The Lady in Waiting (Lady Bloody Ava & Greeneyed23)

Rose was cautious over the next week and while the fortifications continued on, as planned, and she managed to get into another tangle with her father. Her mother having visited and checked over the girls. The woman having nearly shed a tear or two when Rose suggested that she imagine Rose as one of the girls. With that Lady Benedict was off to her own estate to speak to her husband. The armory was being fitted with new weapons. The lack of attention due to the battling clan was put to great use.

Time was ticking and there was only so much she could do. Even the thought of leaving to find her husband came to mind, again. The woman going so far as to pack before changing her mind. She would be leaving everything behind. everything was already heinous in her betrothed's absence. I might only get worse with hers. The funerals increased in number. Rose excused herself from them all. Rose went forth with an excessive prayer when she found herself wishing the Granger's dead for all of the blood on their hands.

The advances and request for the girl with the vast riches and lack of a husband continued on. It was sickening Rose. How could such happenings going on and men still think with their dicks? Her head frequently ached and she was now taking a mixture of herbs and tonics to gain what little sleep that she could. There was a recent altercation between her and Jerin Bruins two nights ago. The man having stopped by and managed to force his way past her front doors.

He was a mighty large man. The memory played in Rose's head again, and again.

"Lady Benedict.... my how beautiful you are. Please..." The gap was closed between her and the nobleman as he pressed a kiss upon her hand. His lips were warm and soft, and his grip upon her hand loose. "Please... may we speak somewhere a tad more... private?" Rose was not having a rather good time, so she obliged to see him gone all the more sooner. Into her studies she walked him. Fisher placing himself outside of the tall double doors.

Well... things got a little too...handsy and the bruising on the sides of her body were a nice reminder of that unpleasant moment. Fisher only took but a moment and though punishment was well in due, there was no hair touched upon the noble. Even Rose could see the desire in the knight's eyes to torture the man beyond the realm of insanity and oddly enough, that comforted Rose. The fear shook her. "Fisher... don't die." Fisher reminded her of Rallon. However the man had no power or title to wield as did her betrothed. Even worse.... he was close to Rose. As was Father Patrick. "I don't want them to take you too."

While Tia was making her way to England and Rose was fortifying her home from all comers the city of York itself was truly going mad.

The Locks and Degans were at full blown warfare. There had been heavy losses on each side, another son on each had been killed, Lilah and Jessica had actually bared fangs and gotten into a clawing match in the market, both had lost more than a hundred men and ten businesses entirely. Prince John was playing both sides against the other still sleeping with both daughters. Both families were paying him heavy bribes to side with them from the council's point of view but the Prince had carefully buried himself behind the bureaucracy in the city leaving himself free to make massive profits get all the pleasure he could from the two competing ladies, and also ferret away all the secrets lands, personnel, and other items of worth he could get his greedy little hands on.

William was beyond pleased as this kept the Locks, Degans, and of course the Prince and much of the public busy. While this went on he carefully entrenched himself firmly in the affections of many of the nobles about the city giving them aid and advice and access to a number of merchants with higher quality goods and services. This turned each nobleman and his respective family into a solitary fortress of his own turning York into a massive group of independent masters and turning each one against the Lock's and Degan's who were only able to survive because they were still the most powerful and wealthy families around.

This was nothing to Gregory though. He had left York and was riding around the surrounding towns preventing reinforcements coming for either the Lock's or Degan's in a number of ways. He had two nobles who were friendly to the Lock's murdered by their own servants then had the servants all hung. He poisoned Lord Degan's brother and his family then burned their manor to the ground leaving evidence of the Lock's. He also beat four different friendly noblemen too death in public claiming they had insulted him and his honor. Then he had beaten an additional nine nearly to death crippling four putting two into comas and leaving the others with a fear of him they would never be free of and a flat refusal to even listen to a single word about York. Gregory was delighted in the blood he was spilling and was always on the lookout for more. It was more by chance than anything that Tia slipped through his fingers when she arrived.

He had gone to Dover to collect some men for his brother and had spied Tia as she had left ship and had tried to follow her only to get caught up in an argument between two merchants that erupted into a fistfight with Gregory being struck over the head and shoulders with an empty barrel. he had roared and torn into the two literally ripping them apart. he was let free as a nobleman attacked by commoners but Tia had already escape hi eye and mind toward York while he continued east toward London.

Rose was sharing tea with her father when he spoke of the happenings within her once beloved city of York. Rose even expressed the genuine concern of her dwindling time. Her fear in the Grangers was mistakenly brought up and her father had no idea why. She could see her admission costing her parents lives. So her admission was smoothly dismissed and blamed upon her lack of sleep. To which her father promptly brought up a nice brew that his mother once made. The man reminisced and it had been as close to peace as Rose could imagine. Once her father departed and she stood outside and watched as his carriage disappeared from view, she noted the good changed.

Rose had a rather vivid imagination. It was probably what made up for calm and cool visage. She dreamed of telling the Grangers off. Telling Gregory that he was not welcomed and all sort of things that would surely cost her, her life. The beautiful woman turned on foot and went back into her home. She had taken a spell for an hour and dozed off. Fatigue having finally hit her. Rose pictured her and Rallon, beneath the giant tree in the garden. Two boys and one beautiful daughter. A happy family.

The wind opened up the wooden shutters in a nearby window waking her up. She felt cold, very cold. However, she was sweating. A chill ghosted through her and she peeked out of her bed chamber door and had someone bring up something to eat and to call the medic. Fisher having gotten words of his Mistress' orders knocked upon the door until he was granted permission. By then, Rose was tucked beneath her warm soft blankets feeling more tired than when she first fell sleep.

"The medic is being fetched. Are you ill, my Lady?" Of course the knight would be concerned. Rose tried to ease his worry with a weary smile.

"I will be better soon. A minor set back is all. My stress has taken on a physical form, is all." Her words clearly not having won the knight over in her beliefs. Rose never felt weaker in her life. She fell asleep and found herself awake later that evening. Shocked that she had even managed to even sleep so long.

When she woke it was to find a new person standing in her room. A woman of average height, olive skin deeply tanned, a perfect figure masked under heavy robes but impossible to entirely hide. her high cheekbones, full lips, and well rounded face, capped with arched eyes with thick lashes and hawk like brows, stood calmly before Rose.

"Lady Benedict i am Tia servant to Lord Hadim of Damascus. I bear letters to you from your betrothed Lord Rallon Granger. I also have a message from him. He shall return to you soon and he loves you." She held out the packet of letters in which there were more than a hundred. She presented the latest first which by the dating Rallon's unmistakeable hand had made revealing it had been written just over a month ago. this was proof that Rallon was still alive.

Tia waited for the woman to react in some way. She was still dusty from the road and had not forgotten the eyes of the monster she had seen in Dover. She had been even more alarmed to learn from one of her traveling companions that eh lived here in this city and was Rallon current youngest brother. She was waiting calmly and patiently and she would demand the woman give her shelter while she figured out how to help the woman survive. She did not know this Rose, though she did feel an odd kinship with her, as she had learned much from the travelers along the way, and even more from the fortifications of the city, the whispers of the servants and the fact that she had been able to walk right in without an escort as Fisher and his knights had been busy putting down a gang of bandits just outside the gates.

"May I have some food and water while you read?"

Rose chocked on a gasp. Her heart jumped forth within her chest out of shock to find someone within her bed chambers. How long had she been there? Who was she? Rose was stunned for words and even more so when the woman began introducing herself and explained why she was there. It felt as though her heart began beating for the first time in a long time. "Rallon?" The name barely a whisper on her lips. This couldn't be true. She wanted it to desperately be true, but she was so afraid of waking up from a dream only to have her hopes smashed. Silently tears streamed from the corners of her eyes and down the soft skin of her cheeks.

Rose accepted the letter. Her hand ghosting over the familiar writing. She laughed and cried for a second. It was a rather thick stack and a sight of relief just escaped her. "Oh God.... Rallon." These were the only words that she could manage to speak. It was hard to believe this was happening. Maybe because she didn't believe that it was. Her eyes stared at the letters. Hope slowly, very slowly setting in. Only when she heard a voice did she snap out of her self quarreling thoughts. "Oh! Yes!! Anything Tia, anything!" The blankets were tossed aside and instincts just kicked in. Rose hugged the woman. Thanking her through tears.

Her bare feet ran across the floor and to her doors where she opened it up. "I need food and beverages. Ale, tea, water, and food." The gown clung to her upper body like a second skin and flowing down from there. Upon the bed she sat and opened up the first letter and felt something fall into her lap. Emerald eyes grew wide at the sight as the cool metal rest in her hands. It was more precious than anything she own. "His ring. Rallon's ring! Oh I love him. I miss him. Time have been hell since he's left. Nothing is as he once knew." She hardly knew the woman, but the woman, she figured, knew her husband.

"His parents died. I fear they were murdered with his youngest brother , by the hands of his greedy brothers, no less. His ten sisters were beaten and raped, by the very same men that share Rallon's blood. The girls are with me now. They play God in this city. Kill those near me and I fear it will only worsen if he does not arrive." The first letter was unfolded and she could hear his voice as the words were read. A thought settled in and she was fearful once more.

"This.... this is dangerous. It is like challenging the Grangers. If you were followed, you've a bounty on your head Tia and while I can not express my gratitude enough, I implore you stay with me. Even then, beware. We must gain an audience with Prince John and present this to him. A feat, not as easy as it sounds. A warmed and a glow took over her for a moment. Rallon was alive. She hadn't smiled so much in ages. "Seven years.... seven years, you fool and you only now get this to me." Despite her wording she still dawned an unmistakable and loving smile while staring down at the letters.

The very first letter explained alot. It read:

"My beloved Rose.

I know you have been worried. And looking at this stack of letters i have for you I can understand why. I've tried to get them sent but for some reason or another not a one has been able to go through. after the thirtieth failure I just kept writing to let you know what was going on with me. This one is being sent with my ring to protect the messenger. I am coming home soon I am not sure when but it will be soon.

I love you so much Rose.
Yours always
Rallon Granger."

It was hastily written as he had scribbled it down for Hadim before sealing it with his thumb. he had not noticed but he had gotten some of his blood on the letter both writing it and sealing it.

Tia ate and drank ravenously not noticing the woman while she considered the situation.

The very last letter came from the day Rallon had left. he had not written every day, every week, or even every month but he had written when he could that was clear. A lot of them had blood on them, all of them were a bit crumpled but at the same time well cared for. And each one was sealed and signed with his love.

Tia spoke only when she had finished and then to say. "i shall stay until he returns and sends me home safely. you shall need my help."

Rose was reading every single letter whilst the girl at and drank. The venture was far, no doubt and how she managed to make it into her bedroom when Father Patrick could not even make it to her front door was beyond her. The very idea that Rallon had forgotten her, as she had never forgotten about him over these long and dreary years, was refreshing. Her faith was far from misplaced and she was not in love with some fairy tale, but her beloved Rallon who was still amongst the living. She listened as Tia spoke and the personality of this woman was unlike any she had encountered in ages. She was in the house of a noble. Unannounced. Helped herself into Rose's bedroom and expressed none of the usual manners that almost acted as laws in York. Were Rose any other person, Tia would be dead, but Rallon sent her to Rose. He had to know the woman he fell in love with.

"I shall need your help indeed. So... long story, short. If I do not present evidence of Rallon still living then all of his assets will be forfeit and seized. His brothers may have a way to take it back in their family's name, with how greedy they are, and they killed Rallon's mother, father, and youngest brother. How does it sounds so far?"

As she spoke her eyes dare not leave the paper's surface as she read each letter. Curious as to how Tia would help other than having brought back evidence of Rose's beloved Rallon's existence. "The Grangers are beasts, nothing like their brother. They bring war within York. Pitting the Lock clan against the Degan clan. Men knocking on my door and asking for my hand with no respect to Rallon, what so ever." The irritation in her voice was evident in that topic. "So..." She looked up for the first time since receiving the letters. Green eyes were aglow with a fire burning within. ".... do you have a plan?"

Tia nodded. "i am going to guard you as your personal body servant and body guard. We shall bring whoever you need to prove things to here. And then we shall wait for return of your betrothed. In the meanwhile we will fortify and draw in all of your allies. This is how we will survive."

She stretched her lithe body. "And while that happens you and I will develop an individual plan for each suitor and each enemy. Especially this Gregory. I've seen him and I do not want there to be any mistakes when we are forced to face him."

She sat back with a sigh. "Until Lord Rallon's return though we are going to have to be sly. And unseen. But we must present the proof of his continued existence now. You should send for whoever we must present our proof to. And for the record I have met your betrothed. It was four months ago but he was still vibrant and powerful."

Rose could expect no less of her betrothed. Tia was more like Rallon than the girl may ever know. Probably why she was beaming at the plans laid out before her. She wanted to ask how she had come across Gregory and managed to live. An unknown, gorgeous woman and not a hair harmed on her. Rose assumed that she had given the brute the slip since she was rather good at it, given how she snuck into rose's bed chambers in the first place. The letter were placed, carefully, upon her wooden side table as she tossed her blankets aside and her light and thin gown moved with her, as bare feet walked across the rug covered floor and over to her vanity where there sat an ink well and roll of parchment was retrieved.

A candle was lit and sat upon the edge as the cream colored wax slowly melt as she took out a quill and began writing.

My Ever So Benevolent and Powerful Prince John Lord Regent of the Most Royal lands of Britannia and her colonies,

I know not where to begin to thank you for all of your kindness towards my family. If my Prince could find a moment I would seek an audience. More specifically, at my manor. I am grateful and would love a conversation with the His Majesty, should it not prove an imposition, for I have news to share with you.

Most sincerely yours,
Lady Rose Amelia Benedict

The woman began writing it once more. Copying it word for word. The woman felt mad, insane, with the ideas running rampant through her mind. Both were sealed with wax with the imprinted form of her family seal. Over to her door she wanted opening it up. "Both are to be taken to Prince John's on the morrow. One first and give half an hour for the next. Send them armed to the teeth, you hear me? Should one fail, there is a chance the other may make it. God speed"

It was still late and she always feared an ambush under the cover of night, hence why she feared sending anyone out there. "I have a room for you or...." What a stupid thought, she was actually going to invite the total stranger in bed with her. Was she that deprived of comfort that she would do such a thing? "What would you prefer? You can't really keep an eye on me from another room. There are a few other surfaces available unless..." There it was again. She looked at the bed, but didn't voice the option. "Where you rest your head is up to you. You venture must have been interesting and..." She smiled as she remembered what Tia said about Rallon. "And... thank you. I just wish that vibrant and powerful man were here at my side."

Maybe it was the adrenaline of all of this news, but she was suddenly feeling tired once more. Beneath the covers she crawled. A blanket was plucked from the foot of the bed and one of the other pillows offered silently before she made herself comfortable on her one side of the bed.

Tia smirked at the awkwardness of this Englishwoman and slid into bed with her covering up and drifting right off to sleep without any pause of concern. She would explain about Gregory when she had rested. Sneaking into the house had taken a lot of work and even more energy.

The first messenger got through with no trouble for a simple reason. The streets were clear. The warfare had forced the city officials to clear the streets at dark allowing only those are official business to be out and the messenger was one such person. He was also lucky in that Gregory had business out of the city. Prince John received the letter and sent a message of assent back with the first messenger who was able to keep the second form going out. And just in time. Just as the page entered the gates Gregory rode back into town and though it was too dark to see Gregory was once again covered in blood.

Even Gregory could not entirely remember who. he had come across a group of the two warring families' men fighting and had leapt in slaughtering them all before they could act to defend themselves.

The Benedict manor went to sleep with the first true possibility of safety. Even more so because without knowing about the proof Prince John would be unable to produce false witnesses to deny the claim. When he arrived he had no idea what he was there for and so sat waiting sipping at his wine and wishing he could find a quicker way into Rose's bed.

Rose had slept hard that night and upon the rise of the morning sun she called for the people of the church and awaited their arrival with Prince John awaiting, seemingly, leisurely sipping on her finest wine. Rose was dressed in one of her finest of gowns. It caught many eyes, when rarely worn. It was actually what she had worn, the day Rallon had asked for her hand. The creamy skin of her shoulders and the tops of her mounds accented with the lace trim of the light blue dress. Rose went on to introduce Tia and explain when the Church had finally arrived.

"I hereby present irrifutable evidence that Rallon Granger still lives and he will be back soon." The letter was presented to the Prince and the Clergy insisted upon reading it soon after. The signet was plucked from between the valley of her bust, where it hung upon a thin gold chain. This was passed around and the look upon by both parties and the look in Prince John's eye and his tone of voice was all too easy to read.

Prince John stared at Rose and this foreign bitch Tia whatever in helpless rage. The ring made it impossible to deny as well as the confirmation of the handwriting and even witnesses that could be called to back up statements made in the letters. He glared and tried to think of a way out but he couldn't. not with the church there adding their own confirmation. With a barely contained snarl he stood. "Very well. You have your proof. i will inform the governors."

As he had to. Rose was still not safe from the other nobles and not truly safe from John but Rallon's lands an holdings could not be taken from her. If anything this made her more of a target as now they would need to either wed, kill or buy her off before Rallon returned as his final letter made so clear. The news would take no time to spread and Tia was worried.

Rose was kind enough to see her Prince and the Clergy off before the doors were closed and she breathed a momentary sigh of relief. "That was both good and bad. Gregory, William, and the others will get word soon of this and the blood that soaks the land, mine may be sure to join it." The necklace with her betrothed's ring was placed around her neck once more. In nervousness or deep thought she found herself twirling it between her fingers. "Rallon's lands are safe, but as for my dowry....." She groaned.. Her head ached a little as things just got more and more complicated.

"Any ideas now? Or shall we wait until someone comes knocking at the door to kill me? Although, were it Gregory he could probably pound his fist bloody through the barricades and bust down the door, should he be pissed enough. " Obviously she was slightly over exaggerating things when thinking the worst, but her life was on the line.

"More likely he would just rip them off their hinges this time. What we need is a full army. We need armor, weapons, and most of all men. We have to turn this place into a fortress until your man returns. We should find mercenaries or men with grudges against Gregory and his brothers to serve with us until then. Then your man can reward them as is necessary. Fisher says we can find a number of them. Now back to the plans."

"The Locks and Degans are going to slaughter each other to extinction. likely with your man's brothers' help but that's not an issue. That old man Trast is the first. We are going to make you sick. You will be unable to accept any visitors. That will actually take care of any of the honorable suitors. We will say the joy and stress of learning your betrothed is returning has made you so excited you have had a bit of a breakdown which has resulted in you catching the fever. You and yours shall not leave this house until Rallon comes to get you. Otherwise they will kill you."

"With that then we only have the truly desperate to worry about. Fisher and his knights should keep most at bay. But they are why will need the archers and some war engines. Fire throwers, oil cauldrons and all the like. Fire bombs, ballista, catapults, and maybe even a trebuchet or two. And Yes I'm serious. We need to have horse for every knight and spearmen and a place for them to ride out upon any attackers. We have to have the catapults and ballistae though. For Gregory. William...we should hire an assassin to kill him. Quickly. that man has a demon just as dangerous as Gregory's but he works inside the law. And that makes him much much worse."

Tia watched her closely. "We have to have those things Rose. We must."

The shock upon rose's face had to be apparent. To kill Rallon's brothers. The first thing she though was if he would ever forgive her. It was the perfect plan. Money was no problem. "well with the ruckus with the blacksmiths, going on I can hire another and cut the time in half for more weapons. Someone will have to be sent out to buy more horses and the workers will be earning their bread today with building the required weapons. As far as the assassin.... I would not know where to begin with finding one Tia."

Rose made it her mission to make an order to the blacksmith. His talents well paid for and the order was promised to be a swift one. Next the help was summoned to put together the trebuchets. The oil was to be fetched for the cauldrons and the arrows stocked. When given the number of horse, she was far from pleased and demanded the more be brought in. One for each man. "Train your newest men in archery. You taught me very well, now do the same with them."

Of course this would all take a bit of time. It was not something that would happen over night, but she had to admit, that she was off to a pretty good start. she had not sat down the entire day. Checking on the progress of each project. The cauldrons were filled and at the ready. The thick iron drop gate was nothing to be gawked at. No more thin wrought iron gate. Archers were to be positioned in the towers at either side of the entrance. One of the workers wrapped a rag around the edge of the arrow, tying it off and soaked it in oil and lit it on fire before launching it to the cobble pathway down below.

By the end of the day Rose's feet were as sore as ever. She even felt the need to inform the girls. Which is how she spend her first break of the entire day. Seated at the grand hall dinner table with the girls as they ate. Tia, of course was welcomed to the feast should she wish to do that or tend to one of the other arrangements that would be worked on through the night. "And I want there to be no surprises." She removed their brother's signet ring from about her neck and placed it upon the table. "He will be back soon. We just have to hold out until then. With Gregory being the blood seeking brute that he is and William being very vile and more into the intellectual side of things he has too many powerful people wrapped around his finger and has just as much blood on his hands as Gregory."

She was confessing to the future death of these men to the very girls who had the same blood running through their veins. The night was drawing to an end and time seemed to go by much faster. Maybe because she had a goal. A mission.

The girls were more than willing to not only allow the deaths of their rapist bothers but were insisting on helping Rose and Tia in the deed. Even the youngest wanted blood in revenge for the murder of their parents and their brother.

While the women Rallon loved discussed defending themselves Tia was out in the countryside. Having found what she needed she returned to the manor. Once there she reported to Rose. "i found a man who will try to kill whichever one he can. he will be aiming himself at Erik. He is not going to survive the attempt."

As if on cue there was a roar so loud it shook the room even from outside. Then the news came to them. "Erik Granger has been attacked! He may not survive the night!! His attacker was killed in the engagement." Tia sighed. "It's not enough but for now it will do. He attacked in the livery of the Degans. This should force William to focus on destroying them rather than us. If nothing else it will gain us some breathing room. Especially-"

A page arrived with an anonymous letter. "Dearest bitch. You have one week to decide on a suitor or we will destroy your manor and hang each of you by your own hair. And don't expect your precious Rallon to save you. If he does return he will be killed."

Tia snarled and slapped the page smartly. "get out. You are to welcome here." She then turned burning the letter as there was nothing to be learned from it. "Bastards!"

Rose felt both guilt and relief when it was announced that Erik Granger may not live another day. Guilt at the fact that she had some hand in stealing the life from another being, but even more relief from knowing that there was one less Granger threatening the lives of her and those near and dear to her. The reaction of the girls was a bit of a surprise to her, but it barely lasted a second. As the page entered and the contents of the message known, rage flowed through her very veins, underlined with a hint of fear. "I can only imagine who sent it."

She had an idea. She would have narrowed it down to either Prince John or William himself, but she wouldn't hold her breath. They had gotten under some skin with the announcement of Rallon's return, which was to be expected. "Get me a count on the weapons, all types." She sighed and walked over to a nearby desk and began writing up a quick letter. It was a shot in the dark, but she had to try. "I'm going to see if the Castillions will lend us a few of their men. They owe my family a favor and have plenty of men for their small lands." The letter was stamped with a wax seal and her family crest.

"As I said, it's a shot in the dark, but it's better than nothing. The Granger's have no doubt accumulated quite a number of enemies in the time of Rallon's absence. There must be a list of those, more than willing to take the life of one. Especially for the right price. Word of a bounty on the head of the Granger brother's would spread like wild fire, but would they trace it back to us?" She directed this question at Tia before handing the message off to a page of her own. Three men were ordered to accompany the messenger and on horseback the would ride, not stopping until their destination was reached. The venture taking almost a full day's time.

"Poisoning Gregory at his beloved bar seems such a sweet idea. A death unworthy of him though and not painful enough, in my eye. I can not see them dead sooner, not matter how hard I wish it so."

Tia nodded and got to work counting the weapons. they needed more of everything but the smiths were hard at work at doing so as well as adding various reinforcements to the walls, gates, and the manor itself

Tia reported this to Rose after a full day's work as well that several messengers had shown interest in coming to their aid by sending people and weapons but they would have to do it discreetly and at night and Fisher assured Rose that he would ensure the value and trustworthiness of everyone that came as well as the weapons.

The Castillions did agree to give aid including men, weapons, and even an extra smith. They had also spoken to their friends and other enemies of the Granger brothers, especially the many people who were allied with Rallon or his parents and once apprised of the situation they were more than willing to give aid to any one who opposed them but for now that was only Rose.

Over the next three days, during which Erik continued to struggle on, more than two hundred men at arms and knights arrived at Rose's manor under the cover of night and another hundred joined them in broad daylight and now they could withstand an attack from most anyone in York at least long enough to call for more aid.

On the fourth day Erik died and Micheal, for it had been he who had sent the letter, attacked Rose's manor. or tried to. William had known and ad sent Gregory to stop him. unfortunately for Micheal Gregory was in a very very bad mood. he had learned that Rallon was coming but that he was to be killed in transit and had not liked the idea but William had convinced him it was necessary. This had give him a foul humor. he had then gone to his favorite tavern and had been told they were closed because someone had destroyed their stores. it was unclear who but either way Gregory was furious.

Thus it was that Micheal returned to William with a badly broken nose and a pair of brilliantly swollen eyes that would be very dark for the next week. They had been too busy fighting, or really too busy hearing Micheal squeal an Gregory curse, to notice the new men, even the new one hundred, all veterans who had been sent by Rallon's best friend Lord Frederick. The man hated William and Gregory, who had broken the man's leg when they were young. These men were the personal guard of Lord Frederick who was known for his forays into Scotland to crush the last remaining tribes of wild Picts and Celts that still occasionally arose.

Each of these men were battle hardened veterans and Fisher welcomed them gratefully. With them, his own, and the two hundred and change that had come from other families he was sure he could not only hold off the Grangers and their allies but could also kill most if not all of them outright.

Unfortunately Lilah Degan had seen the men and the word got to William rather rapidly who halted all plans to attack the manor. He instead began to send out assassin' and guards both to meet Rallon in transit and to guard the roads so they could meet and kill him.

This task took the rest of the allotted week. During that period the Locks and Degans met in full battle for the first time and the slaughter was tremendous. Not a one survived. In reality this was because Gregory had taken several men and one the survivors of the battle had began to gather they had rode them down executing them. Lilah and Jessica fled to the arms of Prince John who accepted them readily but also repossessed their lands and ownings and turned the two into little more than slaves forcing them into his bed even with each other. York was so shaken by this that everything seemed to stop for a time.

Over this period of silence, lasting until the second week of June, Prince john went amongst the council and began to sell off his new holdings gaining himself a tidy profit and beginning another smaller war between the nobles, even distracting William temporarily who used the time to gather all the land he could get under his command. Gregory was sent on a far away mission to gather more men. he had no allies so he used wealth and promsies of blood and more wealth to convince them to come assist him and his brethren.



While all of this went on Rallon had still refused to come out his tent. And continued on in this way until the arrival of his king. Richard arrived June 8 under much pomp and ceremony and seeing Rallon congratulated him on remaining a good brave Englishman, then took over the forces there infuriating Leopold. Meanwhile, Rallon, disgusted with all royal persons of any sort, left the Holy land the same day Richard arrived paying a captain to take him home. He was a month away from home and had no idea what awaited him as Richard had left when his parents were still alive and healthy the Locks and Degans had still been friendly with one another and life had been much like it had been when Rallon had left so long ago.He had all of his things except his signet ring but he knew it was safe with Rose so he could get it back when he got home.

he did not lose his edge or break his guard though. Since Leopold's arrival at least once a day there had been an attempt on his life and usually there had been three or more. This did not even stop on ship. He was in his cabin sleeping when a man broke in. Rallon had calmly killed him by throwing a knife into his throat then gone back to sleep. He may not have known what was to be when he got home but this ensured he would not return home unprepared for violence.

Rose smiled and it felt good. Erik was dead. Praise the heavens he was dead and the Lady felt so sinful for basking in someone's death, but it saved more lives than she would realize. More good news, Micheal failed in his attempts to storm her manor. Within the center of her home was a garden. The roof was open and the sun would shine down at high noon. The girls had used the space to their advantage.

She found some wielding bows and throwing daggers. Rose laughed at the sight. They had a fighting spirit and she could see Rallon in every single one of them. A kiss was pressed to each of their checks, or at least given a hug. "You are not weak. You are just as stubborn and full of pride as Rallon, and I love you all for that."

With one heavy sigh she walked the halls of her home and held hope. It was almost scary. Usually when she held hope it was crashed and usually accompanied with the loss of a life. She feared for Rallon now. He had no army to back him up on his way home.

Rose wrote a letter to Lord Frederick and thanked him many times over. Promising a visit, when her betrothed finally arrived. Even jesting about the revenge, both would gain in their untied attempts to expel their foes. But now was no time to get lax. Victory was not yet upon them, and even if her beloved did arrive, the war would not end there.

The war waged between the Locks and Degan seemed to steal attention away from Lady Benedict, and she was more than happy about it. She had not seen Lilah and Jessica in quite some time and figured that, were they dead, she would certainly have heard. She was not on Prince John's good side. Not since their announcement of Rallon's return.

"Mmmm... word of the Granger's double sided deeds should spread like wild fire. Who would trust such two faced men? William is smart, he will try to gather a force to rival that of our own, that or threaten them within an inch of their lives if not eliminate them all together. Lord and Lady Granger were worthy of everyone's respect, their son's save for Rallon and James do not deserve to bear the same last name."

In her library, she sat, taking a breather. Time seemed to pass by so fast, as of recently. The peace couldn't possible last though.

Because of the end of hostilities in York and the actions of the Grangers Prince John was forced to order a sanction. This entirely cleared the streets of the city. No one was allowed out of doors for a full week. Even William could not find a way out of this so for a week he could send no messages or orders and because of this he had no way of knowing that Rallon managed to reach Italy bypassing several of the assassins William had sent for his own brother.

Rallon did not miss them all though. In Rome, after escaping the last of Guy's, Leopold's, and even a few of Richard's assassins, he had met the first of William's.

He was standing in the Vatican speaking to the Pope himself giving a report on the battles and on the state of the Holy Land. His advice to let it go was summarily ignored and dismissed. As he left the room and the cardinals, bishops and other advisers closed in on His Eminence, a single priest broke away moving toward his back. Rallon had on his chain mail and his weapons and as he rounded the corner he spun into an alcove. the priest came around the corner looking for him a curved knife in his right hand and Rallon hissed kicking the knife away grabbing the man by the throat shoving him along to a window.

"Why Nathan Brown. What are you doing here?"

The priest, or in reality the disgraced knight gasped up at Rallon.

"You've gotten slow old man." Nathan whimpered trying to catch a breath as Rallon hissed. "Who sent you?"

The man started to shake his head. Rallon kneed the man hard in the leg the mail making the blow break the bone and the man to choke on a scream as Rallon gripped his throat tighter. "Tell me who sent you and i will make this quick."

Nathan whimpered but gasped, "Your brother William."

Rallon's eyes darkened and he snarled as Nathan tried to pull away only for Rallon to break his neck, rip his robes off then to toss him out the window into the river below.

Rallon marched out and mounted up riding out of the city heading north and out of contact with anyone who could warn William. he rode hard never stopping in his anger, even running along side his horse of the moment. He had no real clue about what he would be facing when he reached home but he at least knew that William had stopped talking and started acting. His urgency, rage, and physical condition let him reach Normandy within two weeks without being seen by anyone on the road.

Once there he snuck onto an empty fishing boat and set sail for England reaching it that night. Upon arrival he saw William's men waiting for him at the docks and infuriated beyond reason but too tired to act just then. he gathered his things and after setting up his trap slipped into the water swimming to a ship that was being unloaded. just as he reached it the fishing boat bursts into flames drawing all eyes. Rallon crawled up the ship and finding an unused cabin, went in, locked the door, and went to sleep.

When he woke near dawn he peeked through a porthole to find that William's men were still waiting. With a grunt he slithered onto the main deck and finding a jug of fire oil and a lit lamp he put together a fire bomb. Once he had it ready he stood up and whistled to draw William's men's attention. "looky there. Ronald Batter, Lyle Potter, Harold Smith, and Yancy Carpenter. Didn't one beating teach you?" While they stared at him in shock he flipped the fire bomb over lighting it then hurled it at their feet. it exploded enveloping all four in flames.

They shrieked and screamed knocking each over while Rallon ran through the crowd tossing gold at man coming out of a livery as he leapt onto the back of a horse riding hard for York.

Rose continued to pray. To pray for the safe return of her beloved Rallon. Prayed for the safety of their home. For the safety of those aiding in this entire cause. One of the many sweet condemned nights she spoke to one of the girls of how she dreamed of Rallon returning home and how she dreamed of their children running about the manor. While Prince John's sanction case quite a bit of action, that did not stop Lady Benedict from working on having weapons and armors perfected. Supplies gathered and the men constantly training until Fisher saw them fit.

The workers were house within the walls of her own home. Various smaller abodes upon her betrothed's lands were used to house their aide from afar. The Lady was curious as to what was happening afar, where Rallon was and she could not help but ask Tia.

In two weeks time, progress had been well noted. The fortifications were sound, though more could always be added, and the number of men, weapons, and horses had made a nice increase. Despite the reassurances from Tia of how her beloved was a force to be reckoned with, she still worried. Her mind conjuring some worst case scenarios. What if they lied telling him that she was dead. But then that was shot down, because Rallon would want the blood and then some of the person who would even had thought of taking her life.

It was raining. Pouring down in sheets that she could hardly see three feet in front of her as she peered out the window. It would have made for excellent cover for an ambush of any kind. The girl were getting better with mastering weapons of their choice. A birthday was even celebrated. Maya was fourteen and rose gave the blossoming girl one of her personal necklaces. It held a tear drop emerald at the end of a gold thin chain. Sweets were served with tea and the girls had a bit of family time with their future sister in law. Rose personally did Maya's hair into a halo of beautiful braids.

"We make great way, girls. It is only a matter of time until your brother, Rallon, joins our ranks. The fortifications are secure, and Prince John has granted us a moment of peace, whether he knows it or not. So... enjoy yourselves, for now." The girls were left to their momentary fun and Rose walked off to the armory. Pools of green looking over the plethora of swords leaning against the walls. The balls for the cannons stacked in each corner of the massive room. The balls were only a portion and they would soon join those on the walkways on the upper floor with her cannons.

From the armory to library. She had gotten word s to what happened to Lilah and Jessica were basically whores for their Prince. A fitting role for the two, if she was finally honest. "Ahhh my love... I want you home. By my side where we can give your brothers what they rightfully deserve." She felt silly, speaking to herself, but it felt nice. Upon the windowsill she sat, to watch the rain. The third catapult was going to be complete when week was up and the remainder of the fire bombs would be assembled as they needed some supplies.

"You always were an odd one my love." Rallon stepped out of the shadows of the room without sound. He was soaking wet with both blood and water. He walked to her still silent as smoke and pulled her into a deep passionate kiss. "I am home my love." He smelled of sweat, battle, blood, fire, and long riding and his armor bit into her soft flesh assuring her it was indeed him.

He gently pushed her back gazing into her eyes with a cold danger. "What have my brothers done?"

His face was more wolf like than when they had left and all softness and excess fatted had been burned away. his muscles were thicker and much more powerful and his black hair now hung at least to his shoulders. His blue eyes were shining with seeing Rose after so long but he had also learned much on the way there and even more upon seeing the city under sanction ad Rose's home under heavy guard but he did not know why or how such things had come about.

He did know his parents and brother were dead and his family home had been burned and ransacked as he had gone there first. He had ridden hard from Dover and had killed every man William had on the road. The slaughter and been unimaginable.

The very first group he came upon were a set of ten men who he had personally exiled from York when they had endangered his father. Only William would dare hire them and he knew they were of little value. He had sent his very tired horse amongst them sending them into uproar. While they tried to figure out what happened he hurled a heavy stone into them killed two outright crushing a third and breaking the legs of a fourth. before they could react he had bounded into them bouncing from the rock into them hewing off heads and limbs without mercy. The one survivor was the new cripple but he had only been able to tell Rallon of the deaths of his family and the sanction nothing more. Rallon and smiled. "Then why should you live?" And slashed his throat.

Such encounters were repeated another twelve times along the way. In all Rallon killed a hundred and seventeen men. His rage had only grown.

Now Rallon was home, and only Rose knew. He had slipped through the defenses even more easily than Tia had. This worried him but he also understood it. He and Tia thought differently than the others and saw life differently. It would take much time for them to change that.

He gently cupped her face. "How I have missed you my love. But we must make you safe before we can indulge ourselves. tell me of what has happened."

Rose heard the familiar voice and thought that it was all in her head. That was.... until she turned around. A gasp tried to escape, but it got stuck in her throat. Green eyes grew wide in shock and before she knew it Rallon seized her lips in a kiss. At first she was frozen and the just melted into him. Her arms wrapped around his armored form and when the kiss broke, for him to speak she took in everything. The sight, the smell, the feel of him. It was real. HE was real. Her heart was pounding beneath her bosom and she ached for everything to be fixed now. Her arms relinquished their hold as he looked her in the eyes and questioned everything.

This part she dreaded. "Rallon.... your mother, father, and J-James.... oh Rallon they killed them." She tried not to cry, but it was like reopening old wounds. " William, Erick, Gregory, Michael, and John.... they killed them and then raped and beat your sisters... bribing their way onto the council and caused a warm between the Locks and Degans. Pinning both sides against one another and soaking the lands of York in blood. Your sisters are with me and W-William has tried to get me to wed him. Even Michael tried to force me to wed another."

Rose went on to tell him about the suitors and Prince John's request to wed her and how he was seething with anger when present evidence of Rallon being alive. At which Rose pulled the ring from the valley of her bosom and took the necklace off from which it hung. The ring was removed and given back to its rightful owner. The touch of his hand upon her face left warmth in it's wake. A warmth alien to her for years. "Gregory has killed so many, while William uses charm and words to snake favor and wealth. They want me dead, and you. Since Tia's arrival we, or rather she, has managed to rid this world of your brother Erik. The fortifications have been built up, but apparently not well enough if you snuck in so effortlessly, as did Tia." Now fear crept back up into her.

"I missed you two, love. Seven year and countless suitors at my doors, I'd feared that I had gone mad. With one Prince and even your brothers. I'd feared the worst. Prince John is not happy. Not with me turning down the offer to wed him, nor with your return. I can not, nor have I left these walls and what of you? Look at you." She looked at him. The soft palm of her hand cupping at his cheek as her eyes roamed his bloody formed. Thank God it was mostly not his. "At the very least, get changed, we can not take action now." She pleaded. "Thing have changed and I don't want to lose you... again."

He shook his head. "no darling. Your defenses are excellent. And no. We can act tonight. Come along."

He took her hand and marched into the house proper to the shock of his sisters, Tia, and Fisher. "Fisher horse the largest carriage. My sisters we are going to the council chamber. Tia you will accompany us. Fisher i want a hundred men to escort us yourself included. Leave someone you can trust in charge here."

An hour later they were in the council chamber. Rallon had taken his father's seat already possessing his ring. He had a chair for Rose next to him and seats for his sisters behind them. He had another seat for Tia beside Rose and Fisher had been given the traditional Granger shield marking him as the commander of Rallon's forces such as they were. As the other nobles filed in for the emergency session they stared at Rallon in shock. Unable to say anything they took their places, even Prince John who had swaggered in until he saw the man. "Hello. Your brother says you had best be handling business correctly."

John glared at him but could not respond as Rallon knew full well what he had been up to and would be happy to call him out on it. The Prince took a seat of supposed honor though he hid himself behind the others knowing this would not end well for him. As if that were their cue all of Rallon's surviving brothers walked in. William was about to speak when he saw his brother. "Rallon..."

Rallon sniffed. "Sit."

Gregory was the only one who still had the will to meet Rallon's eyes but he obeyed his eldest brother sitting. "As Lord Granger i rescind all deals made by my brother. it was not his place. If my possessions are not returned by week's end I shall consider it an act of war." Someone that had made an impressive profit started to speak but Rallon lifted the heavy record book onto the arm of his chair. "I have the records. The chief concern is the monies for my sisters' dowries. They must be returned. Now."

William stood. "But We-" Rallon's eyes flashed over him silencing him and prince John squeaked out. "Lord Granger is correct. it is his right. The deals made were unlawful and if you cannot return his possessions then you must made full restitution including for the loss of time and value." Rallon nodded. "You may bring the monies and goods to the Manor of my betrothed Lady Rose Benedict. You have until midnight. i wish to speak to my brothers privately now." As one everyone except the living Grangers fled slamming the doors behind them.

Rallon stood once they were alone. he walked past all of them glaring into each pair of eyes. Again only Gregory could bear his gaze and here Rallon stop. "Dear brother. How you have let them destroy you. Why did you not come with me?"

Now Gregory looked down. "I was too afraid then."

Rallon nodded then looked at the other three. "I hereby strip the four of you of all rights and privileges as my brothers. And I strip you of my name. The Granger line shall continue through myself and my sisters. i expect you to remove yourself from this sacred isle before the week ends. If you wish to dispute the fact then let us have it out. Here and now."

The older three said nothing but Gregory started to stand sneering. Rallon spun on his heel and with no warning stabbed the man in the chest with his sword and through the throat with his dagger. Gregory gasped staring at Rallon in shock and Rallon shook his head. "I do not give the honor of battle to rapists and murderers Gregory. But I will pray for your soul. Perhaps one day you will reach paradise and beg forgiveness from our parents and James."

He twisted the blade around decapitating the man. The body fell atop the head and Rallon turned to the other three. "Go. if I see you again i will gut you."

Micheal and John fled but William, seeming to have grown a spine, walked up to the man who had been his brother. "You presume much brother. You think you scare me?"

Rallon grinned then lunged at William who shrieked leaping back. "William i have scared you since i stopped you from pulling Rose and the other girl's hair when you were six. You have never had spine or balls. Now you have nothing at all. Do not think to test me. go."

William ran out after the others. Rallon knew he would gather his so called courage and attack but he would take care of that then. Gregory had been the biggest threat. The proof of his madness had been clear especially in his eyes. Rallon sighed looking down at the corpse. "im sorry brother."

he went to Rose. "Now let's go home. I need a bath."

He let her guide him home and to the washroom.

Rose's demeanor took a turn for the better when her betrothed took matters into his own hands. She found herself wondering if her face had looked just as surprised as everyone else as they walked into the manor. Before she knew it, they were on their way to the council chamber. She was quiet the entire way. Curious as to what Rallon had in mind. A bit of fear still buried in her nerves.

Her seat was rightfully take at his side and the girls were seated with Tia at her side. Fisher seemed ready for battle at all times, as was usual for a man of his position. One by one the chamber filled. Her heart sunk at the sight of Rallon's brothers. It had actually been quite some time since she had seen William's face. How could he stand there. How could any of them? To bare their face in public after the sins they have committed. The thought almost made Rose literally sick to her stomach.

A wave of relief wash over her as she watched her betrothed strip his brothers of their titles and demand his sisters' dowries back. Her gasp was silent, but the surprise was there. She had not seen this side of her Rallon before he left. He was assertive and forthright, but she had never seen him take a life. The fact that it was his own brother's life only double the shock. Gregory's head hit the floor with a dull 'thud', followed swiftly by the rest of his hulking, lifeless body. As Michael and John ran for their lives, Rose was quite shocked to see William stand up to his eldest brother.

Rose had not realized how tightly she had been gripping onto the arms of her chair. Her knuckles having gone a stark white. Rallon may have knowingly made his betrothed smile. William did, in fact, pull her hair as well as his sisters and Rallon was always there to save the day. To see William flee was a refreshing sight, to say the least. Rose took her beloved by the hand as all was said and done and they made their way back home. Two of the girls were actually laughing when they arrived home and Rose ordered a bath drawn for her husband to be.

Steam arose from the surface of the heated water. Rose, of course, had not intended to join her betrothed in the bath, but had everything being prepared for him. Foods, she he desire. Drinks, of course. The large tub was big enough to accommodate three bodies, comfortably. A square hunk of soap was produced and set upon a stool acting as a table to the side of the tub. "You and I both know that William will be back." She said without looking at him as she placed her hand in the water to check how hot it was.

Rose looked at her betrothed. Blood and sweat covered his body. He looked tired, in her eyes. "To come home from a war, just to find another." The palm of her hand cradled his cheek. "I'm sorry, my love. Relax." A soft kiss was taken from his lips as she began making her way out of the washroom. Intending to give him some privacy. She had already pondered having a bath drawn for herself, afterwards. Her mind was swamped with so many thoughts. She wanted to hold Rallon and be with him every moment, but.... they were not yet wed. "Welcome home, Rallon." Though her back was turned, the smile could be heard.

Rallon gripped her hand and with a quick yank pulled her into the tub with him. he kissed her deeply as he undid her dress tossing out of the tub. He pulled her gently against his chest as he let them slide down deeper into the water with a sigh.

"It's alright love. I came home for you and i found you. i need nothing more." He kissed her neck lightly as he held her close.

"Im going to ask a favor darling. could you help me wash?" his hands rested on her side and leg as he relaxed in the water the blood, filth, and stink seeming to float off of him in waves.

His body was much different than when he had left. He had always been a powerfully built man but now each muscle was deeply sculpted and lined with veins. His face had lost all semblance of fat and he had scars everywhere from all sorts of weapons including a slash on his face from his right eyebrow back to his ear. It was a faint scar but up close was readily apparent.

He pulled Rose closer. He was clearly still very attracted to her as his very hard erection showed but he did nothing to press his suit not wanting to impugn her honor and he was not really in the mood to make love to her just now. Not after finding what he had upon his return and executing his brother.

Rose was quite surprised when she felt him pull her back and into the tub of water with him. Before she could even remotely scold him he seized her lips in a loving kiss. Her retort had vanished amongst the kiss and remained gone as those long sought after lips peppered kisses upon her neck. She looked upon him with a lax and questioning smile, just waiting to hear of this favor of his.

"Yes... I guess I could due such a favor for you." Rose was shy that she was brazenly open before him, but after both f their lives being threatened, her care was far less. A petite hand with slender fingers reached for the rag and the bar of soap, lathering until she was satisfied before putting the bar aside. Lady Benedict began at his shoulders. Her eyes noting each scar, visible to her eyes before washing.

The difference in his body was more than apparent to her. His scars spoke volumes. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest and a light flush danced across her cheeks as she felt his arousal. The heat of it rivaling that of the water that surrounded them. Rose pressed a light kiss upon Rallon's lips. What a day. What a day indeed.

The rag went from his shoulders to his chest and ... lower. Surprisingly she maintained a straight face with a smart smile. The rag being ditched all together and slender digits wrapped about the girth of him and cleaned him thusly.

"Tonight, you sleep with me. I care not, at this point, what others may think. Seven years... is a long time Rallon." He had to know that just as good as she did. The warmth of the water lingered and she rinsed his fit form with water cupped with her hands. "Come... you must eat and relax all the more." Despite her words a finger traced along the faint scar upon face as she silently marveled.