Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to Squaresoft Enix. Apart from the additional characters created by me.
A/N: Its really nice to see the reviews that I have received so far for this fanfic and I hope that I can keep up with your expectations and make this a great story. Although it would be nice to see a few more hit the review page….(That's a hint)
. Oh well on with the story.. JD
THE HOOD
Chapter Twelve – Salvation
Standing firm with his feet spaced evenly for balance. One hand placed palm up to swing the staff in an upward strike against his opponent. The other hand palm down to quickly counter strike with a downward blow. His opponent opposite matched his pose. Now it was a matter of who could get in a strike against the other, for it did not matter who moved first. No, it would come down to either avoiding each blow your opponent tried to make, by having the light footwork of a stag as it escapes its prey. Or by standing firm like a bear, as you defend each strike with your own staff and then try to counter his move with a lightening strike of your own. Those were the teachings he remembered as he stood on the bridge.
Anyone viewing from a distance would think that these two men were ill matched to battle so and would consider the shorter of the two to be a fool to take on such a giant. But principles and honour do not allow you to pick and chose an opponent that you could easily beat. No, by accepting a challenge made by someone more skilled with a weapon that yourself, will enable you to improve your knowledge by honing your skills as you fight. That is how a Knight trains and learns that art of the sword, mace and lance.
When the giant man swung his staff, first aiming for a low strike to the leg and then quickly using the other end to try for a downward blow to the head or shoulder. It almost took 'The Hood' by surprise at the speed of this man despite his size. But, his years of using a sword helped his reflexes in defending both blows as the quarterstaffs crashed together. 'The Hood' tried to get in his own strike against the mans legs, but he defended this and subsequent attempted blow that was made to his head with ease.
"You will need to do better that this if you are to beat me little man!" Said the giant stranger, as he once again struck upwards, then downwards with his staff. Forcing 'The Hood' to defend himself once again.
"Perhaps," is all 'The Hood' replied, as he strived once more to break the resistance of the other man.
The others could do nothing but watch the onslaught of their attacks, as neither man seemed to gain the advantage against the other.
"Do you expect me to tire? For if so you are wasting your time," said the giant man.
"Indeed," replied 'The Hood'.
Only this time a slight smile appeared beneath his hood. For he had caught sight of something that he could perhaps use to his advantage. Moving slightly to the left, the other man moved also. As soon as the sunlight beamed into the giant mans eyes, 'The Hood' swung his staff and caught the man off guard, as his weapon made contact with its targets knee. As the giant man automatically tipped forward, no longer standing like a rock. 'The Hood' moved quickly and struck a blow downwards across the mans shoulder. Taking an unsteady step forwards and then backwards, until his foot found nothing but air. The giant man lost his footing. But in a last ditch effort to redeem himself, swung his staff in a low arc and caught the ankles of his unsuspecting target before both men fell into the cold water of the depths below.
"John!!!" Cried a woman, as she ran from the mill.
Zell jumped down from his horse and made his way quickly to the waters edge. Milady and the others failed to hide the shock on their faces, as their eyes followed the flow of the river. Anxious to catch sight of 'The Hood'.
"I don't see him!" Cried Milady.
When the woman from the mill had reached them, tears streamed down her face.
"My John. Where is My John?" She cried, as she scanned the water.
"Look I see something over by the other bank!" Stated Irvine, as he pointed towards what he had seen.
When they followed the direction of Irvine's hand, they could see a man pulling himself out of the water and making his way up the bank and then to the bridge, as he looked for his opponent. Much to the relief of Zell and Milady, as she let out a half sob, half laugh when she said
"He's alive!"
"What of my John? He cannot swim. Oh John!"
Sobbed the woman, as four young children ran from the mill and joined their mother's side. Hugging them as she tried to console them. This was a terrible sight to behold and Milady felt their pain deeply. To lose a family member was heartbreaking, but to lose one's loved one could not be described. How could you comfort this woman, when her anguish had been caused by someone you're travelling with?
"There!" Cried Irvine.
As the man surfaced briefly, while his arms thrashed around wildly in an attempt to stay afloat. Now it was no longer a challenge between two men, but a battle against the cold water as it tried to claim its victim. While the others looked in horror, 'The Hood' dived off the bridge and entered the cold water once more. Seeing this, Zell made his way quickly along the riverbank to insure he was ready to give assistance.
Reaching the man was easy enough, but proving to him that you were helping and not trying to drown him was another matter. As 'The Hood' upon reaching the man tried to keep his head afloat. The man struggled and took them both underwater once more, as his fear led him to believe his opponent was trying to aid in his drowning.
When they surfaced once again.
"Do you not wish to see your family again?" Asked 'The Hood' between gasps of much needed air.
"John!" Cried the woman, when she caught sight of the husband she feared already dead.
Hearing his wife's cry made the man stop as he tried to look and see her. Catching sight of her and his children he replied as he spat out water once again.
"Aye, I do!"
"Then stop your struggling and I will assist you to the riverbank," stated 'The Hood'.
With the man no longer putting up a resistance 'The Hood' was able to guide him to the bank and when they were close enough Zell stepped into the water to lend a hand. For the man was heavier than a horse and required both their strengths in moving him onto dry land. Once on the bank, his wife and children wasted little time, as they ran to embrace him.
"John, I thought you were lost to me!" She cried. Yet despite the tears falling from her eyes, she was thankful for the return of her husband.
"Aye, I nearly was, but for this man! For he has outwitted me like a fox!"
Laughing, he continued
"You must let me repay you for my life and allow you to stay and rest a while from your travels. For we have plenty of room and food that you may share!"
"Then I will accept gladly, for I will need to change from these wet clothes," replied 'The Hood'.
"May I ask the name of the man that outwit and saved me on the same day?"
"They call me 'The Hood'."
Bellowing a mighty laugh the man replied
"Oh if you had told me that sooner, for we could have both saved ourselves from a soaking!"
"And why is that?" Asked 'The Hood'.
"I received word from our Beth, but it would be better to hear her words inside. Come, please, you are all most welcome and you can hide your horses and let them rest in the tannery. For there is a hidden stable what we use within," said the man.
"And what name should we call you?" Asked 'The Hood'.
"I am known as 'The Ward of the mill', but you may call me John."
While the horses were safely hidden within the tannery walls, John Ward led them into his house.
"My wife Rose will see to some food. Do you have dry clothes with you?" Asked John as he looked at 'The Hood'.
"Indeed," he replied.
"Then feel free to change in this room and we can dry your others while you rest," replied John as he pointed to a door.
Milady and the others had been led to a room with a large dining table made of oak and two long wooden benches to match. After offering them a goblet of honey mead or a jug of ale, Rose made her way to the kitchen to fetch them some food.
"Do you think we are unsafe here Zell?" Asked Milady.
Zell had been looking out of the window, watching the road that let to Galbadia turned and replied
"I do not know Milady, but being cautious and watchful has kept me alive these last few years."
"You think the Sheriff is already on our tail?" She asked.
"I do Milady, but please do not be alarmed, for we shall see that you come to no harm," replied Zell.
"Thank you," replied Milady.
When John Ward returned to the room, he was carrying a large cooking pot containing a coney stew. As his wife followed behind holding plates, wooden spoons and bread for their guests. When Rose started to serve her stew 'The Hood' finally reappeared in clothing that showed his physique. Unlike the black cape and hood he wore earlier. Milady could not help but stare, as he stood there dressed in his soft brown-leathered calf length boots. While his grey and green coloured tunic stopped just short of his thigh, it enabled sight of his brown and black pants. Of course the leather belts around his waist helped to define his muscular frame. Years of fighting no doubt had contributed to this. Lastly of course, he wore a brown leather hood that covered his shoulders and as always his head and face was hidden from view.
"Would you care for some stew and bread?" Asked Rose.
"Yes indeed, thank you," he replied.
Taking the last space on the bench and sitting opposite Milady.
"Help yourself to ale or honey mead," said Rose, as she placed a full plate of food in front of him.
While he ate, of course, he caught the occasional glances being made in his direction by Milady. Despite her best efforts in trying to conceal them. Every time she picked up her goblet of honey mead, she looked in his direction before taking a sip and then placing it once again on the table. He of course in turn watched her delicate movements, as he was drawn in once again by her beauty. The silence was broken amongst them, when Rose returned from the kitchen carrying a large pie and knife.
She asked, "Would you care for a slice of apple pie?"
Zell's eyes lit with excitement, as he turned from the window.
"Apple you say?" He asked.
"Aye, fresh apples gathered from the trees across the river," replied Rose.
"How I miss the taste of apple pie! Yes I would love a slice," replied Zell.
So he was handed his slice and had devoured it before Rose had even cut the next slice. Returning once again to his vigilant watch.
With the food now eaten and the plates removed, 'The Hood' asked
"You have news from Beth?"
"Aye," said John, as he pulled out the written note that he had hidden in his belt. Unfolding it he began to read
"John, watch for a man called 'The Hood' for he is an ally. If you cross his path, tell him his friends reached us safely. But, warn him that the Sheriff is on his heel with a score of men and eager to spill more blood. Help if you can, but keep my sister safe! Beth."
"A score of men and no doubt gaining more in Galbadia. We would do well not to be on the roads this night, but you and your family will be in danger if we stay," said 'The Hood'.
"There is always danger in these times that we face. So do not fear for us. You will be safe enough here for the night, as the soldiers will not stop here when they head to Dollet." Replied John.
'The Hood' rose from the bench and approached Zell and said
"Take your rest, I'll keep watch now."
With a grateful nod, Zell accepted.
"I'll show you where you can sleep," said Rose.
"Can I show Milady and her maid to a room also?" she asked.
Milady turned and replied
"Thank you yes, but it is a little early for me to retire. Edea, why don't you go?"
Before the question could be answered 'The Hood' spoke
"Rose tell me, do you have any spare clothes?"
Looking at him she replied
"Aye, why do you ask?"
He replied " Because we shall have need of them if we are to enter Dollet and not be discovered. I shall explain in the morning, when I have thought out a plan."
The questioning silence of the group was broken, when two of the Ward's children came running in from the kitchen.
"Mother! Father! Come and see, we have two sunsets!" Shouted one of the children.
"You must be mistaken. Show me!" Replied John.
As the children led their Father to the door, a curious 'Hood' followed closely along with the rest of them. When they reached the outside they pointed and said
"Can you see it, can you see it?"
Looking west, you could see the sky of red as it should be, as the sunset filled that part of the sky. Looking south, you could see the red and the smoke as 'Galbadia Wood' burned.
A/N: Wow that fight scene was hard to write and I hope you enjoyed it. Of course there will be questions. What's a coney? Why does 'The Hood' need women's clothing? How close is the Sheriff? What will happen next? Find out in the next chapter of 'The Hood'. Oh and please review!!! JD