Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to Squaresoft Enix. Apart from the additional characters created by me.

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews so far. I am glad that you like this story and of course I must apologize for the delay in the chapter, but I hope you find it worth the wait.…. Enough of my babbling …on with the story.. JD

THE HOOD

Chapter Fourteen - Immersion

How many hours did he truly sleep?

In truth it was less than three hours and he wondered if she too had a restless few hours. For had she not refused to take to her bed and instead insisted on remaining in his company until he was ready to retire. When he awoke it was still dark outside, but he knew it would not be long before the sun rose and brought the Sheriff to them. He moved himself from the bed and replaced the blankets, so that it looked un-slept in. Re-arming himself once again with his weapons that had been leaning at only an arms length from the bed. He made his way back down the stairs to talk with Zell.

On hearing footsteps approaching, Zell turned quickly to see if it was Irvine coming to take the next watch. Reverting his gaze once again back to the window before asking

"Should you not still be resting?"

The question did not surprise him.

"I should it is true, but my thoughts weigh too heavily on my mind and do not allow me to sleep," replied 'The Hood'.

"I have not seen you act this way before a battle," stated Zell.

"There has not been the issue of a Lady's safety before," answered 'The Hood'.

"Are you sure it is only her safety that causes your restlessness?" Asked Zell.

'The Hood' frowned before asking, "What are you implying?"

Zell swallowed once before speaking that which had been on his mind,

"As if you do not know! I have seen the way she looks at you and how her eyes follow you around a room. You may hide behind that hood of yours, but you are not blind and must have seen it also. You have ignited a spark within her and I say she has done the same to you. Why would she have stayed up so late this last night if not to be near your side? You may choose to ignore it, but I say she has fallen for you. The question is have you fallen for her?"

How could he answer that question? He could not confirm or deny Zell's allegation. As he thought back,' yes he had seen the glances made in his direction. Yet he chose instead to display no acknowledgement of them, preferring to put them out of his mind and carry on as if they had not occurred. Was Zell correct? Was she falling for him? Was he falling for her? He could not deny that she was indeed the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon. But this was hardly the time and place for such things.' With a vexed look he replied

"Remember you are talking of a Lady and not some village girl. Why would a Lady of noble birth fall for an outlaw? Really Zell! You seem to have a very over active imagination."

"Deny it if you must, but you have only been declared an outlaw by a man who is not the true Sheriff of Balamb. You know that I would never compare her to a village girl, as she is without doubt a Lady. But you seem to have forgotten one vital issue here and that is that you are a Lord!" Stated Zell.

This time with a scowl 'The Hood' replied

"Enough!! Do you wish to declare my true identity to everyone in this mill? I have not forgotten who I am, but if what you say is true, then this is hardly the time and place to discuss it. For it will soon be dawn and the Sheriff and his men will be here soon enough. At the first sight of his party, we need to be ready to make a move. You know what to do if your hiding place is discovered?"

Nodding Zell replied

"Yes. Irvine and myself break through the thatch and head along the roof with Edea. We use the wheel of the mill to climb down, then make for the river and let the current take us to Deling."

"Good you have not forgotten. Let us pray that we are not discovered, for we put this family at risk by our very presence. I am going to take some air, for I need to find a better viewpoint that will grant me sight of the road from Galbadia. I will return when it is time to move. Just be ready!" Said 'The Hood'.

With only a nod from Zell in confirmation, 'The Hood' made his way to the door he saw Rose heading down the staircase just before he stepped outside. He wondered how much of their conversation she had heard? Shaking his head, as he needed to clear all of these thoughts from his mind.

Zell watched him head towards the bridge before finally disappearing from sight. Hearing the footsteps of someone as they made their way down the stairs, he turned to see Rose standing in the doorway.

"I've come down to get the breakfast ready, forgive me but… I could not help but overhear your conversation." Taking a few steps closer, she touched his arm and continued "You have a keen eye Zell… but you need to let them work this out between 'em, as love always has a way of showing itself when its meant to be."

'How could he tell her that he would just dismiss the whole idea of love?' Running his fingers through his hair as he tried to think of a response. He wanted to tell her that she should not have listened to their conversation, let alone make a comment to it. 'If 'The Hood' even knew that they were even having this conversation.' Zell shook his head, for that thought did not bear well in his mind. Looking to her face as he inadvertently gripped his sword hilt. Rose caught sight of these actions of his and smiled before speaking

"Oh don't you worry, I wont say no more about it."

He nodded and relinquished the grip on his sword. Releasing his arm before returning

towards the door, she turned and asked

"Now what's it to be? A nice bowl of porridge or bread an' cold meat to fill your belly?"

He took only a moment to decide. Not only what he wanted to eat, but to accept

her word.

"Porridge," he replied.

"Aye," is the last word she spoke before heading for the kitchen.

As the sun started to lighten the sky in the east, it heralded the morning's arrival to bird, beast and man. To others it simply meant the start of a new day. To those in the mill it signalled the start of things to come. Alan and Will had already risen, packed for their journey and eaten a hearty breakfast. Having said their goodbyes to both Irvine and Zell, they set off as agreed for the village of Dollet. Passing and only receiving a nod of the head from 'The Hood', as he leant against a tree while watching the mill deep in thought.

He was unsure! For the first time in his life. Up until this moment, things had been so clear to him. Battles, strategy, even the leading of men had come easy to him. But matters of the heart, what did he know of such things? He was not betrothed. He had no loved one waiting for his safe return and he had refused most ardently to pay for a woman's services. He had been determined to keep the pleasures of a sacred union of flesh, to the time he took a bride and not in some streetwalker's bed. Yet Milady had arrived in his life through no fault of her own and already she played a part in his thoughts. There was no doubt that there was something about her that captivated him and it was not just her beauty. For he had seen many beautiful women in his travels, but none had made his heart race so. It's true, he had indeed caught sight of the frequent glances she had made in his direction and it made him wonder if Zell's words were indeed true. 'Had she fallen for him? But what troubled him more was 'Had he fallen for her?' Shaking his head in frustration, he could not help but mutter

"Zell, why did you put these thoughts in my head?"

He needed to clear these thoughts from his mind, not intensify them. He needed to move from this place. He needed to know if the Sheriff was already on the road and riding towards them. With that thought he decided to head across the bridge towards Galbadia.

While Zell sat and ate his bowl of porridge, Irvine took his place on watch at the window. Only a short time had passed before Milady and Edea entered the room. Each taking a seat after greetings had been made.

Facing this morning had been one the hardest she had ever come across. Having slept only briefly during the few hours that she had spent lying on the bed. While the rest of her time she had been uneasily tossing and turning. It had not been the bed itself, for that had been most comfortable. But sadly that alone could not ease the dread she felt for the rapidly approaching morning. Now seated at the table, she found herself looking at Edea after she had placed a hand on hers.

"Do not fret Milady, we are in safe hands," said Edea.

Before Milady could reply, Rose on hearing their voices returned to the room and asked

"Would yer care for some porridge Milady? Or I have some bread and cold meat if yer prefer?"

The very thought of food made her stomach involuntarily turn. Shaking her head as she replied

"Thank you, but I could not eat a single thing."

"Oh Milady, you should try to eat something," said Edea.

"I know that I should, but Edea I do not think I will be able to do so until the Sheriff has passed us," replied Milady.

"Then I too will not eat until we are safe Milady," stated Edea.

Milady was about to protest, but before a word could be uttered from her lips. Rose and John's four children came bounding into the room in search of their Mother and of course a meal. The food or course was soon devoured and it was not long before the boys were ready to go outside and play in the morning sunshine. Rose had decided to stand in the doorway to prevent them from leaving until she had ensured they understood everything that she had told them the night before.

"Now remember what I told yer about strangers asking questions?" Asked Rose.

"Aye Mother!!" They all replied while nodding their heads.

"Well, yer can go out an' play, but stay close so I can see yer." Stopping her eldest son before he went out of the door, she asked "Tom before you go off with yer brothers, can yer find 'The Hood' an see if he would like any food this morning?"

"Aye," is all Tom replied before going out of the door.

Now despite all of his thorough searching of the surrounding area, there seemed to be no trace of the man his Mother had sent him to look for. Returning back inside, Tom found his Mother clearing items from the table.

"He's disappeared! I can't find him anywhere!" Stated Tom.

As all eyes now looked first at Tom and then to each other. Rose replied

"Oh I'm sure he'll be back when he's ready. You can go and play now or see if yer father needs help in the tannery."

With a smile on his face, Tom set off to find his younger siblings.

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He had kept to the trees as best he could. Using them to remain hidden from view of the road. Yet he had not travelled far enough to be out of sight of the mill. He had found the perfect vantage point, giving him the best view of the Galbadia road. He knew that a lookout was needed to provide a better view, compared to that of the mill window alone. As well as being able to give an early warning of the Sheriff's arrival, for time was of the essence and a few extra minutes could make a difference. It would also help him see how many men the Sheriff actually possessed. Yet his instinct told him that they would be heavily outnumbered. Looking back towards the mill, he saw the children heading to the tannery. He also saw that oldest boy searching in every direction before heading back inside.

Several hours had passed before 'The Hood' looked back once more to the mill, he could see the children playing on the grass. He watched John carry two wooden buckets of water from the rivers edge before he headed back into the tannery shouting for the boys to come and assist him. As 'The Hood' turned once more towards the Galbadia Road, he finally saw at least twenty men riding on horseback and heading towards Dollet. He did not need to see their faces to know that the Sheriff was approaching.

Climbing down the tree that had been his lookout point for most of the early morning, 'The Hood' ran at speed back towards the mill. It was Irvine at the window who saw him first.

"Zell!"

Irvine did not need to utter another word, for the look on Irvine's face was enough to tell him that it was time. Rising to his feet as Milady and Edea both drew in a sharp breath.

As 'The Hood' reached the tannery door he called out

"John! Now is the time for you to show us your strength once more, for they are approaching."

"Aye," replied John, as he stopped his actions and made his sons follow 'The Hood' back inside the mill.

"Zell! Irvine! You know what to do," said 'The Hood', as he entered the room that they all stood anxiously waiting in.

"How many are there?" Asked Irvine.

"Too many for three! Now go quickly and take Edea to safety!" Replied 'The Hood'.

As they departed for the attic, the fear in Milady's eyes burned all too brightly. She did not want to end up back in the Sheriff's hands. Closing her eyes, she was surprised to by the comforting touch of another hand on her own. Startled by the action, she opened her eyes to see whom it belonged to. She was met with the determined gaze of 'The Hood' before he spoke

"Milady, I will ensure your safety….Just stay close by my side! John we are in your hands!"

"Aye!" Replied John, as he moved the heavy table and then opened the trapdoor.

As 'The Hood' led Milady down the steps into the cellar, her grip involuntarily tightened until they reached the ground below. With a simple nod of his head in confirmation, John replaced the trapdoor and plunged them both into darkness.

They heard the table on the floor above them, as it was once more put back into place. The only sound left for their ears to hear, was the fast beating of their own hearts.

It was not the darkness, nor was it the repulsive odour that made her almost scream.

"Oh God what was that?" She asked.

As she jumped and found herself in the arms of her Knight. That moment of comfort returned once again to her, while her grip tightened on the fabric of his tunic. This moment would have been lost forever, had not a single rat chosen a different path than the one that led across her feet.

****************************************

The Sheriff and his soldiers could be heard, as they broke through the trees and rode directly towards the mill. An order was given, causing the soldiers to stop just before the bridge.

"Nida! I want your men to search this building and every other from here to Dollet. If you find this 'Hood', I want him brought to me alive," spat Sheriff Almasy.

"And what of the lady?" Asked Captain Nida.

"Bring her to the castle for my entertainment!"

This was all the Sheriff replied, before riding across the bridge with his escort of ten soldiers. Nida turned to the remaining men left under his command.

"I want four of you to go and search the tannery. You two can stay here with the horses and watch the bridge. As for the rest of you, come with me!"

Reaching the mill, Nida banged on the door as he shouted

"Open in the name of Price Norg and the Sheriff of Balamb!"

As Rose slowly approached the door, glancing once to her husband John and four children as they sat around the table. She opened the door, only to be pushed aside and held against one of the walls.

Instructing his men to search both the upstairs and ground floor of the mill, he turned to the woman in his grasp.

"Please sir, what are you looking for?" Asked Rose.

Spying the large built man and four children seated around the table, he replied while pushing her into the same room

"None of your business! Now go and join your family"

*****************************************

The banging noises against the wall, was all that was needed to let Irvine and Zell know that the soldiers were now in the attic. As Edea sat against the far wall gripping her knees to her chest and silently praying that they would not be discovered. Zell had placed himself against the secret panel, fearing that the bolt would not be strong enough to withhold the soldiers testing on the other side of the very same wall. Irvine stood poised with and arrow already placed against his bowstring. He was determined to take out any soldier that broke through.

As Zell pressed an ear to the wall in the hope of hearing what was happening on the other side. The soldiers had not left the attic for that he was quite certain, but what were they doing? His fast beating heart did nothing to aid or quell the fears in his mind. Perhaps the soldiers were doing the very same action? Then he heard voices.

"There ain't no one hiding up 'ere!" Stated one of the soldiers.

"Waste o time if yer ask me! If 'es got any sense, 'e would of 'eaded fer Timber," replied the other soldier.

"Ere take the weight off yer feet for a bit," offered the soldier to the other.

All Zell could do was signal to Irvine and Edea, that the soldiers were not going to be leaving for a while.

*************************************

With the family seated at the large table, Captain Nida had been studying their faces and actions for some time. One thing was certain. He did not trust them, even though they did not betray any hint of falsehood. Looking around the room once again, before he paced from the window to the opposite wall. Something was not quite right about this room, but for the moment he was not sure why. When he turned, he saw that the family were curiously watching his every movement. Deciding to walk around them, he slowly made his way around the table. Only this time his gaze was firmly fixed to the floor below.

He had almost completed a full circle around them, when he just stopped. He thought 'How easy it could have been to miss such a simple clue'. There before him was a freshly scraped mark on the floorboards. He could not help but sneer as he turned to face the family and shouted

"Soldiers report to me now!!"

****************************************

The shout from above had made both of them look up. As she reluctantly moved her head, he spoke, his voice barely a whisper

"Milady, we must move from this place now!"

She dare not respond, fearing that her voice would be carried to the soldiers above them.

"Just stay close to me!"

Is all he whispered, as he led her in the darkness towards the river. Behind them was the sound of the trapdoor being opened.

There would be no time to hesitate now. As the soldiers were now in the cellar and would soon find the passageway and most surely follow them. Ignoring the rats along the route, he continued to lead her towards the hide-covered doorway. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. Everything seemed to be a blur in the darkness. Everything that is apart from her fear and that was shown by the tightness of her grip on his tunic-covered arm. She would do anything to avoid going back to the Sheriff.

Slowing his pace when they reached the doorway, he moved the hide as he quickly checked to see that no one was present on the opposite bank. Hearing the soldier's voices, as they were now right behind them. He quickly led her to the waters edge.

With a look of complete distress on her face at their inevitable capture, she turned to look at him.

"Trust me!" He said.

Before she could protest or even ask what he planned to do. He had scooped her into his arms and jumped into the watery depths.

A/N: Will 'The Hood' and Milady be safe in the river? Will Zell remain calm while hiding in the attic with Irvine and Edea? What will happen next? Find out in the next chapter of 'The Hood'. Oh and please review!!! I know you hate my cliff-hangers (ha ha ha!) JD