story 1 part 2

Her eyes adjusted to the darkness and focused on _ standing in front of her. "Quiet", he whispered. He took his hand from her mouth and slumped onto the floor at her feet. His cape was smeared with blood, although he did not seem to have any wounds. A portion of his sleeve was burnt and he was shaking slightly.
"I'm done", he whispered fiercely. "I will not stay here and suffer this monster. Too long have I been his pet, and for what? I have seen enough madness here." He stood up quickly and pulled her to her feet, his large hands on her shoulders. "I could take you away from here. I could keep you safe. With this kingsguard livery no one would challenge me, and if they were fool enough to try I would send them to their gods. You will no longer have to suffer at the hands of that boy they call king". He looked into her eyes. She was trying not to concentrate on the heavy scars on the left side of his face. He saw this in her face and scowled. "Can you bear to look at this night and day? You are such a silly little bird! I offer you freedom and still you balk at my face!" He let go of her roughly and turned to face the window. "I will only ask you once. What is your answer?"

She stood there on the other side of the room, rubbing the shoulders he had grabbed so fiercely. A million thoughts were running through her head. "What should I do?" she thought. "Shall I live my life as an outlaw with this man who vows to keep me safe? True he is very strong, but he is also not a kind man. But he would never hurt me, not like the king." She took a deep breath and crossed to the window where he sat. She sat beside him and took his face in her hands. He stared back at her in bewilderment. "I will not be afraid. I will look beyond the burns and see the person beneath them. I am my father's daughter, and he would not want me to be afraid". She leaned forward and placed a small kiss on his trembling lips. When they parted, she whispered, "I will go with you".

He did not smile, he only nodded, but the sparkle in eyes gave away his feelings. "We must go at once" he replied gruffly. "Pack light-no gowns. Only what you can carry."

She flew around the room collecting the things she needed for the journey. She handed him what little jewels she owned, telling him they could be sold along the way. He nodded gravely. She stepped behind a screen and changed from her fine gown into a plainer homespun frock of light yellow with leaves embroidered on the bodice. She pulled her large cloak on and covered her head with its hood. Once she had finished packing she handed him the small parcel and looked to him for what they should do next. For the first time, she was lightly guarded. Due to the war the guards seemed to have forgotten her. He took her hand and let her out the door, cautiously glancing in all directions for signs of an enemy. As they were sprinting down the stairs, a young knight spotted them and called, "Hey what do you think you're doing with her?" He yanked her arm roughly and replied, " I am taking her to the king's quarters where she is to wait until the fighting is done". He gave the young knight a look that stated he was not to be challenged by his type, and the young knight nodded and went on his way.

They reached the stable yard where he quickly saddled his own horse and one of the finest horses still left in the stables. He helped her onto her horse first and then jumped onto his own. "We ride east, hard and fast. Do not stop for anything, and do not look back. Stay with me at all times." She nodded her understanding, not trusting herself to speak. Her mouth had gone dry and she was white with fear. "Do not be afraid" she thought to herself. "this is the beginning of a new adventure and better times".

With a shout they were off, galloping into the courtyard towards the side gates. "Open the gate!" He screamed at the guard. The guard, seeing his cloak and not noticing the other rider, opened the gates with no question. They slid through and continued their gallop down the east road through the city. Nearby they heard the sounds of fighting, but the bulk of it was still located on the docks at the opposite end of the castle. The city gate was open and deserted, which left them ample opportunity to slip away into the night. They followed the main road for a mile or so before he abruptly turned to a side road, never breaking his gallop. This silent stride seemed to continue for hours. When she could ride no longer she reached her hand out and touched his arm. He looked up in surprise, as if coming out of a daze. Without a word he ceased his gallop and pulled over to the side of the road. They led their horses into the woods so that they could be sheltered from the sight of the road. He stopped at a large tree, tied off his horse and helped her with hers. He pulled some bread and cheese from his saddlebags, along with a flagon of wine. He offered it to her first and she drank greedily. Wine had never tasted so good. She handed the flagon to him and leaned against the tree, staring up at the stars through its braches. They sat in comfortable silence for long moments. After a time had passed she whispered to him without turning her head. "Thank you" she breathed. He made no sound and she didn't know if he was asleep, but it didn't matter. She closed her eyes and smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

to be continued again..