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Chronicle III, Chapter 3, Chronicle III - Sneak Attack By William Black Will woke up with a start. Morion lay next to him breathing softly into his neck. He was warm and comfortable, but knew he had to get up and make his way to the stables. Gently, he removed his arm from under Morion's head. She moaned slightly, turned over, and continued to sleep. As he looked down at her his heart stirred. Maybe he should 'sit this one out' as her councilors so aptly put it. He had done a lot for them, putting his life on the line countless times. Actually more then they were aware. And here with this sleeping beauty, his heart was finally content. Yet for how long. Did he have enough faith in Morion's protectors to sit back and let them handle things on their own? The answer was obvious and was a resounding 'no'. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He did have faith, but only so much. He'd been disappointed before. His problem, he thought to himself, was that he believed too much in humanity. Too much in their abilities to overcome the obstacles presented to them and for them to bring out the best when things were at their worst. He got up and gathered his clothing. His armor and sword were in the stable with Aspen. Soon he would be with his equine friend and on his way to confront his old mentor. Looking back his heart tugged in rebellion. This should not have to be his fight. For once in his life he had the right to be selfish…or did he? He silently cursed himself and walked out of the room. The halls were dimly lit at this time of morning. Guards stood at the front entrance to the palace, but knew enough not to question his passage. As he passed the huge oak doors, his emotions once again urged him back to the warmth of the bed and woman he had just left. The early morning air snapped him completely awake. The stars above, silent sentinels to his passing were bright and steady, as was his resolve. He threw all thoughts of doubt and regret to the back of his mind, and concentrated on the path before him. He walked down the torch lit path to the list. From there he turned and walked the short distance to the stables. The door was ajar and a golden light peeped through the crack in the door. He didn't expect anyone to be up this early, so he entered cautiously. A lantern was hung near where Aspen was quartered. A sleeping figure covered by a rough woolen blanket lay on the hay just outside the pen's door. Will knelt down and carefully removed the covering from the person's head. Instantly a rapier was at his throat as a startled Morgan looked up at him with blurry eyes. "Will, what are you doing here…wait, what time is it?" "It's about 2:00 in the morning, why are you here so early? Where's Sir Robert? Morgan sat up and wiped her eyes with her fists. She started to answer, but was interrupted by a big yawn. "He's sleeping with his men. He wants to be totally focused on the battle to come," she said raising an eyebrow at him. "Don't look at me that way. I am totally focused on what I have to do too," Will answered back defensively. "Oh, really?" "Yes, really. I have three great loves in my life; one I cannot touch, and the other I must serve. But above all else, I have my fate and duty." She shook her head sadly; "Don't I know it. I still curse your devotion to that damn duty of yours. So be it! Let's get going." "Does Sir Robert know you're going with me?" "Are you crazy? I can't tell him I am going with you! He would never allow it. No, he thinks I have gone to commune with the local druidic council about Morlyn. Now if you are done with the questions, I think we should go." With that she got up and made ready. Her horse was stabled next to Aspen, and she soon had it ready to go. Will too had Aspen ready in no time. They carried little provisions and a few camping items, hoping the land would provide them with what they needed. Will's only weapons were his sword and long bow. He tied a full quiver of arrows to Aspen's saddle and draped his bow and shield across his back. His sword swung lazily at his side. He noticed that Morgan also had her bow and a full quiver. She truly was going to stand with him; he smiled at the thought. They were together again; at least for the defense of Morion. It was better than nothing. Will walked to the barn door and opened it for Morgan. She guided her mount into the crisp morning air. Then he led Aspen out, blew out the lantern, and shut the door. No one would suspect their departure. Few of the knights' horses were stable here, and there would be enough confusion at daybreak that no one would notice the two missing mounts. He quickly mounted Aspen and turned onto the dirt road heading away from the upper town. They would have to make their way carefully, trying not to draw attention to their departure. Will also worried about Lord Banon's demon spies that might be lurking in the shadows of the lower town. Just because Sir Gardain had been defeated did not mean that Lord Banon had recalled his eyes and ears in Morion's realm. No, demons were still present, though well hidden for now. In fact, none had been seen since Morgan and Ann had first run across the ill-fated spy at the beginning of the festival. Morgan rode along side Will for some distance without saying a word. He wondered if she were secretly regretting the decision to come with him. Will looked at her through the corner of his eye, but she stared straightforward and kept her silent vigil. He wanted so much to engage her in conversation, yet thought it would be wiser once they were well away from the city. The eastern sky glowed pink as the sun started its laborious daily climb. The hills framed by the glow were ink black. Not so black as the heart of the one they were going to confront, Will thought to himself. How he would handle the situation was anyone's guess. He had no solid plan. Ideally, he wanted to get rid of both Morlyn and Lord Banon. If he could take out the leaders of the army, then they would certainly retreat back to whatever black hole they oozed out of. The trick was to get close enough to the leaders to get rid of them without being destroyed. All of a sudden he wished Morgan would go back to her lover and leave him to do that which he was fated to do. In the deepest part of his heart he felt that he too should return and be with the one who loved him for what he was. Morion. He wondered if she had awakened yet and found him gone. He wanted to let his imagination run with the thought, but chided himself for his arrogance. He could hope that she missed him, even wanting her to be furious that he left her without a word. But he would not impose his own thoughts into her. She would feel as she would; it was not for him to even guess at her feelings. Despite everything, he would defend her to his death. She meant more to him than anyone; that is, except Morgan. And what of Morgan? She loved him, but secretly. Oh, she told Sir Robert about her feelings toward Will, but there was much more she didn't tell him. Will knew this. He could sense in her the uneasiness; the feeling that somehow her love of him was a betrayal to her lover. Will wished he could removed this from her. He couldn't. The morning light continued to grow, and with it a lightness of spirit within Morgan. She started to talk casually with him, every now and then chuckling at a joke, pointing out a landmark, and generally just participating in small talk. Will smiled at her, knowing that she could read his heart as well as he could hers. After a short time, Will ventured, "Morgan, I know you promised to stand with me in this. I really appreciate it. However, once we have found Lord Banon's campsite, I think it would be wise for you to stay behind. Your skills of the hunt have not been tested in quite awhile, and…" "And you don't think I am up to the task?" She said cutting him off. Her tone was light, and she smiled at him. "Will, I can still hunt, and despite what my love tells you, I have not given up all of my skills. Trust me, I can keep up with you." Then she brought her mount to a halt. "Will?" Will turned Aspen around to look at her, "Yes?" "Thanks. I mean, I know you want to keep me safe and all, but being here with you is more than just trying to make up for the hurt I caused. I want to be here. At this moment, this is where I belong. Do you understand?" "Yes, my Druidess. I do." Without further word, Will turned and continued the journey. He heard Morgan urge her mount to follow. The road wound in a roughly northerly direction, cultivated fields turning in to scrub land has they headed north. It was noon before they decided to take a break and rest their mounts. Though they had taken their time, the progress they made was impressive. They found an abandoned artesian well hidden among a grove of scrub oak. Will dismounted and help Morgan of her horse. "Like old times, eh?" She said as Will lowered her to the ground. Self-consciously he released her waist and turned to attend to Aspen. He didn't mean to be forward, but habits die hard. As he took his canteen off Aspen's saddle he prayed that he hadn't offended her. Without turning to see what was in her eyes he asked, "Would you like me to fill your canteen as well while I am at it?" She walked over to him, turned his face to hers and answered, "You have nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. Please Will, I know it can't be as it was, but if you still love me, just be yourself. That is who I fell in love with in the first place." Will lowered his head and chuckled. "You're right. By the heavens but I am too old for this. Anyway, let me fill your canteen for you. Then we can have some lunch." "Where do you think we will meet Lord Banon's forces?" "Nowhere, I hope. But my intent is to snick behind their lines and find where he is encamped. Once there I intend to…well, let's just say I plan on finishing him where I find him." "Won't he sense you coming?" "I'm not sure. I think he will be searching for someone with magical abilities. Force seeking force. It's true that all living things give off telltale life signatures, but a Druid's aura is strong. This is what he will expect." "And you are a Druid…hmmm, sounds like an interesting plan to me," she glanced at him with a smirk. "I was a Druid! The energy one gives off can be controlled. I don't plan on sacrificing myself unnecessarily, you know," he shot back. "Will, you said you don't plan on sacrificing yourself unnecessarily, does that mean if you find it necessary you will?" Her expression was haunted. "Morgan, let's not worry about tomorrow when today has enough worries for itself. Here, have some cheese." He opened his saddlebag and removed a bundle of cheese and bread. Cutting off a slice he handed it to her, but avoided her eyes. She was probing for answers, and he was not willing to give them up just yet. They sat by the well and watched the clouds float lazily by. The breeze was warm, and the song of birds filled the air. If anything was out in the plain waiting for them, it had to be some distance off. Will didn't think anything could spoil the beauty of this moment. Peace and quietness. Who could think of war at a time like this? Then he chided himself for the very thought he felt couldn't disturb this tranquillity. Morgan looked at him suddenly and said, "How many children do you want?" "What?!" "I was just wondering that when you and whoever has kids, how many would you like? "What an odd question to ask at a time like this!" Morgan, tucking her legs up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them and rested her chin on top of her knees. She then gazed at him sideways for a moment before trying to explain, "Will, I just want to know what is on your heart concerning kids. Do you not want any, or if you do, how many? The reason I ask is, well, I think the world could do with more like you." She smiled at him, "I am sure your son or daughter would take after you in many respects." "I haven't thought about it much. I suppose I would like at least a son and daughter. I have a feeling it would be the girl who would take after me the most…poor thing." He let out a hearty laugh. "Yes, it would be her that would carry on the tradition of magic." Then he grew serious, "How about you and Sir Robert? Will you have children? She looked away from him, but he noticed tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't turn back, but answered in a quiet voice, "It's too late now. I could wish that you and…no, never mind. Let's get going. We should be try to reach the base of the Hound's Tooth Mountains before night fall." "Rather ambitious goal that. But we can give it a go." Will helped her to her feet, "How did you know where we were headed. I don't remember telling you our destination." "Beloved, I told you that I hadn't given up all my abilities." Here she softly patted him on the cheek, then walked to her mount and slid into the saddle. "Are you coming?" "Yes, my Lady, I'm coming." Will sprang into the saddle, suddenly feeling light hearted. He tried not to think about what lie head. The moment was enough. Morgan may never be his lover again, but her friendship meant more to him then anything else in the world. He urged Aspen to catch up with her, and they rode side-by-side for awhile without talking. The path they chose gently curved off to the west. The foothills of the Hound's Tooth where just turning brown in the summer heat, but the day was comfortable. A prefect day for a ride in the country Will joked to himself. As the afternoon wore on clouds started to gather in the east and quickly spread, carpeting the entire sky. Although the temperature went down slightly, the day was still comfortable and it did not appear that rain was imminent. Morgan looked at Will and smiled. He wondered what was going on in her mind, yet he didn't have long to wait. "Will? Do you love Morion? Morgan kept her eyes forward, but he knew her mind was focused on him. "Yes." Will didn't want to offer more, so he kept his answer simple and to the point. "She's a good woman and my best friend you know. I wouldn't want her hurt." Will looked at her, "What are you implying? That I would hurt her?" "No, I mean, maybe…," she gazed at him, then continued, "Will, you are so damn stubborn. Your honor gets in the way of you enjoying life. Your duty is your first love. Sometimes a woman wants to feel that she comes first." "And you are saying that I never showed you that you came first, is that it?" Irritation entered his voice, "With you, my beloved, I felt you were first, but the truth be told, you always held something back. Always hoping that…no, I'm not entering this conversation. My love and devotion to you was unquestionable. Yes, I had and have my duties to perform, but I would have given them up in an instant for you. And I believe this scared you. You wanted me, but were afraid. Of what, I haven't a clue. It doesn't matter anymore. Leave it." He galloped ahead trying to out race his feelings of bitterness. Aspen's strong stride carried him into a mounting breeze. The wind in his ears drowned out his pounding heart. It's white noise caused him to barely hear her calling after him, but he did and brought Aspen up short. He turned around to find Morgan racing towards him. When she neared, she slowed to a trot. As she came to a stop, her voice was low and contrite. "Will, I am sorry. I guess I just don't know how to handle the situation. And maybe I'm just afraid you and Morion will end up the same way. I don't know." "Then just leave it." Will looked at her. If only he could change time. If only he had met her before Sir Robert. If only. He nudged Aspen into a slow walk and continued the journey. Though he wanted to say more, to reveal all on his heart, he didn't dare. It would only end up with someone getting hurt or angry. And he had had enough of that with Morgan. It was time to enter the future, learning from the past, but not dwelling on it. "Morgan, you mentioned that it was too late to have children. But there are many homeless children around. Why don't you adopt one as your own? Or is Robert opposed to this?" Morgan smiled as she thought of the prospect, "No, Robert is not opposed. He knows how much I love children. He loves them too, but like you he has his duty. Doesn't feel he could give a child enough of his time to make it worth it. No, like I said before, it's too late." "Well, I have been thinking seriously about retiring from the knighthood business. I would like a family. A small farm to grow enough to feed my family and have surplus to sell at local farmer's markets. Yes, that is the type of life I desire." "You'd grow bored." "I think it is the type of boredom I could live with," he smiled at his joke. "No, I think with the right mate, life would never be boring. Unfortunately, I may even now be letting the right one slip through my fingers. Geez, let's not discuss this. The terrain is changing." Sure enough the road was becoming rougher, as though much less well traveled. They hadn't seen anyone the whole journey, probably due to the incursion of Lord Banon's army to the north. Will wondered just how much longer it would be before they met up with the first scouts. Hopefully he and Morgan were far enough west to miss any enemy troops. He didn't want them to have any forewarning as to his presence. The thought occurred to him that Morion's troops would also be on the move. It would take a few days for the traps to be set. Hopefully there was enough time. The clouds were growing thicker and periodically he would feel a drop of rain on his face. Still they rode on. He guided Aspen towards a grove of trees in the distance, hoping that the trees would afford them some protection against the deluge he knew was coming. Morgan seemed to sense the urgency of the situation. "Will, how about a little race?" Not waiting for an answer, she spurred her mount forward. Will smiled after her. She was often unpredictable, at least to others, and always spontaneous. He sent Aspen racing after her. They slowed to a trot as they neared the grove. The rain was coming down heavier now. They were soon under the cover of trees, which meant that they were only getting a little less wet. Will sprang from his horse and pulled his camping equipment from the back of Aspen's saddle. In no time he had a small tent pitched and ready for occupancy. Morgan too had put her time to good use. She found some dry branches and leaves near a jumble of rocks near by. Soon a small fire burned brightly surrounded by a ring of stones. She had small iron kettle sitting at its rim heating water for some herbal tea that she had brought. Will looked at her as she tended the fire, her red hair glowing in the fiery light. It was trite to say that this moment was enough for a lifetime, and he could wish it was, but knowing deep in his heart it wasn't. "Nice fire. Let's not make it too large, we wouldn't want to give our position away." Morgan arched one eyebrow at him, "Thanks for the warning." Will smiled at her, "You do realize I was joking." She placed the herbal bag into the steaming water and without looking up said, "So was I." Then she held him with her most dazzling smile. "How about some of that fine travel bread and cheese you brought?" "Some meal, but I guess it will hold us…" Will paused in mid-sentence, falling silent as his eyes focused on something seemingly outside of the grove of trees. "Will? What is it?" "Shhhh…" Will closed his eyes to center his concentration. His face reflected the warmth of the fire, but his face went suddenly pale. "Put the fire out! Quickly," he commanded. Morgan complied without question. She too seemed to sensed something. They both went still and listened. The rain was lightening up a bit. Droplets of water could be heard splashing into small puddles under the trees. But something else disturbed the evening air. The sound of drums. Will opened his eyes and got up to sit by Morgan. "Beloved, I think we won't have to search much longer. I'll wait until it grows darker, then I'll find out where that sound is coming from." "Oh? And I suppose you are going to leave me here? Well, listen up buster! I am coming with you. No, don't argue. You need me, and I need to be there with you. Besides, I am still a better tracker than you." She held his gaze. "Okay, already. You can come. But beloved, I swear, if anything happens to you, I'll never forgive myself or you." He then sliced of a hunk of cheese and bread for her to snack on." You'll need your strength. He grinned at her as he took a bit of his own. "Can I have something to drink with this?" She poured him some tea into a tin cup and handed it to him. "When should we go to scout out wherever that sound is coming from?" "After our meal and when it is a tad darker." He fell silent and listened to the haunting beat of the drums. The sound could be coming from anywhere. It seemed to echo and re-echo in the cracks and crevices of the foothills they were in. The Druid suspected the enemy was to the northeast of them, but wouldn't be sure until they found the camp. Morgan was through before Will, and started preparations to leave. She packed her gear and led her horse deeper into the grove of trees. She then came back for Aspen. The war-horse didn't seem to mind the attention. It followed her back in the grove to stand with her mount. She tied them securely and then rejoined Will. He watched her approached and then got up to face her. "Morgan, I am giving you one more chance to change your mind. You don't have to come with me. You might better serve the defense of Morion by going back to our troops. You could help my brother with Arrow. I am sure Sir Alan wouldn't mind your help. Even Sir Robert would be glad of your aid. Your council could do them wonders." "Sorry. You're not getting rid of me." "Sure, my Lady. No problem." Then gesturing towards the path he chuckled, "Shall we?" He picked up his sword, bow, and quiver that Morgan had taken off Aspen's saddle and started for the path. They were into the night before the rain finally gave up and turned into a wet mist. The drums could be felt more than heard, which either meant they were very distant or the drummers were hidden in some valley among the foothills. Will led the way up to the crest of one of the hills to get a better view of the surrounding territory, but being night he had little hope of seeing too much. However, they were in luck. A soft reddish glow to the northeast marked were the sound of the drums came from. The enemy was closer then he realized. He walked down the hill into the next valley, periodically checking the sky to make sure he was heading in the right direction. Morgan walked beside him, and frequently helping him avoid the ever-present puddle or shallow creek. If it weren't for her, his feet would be soaked. Her sight was like that of a cat's he chuckled to himself. As they climbed another hill, Will was certain the enemy was on the other side. The glow was fierce in the cloudy sky and the drums thundered against the stillness of the night. Will and Morgan crested the top of the hill, but stood in stunned silence at the scene below. Thousands of tiny fires illuminated the vast valley floor. Tents reflected back the yellow glow of the flames, while small shadows darted between them. "Well, what did you expect," Morgan nudged the knight out of his astonishment. "This. But the reality hadn't hit me until now." "Okay, Druid. What now?" "We search out the leader, and kill him. Simple as that." He gave her an innocent smirk. "Once Lord Banon is dead, they will be without their main source of inspiration." "Great. So, how do you plan on killing him, and what of Morlyn? That fellow seems rather inspiring himself. Do you plan on getting rid of them both tonight?" Will hold her with his gaze. Though it was dark, the firelight danced in her eyes and he loved her all over again. "Morgan, I could be so lucky, but no I'm not so arrogant that I believe I would get a clear shot at both of them. If I know Morlyn, he isn't even down there. Now here is the plan…" Will lean close to her taking a bit of comfort in her presence. She did not move away. "I need a diversion, but don't worry, I won't put you into any unnecessary danger." He felt her whack him on the arm, and he smiled at himself for getting to her. Yes, this would be like old times. He continued with the outline of the plan, "We will try and find an outcropping of stone to hide behind. Then I'll go further down into the camp. If I am lucky, I can disguise myself as one of them and find Lord Banon's tent. Once there, it is a matter of getting in, striking a deadly blow, and getting back out." "Easy." She said sarcastically and shook her head. "Well, that is were you come in." "With the distraction." She drew out her words, tilting her head slightly in doubt. "Yep. My Lady, and my distraction." He squeezed her hand meaningfully. "Now, I don't care how you do it, but make it loud and ominous. Just don't get yourself killed doing it." He could feel her doubts, but knew she would go through with it anyway. "And Morgan, this is very important…no magic. Promise?" "Yes, beloved. I promise. But it sure would make things easier. And what a time to get reacquainted with my abilities." She looked at his face and saw the doubt there, "No, I promise. Anyway, now would be a terrible time to make a misstep." Will wondered if she meant making a mistake when creating the diversion, or a misstep being alone with him. He ignored his thought and continued, "I plan on using the Monkshood syrup Laroux made for me. That way even if I should not strike an immediately fatal blow, the poison will do the work for me. Sort of serves them right, don't you think?" He could she Morgan's eyes grow distant as she thought of Sir Robert. She brought herself back to the moment and asked, "What if we cannot find an outcropping of stone? Where do you plan on having me hide?" "Oh you of little faith. You forget that before I returned to Morion, I spent a lot of time out here in the wilds. There are always outcroppings of rocks and boulders. Trust me." He hoped he sounded surer of himself than he was. In reality, he didn't have a clue whether there was hiding places or not. Their best bet might be just to lie as flat on the ground as possible and hope the creatures below had very poor eyesight. It was a long shot, but they didn't have many options if their mission was to succeed. "Okay, Druid, lead the way." Morgan gave him a light peck on the cheek. He led the way down the grassy slope; taking care not to slip on the dew covered grass. They could make out ridges in the hillside from the firelight below, but none proved suitable for their purposes. As they continued down the hill, the drumbeats became more audible. They could see giant figures dancing around great bonfires at the center of the camp, moving in rhythm to the pagan beat. They turned left hoping to get a bit closer to where the larger tents were situated. Twelve others ringed one of them, reminiscent of the stone rings the Druids held sacred. "Too obvious," Will muttered under his breath. But maybe that was the trick. The enemy trying to play a mind came. Make things obvious, make the opponent believe they could not be so stupid, then do exactly what is the most obvious thing to do. "Yes, Lord Banon is really there." But his focus was not on the center tent. He led Morgan to a ridge he hoped would prove suitable. In fact, his fortune was holding up. The outcropping was a large jumble of huge stones. It could be used as shelter and, if necessary, a booby-trap. It was this latter quality that intrigued him. "Morgan, I am going down there to see if I can find a rope. Please wait here." "Will, wait!" She exclaimed in as quiet a voice as she could, but still emphasizing her words. He did not stop to answer but slid silently down the slope to the edge of the camp. Guards were posted, but no one saw his coming. He worked his way like a spider around the outer rim of fire light, keeping just out of reach of the telling light. He had spotted the most likely place where he would find rope, and preceded in that direction. The guards made their rounds, but missed him entirely. Will venture to raise his head to see if he was nearing his target. The coral was not guarded, probably in the belief no one could make it this far into camp, without being seen. As he crept along the ground, he could feel the beat of the music and the low grunts of warriors talking. What he heard disturbed him. As he drew close to his destination, he looked about for anyone that might be near enough to see him if he stood. No one appeared to be about, but a sound sent chills through his spine. A screech echoed through the still night air and for a moment the drumming stopped. Will wondered if Morgan had been seen, or worse yet captured. The cry from the air resounded again. He was certain it was from a creature like the one that swept over the list when he was battling Gardain. Whatever the creature was, it could see in the dark. He was certain it was searching for him. Will remained flat against the ground, certain that if he moved, he would be found out. The call of the dark creature echoed in the valley, but seemed to be heading away from him. The drumbeats began again, as if nothing was amiss. With a sigh of relief, Will moved cautiously forward. The coral was before him, but no sign of a rope, or anything that could be uses for one. He moved along the fence keeping an eye out for any sentries that might be posted close by. As he was almost completely around the parameter of the coral, he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye. He went still. The movement was steady and quite. Will removed his sword from its sheathe in anticipation for a battle. But the creature, which stalked him, was content to remain just outside of his range. "Will, it's me," came Morgan's voice floating over to him. He re-sheathed his sword and whispered for her to come to him. He noticed that she held something tightly in her grasp. "Is this what you were looking for?" She winked at him and then started to make her way out of camp. He thought of the danger she had just put them both, but didn't care. It was Morgan's usual style, and he was glad for it. They were soon out of the camp and climbing the hill to the rocks where they had made their outlook. "Morgan, I can't believe you did that. What are you trying to prove anyway? That I need you? Well, fine! I do. Always have." He grabbed her arm and forced her to look at him. "That was really stupid you know." "Yes, but I figured two set of eyes were better than one. Anyway, we got what we went for. And we make a great team." She arched an eyebrow at him speculatively. "Hmmm, I thought that was my line. It's been a long time since you admitted that. But no matter. Here, help me rig the trap." He took the rope and tied it to one of the smaller boulders that seemed to be holding the whole lot in place. Then he took the rest of the rope and threw it down the hill. "What do you have in mind, beloved." Morgan looked at him doubtfully. "I want you to make sure to stay behind this outcropping. When you hear my signal, I want you to make as much noise as possible up here." "What will the signal be?" "Well, if things go right a flaming arrow, loud cursing, and a heck of a lot of confusion." "And why the rope? I don't have the strength to pull the boulder out from under there!" "No, my Lady. Nor do I. Just trust me on this one, okay? "All right, but don't you dare get yourself killed. If you do, I will haunt you the rest of your spiritual existence." Will looked at her. His heart knowing that he could not have her as his own, but still, he held her close and kissed her tenderly. "I refuse to tell you how I feel about you, but hopefully you still know." With that he headed back down the hill and to what he hoped was Lord Banon's tent. William Black © Continues... Chronicle III, Main page |