Chapter 4 the Rescue Pt 2
"There's not much more time." A deep voice said and there was an odd sound, like rustling fabric.
"I know but I do not wish to startle her."
"And if you wait too long Pheona won't survive."
"Aye." The feminine voice said. Prudence thought there had to be at least four people there. Then she heard the soft one once again. "Prudence, Prudence listen to me, you have to fight the darkness." She knew that tender but commanding tone.
"Mama?"
"Aye love I am here." The voice came again and Prudence opened her blue eyes. There, in the shadows hovered her mother. She was not alone thought there were two others. She saw Lord Samuel and her father.
"I do not understand how can you all be here, you're."
"Dead? Aye love, that we are and it is why I am here."
"Mama?"
"Although much hath happened it is not your time. You still have much to do."
"But how can I? I know so little about being a good queen. And there's Pheona, we still have to get her back."
"Aye, that is so but you must remember that not only are you a queen, you are prudence Portia Halliwell, a witch within your own right."
"But Mama, they'll destroy us."
"Nay love, when the moment is right you'll know and use your powers as you should."
"Aye, you must rely on your instincts." Lord Samuel told her and she frowned. Hadn't he just died? How could he already be here? She had an odd feeling that there was not the time to question him or her father so she once more asked.
"But they'll kill us." this to her mother.
"Nay, for love will always protect you." With that Prudence watched her mother fade into the shadow and she herself closed her heavy eyes.
***
King Benjamin took over as the oldest member of the group and didn't have to order Lord Andrew to see to Prudence. He already had his mount riding off of the path into a little clearing off to the right. Then they were all fallowing suit. They ordered Winterford's men dispatched so that they'd not do any more wrong. Then King Benjamin and Prince Leonardo sat down beside the princess resting a hand on hers. He'd met Prudence once or twice and knew her to be kind but with a fiery spirit.
Looking over at Lord Andrew he knew his friend was well taken With her. It was his eyes, the way he had accepted her more readily than most would have. True that Lord Andrew was older, being 2 and 20 while he was only a mere 20, yet Prince Leonardo could see the signs. It made him want to smile. Lord Andrew had lost so much growing up, with his mother and sister dying of the black sickness when he was only 3 and his father dying when he was 4 and 10. His first bride too had died in childbirth so he hoped that this time Lord Andrew would find some happiness. They'd make a good match, she a princess and he a high ranking Lord of the realm of her own kingdom.
Lord Andrew's own thoughts were on not such thing, he was more concerned with reviving the princess. He was gently tapping her cheek and calling her not. He knew not else to do for her. After all he was a soldier and not a physician.
"Highness?" He called and hoped to the heavens she was not addled by all she'd seen and been through. He knew that shock and pain could do that. The thing was there was a light in Prudence that he'd rarely ever seen and it would be a shame for it to be snuffed now. "Please Prudence you much awake for your sister needs you." He told her and he felt the change in her breathing as she came back to her senses.
"What hath happened my Lord?" She asked momentarily disorientated.
"You are alright?" He asked assisting her in sitting.
"Aye, I think so but..." The memory of all that had happened that night slammed through her and she closed her eyes to catch her breath. Then pulling on all of her faculties, she pushed the knowledge that she and her sisters were virtually alone now. She and her sisters had lost first mother and father and now their uncle and last living relative. Tears filled her eyes despite her efforts and she realized that she had a major job to do.
"Lord Hawthorn, where is Lord Winterford?" She asked pushing to her feet.
"He's over yonder being guarded by some of the king's men." Lord Andrew replied and she nodded and headed in that direction.
"I want to see him." Was all she told him. Lord Andrew just nodded and she found herself blocked by one of the king's men.
"Perhaps you should wait until..." The soldier suggested.
"Sir, I am a princess and much too many a man's thoughts you're equal indeed. You shall not shelter me or try and stop me; I will recover my sister alive.
And you may either aide me or get out of my way." She told him and there was a royal baring about her now. Gone was the wafe-like presence she'd only moments ago possessed. Now she was all queen.
From where he stood Lord Andrew bit back a grin she was so glorious in this state, Eyes icy and yet flames shooting from them ea her spine Straighter than an archer's arrow. He had to admire her for that.
"This way highness." Lord Andrew said and the fact he'd called her by her God given name was all but forgotten as they moved to where the king and 5 of his men were questioning Lord Winterford. THE condemned man himself was not saying a word just staring into space and acting like nothing was wrong. As if he was seated at his table amid also his servants in the grand hall.
"Thank you my lord." Prudence said coolly smiling at the king where he was interrogating the man. Something in her eyes must have alerted him to her mood for he nodded a tiny smile crossed his lips.
"Hello Lord Winterford or Shall I say James." Dana said in a tone as sweet as honey warmed by a summer day. "Either way we've going to have a little talk."
"I'll not say a word to you, for you are not and never shall be queen of this kingdom."
"I sea. Then it is true you were a part of this whole charade." She smiled thoughtfully and then advanced on him. "I would not have thought such traitorous behavior of a Lord of the realm."
"What realm? You mean this jest you call a kingdom? One can not have a kingdom if they do not fight."
"Fighting was not the question; one may not have a kingdom if they do not have loyal subjects."
"Loyal to what a witch and a bore of a so-called ruler."
Lord Andrew was impressed when the princess neither flinched nor glared at the accusations made by the traitor. She simply gestured to him and waited for him to join her.
"I think it's time I speak to the man alone." Lord Andrew didn't like that idea but what choice was there? Glancing at the king standing not 10 feet away
he nodded and then the men were cleared from hearing distance.
"You called my mother a witch; do you even know what one is? She made a gesture to her individual face. "Is she a hag or a beauty? Is that why my mother was so beautiful or was she simply a reason for you to justify your actions? Either way you'll not get away with letting my sister parish." With that she moved forward and locked eyes with him. Then she said the little mind spell and was in.
"Is this what you call a witch my lord?" She asked and sent an image of crawly things to him, making him see them all about him. Then she let that fade to try another tactic hoping none of the king's men had returned. "Or..." She had a writhing snake in one hand as she advanced on him. "Is this." She held it out before him and watched the fear and rage dawn in his eyes.
"You'll never get away with this, I'll tell the church and..."
"You'll not I think." She said and set the snake back in the grass. It slithered away as she looked once more to him. "You'll die I think as a traitor to the thrown."
"And you will never find your sister."
"Alas this would be true but for one of your men." Lord Andrew said coming to join them. He'd been watching her work and knew the game. He'd been watching and had come to the conclusion that there was much more to this woman than met the eye but if that helped them save the child so be it.
"Nay, nay, they know not the plan."
"A pity for they too will meet your dreadful fait." She said and he shook his head.
"Nay highness, nay I shall tell you what I know if only I may live."
"How is this coming princess?" Prince Leonardo asked joining them.
"Quite well I'd say, wouldn't you Winterford?" Prudence smiled at the bound lord a wicked grin on her face.
"She's a bloody witch!" Winterford exploded and Prince Leonardo didn't even bat an eye, he knew that just then the condemned man would do anything to protect his own neck. Well Prince Leonardo was not going to play into his hands. Instead he looked to Prudence and asked.
"Would you like one of the swordsmen to finish the questioning?"
"Perhaps that would be a good..."
"Nay, nay there keeping her in the tower, you were correct but they'll move her as my man reaches them with the knowledge of our approach."
"Well now, would you mean Sir Gilbert? There's not to worry there for he hath met his maker a bit early."
"Oh..."
"So she is in the tower." Prudence smiled wickedly.
"Aye, and will stay there until you arrive."
"I see, well then we will not just walk into their hands."
"Aye highness, we will have to come up with another plan." Lord Andrew replied nodding.
"And him?" Prince Leonardo asked nodding to the traitor.
"I believe the king wishes to have words with him."
"Very well. I'll go speak with him first though." She told them and both nobles nodded.
And with that she departed leaving Lord Andrew and the prince with the dead man bound.
"I tell you she is a witch." Winterford told them and Lord Andrew did not doubt something magical was about the princess but he'd not let that deter him. When this was finished he'd have her to wife.
"Silence or I shall finish you, hang the king's wishes." The prince growled and when the man once more opened his mouth to speak he leaned down scooped up a handful of leaves and soil cramming it into Winterford's mouth.
***
"I think we should just all out attack."
"Nay, I believe we ought to take the castle from all points." Prince Leonardo told them as he, Lord Andrew, King Benjamin and the princess sat off to one side of the camp. They'd not lit a fire so not to be seen by the enemy.
"Nay, they'll be waiting on us so I say that the best attack is head on." The king argued.
"Aye, they will be expecting us to come, but from the forest road. That's why."
TBC
***
Ok, fun time; I worked on this for five hours after work today so I'd like at least five reviews to show it was not in vain.
"There's not much more time." A deep voice said and there was an odd sound, like rustling fabric.
"I know but I do not wish to startle her."
"And if you wait too long Pheona won't survive."
"Aye." The feminine voice said. Prudence thought there had to be at least four people there. Then she heard the soft one once again. "Prudence, Prudence listen to me, you have to fight the darkness." She knew that tender but commanding tone.
"Mama?"
"Aye love I am here." The voice came again and Prudence opened her blue eyes. There, in the shadows hovered her mother. She was not alone thought there were two others. She saw Lord Samuel and her father.
"I do not understand how can you all be here, you're."
"Dead? Aye love, that we are and it is why I am here."
"Mama?"
"Although much hath happened it is not your time. You still have much to do."
"But how can I? I know so little about being a good queen. And there's Pheona, we still have to get her back."
"Aye, that is so but you must remember that not only are you a queen, you are prudence Portia Halliwell, a witch within your own right."
"But Mama, they'll destroy us."
"Nay love, when the moment is right you'll know and use your powers as you should."
"Aye, you must rely on your instincts." Lord Samuel told her and she frowned. Hadn't he just died? How could he already be here? She had an odd feeling that there was not the time to question him or her father so she once more asked.
"But they'll kill us." this to her mother.
"Nay, for love will always protect you." With that Prudence watched her mother fade into the shadow and she herself closed her heavy eyes.
***
King Benjamin took over as the oldest member of the group and didn't have to order Lord Andrew to see to Prudence. He already had his mount riding off of the path into a little clearing off to the right. Then they were all fallowing suit. They ordered Winterford's men dispatched so that they'd not do any more wrong. Then King Benjamin and Prince Leonardo sat down beside the princess resting a hand on hers. He'd met Prudence once or twice and knew her to be kind but with a fiery spirit.
Looking over at Lord Andrew he knew his friend was well taken With her. It was his eyes, the way he had accepted her more readily than most would have. True that Lord Andrew was older, being 2 and 20 while he was only a mere 20, yet Prince Leonardo could see the signs. It made him want to smile. Lord Andrew had lost so much growing up, with his mother and sister dying of the black sickness when he was only 3 and his father dying when he was 4 and 10. His first bride too had died in childbirth so he hoped that this time Lord Andrew would find some happiness. They'd make a good match, she a princess and he a high ranking Lord of the realm of her own kingdom.
Lord Andrew's own thoughts were on not such thing, he was more concerned with reviving the princess. He was gently tapping her cheek and calling her not. He knew not else to do for her. After all he was a soldier and not a physician.
"Highness?" He called and hoped to the heavens she was not addled by all she'd seen and been through. He knew that shock and pain could do that. The thing was there was a light in Prudence that he'd rarely ever seen and it would be a shame for it to be snuffed now. "Please Prudence you much awake for your sister needs you." He told her and he felt the change in her breathing as she came back to her senses.
"What hath happened my Lord?" She asked momentarily disorientated.
"You are alright?" He asked assisting her in sitting.
"Aye, I think so but..." The memory of all that had happened that night slammed through her and she closed her eyes to catch her breath. Then pulling on all of her faculties, she pushed the knowledge that she and her sisters were virtually alone now. She and her sisters had lost first mother and father and now their uncle and last living relative. Tears filled her eyes despite her efforts and she realized that she had a major job to do.
"Lord Hawthorn, where is Lord Winterford?" She asked pushing to her feet.
"He's over yonder being guarded by some of the king's men." Lord Andrew replied and she nodded and headed in that direction.
"I want to see him." Was all she told him. Lord Andrew just nodded and she found herself blocked by one of the king's men.
"Perhaps you should wait until..." The soldier suggested.
"Sir, I am a princess and much too many a man's thoughts you're equal indeed. You shall not shelter me or try and stop me; I will recover my sister alive.
And you may either aide me or get out of my way." She told him and there was a royal baring about her now. Gone was the wafe-like presence she'd only moments ago possessed. Now she was all queen.
From where he stood Lord Andrew bit back a grin she was so glorious in this state, Eyes icy and yet flames shooting from them ea her spine Straighter than an archer's arrow. He had to admire her for that.
"This way highness." Lord Andrew said and the fact he'd called her by her God given name was all but forgotten as they moved to where the king and 5 of his men were questioning Lord Winterford. THE condemned man himself was not saying a word just staring into space and acting like nothing was wrong. As if he was seated at his table amid also his servants in the grand hall.
"Thank you my lord." Prudence said coolly smiling at the king where he was interrogating the man. Something in her eyes must have alerted him to her mood for he nodded a tiny smile crossed his lips.
"Hello Lord Winterford or Shall I say James." Dana said in a tone as sweet as honey warmed by a summer day. "Either way we've going to have a little talk."
"I'll not say a word to you, for you are not and never shall be queen of this kingdom."
"I sea. Then it is true you were a part of this whole charade." She smiled thoughtfully and then advanced on him. "I would not have thought such traitorous behavior of a Lord of the realm."
"What realm? You mean this jest you call a kingdom? One can not have a kingdom if they do not fight."
"Fighting was not the question; one may not have a kingdom if they do not have loyal subjects."
"Loyal to what a witch and a bore of a so-called ruler."
Lord Andrew was impressed when the princess neither flinched nor glared at the accusations made by the traitor. She simply gestured to him and waited for him to join her.
"I think it's time I speak to the man alone." Lord Andrew didn't like that idea but what choice was there? Glancing at the king standing not 10 feet away
he nodded and then the men were cleared from hearing distance.
"You called my mother a witch; do you even know what one is? She made a gesture to her individual face. "Is she a hag or a beauty? Is that why my mother was so beautiful or was she simply a reason for you to justify your actions? Either way you'll not get away with letting my sister parish." With that she moved forward and locked eyes with him. Then she said the little mind spell and was in.
"Is this what you call a witch my lord?" She asked and sent an image of crawly things to him, making him see them all about him. Then she let that fade to try another tactic hoping none of the king's men had returned. "Or..." She had a writhing snake in one hand as she advanced on him. "Is this." She held it out before him and watched the fear and rage dawn in his eyes.
"You'll never get away with this, I'll tell the church and..."
"You'll not I think." She said and set the snake back in the grass. It slithered away as she looked once more to him. "You'll die I think as a traitor to the thrown."
"And you will never find your sister."
"Alas this would be true but for one of your men." Lord Andrew said coming to join them. He'd been watching her work and knew the game. He'd been watching and had come to the conclusion that there was much more to this woman than met the eye but if that helped them save the child so be it.
"Nay, nay, they know not the plan."
"A pity for they too will meet your dreadful fait." She said and he shook his head.
"Nay highness, nay I shall tell you what I know if only I may live."
"How is this coming princess?" Prince Leonardo asked joining them.
"Quite well I'd say, wouldn't you Winterford?" Prudence smiled at the bound lord a wicked grin on her face.
"She's a bloody witch!" Winterford exploded and Prince Leonardo didn't even bat an eye, he knew that just then the condemned man would do anything to protect his own neck. Well Prince Leonardo was not going to play into his hands. Instead he looked to Prudence and asked.
"Would you like one of the swordsmen to finish the questioning?"
"Perhaps that would be a good..."
"Nay, nay there keeping her in the tower, you were correct but they'll move her as my man reaches them with the knowledge of our approach."
"Well now, would you mean Sir Gilbert? There's not to worry there for he hath met his maker a bit early."
"Oh..."
"So she is in the tower." Prudence smiled wickedly.
"Aye, and will stay there until you arrive."
"I see, well then we will not just walk into their hands."
"Aye highness, we will have to come up with another plan." Lord Andrew replied nodding.
"And him?" Prince Leonardo asked nodding to the traitor.
"I believe the king wishes to have words with him."
"Very well. I'll go speak with him first though." She told them and both nobles nodded.
And with that she departed leaving Lord Andrew and the prince with the dead man bound.
"I tell you she is a witch." Winterford told them and Lord Andrew did not doubt something magical was about the princess but he'd not let that deter him. When this was finished he'd have her to wife.
"Silence or I shall finish you, hang the king's wishes." The prince growled and when the man once more opened his mouth to speak he leaned down scooped up a handful of leaves and soil cramming it into Winterford's mouth.
***
"I think we should just all out attack."
"Nay, I believe we ought to take the castle from all points." Prince Leonardo told them as he, Lord Andrew, King Benjamin and the princess sat off to one side of the camp. They'd not lit a fire so not to be seen by the enemy.
"Nay, they'll be waiting on us so I say that the best attack is head on." The king argued.
"Aye, they will be expecting us to come, but from the forest road. That's why."
TBC
***
Ok, fun time; I worked on this for five hours after work today so I'd like at least five reviews to show it was not in vain.