LI
Between King Leo's Flag City and Mardoc, the Military Encampment
(Masen POV)
We were all tense through the night. Although, we organized watches, none of us rested. Especially Tybalt. Leo's wrath knew no bounds and it was only getting worse. I sighed as I looked back. We had made our way quickly across the land and managed to reach the trees. I knew we could safely hide in there shadows and rest.
Rosie used a small portion of the food supplies we brought to make a meagre meal of soup but, none of us could stomach much, regardless of our hunger. We had not eaten since the morning meal the day before. Leo issued his attack before the afternoon meal and we were not present for the noon gathering.
"I cannot believe he has done this," Tybalt whispered, speaking the first words after hours of fearful silence, "In the space of less than a decade, he has ruined his kingdom."
"You will fix it Tybalt," Brandon said, "You have the compassion of your mother."
"I hope so."
"You do," Rosie said quietly, "When you take the throne, you will mend this kingdom and make better than it was before your father."
I smiled a little as I leaned against a tree. Tybalt's grandfather was renowned for being a just and noble king. He had, originally, two sons and sought to make Leo's brother the king but the brother had fallen ill and died. Many elders of the kingdom talked of how they believed foul play was involved and prayed for a miracle in Tybalt.
"I wish to be like my grandfather Rosie," Tybalt replied, "He was strong in all areas of kingship; governing, compassion, stratagem, combat…He even won the love of his people by rarely ever raising taxes, even when the country was at the brink of bankruptcy."
"And you will do the same," I said, "I have known you for years. We may not have grown up together since birth but I consider you a brother as much as I do Brandon. I know the way you are and I know how things will be. You shall be a great king. One that will make your predecessors proud."
He didn't look convinced.
"You want us to swear loyalty?" Brandon jested, "All right." He stood and bowed, "All hail the King!"
I followed his example while Rosie laughed and curtsied, "Your Highness."
"Stop that!" Tybalt protested while fighting back a grin, "All of you!"
We all laughed.
"There you are!" We turned and saw John, "I've been searching for you all night."
"How many made it out of the city?" I asked.
He pointed to where a sizable force was moving down the pathway. Disguised as a caravan with the use of carts, it looked as though all our allies had escaped.
"Come on then. We need our leaders."
I grinned.
Ten minutes later, we were riding down to meet them. Children waved excitedly and men and women smiled at us. I was grateful so many had escaped. We could be fine if we just reached Mardoc. We rode to the front where John's father was.
"You survived!" he exclaimed, "I feared you would not."
"We hid in the trees," I explained as Brandon helped Rosie into their cart, "Became children of the forest for a time."
He laughed, "Good. By our pace, we should reach Mardoc in a few days."
I nodded, "Then let us make haste. I fear what shall happen if the King catches us."
Lord Edward's Port City
(Bella POV)
My husband had a wild look in his eyes as he held the dagger in a tight grip.
"Father?" Belle ventured.
He shook as if waking from a dream and blinked. When he got his bearings, he relaxed and dropped the dagger. I sigh left him and he put his hand to his face, closing his eyes.
I went to him and brushed his hair, "Edward, are you feeling well?"
"I am...fine," he answered, "Just a little tense."
"Are you sure father?" Belle asked, regarding him carefully.
"Yes Belle. I just have a lot on my mind."
She nodded but remained unconvinced.
Emmett disturbed ay more talk, "Hurry Edward. We're getting ready."
"I am coming," he replied and slipped off the bed.
"No you're not," Belle said.
We both looked at her.
"Not until I heal that wound you made on yourself."
I looked back at Edward and saw what she was referring to. He had the dagger shethed at his side and managed to cut himself when he drew it. A good amount of blood was soaking into his shirt. I watched with a small, amused smile as the great Lord Edward was forced back to sit on the bed by his daughter.
"Take off your shirt," she ordered.
With a sigh, he obeyed her and let her tend to his wound. She was very adept and I felt proud as she effiently binded her father with a skill close to what you could only see in Carlisle.
A tired smile was in Edward's voice, "Thank you Isabelle. I know the city will be in good hands while your grandfather and I are gone."
She winced and so did I. Apparently Carlisle had not told him that he was taking Belle along to teach her some more of the healing ways. I sighed and told him myself.
"What? No, I will not have you there Belle. It's too dangerous!"
"I've been in a military camp before father," she said levelly, "And I was but a child at the time."
"No! I forbid it!"
"There's nothing you can do. Plus, Leo will just launch an attack here anyway. If I am here, the city will fall and he will have me for his pleasures again."
I heard the waver in her voice at the last part and put my hand on my husband's shoulder, "She's right Edward. We're all going with you. We have to to protect the city. Emmett's uncle has agreed to watch over everything along with some of the older men."
He growled and I could tell he was trying desperately to think of something. He gave up soon though and cursed.
I rubbed his shoulder, "Come on Edward. It's time to move ahead. No more waiting."
Belle turned to look at him. I did as well. He was silent for a moment before tensing, "Promise me, both of you, that you will run at the first signs of danger."
I sighed, "Of course Edward."
"I promise father."
He let out a breath of both relief and further reluctance. He wasn't willing to take any of us to that place. He never truly forgave himself for us being in the camp during the war.
"Don't worry Edward. We're big girls, we can take care of ourselves. I managed to get a day and night in the wild with four children before. That's a feat in itself."
Belle let out a laugh, "We weren't that bad mother."
"Come on Edward!" came a yell.
He sighed again, "All right. Let's go."
On the Way to Mardoc
(Edward POV)
I sat on my horse as we moved toward Mardoc. I was not at all happy with the situation. I did not want any of my family here. Even Charles, Ann, and Mary were here. It was the war all over again. Thankfully, Belle was watching them. They loved her and they loved hearing stories about their missing family members. Of course, she kept them appropriate for a young age.
"How long until we reach Mardoc?" Emmett asked.
"Only a couple days," I said, "Three at the most."
"The weather is fair," William said, "With swift riding, we should reach Mardoc in favourable time."
"The Knights' Den should be halfway there," Belle said, "With luck, there will be others who have turned to your cause father."
I nodded, "I can only hope. I need all the help I could get."
She smiled. I couldn't help but smile back. I felt the bandages she had placed on me and felt that pride again. Belle had grown up so much and better than I could have imagined. My mind wondered about Masen. Belle said he was noted for his nobility and skill with weapons. He apparently had a horse of his own too.
He's turning into me.
That worried me more. With how much he wanted my corpse, how badly would he want Masen's?
Review please! Sorry if it isn't all that smooth. I had a bunch of school projects due and got behind on my writing.
