Hi! Just a note: King William of this story is not related in any way to Robin Hood's king. Enjoy! (-:
Chapter 1
Very still I sat, peeking through the leaves of a bush as a group of thugs surrounded a young boy. An elven boy, unusually tall and elegant like the fair folk are. From his clothes I could see that he must be from a wealthy family. Probably not from here, because only fools still wander alone in these forests. These were troubled times, since the death of king William. He had left no heir to the throne. Many human villages had been plundered by so-called gangs, mostly no-good men who figured it would be easier to plunder the possessions of others rather than work since there is no king to keep order. The king's advisers apparently had their hands full trying to find the nearest relative to the throne. Mysteriously the royal registers had vanished and everyone claimed to be related to the king. Many sought refuge with the elves, who let them stay in villages. Prejudice still remained between elves en humans even in these dire times. The elves gave the humans grains to sow and protection. In exchange the humans gave a portion of the produce to the elves.
I lived in one of these villages, working as a seamster for 'lady Catherine' as everyone called her. Others described her as charming, kind and caring. Those who worked for her knew better. So many times I wanted to run away, but knew there was nowhere else for me to go. My father had me sent to my aunt when the war broke out. Later we received a letter that stated that my father had been killed and our home destroyed. I was left in my aunt's custody. At least I had a place to stay and food to eat. She had a daughter, Kathy, whom she spoiled. She sometimes made things very difficult for us. At least Yolandi, a fellow seamster, became a dear friend to me. We helped each other in any way we could.
Today was our day off. Sundays was the only day we could do what we wanted without having Catherine or Kathy hanging over our shoulder, ordering us around. They were too busy trying to impress others at the service, wich only nobles were allowed to attend. I had gone for a walk in the woods. My father, in happier times, taught me much about nature, and the basics of handling a bow and sword. He felt I needed to know something to defend myself when it was needed, even though it is not customary for women to learn to fight. Then he was killed and I was forced to move to this village with my aunt, who took everything I had of my father and mother to 'pay' for caring for me. I hid a locket that was my mothers, and one of my father's swords. I felt I wanted to have something to remember them by.
As I watched, I wondered what I should do. I could see there are four men.
"You' lost lad?" One asked scoldingly.
"That is some fancy clothes you have. Should fetch a nice price..." another said sneering.
"I'm not giving it to you!" the boy protested bravely as he took some steps back. His voice had a musical ring.
"Don't be stupid, boy!" He lifted his hand to slap him.
I couldn't do nothing, so I leaped out. "Don't you dare touch him!"
The men were caught by surprise, but as soon as they saw I'm a woman, laughed.
"You want to stop us? With what? Your charms? Ha-ha-ha!"
"Hello, pretty lady!" one of the others mocked. I could see that their attention was now fixed on me, and that I would have to do something quick before they get their filthy hands on me. Only now did they notice that the boy had disappeared.
"He's gone! That is going to cost you pretty lady..." As they came closer, I frantically tried to work out a plan of action. They had swords and sticks. I could try to take one from them? No, they would be stronger than I. I backed away as they came closer. If you can't fight, run! I started running deeper into the woods. I heard the men screaming and swearing as they pursued. I had thought I knew the forest quite well, but now realised that I had been mistaken. Suddenly nothing looked familiar. I looked around and then ran again as men kept pursuing. I looked back to see how far they were when I tripped over something and fell. I started rolling down a hill. I tried to get up, but a blinding pain shot through my ankle. Twigs and branched had grabbed and torn at me. My dress was almost in shreds. I pulled my dress loose and tried once more to get up, but fell again with a blinding pain.
"You can't run anymore pretty lady!" The others followed shortly. A short fat one came panthing heavily. His mate scolded at him that he was eating too much.
"Now you will pay!" his mate said, ignoring the remarks.
"You are detestable! King William would have had you hanged for this!"
"Well, good thing he is gone then!" They laughed. I picked up a stone and threw it at one of them. It hit right between the eyes. He angrily swore at me and pulled out a knife, but before he could stab me with it, three arrows pierced into his chest and he fell over. The others shouted in confusion. I couldn't see anyone or where the arrows came from. My head was spinning and my ankle paining. Still I tried to pull myself away from the body lying next to me. Then I started losing consciousness. I heard voices. One was the elven boy's.
"It's her. The lady that saved me."
Through a haze I could see some figures approaching, but then all was dark and still.
Your review will be appreciated, thanx! (-:
