A group of children ran through the dirt streets; laughing as they dashed to the Great Hall. The crisp air was cool, and leaves scattered around their feet with each step they took.

"Can't catch me, slowpokes!" Called a young boy with brown hair.

"Please, wait up Daniel!" Another boy shouted back. "We can't run as fast."

The only girl in the group, darted around a villager pushing a wheelbarrow of potatoes. "We wouldn't have to run, if Daniel had finished his chores on time!" She glared daggers at Daniel. "You just had to have a conversation with Polly, didn't you?"

Daniel gave a cheeky grin. "What can I say, Hannah? She's a good listener...and easy on the eyes." He ducked to avoid a punch from Hannah, then turned to the other boy. "Get the lead out, Luke! Same to you, Jacob!"

"I would, if I could!" Luke panted, struggling to keep up.

"Same here!" Answered his brother.

Today was the Harvest Celebration; the week before the cold of winter and prepare for it's harsh weather. Many people were hanging wreaths made from wheat and dried berries, garlands of maple leaves entwined with pine branches were strung above storefronts and front doors. Gourds, hollowed out with the tops off; hung by strings either in windows, front posts or they sat on the ground just beside the front of the door. The smell of roasts, stews, and baked goods wafted through the village; all coming from the Great Hall itself.

Daniel and his friends charged up the steps, and through the tall doors of the Great Hall. The place was also decorated for the festivities, and the candles in the metal holders were being switched for new ones. A couple of brazers were on the left and right sides of the huge room, long tables with benches stood ready for people to sit. Few of the villagers were setting the tables with wooden bowls, goblets and utensils. Plus many clay and metal jugs to be filled with beer, wine, and water.

The children dashed over to a woman, dressed in a green cloak with Celtic designs. Her dress was blue-green, with a tan bodice with red orange lacing up the front. She turned to the sound of the children's footfalls, and gave them a bemused smile, with twinkling eyes from under her hood.

"Are-Are we late?" Luke asked, while catching his breath.

Hannah snorted. "If we are, it's Daniel's fault."

"Hey!"

The woman chuckled, then wagged a finger at them. "Now, now...do you want to hear the story or not?"

"Oh, yes!"-"Please!"-"Tell us, tell us!"-"Been waiting all year!"-"We'll be good!"

"Alright, sit down and I'll begin."

The children sat down by her feet as she sat on the bench front of them. "Long ago...in a time when tales of dragons, hobgoblins and fairies were told; there lived a countess who had a nephew that was handsome to look upon. In fact many claimed, he was as kind as he was handsome. Never had an unkind word about anyone. But they could be farther from the truth..."

:~*~:

The castle of Countess Mai, wife to Count Joey; was full of the sounds of the morning routine. Kitchen preparing breakfast, servants cleaning the floors and dusting the many treasures the count had acquired on his many trips. Count Joey walked with his wife down the many halls to the Dining Hall; chatting about what the day might bring. The count was tall, with honey colored eyes and blonde hair and a kind heart. He wore a blue tunic and and brown pants with a sliver belt that had a dagger on one side.

The lady herself was lovely; her golden hair hung to her waist in waves, violet eyes gleamed and almost matched her gown. Ruby lips were pulled into a grin as she laughed at a joke her husband told.

Upon arriving, the Head of the Servants brought over a few documents for Joey to look through. "Sir, the daily reports."

"Put 'em on my desk, Roland. Ya know I like to spend the meals with my wife."

Roland bowed and took the reports to the Count's study, as servants brought out the morning meal. Mai began to pour herself some ale, when a maid came up and set a basket of fresh baked buns in front of her.

"Would you like some honeyed peaches, milady?"

The Countess shook her head, "No, thanks hun. I'm watching my figure...but I'm sure my husband and nephew would love some." She sent Joey a wink his way. Causing him to blush. Then started eating the fresh cooked goose, that had been seasoned with oranges. After a few minutes, a muffled voice came from the hall.

"Seems we don't have to drag, Henry out of bed today." Joey commented, having a sip of his own glass of ale.

As if on cue; a young man entered wearing a white shirt, and black pants with matching leather boots. He had left his shirt open in the front, revealing his slim chest. He was of medium height, and his skin was slightly tan. Burgundy colored eyes, were rimmed with dark lashes that made them look fuller. His hair was tri-colored; star-shaped black in color and outlined in red. Golden, lighting shaped bangs framed his face of sharp features; while a few extra strands shot up into his hair, making some-sort-of crown. His arms had some muscle, from practicing his swordsmanship.

The man's name; was Henry Tudor. And he was the nephew to Countess Mai.

"Glad you could join us, Henry." Mai said, while having a bite of the goose.

Henry sat down with a huff and grabbed a meat pie, before having a bite. "Blast it all...bumbling oaf..."

"Pardon?" Joey asked.

"The servant who was supposed to have my bath ready, was late this morning! To top it off, he was sweating so hard I think he corrupted the soap. Bloody pig-"

Mai put down her goblet, hard. "Henry...we talked about this. You're not to mock the servants, they work hard to do their jobs. Plus, Jacob's wife is expecting their second child. And he's been running himself almost into the ground, as she can't work with the day of birth fast approaching."

"That still doesn't give him the right, to-!"

Joey held up his hands, "H-Hey now, why don't we change the subject? Mai, you say Jacob's wife will have the baby soon? Do they know if it's a boy or girl?"

Mai took a breath to regain her composure. "Yes, she is. And no, they're not sure. But I do know that Olivia is hoping for a girl."

Henry slumped in his chair, bored as his aunt and uncle talked. Once breakfast was over; he went back to his room and finished dressing for the days hunting party. He wanted to get many catches today; and put the morning's events behind him. He covered a cough, before clearing his throat. With summer almost gone, the castle was getting colder. Meaning that he'd need more blankets, than the ones currently on his four-poster bed. Perhaps even a fur pelt. Grabbing cape that was brown as the earth, Henry put it around his shoulders and headed out.

He passed a few servants, gave a sneer at one's long nose. "Bird beak." He muttered under his breath.

Upon stepping into the courtyard, he called for his horse. A lanky stable boy with freckles, brought over a chestnut mare with a black mane. The saddle was polished to perfection, and the bridle's copper clasps shone in the early morning light. Henry mounted as a few other riders arrived and one handed Henry his bow and quiver.

"What are you planning to bag to day, milord?" Asked the falconer. On his shoulder was the bird of prey, the hood over its eyes. Both of the man's hands were adorned with elbow length heavy leather gloves. "Rabbits? Pigeon? Perhaps a Boar?"

"Pheasant." Came Henry's answer. "I desire pheasant for my dinner and I intend to have it." Then to the rest of the party, ordered them to head out.

From the window, Countess Mai watched with her lips in a firm line. Her nephew was becoming a man...but not the kind that respected others. How could a ruler keep a kingdom together if he made an enemy of all around him? "Something must be done soon...or I fear that Henry will not last long on the throne." After a moment, she had Roland be called for...

:~*~:

Henry gripped his horses reigns, as he watched the falcon go after the game bird he desired. So far they had grabbed four of the fowls, but one more would best. They were small birds after all. Two other hunters had bagged a boar, and a rabbit...laughing about how easy the hunting was today.

The young lord sipped from his water skin, finding the daylight making him drowsy.

"Sire? Are you well?" Asked the Game Keeper.

Henry huffed. "Fine. Just the sun..."

"Ah, well there should be a stream ahead. We can water the horses there...and rest a bit."

"Good idea." He signaled the other men, to finish what they were doing. Then let the Game Keeper lead the way, to the stream. The cool water was just what the horses needed, and a few of the men re-filled their water-skins or splashed their faces. Henry stood under a tree, hands behind his head. The young man listened to the chatter of some of the men, a few yards away.

"...I tell ya, lads! She was a jewel among women!" Said one who had stubble on his face.

"No, no...all those bar maids are the same." Replied a red-haired man.

The third man, who had only one eye; shook his head. "I can't believe you both...have you no shame?"

"Just because your married, shouldn't stop you from having fun." The one with stubble, said.

The one-eyed man growled. "Just wait; til you meet the one, who fills your mind day and night. That's when you know, she's the perfect woman."

Henry scoffed and focused on the water. "Marriage...bah! Give me a good tavern to go wenching any day. Althrough...the perfect woman is something to dream about..."

A flash of something caught his eye, and he turned to see a stag. Large...powerful...and had an impressive set of horns on it's head. Quietly, Henry picked up his bow and notched an arrow. With practiced steps he soundlessly approached, the animal...

SNAP!

The stag spotted Henry and bolted. The lord followed; cursing himself for not seeing the twig. A few men were behind him, as they had seen him take off like the devil was after him. Henry didn't even acknowledge them...he was too focused on his quarry. While running, he pulled the arrow back...bow shaking from the strain...then let it fly.

Closer...closer...almost to the beasts heart...

"NO!"

The stag had jumped over a log, the last second. The arrow became lodged deep, into the wood. Snarling; Henry grabbed another arrow from his quiver and readied his aim. He was about to release the arrow when the Game Keeper made his horse block Henry's path...and cause Henry to fall onto his back in surprise. But it turned to rage, in a second. "You stupid man! Get out of my way, that stag is mine!"

"Forgive me, milord. But I had to do it...or you'd be lost to us."

"What are you talking about?"

The Game Keeper pointed to the forest, where the stag had disappeared into. "That forest...something's in there..."

"Yes. The stag, now move!"

"It's not just the stag...there's something that protects that forest, and it's animals." He continued. "People say it's druids; people who worshiped the earth and all it's blessings. When we, the English; came onto these shores and mistreated the land...they cast a spell on that forest. Those who enter with hostile or evil intent...are never heard from again."

Henry looked at the wide stretch of trees with leaves of emerald, and mossy barked trunks. It seemed normal enough, but did he really want to chance it? Growling, he turned and ordered everyone to mount their horses. They were heading back to the castle.

:~*~:

Meanwhile, the stag bounded through the forest at full speed. Over dell...over knoll...over stream...through field...until it came to a town on the other side of the large uncharted forest. A meadow greeted it, and ended at a lodge-like house. The stag sagged to the ground in exhaustion, as a woman dressed in brown cotton came over with some water.

"Oh you poor creature...here, have some." She placed some of the water in a bowl, to which the stag drank eagerly. "There now, my friend. Rest here awhile." A slim pale hand, rough from hard work; stroked the warm coat of the animal in a loving way. The other hand offered it some fresh clover, and chuckled from the feel its ticklish nose. "Have you traveled far? I wonder where, if that's true...?"

:~*~:

To say Henry was not in a good mood, was putting it mildly... He was enraged! Not only had he failed, to obtain the number of phesants for dinner...he lost a prized stag! Just that alone was enough to set his blood boiling. He stomped into the castle; eyes burning like coals and a growl in his throat.

Servants skittered out of his way in fright, or duck into other rooms; in order to keep out of the lord's way. Once in his chambers did Henry rip off his cape and yelled in frustration. "First my morning bath was corrupted...and now I lost a stag...that would have been perfect, on the wall!" Henry grabbed a pewter pitcher and threw it at the wall; making it clang against the stone. Anger finally spent, he flopped on his bed with an arm over his eyes. A knock made him growl, until he heard his uncle's voice. "Come in, if you must."

Joey popped his head in. "We saved a bit of the noon-day meal, for ya. Want me have someone bring it up?"

"No. I just want to be alone..."

"Alright. Don't forget the sparring match you promised me."

That made made Henry chuckle. "Sure you want to do it? I've already proven to be too strong for you."

Joey snorted. "Please, I've gone easy on ya."

The young lord laughed. "Keep telling yourself that...Twenty minutes?"

"Make it fifteen."

"Done."

Joey left his nephew to rest, and headed back to the study. The reports of the war were getting bloodier and bloodier...even through Henry had been sent to him and his wife to keep safe. Of course; that been ten years ago. While the young lord had grown in body, he still acted like a child at times. Mai and Joey had done all they could in teaching him to rule...but he still remained bitter and constantly belittling everyone he met.

The Countess had often tried to make Henry see sense, but he didn't take her seriously. Not enough anyway. Joey rubbed his tired eyes; if only Henry's father was still alive...he had been not only a good Lord to his people; but he had been reasonable, compassionate, and fair. His wife was also firm...but also kind, gentle and could make any dark and dreary day become bright and cheerful. It was hard when she had died when Henry was only two years old, but his father was able to raise him as well as he could. And then; a year after Henry had arrived to live him and Mai...the good man joined his wife in heaven.

The Count looked though the reports, before placing them in a pile on the corner of his desk. Just as one of the elder servants came in.

"The latest shipment has arrived, sir. Would you like me to bring you, some of the fresh mead?"

Joey shook his head. "Thank you, but no. I don't think I could keep, anything down at the moment. Arthur?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Do you think the war is a curse?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Joey rested his chin on his folded hands. "This war. The fact that it's been going on, for years now...makes me think it's a 'cruse' or 'hex' of some kind. With each year; both sides lose more people...nobles, knights, peasants. Be it from battle, sickness or hunger...they fall. I'm not even in this fight, and yet letters come to keep me up to date. Very detailed letters." He closed his eyes. "Gods Wounds, Arthur...I fear the world's gone mad."

Arthur said nothing, at first. Then came to stand by the Count's desk. "If I may sir; while you can't do anything to stop the war, or stop the letters...perhaps you should focus on the other matter."

"What's that?"

"The Countess has decided, to find Henry a bride. Although...she'll need help from you.

"You know what? You're right, Arthur!" He jumped up and said over his shoulder, "Thank you, my good man! If Mai hasn't done so yet, summon the fastest messengers!"

:~*~:

That evening...

Countess Mai finished pressing her house seal, into the hot wax on the parchment. All were set and ready, to go out. Roland picked up the letters and headed to the stable to hand them to the messengers who were waiting on their horses. The Countess headed to the Dining Hall and calmly sat down as her husband entered with her nephew.

The table was set with roasted duck, bread, chicken with lemon juice, the two pheasants and hare; Henry caught with the hunters, were seasoned and cooked golden brown. Fruit Tarts and Almond Cakes drizzled with Honey were piled on metal trays. Pitchers of mead, beer and a bottle of wine stood waiting to drank.

Henry told his aunt and uncle about the hunt, the stag that got away. "...and I almost had him! If The Captain hadn't stopped me, we'd be having deer meat tonight along with everything."

"It's better you didn't, Henry." Countess Mai said, around a bite of roast duck. "Those woods...they're not natural. Even I dare not enter it. There are things in that forest...Goblins, Pooka, evil sprites. It's best we stay clear of it."

"But," Joey added. "There are a few who are able to go through; even live in there, safely. Some say they're blessed by Nature herself, or descendants of Druids themselves."

"Or it's just a story, made up by fools who are just trying to make us look stupid."

"Don't mock, Henry!" Countess Mai scolded, before calming herself. "There is something we must speak with you about. As you know; you're of age to marry-"

Henry rolled his eyes, "Please get to the point."

"I've summoned; the daughters of the neighboring chiefs, and high standard lords to come here."

Those words made the young man almost choke on his drink. "YOU WHAT?!"