So, I don't have a definite number of the votes per...competitor, and so I put a poll up. Check it out. And VOTE!!! Lol. To make up for the long wait, I've posted an extra long chapter. My longest yet: 5532 words.

Chapter 23: The Secrets of Beric

The next day I spent the whole morning in the kitchen. Harry drifted in when it was time cook the meals, but he didn't even dare glance at me, I had Beric to thank for that. Aradia was not present and I was surprised, but very pleased. Da was in an extremely cheerful mood and I felt as if the whole day would be sunny. Most of the royal family had left for various reasons, tea parties, conventions, pony rides, so the need for help was scarce and I mostly lounged around talking to Da, cleaning, and copying down some of my favorite recipes. I even resorted to making cookies.

I felt rather empty, actually. After all the excitement I had been having for the past...seven months I couldn't get use to the peaceful routine of the kitchen. I wanted to get out and do things. I wanted to go talk to people besides my ordinary Da and Nina. Not that they were boring, they were just...ordinary.

So when Beric hobbled into the kitchen leaning on his crutch, I was almost glad to see him. Though he had been visiting the kitchens often I couldn't help but be glad for the break from...nothing.

"You hungry?" I asked my eyes still on my stirring.

"No."

I looked up at the sound of his dull voice. His handsome features looked more wane than I remembered and his shoulders were slumped as he clutched the crutch. I was about to ask what was wrong but instead said, "Well, what do you want?"

He let himself slowly down onto a chair before answering. "When we leave tomorrow..."

"We're leaving tomorrow?" I gasped quickly, a little too quickly.

He glanced back at me and said slowly, "Yes, we are. We have already decided that you should move to my castle to be with my sister so you can...run away easier. I'm finished with business here and am ready to go. You didn't know this?"

I shook my head, amazed. "No. I thought maybe...uh you'd get better first."

A scowl creased his lips and he gripped his crutch tighter. "I am better."

"Right," I said shortly. "I forgot you were invincible."

For a brief moment he looked mad, but it passed quickly and was replaced with a shocked face. "You forgot?" he gasped. "How could you forget the most obvious fact in the world?"

I blinked, ready to spew out a torrent of insults and anger. Then it hit me, he was joking. I nearly choked. Instead I did what came naturally; I gasped as well and slammed my hand into my forehead. "Oh, my gosh! I did. I can't believe I did that! Next time I'll tie a little string on my finger to remember."

"You are so sarcastically dramatic, May," he said rolling his eyes.

"Oh, and you aren't?" I retorted.

His eyes widened. "Of course not! I am invincible."

"If you weren't so badly wounded I'd whack you with this spoon."

"My thanks to your father and my horse," he replied dryly.

That stopped my playful mood. I had still not gotten use to the fact that Sir Boduoc the mysterious green knight was my father. Although I did not voice my thoughts, it was apparently obvious on my face because Beric sobered up immediately.

"Sorry, I forgot you were nervous."

Nervous? I thought about this. Yes, I supposed that was true. I was nervous. It had been years since my childish day-dreams and I had never really established how I would respond when I found out who my father was. Now he was alive, well, and should be looking after me. A light burst inside my head and I exclaimed excitedly, "Of course! How could I be so blind?!"

Beric looked at me strangely, waiting for an answer, though I could easily read his thoughts, You didn't know whether you were nervous or not?

I forgave him since he didn't actually voice them. "I want to run away, right? Right. Well, before I was going to run off to who knows where. I had no plan, no idea what I was going to do with my life, but now I can just live with my father! Isn't that great?!"

I figured he'd be thrilled since he obviously adored my father, and would want to see him happy. Plus, I had a sneaky suspicion that he wanted me to stay...but it was just a suspicion. I was shocked when he frowned and shook his head, his face darkening with disagreement.

"No, you mustn't do that."

"Why!" I challenged, feeling rather disappointed that my brilliant idea had not made him over joyous.

"Because you will then be under the power of Lord Harvey. If he found out you were the daughter of Boduoc he might blackmail your father into doing more things for him. We're just on the verge of..." He stopped. I thinned my eyes, willing him to continue. Instead he sighed and said sternly, "You can't."

For a moment I considered him, wondering what I could say. My plan was still brilliant, no matter how many dangers there were or how convincing Beric could sound, and I was not going give it up. Beric had a point... but it hardly swayed me. "I'll ask my father," I said decidedly. In other words I told him that I would persuade him otherwise, and that I trusted his judgment more than Beric's.

Beric took the second meaning, but didn't seem to react. He just shrugged, but his eyes said that he thought it was a useless mission. My father was apparently had to sway.

He had a point there, too. Who was I to try to convince my new found father that I could live with him without messing everything up? Hadn't he told me himself that I was just like him, young and rash? Humph. I didn't even know him that well...this Sir Boduoc of Evif servant of Lord Corey Harvey who happened to be my father. No matter, I resolved, I will still do all I could to win my case and live with him and my sister Alyce. And that was that.

"You'll be able to talk to him on Tuesday. He comes to my house then, and I go to his Wednesday evenings."

"Why then?" I wondered. I realized I had met my father (strange to say) on a Tuesday, he must have been either leaving or going to Beric's home. But he had not been there. He had been here, practicing and getting kicked off his horse. But he had visited them, or more specifically Alyce, on Wednesday. I remembered.

"Wednesday is the only day Alyce is free from being Lord Corey Harvey's daughter. They still favor her, and still hope to gain money through her. Tuesday...well I don't know it just seemed like a good day is all."

"Oh."

I felt rather dejected. Here was my family who I barely knew, well I knew Alyce pretty well, and they were nearly best buds with this infuriating knight who happened to be my fiance. I was the one who connected them, yet I was the one who was completely left out of their dealings and visits. It hurt, but I couldn't help point out reasonably that I had never really cared; until now.

Beric suddenly stood up. "I'll wake you up very early tomorrow. Goodbye." He grabbed his crutches and hobbled out.

I didn't question his going, but I think I mumbled out a farewell. I just wanted to be alone right then, and was glad he had left me in peace. I don't think I could have stood another one of his teasing conversations.

Beric was true to his word. Too true, I thought, when in the middle of a deep dreamless sleep I heard banging on my door and an impatient voice saying, "May! May get up! Are you even alive? May! Don't make me open this door."

I rolled to one side and put the pillow over my head, groaning. Thankfully he heard me and with one more reminder that it was time for me to get up, left. I peaked out from under my pillow to the tiny window that was situated in my room adjoining the kitchens. It was pitch black.

"Early in the morning, indeed," I mumbled to myself as I dragged myself out from the warm tempting covers. "Middle of the night more like it!" I cherished my sleep, and absolutely hated mornings. I was sure Beric had managed to get up at one, which was indeed morning, yet extremely early. While I got dressed I hoped Beric wouldn't be in too good of a mood, or I would be upset all day.

He wasn't in a good mood, but he wasn't in a bad one either. To my surprise he seemed rather nervous or anxious...or maybe it was eager. I really couldn't tell. I had a feeling he would be impatient, and waving things off. This proved to be correct when I crossly asked him the time.

His shoulders rose helplessly as he said lightly, "Early enough. Are you ready?"

I suddenly realized my hair was in it's normal morning mess and looked like a mouse's nest, or a rat's. I touched it tentatively.

Beric noticed and rolled his eyes. "Please May, it doesn't really matter. You'll be in the carriage all day, no one will see you."

I yawned, and stretched, I could see the annoyance settling in his face. I wanted to laugh, but I resisted the urge and instead turned to him a scolding manner, "If I don't get this brushed now, it will take hours later. No kidding."

"Can't you do it in the carriage?"

Shrugging reluctantly I asked, "Why are we going in a carriage anyways? I found them to be stuffy and dark; not at all pleasant."

"I know. But...I have to admit now that I can not ride a horse...at least not for a couple more days. However the most important reason is...and why we have to leave so early... is that we are taking two other passengers."

My brows rose high. "Eh? I didn't know this."

"I know. It's a secret." He eyes darted around as if he were afraid one of the cooks would be insane enough to get up at this hour. We weren't being noisy. "Come with me, they're in the castle."

I fell in step beside him as we slipped from the wooden quiet kitchen, to the dark velvet and golden realms of the castle. He didn't take the main halls, but took the servant's corridors, which surprised me.

"Only servants are supposed to know about these," I protested. I also wondered why he kept these 'other passengers' in the castle. That sounded weird. They were probably just guests at the palace, though I knew of no guests.

"I know," he replied. I wished he'd stop saying that. "But I decided to be an exception. Your next question will probably be who they are, eh?"

I scrunched up my face in reluctant agreement. "How come you're such a mind reader this morning?"

He grinned in the darkness. "I'm feeling rather invincible."

This time I slugged him. He wasn't expecting it, and swayed to the left, his foot colliding with his crutch which caused him to falter all the way to the floor. I gasped in delight and worry at what I had just done.

"Oh, hot sauce! Are you OK?" my voice was mixed with laughter and concern. "I didn't mean to knock you down...I didn't think you would...I mean you're so..."

"Invincible?"

I could detect the grin in his voice, and in the diminishing darkness I saw amusement was written with pain in his face. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah that. No seriously are you alright?"

"I'll live as long as I don't do anything to arouse your anger again."

He extended his bandaged hand, indicating that I should help him up. Hesitating only a second to wonder if I could actually do it, I grasped his hand and pulled. But Beric had other plans; he yanked, causing me to yelp as I tumbled in a heap, nearly on top of him. I rolled off, protesting profusely.

"You're awful!" I cried, while he laughed at my shock; though I couldn't help smiling.

"I'd rather call it revengeful."

"That's still not good!"

He picked up his crutch and set it up right, "Neither is pushing down old crippled men, milady."

I whacked him, retorting, "You aren't old or crippled, and I'm not a lady."

"Can't you let a man exaggerate?" he huffed, his grin dropping to an exasperated wounded look. He pulled himself up and then offered me a hand. But before I could take it he pulled it back, a suspicious glare on his face. "Promise you won't pull me down," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not as cruel as you are."

He extended his hand again and I clamored back to my feet.

"Ah, but you are learning quickly."

Again I couldn't help smiling, but what did that matter, my morning was suddenly a good one. We continued on for a couple more minutes; before Beric creaked open a door. It led into what looked like a bedroom. But it was dark, the curtains hid the approaching dawn and the place smelled musty. Everything was dusty and old, I wondered again at who could live here; if they did.

Beric whistled softly, then said in a low convincing tone, "Max, it's me, Beric. All is safe; bring Danny with you."

I nearly jumped when a huge man shuffled from the closet to my right and stopped just before us. I gaped in surprise. He was taller than Beric by at least a foot, and my fiancé was considered very tall, and strong. But next to this giant Beric was a child. His hair was wild, but someone had attempted to cut it and smooth it down. I gawked at him, and it wasn't until the giant handed him over that I saw the second passenger.

It was a tiny boy with eyes that seemed too big for his face. He was scared stiff, but relaxed slightly as Beric's arms wrapped around his thin body. Bandages covered his wane legs, and it was obvious that they were completely useless, especially since the boy's eyes were riveted with pain.

"Oh..." I breathed, too amazed to say anything else.

My heart immediately melted and I wished I could gather the poor lad in my own arms and make all his ache go away. But he leaned into Beric staring at me with such fright you might've thought it had been me who had caused him such pain. When he could not stand another stare, he burrowed his face into Beric's neck and snuggled closer.

I looked up at Beric, who was smiling with such pride it confused me. He quickly pushed away his grin and said, "May, this is Danny, the great- nephew of Lord Corey Harvey, Baron of Lankshire."

"Corey...Harvey..." recognition hit me and I gasped, "You took him!" I had suddenly remembered the frantic servant at the jousting asking Ky and I if we had seen Harvey's nephew and servant.

"Rescued him would be a more proper word. But yes, I took him from the man who caused his legs to become utterly inept, and who used him to get money while begging in the streets. He is also my nephew. Yes, Corey Harvey is my eldest step uncle, nasty fellow he is. Danny is my sister's only son."

"But you're a blacksmith!"

"Was a blacksmith, dear," he said dryly, "Notice I said he is my step uncle. During the war my sister and I were adopted by his brother, who was a very good man, and became part of the family. The boy is really his step great nephew. Complicated isn't it? Yes, I thought so too when I thought about it, so I just quit thinking of it. Anyhow, the genealogy doesn't matter."

He turned his head close to Danny's and murmured, "Danny, this is May, she is a friend and will take care of you. Here, May." He gently placed the boy in my eager arms. I thought that with his fear he would recoil and refuse to even be near me, but instead he snuggled up under my chin like had done with Beric and gave a little sigh of relief. I was careful not to touch his legs much, feeling rather awkward since I was not a babysitter by occupation. Thankfully he didn't seem to mind how I held him.

"I kept them both here, in this room," explained Beric. "Only I come here since it is an old dusty place. Danny sleeps most of the time, and if you can sing, that would be great because he cries every time I try to sing him to sleep. Max takes care of him mostly..." he smiled, "He seems to have taken a liking to you."

I didn't answer. I couldn't. I don't know what I felt. Some sort of belonging, or protection. He wasn't even mine! Or an orphan, but for some reason I felt a sort of connection to him that had just clicked perfectly into place when I held him. I wanted to hug Danny forever. But Max gently took him away with a grunt and held him protectively. I don't think he fully trusted me yet.

Beric nodded approvingly and asked, "Are you sure you want to mix yourself with my troubles? Knowing about these two is a dangerous piece of knowledge."

"If it means taking care of Danny I'll do anything," I said fervently and for the first time met his dark eyes straight on, without flinching or feeling any of those annoying insects in my gut. "Why do you say he is trouble?"

"Lord Corey Harvey isn't very happy with the fact that I have taken him. He knows it was me, because I am the only one who knows about his evil ways and dares defies him. He won't confront me publicly for fear of getting bombarded with my own proof of his cruelties. Still, he wouldn't mind having Danny and Max back which is why we have to leave so early in a carriage."

Again using the servants corridors Beric led us, the giant Max carried Danny, until we somehow popped up in the courtyard near the stables. A large carriage was already standing there, curtains hid the windows. A driver hunching in his seat held the reins to two prancing brown horses. Even though his hat was pulled low over his face and his long coat hid most of him, I recognized Sir Patrick. I think his eyes twinkled from beneath the hat, acknowledging that he had seen me, but he gave no other notice to us.

Danny was placed inside first, then I climbed inside next to him nearest the door. His lips almost creased into a smile, but it didn't quite make it, or reach to his brown eyes. I heard Max grunting as he lumbered in to sit across from Danny. Beric had managed to step up, when a smooth voice stopped him.

"Sir Beric, I didn't expect to find you up so early, especially with your wounds."

I peeked out in surprise, when I recognized Charlie's voice. He was standing a few feet from us, and I wondered how he had snuck up like that. His eyes were colder than ever as he regarded Beric the way a dog regards a fox.

"I've always been an early riser, sir," responded Beric politely, inclining his head in respect.

Charlie hardly noticed as he jumped to the point, "Where are you going?" He said in an accusing voice, his face rigid with suspicion and his eyes throwing dagger blades at the innocent Beric. I realized he was angry at him.

Hey! Who was Charlie to be mad at Beric? What did he ever do? Of course all the obvious reasons came to mind like, Beric was an annoying politician who had 'stolen' his intended, but I completely disregarded this. That was not enough reason. I considered glaring at him, and telling to go away and leave Beric alone, but I didn't. We had to go. Danny whimpered, but Prince Charlie was still waiting for an answer.

"Of course your highness," agreed Beric, his voice was calm and respectful, but his eyes flashed with impatience. "We are journeying to my home in the south."

"I made it clear to Ana Maylin that she would stay here as a lady under my care until her wedding," replied Charles with triumph in his voice.

My brows nearly hit my hairline. "Now wait a minute..." I growled ready to set this straight.

But Beric cut me off. "I do not doubt it, sire, but it is a tradition among our people for the bride to stay at the groom's house under the care of his sisters or mother at least a month before the wedding. Surely you would not deprive us of this simple tradition?"

I sat back, slightly startled, yet feeling rather...well rather thankful I suppose, or pleased. Beric had referred to the Evifian people and traditions as ours. It felt nice to belong to something like that...even though I didn't know much about it.

"Your mother is there?" challenged Prince Charles.

By all that was sugary and sweet he was annoying! Since when had he decided to interrogate everyone with insults? Especially Beric. He knew Beric's mother was dead. Again I nearly jumped in with my own comments. But I suddenly realized that this had nothing to do with me. This was a fight between Beric and the Prince over something that I did not know about.

Beric looked like he was going to snap out angrily, and I saw his fist clench. Without thinking my hand flew silently, undetected by Charles, to his arm; as if attempting to remind him to control his temper. And who was I to do that? Beric would loose it if he wished it.

He didn't. "My sister dwells with me, your majesty," breathed Beric, his voice was not quite so calm. "She manages the estates when I am gone and is quite capable of taking care of the Lady May."

Now the Prince's eye brows rose, but I noticed a hint of derision in them. "Lady May?" he repeated. For the first time his eyes found mine. I gulped, my stomach was acting up, and so was my heart. "I had no idea you had a nickname."

An infernal blush crept to my cheeks. That was Beric's nickname for me, one that I had neither encouraged nor banned. I didn't like the idea of his giving it to me, but I liked it a lot better than Ana. I shrugged innocently, then grinned benevolently, "You learn something new every day! I'm honored to think this is it."

I was sure he was going to roll his eyes, but he managed to resist the temptation as he turned back to Beric, who had relaxed more. Their stares fixated for a moment longer before the Prince said in a polite tone that was forced, "I wish you full luck on your journey. Farewell."

It was only when Charles had his back to us and was retreating back into the palace that I let my hand slip back to its proper place at my side. The feeling in my gut was gone, and I felt normal again. Drat curse. Danny whimpered, and Max growled, "Prince is cruel." It was the first thing he had said, and I wasn't surprised to find that it was a deep bass which sounded more like a rumble.

Beric did not reply, but settled himself beside Max, wincing as his arm bumped against the side of the carriage. The interior looked tiny with Beric and Max sitting in front of me filling that half. They must have felt rather uncomfortable sharing a little seat like that, while Danny and I could move about freely, and even get in a comfortable sleeping position. I considered pointing this out and insisting that we trade, but Max beat me to it.

"Me sit with Danny," He growled, sending me a silent glare. Ah, he still did not trust me. I wondered why again. It would not do well at all to be on the bad side of this giant.

Beric rolled his eyes, his temper over the Prince receding. "Max, it's fine, Danny likes May."

Max didn't argue, but he did not look happy. The carriage suddenly lurched forward a little as Sir Patrick let the horses loose to release some of their eager energy. Their hooves clip clopped across the pavement of the castle courtyard and we were on our way. They were still in a walk, when I realized this would be our last chance to trade places.

"No, no," I said quickly, hoping the golden rule would work. "I agree with Max. He should sit with Danny. It would make the carriage more balanced."

Beric shrugged in resignation and Max stood, causing the carriage to sway a little bit more precariously. Somehow we managed to get around each before he thumped beside Danny, and I plopped down beside Beric, feeling as if I had just squeezed through a key hole. Max was huge! I know considered that maybe he needed his own carriage, but Danny leaned comfortably on him, and his features relaxed as he set a protecting hand on the boy's shoulder.

"That does give me more elbow room," said Beric, his tone was lighter, but I was sure he was still thinking about Charles' cutting remarks. I wanted to wonder about them too, ask him why he would be under the anger of the Royal Crown, but I didn't. I had to be optimistic, for both our sakes.

I nudged him slightly in his arm, careful to make it soft since it was his broken one. "Just hope I don't nail you to the wall accidentally in my sleep."

This time a genuine smile spread across his face, but still, it did not reach his eyes. "Ach, if you do that, I might be forced to have Max remove you."

My eyes widened in horror. "You wouldn't...No, you probably would," I growled in anger and resisted the urge to nail him right then despite the consequences that might occur.

"No, I wouldn't," he assured, "Just as long as it was accidental. Go to sleep, May, we'll be there by noon."

"So long?" I wondered, as I let a yawn escape me. I really was tired. Danny had already curled up with his head on Max's lap, his eyes half closed. Through the darkened windows I saw the light of the sun had reached the mountains that lined Evif. The sky was pink, and the undersides of the clouds a soft purple. Dawn was here, but I was ready for sleep.

"Yes," he replied, and that was enough. I thought he would settle in for a nap too, but he was staring ahead, an unsettling expression of intense concentration on his face.

My head fell back on the soft back of the seat and my lids drooped. "All right, but wake me up before we get there..." I mumbled. "I have to brush my hair."

Beric sure was good at waking me up. The whole trip I slept soundly, probably even snoring, but he had only to shake my shoulders and say, "May!" and I was awake and alert.

"Are we there already?" I gasped as I groped around for my brush.

"It's about another ten more minutes."

Beric was looking at me in amusement and trying not to smile as if he knew something I didn't. Or maybe as if he had won something from me without my knowledge. I ignored this when I noticed that warm sunlight was indeed streaming through the windows. The curtains had been brushed back, revealing cultured green fields and farm houses dotting the side of the road. The farmers were all out with hoes; they couldn't miss such a perfect day. Not only was the sun warm enough to make them sweat, but cloud shadows occasionally gave them relief from the heat. For a moment I wished I was out there beside them, but then I remembered I had a rat's nest to take care of and I tackled it.

"These are my father's lands," explained Beric. "Sir Austin Douglas was nearly as rich as his brother when he died a few years ago in battle. Naturally he handed everything over to me, his only son..."

"His only son?" I accidentally interrupted.

He winced, he did that when he was insulted, but he answered as if I had done nothing. "Yes. He married my mother, a widow of ten years." He paused, but could tell I wanted more details that would make it less confusing. Giving a little sigh, as if he were ready to tell a long story he added, "My own father died when I was only four, I hardly remember him. It was just an accident in the shop. He was Sir Austin's head blacksmith. I grew up here, in Dillian, even though both my parents are Evif. Sir Austin, loved her, and treated me like a son and my sister like a daughter. He offered to marry her, but my mother wanted to mourn for my father for ten years as is the custom of Evif. During that time, he cared for us, and saw to all our needs. After ten years she accepted his proposal of marriage.

"I was fifteen then, and I was apprenticed to the blacksmith in the capitol, where you knew me. But when I was seventeen I went to war with him. He was killed in battle a couple of years later. My mother was so grieved, especially when it was rumored that I too was dead, that she died a few months later. That was when Harvey tried to seize the lands. He'd always been jealous because his brother's crops were more prosperous than his own. Lea, my sister, held on to them, however, and wouldn't give them to him until she had proof that I was dead. Instead she received a letter from me saying I was alive and well. But by that time, her husband had been imprisoned under Harvey's hand under false accusations, and he had taken Danny, proclaiming himself his legal guardian."

"Oh," I breathed. I had been so fascinated with his story, that I had paused in my frantic attempt to untangle my mess. "So, you managed to rescue Danny now...what about your brother-in-law?"

Here Beric's face shadowed. He glanced sidewise, and I looked at Danny, who was rubbing his eyes and looking eagerly out the window. His usually solemn face was lighted up with anticipation and the prospect of soon being home in his mother's arms again. I looked back at Beric, my question still hanging in the air.

"I don't know," he murmured so softly, I hardly caught it.

My brows furrowed in understanding, and my loathing contempt for Lord Harvey grew. The thought of what he had done to Danny was enough to make anyone scowl with disgust. And yet he was the richest man in the country. How did he manage that? I wanted to ask Beric, but he was pointing out the window.

"There! There is the castle. Do you see it, Danny?"

Danny nodded eagerly. "Mommy's there," he murmured softly, his eyes shining. It was the first thing he had said all day, and I barely caught it.

I peeked out the window as well, and saw that not far away was a small stoat estate situated on a small rocky hill. The horses, who had kept a steady trot the whole way, suddenly lurched into a gentle canter. Beric winced as he bounced, but his grin widened. I laughed, excitement beginning to stir in me. I was always ready for something new...well usually, and this was certainly going to prove to be interesting...even if I had to spend most of the time with Beric.