A/N This did'nt get updated as soon as the earlier chapters, because i was away. Just a warning: I have written one chapter beyond this. After that, everything will be updated much slower. Sorry and Enjoy!

Subterfuge

When Eric mentioned the time, it jarred Jess back to reality. "Oh! I didn't realize what time it is," she said staring at the large oak clock above the fireplace, "I'm going to be in so much trouble. See you guys tomorrow maybe," she said as she sprinted out the door.

Taking a shortcut through the stables, and running up the servant's staircase Jess arrived back in her room in no time. She quickly switched her breeches and tunic in favour of a light summer dress. This quick change accomplished, she walked out the door and down the hall, searching for her younger brother.

As she approached his chambers, a servant came up behind her. "M'lady, the Lord wishes to speak with you. He is waiting in the great hall."

"Yes, thanks Kyle," she said to her father's attendant, and turned to head down to meet her father. She was not looking forward to what was bound to be an angry encounter, one that would rapidly degrade into a fiery argument.

As she entered the hall, she saw that not only was her father there, but her whole family. Her mother had a blank expression on her face. Her father and older sister were both trying there hardest to ignore her, while her older brother stared her down.

Jess ignored Kenen's gave, looking past him to Jarret. He had a supportive and apologetic look on his face. She walked the length of the great hall and came to a stop in front of her father. "Were have you been?" he asked, his voice eerily calm.

"I was out riding," was her reply, even though she sensed that he knew something of where she had been. "It is lovely outside weather outside," she continued.

"Out riding on your own, without telling anyone?" The irritation was starting to show through his voice. "Did you consider that we could have been worried?" Jess was thinking about saying no, just to see his reaction, but the Lord of Eastvale kept on going. "Answer!" he commanded.

"Jarret knew where I was," she said as she tried to defend herself from this verbal onslaught.

"It's true," her younger brother piped up. "I knew where- "

Abruptly cutting off his youngest son, the Lord of Eastvale roared, "What if there had been bandits, what would you have done to without an escort!"

Letting her temper impede her common sense, Jess replied, "I can defend myself well enough." As soon as this left her mouth, she regretted it. She even hoped her father would mock her and let it slide.

"No true lady, no daughter of mine, can fight," was the reply. Getting her emotions under Jess held her tongue as she left the room. "Next time, get someone to accompany you," her father yelled after her.

As she entered the passage towards her room, Jess was strangely exuberant. She had feared the worst, but was relieved that her father did not know her secret. As she entered her room, she went back to thinking through the next step in her plan.

Springfest was held every May. It was a fair that celebrated the end of winter, and the beginning of the planting season. The streets of Eastvale would be packed with vendors and fairgoers. There would be music and entertainment, and at the center of it all, a competitions for youths and adults alike. There would be archery, wrestling, horseracing, and fencing.

Jess planned to dress up as a boy, and enter the tournament. She enjoyed fencing with Eric and Simeon, but wanted to test herself against more opponents. She had reached the point where she always beat Eric, and won about three out of four against his older friend.

It was three days before Jess could leave the fief again. She convinced her mother to let her and Jarrett go riding, as long as thye did not stray far from the village. As soon as they were out of sight of the castle, they doubled back and cut into the village. Jess led her brother to Eric's house, where she met with her two friends.

After a quick introduction, they welcomed Jarrett into their group. They started by discussing Jess' scheme. Simeon thought Jess was good enough, since he thought that he was one of the better fencers in the village.

After a quick warm-up, Jarrett was surprised to see her sister beat first Eric, and then Simeon. He soon came to the conclusion that yes, she could hold her own in the tournament.

The weeks until the tournament could not pass quickly enough for Jess. She worked hard with Eric and Simeon, preparing herself for the competition at Springfest. Jarrett often came along and participated in these training sessions.

The day of the tournament had finally arrived. Jess was anxiously thinking of a plan on how to escape her family and join in the contests. Finally she had it. The idea that would enable her to leave the stifling confines of the palace.

Lord Eamon, while allowing the spring fair to happen, did not fully approve of the event. He did not participate in it, as a spectator or judge. But the noise of the crowds and the music could be heard from the castle. Feigning exasperation, Jess exclaimed, with her whole family within earshot, the she could not stand it any longer. "Jarrett, would you like to go for a ride down by the creek with me?' she asked, "I need to get away from this noise."

Knowing his part to play in the charade, Jarrett replied, "Sure, I need to get some fresh air." Their father nodded his consent, and they walked out to the stabled, grabbed their mounts, and trotted down, through the woods, to meet Eric in the village.