Chapter VI

One Freedom for another.

The lone soldier slowly made its way back to camp. His head bowed in relaxation. But his body stiffened and alert. He had found the girl, and the servant. It hadn't been hard finding her, the signs where all there it just took time.

But now that he had her there was no problems for him. If they moved he would find them, it was simple. That is if she had the sense to move, but the servant was hurt. No they would not move, at least not far. They would soon be back where they belonged and the world would move on. He was now to take a girl's freedom for his own.

Light was just showing on the horizon when he came back into camp. They where all asleep, his friends and companions; their quiet snores lifting up into the air. But someone wasn't there, Arthur. His god only knew where he was.

No he would leave the man to his thoughts. If he wanted the news he would come looking for him. But for now sleep was calling him. Dropping down from his horse he pats the animal down before letting his own needs take over. Sleep would be short; Dagonet was already starting to stir. No he could eat while riding, sleep was more important right now.

Sleep was indeed to short, night had fallen and the sun risen. Something in the light awoke him, and in the darkness that poured into light he was for a second blinded. Blinking away the sunspots that temporally rested in his eyes.

Pushing himself up he eyes the scene before him. The sound had come from Bors, his blades unsheathed and a huge grin on his face. Everyone else was laughing, about what he didn't know. And so he left it at that, Arthur was the first to notice him, a small nod coming from him.

It was not a nod of greeting; it was one Arthur gave him often, a command for the news. "I found her." Is his only answer.

--

The man in her dreams was gone, her mind constantly trying to remind her of the event. Was he just a dream? Yes she told herself, it hadn't felt real, he had done nothing to her. Nothing that would signify that he was in fact not a dream. But she was still nervous; she often caught herself shaking when she was alone. Scared for her life and Alan's, she would have to find a way out of here.

hough her fears may not be correct there was still a chance that someone else was looking for them. Out of Britain would be the best, but it did not in fact seem likely for the time being. No she would have to buy some new horses and run. Possibly to a city, a place where she could easily mingle and hide in the crowds. Alan slept for most of the morning, their conversations short when he did awake.

There was much to talk about but somehow she could not force herself into telling Alan about her plans. She did not want to pressure the man; he had risked his life for her. Possibly saved her, she owed his some rest. At least enough time to heal from the injures that she had caused. It was in fact her foolish idea that had got them into this situation in the first place.

No he had to rest, she would have to find a new way out of here. She had got them into this mess, and so she would have to get them out. No matter how much of her savings it might take.

--

Another soulless day passes, the sunrises and sets the moon turns. Coming into its climax and then falling into defeat. Life moves on, animals linger then leave. Life is to short; Rya has no idea what to do. Her head bowed in prayer as the morning sun swoops over the world.

Her eyes carelessly flick towards the sleeping form of Alan. A small smile playing on her lips as she prays for his health. A day has given her time to think, and she has thought about a lot. The man has disappeared from her mind, like a dream that you forget the next day. He is nothing she has thrown it away believing that he is merely a hunter. Oh how wrong she was…

--

A lone deer stands its ground in a clearing, its head bowed as it chews away at the leaves and foliage below. It is a mighty deer, its antlers challenging the sky. But at the sound of hoof beats, and laughter from its most dangerous foe the animal bolts. Leaving behind a deserted clearing, and a danger that he could not appose.

They where so close, he could see their footprints from when they had gone into town. They hadn't moved had they? No even if they did they where not careful enough. He could find them in a heartbeat. No the mission was almost over, the lady and her servant had put up a good fight. But they always got their way; perhaps that was why they had managed to survive so many years.

Every mission had to be done, every killing completed. And in this case every run away lady had to be brought back home safe. Slowly he pulled his horse into a walk, making sure that its hoof beats where slow and muffled. Eyes flash over to Arthur, a slow tip of the head singling that they had not yet discovered them. Arthur makes a hand jester, a nod coming from each of the knights showing that they understood.

A sly smile coming to his lips as he inches his horse forward. Slowly they move and then with a yell they bolt jumping around the two before they even have time to react.

--

Something was up; she could feel it in her blood. In her heart beat and quickening breath. Someone was close, but who? There where no signs of disturbance. No snorts or distant hoof beats. Was her imagination playing tricks on her? No something was wrong, someone was near. Watching, watching, watching. But she couldn't see them, was it the man again? The one she had seen only days before?

Or was it something else? Some other curse that had come to haunt her. Shivering she moves, trying to distract who ever it is, and hoping for a view. But there is nothing, no glaring eyes coming from a bush. No pointed weapon held in the hands of a killer. No she is alone, Alan sleeps gone in his own world. But someone is close.

And then it happens, she doesn't know how. But suddenly with a cry of fury and ambush they appear. Horses circle her, their eyes blood shot and afraid. Men sit on these horses, their hair ragged, weapons concealed from her view. They halt, the horse's heads turning towards her and Alan, as if demanding an explanation. Falling back she looks up at the men in utter horror.

God only knows what they would do to her, they looked horrible, unclean. Clasping the cross that hides beneath her dress, she pulls herself back to her feet. Trying to compose herself. "Are you Lady Rya?" One asks, his voice deep and gruff to her ears. Turning to face the man, she bits her lips at the Roman clothing, which he wears. Does he mean her harm? No. No man of god would harm another.

But he does want to bring her back, why else would they be here? Why else would they know who she is? Uncertainly she replies her head turning to watch the men around her. "No." A deep snort comes from another; a hand drops down to its weapon. Frowning she eyes the commander, but he seems startled by her answer. Was he really expecting an honest answer?

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AN: Thank you Ann for the fab review.