Epilogue.

Guy swung the blade round in the air, the tip slicing the wood of the post with fatal accuracy. He spun around, striking higher this time, aiming for a stronger deadlier blow, but as the sword cut deep into the post the impact jarred his shoulder and he cursed painfully.

'Having fun?' Came an amused voice from behind him.

Guy turned and growled at Alice as she slipped under the fence, but she laughed and walked over, a short blade held in her hand.

'Alice, I said no and I meant no.' Guy turned away purposefully showing her his back, and rolling his shoulder experimentally.

'But you know as well as I do, that I don't take no for an answer.' Alice persisted, coming round to face him, her mouth set and one eyebrow slightly raised.

Guy stared at her, and Alice stared back. Guy looked away first and Alice smiled in triumph.

'All right.' He said grudgingly as she stretched up and fluttered a kiss across his lips. 'Lord knows why I let you get away with it.' But he gave her a small smirk.

He knocked the blade of his sword against hers. 'Hold it up.' He said, tapping it. 'Don't ever let it drop. You let your blade or your guard drop even for a second, and your opponent instantly has an advantage.' Alice nodded, biting the inside of her lip in concentration.

Guy angled the sword in his hand. 'I'll turn the blade like this-' he showed her. 'I want you to block it.'

He smiled as she forced him back a pace, the power behind the blow she had deflected reverberating back to him. 'Good-' He looked down at her. 'Maybe a little less power next time. Like-'

But he was not given time to the show her, as a shout came from the direction of the house and Thornton came hurrying out towards them. 'My lord!' He reached the fence of the training ground and stopped, catching his breath. 'There's a man arrived at the house Sir Guy, he says he will speak with you. I told him you were busy, but he seems quite insistent.' He turned to Alice and gave a short bow. 'Lady Alice.'

Guy was frowning. 'He gave no name?'

'No name my lord.'

Thornton hovered impatiently.

Guy glanced at Alice who twisted her mouth and shrugged her shoulders. 'Very well, Thornton, I'll be in presently.'

His steward gave a hurried bow and strode back towards the house.

Guy laid his sword on the ground and slipped his arm around Alice's waist his hand resting on her back, leading her across the pavingstones and into the manor.

They could hear the newcomer as soon as they entered the kitchen. Alice glanced at Guy, who raised his eyebrows at her and then bent to kiss her cheek. 'Be civil.' He murmured in her ear.

They entered the hall together, stopping to stare at the man who sat there, his feet up on the table.

'Do you think I appreciate being kept waiting?' He demanded in loud, rude voice. 'A clue: No!'

***

I can't quite believe this is it! It feels like the end of a huge long exhausting quest. And I hope you guys enjoyed it! Thank you sooo much for reading, I can't tell you how much I appreciated your encouragement. You guys mean so much to me, and I'd love to thank all of you personally (althought that might be quite tricky) and thanks also to all my lurkers! I'm extremely grateful to you too!

For old times sake, please leave a review - it would be wonderful to hear what you thought overall and I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again soon - I'm looking forwards to another long slog like this one =P

Thank you so much to Emma also who is the most fantastic encouragement, and these last two chapters are for her and Jeni.

Lots of Love

V

xxxx