Title: The Prince of Thieves and a Moon Maiden
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Four
Rated: PG
Email: angellady41@hotmail.com
Finally! I'm sorry it took forever to get the next chapter out but
I've been busy, I swear, I have! Anyway, next chapter and have fun
reading!
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Jarick and Serenity had been practicing for days now, never coming
down from that cliff. The men down at the camp remained curious as to how
the girl was faring. How long would the girl last?
Pete smiled as some of the men around the camp fire glanced up at
the cliff. They were betting on weather she would survive 'till sun-up.
Pete didn't have to bet, he knew. That girl had fire and there was some'um
about her that made her special, he just couldn't figure out just what yet.
One day he would though and it would be something surprising.
Pete went back to whittling the tip of the long stick in his hand, the
next combat was going to be a little more... dangerous.
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"Okay, this is the plan..." Princess Ray paced the large bedroom,
"It's all up to us."
"What's all up to us? Ray, ever since we got here you've been pacing
the floor and talking to yourself." Lita pointed out as she watched Ray's
feet stop on the hard wood floor before pacing again. Lita sighed.
"I want to know why we're in one of the guest rooms. Why couldn't we've
met in my room?" Mina wrinkled her nose in disgust at the dusty dressers
and bedposts.
Finally, Ray stopped and looked at the three girls sitting on the end
of the large king size bed, "It's up to us. We're going to search for
Serenity."
Three pairs of eyes stared at her with blank expressions.
Ray sighed, "Okay, look, I know this sounds crazy but... Queen Serenity
is in... a lot of pain... and I can't see her like this, I CANNOT stand
it! Therefore, we have to do something about it and that means, searching
every planet in the galaxy. Do you understand?"
"Ray," Lita bit her lip, "All of us have noticed that the Queen is in
pain from the loss of Serenity but... searching the galaxy is impossible.
There are only four of us and there are what, ten planets?"
"Excuse me Lita but-"
"Shut up, Amy. I don't want to know if I'm right nor wrong."
Amy shut her mouth and went back giving her attention to Ray, "I think
it's a good idea although highly risky considering we're grounded to the
moon until Serenity comes back. I propose we use the old portal system in
the back of the palace."
"Why not just transport with our powers?" Mina looked at Amy who sat
next to her.
"I can't believe Amy is even considering this idea! It's not going
to work." Lita stood up and circled around to face Amy.
"It can." Amy protested, "I can just fix the power keys and rewire the
base and it should work... unless the base wires are too rusted..."
"Why not use our OWN powers?"
"Because, the Queen would feel it, you idiot!" Ray knocked Mina over the back
of the head.
"Ouch! That hurt!" Mina rubbed her head.
Ray ignored her and addressed Amy, "How long do you think it will take?"
"Two hours to a couple of days. If we can get the power keys from the
store room and if the wires are in good condition... we could leave in no
time at all."
"Sounds good! Lita, you help Mina get the power keys, Amy you work on
the wires and I'll work on devising a plan to buy us time while away."
"Wait a minute! I want a say in this!" Mina protested.
Lita got one of her evil smiles, "Sorry, girl, you're out ruled. Let's hit it."
"Ohhh... noooo... you are not sending me to go get those power things
with miss wound up and ready to hit someone! I want Ray or Amy!"
"Come on, I promise I wouldn't hit anyone..."
Mina looked at her critically.
"...unless I have to." Lita smiled.
"Get going. I want to be off of the moon by tonight." Ray pushed Mina
towards the door.
"Do you want to distract the guards or should I?"
"I will." Mina quickly replied.
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Wiping sweat from her forehead, Serenity leaded against the cool
hard surface of a rock.
"It's hard ain't it?"
Serenity nodded silently, wishing she were in her dirty blankets down at
the camp. For once, she would be extremely grateful for just a spoonful of
that disgusting food and an hour of sleep on a rocky surface.
"Ready, Lady?" Jarick wiped his own forehead with his arm before
gripping the stick once again.
Serenity stood up strait and faced Jarick, "When is this going to
be over? It's almost too dark to see."
"It'll be ov'r when I say its ov'r." Jarick gave Serenity a tired
smile. Serenity could tell that he was just as tired as she was if more,
so why was he holding out? Serenity gripped her stick and held it in
the position she had been trained to do and had practiced with for the
last 24 hours.
A loud crack penetrated the peaceful sounds of nature. The practice
session was on once again.
Swing, cut, slice, dodge; swing, cut, slice, dodge; swing, cut,
slice, dodge... Serenity's movements were taking on a routine that
was becoming mundane to her. By time sunrise she was thirsting for
something more.
Jarick finally backed off and yielded his sword/stick, "Ready to quit?"
His breathing was ragged and his bare chest was streaked with sweat.
Serenity wiped the sweat from her mouth and eyes, "No."
"What?" Jarick's eyes narrowed on her.
"No." Serenity looked up at him through her eyelashes, "I want to
learn more. There's got to be more to sword fighting then this."
"I'll be." He smiled then laughed, "Yar a spit'in firry one, aren't ya!"
He laughed again, "I'll be."
Serenity smiled, "What's so funny?"
"All this time, I've been wait'in for ya to give up the sword and here ya
ar' ask'in for more!"
"I told you I could do it. I have to say I have never been pushed this
hard before but it feels good. I'm ready for more."
"No ya aren't."
"What?"
"I won't be teach'in ya any more."
"What? You can't do that! I told you I need to learn more. You can't just
teach me this and then stop! What about the tournament?"
Jarick took a deep breath, "I never said I wouldn't teach ya more, I
said I wouldn't teach ya more today. Get some sleep, lady, ya'll need it
come sunset."
Slowly a smile dawned on Serenity's features, she let out a small
sigh, "Thank you."
"Yar welcome, now get down there and wash up and get some grub in yar
tummy and some sleep in yar eyes."
Serenity practically ran all the way down to the camp. She past the
wash bin and stopped immediately in front of the campfire where beans
and chicken sat cooked on the side of the fire. She scooped up a large
plate of food and scarfed down. The men sitting around the fire stopped in
mid motion with their eyes riveted on the dirty blonde girl.
Pete got up from his place and sat down by the girl, "So, lady, how'd
it go?"
Serenity's head popped up from her plate so suddenly that the men jumped
in their spots. They quickly went back to eating their own food once
they noticed she was taking in her surroundings.
"Oh, hi, Pete!" Serenity smiled, "Great! Jarick is going to teach me
more tonight."
"Oh, really, miss, that's great." He glanced at the men before watching
the girl go back to stuffing the food down her throat. As soon as her meal
was finished, she jumped up, waved to the men and raced to her tent where
she threw off her clothes, leaving only a slip to cover her and snuggled
under the blanket.
Pete lifted an eyebrow at the men who sat silent looking at each
other. Finally, one of the men cleared his throat, "Well, she's bet'er
then I thought... but she's still got until the tournament to go. Let's
see if she gets that far."
Pete sighed as the men quickly nodded in agreement and went back
to slurping down their food.
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"Slow down will you?" Serenity blocked his sharp lean sword with
a struggle. He was going way to fast!
"At the tur...tournament, they're not gonna go lame on ya girl."
He breathed out, his voice raspy as he fought to push her to the ground
with the pressure of his sword against hers. Serenity clenched her teeth
and pushed up, swiveled her sword around his and jumped away from him,
getting out of harms way. She took in deep breaths of air. Jarick didn't
have mercy on her by giving her time, imediately he set in and once again
their swords clashed together. Serenity felt sweat bead down her back making
her shiver as the wind picked up.
Their swords parted as Serenity stepped back.
"Don't let ya'r opponent lead ya'r around like a dance, lady, you be
the master." Jarick put more effort into backing her up towards the
cliff edge. Serenity tried to move into his space but he wouldn't move.
Jarick's eyes were daring her to try but as she darted in closer his sword
got way too close to her neck for her liking. She moved away and once
again, Jarick was controlling the dance.
"Maybe ya'r not cut out for this after'al." He laughed shortly
before focusing on breathing once again.
Serenity glared at him, "If I say I can do it, I can!" With that, she
moved in, forgetting about how close his sword was coming towards her
and clashed her sword with his. He backed up much to her relief and for the first time, she was controlling the space she used.
"Good." He smiled. Jarick once again tried to come into her space but
she refused to let him back in again, she clashed her sword and moved to the side, slashing his upper leg. Jarick swore under his breath and jumped
back, "Okay, now you're almost too good, lady."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that!" Serenity darted forward to help
him with his cut.
Jarick swung his sword up, taking her off guard. Serenity barely had
time to register that she was being attacked before she pulled her sword
up, letting it hit Jarick's in a hard crash. Serenity eyes were shut
tight, afraid of what might have happened.
Jarick moved in close, with their swords still touching, "Don't EVER,
EVER let ya'r guard down like that. In the opponent gets hurt, it's all game
and he took the chance. NEVER try to help him, do you understand? That kind
of action will get yourself killed."
Serenity opened her eyes and quickly nodded.
Jarick backed off slowly and let their swords drop to the ground, "That's
enough for today." With that, he turned and left Serenity staring shakily
after him.
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"I can't believe this..."
"Well, ya'r the one that's bet'in in the first place."
Pete fixed the large bag of swords on his shoulder and looked away from
the two men. Lady Serenity stood off to the side by a large gray horse with
her long blonde hair pulled back under a hat so it was barely visible.
"Yar a girl, Lady, but ya make a handsome look'in boy." Jarick
winked, "It's a good thing not all the men are as big as I am." He
smiled widely.
Serenity smacked his arm none-to-lightly and smiled herself,
"Big as you are, I can still beat you."
"In swords may-a-be." He held up his arm and flexed, "Try me and
hand to hand combat and then you'll really have some trouble."
"Then that's my next trial to pass." Serenity tucked her dirty
off-white shirt more firmly into her brown pants. She felt nervous
and uncomfortable wearing pants, they felt strange and she almost wished she
was wearing her dirty dress again. She cringed at the thought of facing
Mina with it and decided to throw that thought away for now. One of the
men distracted Jarick so Serenity was left alone, standing awkwardly by
the horse. What was she supposed to do? What did men do? Jarick hadn't told
her how to act or talk. Well, I suppose, she thought, I'll just have to do
what the rest of the men do, spit and take large steps.
Serenity smiled ruefully at that thought. Her mother would faint if
she ever saw her disregard all those etiquette lessons. A small tinge of homesickness struck her but she quickly put it in the back of her mind
for later. Right now, she needed to focus on signing up for the
Tournament. After all, that is why she was here, wasn't it?
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"Give me that back!" Malachite snatched his glove from the idiotic
chicken brained horse. The horse stared back at him with big innocent
eyes. "What are you thinking?" Ignoring the horse, Malachite looked around
for his fellow General, Jadeite, "Why Jed picked you; I have NO idea." He
shook his head looking around for a head of blonde messy hair.
"He's a good horse, even if he does eat clothing." Jadeite came up
behind Malachite.
Malachite, slightly startled, jumped and spun around, "Gesh." He
sighed, looked down and slipped his dark brown glove on, "It's about time
you got here." Malachite looked up at his friend, "Where's the Prince? I
thought you went with him to get seats?"
"I did. I left him with Zoichite." The short blonde haired,
blue-eyed General smiled, "I think I was getting on the Highness's
nerves."
"I'm not surprised. Okay, now that you're owner is here." He patted
the horses behind, "I'm going to find the King and figure out when the
Prince and I have to travel to North Shire.
"Good luck!" Jadeite shouted as Malachite disappeared into the
crowd, "Never mind him, Munchy, you're as good as any horse out there."
He patted his horse and softly stroked him.
The horse snorted and went back to eating the grass provided for him.
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"Maybe I should have stayed with Jed." Prince Endymion mumbled under
his breath as Zoichite continued to go on about the sciences of life and
how bridges should be constructed so they don't make noise when riding
over them.
Earlier that day, Zoichite woke up from the noisy banging of the
horses hooves tromping on the hard wood of a bridge.
Endymion was surprised when the General didn't fall off his horse at
the sudden wakening.
"How many, sonny?" The ticket agent ahead of them asked a small boy
with red hair.
"One, sir."
Endymion watched with curiosity, wondering where the boy's parents were. He
was obviously alone.
"...I'm not sure, but I think softer wood, like the wood on Bronge
hill would work." Snapping out of his train of thought, Zoichite sighed,
"What is taking so long? We've been in this line for an hour. You're
a Prince, " Zoichite stated, "do something about it."
"We're here as country men, remember? Forget the royalty for awhile
and relax." Endymion sighed and stepped ahead as another person paid for
his ticket and got out of line.
"Excuse me, excuse me..."
Endymion's attention turned to a small blonde boy with an over sized brown
hat on. The boy pushed his way through the crowd towards the Tournament
Ticket line. Finally, the boy made it and looked at the line. He sighed
and started walking slowly towards the end. Endymion shouted out before
even he knew what he was doing, "Boy! Over here!"
The boy ignored him at first.
"Boy! Hey, Blondie!"
This time the boy turned around and looked for the source of the
sound. Zoichite looked at his Prince, "What are you doing?"
The boy's eyes widened as they rested on the Prince and he stepped
back a bit, hesitating.
"Over here!" Endymion waved the boy over, ignoring Zoichite who
was protesting.
Swallowing hard, the boy walked slowly over to the Prince,
"Yes, sir?"
Endymion smiled, "If you would like, you can get in with us. The line is over
an hours wait."
The boy shook his head, "I'm not looking to sit down for the
tournament, sir, I'm here to fight in it." The boy pointed towards the line
that was a little further off with twice a long a line.
Zoichite whistled low, "You, want to fight in the tournament?"
"Yes." The boy held his head up high.
The prince smiled, "Well then, do you have a sword, young champ?"
"It's with my servant, sir. I know what you may be thinking. I may look
little but I've got a lot of strength behind this small body."
"I'm sure you have." Prince Endymion's smile broadened, "Well, then
I suppose we better help you." Endymion then turned to Zoichite, "You get
the tickets and I'll take this boy to the death line."
"Darien? But-"
Prince Endymion shook his head and stepped out of line, taking the boy's
arm before the boy could even protest.
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Serenity swallowed hard. This was not the circumstance she was EVER
hoping to get into. What luck! She had fallen into the Prince's hands
once again. The Prince's hold on her arm was firm but gentle as he
swiftly guided her to the Tournament Sign-up.
"What's your name boy?"
"Ah..." Serenity bit her lip. Now what? Drake, Drake sounded like a manly
name, "Uh, Drake sir." She made a point to deepen her voice.
"Drake what?"
"Oh, um, Drake..." Serenity's mind raced, "Drake Lake." Well, it rhymed.
The Prince stopped, looked at her and then continued. He stopped at
small building where the Fencing Sigh-up accrued. Instead of going through
the front, the Prince took her to the back and entered a back door. There
they were met by a largely built man.
"Darien!" The man smiled, "It's good to see you again, you aren't
entering the tournament this year, are you?"
"No. I had enough of that in my younger years. I'm actually here to sign
up a friend of mine." Endymion let go of Serenity's arm. Serenity
stepped forward, "Yes, sir, I would like to sigh up for the
Fencing Tournament."
The man looked her up and down with thought, "Are you sure, boy?"
Serenity quickly nodded.
"Alright then, it's on your own head. What's you're name?" The man
picked up a large sheet of paper and took a feather pen, ready to write
it down.
"Drake Lake." Serenity cringed at how dorky the named sounded.
The man glanced up at her for a second before writing it down, "Alright,
you're signed up as number twenty-three. Listen for your name, they'll only
call it once."
Serenity nodded in understanding then turned to the Prince,
"Thank you, Prince Darien."
"You're welcome. Now, I better be getting back to my friend.
Good luck in the tournament. I'll be looking for you."
"Thank you." Serenity bowed and quickly took off before the
Prince could say anything else.
The Prince smiled and shook his head. He hopped the boy would
have a fighting chance. Wait a minute! He ran out the door and around
the building, searching for the boy.
"He called me PRINCE Darien."
How did he know?
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To Be Continued...
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Four
Rated: PG
Email: angellady41@hotmail.com
Finally! I'm sorry it took forever to get the next chapter out but
I've been busy, I swear, I have! Anyway, next chapter and have fun
reading!
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Jarick and Serenity had been practicing for days now, never coming
down from that cliff. The men down at the camp remained curious as to how
the girl was faring. How long would the girl last?
Pete smiled as some of the men around the camp fire glanced up at
the cliff. They were betting on weather she would survive 'till sun-up.
Pete didn't have to bet, he knew. That girl had fire and there was some'um
about her that made her special, he just couldn't figure out just what yet.
One day he would though and it would be something surprising.
Pete went back to whittling the tip of the long stick in his hand, the
next combat was going to be a little more... dangerous.
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"Okay, this is the plan..." Princess Ray paced the large bedroom,
"It's all up to us."
"What's all up to us? Ray, ever since we got here you've been pacing
the floor and talking to yourself." Lita pointed out as she watched Ray's
feet stop on the hard wood floor before pacing again. Lita sighed.
"I want to know why we're in one of the guest rooms. Why couldn't we've
met in my room?" Mina wrinkled her nose in disgust at the dusty dressers
and bedposts.
Finally, Ray stopped and looked at the three girls sitting on the end
of the large king size bed, "It's up to us. We're going to search for
Serenity."
Three pairs of eyes stared at her with blank expressions.
Ray sighed, "Okay, look, I know this sounds crazy but... Queen Serenity
is in... a lot of pain... and I can't see her like this, I CANNOT stand
it! Therefore, we have to do something about it and that means, searching
every planet in the galaxy. Do you understand?"
"Ray," Lita bit her lip, "All of us have noticed that the Queen is in
pain from the loss of Serenity but... searching the galaxy is impossible.
There are only four of us and there are what, ten planets?"
"Excuse me Lita but-"
"Shut up, Amy. I don't want to know if I'm right nor wrong."
Amy shut her mouth and went back giving her attention to Ray, "I think
it's a good idea although highly risky considering we're grounded to the
moon until Serenity comes back. I propose we use the old portal system in
the back of the palace."
"Why not just transport with our powers?" Mina looked at Amy who sat
next to her.
"I can't believe Amy is even considering this idea! It's not going
to work." Lita stood up and circled around to face Amy.
"It can." Amy protested, "I can just fix the power keys and rewire the
base and it should work... unless the base wires are too rusted..."
"Why not use our OWN powers?"
"Because, the Queen would feel it, you idiot!" Ray knocked Mina over the back
of the head.
"Ouch! That hurt!" Mina rubbed her head.
Ray ignored her and addressed Amy, "How long do you think it will take?"
"Two hours to a couple of days. If we can get the power keys from the
store room and if the wires are in good condition... we could leave in no
time at all."
"Sounds good! Lita, you help Mina get the power keys, Amy you work on
the wires and I'll work on devising a plan to buy us time while away."
"Wait a minute! I want a say in this!" Mina protested.
Lita got one of her evil smiles, "Sorry, girl, you're out ruled. Let's hit it."
"Ohhh... noooo... you are not sending me to go get those power things
with miss wound up and ready to hit someone! I want Ray or Amy!"
"Come on, I promise I wouldn't hit anyone..."
Mina looked at her critically.
"...unless I have to." Lita smiled.
"Get going. I want to be off of the moon by tonight." Ray pushed Mina
towards the door.
"Do you want to distract the guards or should I?"
"I will." Mina quickly replied.
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Wiping sweat from her forehead, Serenity leaded against the cool
hard surface of a rock.
"It's hard ain't it?"
Serenity nodded silently, wishing she were in her dirty blankets down at
the camp. For once, she would be extremely grateful for just a spoonful of
that disgusting food and an hour of sleep on a rocky surface.
"Ready, Lady?" Jarick wiped his own forehead with his arm before
gripping the stick once again.
Serenity stood up strait and faced Jarick, "When is this going to
be over? It's almost too dark to see."
"It'll be ov'r when I say its ov'r." Jarick gave Serenity a tired
smile. Serenity could tell that he was just as tired as she was if more,
so why was he holding out? Serenity gripped her stick and held it in
the position she had been trained to do and had practiced with for the
last 24 hours.
A loud crack penetrated the peaceful sounds of nature. The practice
session was on once again.
Swing, cut, slice, dodge; swing, cut, slice, dodge; swing, cut,
slice, dodge... Serenity's movements were taking on a routine that
was becoming mundane to her. By time sunrise she was thirsting for
something more.
Jarick finally backed off and yielded his sword/stick, "Ready to quit?"
His breathing was ragged and his bare chest was streaked with sweat.
Serenity wiped the sweat from her mouth and eyes, "No."
"What?" Jarick's eyes narrowed on her.
"No." Serenity looked up at him through her eyelashes, "I want to
learn more. There's got to be more to sword fighting then this."
"I'll be." He smiled then laughed, "Yar a spit'in firry one, aren't ya!"
He laughed again, "I'll be."
Serenity smiled, "What's so funny?"
"All this time, I've been wait'in for ya to give up the sword and here ya
ar' ask'in for more!"
"I told you I could do it. I have to say I have never been pushed this
hard before but it feels good. I'm ready for more."
"No ya aren't."
"What?"
"I won't be teach'in ya any more."
"What? You can't do that! I told you I need to learn more. You can't just
teach me this and then stop! What about the tournament?"
Jarick took a deep breath, "I never said I wouldn't teach ya more, I
said I wouldn't teach ya more today. Get some sleep, lady, ya'll need it
come sunset."
Slowly a smile dawned on Serenity's features, she let out a small
sigh, "Thank you."
"Yar welcome, now get down there and wash up and get some grub in yar
tummy and some sleep in yar eyes."
Serenity practically ran all the way down to the camp. She past the
wash bin and stopped immediately in front of the campfire where beans
and chicken sat cooked on the side of the fire. She scooped up a large
plate of food and scarfed down. The men sitting around the fire stopped in
mid motion with their eyes riveted on the dirty blonde girl.
Pete got up from his place and sat down by the girl, "So, lady, how'd
it go?"
Serenity's head popped up from her plate so suddenly that the men jumped
in their spots. They quickly went back to eating their own food once
they noticed she was taking in her surroundings.
"Oh, hi, Pete!" Serenity smiled, "Great! Jarick is going to teach me
more tonight."
"Oh, really, miss, that's great." He glanced at the men before watching
the girl go back to stuffing the food down her throat. As soon as her meal
was finished, she jumped up, waved to the men and raced to her tent where
she threw off her clothes, leaving only a slip to cover her and snuggled
under the blanket.
Pete lifted an eyebrow at the men who sat silent looking at each
other. Finally, one of the men cleared his throat, "Well, she's bet'er
then I thought... but she's still got until the tournament to go. Let's
see if she gets that far."
Pete sighed as the men quickly nodded in agreement and went back
to slurping down their food.
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"Slow down will you?" Serenity blocked his sharp lean sword with
a struggle. He was going way to fast!
"At the tur...tournament, they're not gonna go lame on ya girl."
He breathed out, his voice raspy as he fought to push her to the ground
with the pressure of his sword against hers. Serenity clenched her teeth
and pushed up, swiveled her sword around his and jumped away from him,
getting out of harms way. She took in deep breaths of air. Jarick didn't
have mercy on her by giving her time, imediately he set in and once again
their swords clashed together. Serenity felt sweat bead down her back making
her shiver as the wind picked up.
Their swords parted as Serenity stepped back.
"Don't let ya'r opponent lead ya'r around like a dance, lady, you be
the master." Jarick put more effort into backing her up towards the
cliff edge. Serenity tried to move into his space but he wouldn't move.
Jarick's eyes were daring her to try but as she darted in closer his sword
got way too close to her neck for her liking. She moved away and once
again, Jarick was controlling the dance.
"Maybe ya'r not cut out for this after'al." He laughed shortly
before focusing on breathing once again.
Serenity glared at him, "If I say I can do it, I can!" With that, she
moved in, forgetting about how close his sword was coming towards her
and clashed her sword with his. He backed up much to her relief and for the first time, she was controlling the space she used.
"Good." He smiled. Jarick once again tried to come into her space but
she refused to let him back in again, she clashed her sword and moved to the side, slashing his upper leg. Jarick swore under his breath and jumped
back, "Okay, now you're almost too good, lady."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that!" Serenity darted forward to help
him with his cut.
Jarick swung his sword up, taking her off guard. Serenity barely had
time to register that she was being attacked before she pulled her sword
up, letting it hit Jarick's in a hard crash. Serenity eyes were shut
tight, afraid of what might have happened.
Jarick moved in close, with their swords still touching, "Don't EVER,
EVER let ya'r guard down like that. In the opponent gets hurt, it's all game
and he took the chance. NEVER try to help him, do you understand? That kind
of action will get yourself killed."
Serenity opened her eyes and quickly nodded.
Jarick backed off slowly and let their swords drop to the ground, "That's
enough for today." With that, he turned and left Serenity staring shakily
after him.
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"I can't believe this..."
"Well, ya'r the one that's bet'in in the first place."
Pete fixed the large bag of swords on his shoulder and looked away from
the two men. Lady Serenity stood off to the side by a large gray horse with
her long blonde hair pulled back under a hat so it was barely visible.
"Yar a girl, Lady, but ya make a handsome look'in boy." Jarick
winked, "It's a good thing not all the men are as big as I am." He
smiled widely.
Serenity smacked his arm none-to-lightly and smiled herself,
"Big as you are, I can still beat you."
"In swords may-a-be." He held up his arm and flexed, "Try me and
hand to hand combat and then you'll really have some trouble."
"Then that's my next trial to pass." Serenity tucked her dirty
off-white shirt more firmly into her brown pants. She felt nervous
and uncomfortable wearing pants, they felt strange and she almost wished she
was wearing her dirty dress again. She cringed at the thought of facing
Mina with it and decided to throw that thought away for now. One of the
men distracted Jarick so Serenity was left alone, standing awkwardly by
the horse. What was she supposed to do? What did men do? Jarick hadn't told
her how to act or talk. Well, I suppose, she thought, I'll just have to do
what the rest of the men do, spit and take large steps.
Serenity smiled ruefully at that thought. Her mother would faint if
she ever saw her disregard all those etiquette lessons. A small tinge of homesickness struck her but she quickly put it in the back of her mind
for later. Right now, she needed to focus on signing up for the
Tournament. After all, that is why she was here, wasn't it?
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"Give me that back!" Malachite snatched his glove from the idiotic
chicken brained horse. The horse stared back at him with big innocent
eyes. "What are you thinking?" Ignoring the horse, Malachite looked around
for his fellow General, Jadeite, "Why Jed picked you; I have NO idea." He
shook his head looking around for a head of blonde messy hair.
"He's a good horse, even if he does eat clothing." Jadeite came up
behind Malachite.
Malachite, slightly startled, jumped and spun around, "Gesh." He
sighed, looked down and slipped his dark brown glove on, "It's about time
you got here." Malachite looked up at his friend, "Where's the Prince? I
thought you went with him to get seats?"
"I did. I left him with Zoichite." The short blonde haired,
blue-eyed General smiled, "I think I was getting on the Highness's
nerves."
"I'm not surprised. Okay, now that you're owner is here." He patted
the horses behind, "I'm going to find the King and figure out when the
Prince and I have to travel to North Shire.
"Good luck!" Jadeite shouted as Malachite disappeared into the
crowd, "Never mind him, Munchy, you're as good as any horse out there."
He patted his horse and softly stroked him.
The horse snorted and went back to eating the grass provided for him.
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"Maybe I should have stayed with Jed." Prince Endymion mumbled under
his breath as Zoichite continued to go on about the sciences of life and
how bridges should be constructed so they don't make noise when riding
over them.
Earlier that day, Zoichite woke up from the noisy banging of the
horses hooves tromping on the hard wood of a bridge.
Endymion was surprised when the General didn't fall off his horse at
the sudden wakening.
"How many, sonny?" The ticket agent ahead of them asked a small boy
with red hair.
"One, sir."
Endymion watched with curiosity, wondering where the boy's parents were. He
was obviously alone.
"...I'm not sure, but I think softer wood, like the wood on Bronge
hill would work." Snapping out of his train of thought, Zoichite sighed,
"What is taking so long? We've been in this line for an hour. You're
a Prince, " Zoichite stated, "do something about it."
"We're here as country men, remember? Forget the royalty for awhile
and relax." Endymion sighed and stepped ahead as another person paid for
his ticket and got out of line.
"Excuse me, excuse me..."
Endymion's attention turned to a small blonde boy with an over sized brown
hat on. The boy pushed his way through the crowd towards the Tournament
Ticket line. Finally, the boy made it and looked at the line. He sighed
and started walking slowly towards the end. Endymion shouted out before
even he knew what he was doing, "Boy! Over here!"
The boy ignored him at first.
"Boy! Hey, Blondie!"
This time the boy turned around and looked for the source of the
sound. Zoichite looked at his Prince, "What are you doing?"
The boy's eyes widened as they rested on the Prince and he stepped
back a bit, hesitating.
"Over here!" Endymion waved the boy over, ignoring Zoichite who
was protesting.
Swallowing hard, the boy walked slowly over to the Prince,
"Yes, sir?"
Endymion smiled, "If you would like, you can get in with us. The line is over
an hours wait."
The boy shook his head, "I'm not looking to sit down for the
tournament, sir, I'm here to fight in it." The boy pointed towards the line
that was a little further off with twice a long a line.
Zoichite whistled low, "You, want to fight in the tournament?"
"Yes." The boy held his head up high.
The prince smiled, "Well then, do you have a sword, young champ?"
"It's with my servant, sir. I know what you may be thinking. I may look
little but I've got a lot of strength behind this small body."
"I'm sure you have." Prince Endymion's smile broadened, "Well, then
I suppose we better help you." Endymion then turned to Zoichite, "You get
the tickets and I'll take this boy to the death line."
"Darien? But-"
Prince Endymion shook his head and stepped out of line, taking the boy's
arm before the boy could even protest.
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Serenity swallowed hard. This was not the circumstance she was EVER
hoping to get into. What luck! She had fallen into the Prince's hands
once again. The Prince's hold on her arm was firm but gentle as he
swiftly guided her to the Tournament Sign-up.
"What's your name boy?"
"Ah..." Serenity bit her lip. Now what? Drake, Drake sounded like a manly
name, "Uh, Drake sir." She made a point to deepen her voice.
"Drake what?"
"Oh, um, Drake..." Serenity's mind raced, "Drake Lake." Well, it rhymed.
The Prince stopped, looked at her and then continued. He stopped at
small building where the Fencing Sigh-up accrued. Instead of going through
the front, the Prince took her to the back and entered a back door. There
they were met by a largely built man.
"Darien!" The man smiled, "It's good to see you again, you aren't
entering the tournament this year, are you?"
"No. I had enough of that in my younger years. I'm actually here to sign
up a friend of mine." Endymion let go of Serenity's arm. Serenity
stepped forward, "Yes, sir, I would like to sigh up for the
Fencing Tournament."
The man looked her up and down with thought, "Are you sure, boy?"
Serenity quickly nodded.
"Alright then, it's on your own head. What's you're name?" The man
picked up a large sheet of paper and took a feather pen, ready to write
it down.
"Drake Lake." Serenity cringed at how dorky the named sounded.
The man glanced up at her for a second before writing it down, "Alright,
you're signed up as number twenty-three. Listen for your name, they'll only
call it once."
Serenity nodded in understanding then turned to the Prince,
"Thank you, Prince Darien."
"You're welcome. Now, I better be getting back to my friend.
Good luck in the tournament. I'll be looking for you."
"Thank you." Serenity bowed and quickly took off before the
Prince could say anything else.
The Prince smiled and shook his head. He hopped the boy would
have a fighting chance. Wait a minute! He ran out the door and around
the building, searching for the boy.
"He called me PRINCE Darien."
How did he know?
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To Be Continued...