Part 17
Michael's heart had stopped when he had stepped out into the clearing to see his brother kissing Lady Elizabeth as though he never intended to stop.
When Tess had come flying out of the forest, her face white, Max nowhere to be found, Michael had immediately run in the direction from which she had come, sure that something horrifying had befallen Max. He had not even waited to hear Tess' explanation.
What he had found was worse then anything he could have possibly imagined.
Instead of his brother at sword-point, he had found him declaring his love to a small slip of a girl he had met only yesterday.
And Michael knew that Max had told Elizabeth the truth.
Max had thrust Elizabeth protectively behind him while Michael advanced on them, unable to control his anger.
"Michael, stop." Max was scowling at him. An entire lifetime of accepting Max unconditionally as his leader was too much for Michael to ignore. He stopped, spoke through clenched teeth, struggling to control his fear.
"You told her - didn't you?" Max pressed his lips together.
"She saw me heal Tess." He explained, smiling reassuringly at Elizabeth, who did not actually look scared at all, just concerned.
Michael felt his anger drain out of him. Despair began to settle in. "I told you we had to stay away from humans Max. This was bound to happen."
Max looked momentarily guilty, but did not reply for Elizabeth spoke up. "I promise not to tell anyone Michael. Not even Mary and Alexander."
Michael eyed her coldly, unconvinced. He could not like Lady Elizabeth, although she had really only ever been helpful to them. The way Max behaved around her - his brother had always been the centre of Michael's life, the one person he could count on for control and security. This one girl had changed all of it - in the space of 24 hours.
He scowled again when he saw Elizabeth take Max's hand, clearly trying to comfort him. "We better get back to the camp." Michael finally said grudgingly. Max was still staring at him, clearly unsure what was going on in his head. Let him wonder, Michael thought bitterly. He could feel his emotions closing down, trying to erase the pit of fear in his stomach.
Nothing would ever be the same again.
"Wait!" Elizabeth said suddenly. Max had been leading her after Michael, still holding her hand. Michael turned impatiently. "My maidservant is here as well."
Michael could feel a frown becoming permanently etched on his forehead. "Wonderful." He turned to Max. "Does she know too? Who didn't you tell Maxwell? Next thing we know the bloody king will be in on the secret."
"She doesn't know." Elizabeth inserted quickly. "I was alone. She is likely waiting for me at our horses." She smiled shyly at Michael. "I brought you some supplies." It was an olive branch - one Michael rejected immediately.
"We don't need anything from you." He turned on his heel and stomped off into the bush, leaving Max and Elizabeth staring after him. He needed to talk to Isabel and Tess right away. They were going to have to go back to the castle to see Lord Edmund, despite the risk of capture. They needed his help.
Michael flinched at the thought of the wrath their guardian was going to inflict on them. He knew it was going to gall Max and Isabel to no end that Lord Edmund had ended up being right. They should have stayed at the castle. This world was unsafe for such as them. One little mistake and they were betrayed.
He emerged into the Great Oak clearing, to the sight of Isabel and Tess in close conference near the shelter. Mary and Alexander were still seated near the fire, the former looking perplexed, the latter worried.
"What has happened Michael?" Mary asked him, concern on her lovely face. Michael ignored her, stalked past. He felt a moment of regret when a brief expression of hurt flashed across her face.
No regrets. She is not one of us. Michael told himself as he went to join Isabel and Tess.
Almost immediately he wished he had not. Tess was practically hysterical. "We are doomed I tell you. Doomed!"
Michael rolled his eyes. He was surprised to note that Bella did not look frightened. Rather, her expression was pensive. She was staring across Tess's shoulder, not doing anything to comfort her sister. Michael followed her gaze, sighed with annoyance when he realized that she was staring at Alexander.
"Bella?" He demanded gruffly. If she was actually considering telling the other two noble brats too, obviously he was going to have to make her see reason.
Isabel blinked. "I think that we should trust them." She said finally. "I have a feeling about him - er them." She amended quickly, a faint blush creeping up her neck.
"Are you insane?" Tess screeched. Isabel sighed.
"No, I am not Tess." She turned to Michael pleadingly. "This secret can't last forever Michael."
Max melted from the forest behind them. "And I don't want it too." He added to what Isabel had said.
"Where is she?" Michael demanded, ignoring Max's statement.
"She's coming." Max replied in such a calm manner, it made Michael want to punch him.
Moments later Elizabeth emerged from the same direction Max had. She was followed closely by a pretty young girl of about seventeen.
"Lizzy!" Mary shrieked with joy from the other side of the clearing. Michael felt annoyed. That girl was going to bring the entire Sheriff's guard down on their heads.
He hurried across the clearing, grabbed Mary by the arm. "Be quiet!"
Alexander stepped forward immediately, his hand on his sword. "Get your hands off my sister!"
Mary was staring at Michael, her mouth open. She closed it suddenly with a snap. Elizabeth had joined them, appeared to be on the verge of tears. Mary shook free, stepped away from him. "I apologize." She turned to Alexander. "Put your sword down Alex. He is right. I was being too loud."
Michael blinked, perplexed. Mary had tilted her head, was gazing at him questioningly. "Something has clearly happened." She said finally. "You must tell us. We are in this together now."
Michael was shocked by the sudden urge to tell her everything. What's wrong with you? He demanded himself. She'll be afraid of you. She'll betray you.
But Lady Elizabeth does not seem afraid, a small voice in the back of his head replied coaxingly.
Alexander was still glaring at him. Max and Isabel had rushed across the clearing, Isabel now standing in front of Michael protectively. Michael noticed that Tess had plunked herself down on a log near the shelter and was pouting. The maidservant was at the stream, washing her hands.
"Michael, would you please settle down." Max ground out, his annoyance clear. "I am very sorry milady." He addressed Mary. "Michael is a little overwrought." Michael felt his irritation at his brother increasing again and it doubled when he saw Max glance at Elizabeth lovingly.
"You do not need to apologize for me." He yelled. He realized that he was being just as loud as Mary had been minutes before. "I'm leaving." He muttered. "Tell them whatever the hell you want to." His gaze raked across Mary's face once more. The expression of sympathy and willingness to understand that he saw there was more frightening then anything else could have possibly been.
He could not trust her. He could not. They could not trust anyone.
He turned on his heel, grabbed his bow and quiver and went to get lost in the forest for a while.
Part 18
Mary watched Michael stomp off into the forest, her brow furrowed with concern.
He was so shut off, so withdrawn.
He was the most intriguing person she had ever met.
She turned back to the others, addressed Elizabeth. "What are you doing here Lizzy?" She asked the one question she was sure would garner her a straight answer.
Elizabeth smacked a hand to her forehead. She turned to Max sheepishly. "I almost forgot, with all that has happened." Mary wondered exactly what had happened to make Michael practically come to blows with her brother and had rendered Max at odds with his siblings. "Things are now worse." Elizabeth continued. "It turns out that the men that were killed in the forest yesterday were the Sheriff's men disguised as outlaws."
Mary watched Max's jaw set. Isabel looked even more upset. "I don't understand. Why were they dressed thus?" The tall blonde asked. "And why did they attack us?"
Elizabeth just shook her head. "It is unclear Isabel." She looked back at Max, her face reflecting her fear for all of them. "The important thing is that you are in even more danger. You did move the bodies?"
Max nodded. He looked thoughtful. Mary realized that everyone was waiting for him to make a decision. Max was without a doubt the leader of their little band. Even Alexander and Elizabeth deferred to him almost automatically and Mary realized that she herself had often done so in the day that she had known him.
For the first time she wondered: who are these people, really?
"Well, I guess we are still safe for now." Max finally concluded. He looked at Elizabeth with concern. "And you must return to the castle immediately my lo..." He cut himself off abruptly, glanced at Tess guiltily. The small blonde had finally stopped sulking and had joined him. Now she stared at Max, her expression unreadable. "Er, my lady." Max finished gracelessly.
Not at all obvious there Maxwell, Maria thought ironically.
Elizabeth did not look happy. "I do not understand why I cannot stay with you." She replied, sounding a little hurt.
"Because if your betrothed finds out you are aiding and abetting outlaws, he will force his father to come down upon us even harder." Tess snapped.
Max glared at her. "Be quiet Tess."
Elizabeth blinked, forced a smile. "No, she is right Max. I was not thinking."
Isabel broke in, clearly trying to ease the tension by changing the subject. "It is time to get word to Lord Edmund Maxwell."
Max nodded. "I just don't know how we can do it Bella. I am sure that the Sheriff will have soldiers at the castle."
Alexander, who had been silent listening up until now, stepped forward. "I am willing to go for you Max. They still do not suspect Mary or me."
Isabel and Max exchanged a quick glance. If Mary had not been watching for it she would have missed it certain.
If she did not know better, she would have said that some sort of silent conversation had just occurred between the two siblings. An expression of happiness had crossed Isabel's beautiful visage and Mary noticed that she briefly glanced at Alexander admiringly, but with a touch of fear as well.
"That would be wonderful Alexander." Max replied. "But first we must tell you the truth."
"What?" Tess screeched. "No! I forbid it!"
Max silenced her with a look. Tess tossed her head, stomped off into the forest after Michael. Max looked relieved to see the back of her.
All thoughts of Tess and her tantrum fled Mary's mind however when Max told them then the incredible truth.
She had never heard such an astonishing tale.
But she believed them. And she was not frightened.
Mary had already seen enough kindness in these folk - well in at least three of them she amended hastily - to believe that they were what they said they were.
They were visitors - not demons.
The clearing was silent for several long moments after Max stopped talking as the others waited for Mary and Alexander to digest the news. It was clear that Elizabeth had already known.
"And you knew of this Lizzy?" Alexander finally asked his friend.
Elizabeth nodded. "I only found out a few minutes ago Alex. I saw Max heal Tess."
Mary was interested. "What do you mean he healed her?" She asked curiously.
"We have certain gifts." Isabel inserted. "Max can heal people. Tess can make people see things that are not there. I can enter people's dreams."
Mary felt a momentary chill at that information. Her dreams were private! But she eyed Isabel, felt the trust that had already been built between them. She knew that Isabel would never betray her. "What can Michael do?" She asked instead.
Isabel and Max exchanged another glance. It appeared that another silent conversation was going on. Mary shrugged at Elizabeth, who was watching the whole process with interest.
Max finally sighed. "I think perhaps he had better tell you that himself."
Mary nodded. "Very well. Please know that none of this makes any difference. We still intend to help you. You are still the same people to me that you were before I knew this. Do you not agree Alex?" Alex nodded his dark head. Mary was not surprised to note that he was gazing at Isabel with admiration. He seemed to actually like her better now that he knew she was different. Isabel was gazing back at him, her eyes bright with some emotion that Mary could not quite identify, but was certainly not far from the way that Alexander clearly felt about her.
She watched Max move forward, take Elizabeth's hand, leading her across the clearing for a private discussion. She was not at all surprised to see their heads moving closer and closer together, until their foreheads were nearly touching as they conversed.
Suddenly Mary had a great urge to go in search of the messy-headed brute, Michael. She imagined that he was off somewhere brooding.
She now knew why he had been such a beast. He was frightened - frightened of what they would do if they found out the truth about he and his siblings.
Mary had to find him, tell him that it made no difference to her.
She was unafraid of what he was.
The only thing she feared was the way she was beginning to feel about him.
While Mary had been trying to decide whether she should go after Michael or wait for him to return, Alexander had moved away to his horse. He was preparing to go to Castle DeHarding. Isabel had followed him and was now talking to him quietly.
She eyed the two budding couples quietly for a few more moments and then made her decision.
Mary turned on her heel and quietly faded away into the green wood.
To be continued...
Michael's heart had stopped when he had stepped out into the clearing to see his brother kissing Lady Elizabeth as though he never intended to stop.
When Tess had come flying out of the forest, her face white, Max nowhere to be found, Michael had immediately run in the direction from which she had come, sure that something horrifying had befallen Max. He had not even waited to hear Tess' explanation.
What he had found was worse then anything he could have possibly imagined.
Instead of his brother at sword-point, he had found him declaring his love to a small slip of a girl he had met only yesterday.
And Michael knew that Max had told Elizabeth the truth.
Max had thrust Elizabeth protectively behind him while Michael advanced on them, unable to control his anger.
"Michael, stop." Max was scowling at him. An entire lifetime of accepting Max unconditionally as his leader was too much for Michael to ignore. He stopped, spoke through clenched teeth, struggling to control his fear.
"You told her - didn't you?" Max pressed his lips together.
"She saw me heal Tess." He explained, smiling reassuringly at Elizabeth, who did not actually look scared at all, just concerned.
Michael felt his anger drain out of him. Despair began to settle in. "I told you we had to stay away from humans Max. This was bound to happen."
Max looked momentarily guilty, but did not reply for Elizabeth spoke up. "I promise not to tell anyone Michael. Not even Mary and Alexander."
Michael eyed her coldly, unconvinced. He could not like Lady Elizabeth, although she had really only ever been helpful to them. The way Max behaved around her - his brother had always been the centre of Michael's life, the one person he could count on for control and security. This one girl had changed all of it - in the space of 24 hours.
He scowled again when he saw Elizabeth take Max's hand, clearly trying to comfort him. "We better get back to the camp." Michael finally said grudgingly. Max was still staring at him, clearly unsure what was going on in his head. Let him wonder, Michael thought bitterly. He could feel his emotions closing down, trying to erase the pit of fear in his stomach.
Nothing would ever be the same again.
"Wait!" Elizabeth said suddenly. Max had been leading her after Michael, still holding her hand. Michael turned impatiently. "My maidservant is here as well."
Michael could feel a frown becoming permanently etched on his forehead. "Wonderful." He turned to Max. "Does she know too? Who didn't you tell Maxwell? Next thing we know the bloody king will be in on the secret."
"She doesn't know." Elizabeth inserted quickly. "I was alone. She is likely waiting for me at our horses." She smiled shyly at Michael. "I brought you some supplies." It was an olive branch - one Michael rejected immediately.
"We don't need anything from you." He turned on his heel and stomped off into the bush, leaving Max and Elizabeth staring after him. He needed to talk to Isabel and Tess right away. They were going to have to go back to the castle to see Lord Edmund, despite the risk of capture. They needed his help.
Michael flinched at the thought of the wrath their guardian was going to inflict on them. He knew it was going to gall Max and Isabel to no end that Lord Edmund had ended up being right. They should have stayed at the castle. This world was unsafe for such as them. One little mistake and they were betrayed.
He emerged into the Great Oak clearing, to the sight of Isabel and Tess in close conference near the shelter. Mary and Alexander were still seated near the fire, the former looking perplexed, the latter worried.
"What has happened Michael?" Mary asked him, concern on her lovely face. Michael ignored her, stalked past. He felt a moment of regret when a brief expression of hurt flashed across her face.
No regrets. She is not one of us. Michael told himself as he went to join Isabel and Tess.
Almost immediately he wished he had not. Tess was practically hysterical. "We are doomed I tell you. Doomed!"
Michael rolled his eyes. He was surprised to note that Bella did not look frightened. Rather, her expression was pensive. She was staring across Tess's shoulder, not doing anything to comfort her sister. Michael followed her gaze, sighed with annoyance when he realized that she was staring at Alexander.
"Bella?" He demanded gruffly. If she was actually considering telling the other two noble brats too, obviously he was going to have to make her see reason.
Isabel blinked. "I think that we should trust them." She said finally. "I have a feeling about him - er them." She amended quickly, a faint blush creeping up her neck.
"Are you insane?" Tess screeched. Isabel sighed.
"No, I am not Tess." She turned to Michael pleadingly. "This secret can't last forever Michael."
Max melted from the forest behind them. "And I don't want it too." He added to what Isabel had said.
"Where is she?" Michael demanded, ignoring Max's statement.
"She's coming." Max replied in such a calm manner, it made Michael want to punch him.
Moments later Elizabeth emerged from the same direction Max had. She was followed closely by a pretty young girl of about seventeen.
"Lizzy!" Mary shrieked with joy from the other side of the clearing. Michael felt annoyed. That girl was going to bring the entire Sheriff's guard down on their heads.
He hurried across the clearing, grabbed Mary by the arm. "Be quiet!"
Alexander stepped forward immediately, his hand on his sword. "Get your hands off my sister!"
Mary was staring at Michael, her mouth open. She closed it suddenly with a snap. Elizabeth had joined them, appeared to be on the verge of tears. Mary shook free, stepped away from him. "I apologize." She turned to Alexander. "Put your sword down Alex. He is right. I was being too loud."
Michael blinked, perplexed. Mary had tilted her head, was gazing at him questioningly. "Something has clearly happened." She said finally. "You must tell us. We are in this together now."
Michael was shocked by the sudden urge to tell her everything. What's wrong with you? He demanded himself. She'll be afraid of you. She'll betray you.
But Lady Elizabeth does not seem afraid, a small voice in the back of his head replied coaxingly.
Alexander was still glaring at him. Max and Isabel had rushed across the clearing, Isabel now standing in front of Michael protectively. Michael noticed that Tess had plunked herself down on a log near the shelter and was pouting. The maidservant was at the stream, washing her hands.
"Michael, would you please settle down." Max ground out, his annoyance clear. "I am very sorry milady." He addressed Mary. "Michael is a little overwrought." Michael felt his irritation at his brother increasing again and it doubled when he saw Max glance at Elizabeth lovingly.
"You do not need to apologize for me." He yelled. He realized that he was being just as loud as Mary had been minutes before. "I'm leaving." He muttered. "Tell them whatever the hell you want to." His gaze raked across Mary's face once more. The expression of sympathy and willingness to understand that he saw there was more frightening then anything else could have possibly been.
He could not trust her. He could not. They could not trust anyone.
He turned on his heel, grabbed his bow and quiver and went to get lost in the forest for a while.
Part 18
Mary watched Michael stomp off into the forest, her brow furrowed with concern.
He was so shut off, so withdrawn.
He was the most intriguing person she had ever met.
She turned back to the others, addressed Elizabeth. "What are you doing here Lizzy?" She asked the one question she was sure would garner her a straight answer.
Elizabeth smacked a hand to her forehead. She turned to Max sheepishly. "I almost forgot, with all that has happened." Mary wondered exactly what had happened to make Michael practically come to blows with her brother and had rendered Max at odds with his siblings. "Things are now worse." Elizabeth continued. "It turns out that the men that were killed in the forest yesterday were the Sheriff's men disguised as outlaws."
Mary watched Max's jaw set. Isabel looked even more upset. "I don't understand. Why were they dressed thus?" The tall blonde asked. "And why did they attack us?"
Elizabeth just shook her head. "It is unclear Isabel." She looked back at Max, her face reflecting her fear for all of them. "The important thing is that you are in even more danger. You did move the bodies?"
Max nodded. He looked thoughtful. Mary realized that everyone was waiting for him to make a decision. Max was without a doubt the leader of their little band. Even Alexander and Elizabeth deferred to him almost automatically and Mary realized that she herself had often done so in the day that she had known him.
For the first time she wondered: who are these people, really?
"Well, I guess we are still safe for now." Max finally concluded. He looked at Elizabeth with concern. "And you must return to the castle immediately my lo..." He cut himself off abruptly, glanced at Tess guiltily. The small blonde had finally stopped sulking and had joined him. Now she stared at Max, her expression unreadable. "Er, my lady." Max finished gracelessly.
Not at all obvious there Maxwell, Maria thought ironically.
Elizabeth did not look happy. "I do not understand why I cannot stay with you." She replied, sounding a little hurt.
"Because if your betrothed finds out you are aiding and abetting outlaws, he will force his father to come down upon us even harder." Tess snapped.
Max glared at her. "Be quiet Tess."
Elizabeth blinked, forced a smile. "No, she is right Max. I was not thinking."
Isabel broke in, clearly trying to ease the tension by changing the subject. "It is time to get word to Lord Edmund Maxwell."
Max nodded. "I just don't know how we can do it Bella. I am sure that the Sheriff will have soldiers at the castle."
Alexander, who had been silent listening up until now, stepped forward. "I am willing to go for you Max. They still do not suspect Mary or me."
Isabel and Max exchanged a quick glance. If Mary had not been watching for it she would have missed it certain.
If she did not know better, she would have said that some sort of silent conversation had just occurred between the two siblings. An expression of happiness had crossed Isabel's beautiful visage and Mary noticed that she briefly glanced at Alexander admiringly, but with a touch of fear as well.
"That would be wonderful Alexander." Max replied. "But first we must tell you the truth."
"What?" Tess screeched. "No! I forbid it!"
Max silenced her with a look. Tess tossed her head, stomped off into the forest after Michael. Max looked relieved to see the back of her.
All thoughts of Tess and her tantrum fled Mary's mind however when Max told them then the incredible truth.
She had never heard such an astonishing tale.
But she believed them. And she was not frightened.
Mary had already seen enough kindness in these folk - well in at least three of them she amended hastily - to believe that they were what they said they were.
They were visitors - not demons.
The clearing was silent for several long moments after Max stopped talking as the others waited for Mary and Alexander to digest the news. It was clear that Elizabeth had already known.
"And you knew of this Lizzy?" Alexander finally asked his friend.
Elizabeth nodded. "I only found out a few minutes ago Alex. I saw Max heal Tess."
Mary was interested. "What do you mean he healed her?" She asked curiously.
"We have certain gifts." Isabel inserted. "Max can heal people. Tess can make people see things that are not there. I can enter people's dreams."
Mary felt a momentary chill at that information. Her dreams were private! But she eyed Isabel, felt the trust that had already been built between them. She knew that Isabel would never betray her. "What can Michael do?" She asked instead.
Isabel and Max exchanged another glance. It appeared that another silent conversation was going on. Mary shrugged at Elizabeth, who was watching the whole process with interest.
Max finally sighed. "I think perhaps he had better tell you that himself."
Mary nodded. "Very well. Please know that none of this makes any difference. We still intend to help you. You are still the same people to me that you were before I knew this. Do you not agree Alex?" Alex nodded his dark head. Mary was not surprised to note that he was gazing at Isabel with admiration. He seemed to actually like her better now that he knew she was different. Isabel was gazing back at him, her eyes bright with some emotion that Mary could not quite identify, but was certainly not far from the way that Alexander clearly felt about her.
She watched Max move forward, take Elizabeth's hand, leading her across the clearing for a private discussion. She was not at all surprised to see their heads moving closer and closer together, until their foreheads were nearly touching as they conversed.
Suddenly Mary had a great urge to go in search of the messy-headed brute, Michael. She imagined that he was off somewhere brooding.
She now knew why he had been such a beast. He was frightened - frightened of what they would do if they found out the truth about he and his siblings.
Mary had to find him, tell him that it made no difference to her.
She was unafraid of what he was.
The only thing she feared was the way she was beginning to feel about him.
While Mary had been trying to decide whether she should go after Michael or wait for him to return, Alexander had moved away to his horse. He was preparing to go to Castle DeHarding. Isabel had followed him and was now talking to him quietly.
She eyed the two budding couples quietly for a few more moments and then made her decision.
Mary turned on her heel and quietly faded away into the green wood.
To be continued...