/I don't know anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Eight

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." –Proverbs 27:1

The early morning rays slanted in through the window. Squinting slightly, Balian rubbed his eyes and sat up. He hadn't gotten back to his room from the practice rings until an hour past dark and even then he couldn't get back to sleep, his thoughts swirling about what Sibylla could've possibly wanted from John. Like he could've cared—the knight leaving was a blessing for Balian. But yet he couldn't get Sibylla from his mind about what she could've possibly wanted.

Stretching his arms above his head, Balian stretched until his arms hurt and then let them fall before getting up. He would much rather stay in bed, but the farm didn't stop for minor complaints from its owner. Too bad it couldn't take care of itself for a change. At least today he'd be able to start on his projects—supplies from a nearby town had come in late yesterday afternoon, as a messenger had so well informed him.

A loud pounding from the door nearly sent Balian to the ground in shock. Regaining his composure, he quickly pulled the clothes he'd worn yesterday and called for whoever it was to come in. He still wasn't used to messengers coming and going at all hours of the day and night despite the many weeks that he'd been here already.

"Sir—you are required in the lobby. Somebody wants to talk to you and they can't wait," the boy said breathlessly, bowing at Balian.

"Obviously they have no courtesy for a man's peace," Balian muttered to himself but quietly followed the messenger out the door.

Reaching the lobby, Balian caught one glance at who it was and groaned. So much for thinking it was an emergency.

Sibylla smiled softly walked gracefully towards Balian, coming to a stop just in front of him. Balian said nothing, just watched her warily. Surely she wasn't going to continue to pursue Balian's decision. After all, he had made it clear that he would give her his decision when he reached it and he hadn't even come close.

"My lord Balian, it's been quite a while since we last talked," Sibylla exclaimed, smiling and curtsied slightly.

"Not that quite long ago, my lady," Balian said, wondering why she was being so formal.

"Yes, but both of us have been so busy that it seems ages since we last talked," Sibylla stated, "and I would've stopped to chat yesterday, but I needed a talk with John and you yourself was too preoccupied that it just wasn't possible."

"I understand, Sibylla, but why do you want me here? I have so many things to do and they probably won't be finished today—perhaps not for several weeks," Balian said.

"So serious," Sibylla smiled, "don't you ever take a rest?"

"Work before play," Balian said simply.

Sibylla lightly traced Balian's shoulder down his arm, stopping at his elbow and fingering his wrinkled shirt. Balian immediately wished that he'd taken the time to put some clean clothes on, no matter how urgent the matter was. He would've looked better in Sibylla's eye if he did. Stop thinking such thoughts, Balian thought, you don't love her any more than a brother would have.

Gazing up at Balian's face, Sibylla smiled again. "Work tires the heart and wearies the mind, but play rejuvenates and gives fresh hope."

"As you will my lady," Balian eyed her wearily. Why couldn't she just leave him alone and let him get back to work instead of playing with his mind and confusing the thoughts he so carefully pieced together?

"I've…come to ask you for a request, my lord Balian," Sibylla exclaimed heavily. "I need a day away from this place, yet I cannot spare my guards or anybody else here. Their work must go on. But I know that you're the only one who can come with me and watch over me so no harm will fall upon me, if you will, Balian."

"I cannot spare any of my time either, my lady Sibylla," Balian said, thought inwardly he was screaming do it.

"Oh, but Balian, I really wanted to go today. I really must go today before I pine and wither away to not," Sibylla smiled her tantalizing smile.

Balian's mind went slack, though part of him was still denying anything. "Sibylla, I—"

"Good, I'll allow you an hour's worth while you get ready and I have the stable boys get two horses ready. We cannot allow you to waltz about in day's old clothing."

With that, Sibylla whisked away from the lobby, leaving Balian with staring after her. As his senses started coming back to him, Balian began beating himself up mentally.

"Stupid git," he muttered to himself, "why couldn't you have put stood up for yourself instead of placing yourself on the stake? She's manipulating you and probably will get what she wants in the end, no doubt. Now you have no choice but to be her escort to wherever she wants to go."

Sighing, Balian headed back to his room to change clothes. Day's old clothing indeed. If she thought these were days old then she hasn't seen nothing yet.

"I'll show her," Balian assured himself and reaching his room, went inside to see what he could find.