trey’s tension, immediately broke into a trot. Jason and Hanna spurred their mounts quickly to keep up. As Trey drew alongside where Tarin stood, he gave a wave. “Thank you, sir,” shouted Trey.

Tarin looked bitterly angry. “Aye,” he grumbled.

Trey noticed that in the gap between the buildings where Tarin stood were two horses, mounted by unknown riders. He knew an ambush when he saw one. “Aye! Run!” he called back to Jason and Hanna. As the party from Herongarde began to gallop out of the small village, the two horsemen took up a rapid pursuit.

They raced along the forested road, the pursuers close behind. Trey was confident in the speed and endurance of his and Jason’s horses, but was concerned about the mount of Hanna. The mare was old and slow, and the woman was a novice rider. He feared what might happen if the pursuers caught up with her. This was no time to hold back and check on her, alas. The pursuers clearly meant to attack he himself, and thus his escape was most vital. He prayed silently that the riders would simply ignore the woman as irrelevant.

The forest closed in around Trey and Jason. Escape off the side of the road was not possible. Trey rounded a sharp corner to find his path blocked by several freshly fallen trees. A trap. Trey wheeled Garnog about as Jason rounded the corner and slowed his own horse. “Damn!” he yelled. Jason turned his horse about as both men drew their swords. Battle was unavoidable.

Hoof beats closed in. One of the enemy riders raced alongside Hanna as they rounded the corner to the blocked road. The pursuer paid the woman no mind; his intention was to kill Trey. Hanna pulled up her horse when she recognized the trap, and was passed by the second pursuer.

The lead rider drew his sword and charged at Trey, but was blocked by Jason. Their swords clashed. The second rider raced past Jason and his attacker to charge directly at Trey. Swords clashed again. The only sounds in the forest were those of swords crashing, hooves stomping, and the grunts of the men’s exertion.

Hanna glanced about desperately, trying to discover what she might do. She, like Jason, was sworn to protect Trey, but she had no weapon and no armor. She feared that the man Tarin may come along soon and that she may be called into action. She needed some manner of weapon, or to assist Trey or Jason to defeat their own opponents so that they themselves could defend against a potential third enemy. She chose to attempt the latter.

Hanna walked her horse carefully toward the melee of swords and sweat, looking for an opportunity to do something helpful. The fight between Jason and his opponent blocked her access to Trey. She guided her horse toward the edge of the road, hoping to dodge the fighting pair. As she drew even with the fight, the enemy rider has his back to the woman, and she tried to slip past on his right.  Jason took a swing and the enemy backed his horse into her own. The enemy returned with a glancing blow that knocked Jason off balance.

The enemy drew his arm back to deliver a finishing blow, unaware that Hanna was directly beside him. His sword-bearing fist flew back directly into Hanna’s face, crushing her nose. Instinctively, she reached up and grabbed at his arm. In his surprise at finding his arm restrained, his grip loosened, and she swept the sword from his fingers and held it in her own grip. The rider turned to her in astonishment, reaching for his second sword for further defense.

By then it was too late for him.

Hanna righted the sword and thrust it deeply into the rider’s mid-section, fearing for her own life. At that same moment, Jason connected a blow from the opposite side that nearly took off the man’s left arm.

The man stared in shock at the horrified face of Hanna as he accepted his own death. He fell off his horse awkwardly, slipping off the sword still held by Hanna, and lay dead on the ground. Hanna stared at his crumpled body. Silence buzzed in her head.

Trey had by then knocked his own opponent to the ground and had directed Garnog to finish his enemy with a well-placed hoof to the head. He glanced up to see the last moments of the fight of Jason, Hanna, and the unknown rider.

Hanna gazed at the bloodied sword in her hand. She shuddered. Blood dripped onto her hands, and she realized that this was not the blood of the man she had killed, but her own blood. She touched her face with her empty hand and found it painful and slick with blood. She grimaced and rolled her eyes back from the pain and shock of what she had just experienced. Her eyes fell again upon the sword in her hand. She felt the urge to cast it aside in horror, but instead froze when she heard Trey ride up.

“Don’t,” he cooed quietly. “Keep that sword. You may need it.” She slowly looked at him, feeling tears welling in her eyes. He winced. Her nose was clearly broken. Hopefully, that was all. “You’ll be all right,” he said softly. Her pain was obvious, and he did not want to upset her. He needed her strong.

Jason removed the saddlebags from the horses of their enemies, and flung them over the shoulders of his own horse. Trey nodded approval to Jason then looked back to the road. He knew they’d have to backtrack some to escape from these thick woods. He was concerned about additional riders or hidden assailants, and prayed that it was only these two men – now dead – that were sent to attack.

He turned back to Hanna, who was looking dazedly at the dead man lying on the ground in front of her horse. “Woman,” he said. She did not respond. “Woman,” he repeated, a little louder. She still did not react. He guided Garnog a little closer to her. “Hanna,” he said softly. She looked up blankly. “We must ride on or we will surely die.” She nodded and looked back to the dead man. Trey saw that she was shaking. “Can you ride, aye? Shall we lead your mare?”

She looked back to Trey, trying to clear the fog from her head. All her senses felt dull. “I-. I-,” she stuttered. “Yes. Yes, I can ride,” she said softly. “I think,” she added at a whisper that Trey did not hear. Trey looked at Jason and saw that the younger man shared his concerns. He returned his attention to Hanna.

“Good,” encouraged Trey. “We’ll ride a little slower and get off this road. Just follow.”

She nodded glumly at him.

“And don’t drop that sword,” he added.

“Aye,” she whispered, and they set off.

Trey and Jason exchanged a glance, to which Jason nodded his silent agreement. Trey lead on as they trotted first backtracking along the road, then cutting through the forest to avoid contact with other riders. Hanna followed Trey and Jason rode behind, watching the woman carefully. The blow to her face was severe, and both men shared concern that she may at any moment drop from her horse.  Her pace slowed as they moved through the forest, which Jason attributed not only to the woman’s injury, but also to an exhausted horse. The old mare was lathered in her efforts to keep up with Garnog.

They had trekked more than a mile through the woods when they approached a small but steep ravine with a tiny stream. Trey paused at the rim and searched for a path for a safe crossing as Jason rode up beside hm. Trey looked at the younger man expectantly.

“Rest, my Lord. Rest would be a good idea now,” said Jason, nodding in the direction of the woman and the mare.

“How fares she?” asked Trey.

“I fear neither woman nor mare has much left in them this day,” replied Jason.

Trey looked toward the woman. Her horse, usually a soft bay, was covered with patches of white lather. The woman was equally soaked with sweat, and blood. One side of her face was puffed with swelling, with only one eye fully open. Her cheeks were streaked with tears. She looked barely conscious. She still held the sword in her grasp, with such a tight grip that her knuckles were white from the effort.

“Aye, Jason,” he agreed. “We’ll find shelter on the other side of this.” He indicated the ravine in front of them.

Trey guided Garnog to stand beside Hanna. “We’ll rest soon,” he said to her.

She nodded without looking up. “Aye, my Lord,” she whispered.

“We’ll cross this and find a defensible shelter.” He leaned toward her, trying to catch her attention. “Hmm?” He leaned closer.

She shut her eyes and hung her head. “Aye, rest,” she whispered.

Trey reached out and touched her shoulder. She jumped at his touch, but still did not look up. He frowned. “You’ll be fine with rest, aye. It has been a difficult day, I know.”

Hanna looked up at him. Trey saw the distortion of her nose through the swelling of her face. Yes, her nose was clearly broken, a most painful injury. Furrows from her tears striped her cheeks. His frown deepened.

“Aye, hand me that sword,” he said gently. She looked at her hand, seemingly surprised to see that the sword was still there. She handed it over to him. “A fine instrument this is,” he said as he examined it. “That man was no peasant fighter, but a skilled warrior. I am impressed.” He looked back to her to see her look away quickly. Clearly, his words offered no comfort to her.

“Aye, woman,” he cooed. “Later you will feel better of this. We’ll rest soon.” She nodded weakly and Trey slid the sword into a scabbard attached to his saddle.

Jason rode up. “There’s easy passage up there,” he said indicating further upstream.

“On then,” said Trey, and Jason began to move toward the path he had found. Trey paused, waiting for Hanna to look up again. She finally raised her eyes to meet Trey’s soft gaze. It startled her. “Follow Jason,” he directed her softly.

“Aye,” she agreed, and turned her horse toward Jason.

They rode on for another half mile or so, until Trey selected what he felt was an adequate place to camp for the night. He leapt from Garnog and approached Hanna as she clumsily attempted to dismount her horse. Her foot caught in the stirrup as she tried to step down. She fell backward into the waiting arms of Trey. She was shocked by how his touch comforted her, and quickly regained her footing.

“Thanks,” she whispered, feeling her cheeks burn. She dared not look him in the face.

“Um-hmm,” responded Trey, feeling equally awkward.Trey glanced around quickly and spotted a clear, flat spot under a tree. “Here, woman,” he said, and guided her to sit on the soft loam covering the tree’s roots.

Trey leaned close to her face, studying her bruised nose. “Ooh, aye. That’s broken,” he muttered.

Hanna looked at him through puffy eyes. “Bad?” she asked.

Trey noted the concern on her face. She was already in pain, and he didn’t want to make it worse. But he didn’t want to see this woman’s face permanently disfigured, especially when he was fairly sure he could straighten things out. This he had done before many times on the battle field for other men. A woman should be no different. Right? he thought.

“Oh, no,” he smiled. “Not too bad at all.” He ran his fingers over the bridge of her nose. “No, no problem,” he smiled again. Then he squeezed his fingers around her nose to reshape it.

A cry escaped from Hanna’s mouth, which was promptly covered by Trey’s massive hand. She silenced her voice quickly, but was wracked with sobs, as blood once again poured out of her nose. Trey frowned. “I’m sorry, woman. That had to be done,” he apologized. She nodded through her tears, her hands over her face. But the tears weren’t because of the physical pain. The tears came with the crystal clear memory of what had happened earlier that day. She could not erase the image of the face of the dying man, who stared at her as he died, knowing that she had killed him.

Trey sat beside her, not knowing what to do. He looked to Jason, who returned the same look of confusion. Trey felt helpless – he did not want her to suffer alone, but he could not think of how to offer comfort. He felt an ache in his chest. When had he felt that before? He hesitantly placed an arm around her and pulled her close. She pressed into him, grateful for the human contact. His arms closed around her, and he relaxed. This seemed to be helping her, and he didn’t mind so much. He supposed there was some time for this. He was glad to see Jason cooling out the horses and arranging the campsite for the three of them.

Jason walked over to Trey and Hanna after the horses were cared for and provisions for dinner were laid out. Hanna was silent by then, but still awake. Trey still held her, but now that she had stopped weeping, he had his mind on other things. Jason laid the saddlebags of the attacker on the ground in front of Trey.

“Shall I bring your blankets and bedding, my Lord?” asked Jason.

“Aye,” said Trey. “Bring her’s as well, will you?”

Hanna lurched, trying to pull away from Trey. “I can get my own-,” she started. Trey held her tightly.

“Rest, rest,” said Trey to her, and nodded to Jason to continue as commanded.

Hanna tried to pull away again. “But my Lord, I can -.”

“I’m quite sure you can, but rest,” he soothed. “Here. Let us see what our enemy carries, aye?”

She looked at him, feeling a fleeting sense of panic.

“Hmm?” he inquired.

“Aye, my Lord,” she agreed, meekly.

“Good,” smiled Trey, releasing her from his arms. He pulled the bags toward them, and began to withdraw items. Enclosed were the typical pieces that a traveling warrior might carry: a water bladder, a sharpening stone, a small knife. Flint and tinder. A blanket. A hood. An awl and leather laces for repairs. And a letter.

Trey looked closely at the letter. The broken seal was clearly that of Falgarth. He unrolled it to expose two pieces of parchment. One was a map with many points marked and labeled, with arrows showing movements between points of interest; the other was mostly text, with the stamp of Falgarth beside the signature. These seemed to be orders.

Trey handed the letter to Hanna as Jason returned with their bedding. “Read this to me,” Trey ordered.

Hanna regarded the letter. The script common to Herongarde and Falgarth always troubled her. With her eyes swelling, she found it even more difficult to read than usual. She rotated the paper, thinking she held it upside down, then rotated it back when her eyes finally made sense of the lettering. She rubbed her eyes and brought the letter closer to her face.

“Captain,” she began. “Herongarde falls at mid-summer -. ” She massaged her eyes again. “…mid-summer fest,” she continued. “We gain entrance with Tarin of Maldok dead. Gather men of Karon at Sere and enter as Maldok. Attack from within at dawn.

She squinted closely at the paper in the failing light of evening. “I can’t make out the signature.” She looked up at Trey.

“Read it again,” he commanded.

Hanna looked at Jason, and noticed he looked very pale. She read the letter aloud again. “The signature is something like ‘Norad’ or ‘Normal.’ I think it’s an ‘N’ anyway.”

“Northal!” exclaimed Trey and Jason simultaneously.

“Damn,” breathed Trey. He turned to Jason. “No hope to return tonight, aye?”

“Nay, my Lord,” he replied. “At least not together. The horses are tired and her injury…”

“Aye,” agreed Trey. “She must rest and her mare is spent.”

“Aye, and I dare not travel alone or have you travel alone this night, my Lord.”

“And night is upon us,” sighed Trey. “Nay, we rest here this night and ride at first light.” He turned his gaze to Hanna.

She bowed her head. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Huh? Feel not guilt, woman,” Trey responded, confused by her reaction. “We will be fine. Tonight or tomorrow, it makes little difference.” He took the letter from her and returned it to their fallen enemy’s bag.

“Jason,” said Trey as he rose, “We must secure this site. Gather the horses close. We will take turns to watch tonight.”

Trey turned to Hanna, still sitting on the ground. “you will rest, ” he commanded. “Fashion yourself a bed over there.” He pointed to a flat, sheltered place tucked into a cluster of trees. “Take these over there as well,” he said, indicating the bags and blankets on the ground in front of her. “I will walk the perimeter.” They each moved off to their tasks.

Hanna spread out the thinner of her two blankets on the ground where Trey had told her to make her bed for the night. She grunted in pain each time she bent forward, feeling the uncomfortable pressure from her broken nose. She carried on, however, knowing that the work had to be done. She set down her own saddlebag to use as a pillow and laid down miserably under her other blanket. She was cold and everything hurt. There was no comfortable way to lay, and she felt tears welling in her eyes. She was in for a long, long night. Her thoughts drifted again to the face of the man she had killed and a wave of sobbing overwhelmed her. She tried to stifle the tears, but was failing. This made her weep all the more. She tried deep breaths with some success, only to find herself coughing. Oh, how she hated this!

The sound of Trey and Jason speaking nearby caused the sobs and her breath to catch in her throat. She felt a wave of panic. Would Trey be angry at her for all the noise she was making?

“Aye, needs must we make haste at first light.” Trey’s voice.

“Shall one of us ride ahead, my Lord?”

“Nay, Jason. We ride together for safety.”

“Aye.”

Silence. Hanna felt her teeth chatter. She felt awful.

“She is not well, my Lord,” Jason said softly.

“Aye.” A sigh, then a long pause. “And how feel you, Jason?”

“I am weary but well, my Lord.”

Hanna coughed then groaned, as the act caused her face to hurt.

“Maintain first watch, Jason. I have much to think about and may sleep a bit myself.”

“Aye, my Lord,” replied Jason. He moved off.

This scene is not an actual specified scene from the 25 Days of Writing challenge, but I wrote it with the same characters that I’m using there. This was written long hand in my personal notebook/journal whilst I was in Utah accompanying my father on an elk hunt. N*Joy!

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Trey stepped quietly along the forested trail, looking around for sign that his quarry had be through recently. Overnight, he had heard the eerie wail of the bull elk, and he was determined to fell one this morning for the Spring Sowing Feast. He stepped cautiously, trying to hide his grimace each time he bore weight on his injured right leg. Only four weeks prior had he been stabbed in the thigh, a wound that became infected and very nearly took his life. They knew that it was only by God’s grace, and the actions and care of that curious woman Hanna, that he still lived and walked. He also knew that he pressed his luck by attempting this strenuous hunt so soon, but it was imperative that he show his resolute strength, lest the people question his leadership.

A clunking noise in the woods to his right caught his attention. He looked back at Karrick, directly behind him on the trail, and further back at Hanna who brought up the rear. Both Karrick and Hanna had stopped and were staring intently into the woods. More clunks and now crashing emanated from the woods. Large hooved animals were moving through the trees below the hunting party. Trey glanced at his followers again and his eyes met those of Hanna. She looked away swiftly, turning her attention once again to the sounds below.

Karrick moved closer to Trey. “Winded us,” he said glumly.

Trey sighed. “Keep going?” he asked. Karrick was the most respected hunter and tracker in Herongarde. Karrick had served King Anthony of Herongarde for nearly twenty years, not as Mark-bearer, but as keeper of the gates and portcullis of Herongarde. Kerrick was also the King’s first hunter – a personal guide to the King when called upon, and also charged with felling appropriate prey whenever ceremonies and festivals called for it. Trey would always follow Karrick’s instruction when it came to catching his quarry.

This trip was like most other hunting trips. Trey had often accompanied Karrick on trips, even a child, learning from Karrick’s example as he stalked his prey. Karrick would give Trey the first opportunity to kill the beast, but if Trey were unsuccessful, Karrick would take aim and finish the beast nearly every time. Karrick was an excellent teacher.

Karrick nodded at Trey’s disappointment. “We’ll continue on, my Lord,” said Karrick. “I believe a bull to be proud of will be found further on.”

“Aye,” muttered Trey. He looked again beyond Karrick at Hanna. She stood, still scanning the forest and listening. “On then,” said Trey louder, so Hanna could hear. Their eyes met again and she nodded.

“Aye, my Lord,” she agreed softly.

Trey looked to Karrick and nodded. Karrick looked back at Hanna, and she nodded. Karrick turned back to Trey and said, “Lead on, my Lord.” The quiet march through the forest began again.

It was unusual for a woman to accompany any hunting party, except perhaps at a hunting camp. Karrick had been annoyed and concerned when Trey told him this woman would be coming along. Trey had explained that Hanna’s presence was necessary, for she was responsible for the continued care of his leg injury. Every morning and every night, Trey’s thigh and knee were bandaged and wrapped, to promote healing of the wound and to prevent further injury.

Trey knew full well that he would not be able to walk at all, were it not the the skillful and supportive care of his leg by the woman Hanna. Her care had made it possible for him to appear to recover quickly, to prevent doubt of his ability to lead his people during this time of war. The people of Herongarde, indeed all of the Mark-bearers as well, knew of his wound, but very few knew of the extent of the injury. At any other time, he might have lain abed for weeks. As it was, he was up and walking after only five days. It was imperative that he not seem so severely injured. The ruse was working.

Trey also knew that the woman came along as part of her other assigned duties – duties known only to himself, Hanna, the King and Queen, and Lord Gilbert. She was charged with the defense of Trey’s life, with her own life if necessary, should the need arise. Such a task was usually assigned to another Mark-bearer, but none could be spared at this time of war. Trey was confident that she could do this duty, and felt safe in her care, but no others could know of this duty unless it could not be avoided.

Karrick did not know, and had no need to know. Trey simply assured Karrick that Hanna’s presence was necessary, and that the woman could carry her own weight and would not be a hindrance to the hunt. Thus far, his assurance had been borne out. The woman was having no problem carrying a pack laden with her own necessities and the supplies needed to care for Trey. Hanna was also proving herself to be useful on the hunt, by noticing the sounds and other signs of their quarry, that sometimes Karrick or Trey missed. Karrick seemed impressed by this, and Trey was grateful that Hanna was not holding them up.

They continued on in silence, walking perhaps another mile. Trey heard Karrick stop behind him, and looked back. From the intent lo0ks upon their faces, it was clear to Trey that both Karrick and Hanna had heard something that he had missed. Hanna pointed in a direction slightly to the left of their direction of travel, and looked at Karrick. Karrick nodded agreement. Trey looked off in the direction she was pointing, and finally heard the distant, eerie call of the elk.

Karrick stepped up beside Trey. “Your woman has good ears,” he said to Trey softly. Trey looked at Karrick, with a slight smile. “That sounds like a fine bull, if we can circle it before it winds us,” Karrick continued.

Trey’s smile broadened. “Aye, Karrick. I shall let you lead, then,” said Trey.

“Aye, my Lord. We’ll get the beast,” said Karrick as he moved past Trey.

Trey looked back at Hanna, who was still listening intently toward the source of the sound. The cry came again, and she pointed with a smile on her face. He eyes met Trey’s and he felt a smile crossing his own lips. “Come on then, woman,” he said cheerily, though quietly. He motioned her to follow and they carried on through the forest.