Title: The Prince of Thieves and a Moon Maiden
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Twelve
Rated: PG
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
This chapter is a little bit longer than the last ones I've gotten out.
I'm happy about that, you? ::big smile:: There is more action and the
plotline is moving along nicely. I hope you like the chapter.
Please email, review or whatever! Feed back is very nice.
Until later! Ja ne and have a good read!
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
"Serenity!" Hard raps came blaring through the door. Serenity groaned
and tried to block out the horrible sound.
"Serenity! We're leaving! Are ya ready? Serenity?" More knocking came
before silence.
Groggily, Serenity opened her eyes and blinked at the bare walls. Where
was she? All she knew was that she was wrapped in a warm blanket and
was sleeping in the most heavenly bed at the moment.
From somewhere Serenity heard voices once again, "Is she up?"
"She's not answer'in the door."
"Did ya tell her we're leave'in…?"
"Yes."
'I know those voices…' Serenity cleared her mind, 'Tephan and
Stephan…' Suddenly it all came into focus. Bolting up, Serenity cleared her
dry throat and quickly responded before they left her, "I'm up! Just give
me a minute!"
"We'll be downstairs," Stephan replied before she heard reseeding footsteps.
Sighing, Serenity quickly jumped out of bed and dressed for the day, washing
her face and pulling back her hair into a low ponytail, 'Man, what would I
give for a hot scented bath.' Putting on her shoes, Serenity ran towards
the door, flung it open and quickly went down stairs where the men were
waiting.
Dark saw her first and rolled his eyes, muttering, "Woman!" Before walking
out the front door.
The rest turned towards her and gave smiles and "good mornings" before
they departed. They stopped at a bakery and bought some hot rolls for
breakfast then headed out towards the cabins. They planned to visit a
few friends and then do a little shopping.
Serenity looked at all the merchandise. She was obviously a girl now
although she was still wearing boy's pants. Some women as well as men stared
at her, wondering what she was about in men's pants. Serenity did her best
to ignore them and act normal. She found lots of jewelry and face paint
which she found interesting. She couldn't remember the last time she wore
paint or jewelry. What would it be like to be dressed up again and
smelling clean and fresh? Suddenly, home was sounding better and better.
Having adventures with no rules was fun, lots of fun but she was brought up
to know finer things such a hot baths, hair pins, fine dresses, silk
slippers and people waiting on her hand and foot. And right now, she was
missing thoughs things. It was soul freeing to be dressed in boys clothes.
She could do things and see things she normally wouldn't be able to and
she could act rough and tough and no one would think the less of her.
But still… being a girl had its good points.
"Done look'in?" Matthew came up behind her, "Nice diamonds…"
Serenity gave him a soft smile, "Where do you come from Matthew? Have you
always been a wanderer?"
"Nay, Lass. I had to young'ins and a wife once," He looked off into the
crowd of people down the street, "And an old farm of me own."
"What happened?"
"It burned to the ground… a seven years ago…" He paused, "T'wis was all
an accident, but it burnt, it burnt good…" He refused to look at the
girl.
Serenity bit her lip, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up the past…
like that… My… ah… my father died… I told you that before. I know it can
be hard."
"Thanks, Lass," He turned and gave her a sad smile, "You're an angel girl,
ya know that, an angel."
Serenity blushed and smiled.
"What's all this dilly-dall'in for?" Dark came up behind the two, "The boys
and I are heading to Riffins for some drinks. Com'in Matthew?"
Frowning, Serenity glared at Dark, "Right now isn't the time to get your
self drunk."
"What? Swore that you can't join in now that you're a girl again?"
Dark practically sneered at her.
"What?! Why I never in my whole lif-"
"Then it's about time," Dark winked at her before stalking off.
"Oooo…" Serenity stomped her foot, "That… that… low life…"
Matt chuckled, "Don't get too wound up. He gets that way when he don't
have enough sleep or enough to drink. He'll be quieter tomorrow."
Sighing, Serenity nodded, "Are you going to join them?"
"Naw, I'd rather take a walk. How 'bout ya?" Matthew held out his arm for her
to take.
Serenity giggled before graciously threading her arm through his, "Why,
I'd be happy to, Sir."
Matthew gave her an all out grin. They walked through the streets, taking
in the sights and smells before venturing out of town. They walked down a
path decorated with cherry trees and little violet flowers along the
sides. Serenity stopped to pick some. She made a crown of flowers and
tried to stick them on Matthews head but he wouldn't have any of that.
They laughed and talked.
Through all of this, there was one thing that kept bothering Matthew
about the girl. She was different, more so that just a lady. The way she
talked, walked and with her innocents… there was something about it all
that made things queer.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = *
Princess Ray glanced at her partner, wondering how he could be so
annoying yet so darn hot. At every turn of her head, he would be smiling
or staring at her like a lovesick fool. It almost made him look like a
puppy; Ray smiled ruefully to her self. Taking another look, Ray noticed
his short blonde hair, how it brushed his forehead carefully and the way
his blue eyes almost sparkled with life. His form wasn't too well built
but it wasn't too thin either, he was just right in Ray's opinion.
'If he wasn't so annoying!' Ray sighed and concentrated on looking
around them. They were covering the main road, looking for their lost
princess, 'Serenity… I hope she's okay wherever she is… that stupid girl,
you would think she would have more sense than to run off in the first
place… Okay, typically, she didn't run off but she did afterwards. Did
we do something to make her NOT want to come back?'
"What'cha thinking about, Beautiful?" Jadeite broke into her thoughts.
Ray gave him a glare, "None of your business and don't call me that."
"What? You don't think you're beautiful, Beautiful?"
Turning to watch the grin play on his sensuous lips, Ray rolled her eyes,
"You are so annoying. Can't you act normal? You look like a lovesick puppy.
Most men hide that they're taken with a girl. You, on the other hand, make
it quite obvious."
"So the princess likes men that are hard to get?" Jadeite tipped his
head towards her in curiosity.
"Huh…?" Ray asked as she was caught off guard, "Well, ah, depends…
I guess…"
"On what?"
"I… well, there are certain men… then there are…" Ray was soon scrambled
and not sure what to think or to say. Deciding that anger answered
everything, especially if you wanted to get rid of a person, she turned
and glared meaningfully at him, "I've had enough of your silly
conversation. Really! Act your age!" Ray galloped ahead, hopping to
leave him in the dust.
"I know you like me, Princess, admit it!" Jadeite yelled after her.
Obviously, she didn't loose him.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = *
"Hey, pretty thing."
Serenity jerked in surprise and quickly looked over her shoulder for the
source of the owner of the voice. Matthew turned around as well then frowned
at the four men behind them. Four ugly and dirty men, obviously not men
from town. They looked menacing. They definitely didn't have good intentions
by the way they openly leered at Serenity.
Serenity glared, "Excuse me, and please redirect your attention."
The men looked up at her and smiled almost toothlessly, "Why should we, it's
not hurt'in ya," One of the men said while the others laughed.
"How dare you!"
"You're the one wear'in men's pants, lady," another man joked, "Ya'r ask'in
to be looked at."
Blushing Serenity backed up, indicating that the conversation was over,
"I've had enough of this. Leave us be."
"I'm sorry, lady, but we want some'im. Gold? Silver?" The men rubbed
their hands.
"No," Serenity kept her ground, "I don't have any money and if I did
I wouldn't give them to you."
"Then what about the old man?"
Matthew answered by gripping the hilt of his sword on his waist.
"Well, well, looks like we're gonna have to work for our money, boys," the
man in the middle flipped his knife out and pointed it at Matthew, "Last
chance, old man."
Matthew didn't move, just as Serenity predicted. Matthew wasn't going to
let these measly men bully him around. The man shrugged his shoulders and
lunged for Matthew. Serenity quickly moved away, giving Matthew plenty of
room to weld his sword. The sound of clashing metal filled the air and rung
in Serenity's ears. She watched as Matthew easily defended himself from the
now crazed man. The knife hit against Matthews long sword before pulling
back. The little man was trying to knife Matthew in the gut but it
wasn't working. Matthew dodged and kept his sword close to him, making
it impossible for the man to even nick him.
Keeping her eyes glued to each and every move, Serenity forgot about the
other three men. Without warning, a cold knife was placed against her
throat. Stiffening, Serenity panicked, 'What to do… what to do… I have
to do something.'
"Don't move," The man warned against her ear making her shiver in disgust.
Remaining calm, Serenity carefully and slowly moved her hand down to her
sword on her own belt. Carefully, ever so carefully she gripped the handle
and quickly pulled it out. The sound of the blade scraping against metal
caught the man off guard, shifting his attention towards the sound, giving
her time to move out from under his knife. Serenity spun around and held
her sword out in front, warning off the guy.
The man's eyes were wide open in shock for an instant before a sarcastic
grin appeared on his face, "Awe… pretty lady is go'in to fight?"
Serenity was breathing heavily as adenine rushed through her body.
The familiar feeling swept through her making her feel tense and hot around
the neck and back. She waited for the man to attack but he just stared at
her with an amused expression on his face. Serenity glanced at the other
two men; they were watching her and the other man with amusement. Annoyance
came unbidden as she frowned at the men. They thought she was a weak
little girl? 'We'll see about that,' Serenity almost smiled but
remembered, smiling could always give away too much.
The man shook his head and clicked his tongue, "Now, now, lady, put the
sword down and just come with me. Ya don't want to hurt ya self now."
"Stay away from me or you'll know what's it's like to have a sword run
through your gut," Serenity warned.
The man lifted an eyebrow, "Really now?" He looked at his friends who
were watching them. All of them were laughing at her bravery.
'Okay, so maybe I won't run him through, I mean, I have no intention
of killing anyone,' Just the thought of killing someone made Serenity's
stomach turn, 'but I sure as heck don't have a problem maiming him a
little.'
"Yes, really," Then Serenity got an idea. If the man was just going to
stand there smirking at her then they were going to be here all day, might
as well move it along and get this fight over with, "Are you scared of
fighting a girl? Afraid you're going to loose, sir?"
The man frowned; he obviously didn't like his manhood threatened,
"What?"
"You heard me. Afraid?" Serenity taunted.
He analyzed her for a moment before smiling and pointing his knife at
her, "You will die trying…"
Serenity shrugged her shoulders.
Then it started. The man swiftly moved in, intending to take her in
one sweep but he was not prepared for her fast side step. The man
stumbled, righted himself, blinked and turned around to find her calmly
waiting for him. Immediately his anger got the better of him. How dare a
little girl make him look stupid! He charged at her, she blocked and
pushed back. He grunted and moved in close, grinding the hilts of their
weapons together.
Serenity clenched her teeth together as sweet began to build over
her forehead. She had faced worse than this, this man was nothing but he
was still quite a bit stronger than her. The man practically threw
himself against her, almost knocking her to the ground. The man grunted
in her face making her wrinkle her nose in disgust at the rancid smell.
"Ready to give up, girl?" The man pulled back and circled her.
Serenity gave him a steady look, determined not to respond to sword
banter. Jarick had taught her that it was a waste of breath and a
distraction.
Finding the girl wouldn't respond he put his effort back into fighting her.
Meanwhile, Tephan, Stephan and Dark, after a few drinks, went looking
for their friends and found them down the road about a half a mile.
Their surprise at finding their two friends in combat was clearly evident
on their faces. However, despite their shock, Dark immediately ordered
Tephan and Stephan to aid their partner and the newly acquired travel
companion. The two men watching were quickly attacked from behind,
starting another round of battles. Dark, seeing that Serenity and Matthew
were doing fine, helped Tephan with one of the other men.
Suddenly there was a yell from the distance, causing Serenity to loose
her concentration for a split second, a second which gave her a nice slash
on her left arm. Serenity pulled back in surprise before glaring at the man
and throwing herself into the fight with her full attention.
The yell came from the leader of the large band of men that had been hiding
in the trees. About a dozen men flooded the road, making it look like a
small war zone. Dark cursed and spun around to defend his back then ducked
as a sword came swishing towards his neck. Soon each of the men had at
least three to four men to take care of.
As Matthew mentally took in his surrounding while fighting the first man,
he easily decided that this fight wasn't going to end well. These men were
only interested in money and shedding blood and they wouldn't back down from
a good spill of blood. This battle would cost them.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Lita and Nephrite slowly edged their way towards a small town called
Erica. It was a few miles from the castle and about ten miles from
the tournament. Lita wasn't too sure that Serenity would pass through here.
It was a small town and if Serenity was hurt, they probably wouldn't travel
more than five miles.
"We'll get something to eat here before we go on," Nephrite glanced at
the slim woman riding beside him. She was a strong willed girl that was
for sure. He'd never met a woman who would try to stand on her own feet,
despite her weak ankle. Most women he knew complained at even the
tiniest scratch. This Princess Lita had a backbone and seemed to dislike
being dependent on people. He got that vibe as soon as he offered
her assistance. She had scowled at him but didn't stop him from putting his
arm around her slim waist and helping her down the hall.
"Fine," Was Lita's simple reply. She knew Nephrite was watching her out of
the corner of his eye. She wondered what he was thinking about. She didn't
like how he seemed to be so worried about her foot. He asked her three times
how her foot was before they actually left the castle boundaries. Finally,
she had to tell him to "shut up".
As they entered the town, two young boys about twelve year's old came
running into town screaming about something. People parted the way, letting
them through.
"I wonder what…" Lita began but stopped when the boys came into hearing range.
"There's a fight! There's a fight!" The the two boys were unusually
excited, "There's a fight down the road!"
Nephrite frowned, "Must not get a lot of action around here," He imagined
the fight to be between a few young boys just having a quarrel. It was
simply ridiculous to make a big deal about it.
"What are ye talk'in about, Sam? What fight?" A woman stopped them on
the street, "Why ye have to get the young'in boys all riled up now?"
"There's a battle go'in on, Ma! The LeLan Band attacking a couple guys
and there's a girl there! She's all dressed like a boy but ye can sure
tell she's a girl, Ma!"
Lita's eyes widened. She quickly turned to Nephrite, "Serenity!"
Nephrite's eyes went dark as he nodded, "Stay here, I'll see what I can do.
It sounds like she has found herself in a bit of trouble."
Lita's heart was pounding in her chest, 'Stay here? When Serenity needs
my help? When I could defend her? No! I can't!'
"Nephrite! I'm coming with you!"
"No," He started off then hurriedly threw behind him, "stay put," His tone
of voice left no room for an argument.
Lita glared at his back, 'Serenity was HER princess to defend, not his!'
Then again, as Lita shifted her seat her ankle throbbed. She knew Nephrite
was right but the truth was hard to take. Signing and feeling frustrated,
Lita trotted over to a small trading store. She stayed atop her sturdy
brown horse, knowing getting off would only cause more pain to her ankle
and besides, she wasn't sure if she could get back on the large horse again
on her own.
The two boys a few yards down were still raving to their mother about
the band. It sounded like the band were known as killers in these parts,
which didn't give Lita any comfort. Serenity was in danger and Lita was
sure her princess didn't even know how much.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
To be continued…
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Twelve
Rated: PG
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
This chapter is a little bit longer than the last ones I've gotten out.
I'm happy about that, you? ::big smile:: There is more action and the
plotline is moving along nicely. I hope you like the chapter.
Please email, review or whatever! Feed back is very nice.
Until later! Ja ne and have a good read!
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
"Serenity!" Hard raps came blaring through the door. Serenity groaned
and tried to block out the horrible sound.
"Serenity! We're leaving! Are ya ready? Serenity?" More knocking came
before silence.
Groggily, Serenity opened her eyes and blinked at the bare walls. Where
was she? All she knew was that she was wrapped in a warm blanket and
was sleeping in the most heavenly bed at the moment.
From somewhere Serenity heard voices once again, "Is she up?"
"She's not answer'in the door."
"Did ya tell her we're leave'in…?"
"Yes."
'I know those voices…' Serenity cleared her mind, 'Tephan and
Stephan…' Suddenly it all came into focus. Bolting up, Serenity cleared her
dry throat and quickly responded before they left her, "I'm up! Just give
me a minute!"
"We'll be downstairs," Stephan replied before she heard reseeding footsteps.
Sighing, Serenity quickly jumped out of bed and dressed for the day, washing
her face and pulling back her hair into a low ponytail, 'Man, what would I
give for a hot scented bath.' Putting on her shoes, Serenity ran towards
the door, flung it open and quickly went down stairs where the men were
waiting.
Dark saw her first and rolled his eyes, muttering, "Woman!" Before walking
out the front door.
The rest turned towards her and gave smiles and "good mornings" before
they departed. They stopped at a bakery and bought some hot rolls for
breakfast then headed out towards the cabins. They planned to visit a
few friends and then do a little shopping.
Serenity looked at all the merchandise. She was obviously a girl now
although she was still wearing boy's pants. Some women as well as men stared
at her, wondering what she was about in men's pants. Serenity did her best
to ignore them and act normal. She found lots of jewelry and face paint
which she found interesting. She couldn't remember the last time she wore
paint or jewelry. What would it be like to be dressed up again and
smelling clean and fresh? Suddenly, home was sounding better and better.
Having adventures with no rules was fun, lots of fun but she was brought up
to know finer things such a hot baths, hair pins, fine dresses, silk
slippers and people waiting on her hand and foot. And right now, she was
missing thoughs things. It was soul freeing to be dressed in boys clothes.
She could do things and see things she normally wouldn't be able to and
she could act rough and tough and no one would think the less of her.
But still… being a girl had its good points.
"Done look'in?" Matthew came up behind her, "Nice diamonds…"
Serenity gave him a soft smile, "Where do you come from Matthew? Have you
always been a wanderer?"
"Nay, Lass. I had to young'ins and a wife once," He looked off into the
crowd of people down the street, "And an old farm of me own."
"What happened?"
"It burned to the ground… a seven years ago…" He paused, "T'wis was all
an accident, but it burnt, it burnt good…" He refused to look at the
girl.
Serenity bit her lip, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up the past…
like that… My… ah… my father died… I told you that before. I know it can
be hard."
"Thanks, Lass," He turned and gave her a sad smile, "You're an angel girl,
ya know that, an angel."
Serenity blushed and smiled.
"What's all this dilly-dall'in for?" Dark came up behind the two, "The boys
and I are heading to Riffins for some drinks. Com'in Matthew?"
Frowning, Serenity glared at Dark, "Right now isn't the time to get your
self drunk."
"What? Swore that you can't join in now that you're a girl again?"
Dark practically sneered at her.
"What?! Why I never in my whole lif-"
"Then it's about time," Dark winked at her before stalking off.
"Oooo…" Serenity stomped her foot, "That… that… low life…"
Matt chuckled, "Don't get too wound up. He gets that way when he don't
have enough sleep or enough to drink. He'll be quieter tomorrow."
Sighing, Serenity nodded, "Are you going to join them?"
"Naw, I'd rather take a walk. How 'bout ya?" Matthew held out his arm for her
to take.
Serenity giggled before graciously threading her arm through his, "Why,
I'd be happy to, Sir."
Matthew gave her an all out grin. They walked through the streets, taking
in the sights and smells before venturing out of town. They walked down a
path decorated with cherry trees and little violet flowers along the
sides. Serenity stopped to pick some. She made a crown of flowers and
tried to stick them on Matthews head but he wouldn't have any of that.
They laughed and talked.
Through all of this, there was one thing that kept bothering Matthew
about the girl. She was different, more so that just a lady. The way she
talked, walked and with her innocents… there was something about it all
that made things queer.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = *
Princess Ray glanced at her partner, wondering how he could be so
annoying yet so darn hot. At every turn of her head, he would be smiling
or staring at her like a lovesick fool. It almost made him look like a
puppy; Ray smiled ruefully to her self. Taking another look, Ray noticed
his short blonde hair, how it brushed his forehead carefully and the way
his blue eyes almost sparkled with life. His form wasn't too well built
but it wasn't too thin either, he was just right in Ray's opinion.
'If he wasn't so annoying!' Ray sighed and concentrated on looking
around them. They were covering the main road, looking for their lost
princess, 'Serenity… I hope she's okay wherever she is… that stupid girl,
you would think she would have more sense than to run off in the first
place… Okay, typically, she didn't run off but she did afterwards. Did
we do something to make her NOT want to come back?'
"What'cha thinking about, Beautiful?" Jadeite broke into her thoughts.
Ray gave him a glare, "None of your business and don't call me that."
"What? You don't think you're beautiful, Beautiful?"
Turning to watch the grin play on his sensuous lips, Ray rolled her eyes,
"You are so annoying. Can't you act normal? You look like a lovesick puppy.
Most men hide that they're taken with a girl. You, on the other hand, make
it quite obvious."
"So the princess likes men that are hard to get?" Jadeite tipped his
head towards her in curiosity.
"Huh…?" Ray asked as she was caught off guard, "Well, ah, depends…
I guess…"
"On what?"
"I… well, there are certain men… then there are…" Ray was soon scrambled
and not sure what to think or to say. Deciding that anger answered
everything, especially if you wanted to get rid of a person, she turned
and glared meaningfully at him, "I've had enough of your silly
conversation. Really! Act your age!" Ray galloped ahead, hopping to
leave him in the dust.
"I know you like me, Princess, admit it!" Jadeite yelled after her.
Obviously, she didn't loose him.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = *
"Hey, pretty thing."
Serenity jerked in surprise and quickly looked over her shoulder for the
source of the owner of the voice. Matthew turned around as well then frowned
at the four men behind them. Four ugly and dirty men, obviously not men
from town. They looked menacing. They definitely didn't have good intentions
by the way they openly leered at Serenity.
Serenity glared, "Excuse me, and please redirect your attention."
The men looked up at her and smiled almost toothlessly, "Why should we, it's
not hurt'in ya," One of the men said while the others laughed.
"How dare you!"
"You're the one wear'in men's pants, lady," another man joked, "Ya'r ask'in
to be looked at."
Blushing Serenity backed up, indicating that the conversation was over,
"I've had enough of this. Leave us be."
"I'm sorry, lady, but we want some'im. Gold? Silver?" The men rubbed
their hands.
"No," Serenity kept her ground, "I don't have any money and if I did
I wouldn't give them to you."
"Then what about the old man?"
Matthew answered by gripping the hilt of his sword on his waist.
"Well, well, looks like we're gonna have to work for our money, boys," the
man in the middle flipped his knife out and pointed it at Matthew, "Last
chance, old man."
Matthew didn't move, just as Serenity predicted. Matthew wasn't going to
let these measly men bully him around. The man shrugged his shoulders and
lunged for Matthew. Serenity quickly moved away, giving Matthew plenty of
room to weld his sword. The sound of clashing metal filled the air and rung
in Serenity's ears. She watched as Matthew easily defended himself from the
now crazed man. The knife hit against Matthews long sword before pulling
back. The little man was trying to knife Matthew in the gut but it
wasn't working. Matthew dodged and kept his sword close to him, making
it impossible for the man to even nick him.
Keeping her eyes glued to each and every move, Serenity forgot about the
other three men. Without warning, a cold knife was placed against her
throat. Stiffening, Serenity panicked, 'What to do… what to do… I have
to do something.'
"Don't move," The man warned against her ear making her shiver in disgust.
Remaining calm, Serenity carefully and slowly moved her hand down to her
sword on her own belt. Carefully, ever so carefully she gripped the handle
and quickly pulled it out. The sound of the blade scraping against metal
caught the man off guard, shifting his attention towards the sound, giving
her time to move out from under his knife. Serenity spun around and held
her sword out in front, warning off the guy.
The man's eyes were wide open in shock for an instant before a sarcastic
grin appeared on his face, "Awe… pretty lady is go'in to fight?"
Serenity was breathing heavily as adenine rushed through her body.
The familiar feeling swept through her making her feel tense and hot around
the neck and back. She waited for the man to attack but he just stared at
her with an amused expression on his face. Serenity glanced at the other
two men; they were watching her and the other man with amusement. Annoyance
came unbidden as she frowned at the men. They thought she was a weak
little girl? 'We'll see about that,' Serenity almost smiled but
remembered, smiling could always give away too much.
The man shook his head and clicked his tongue, "Now, now, lady, put the
sword down and just come with me. Ya don't want to hurt ya self now."
"Stay away from me or you'll know what's it's like to have a sword run
through your gut," Serenity warned.
The man lifted an eyebrow, "Really now?" He looked at his friends who
were watching them. All of them were laughing at her bravery.
'Okay, so maybe I won't run him through, I mean, I have no intention
of killing anyone,' Just the thought of killing someone made Serenity's
stomach turn, 'but I sure as heck don't have a problem maiming him a
little.'
"Yes, really," Then Serenity got an idea. If the man was just going to
stand there smirking at her then they were going to be here all day, might
as well move it along and get this fight over with, "Are you scared of
fighting a girl? Afraid you're going to loose, sir?"
The man frowned; he obviously didn't like his manhood threatened,
"What?"
"You heard me. Afraid?" Serenity taunted.
He analyzed her for a moment before smiling and pointing his knife at
her, "You will die trying…"
Serenity shrugged her shoulders.
Then it started. The man swiftly moved in, intending to take her in
one sweep but he was not prepared for her fast side step. The man
stumbled, righted himself, blinked and turned around to find her calmly
waiting for him. Immediately his anger got the better of him. How dare a
little girl make him look stupid! He charged at her, she blocked and
pushed back. He grunted and moved in close, grinding the hilts of their
weapons together.
Serenity clenched her teeth together as sweet began to build over
her forehead. She had faced worse than this, this man was nothing but he
was still quite a bit stronger than her. The man practically threw
himself against her, almost knocking her to the ground. The man grunted
in her face making her wrinkle her nose in disgust at the rancid smell.
"Ready to give up, girl?" The man pulled back and circled her.
Serenity gave him a steady look, determined not to respond to sword
banter. Jarick had taught her that it was a waste of breath and a
distraction.
Finding the girl wouldn't respond he put his effort back into fighting her.
Meanwhile, Tephan, Stephan and Dark, after a few drinks, went looking
for their friends and found them down the road about a half a mile.
Their surprise at finding their two friends in combat was clearly evident
on their faces. However, despite their shock, Dark immediately ordered
Tephan and Stephan to aid their partner and the newly acquired travel
companion. The two men watching were quickly attacked from behind,
starting another round of battles. Dark, seeing that Serenity and Matthew
were doing fine, helped Tephan with one of the other men.
Suddenly there was a yell from the distance, causing Serenity to loose
her concentration for a split second, a second which gave her a nice slash
on her left arm. Serenity pulled back in surprise before glaring at the man
and throwing herself into the fight with her full attention.
The yell came from the leader of the large band of men that had been hiding
in the trees. About a dozen men flooded the road, making it look like a
small war zone. Dark cursed and spun around to defend his back then ducked
as a sword came swishing towards his neck. Soon each of the men had at
least three to four men to take care of.
As Matthew mentally took in his surrounding while fighting the first man,
he easily decided that this fight wasn't going to end well. These men were
only interested in money and shedding blood and they wouldn't back down from
a good spill of blood. This battle would cost them.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Lita and Nephrite slowly edged their way towards a small town called
Erica. It was a few miles from the castle and about ten miles from
the tournament. Lita wasn't too sure that Serenity would pass through here.
It was a small town and if Serenity was hurt, they probably wouldn't travel
more than five miles.
"We'll get something to eat here before we go on," Nephrite glanced at
the slim woman riding beside him. She was a strong willed girl that was
for sure. He'd never met a woman who would try to stand on her own feet,
despite her weak ankle. Most women he knew complained at even the
tiniest scratch. This Princess Lita had a backbone and seemed to dislike
being dependent on people. He got that vibe as soon as he offered
her assistance. She had scowled at him but didn't stop him from putting his
arm around her slim waist and helping her down the hall.
"Fine," Was Lita's simple reply. She knew Nephrite was watching her out of
the corner of his eye. She wondered what he was thinking about. She didn't
like how he seemed to be so worried about her foot. He asked her three times
how her foot was before they actually left the castle boundaries. Finally,
she had to tell him to "shut up".
As they entered the town, two young boys about twelve year's old came
running into town screaming about something. People parted the way, letting
them through.
"I wonder what…" Lita began but stopped when the boys came into hearing range.
"There's a fight! There's a fight!" The the two boys were unusually
excited, "There's a fight down the road!"
Nephrite frowned, "Must not get a lot of action around here," He imagined
the fight to be between a few young boys just having a quarrel. It was
simply ridiculous to make a big deal about it.
"What are ye talk'in about, Sam? What fight?" A woman stopped them on
the street, "Why ye have to get the young'in boys all riled up now?"
"There's a battle go'in on, Ma! The LeLan Band attacking a couple guys
and there's a girl there! She's all dressed like a boy but ye can sure
tell she's a girl, Ma!"
Lita's eyes widened. She quickly turned to Nephrite, "Serenity!"
Nephrite's eyes went dark as he nodded, "Stay here, I'll see what I can do.
It sounds like she has found herself in a bit of trouble."
Lita's heart was pounding in her chest, 'Stay here? When Serenity needs
my help? When I could defend her? No! I can't!'
"Nephrite! I'm coming with you!"
"No," He started off then hurriedly threw behind him, "stay put," His tone
of voice left no room for an argument.
Lita glared at his back, 'Serenity was HER princess to defend, not his!'
Then again, as Lita shifted her seat her ankle throbbed. She knew Nephrite
was right but the truth was hard to take. Signing and feeling frustrated,
Lita trotted over to a small trading store. She stayed atop her sturdy
brown horse, knowing getting off would only cause more pain to her ankle
and besides, she wasn't sure if she could get back on the large horse again
on her own.
The two boys a few yards down were still raving to their mother about
the band. It sounded like the band were known as killers in these parts,
which didn't give Lita any comfort. Serenity was in danger and Lita was
sure her princess didn't even know how much.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
To be continued…