Luke awoke to the sound of metal scraping stone and a low voice mumbling prayers to Odin and Thor. Then he remembered that today at noon he may lose his love. He had tried everything in his power to stop her from fighting but to no avail. He loved Dalla more than life itself but she could be a right stubborn brute at times. He decided to try one more time.

"Please don't fight Dalla" He pleaded with his best puppy dog eyes. Someone had to die today, that was the way of the hazel sticks. Dalla had told him last night that the two competittors fought until death and that she had seen it happen many times.

"Luke I am fighting today whether you like it or not my family must be avenged." She replied not moving her eyes from the sword she was sharpening.

"At least tell me why they need to be avenged. What happened?"

"Later" That's all she would ever say later. And today at noon someone would die.

Noon came and Dalla was ready. She stood opposite Tom in the square of sticks and then it began. Luke was watching. Dalla had protested at this but he wanted to be there for her. Tom was a skilled swordsman but Dalla was lightning quick and parried each blow. She seemed to dance as she spat insults at her opponent. Suddenly Tom stabbed and caught her shoulder with his blade. She cried out in pain but did not stop fighting. After about ten minutes of lunging and spitting Dalla appeared to slip. Luke's heart skipped a beat but she had not really slipped and was luring Tom into a trap. As he went to stab her, her foot shot out and tripped him and that was it the battle was won and tom was dead. Dalla decided not to kill him but let him live with the shame. After all she didn't want a murder charge on her hands. So she branded him and let him run.

"Well done Dal" Said Luke as they walked towards Locksley. "However I think we should let Djaq look at that wound"

"Its fine Lukie" Dalla retorted but then she just collapsed. Luke would normally have panicked but then instinked kicked in and he gathered her in his arms.

As her reached the village with his precious bundle he headed straight for his brothers house

"Djaq" He cried as he entered the cottage. As if by magic the Saracen appeared and apparently unhindered by her pregnancy started to work.

Chapter four done and dusted. Please review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!