XXXVII

Lord Edward's Port City

(Edward POV)

The silence was welcoming after all that my mind had reeled through. Light shone through the stained-glass and the candles were lit at the front. I was alone as I kneeled against the pew and clasped my hands together. My head was bowed and leaned against my wrists. I closed my eyes and breathed in. The musty smell you would expect in an old building greeted my senses with the tinge of saltwater. The late day sun shone on my back and warmed it to an uncomfortable feeling. I moved over a little into the shade.

God, I wondered, What am I doing? Why am I starting this war? Why did my mind think this was the best course of action?

Silence answered me and I sighed. I worried. I worried for my children and my neice and nephew. I worried for the men who were about to die in this war and I worried that I would lose.

Another sigh left me and I slumped down slowly. A gentle hand touched my shoulder and I looked up.

"My Lord."

"Father Nikolai. I did not disturb you, did I?"

"No, my Lord," the aged man smiled, "I merely came to see which of God's children felt troubled enough to desire sanctuary in this place."

I sighed, "Everything I have planned is going to be put into play soon...What if I have made the wrong choice?"

"If you begin to doubt yourself everything will fail. You need to stay strong and fight against your fears."

I sighed and nodded, "Yes but I can't help but wonder."

He nodded too and sat beside me, "Tell me. What are you focusing on when you think of this mess?"

I stilled and whispered, "My children..."

He placed his hand on my shoulder again, "My Lord, I fear your love for you children is distracting you. You are not focusing on the task at hand."

I put my head in my arms, knowing he was right.

"I am not saying you should completely ignore what you feel but my guess is you still think of your children as the defenseless young ones you last saw. I imagine it would be difficult for you to think otherwise but you must if you wish to straighten yourself out."

I took a breath and lifted my head, "I understand what you are saying and agree with you...I just wish I had the ability to change the fact."

He smiled at me, "Do not worry. If you keep your faith, God shall guide your hand. I do not believe He wishes for that tyrant to continue to rule." He got up and shuffled away.

I watched him go then thought over what he had said, I do need to change... I looked up at the holy cross, God, please help me do so...

(Bella POV)

I stood on top of the gate and looked toward Leo's city. I had been through this before - a member of my family so close but being unable to see them for years - but it still felt strange, Maybe it's because the relation is by blood this time...

The sun was high in the sky and the farmers were working hard. I watched as a young boy jumped to his father, begging to let him help. The father lovingly let him help tend to the animals and play with their sheepdog.

I smiled a little as it reminded me of Masen and Edward.

Flashback...

"Father!" Masen cried happily, jumping into his arms, "You're back!"

"I wasn't gone that long," Edward laughed, "Just a couple of days."

Masen laughed too, "But I missed you!"

I smiled as I watched. Masen and Belle were reluctant to let Edward go for even scouting patrols. After the final battle of the war, they hated letting him get out of their sights.

Edward's eyes softened and I saw a bit of disbelief in his eyes. He never understood how they grew to love him so quickly, "I missed you too."

"Can I help you put the horses away father?" Masen asked, "Please?"

He chuckled, "Of course. Why don't you take Brego's reins?" He handed the leather straps to Masen and he happily led the old horse into the stables.

I kissed Edward's cheek, "He hates it when you leave, for whatever reason."

"I know," he smiled, "and I hate leaving him, but it's nice when he gets the urge to help me with things."

I brushed his ribs, "He just wants to be sure you don't strain yourself."

Masen came up then, "Is there anything else I can do, father?"

Edward smiled, "I suppose, you and I can go over the maps again."

He brightened, "Then let's go!" and pulled Edward into castle.

End flashback...

I smiled a little more at the memory. Masen loved Edward so much and did whatever he could to help him. Belle was the same. When we returned from the battlefield and Edward was still healing, she would creep into our room at nights and cuddle beside him. She tried to leave before we woke up but she had been discovered a couple times.

The memories brightened my mood and I turned to return to the castle. I heard something slice through the air behind me and spun. An arrow.

"My Lady, get down!" A patrolling guard tackled me down as another arrow flew pass where my back was moments before. We hit the stone and I felt a pain on my arm. The gaurd shouted to his partner, "Sound the alarm! The city is under attack!"

The bell chimed as we righted ourselves to sitting against the stone.

"Stay still my Lady. The stone shall protect you from the arrows."

I smiled, weakly, still startled, "My thanks."

I looked at my arm and noticed the arrow aimed for my back had cut it when I fell. It wasn't anything serious but the blood disturbed me a little. The guard noticed too and tore off a section of his shirt to tie the wound.

"Again, I give you my thanks."

Arrows continued to be fired and I heard the sound of a charge. The knights were probably gathering below to fight. I wondered where my husband was. I knew he went to the church earlier but nothing would stop him from answering the warning bell.

"Come my Lady," the guard whispered, "keep low and I shall lead you off of here."

We had to crawl so we stayed below the stone but he lead me to the stairs and ushered me down. I went down quickly and made my way to the castle, trying to keep out of sight of the gates in case there were any archers. I entered the castle and breathed a sigh. I was safe in here.

"Bella, there you are!"

I turned to see Elizabeth.

"Where were you?"

"I was graced with the luck of being on top of the gates when the attack started."

She gasped and saw my arm, "You are wounded!"

"It's nothing serious! I just need Carlisle to bandage me. That's all."

She sighed, looking a little more eased, "Well, come along. He's in the kitchen and we should keep out of the eyesight of the gate."

I nodded but looked out. I saw Edward already at the gates and issuing orders. He looked out of breath and flustered, He's not going to be happy when he sees my arm...

(Edward POV)

I felt winded after my run from the church but focused myself on our attackers. A rabble of young men, not unlike the ones that attacked me on my last trip to see Lord Luneth. Their archers couldn't even fire in a straight line.

"Archers take positions," I commanded, "Fire only warning shots first and then escalate. They're only boys and were probably paid. I don't want to shed blood unneeded."

They nodded and followed my orders.

"Knights, arm yourselves and line beside the gate. If they get through, attack to push them back."

Everyone obeyed my commands and got ready. The gate started to bend against the force of a catapult.

"Damn," I muttered, and motioned for the gate to be raised.

It raised and the knights on horses charged out instantly to cut down the swordsmen. When the fighting started, I signalled for the rest to run. We attacked with my archers still aiming to frighten.

"Aim for the catapult robes!" I shouted, "Dismantle the thing!"

I watched as the arrows frayed the ropes. Aiming was not a skill point with some of my men. I swung but pulled back the force of my swing, scaring a boy who would be no older than Masen. He backed in fear and ran into the woods. Others followed his example but some were too strong of heart...or foolhardy. I looked at the bodies and they were all our attackers...none were my men. I was grateful not to lose anyone but seeing young men die so needlessly was disheartening.

When the fight was over, I sighed at the display, "Cedric!"

He came over," Yes, my Lord?"

"Go get Father Nikolai and bring him to these poor souls. Then, give them proper burials on the edge of the forest. Since we do not know where they hailed from, we will have to place them there."

He nodded and returned inside. I watched the men begin to clean up for a moment before going inside and to the castle. I wanted to make sure my family was all right. Something as minor as this could still scare my nieces and nephew.

I entered the castle and made my way to the kitchens. Mother hugged me when I arrived, "I'm glad you are all right dear."

I smiled, "Mother, where is everyone else?"

Carlisle came to walk passed me, "They are in the sitting rooms and bedrooms. Are there any wounded I should tend to?"

"Nothing too serious."

"I'll still go see to them. Just to be safe."

"And I'll go see to the family," mother said, leaving.

I turned when a hand touched my shoulder. It was Bella. I smiled, "Hello love."

I brushed her cheek and she winced.

I blinked, "Bella?"

She sighed and rolled up the sleeve of her dress. I drew in my breath when I saw the bandages around her arm, "What happened?!"

She sighed again, "I was on top of the gate when the attack was made. One of the patrolling guards tackled me down in time to turn an arrow aimed at my back to a minor cut on my arm."

I growled and shut my eyes, putting my head in my hands.

She held onto my shoulders, "It's okay. That cut was the worst. I only have a slight bruise and a sore spot on my cheek and side."

I hugged her to me, slowly grasping the fact that my wife was nearly killed by an arrow, So if you can't have her, no one can?! Bastard!

The roar returned to my ears and I buried my face in her neck. My arms tightened their hold and I could barely hear her gasp over the continuous sound of rage bellowing in my ears.

You bastard! How DARE you harm her!?

"Edward?"

You think I'm just going to let this pass?!

"E-Edward."

You've got another thing coming!

"Edward! You're hurting me!"

I gasped and let go. Bella was flushed and rubbed her arm. I felt like scum, "Oh, Bella. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know. It's okay...I'm just startled you got worked up so fast."

I sighed, "I guess I'm protective...I can't stand to see you hurt...and you were hurt because of me. I know those men were hired by Leo. He was just using them to harm me...He already has Masen and Belle...all he would have to do to break me is harm my wife..."

"Edward..."

I looked into her eyes and brought her in for a gentler hug, "I'm so sorry Bella. If it weren't for me, you would be safe from all this."

"Edward, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have two children and a loving husband."

I sighed and rocked her gently, "Does your arm hurt?"

"Yes but I think it's more from the shock than anything. Carlisle said it wasn't serious."

I nodded but didn't remove hold. Seeing the dead boys and realizing I nearly lost the last dearest thing I had, had shaken me. I wasn't going to be calm for a while.

Everything is coming together...and falling apart. What if I lose Bella too? My arms tightened a little, I can't lose her...I can't!

Review please!