The Lady in Waiting (Lady Bloody Ava & Greeneyed23)

[Greeneyed23]

After the fall of Jerusalem in 1187 against Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, King of all Britain, lead the Third Crusade to take the city back from the Muslims along with a number of other monarchs of Europe, under the guide of Pope Clemet III. The religious fervor of the moment was so great that more than a hundred thousand men marched from their homes to return Jerusalem to Christendom.

The monarchs of course had to have much pomp and ceremony and continuously had to take their time to make speeches gather more forces or even to ensure their retinue was alongside their journey. This resulted in the fact that Richard himself did not reach the Holy Land itself for more than a year. Others of his subjects were less willing to wait. one such ruler was Sir Titus of Wellington, one of the king's most powerful nobles. A man with seven sons and ten daughters and named lord of the northern city of York, where his family resided, He was also crippled in the second Crusade so while he could rule and perform his duties, especially that of his husbandly duties, he was unable to fight or journey far. Thus it was that he had sent his oldest son, Rallon, the only one of his children of age during the defense of Jerusalem, to the Holy Land to help fight against Saladin in 1184.

Rallon had fought bravely and had even gained himself status and position in the Holy Land by his honor, nobility, but also his protection of the commoners. He had stood with Balian at the defense of Jerusalem and had survived but after being set free by Saladin he had returned to his holdings to the south of the city to oversee the transfer of his holdings to a member of Saladin's court. The Muslim lord was very kind and even allowed Rallon to gather his belongings and gave his solemn word that Rallon's people would not be harmed. Rallon had then set out to make his way home.

Unfortunately he had been captured by the forces that supported the right of Sibylla, the rightful queen of Jerusalem, and her husband Guy of Lusignan, and was forced, under threat to many of his people who had been tricked into guarding the queen in her flight from the city after it's fall and were now her prisoners and forced mercenaries. After her death during the siege of acre and the freeing of Rallon and his fellows by Richard Rallon joined the great king in battle, to once again prove himself.

The year is 1191. Rallon is still trapped in battle in the Holy land trying to protect his king, his people and his life so as to return home. there has been no word to, for or about him back home since his father sent him away and the city or York and the land around it has changed so significantly he will likely not recognize it.

Rallon's five oldest brothers had gone soft and spoiled under the rule of the usurper John. His father had grown weak and senile with the illness of the Lady of Wellington and while his daughters and youngest son try to handle the rule of York and the are for their parents, but they do not have their father's strength or respect and are unable to cope with the other nobles in the city. Least of all the wealthy Locks and the just as wealthy Degans who are currently locked in a financial battle for the town's market and also a covert battle of blood and intrigue to gain political power and subvert Rallon's family to take the ruling position of the city. Prince John does not support either family. Instead he has lent his power and wealth to the family of Rallon's betrothed.

Her family has used this influence to seize any and all power available and are proving just as ruthless as the Locks and Degans in their battles. The blood is falling thick and the political infighting is making everyone dangerous and untrustworthy. The most sought after prize is Rallon's betrothed herself however. she controls a massive amount of land, wealth and power all in herself as she controls her families true power and the immense wealth land and power bestowed upon Rallon by his grandparents. Before leaving for the Holy Land he had granted her all rights to these domains as his father could not have them his brothers were unworthy and his sisters were too young. Now after seven years things are quickly becoming untenable. Rallon's five eldest brothers were all trying to romance her and gain her position, as were the males of the locks and Degans, event he elder lords one already having offered to divorce his wife for her.

The situation is dangerous and difficult for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that she has only a few more months before Rallon will be declared dead and she will lose his gifts. On the day we first meet her, April 7 1191, the city is rocked by the news that Lord and lady Granger have both been found murdered. Their youngest son, James, the only male in the family who had seemed honest has already been hanged by his brothers for the crime. But the worst is still coming.

"HELP!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!" All ten of them are at the door of their eldest brother's betrothed. They are in tears, in the nude and covered in marks telling of harsh beatings, poor treatment and quite likely that of rape. Only their brothers have been allowed near them. James and their parents are dead and only they remain to represent their family.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Rose was born the only daughter of her wealthy parents, Victoria and Charles Benedict. Wealth was what the Benedicts were renowned for. Securing a future for their daughter was as important as the riches they owned. Only one man would hold their daughter's hand and great care went into the decision as to who she would wed. A man with title and tales beneath his belt. Her dowry was nothing to scoff at. The girl was nothing shy of perfect when it came to etiquette and protocols. Rarely having stepped a toe out of line. All things were not perfect in these times. Her betrothed was off, fighting for their king and the dear woman left with a great deal of responsibility. She could not be weak and spineless in these times. Good looks did not mean open doors. No. A bit of a financial battle was waged and Rose would not go down without a fight. She was, after all, a Benedict.

Even as time went on and word of her soon to be husband grew more and more faint by the day, yes, her heart slowly sank, but she could not let her guard down. Silently she disliked the family that she would be wed to. Mainly... the men. The deaths of her betroth's parents and youngest brother only made her all the more suspicious. The golden haired woman of nobility had even more reason when in the dead of night she was startled out of her bed chambers with screaming outside of her estate doors. The sight that befell those emerald eyes was appalling, to say the least. To see the fair skinned woman gasp was no surprise. The familiar faces of women reduced to their knees, pleading for help. Naked. Bleeding. Crying to the point where some were hysterical.

Two of the servants walking past the threshold of the door with lanterns to see if anyone awaited. All on their guard. "Get them in! Quickly!!" The Lady demanded making sure that the doors were closed and secured. "Get them tended to now. Clothes... medicine..." She walked over to the youngest. The young woman having gotten to know the girls fairly well. Rose was almost too frightened to touch them for fear of hurting them. "Thea... Thea!!" The petite girl looking as though she may black out. A blackened eye that many sported. Bruising upon soft skin. Blood staining their bare flesh. Rose looked as Alice tried to speak. The four youngest daughter out of ten. Shivering... out of fright. Speaking of her brothers. Asking... screaming "how could they do this?!". Before Rose could even ask the word spilled from young Eleanor's lips. Brother.

To even be touched seemed to get their skin crawling. The wounds fresh and the bruising darkening even more. "M' Lady... what shall we..." Rose's eyes began to water and she felt her heart pounding in her throat. Her mind questioning if this truly happened. Pondering and calculating how she could even remotely give those men the punishment they so rightfully deserved. Which, in her unspoken opinion was death. "Get them taken care of. Keep them together. Poor Thea had already cried herself to sleep. The extent of the injuries making Rose's skin crawl. "Food, water, and clothes. Anything you can find. They stay here for the night. Should anyone else arrive you let me know first and foremost before anyone passes that threshold." Worst part of this all was that she could not simply do as she wished. It was ground into her that she had a job to upkeep and a reputation to hold.

Rose could not sleep. Up she stayed until each of the girls, by some miracle managed to fall asleep. Insanity. Illness. It came to the forefront of her mind. Would their brothers claim that the girls harbored the same illness as their parents, if that were even true? Eventually Lady Benedict fell asleep in an arm chair. A servant kind enough to drape the woman in a blanket. Only to be awoken at her usual early time with great hesitance. Insisting that it was for the better and that enough food be made for the girls as she cleaned up and got dressed. A light blue flowing gracing her torso with a heart shaped bust and flowing from the hips. A gold locket nestled in the valley of her bust. She had a feeling that they would come to her. How could they not? It was only a matter of time. Until then, the girls were given clothes and their wounds tended to. Should their brothers arrive they were tucked away in the parlor in the back of the estate, away from prying eyes. Slender, nervous fingers toyed with the prized possession nestled so close to her heart as she sat in the foyer tending to papers there as opposed to her studies.

 

[Greeneyed23]

William, John, Erik, Micheal II, and Gregory Granger were much more sly than that. The five brothers had come six years after Rallon during which their mother had suffered two miscarriages between Rallon and William then had the four after him before having six of her daughters, then the youngest boy James and her last four daughters the youngest of which was currently twelve.

William had dragged the other four off his sisters once all ten were unconscious then forcing them to dress had lead them to the main hall of York where the other nobles were still in an uproar over the death of their lord. William had always been sly, always cunnign, but now he was eloquent. More so than ever.

"My lords! My lords!!" He held up his hands waiting for them grow silent which they did quickly.

"Last night, while my brothers and I were traveling here with the latest shipment of funds from our dear Prince John," John, Erik, and their grandfather's namesake Micheal II, presented ten large chests of gold, meant to be the girls' dowries, and the gold drew every eye as the three began to share it out to each noble equally gaining their silence and their 'belief' in his tale as he went on. 'When we found our home in flames,'' The castle was indeed burnt to ash. "Our brother James hung from the family tree along with our mother and father. Our sisters brutally beaten and raped. Our family heirlooms stolen. We have been thoroughly wronged my lords. But we do not come here making accusations. The guilty shall be found. Our brother Gregory I already making arrangements. We have come to plead for justice. For wise minds. For the right man to take our father's place. We cannot hope to replace him ourselves. Such is not within us. I prose you my lords take the lordship amongst yourself. Rule the city as a council of equals. Please my lords. Do this, as our Prince John wishes.... do this and we shall give our support and aid."

Before the lords could answer the doors to the hall swept open and Gregory, a monstrous man stalked in dragging ten badly beaten prisoners along behind him their chains clinking. Gregory nodded to his brother who turned. "And let this be the first judgement of this council my lords. these men were found with the stolen heirlooms of our family in their possession. They have already confessed to the murder of our parents and brother and the assaults upon our sisters. We beg the right to take our revenge upon them. But we leave it to the wisdom of our betters. What say you my lords?"

The nobles deliberated for but a few moments then Rose's father, who had the strongest claim to the lordship already, stood. "I believe i speak with my brother nobles when I say that you are more than welcome to destroy them utterly Lord Granger. We offer you and your brothers a place here upon this council. To give us the joined wisdom you learned from your beloved father and beautiful mother."

William and his brothers nodded then turned and within moments had killed all ten of the 'guilty' men. Then they did indeed take their place cementing their innocence their new power and putting themselves beyond the reach f even Rose and her power and wealth.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

A disgusting feeling ate away at the pit of the Lady's stomach. She only saw things getting worse from here. To bring the news of the five Granger boys raping and beating their own sisters to light would do more harm for the girls than good. And incestuous relationship? Or they could pawn it off as delusions from being raped in the first place. Rise loved her father but the girl could already feel the harsh sting of a slap to face from having brought her findings to light. In no way would she lead the girls back to their brothers. She could be beat herself before allowing that to happen. The only child of Charles Benedict, the more powerful of nobles upon the council and the betrothed of Rallon Granger. Little did she know the advantage that the Granger's had gained. Sacrificing their sisters, their own flesh and blood, in the name of power and wealth.

The youngest of the Granger girls came out of no where. Young Thea Granger. Petite with a halo of curls that naturally cascaded about her shoulders. Thankfully one of Rose's old dresses fit her form well. The beautiful dress only making the grim girl's face all the more prominent as she silently walked up to Rose and wrapped her arms around the woman in a hug. No words need be said. The child had not mother or father and the only men remaining in her family were a bunch of monsters. Save for Rallon. Every night Rose prayed that her betrothed would return. Some nights tears would silently spill from closed eyes as she slept. Be they from stress and pressure or missing the comforting company and alliance of her betrothed, she was not entirely sure herself.

"Send word to my father, Lord Benedict, that the Granger girls are with me and safe and sound." The servant wrote down the note and exited to do as told. Lady Rose felt Thea's hug grow tighter, like the dear girl's life depended on it. "Stay your tongue dear. Stay mute, it is for the better. Should Rallon arrive, then speak, but I wish no further harm upon you. I will speak to my father and see things sorted. Until then, you are safe. No harm will come of you here. Now... return to your sisters." The hesitance was foreseen, but the girl was obedient and did as requested of her.

"William Granger... what sick game do you play?" Words whispered aloud to herself. Any moment she expected a Granger at her doorstep. As Lady of the manor her role was often perceived as subservient. However, in her betrothed's absence and by his word, she was the force to be reckoned with, within the halls of this manor and the lands left within her control, it was no surprise that several suitors have already tried to win her heart in Rallon's absence. Despite the chaos, her duties still pressed on.

Harvesting season was fruitful on Rallon's domain and there were no disputes to be settled. The dues were collected with little to no problems and the winter season was forseen as well since there was sufficient meat and preserves already. Spices needed to be purchased and that would all be the start of her day. Not yet wed and already she played the role of a Lady of the Manor. Her morning prayer was particularly lengthy before she ate breakfast. The table understandably quiet before the girls were taken to the library and Rose continued on what duties and tasks that could be done while remaining at the Manor. Inwardly she awaited the arrival of someone... anyone.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Lilah Degan, Jessica Lock, Isabella Wittle, and Gracia Harshmatter were the first to come see Rose Benedict. The four most sought after and wealthy noble woman of marrying age in the entire county..save for Rose herself. they called themselves her friends but they were just as conniving and cruel as the men that sought their hands. Each of them maintained an image of pure grace and ladylike bearing; in reality however thew were vipers in dresses.

Lilah was the eldest, only a few months younger than rose, and was easily the most cunning of the quartet. She hid a wickedly sharp and forked tongue behind her perfect teeth and blood red lips, her father having hired an Italian doctor who specialized in teeth to help her and giving her the brightest and most lustrous smile in the land. Her coal black hair fell to her waist though today it was done up in a heavy pile of braids atop her head. She fancied it resembled a french noblewoman's attire she had seen in London. Actually ti made her head look like the center of a cobweb. Her chilling grey eyes could capture a man's attention with ease but also held death or dishonor for any who crossed her. It was possible she herself had been apart of the death of her grandparents who had left her a sizable inheritance, but no evidence leading to her had ever been found so the entire retinue of slaves and servants had been either sold or executed ensuring their eternal silence and a tidy profit for Lilah. Such was the beautiful Lilah Degan. Cold, haughty, vain, and dangerous as any of her kin.

Jessica Lock was the youngest of the quartet. A full eighteen months younger than Lilah she had grown in the older girls estimation because of her ruthless nature and ability to find victory in any loss. Her golden hair and blue eyes and impressive figure, like Lilah, had earned her much admiration from the men in York, but the women in the city feared her second only to Lilah. When she had been twelve she had been infuriated that her mother had chosen to play with her younger brother Stephen rather than her. So she had gotten one of the house servants, who she had been allowing to view her nude when she bathed, to take the boy out and get him lost int he forest. Stephen managed to find his way home but died of pneumonia a few weeks later. The house servant had shown up dead inside the month and never again was Jessica ignored.

Isabella Wittle was the daughter of a military genius and the second youngest of the group though she was also Lilah Degan's best friend. Possessing a remarkable figure and stunning beauty that had lead to the sting of lovers, men and women both married and single, she had been with since her thirteenth year and in that time she had developed a significant array of information providers. Her network of lovers still gave her so much data she was always the first to know anything of note within a hundred miles and she had used this network to further her families position at court, to push a number of rivals either out of the way at every level of her interest or into her bed and into the pool of information. She was a nyphomaniac but also a sadist and delighted in seeing pain on her lovers faces though they were so befuddled by her beauty that they could not bear to break free of her. She was often heard bragging over this conquest or that and had long had her sights set on Rallon Granger and promised to get him when eh returned, though she was careful never to say such things to Rose.

Gracia Harshmatter seemed to be the dunce of the group. She rarely spoke or laughed and when she did it was usually in single syllable grunts. this was actually because she was usually so drunk she could not see straight. Pampered and spoiled to the point that she literally had three of everything she had ever asked for and so many servants that she did not even wipe the sleep from her own eyes, she was bored. Bored beyond words. only drinking and the little games Lilah and the other two played seemed to interest her. This she took part and relish in and was often a key member of the cruel tricks the quartet would pull. It had been she who had shaved poor Patricia Hasbaun, the German baker's daughter, bald and then sicked two wild boarhounds on the girl. Patricia had survived but her face, once the picture of innocent beaut, was now ruined forever. And when questioned why she had simply stated, "because she was prettier than me."

Such were the only visitors to Rose Benedict on the morning everything changed. Lilah peered down her nose at the doorman. "Well? Aren't you going to announce us and let us in?" he looked at them chagrined but did not answer as he waited for the page who had gone to inform Lady Rose of her visitors. He carefully did not look at the four women a he had seen all four have servants who had dared beaten to death or worse.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Rose sat behind an ornately carved desk in a library. Bookshelves lined the walls. From the floor to the high ceiling. A small stairway leading to the second floor.The fire slowly burning beneath the mantle of her fireplace and a door cracked as she read though parchment papers and got them sorted. Her attention was snagged as a knock sounded upon the door. Silently she was relieved for the distraction since the words upon the documents before her were starting to meld together. "Enter." With that a young servant girl dressed in plain maroon dress with a white apron. "Lady Degan, Lady Lock, Lady Wittle, and Lady Harshmatter are waiting at the front door. As per your order..." A had was waved, acknowledging that she recalled her previous orders.

The high backed chair was slid from beneath the desk. "I will meet them in the Library. Have them seated. I need to stop at the kitchens for a moment, tell them I won't be long." The page bowed her head before turning heel and making her way back down the stairwell and across the vast floor to the tall double doors. Slipping her body through the cracked door and whispering their Lady's orders to the doorman. With a brief nod he stood staunch before opening up the door and escorting the beautiful and renowned women through the lavished abode as he spoke. "Lady Benedict has requested that we make you comfortable in the Library and insists that she will be with you shortly."

Rose made her way back down the hall after speaking to the cook. The order was simple. Five goblets and some of her finest wine. She knew at least one of the girls that would be more than eager to indulge in the fine wine. The door was open for the Lady of the Manor and she curtsied upon walking into one of her favorite rooms within her home. An odd place to take guests, but the girl did not care. She found the Great Hall a little too... great and impersonal for so few guests. The male hand placed the fine polished tray upon the table in the center of the room. "Your company is most welcomed. Either your timing is simply a coincidence or you've heard news as to the tragedy that befell Rallon's family."

Seeing as how there was a series of events going on and the matter with her future sisters was fairly fresh she did not specify as to which incident. Should the girl not know about the ten girls, which she would not be surprised if they did, then she would not bring up the matter. While it was always nice to be in the company of other women of nobility, she was still very cautious in their company. Rose was no where near as conniving as the well dressed vipers that occupied the room with her. As each of the girls were offered a chair, Rose opted for standing at the base of the small stairway. The morning light spilling through the tall window on one wall. A knock sounded on the door.

"Enter." A small face peered around the door. A halo of blonde curls cascading around the apprehensive face. A faint purple contrasting greatly against the fair skin of her cheek. Her head hung low and Rose quickly closed the gap between her and the recovering young girl. "What is wrong Agatha?" The words barely audible, meant only for the girl. "Do we have to go home?" Rose hugged the young girl. She was entering maidenhood. No doubt her brother's would use her youth and beauty to milk the money out of some nobleman probably far older than she. "No... not yet. Relax. Go into the garden. You love the garden. The flowers are in bloom. Especially your favorite." Rose was happy to see a smile feebly tig at the corner of soft pink lips. "Now... off with you." As the young girl walked off Rose made sure to close the door.

The awkward silence that greeted her was not a good sign. The ivory skinned Lady heaved a big sigh and moved her sleek locks away from her face as they cascaded about her shoulders and down her back. "So... care for a drink?" Rose sure could and she did just that. Pouring a modest sum of wine into the gorgeous goblets laid out for them.

 

[Greeneyed23]

While Lilah and her entourage began to fill Rose in on what they heard, a whole nother library of slander, gossip, and intrigue. There were rumors that the girls had killed James and their parents then feigned the rape, or had paid the bandits who had been executed to perform the act. Then there were the rumors that they had poisoned their mother then when she had refused to die in their schedule had had them hung and had done the same to James when he tried to intervene. these were far from the worst of the rumors and Lilah and the others delighted in telling Rose every excruciating detail. That and devouring every bit of food and wine they could get their hands on.

While the fearsome foursome held Rose in their sway, the Granger girls stayed hidden in their rooms and the garden, and the servants helped to keep the four away from the ten, the others in the city were hard at work trying to swallow up every scrap of power that had been commanded by Lord Granger and already things were becoming tense.

The Locks and Degans were already squabbling and bidding for the shops that had belonged to Lord Granger while William and his brothers stayed quiet knowing that they would get a highly inflated price from either of the two warring families as they had already overbid one shop by four times the fair price. The Lord Benedict was busy snagging parcels of land that were to go to the girls, most of them ones he had tried to purchase from Lord Granger for years.

The hidden warfare amongst the nobles was the biggest danger however. The locks had two Degan servants killed in the marketplace, while the Degans replied by having a Degan barn in the countryside burned with the serfs on the land within the barn killing the whole family. There were other incidents and the nobles were all blaming anyone but themselves and currently each other though that was edging back into their words. In was getting so bad that many messages were being sent to Rose. They wanted to offer her a number of things for a number of things. Many wanted her opinion and help with the covert war. others wanted to use their position to gain more leverage against their enemies, while others were trying to use her to garner more power and wealth for themselves. in reality they will all doing the last but some were more direct trying together hand now while the whole situation was still in flux. They were all claiming to guard Rallon's holdings as if they were their own. things were growing tense and very ugly.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Rose stood and listened. Uttering an 'oh my' every now and then. When in all truth, none to f this was news to her. People would think up the worst. Make their own tales and spin them as truths. The Lady had her own thoughts on the matter. Her strong distaste in the Granger brothers probably having an influence, but they seemed logical. The fact that Jessica and Lilah were in the same room was rather surprising to Rose. More so than the rumors that entailed what happened to the girls. After her first goblet of wine, she cut herself off. Nibbling on some cheese. However there was still one surprise. It caused Rose to nearly choke on a piece of cheese. "I beg your pardon, but did you say.... that William Granger and his brother's managed to make their way onto the council?" Her tone of voice was monotone and emotionless. Her face a blank canvas until confirmed.

Rose watched as her 'friends' milked her reaction. "That's wonderful." Her geniality proving more complicated to read if it was false. It was disturbing news to her ears. silently she question whether the heinous and horrific matter with their sisters was used to weasel their way into such a position of power. "Mayhaps they sought justice for their sisters. Poor dearies. The Grangers are certainly a... remarkable family. Overcoming blight after blight." Her eyes gazed into the empty bottom of her goblet before gazing out of the tall window.

Her father was advancing the moment they had garnered their Prince's favor and his only daughter betrothed to the renowned Rallon Granger. "Some think that should my beloved betrothed not return that... I should wed William. What say you?" Speaking to all of the girls. To Rose it was an instant no. Already she could see one of the girls managing to plant the seed in William's ear that she had spoken of him as a possible betrothed. While William somewhat reminded rose of her husband-to-be. With one exception... William managed to send a chill to dance across her skin whenever she heard his voice. He was not as warm as her betrothed. Her mind drifted off for a moment or two before snapping back. The messages piled up the longer Rallon as away. Asking for her hand and even invites to parties and various other lands were kindly turned down.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Moments after rose learned of William's ascension a messenger was lead into the library. "Milady I come from his Lordship prince john." he held out a letter which was already open.

"My lady Rose Benedict,
We have been informed of the tragic loss of Lord Granger and your kindness in taking in his daughters. We ask you keep them safe and we offer you additions to your present lands for your charity. We do regret we must remind you that Master Rallon Granger has still not been heard from in any way for nearly seven years. If you do not present irrefutable evidence of his continued existence before the end of three months, or July 7 in this year of our Lord 1191 then we shall have to take ownership of his lands and powers.

Until then we remain most affectionately yours,
Prince John Lord Regent of the Most Royal lands of Britannia and her colonies."


While Prince John was posturing and threatening to take the lands he had entrusted to his beloved Rose, Rallon was in a pitched battle to prevent the breaking of the siege of Acre. Soon Richard himself would be arriving but for now Rallon and his fellows did not have the numbers or arms to defeat the city alone, but Rallon did have the ability to fend of the siege breakers that tried to come to Acre's aid and his fury proved to make him beyond dangerous.

He commanded a group of a hundred knights, both Christian and Muslim, loyal solely to him, and able to fight both on their feet and on horse, which they were currently doing. They rode hard their warhorses trampling all before while their riders, swords, spears, maces, halberds, and other weapons rose and fell time after time the blood pooling thickly underhoof. The cavalry was in a tight phalanx and despite desperate attempts not a single man was lost. When the reinforcements archers attempted to fell the riders Rallon raised a fist in a black gauntlet then dropped it hundreds of arrows from his own archers slaying the would be siege breakers. Then he and his men began to give aid to the wounded. Rallon refused to let Guy and his jackals near the wounded and once they were prepared sent them back home with the urging not to return. Rallon had met one powerful man who he had taken quite a liking to, though he had been the one to slash the man across the chest, the knight, a Hadim Tuat, had promised to help Rallon if ever he could. Rallon took him up on this and gave him a bundle of letters. "Send these to Rose Benedict in York in Britian. Please my friend. She has had no word of me in nearly seven years."


That very day Hadim gave the letters to a trusted servant. "You are to place these in the hands of Lady Rose Benedict. No one else. I charge you this task at the cost of your life should you fail. " the servant Tia Juyer nodded her head, her almond shaped green eyes bright and deeply tanned skin and remarkable beauty making Hadim smile. "Tia you are to stay in Britain and give all possible aid to Lady Rose until Lord Rallon returns and sends you home. If you choose you may stay. But above all you must deliver each of these letters." She nodded. "you have my word and my life as ever Master." she put the letters into an empty waterskin and tied it off hard and tight then hid it under her tunic. "i shall depart immediately." Within twelve hours she was on a ship set for Sicily with promises form the captain, an old friend of Hadim's, that he would find her a breath on a ship to England. Tia watched her homeland fade into the distance with a sad smile but she was also holding back a cry of excitement at the prospect of seeing a new place. She had always wanted to visit Britain and now she would. And with her she was bringing the thing Rose had been waiting for for seven years, and what would prove to be the most dangerous item in all of York. Proof of Rallon's existence for in the latest letter lay his signet ring. His sending this to Rose signified his intent to wed her as soon as he returned and renewed her rights to command his lands and owning.

While all this went on Rallon lay in his tent watching the ceiling of his tent waiting for something to change. He thought of Rose and smiled. "I hope all is well with you my love. i hope my parents aren't driving you too mad." He had never liked most of his brothers but he had never guessed they were so evil nor had he suspected that the nobles would shift so while he was gone. But when he ahd left his parents had both been health, hale, and immensely strong and had commanded great respect. When he had left he had been romancing rose and promised to gain his own title and respect to return for their marriage. He genuinely hoped that life was still as idyllic and happy. He lost himself in fantasies with he and Rose and their children. He smiled letting himself slip away into these worlds not knowing the torment his beloved was undergoing, though she of course did not know his torments either.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Rose was a little surprised when she received a letter from their Prince. Emerald eyes peered down at the elegant writing upon the parchment. She could hear his majesty's choice as she read it. A piercing pain jabbed at her heart as she was painfully reminded of Rallon's absence. Prince John could not have put it in a sweeter way had he tried and she was sure that he did. The Lady was snapped back to reality at the sound of one of the girls asking 'well'? Rose's are were so glued to the letter she wasn't even entirely sure who had even spoke. "His Lordship is most kind. He offers a token in the form of land for having taken in Rallon's sisters." Rose avoided mentioning the deadline set for the evidence of Rallon's return. Seven years... Had it really been that long? "Please accept my apologies Ladies, but I wish to check upon the girls and I have some business to tend to. I am so glad you thought to visit me. We'll have to do it again when things are less... chaotic." A humble smile sat upon her lips, but the sadness was well hidden. Looking to the messenger, "Thank you." A quaint nod before he bowed and excused himself, being seen off by her page.

The ladies were seen out with a faint smile before Rose made her way up to her bed chambers with the letter clutched. Up the grand stairs she ran before walking down a hall and into the double doors room at the end of the hall. A large four pillared bed took center stage of the room. Rose was well at hiding certain emotions. Sadness. Hatred. To show emotions so easily was a weakness that anyone could take advantage of. Or so her mother had told her. So much sadness was pent up. Rose wanted her husband to be. Missed him dearly, but with each passing year her hope that he was still alive and fighting waned. Silently she cried. Back against the door and hot tears streaming down the soft skin of her cheeks. Her breathing a little harder, but she remained mostly silent. The beating of her heart painful and hard.

Inwardly she scolded herself. Questioning why the hell she was crying. How stupid and pointless it was. The woman was a torrent of mixed emotions. She shooked her head trying to collect herself. Walking over to a vanity where she cleaned herself up and fixed her presentation. Wiping tears away and taking deep breath or two. The letter slid into the drawer of her vanity. When all was said and done she walked out of her room. The sound of her heels clicking upon the hard floor before she made her way to the garden for some fresh air where she watched three of the older girls sitting amongst the flowers. Should Rallon never return her family held a wealth all its own that was fine, but the girls... no man wants a 'tainted' woman. Rose wasn't even entirely sure if all of the girls had been violated, but from this day forth it would be difficult for them.

The main reason Rose retreated to her room was to collect herself. With the Granger girls here it was only a matter of times before one or more of their brothers darkened Rose's doorway with their presence. Three months. Three months to gather proof that her betrothed was still somewhere out there. Occasionally she would be hit with fury. Thinking that he was out there, but questioning what reason he had for waiting so long, to comfort her through some word. "Girls..." Clearly her presence had not been noted when she first arrived since all three girls gasped. "My apologies." She said as she gracefully approached the girls. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes... but a few... well, they were not very hungry." Jane spoke. The second oldest. The girl fit well into a light blue dress that Rose once wore when she was much younger. "Try to get your sisters to eat. Your sister Murial has taken ill and she will remain in bed until she get's better." Each girl looked distraught. There was no bouncing back so quickly from such a thing. The same thing nearly happened to Rose. Mind you the man was beheaded and she had a father a mother who would have done almost anything for her. The same could not be said for the Grangers. "When will they come to retrieve us?" A shaken voice asked. Amelia, the oldest with, what Rose thought, was the worst of injuries, spoke this time.

"And take you where, dear? Your home is burned down. I expect they will come to find you, yes, but even his Lordship Prince John knows that you are in my care. I will not make this easy for them."

 

[Greeneyed23]

William actually had other ideas. he was making sure his brothers stayed away from their sisters and he would not be going near Rose for a good while. he was going to let the other nobles pester her about marriage until she was ready to go mad then he was going to present himself as a much more fruitful and less sickening option. He also wanted to have a clearer view of the competition before he began his attempts for the Lady Benedict's hand.

And indeed that was wise as the competition was vast and fierce.

First there were the Grangers themselves

Rallon was a tall man, a full head taller than any other man and built powerfully resembling a tiger with lithe muscles forged in battle his long black hair framing his deeply tanned rugged and handsome face. he had many scars now but they did little to mar his masculine face. his voice was deep, rich, and powerful and he was gentle, polite, understanding, patient and wise. He had morals, and had been raised and educated to treat all with courtesy. His deep blue eyes hid the truth of him well but were often bright and happy, or had been, were often seen at the base of a number of funny jokes and pranks and also the base of a number of kind words and deeds. he had truly been the most loved son of York and even gone he was a deep presence to be overcome.

His brothers all had his basic handsome face and the same blue eyes, though of differing shades, but beyond that the resemblance was nonexistent.

William did resemble Rallon the most of all his brothers except James. James had been the spitting image of the elder brother he had only barely known actually and it had been this more than anything that had lead to his death at the hands of his own brothers, William himself having laid the noose over James' head and neck. William was also a powerfully built man though his muscle was more from the training area rather than use in anger or desperation and had never been put to the test or strain and he had certainly never gone out and helped work on his lands as Rallon had. His ear length hair was a deep chestnut brown his skin was lightly tanned and smooth his face unable to grow even the lightest beard. His eyes were a entrancing baby blue and he had often used them to draw in the local wenches. He was man who calculated at even even his pleasure but he was also a man of passion and danger, as his actions with his parents and the men he had framed had proven. He watched his fellows with a smile an a careful eye for detail.

John was a thin version of his father who had been an old fat version of Rallon though heavier of jaw thicker in the brow and with green eyes. John had all of these though on his skeleton thin frame it made his head seem unnaturally large. His hair was a dirty blonde and hung to his nose though it was tapered in the back giving him a sort of bowl cut though overly long. he was not the thinker his older brothers or father had been though he did enjoy the power he commanded and also enjoyed the pain he could induce with his body and certain tools he had learned of in his younger years. a true sadist he delighted in causing pain to his lovers and inferiors, but was also a true coward hiding behind his brothers constantly. he was seeking rose only to bed her having no interest in her power.

Erik was the beautiful one. He had bred true to his lovely mother. His face was handsome but in the most beautiful way. His full pouting lips and entrancing grey eyes, and his gorgeous fire red hair hung long, nearly to his waist. He was slim and fit and favored clothing as beautiful as himself. He was also a brilliant man having worked with William to develop this plot and he had performed the rape with the least passion as he preferred the challenge of a true romance as he saw his little games with the local wenches. He was also a gifted swordsman in his own right having hired the best teachers and coaches int he land to teach him how to handle his rapier though he had never truly used it nor even drawn it against an actual opponent.

Micheal II was the living reincarnation of his grandfather. Fat to the point of obesity and greedy beyond belief, his bald head and cruel blue grey eyes lit only for profit. he sought only his own gain and had only been forced to aid his brothers because of his terror of Gregory. he now spent his time sitting on the council as their representative eating and drinking all he could get his hands on and conniving to gain more and more wealth. He was a rude and brusque man and had taken no pleasure in raping his sisters though Gregory had hinted that he had found great pleasure in the murders though Micheal had denied this. Either way Micheal was a man to be feared and reviled.

And finally Gregory. First though we must speak of Lord and Lady Granger. They had been good strong parents. they had disciplined and denied their children unneeded desires. Rallon, James, and the ten daughters had been wonderful. Something had simply gone wrong with William, john, Erik, and Micheal. poor Gregory had been a sweet boy but with the loss of his beloved brother Rallon first to the city, then the people, then rose, then finally the Holy land he had been shaped, by his anger, into a beast. He was a tall man, even taller than Rallon, but he appeared to be a squat troll of a man. his every muscle bulged massively and his strength was truly immense. His hair was jet black and coarse his long black beard and heavy body hair making him look even more like a wolf especially with the dead black eyes his face held. When he had been twelve, he had startled Rallon by lifting a cart full of hay entirely off the road and out of the way of oncoming horse. Now his strength was even more impressive. He had broken many in the ring and even more in bar brawls. he sought only to fight and cause pain. Not because he enjoyed seeing them in pain as such things often made him angrier, but simply to share his pain. he was a brutal and aggressive man and it had been he who had beaten his sisters. Their resemblance to his mother had enraged him and it had taken William's sharp words to keep him from killing them and to keep Gregory from crushing his parents corpses to pulp. Even now he was at the local tavern waiting for someone to start something, though of course no one dared with him there. This only served to make him angrier. he cursed Rallon and yet again prayed, he was a deeply religious man, that his oldest brother would be home soon. "I have something for you brother..."

3 Locks and 6 Degans

The six Degans, four brothers and two cousins, were all handsome strong lean men with the Degan black hair deep brown eyes and handsome though untrustworthy faces. Each of them, Yancy, Markus, Illion, Harold, Titus, and Timothy were aiming directly at Rose but were also trying to maintain their families war with the Locks. The war was heating up so badly that they were unable to focus on Rose as much as they would have liked but the problem was if they let themselves get distracted they would end up dead like their servants.

The Locks, Willaim, Roran, and Edward, were of a similar frame of mind. Each of them had their mother's golden hair blue eyes and their father's impressive bodies. They dressed even better than the fashionable Degans and were known for their cunning as well as their abilities in combat.

The two Harts were twin brothers. Blocky, stocky, dumb, dull, and far too wealthy, they had little renown and no place in York, and they hoped, one or both of them could win Rose's affections and gain both.

The Bruins, three sons, Jeru, Farley, Narfatrill, and their widower father Jeod had arrived in town last year and were all eager for Rose to wed them and were all trying to sue their significant wealth to gain her favor. Each looked exactly the same big hulking men with thick heavy facial features and thick curly brown hair and brown cow eyes.

Lord Trast was handsome distinguished trim old man with gorgeous white hair,t he calming voice on the council, had become infatuated with rose, despite his current marriage to his dead wife's youngest sister. He had already offered to divorce her for rose.


The seven lords Kuther, Wittle , Harshmatter, Vernon, Callow, Johns, and Hall and their sons were all on the council and each had their own reasons for wanting Rose. Some wanted her as a mistress, some as a wife, some as both, some simply for the wealth and position she held, and a few even just wanted to hurt Rallon who they hated for a number of petty reasons they would not dare take up with him were he present.

In addition were several local actors, the town blacksmith, two farmers, the captain of the Royal guard, and three bankers, none of whom had noble blood, but had wealth,fame, or use of a sort were all also interested in gaining Rose's favor. All in all more than fifty men were fighting for the lady's hand. And if that were not enough William had learned that Prince John had sent another letter. he knew full well the contents of the first, and the second was little better. this one offered to forgive the lack of Rallon's existence if Rose would wed Prince john and while joining her fortunes to his, also she would bear him and heir to replace Richard upon the throne. William thought it unlikely but it was possible she would accept.


Tia had never thought sailing would be so dull. she was slouched on the main deck watching the endless waves of the Mediterranean with lifeless eyes. She was bored already. Fortunately she also knew the letters were safe and she was fine. There had been one incident of a man trying to have a taste of her. he was dead now and had no tongue or cock. She wondered if anyone else would pester her this trip. she was not in the mood. Still she was on her way to England and this Lady Rose and was now one day closer.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

The day had been rather busy. Busier than she had expected. Spending less time with the girls and getting more messages and even two visits. She had yet to see any of the Granger boys, yet. Rose had the girl's gathered, save for Muriel who was still bedridden, into the chapel where they were left to pray. To comfort one another and be together, away from whomever was knocking upon her door next. Slippered feet walked across the cold floor of the foyer where it was said that Lord Trast awaited her. A kiss was pressed to the back of the Lady's left hand. A charming gentleman. A wed one, at that. Rose asked about the health of his wife. A topic which he did not linger upon too long before he offer up his condolences with the unfortunate events to haven recently befallen the Granger family. It would have been more of a surprise if someone didn't know about it.

He spoke of her father and how dear friends they were. Making it, if possible, even more awkward when he brought up the 'offer' that was brought to her attention before. "I doubt that Lady Beatrice would take kindly to that and as sweet as an offer that it is." She pressed a kiss to his cheek with a sweet smile. The girl was well with words and was rarely blunt. "Now... if you will excuse me, I have to check on the girls." With her arm draped about his she walked him to the doors. "Your company will be most welcomed anytime." Another humble and innocent hiss was pressed to his cheek. The wind blowing through the open door teased at the hem of the dress the flowed from her slender hims and down to her ankles. Emerald eyes void of that spark that was housed within them when she had first met Rallon.

Lord Trast having taken advantage of her moment of mental reprieve to bask in the refreshing smell of the open air that flowed through. His warm hand sliding down her sides and stopping at her waist where she was pulled into an embrace. A gasp ripped forth from her throat as her hands came to rest upon his chest to prevent her from getting any closer. "Lord Trast..."Her voice barely audible.

"My beloved Rose... should you need anything... anything, please do not hesitate upon seeking me." Thankfully a cough broke through the moment. The page asking for his Lady's attention. Rose's heart did a back flip and a smile tugged at the corner of soft pink lips. "A letter has arrived, M'Lady, from Lord Degan." With that she slipped from Trast's grasp. Putting a foot between the two. "Thank you." Her gaze looking back at her guest. "A busy day, as I said. Now, if you will excuse me." With that the door was closed with her on the inside and him on the outside. Such close calls always rattled her nerves.

With letter clutched to her chest she took up occupancy in the nearest chair and noted the wax seal of the Degans. As it was popped off her eyes scanned the written letter and was a written invitations to their manor for a 'small' gathering for the celebration of Yancy's birth. Did they think that Rose was too kind to refuse? To be on Degan territory as such a time as this left an uneasy feeling to rattle within her bones. That would hardly be the end of her busy day. One of the servant girls brought to her the news of the bedchambers being put together for the girls. She wasn't sure how long they would stay, but it was hardly relevant. Rose made her own way to the chapel. The girl's having left and gone their seperate ways within the walls of their temporary home. The wooden alter looked as inviting as ever. Upon her knees she knelt. Elbows upon the smooth surface.

"Please... see him though. I pray for a safe return. I pray for the power not to bring harm upon him when he finally walks through my door." It was the latest request to her daily prayers. She dreamed of backhanding her betrothed before nearly strangling him with a hug. she prayed for the safety of the girls. To tell Lord and Lady Granger that they were always in her thoughts as was their youngest son. The thought had her fighting back the hot tears that threatened to spill down from the corners of her eyes. James. He was as sweet as Rallon. He was probably one of the main anchors for her sanity. Charming and nice. Reassuring and warm. "James." The name but a whisper upon her lips. Unlike Rallon and the possibility of him being dead, this was a fresh and indefinite wound. There was no hope when the person was cold and dead to the eye. A faint knock sounded upon the doors to the small chapel. She scrambled to clear her face before standing. "Come in." She sounded as the door slowly opened.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Outside Rose's house sat three layabouts. Or apparent layabouts,. Each of them were former men at arms for the nobles of the city, including the Grangers. These men had sold their services to their former master's enemies and were now serving their needs as spies of Rose and the Granger girls, though the former Granger man was there at William's behest. The man had been thrown out by Rallon himself and William had sought him out and used the man's hatred for Rallon to gave his interest and trust.

The man, unlike his two fellows, could read and write and took careful notes of each visitor, naming each person of note along with the time they spent inside and describing each servant he could not name carefully and also describing what if anything he could see them carrying and if they merely delivered items to the doormen or pages or were allowed into the manor itself. He grinned when the old horny bugger Trast hugged the comely young wench. He despised Rose Benedict but he had to admit she was a fine looking woman.

Ever since Rallon had broken his nose when the man, Thomas, had tried to trick some gold out of her then failing that had tried to threaten her, Thomas had longed to see both Rallon and Rose broken and dead. William had promised that this would be the case. Thomas was more than pleased and as he let his mouth flap about anything and everything except his mission he took great interest in this latest visitor to the manor. He described them completely but could not see who they were or what they carried. he wondered just what they had to do at the household but no matter. he just had to get this data and get it to William when Rose had retired for the evening. More than that he did not know or care to know.


Far to the south Tia was asleep in the captain's cabin the door firmly locked by him to protect her from his crew and the most zealous passengers. To the east of her Rallon himself was also asleep as it was well past dark where he lay. Tomorrow would be a eventful day for the both of them.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

"You have certainly seen better days, ey Rose?" Rose gasped and stood up from the alter to look upon the figure of a person in a cloak. At first her fragile face bore shock and then a smile slowly grew upon her lips. The stranger removed the hood of his cloak from her head revealing the staunch face of a man with hollow cheek bones, piercing blue eyes, with the facial hair of a man who hadn't seen razor in days. Soft auburn locks, long enough to lose a hand in. Rose wasted no time running up to the man. Something was hidden beneath his cloak. A box revealed by gloved hands. "For you." Rose knew not what to say, nor what to do, but it was only a matter of time before she landed upon a decision. A soft hand came hard cross the skin of his face with a sound that would make anyone flinch.

"I missed you too dear cousin.... ow!! That hurt, you know. No 'I'm so glad you're alive after all these years. Oh I missed you Malachite. My favorite cousin." Rose's hand hurt, or rather stung. The woman far from made a habit of slapping people across the face, but it was a matter of pent up tension.

"I thought you were dead. We all did. I went to your funeral! Where have you been?! You idiotic fool!!" Dispite her harsh words she trapped him in a hug. One so tight she fear even letting him go. Malachite had disappeared before she had even met Rallon. "Well I can not stay long, cousin, for I've been in hiding."

"Hiding?" She gasped before he shushed her into silence, closing the chapel doors.

"Yes, hiding. Let's just say that the Benedicts are not as favored as we may seem. Hence why I come to you now. I would not, were your life not on the line." He stared at the woman before him. Bathed in the flickering light of the candles that lit the small chapel. "My how you have grown." These next words escaped her before he shook off the spell and handed to her, the box. "Keep this with you and I would frown upon leaving your home. It isn't safe for you. I've ears everywhere Rose. Your time dwindles. The tragedy that has befallen the Grangers.... it is only a matter of time before they find away to rob you of your lands and mayhaps even more. Marry Prince John, Rose. It's the safest bet. To wed a Prince, it could be no better. I've hear that your betrothed has been gone for what? Seven years?"

Rose pushed her cousin away from her. "I am happy to see you, but I can fight my own battles. Nor will I seek another until the deadline is upon us. Even then my hand will be forced. You don't think that I know that they men that grace my doorstep see naught but a pretty face and fortune?"

"It's not about love, Rose, but your safety. The safety of our family." When had he gotten so close to her. The soft leather of his glove grazing her flushed cheeks. "Take this." From the box he produced a gold chain with a key upon the end. Draping it over her head and the key hid in the valley of her bosom. "The key to my old estate. It lies within my name therefore it is still mine. Needless to say I haven't inhabited for a few years so I doubt the conditions of it are on par with all of this. But be safe. I must leave now. I can't say when, or if I'll see you again. And... you know not to tell anyone about this meeting." He flashed her a bright white grin. His cocky self.

"Yes... be safe as will I, Malachite. With a quick peck upon the cheek he was off. Out the back of the estate as opposed to the front where he had come to enter. That.... that was something she had far from expected. She had spent her childhood with that man and it was nice to see him, but Rallon. It was nearing sunset and the girls were all gathered to the table. Even Muriel was moving about. Her skin still pale, but the smile that she tried to flash held warmth. "I hope your day had gone well. Muriel... I'm most happy to see you're feeling a bit better." Some of the girls seemed relaxed. She had spent the remainder of the day teaching them lessons of a Lady. One would normally learn from another Lady. When the night was upon them, she saw each girl to bed. Each sharing rooms with another girl. Not wanting them to be alone. It was one of those nights where Rose just could not sleep. Tossing and turning with a million thoughts running rampant in her mind. Eventually she fell asleep. The sunlight peering through the shutters of her window, spilling light onto her slumbering face. Stirring her from the dark abyss that was her ignorantly bliss slumbering realm. The bed felt eerily cold and empty. So vast and big for one body to occupy. "Another day...." She sighed.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Tia was up in the raven's nest watching the ship's progress. She had come out this morning in men's leggings and had tried to find a distraction. The only real one had come from a beastly fellow who had grabbed her rear. She had not needed the captains shout for she had whipped around backhanding him across the cheek and eye her other hand punching him in the other eye as her right foot came up into his groan then she gripped his ears and yanked herself into him kneeing him in his pillowy gut making him vomit onto the deck as she had pulled his head down and to the side. She then had elbowed him on the back of the head and neck sending him crashing to the deck. The captain then had given her a spyglass and sent her up to the crow's nest to keep her happy and away from his crew who now thought she was some kind of witch. She had spent the whole morning up there and was curious what else she could do to entertain herself.

Rallon had gotten very little sleep. Just about the time his betrothed was putting his sisters to bed the besieged had launched a surprise attack to distract the besiegers from another oncoming force. Rallon had not even had time to put on his armor when the army of Acre had attacked. he couldn't even get to his blasted horse.

Shouting for his men to get their arms and armor, and yanking his second to a stop. "Get my armor. bring it with you. I'll need help to get it on when we've pushed them back inside." "what are you-" Rallon was gone before the man could even finish the question bearing only his sword and a long dagger.

He hurdled over around and below every obstacle he came across even rolling across the bent back of Guy himself as the fool tried to pull on a boot. Rallon himself was barefoot clad only in his leggings his broad back and chest bare. Rallon launched himself up one of the broken siege towers running rapidly up the burned smooth wood ignoring the crumbling beneath him. he reached the peak a full twelve feet in the air and with a roar launched himself over the spear points of his foes and landed atop three surprised attackers crushing one's chest with his weight impaling one through the skull with the dagger while his sword found the neck of his third victim. He yanked both free and surged forward beheading two men with a backstroke and disemboweling a third before crippling a fourth with his dagger. He rolled across the screaming man who was then skewered by his own spearmen while Rallon hurtled toward the gate batting blows aside and slashing and cutting his way through them like a scythe. in terror the men above him dropped the portcullis on their own men and slammed the gate behind them as Rallon slammed a body against the steel then slammed his back to the man's chest and brandished his weapons at the attackers he had just waded through. "You seem to have forgotten something gentlemen."

"Oh whats that corpse?"

"Im not alone. NOW!!" He dropped yanking the man he had been speaking to atop him letting his first shield fall atop them both as first the archers unleashed a hail of missiles into their enemy who had turned to cut down the madman who had leapt into their midst. Now they turned to try and rally only to be met by the rush of enemy spears and swords and were hacked to bits. Once the man with Rallon's armor reached the portcullis Rallon shoved the bodies off himself. "took ya long enough." the man started to be angry until eh saw Rallon grinning. "How do you it you mad Englishman?"

Rallon shrugged on his tunic , his chainmail, then his breastplate while others helped him put the other pieces. "Well Kazim it helps that i truly am mad. im mad to stay here while a gorgeous woman who loves me is waiting for me back home. im mad to have ever come to this nation that i never had a claim on. And im mad because..." he paused while he aided the men in fastening everything on then to put his helm on once he had the strap in place. Before he closed and locked the visor, "I wear this shite while here in this unbearable desert heat. you have no idea how hot it gets in here. Now lets go. Oh and if we don't hurry you will miss your prayers. If we do will you put in a prayer for me?"

Kazim knew that the madman was serious about this. "Of course Master."

'Stop calling me that. And please ask Allah to end this bloody siege soon. I want to go home."

Kazim arched an eyebrow. "Why not ask your own God?"

"I have. I'm still here. I figure maybe he's busy with Richard and his shite. So since Saladin has stopped fighting Allah can't be as busy. Maybe he can spare a moment for a mad infidel?"

Kazim laughed. "you are almost blasphemy."

"Never. As-salamu alaykum my friend."

Kazim smiled. "Wa alaykumu s-salam my friend."

Rallon nodded and vaulted into his saddle sheathing his sword and snatching up several spears planting them into the pouch on the saddle then held them with his left arm and began to ride followed by Kazim and the rest of the army while Guy blathered and threatened.

Rallon reined up on the open hillock around the city and planted his spears then pointed at a rocky outcropping with good cover. "Archers there. i want each of you with at least two shields and after you fire your volleys get under cover. We cannot afford to lose any of you." Rallon watched the approaching attackers as he called a weapons boy over. "I want as many of those spears as you can get. I don't care if it's just the heads. Get your fellows and bring them and all the arrows you can." the boy nodded and ran off then pointed at his pikemen. "Roll that boulder onto the road between those two hills then take positions behind the rock and hill. i want the spaces between filled with all the rocks you can manage before they arrive. Then your pikes will be used to stab through and around the boulder and above you as they try to come over. they cannot climb to your right and i want them to come left. drive them towards me." The pikemen nodded and got to work.

Guy rode up. "Granger!! Some one must guard the gates of Acre!"

"You do it then."

"Insolence! i will-"

Rallon whirled on him. "Try you moron. You have squandered these men and your time. Acre is shaking it their boots right now. This is the real threat. It has to be broken or we die right now. Now get the fuck away from me." He spit at Guy's feet and roared, "KAZIM!!" The man rode up pointedly not looking at the shocked Guy. "My lord?" Rallon pointed to a rise at the flank. "Take your horse up there. Fire your quivers empty then and only then form the phalanx and ride down into their flank. Ride through them then rejoin me so we may see what affect your horse have had. Off you go." Kazim studied the rise for a moment. "My lord?" Rallon looked at him from the corner of his eye. "May I have some the engineers to shift the boulders?" Rallon scanned them. "Take them. But only shift the ones that will roll. If it refuses move on. You cannot get distracted." Kazim nodded. "my lord." then with a whoop lead his men up the rise and began to marshal them into place.

"David!!" A young frightened man ran up. "My lord?" Rallon smiled and patted the man's shoulder. "David today I am taking command of the swordsmen. I want you on a horse. Your job today is to turn every other war machine we have and have all of them firing nonstop. I want half bombarding that damn city the other half hitting them and them only." He pointed at the oncoming horde. "Am I understood?" "Yes my lord." "Good. Now go...oh and David?" David turned back. "My lord?"

Rallon sighed. "if you must get off the horse and help. Alright?" David blushed but nodded. "Good man. Until i give the word i want only fire bombs fired at the oncoming horde. Off with you." David grinned and ran off mounting his horse and rushed toward the war machines. Guy sputtered. "Do you think Acre will surrender?"

"Hell no you idiot. They'll never surrender to you. They are waiting for Richard and are hoping he is more honorable than you. he'd have to be."

Guy snarled and raised his hand letting it fly at Rallon who whipped his head about and caught the man's hand in an iron grip. "I'll put up with alot Guy. But you and your traitorous bitch have cost the lives of many innocent young men and women all because you didn't have the brains to listen to your betters. I've had enough. Your kingdom is dead. I'm here to keep these men alive and no other reason. When Richard arrives and sends you packing I will be going home. So until then keep your hands off me, my men, your mouth shut, and most importantly away from me. Now go put on your fucking armor before i feed you to them." He hurled the man's hand into his chest then turned away to face the oncoming forces.

Guy stared at him in shock then silently rode off to obey ignoring the looks the men gave him.

Rallon meanwhile began to inspect his men.

"Now son what are you going to do without a helm?" "My lord I..." "None of that. There are plenty spares from earlier. find one that fits and get it on. And tighten your straps. That's a good lad."

"Why Bernard you old sod. Didn't i kill you last time?" Bernard laughed. "No not yet my lord." "Damn. Guess i'll have to try harder."

"Now what the hell are you doing? You are not wearing that hideous shield on my battlefield." "But my lord..." "NO! It's ugly....wait... gentlemen is this shield not hideous?" "Uh...." "Ugly boys." "Oh yes my lord." "Very much." "Quite." "But my lord it is all they had." Rallon studied the young man with narrowed eyes. "What's your name boy?" "Marcus my lord." "Alright Marcus here is what we will do. I want that shield at the mainline. Your job it to just hold it in place. Tight against the rest of the line. Am i clear?" "Yes my lord but-" "No buts! I am going to stand to your right. You shield your left and hide behind that hideous shield and guard my left with it and I will kill anyone who gets near you." The young man slowly nodded. "Very good."

Rallon continued to walk amongst his men cajoling, joking, teasing, and inflaming and encouraging them constantly. He did not try to play with their emotions he just made it clear. They fought or they died. When his men were fully prepared he remounted and went to check on the archers.

"Everyone have two shields?" "No my lord." "Damnit Runil what did i tell you?" "Yes my lord but...I found this." The man held up a old fashioned but solid steel shield that stood nearly five feet long and was more than three feet across. "Well I'll be damned.... very well...too bad we don't have a thousand of those. Just make sure you and your men get under cover Runil. And i expect a constant barrage. And only two volleys before they reach us. No more." Runil nodded. "Good man. Enjoy that monster."

He next went to examine the pikemen's position and finding it satisfactory except one thing. "What the hell happened?" The men looked at their feet. "gentlemen you don't just stand around. you call for help." Rallon then got down and squatted by the boulder which was almost in position but not quite. With a grunt he stood up and hefted the boulder up then let it slam into place. "Now the rocks." They quickly patched in the holes while Rallon found a number of stakes and quickly but effectively planted them in rows behind the boulder giving the pikemen some more space with which to maneuver their weapons. "Now remember all you really have to do is keep them from coming through here and instead going to your left right to me and the swordsmen. No heroics. If you see a target gut him, otherwise let him go. you are my right flank. if you need aid call for it." The pikemen nodded. "Good. I have great faith in you gentlemen. With you here we cannot lose."

He then went to check on Kazim who had a number of boulders shifted and ready to drop onto the enemy. "Be careful old friend. When you start that they will target you." Kazim nodded. "True. but we will be fine. My lord?" Rallon turned. "They are still some time away and it is almost time for prayer. may we?" Rallon blinked then saw the brightening sky. "Well so it is." He mounted up and rode to the edge of the ridge. "My friends!!" Everyone looked up at him. "Dawn is almost upon us. I do not have the rights or ability to call you to prayer but if you wish you may now while you have the time. We may soon be in the presence of the Almighty so i suggest you thank him for your life and ask him to help our cause. My Christian brethren pray as well. Now is not the time for hatred. Now we fight for each other. So pray to the God of your choice and ask Him for help. Be respectful. And I advise you confess your sins now. Just in case you do see Him face to face soon. And for those of you that do I want a favor." He smiled. "Tell him to send me home!!" They all laughed and tension visibly eased.

"My brothers I wish you all peace and happiness. Hopefully soon we will all be with the people we love. Until then we can do aught else but pray and fight. So do the one while you have the time. Then prepare for the other."

His speech had served multiple purposes. It had distracted all of his men, made them all laugh, and had also got them all indeed praying. He made his way to inspect David's work and was well satisfied telling the young man so then he took his place at the front of the swordsmen next to the young man with the hideous shield as promised then he knelt and began to pray, giving thanks for the day and his mean and praying that each of them would survive the coming battle and go home to their families. He also thanked the Father for ending the disease outbreak and prayed that the Father also had a good day. his prayer was unorthodox as he spoke to God like he would another person, but it made Marcus and a number of other consider their own prayer life.

Finally everyone had finished their prayers and Rallon watched as the enemy was now only a few hundred yards away. he was pleased that they were marching into the sun and was even more pleased that the river and the trenches he had had dug around it had slowed them enough to gain that advantage as well. His scouts had reported that it was a force of some seven thousand. Rallon had five thousand and was grateful that Saladin had not sent more men to face them.

When they struck the blood bleached land where yesterday's skirmish had taken place Rallon shouted. "DAVID!!" And the young man came through in grand style. The bombardment on the city began first then as one the other machines began to launch their missiles into the oncoming forces. The flames spread instantly engulfing several at a time and forcing the men to the right exactly as Rallon wanted them. "RUNIL!!" When the enemy was close enough Runil launched his two volleys into the charging men slaying and crippling hundreds forcing them to shift to the left away from the archers who were perched above the pikemen, their plateau serving to shield the pikemen from downfalling arrows which Runil and his archers used to resupply firing them back rapidly from cover. The army tried to press up the road through and over the boulder only to fall onto the stakes and the wicked spikes of the pikes who slew dozens before the army wheeled left and filled the field before Rallon and his swordsmen rapidly. "KAZIM!!"

Kazim grinned as he and his men dropped the boulders off the cliff into the shocked men below crushing dozens following the stones with a nonstop volley of arrows into their midst, specifically on their cavalry and archers. Rallon brandished both swords now, having found his other in the ribs of a wounded man who had died last night. He twirled them and nudged Marcus with his shoulder. "You guard my left and I promise you will survive the day." the young man cringed but nodded.

Driven to survival and a mad zeal to protect the vital port of Acre the leader of the enemy forces pointed his sword at Rallon and shouted. "Attack!!" Rallon leapt forward as the man rushed in and engaged him as his followers rushed in. He glanced up and grinned as Kazim finished with his arrows and mounted up riding down into the press crushing as many as his sword slew. This action startled the enemy who turned to face the flanking maneuver. Rallon barked, "NOW!!" And his swordsmen drew and rushed into the newly presented flank then fell back behind the shield line while they turned to see that their leader had been decapitated and many of their number had been slain seemingly by a solid line of shields save for one madman who stood before the line. Rallon grinned and roared an unintelligible challenge at his foes then reached behind him into the boxes the boys had waiting for him and began to hurl spear heads into them while his rear guard began to hurl spears into their midst. While they tried to react to this Kazim and his cavalry wheeled through them riding behind them and fell in behind and began to slay their way toward Rallon.

Pressed forward by the horse, harried from above by the archers and the war machines, dying in droves from the spears and swords before them, the enemy was on the point of breaking when Rallon gave a whoop and another. "NOW!!" As one the pikemen rushed up from the trench and drove into the right side while Rallon and his swordmen wheeled to the left and drove in while his shield line pressed in. He gave the signal and the war machine's barrage ceased and soon after so did the archer's attacks as Rallon stabbed a man who did not fall. He looked up to see that Kazim had stabbed the same man at the same time and they were holding him up. Pulling his blades free Rallon grinned then gave a whoop which was returned by his men.

He flinched as he heard...applause. He turned toward the sound and shook his head. "No...it can't be." Leopold V of Austria had arrived.

Ten minutes later Leopold had taken command of the Imperial forces. Or as Rallon knew them the cowardly idiots who had refused to fight this morning. Rallon stood in his bloody armor quaking in rage as he learned that the siege was to be held. Leopold did feel the need to say. "And Lord Granger I must commend you on the action this morning. Outnumbered by two thousand and still you lost only fifty men." That much was true. Fifty of his men had been killed by bad luck. Everyone in his command had been hurt, he himself had what seemed to be hundreds of cuts and bruises, but his losses were astounding. Marcus had indeed survived. Rallon glared at Leopold, who despite his silencing of Guy, wanted him to keep fighting rather than going home. He must see to the fall of Acre.

Rallon ground his teeth then said. "My lord there is little more that needs done. Saladin has all but written the city off. If we were to continue bombardment we could have the city today."

"Nay my friend. We must be patient. Tell me are Saladin's men good fighters." The damned man was looking for glory!!! "Yes my lord. My lord?"

"Yes my friend?"

"May i dismiss my forces?"

"Of course."

And that misspoken word is how the men who had served under Rallon were sent home less than an hour after the most impressive defensive action any of them had ever taken part in. Rallon almost chased each man out and when Leopold came to inspect Rallon's men three hours later he found only a single tent. Rallon's. The man was in his now larger tent washing off the blood from his body having seen to his weapons and armor. "Where are your men?"

"I dismissed them. With Guy no longer in command their service was up. That was the promise made to them by your precious Bishops and Partiarchs. I have it in writing. I have sent them home to their families. You have em and that is all you shall get." Leopold glared at the nude man his face threatening to explode in his rage. Rallon smiled. "You can do what you want to me but you will not make me break my word. My lord."

Leopold glowered then swept from the tent. He ordered the marshaling of the Imperial forces then took them on a patrol. he soon found a force to his liking and set to them bloodying his sword and self well while Rallon slept. He was not surprised that his deeds of the morning were not only ignored but entirely discounted. he had gotten his pat on the head and that was all he would ever receive. Well that was the last true war they would get out of him. He was done. He wanted to go home. And when his own king arrived, in May sometime according to Leopold, he would do whatever he had to get Richard to let him go home.

His dreams were full of Rose and he smiled as he saw her beautiful fresh face. He saw them together and once again the idyllic city of York he had left. He would have peace and happiness. He would even be able to take Gregory and James fishing. And go riding with his father. Talk with his mother. Play with his sisters. See his old friends. He had such hopes. Simple but pure. And doomed to be dashed.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

As the Lady lay in bed she was none too surprised to find tears silently falling down from the outer corners of her eyes. She cried for Rallon and what he did not know. If he were still alive, nothing was as it once was. Nor would it ever be the same. Their children would never grow to know their loving grandparents. Nor would they get to know, who Rose had come to consider, the sweetest uncle they would have ever known. All of whom were now buried six feel under. Their corpses probably still warm. The girls... they need to pay their respects, but she dare not take them out of these walls. Who knew how some would react. Rose decided upon paying all of their respects. Out of bed she climbed. Petite feel landing upon a warm rug as the gossamer night dress cover her figure down to her ankles, leaving her shoulders bare, but her arms covered down to the wrist. Over to her door she walked and peeked out of it and ordered a bath drawn for her.

Her long ebony tendrils cascading about her shoulders. A knock sounded upon her door and when given permission several male servants entered with bucket weighted with hot water to fill the tub before leaving. Given her thanks she closed and locked the door before allowing the gossamer fabric of her gown to fall into a pool of fabric at her feet. Her nude figure walking through the door and watching as the steam rose from the surface of the water. A tub big enough for two bodies, leaving more than enough room for her one.

Slowly her body sunk into the water up to her shoulders. Her hair sinking into the water. She relaxed for a moment before she dunked into the water, submerging her head and all. Emerging less than a minute wit her long locks plastered to the bare skin of her shoulders. A faint red hue to the skin of her cheeks with her eyes resting shut and a fan of lashes revealed with her back resting against the smooth surface of the tub. A rag and a bar of lavender soap was retrieved from a shelf and she began bathing herself before the water began to cool off. When rinsed off she dried herself off and walked her naked form over to her wardrobe. This was her room. Seeing as how she was not yet wed to Rallon, they each had their own bed chambers. Should he wish, after they were wed, she could sleep with her Lord, should he desire. A gown was selected of the finest linens. A laced up bodice with boning sewn into it and a heart shaped bust. The loose sleeves of her while chemise hung at her elbows and her shoulders were, once again, bare.

Nothing else was worn underneath aside from her slippers with held the same color as the dress itself. The key given to her the other night, hung about her neck, nestled in the valley of her bust. A lady was summoned to work her loose dark tendrils into an elegant and yet somewhat simplistic display of a circlet of her own braided hair. Loose tendrils hanging from within the braided halo. After getting prepared she made sure that all of the girls had eaten. They were to do their prayers and back to their lessons while Lady Benedict was away. Rose headed to her garden after a small meal and plucked a few of the blossoming flowers. Beautiful and stunning in color and smells. A woven basket was brought for them to be placed in. Her horse summoned and a knight to escort her. "Would you not rather the carriage My Lady?" She nodded her head in declination. "I could use the fresh air and it's a lovely day. Make sure the girls are looked after. I shant be long." The knight looked over to the squire and nodded his head in acceptance before bowing and heading off. "Where are we off to, My Lady?"

"The Cemetery of York. To pay my respects to Lady and Lord Granger, and J- " She had to breather before speaking once more. "And James, may he rest in peace." Her escort was armed and ready to defend the life of his employer. Down the cobblestone road they ventured. Eventually making their way to the wrought iron gates of the cemetery where they were granted access and with their horses left at they gate she walked the trail. The Granger plot stood grand and open, making it easy to spot. Three white stone sarcophagi stood out amongst the tombstones. So fresh, so sad. Angels carved on two long sides of each of the three tombs with the Granger family crest at the foot and head. No expense was spared. Each name carved onto the surface of the tombs. The basket of daisies hung upon her arm. A few of the flower placed upon Lord Granger's tomb, followed by a pray. The same was down for his wife. She evenheld a conversation with the deceased woman, promising to take care of the girls and, should he ever return, Rallon. Last, but far from least... "James... " She whispered. Looking over her shoulder to see that the knight was giving her a moment of privacy with his back turned to her.

"You I may miss most of all. You kept me company in your brother's absence." Despite her smile it did not stop the tears from seeping from the corners of her eyes and streaming down her cheeks. The flowers were laid upon his tomb and a prayer was said for his soul. Some say that daisies symbolized purity, loyal love, and innocence. It only seemed fitting for them.

"Lady Benedict. Fancy seeing you here." The Lady turned to see her knight moving to stand between her and one of the Locks.

"Roran Lock. Stand down Fisher, he means no harm. Actually I was about to leave. Just... paying my respects. I suppose your heard from your sister. She was by my manor the other day. Nothing eludes her, does it?" Making polite conversation. Although a cemetery was hardly the right place.

The dashingly handsome make flashed her a humble smile. His eyes were mesmerizing, but she held no interest in his charm and good looks. He was very handsome, yes, but Rallon held her heart. "Come, let me escort you to the gate." The wind blew and it caused her to shiver in a visible chill. The well mannered Lock took off his coat and draped it about his shoulders as they three ventured down the pathway towards the gated entrance.

"Thank you Roran. What, or rather... who brings you here?" She looked from him to the pathway.
"My aunt... the woman aided in raising me and I came to visit her." He would note the smile that tugged at the corner of her cheek. As they reached the horses, the handsome blue eyed noble aided the Lady upon the back of her horse and pressed a kiss to the soft back of her hand. She made to take his coat off and return it, but she was halted. "No, please... keep it. While brief, this was a nice moment Lady Benedict. Maybe we could take a stroll in less.... mournful places sometime. Good day Lady Benedict." A visible blush danced across her cheeks.

"Thank you Lord Roran. I enjoyed your company. Good day to you." With that she was off. Fisher close on her tail. She lost her train of thought before realizing that she was home. Her horse was put in the stable and she walked in and handed the Lock's coat off to a servant to be tended to. She doubted that Roran would be the last person to see her today. Suitors seemed to hunt her down like bloodhounds. On the hunt for beauty, power, and riches. A brief peek in the library and the girls were still studying. Rose went back to the chapel to pray.

 

[Greeneyed23]

"Get the hell out of here!!" Gregory kicked the legs beside his savagely making the two tavern wenches yelp in pain and scurry off the bed to gather their things and scramble away still naked.

Gregory's head hurt. He had been up late listening to William's mad schemes. Finally he had gone to this tavern, the Bugling Blue boy or somesuch nonsense and after a fight with the thick who had been trying to get the lute player to give a performance of some false Irish ballad he had found these two wenches who had been interested in him and the tales of his...equipment.

He grunted as he scratched at his tool, indeed a mighty beast that many maidens and matrons had been hungry to view, The tales of Gregory and his bull like nature were enormously prevalent earning him a fearsome reputation amongst both men and women leaving only the more adventurous of both sexes to seek his attention.

Sniffing he washed his face and body with the basin and rag then got dressed. He had some business of his own this morning. William thought it would serve his purposes but though Gregory was a demon of sorts and a madman in truth, he was also no fool. In fact his teaching from his father and Rallon had given him a quick and sharp mind and wit he often hid behind his anger and hulking size. Only those two and James had seen the truth of him. While Rallon had loved and sought to aid his brother, and their father had tried to give him an outlet and guide him, James had just loved his mighty big brother.

That had been the only time Gregory had been able to escape his anger. When he was with James. the boy did not pester him nor did he kowtow to the much larger man. He simply spoke to him and would often get Gregory to take him fishing or hunting. When Erik, John, and Micheal had hung the bow Gregory had been furious but it was too late. This more than anything is what had lead to his frenzy of violence that had nearly killed his sisters and destroyed his parents corpses. James had even come to him in a dream last night.

"I understand brother. I shall wait for you in heaven. I love you."

And this was why Gregory was in a towering rage today. So like James to understand being murdered. Gregory missed Rallon. He suspected Rallon would kill him for what he had done but Gregory wouldn't mind. Rallon was the one person on earth he feared and truly respected. He thought of even telling Rallon what he had done and why...would begin their battle. Then Rallon would kill him and Gregory would be free.

No matter.

He saw his destination. The family in the farmhouse had not yet risen as they currently had no tasks awaiting them. Gregory checked the house before dismounted and with no effort pushed the farm's sturdy cart against the only door and locked it in place with a large rock. Then he had stuffed the two windows, really just openings in the wall, full of straw still moving silently letting the family sleep. Once he had this accomplished he took the rest of the straw and lit on fire tossing it onto the roof. Once this was done he threw pitch onto the walls and roof the flames erupting them. First the thatched roof burned through dropping burning pitch down onto the family within, then the stones of the walls began to heat and explode as the mortar melted and with ten minutes the house collapsed atop the family within.

As it smoldered Gregory went to his horse, careful to erase his footprints, and mounted then rode away into the forest circling around as the other families nearby came to check on their neighbors. Within two hours he had so burned another six houses and killed another ten people, including a boy who had spotted him so Gregory had dropped a burning beam atop the boy. He grinned as he rode away from the Locks holdings dropping the knife he had taken from the thick as he went. The knife was special. It had been forged by Carrruthers the personal smith of the Degan family, the thick had stolen it and had been seen which is the true reason Gregory had killed him. Ending and silencing the trail though the people in the tavern were not yet aware the man was dead.

Gregory laughed as he saw the Lock's knights riding out to investigate knowing what they would find.

As he rode back into town he saw the chance and knocked the display table for the Degan's pottery den, run by a tiny little woman named Rachel, over shattering several dozen pieces ruining the day's income. Rachel rushed out squalling as Gregory rode on while the Degan's guards pointed out some Lock men who were nearby and the fight was on. Gregory grinned to himself wickedly. A good day's work.

He saw that pompous grinning fool Roran Lock rushing toward the scene and seeing another chance he shifted his horse then fell from the saddle with a bellow landing atop the smaller man.

"Get off me you heaping cretin!! I-ohhh."

Roran blanched as he saw Gregory's face. Grgeory hiccuped gripping his head. "Brother Roran could you assist me? I seem to have fallen from my horse." Roran tried to see over the man's shoulder but was not nearly tall enough. With a nod and a quick, "of course Brother Gregory." he began to try to heft Gregory into his saddle. Gregory made sure he held a tight grip on his saddle and locked his left leg against the ground then began to shoved with his arms and right foot making his massive warhorse circle around both men making Roran stumble through the mud splashing his elegant clothes with the filth.

Seeing the fight at an end Gregory stopped the horse and let Roran heave him onto the saddle. "You are most kind Brother Roran. i shall commend you to your father. May I aid you?" Roran shook his head. "No thank you Brother Gregory. I must attend to some private business." Gregory nodded and rode on watching from the corner of his eye as Roran rushed toward his dead men shouting at the Degan guards who brandished their spears at him dangerously. Gregory was still in fine fettle as he rode by the Benedict manor. Smirking he stopped and spoke to the doorman. "My good man is your mistress home?"

"I-"

Gregory swept from the saddle with such speed the man froze only to find himself slammed against the gate the man's hand gripping his tunic holding him a full foot in the air. "I asked you a question little man. How dare you disrespect a nobleman?!" The man gulped. "My lord i-"

"SILENCE!!" Gregroy gave a shove and with a crash the gate's bolt snapped under his force as he hurled the man into the gate. Beyond the crumpled man stood one of the pages. "You boy!" The page jumped. "My lord?"

"Inform your mistress I must speak to her. Out here. i shall need to pay for the damage to her gate. It seems your man there chose to damage it. I shall ensure it does not happen again." While the boy stared Gregory planted his foot on the man's skull and with a twist of his hips crushed the man's skull. "Quick with you boy."

The page fled inside right to Lady Rose. "My lady!!" He jabbered madly explaining what he had just witnessed and begged Rose to protect them from the madman. Meanwhile Gregory stood in the street examining the gate nodding. He was already holding a large pouch of gold ignoring the other men who were watching him carefully. He was unaware that his feet were covered in the blood and brains of his victim but he did grin. Because of his status all he was required to do was to pay for the gate and the man which the pouch would more than take care of.

And the message to Rose and his dear sisters would be unmistakeable. When Gregory was ready nothing would protect them from his might. He waited quite patiently for Rose to come out even beginning to whistle a happy little tune between his teeth.

The knight who had escorted Rose to the cemetery watched the monster and gripped his sword-hilt tightly praying the monster would not attack anyone else. he was not sure he had the numbers to contain this beast. He was not sure anyone did.

-----

At the center of the city William was sitting at tea with Lords Lock, Degan, Trast and a number of others when he noticed the smoke out the window and knowing Gregory had succeeded he smiled into his cup making sure to arrange his face when he lowered it. Things were proceeding beautifully.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Rose was, once again, praying in the chapel she she heard her name yelled out. Out of worry she got off of her knees and ran to the door, fearful of what would cause the page to scream her name. The boy spoke so fast she hardly caught what he was saying. She gasped and as she ran to the front door she nearly gagged at the sight awaiting her. She saw the blood and the lifeless body of the guard stationed at the gate.

Wide green eyes peered at the hulking male with his heavy boot casually perched upon the male's skull, or what remained of his. The look of disgust was brief. A deep breath and she walked herself closer to the brother of her betrothed. "Gregory?" Her tone calm. Her insides quivered with fear. While Rallon always defended his brother Gregory, she was always leery about the massive man. Fisher stood right at his Lady's side. The man seemed ready to put himself between the two should something happen. Twas his duty.

Lady Benedict's heart raced beneath her bosom. Her eyes did not look upon the sight of the dead man, for fear that she would lose her composure and so much more. The gate was broken, as though it were made of twigs. She listened as her spoke. The woman not quite having found the words to speak. Green eyes watched as the pouch was tossed to her feet. "How thoughtful of you Gregory. Farewell... brother of James and Rallon Granger." With that she turned on her heel and made her way back to the entrance of her home. "Get everyone inside Fisher." She ordered to the knight, fearful that Gregory may come back for seconds.

She clutched a hand over her heart. The page having come inside and handed her the pouch of gold. She looked up from the pouch in her hand and saw to her horror that the girls were all standing the arched doorway leading to the hall. "What's wrong?" One girl asked.

"Nothing. Back to your studies." These girls were not stupid. She knew that they would know that something was wrong. "Fisher." She said in a hushed tone as she watched the stable boy walk in with a most befuddled look about him. "Fisher, take this and have the gates rebuilt. Better. Stronger. Everyone is to retire for the day. The Page stays inside. And.... whatever remains... give to -his- family. Have him taken care of, as soon as possible."

"My Lady..." Even Fisher did not have to words to console the noble woman. She was threatened. There would be no sleeping for her tonight. She was torn between screaming and breaking out in a fit of tears. She sucked all the emotion in and the pain made itself physical in the pit of her chest.

"Just... see that it is done Fisher. Please." Yes. She said 'Please'. While it was not uncommon to hear Rose ask a common, a person not of nobility 'please', it was rare outside of these walls. "I... I will be in my chambers. Agatha..." She summoned one of her keepers. The woman watched after Rose, but now she was tending to the Granger girls. "Keep the girls as ignorant of this event as possible. Like they don't have enough to fear as is." The portly woman bowed and shuffled down the hall where the girls were shooed to their respected areas.

Rose hastily made her way back up the stairwell and to her room, barring the door behind her. She was burning up. The tears ran free from her eyes and heavy breaths escaped her lips. The pain still throbbing in the center of her chest. "Damn you Gregory. Damn you." She whispered to herself. If only Rallon were here, or at least James. The very thought of the two of them made the hurt more obvious.

She feared that this day would only get worse.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Sadly it could.

Fortunately for her she would not find out for another month.

Tia was just settling in to sleep when the ship was rocked by an impact throwing her to the deck. She rushed out of the cabin onto the main deck of the ship just in time to duck and roll out of the way of a man landing on the deck from the prow of the massive pirate ship that was attacking her ship.

She growled and gave six quick slashes to the man with her curved daggers to the man's thighs, wrists then his neck the man falling back clutching his throat as she yanked his sword free and began to cut her way through the pirates towards the captain who was clutching his own severe wound. She tried to staunch the bleeding but it was no good and she watched the man die as she gripped the wound. "Please tell Hadim I am sorry..." She turned and shook her head as she saw that the pirates had slain all of the crew. She snarled and grabbed a spare rope and rapidly made her way up it then clambered onto the deck of the pirate's ship then hid herself amongst the cargo and was relieved to learn that the pirates would be going to Sicily, her initial destination. Their ship was also the faster and would arrive in two days at the latest.

While this went on Rallon was enduring the vaunted wrath of Leopold V. He had convinced Leopold to go attack another few outposts of Saladin's forces. The killing was truly epic for the Duke of Austria and he delighted in it while Rallon sat in his tent refusing to help. He chuckled to himself as every few hours Leopold came by to shout at him. He felt like Achilles.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

The remainder of the day was spent in conversation and arrangement to fortify, not only the gate, but other entrances to the home. As she stood in the library with Fisher and two other men surrounding the table in the center of the room the pages was panting as he tried to announce his own arrival and that or her father. "Carry on." she instructed the men as she picked up a handful of her dress as she hurried her way to the top of the stairs were she saw the staunch figure of her father dressed in the finest of clothes. "Father." Flashing him a humble smile as she descended the stairs, looking every bit like her mother, save for her eyes. Those were clearly from her father.

"Rose... as beautiful as always. I would have... been here sooner but the council required some attention, but it is not as though you, yourself, have not had your own hands full. How are the girls?" She had no idea why she was surprised that he knew. There was seldom her father did not know. The only question was, did he know the truth?

"So you've heard? They're doing well so far. Their wounds are healing up nicely, but I'm afraid I've no cure for a torn soul." There was a silence shared between the two.

"Well... rest knowing that those monsters who did this are no more. Their brothers found the sick heathens that this to those poor girls." rose blanched at the words that caused more fear than comfort. They would get away with this. She thought to herself. Torn between revealing the truth and holding her tongue. Weighing the pros against the cons and it seemed to never turn out in the girls favor. "The Grangers are now on the council as well." Oh, so it did get worse.

"That's... that's great." Her words were far from convincing. "I've received another letter. for taking in the girls, our beloved Prince John has kindly gifted me with additions to our present lands and there was an... incident entailing Gregory Granger, earlier today, but he has agreed to pay for the damages. He, however, did not come to see the girls. Oddly enough, none of the Granger have stopped by to see the girls." She simply planted thoughts into her families mind. Intending to plant more, but she knew the argument that would erupt, but also feared losing her own parents. If the Grangers were brutal enough to violate their own flesh and blood, who was to stop them from going after her parents.

It had been two months and counting since their last big argument. The result was a hard slap in the face for the fair skinned girl, by the hand of her own father. He insisted, almost demanded that she take Prince John on his offer and that she was naive to refuse. The riches and comforts for his daughter and family were what he sought. Rarely did the girl talk back, but this night was different. She had screamed and yelled. Announcing her own stubbornness and devotion when it came to the return of her betrothed. Seven years was a long time. Like she didn't know that. She dreamed and her father said that it did no good to dwell on dreams and forget to live. After the slap to the face her father left. Her mother having stopped by and told her how horrid he had felt for raising a hand to his only child. His beautiful daughter.

"You're running out of time, Rose." The very reminder hurt her. It felt as though her heart were made of glass and it was slowly cracking with splinters acting as little daggers.

"I know, Father. I know." Her words were calm.

After a brief conversation as to the health of her mother her father was off to his own lands. "Good night father." She said with a warm smile, expected of her as he climbed into his carriage and they rode off. Rose checked on the girls once more. Each preparing to retire for the night. Rose hadn't eating since noon and she felt no desire to eat. While the little voice in the back of her head insisted, the images of that poor man flashed before her eyes. One more prayer and she was off to her bed chambers. Stripped of her clothes and fast asleep in a matter of seconds. To dive into the ignorant and black abyss of slumber was a comfort to the tormented soul. To not feel, or think. It made her think when she awoke the next day... maybe the dead aren't so unlucky after all.

 

[Greeneyed23]

That night William got to work again.

First John and Micheal attended dinner with the Degan's and naturally talk turned to business, though the Degan's did not admit to losing a day's profit or to slaying nine Lock men, they did make it clear they would back the Granger brothers if these two would give up on their intentions for Rose Benedict. Of course both men did so and after much wine managed to convince Lord Degan and his sons to join the two in examining the Degan's books.

Micheal began to go over figures and quite idly, or so it seemed, give his advice to increase profit. First were a number of market ideas that would triple outflow of product but lessen purchasing to a fraction of what it was now. The Degan's were of course thrilled at the prospect and began to discuss plans of how to implement them. In this way the conversation eventually lead to the Locks who would of course simply copy the Degan's to increase their own profits.

"So wipe them out."

"What was that Micheal?"

Micheal smiled. "Simple. You develop a market for something necessary such as buying all the smithies within fifty miles. Then you first lower prices so you gain extra business to increase profit. Then you slowly increase price. But in that time you refuse to deal with the Locks. At all. Unless they pay ten times the usual price. They will either pay or import what they need. When that happens you buy away their smiths. Leave them with nothing. Eventually they will go bakrupt just trying to get hold of the simple things like horseshoes, knives...swords. Such things are actually rather easy. All you have to do to get a laborer to switch sides is make him think he will get the better deal and he will be safe. You have guards. You have the better locations...'

The Degan men looked at each other smirking while Lilah stood in the hall outside the library grinning to herself. "Poor Jessica....'

Poor Jessica indeed.

"YES!! YES!!! YES!!!"

Jessica Lock moaned in the deepest pleasure as Erik Granger continued to thrust into her. William had sent Erik to distract the young viper while he spoke to the father and brothers, in the council's library, about business opportunities and very vague but also definite offers of aid for revenge upon the Degan's should the Lock's wish it.

So while Gregory sat in his favorite tavern enjoying how everyone refused to go within six feet of him, Erik rutted with the young lovely, Micheal, John, and William inflamed the formerly cold financial war into a full blown battle to the death between the two families, Rose slept, Tia dozed in and out in her barrel, Rallon lay asleep in his tent about to be stirred by dawn and the thunder of trumpets, another would be power in the city of York entered his manor on the edge of the city.

Prince John was far from the man his brother was, but he tried to make up for that by being twice as brutal, twice as cruel, and ten times as corrupt as any ruler before him. That was not even to mention his many vices. He had a pair of local wenches pleasure him then had them thrown out in the nude after being used by his men all while watching the manor house belonging to Rose Benedict. "Soon my dear Rose. You shall be mine."

Poor Rose was surrounded by danger, corruption, and perversion and those who did not blind themselves to such things worried for her very soul. Father Patrick Garson, having seen all of this, heard even more, and guessing at what else remained, went to Rose's manor at dawn, after a night of prayer. A man who had known her all her life, having christened her himself, having approved of the match between her and the good Rallon, Father Patrick could not let the poor child face such things alone.

Unfortunately for the good priest he was seen. Just as he turned onto the street leading to Rose's street a runaway carriage, spurred by burs under the horse's harnesses, ran him down crushing the life out of him. His assistant, the young monk Brother Verius, watched in horror and seeing no other refuge, fled to the manor his mentor had intended to visit carrying with him a letter of warning from the priest to Rose. It named no names but at the same time made quite clear who and how she was threatened. Brother Verius was inconsolable sobbing for his friend and mentor refusing to speak to anyone.

One of the other knights of the household spoke. "If the Grangers keep killing and Master Rallon does not return soon we are going to turn into a refugee camp."

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Upon the next day as dawn arose she was doing an early morning prayer and headed down the stairs when the sight of a panting monk greeting her. His familiar face brought her alarm. "Where is Father Garson?" Brother Verius was on his knees and in a fit of tears when the letter slipped from his grasp and onto the floor. The page picking it up and bringing it over to his mistress. Her eyes scanning the page. He was dead. The monk didn't even need to tell her. Rose had a feeling that her life was a curse ad all those near a dear would pay the price. A ball of tension lodged itself in her gullet. Her heart panged with grief. She was in constant fear. How many more would die before she did something. Anything.

Sadness turned to anger. "Fetch my cloak Agatha. Fisher ready the horses, you and I ride to see the Abbot. See to it that Father Garson's body is seen safely to the monastery as well as Brother Verius." She was speaking, of course to Fisher, but his mean were right on the task.

In a matter of moments the woman was upon the back of her white steed and racing from her home. Even giving the knight a run for his money. The horse kicking up dirt in its wake. The hood of her cloak stood no chance against the rushing wind, leaving her hair to whip about. It was a nice venture before they reached the ethereal sight of the stone monastery. The tall arched doorway paved with grass.

Her horse was pulled to a stop and the Lady was helped off of her horse. "Brothers... I seek the Abbot."

"Lady Benedict. Father Patrick was just on his way to see you, surely you must have seen him." There was that familiar pain once more. "May... may I have a moment of privacy with you?" She chocked on her words with the pain. The man knew it was nothing good and ushered the girl and her escort to his office. She broke the news about her beloved Father Patrick. She shed tears before the abbot and was consoled. Of course she left out who killed him, so as not to bring about the same fate for the poor old man. She was given a blessing and a prayer when admitting that she felt cursed.

Eventually she made her way home. Already preparations were underway for the fortification of her manor. It was said that Father Patrick's funeral would be in two days time, and she wouldn't miss it. So much death and despair. It had her thinking that maybe marrying Prince John was not such a bad idea. He was a man of nobility and power and while she would never love anyone like she loved Rallon... she could not wait forever on a dream. Especially not when her hesitance and polite declines were having innocent lives stolen.

 

[Greeneyed23]

In two days Prince John proved otherwise. He arrived at the funeral for the beloved Father Patrick in the company of twelve armed guards who knocked several parishioners out of the way so the Prince could be noticed and stand at the head of the grave. "The mighty city of York has lost a great man and even better friend. Father..." he looked at his bodyguard who whispered the name and John continued on to make an eloquent self praising speech about how Patrick would want them all to support the Prince.

Fisher stood next to his Mistress gripping his fists tightly trying to maintain his composure. "Only a usurper could disrespect someone so noble at his own funeral. The foul git." He was not even truly aware he had spoken but he had found and given the truest measure of the man that could be said.

While the city was in mourning for their lost priest, though they had managed not to kill each other for the last two days, the Lock's and the Degan's finally fell to battle in full. Roran and two of his four brothers lead a force of fifty of their men at arms against Brandon Degan's manor far to the south of the city. Brandon commanded an equal number of fighters and also happened to have his youngest brother Yancy with him.

The battle was quick and brutal. Brandon managed to catch Roran with a slash to the leg while Roran gave him a long scar across the eye and while both glared at each other bleeding Yancy gave a loud shriek as the two younger Lock's, Franklin and Reginald, disemboweled him then before either Roran or Brandon could react decapitated him. Brandon turned on Roran. "You pick one. You slew one of mine. i claim the right to one of yours."

Roran shook his head. "I can't..."

"Then i will."

Roran shook his head again and started to grab for Brandon but his leg gave a spasm and he fell to his side to watch as Brandon walked up to both younger men who started to raise their weapons only too late.

Roran saw what Brandon was going to do and screamed. "NO!!!!" Brandon ignored him and snapping his blade up in a blur decapitated them both. He looked over his shoulder at Roran. "They killed mine. i killed them. We are even. See you soon Lock. And next time there shall be no quarter." He walked ttoward his house stepping on the Lock's men while stepping around his own men. When he reached his bodyguard he gestured at Roran. "I want him taken home. he is not to be hurt."

"You have my word my lord." Brandon nodded and went inside.

Four hours later Roran was screaming in pain as his wound was washed then closed with a red hot poker. While this went on his father glowered at the flames in his library's fireplace while his remaining three son's sat around him silently. He was formulating his revenge unaware his enemy's daughter was already making her own move to achieve this goal in such a way that would cripple him and his family.

Prince John fell back his thin pale body glistening with sweat. "Lady Degan you prove to be quite persistent." Lilah grinned. "but of course my lord...have you ever been pleasured in the French way?" "Why no....ahhh." As she took him into her mouth he moaned and began to nod. Finally he managed to push the words she wanted out. "Very well...I shall order an investigation into the Lock family into the matter fo the death of Lord and Lady Granger as well as their son."

The next morning Lord Lock was shocked to find that every single one of his businesses had been closed and put under Royal Guard by the order of the Prince John who refused to speak to the confused nobleman. Lilah watched from her upper window as the nobleman stood flustered outside his bank, which was sealed tight, and grinned wickedly then gave a shuddering moan then pulled the head of her latest conquest up from between her legs for a kiss. "Very good Erik. But now I want some of this." she reached down between his legs making him moan guiding him into her again. Erik had already agreed to convince William and Gregory to render aid and assistance to the Degan family, his matching promise to Jessica having gone unmentioned. Lilah moaned in delight as the man thrust into her and she assured herself she had gathered more power for her family.

She had no idea how wrong she was.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Rose was one of the first to the funeral, Fisher at her side was far from a surprising sight. As the ceremony was about to begin a commotion caught her attention and it was making it's way to the front where the father lay in a pine box. The noblewoman cover in a simple dress that seemed to bring the beauty out in her. Accenting the slender curves of her untouched body. The soft untasted skin of her hands and shoulders . The grey fabric of the dress clinging to her breasts, leaving little to the imagination. The woman's hair was pinned up in halo of curls with a few left to cascade here and there. The hairstyle leaving the smooth and tempting sight of her neck open for observation.

Soft pink lips parted in a soft sigh of bewilderment. No doubt about it, emerald eye were gazing upon the regal sight of Prince John, himself. It had been sometime since she had seen him in the flesh. Fisher was close enough that his words did not escape her. Silently, she could not agree more. Such a pompous act at the time of someone's mourning was an unbelievable sight. Then again it was to be expected of a man who plowed whores filthier than what could be found on the bottom of most boots.

Rose remained within the walls of her home and made sure that the fortifications were to her liking. Stone walls were to be put up to surround the manor itself, and it would take far more man power to break down the gate that she had the family smith working on. Ears were out for new and the news that reach her ears was far from good. There was a literal blood bath going on.

The girls was okay, but even Rose with her power could not keep them sheltered away from the world. They managed to get wind of what was going on. Each questioning her as to what was going to be done. All she could tell them was to pry that their brother, Rallon, returned. Until then they needed to pray.

The thought had crossed Rose's mind to go to Prince John with her news. Her thoughts, but the idea made her tremble. One could not easily say 'no' to a Prince with the consequences weighing heavily upon you. Fisher had spoke to her recently. The poor man having been drunk late into the night and not a wink of sleep. While it was rude, it was truth. Rose was 'forbidden fruit'. What man of greed did not want what was not his? Mot especially when it was wrapped up in such gorgeous form and with it, came riches.

Rose saw nothing but trouble. Why her and not Jessica, Lilah, or Isabella? Not that she would wish such torture upon her 'friends', but it made no sense. Then again, little did she know that the girls were far from forbidden fruit. More like tainted. It was a new day and she was working on taking care of what was left in her possession from her beloved betrothed. Lord Trast had already made an early morning visit and his hands were far too frisky for his own good. He claimed to want to console her in 'these most depressing times'. The old fart having brought up her betrothed's 'inexcusable' absence.

"I feel I'll. No more guests for the day." It was a lie, but she wanted no more outsiders. "Unlness someone is dying, bleeding, or has any ties to my beloved.... I am ill and seek solace in my time alone."

 

[Greeneyed23]

While Rose buried her friend then dealt with the aftermath of the madness going on in her city, Tia had managed not only to escape the pirates but had also managed to find a ship that had gotten her from Sicily to Italy in only two days. True she had also stowed away aboard this ship as well and the ship had only achieved this feat by sailing along the back of a furious storm that had crashed the ship onto the Italian shores.

Fortunately no one had been killed and Tia had then been able to persuade her way onto the back of an passing oxcart and was now on her way to Rome. She did not really want to go to Rome but the the farmer with the cart was going that way and she did not know enough about Italia to allow her to resume her journey from anywhere else.

A week later they arrived in Rome. By that time they had been joined by a number of other pilgrims who were heading to the Vatican for the Easter celebrations. Always an extravagant affair these celebrations promised to be wild and quite enjoyable. Tia helped watch the children, made the young men wonder at her hidden virtues, and made many of the women laugh with her quick wit, sharp tongue, and horde of invaluable abilities for caring for children and making life comfortable while traveling.

Upon their arrival in the city Tia had bade her new friends farewell and had gone in search of some people they had told her could help her reach England. She found them to be a convoy of merchants were were going to drive their carts of goods east to the sea and board several ships that would set sail for England. The initial journey took only a few hours and the loading a few hours more. They boarded and set off. In just more three weeks they were set to land in Dover. They were well armed though heavily loaded they maintained a marvelous speed. If Tia was not slowed any longer she should reach York and Lady Rose within the second of the three months granted her by the Prince. Fortunately she would find no further delays while aboard ship.