Chapter Five

Lady Beca Mitchell could not work him out

She stared hard at the back of the dark haired knight, riding a few lengths in front of her. The trees overhead casted a dismal shadow over their riding party but Beca could still make out that broad line of his shoulders underneath that wool coat. There was a slight slump to his posture as he sat on the saddle but that stance was deceiving. His hand was resting lightly on the pommel of his sword and Beca knew he was on alert. He had been since they rode out three days ago.

Beca frowned a little, thinking of the past few days.

He was taciturn at best, hardly smiling nor talk to neither her or Amy. The only exchanges they had were terse instructions on when they were to set off or stop or when to eat or have some rest. Otherwise, he had kept to himself. Not that Lady Beca particularly wanted his company. The lesser he talked, the better. But she could not help thinking this was all rather strange.

Yes, all very strange indeed.

They had been riding in heavily wooded areas and it had been raining. That wet, fine type of drizzle that fell on and on without respite. He had been riding with his hood down and even from this distance, Beca could see how his hair had fetchingly curled into wet, brown locks. Shadow neighed and shook himself a little, throwing a fine mist of water droplets into the air and Jesse pulled a little on the reins, the back of his arm tightening.

Perhaps that was it. Horrible weather - Beca mused - Maybe that was why he was so sullen.

"Remind me why we are doing this."

Beca turned to Amy whose palfrey had drew abreast with her mare. Amy's face was morose and she was wincing a little. Beca shifted slightly in her saddle. She was an experienced horsewoman but Amy was unused to riding for long periods like this and would be a little saddle sore.

"I'm getting married." Beca reminded her friend. "And someone thought travelling like this was a good idea."

Amy rolled her eyes and winced again when her horse jogged over a particularly large root. "I'm going to ask Jesse whether we could stop," Amy said."My sores have sores."

"I need to wash," Beca said, wrinkling her nose. Three days of riding and she could feel the grime sticking to her. "Maybe we can find a stream nearby."

Amy nodded in agreement as she urged her horse forward to catch up with Jesse. He slowed down and listened as Amy talked to him, waving a hand towards Beca's direction. She couldn't quite hear what Amy was saying but judging from her increasingly dramatic hand gestures, she was probably telling Jesse the Lady Beca had to stop since she was ready to give birth?

Jesse was riding up to her now and Beca looked suitably pained.

"Mi'lady, are you unwell?"

That was the other thing.

He may be moody the whole three days they had been riding but there were those flashes of concern. Like the time he made sure their sleeping arrangements were comfortable or at least warm and dry. The times when he had hunted so they would have proper food instead of relying on their meager supplies. And he was always the last to fall asleep and the first to wake up.

Then Beca remembered waking up after the first night to find her sable cloak neatly folded next to her. She lost it when she had foolishly tried to run away. He must have gone back to look for it. And now he was looking down at her with those chocolate eyes, asking whether she was unwell. It was all very unsettling.

"We could use a rest," Beca said haughtily. "And somewhere to wash."

Something akin to irritation flashed across his face. Then he simply nodded and gruffly said, "I see what I can do."

He then wheeled Shadow round and went on ahead. Beca nudged Blaze nearer to Amy, watching Jesse riding off in front.

"He is a very strange man," Beca mused once Jesse was out of earshot.

"Mmm," Amy agreed. "But easy on the eyes."

Beca scoffed in reply. "I wouldn't know, Amy."

"Yes, you weren't staring at him all the time, " Amy replied drily. She urged her palfrey into a slow walk and winked at Beca. "I saw him without his leather armour the other day. Just in his thin shirt. Nice chest. The kind you want to bite."

Beca was rolling her eyes. "Amy..."

"Maybe if we get to a river, we can see him undress. I wouldn't mind that one bit."

Beca shook her head, trying not to laugh. Her friend was impossible.

"Come on," Amy said, face breaking into a grin. "He might be taking off his breeches already. I'll race you!"

Wash? She wants somewhere to wash?

The little princess wants to stop and wash right now?

Of course she bloody did. What else could he expect from someone like her?

Probably too scared of a little bit of dirt.

Jesse was fuming silently, none too pleased with her demand. Not even a polite 'please' nor 'thank you. Now he would need to go out of his way to find a stream. They will need to detour, adding hours to their journey they could ill afford. Did that selfish girl thought of all that?

No. Of course not.

Jesse grimly thought of their ride ahead. They were moving far too slowly. It annoyed the hell out of him but he had to make sure the ladies were comfortable. They were probably not used to days of riding like this, being spoilt ladies they were and the last thing he wanted was for both of them to whine and complain.

It was another hour before he found the river.

He could smell that damp, earthy smell of a riverbank before his ears picked up the sound of rushing water. It was not too far ahead and he could see it now, like a winding silver ribbon, running frothy and cool before him. The river smelled fresh and inviting and for a moment, Jesse thought maybe it was not THAT bad an idea to stop and freshen up. If they were quick about it, they could get themselves cleaned and be on their way before the sun meandered further down.

Except his keen sense of smell was picking up something else.

Jesse stood still.

What was that scent?

It was unfamiliar. And a little weak. Like it was being washed over and over by the running water. Jesse's hand gripped his sword, straightening up. This strange scent in the river was worrying him and Jesse was about to turn Shadow round when Blaze galloped past, mane flying with Beca crouched over her, urging the mare on.

All his instincts yelled danger and Jesse spurred Shadow ahead.

"Lady Beca!"

His words fell on deaf ears. She must have seen the river and in her eagerness, had sped on ahead. Jesse nearly caught up with her. Beca didn't even wait for her mare to skid to a stop, vaulting down the horse like an acrobat. When he finally reached her, Jesse jumped down, "Mi'lady. We shouldn't stop here."

She didn't even look at him. Beca tossed the reins to him and strode forward, hand already unbuckling her cloak. Jesse stared at the reins in his hand and was further confused when she threw her cloak at him, telling him imperiously, "Here. Hold this."

What in the world was she doing?

Blaze nearly wandered off and for a moment, Jesse was distracted, quickly securing the mare's reins to a nearby tree. When his eyes swivelled back to Beca, she was already heading towards the stream. She stopped to take off her boots, hopping on one foot and then the other to pull them off. Jesse was still staring at her back. She unbuttoned her riding jacket, took off it off and flung it on top of her boots and hat. Beca was pulling out her tunic now, which were tucked into her riding trousers, letting the fine white linen top fall halfway down her thighs.

Then she raised her hands, pulling out the pins holding up her hair and the brown curtain tumbled down.

That deep growl that erupted from his throat took Jesse by surprise.

He stood still, watching.

Beca didn't turn around. She let out a sigh; a tiny sound of sweet relief and contentment as she ran her hands through her hair. Her luscious locks swung loose and curly across her shoulders, hanging down her back.

The swing of her hair. It was hypnotising.

Jesse could not find words to describe the rich brown colour. It would be silky to touch. He could almost imagine the soft strands trailing through his fingers. He could already smell the sun in her hair and he wondered how it would be if he were to bury his nose right into those thick tresses.

And then, Beca's hands were on the waistband of her trousers, ready to slide them off.

"Ahem."

Jesse blinked and then flushed furiously. Lady Amy had alighted from her palfrey and looking at him pointedly.

"When a lady is undressing, I believe the protocol is to look away, sir knight?" Amy said, arching an eyebrow.

"Umm..yes," Jesse fumbled, excruciatingly embarrassed now. He looked down and offered his hand out for the palfrey's reins, still blushing to the tips of his ears. "Let me take care of your horse, Lady Amelia."

"Thank you." Amy said, now moving forward and blocking that fine view he had just now.

"And..umm..I will be on guard'"Jesse stammered, wishing his blush would recede. Lady Amy just stared for an unnerving moment before nodding slowly.

His face still flaming.

"Ermm... I'll be on my way." Why couldn't he stop stuttering? "Further downstream. I'll...go much further downstream."

This is heaven.

Beca briefly dipped her head under the water. The water felt cool and refreshing and she felt cleaner already. She scrubbed her face furiously with her hands before leaning back into the water. It was deep enough for her to float and she closed her eyes, enjoying that feeling of weightlessness as she bobbed a little in the water.

This is indeed heaven.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Beca opened a lazy eye and looked at Amy before finally pushing herself down to stand on the river bed. Her toes squelched into the mud and she purposely pushed them deeper. That felt delicious. Her wet hair was plastered on her cheeks and Beca quickly wind it back into a loose roll at the back of her head. Amy was perched on a large boulder, feet dangling in the water.

"Water's amazing. You should come in," Beca said, purposefully splashing some water at Amy.

"Noooo. Hard pass," Amy answered, looking quite ill. "Hard pass."

"Hard pass?" Beca frowned. Amy was talking in her weird tongue again. "Have a wash, Amy. We don't know when the next time this can happen."

Amy sighed. Not that she did not like to wash. Rivers were just not her favourite thing.

"Perhaps we'll stop at an inn soon?" Amy said hopefully. "And then we can get a hot bath?"

Beca just scoffed at that, now scrubbing her arms and legs.

"Grumpy sir knight's not going to stop at an inn. If he could help it, we'll ride sleeping in our saddles." Beca climbed up and sat next to Amy. "He's so sullen. Like it would kill him to smile."

"Maybe you could undress more often in front of him," Amy said shrewdly. "That might make him smile."

"Amy, you are not making sense again," Beca said, now combing her hair through her fingers.

"He did enjoy the show just now." Amy said casually. "When you were taking off your clothes, he couldn't look away."

It took Beca a few moments before Amy's words sank in.

"WHAT!?" Beca's yell roused a few birds and they scattered away, chirping loudly.

"Oh. You mean you didn't do it on purpose?" Amy pretended to look confused.

"Wha..why. Why would I do that?" Beca said hotly.

Amy was shrugging her shoulders and smiling cheekily at her. Beca's face could not get any redder. She stood up, feeling quite annoyed at Amy's ill-concealed mirth and dived straight into the river.

Damn it! She did undressed in front of him just now.

In her defence, she was excited to finally get a wash and had rushed headlong without thinking. The correct form was for him to look away, for goodness sake. And well...yes, for her to ensure no one was looking. But he shouldn't ogle at her like that! Like...like she was some... common barmaid.

Beca stayed, immersed up to her chin in the water for a long time, trying to calm down. This whole incident was just too mortifying. How much did he see? What would he think of her now?

Beca took a deep breath and sunk underneath the surface, she held her breath as long as she could and then breathed out slowly, watching the tiny bubbles of her breath breaking the surface. The flowing water was slowly leaching out the anger.

She felt so weightless.

And free.

No thoughts of Lord de Lessops nor her wedding.

No thoughts of her making a fool of herself in front of grumpy, sullen knights.

Grumpy Knight with soft eyes and stern, sweet mouth.

Beca closed her eyes. She could stay like this, just floating in the water. It wouldn't be so bad, would it? Just stay here in the water. It was calm, cool, comforting and she was drifting off deeper, the water carrying her along. All Beca heard was the muted sound of running water, sounding like a tiny silver voice whispering sweetly into her ear.

Stay.

Stay here.

Underneath.

Something caught her hand softly and Beca frowned. No, it was fine. Must be just a frond or a weed. Her hand was just caught in some weed. It was peaceful here. Don't think about it.

It's so peaceful here – the voice seemed to say.

Beca smiled. Yes, it was. She could stay. Her arms felt heavy and it was too much effort to lift her head anyway. Beca sighed; the last bubble of her breath floating to the surface. She could just stay and fade into this...

Beca's eyes sprang open.

Claws.

Sharp claws digging into her flesh.

Pin sharp, tearing pain.

She opened her mouth to scream. Except she couldn't. Her mouth opened wordlessly and water poured in. She swallowed in blind panic. The water was trashing around her. That tiny silver voice was gone and all she could heard now was deep, guttural snarls. And sharp, sharp nails raking into her skin. Pulling her. Grabbing her. Hauling her out of the water.

Her chest. It hurts.

She was out of the water and it was so cold. So cold and bright and noisy. Beca was trying to gasp through this lungful of water and it hurt even more. Someone was screaming her name.

It was Amy. Amy was shouting her name. What was happening?

She was set down on firm ground, her feet on the slippery mud. Beca keeled over and she would have fallen if Amy did not immediately catch her. Beca's chest felt like it was on fire. And her stomach was turning. One moment she was coughing; painful, heaving coughs, bringing up all bile and water she swallowed. Amy had wrapped her tightly in her cold and was now shaking her like she was trying to wake her up.

"Beca." The worry was stark in Amy's voice.

"I'm...fine," Beca finally managed to say, still gasping for breath. "What..what happened?"

"You disappeared. I couldn't find you!"

"I was just..." Beca said confusedly.

Amy's face was pale, blanched of any colour; her voice shaky with fear.

"I caught sight of you underwater but you were moving too fast. I couldn't catch you."

Beca was shaking with cold now, still confused. Who took her out of the water? Those snarls? And the claws? The ones that raked into her skin and yanked her out from that deadly stupor just now? Beca gingerly felt the lacerations on her arms. They were quite sore. And where was her knight protector all this time?

"Where's Jesse?" Beca said. Her head was throbbing but Beca saw Amy's eyes darting behind her and she turned around.

He was by the riverbank, right at the water edge. He had no weapons in his hands and he was only in his white linen shirt and trousers, wet and muddy from chest down. He looked like he had had waded into the water in a hurry. Yet there was something dangerous and feral in his stance, in the way he paced back and forth at the edge. At the way, his eyes were focused on the water.

Then Beca could see it.

No, not an it.

It was a her.

Beca stepped forward, slowly approaching the riverbank, stopping just behind Jesse. Like a whip, he turned sharply, his arm shooting out to bar her way.

"Stay back."

Beca looked up. He was staring down at her. She was surprised by the command in that growl but she was more surprised at his eyes. Flecks of gold surrounding light brown. She was sure his eyes were much darker before. Beca didn't have much time to think about it because Jesse was grabbing her by the waist and pushing her behind him. She was tucked close against his hard, unyielding back and she could only peer round his upper arm.

The river seemed innocuous enough but like she thought, there was a female in the river. Right under the water surface, face turned up, black hair floating around her. There was something a little eerie in the way she was stationary, lightly buffeted by the moving current. And she was underwater for too long – far too long for a normal human.

Beca did not understand why they were standing in stalemate like this. Jesse's eyes were still fixed on that creature underwater, perhaps trying to gauge what to do next.

"She meant me no harm," Beca spoke up.

She didn't know how she knew but she did. Jesse stiffened up. He didn't turn round but murmured back to Beca, "You could see her?"

His question did not make sense. Of course she could see her.

"Yes," Beca answered, puzzled. "Why shouldn't I?"

"You shouldn't," came the cryptic reply.

The river naiad knew her game was up and with a smooth move, the creature surfaced, almond eyes blinking slowly at the three on the riverbank. She swum a little closer, tilting her face toward them. She was beautiful in a strange kind of way. Pale face tinged blue, dark almond eyes, smooth black hair flowing past her shoulders, pooling round on the water. When the current swept her hair aside, Beca could make out strange slashes on the sides of her neck.

"She came into my river," the female said, almost petulantly. Her voice was tiny, almost too quiet for human ears.

Beca felt that rumble going through Jesse as he tightened his hold on her.

"I'm sorry. We were not aware," Jesse answered stiffly. "We won't trespass any longer."

The creature shrugged her shoulders. She raised herself up by her shiny, scaly arms and sat on a boulder. Her long hair was plastered on her shoulders and chest. Wet green fronds clung to her pale body like a makeshift dress.

"I don't mind," she replied softly, her eyes fixed on Beca. "I thought she wanted to play. We could have such fun."

"She doesn't have gills." Jesse explained. "She can't breathe underwater."

"Oh. " the creature said, eyes blinking slowly. Her mouth twisted into a pout. " That's not good. The ones who can't do that always ended up dead."

Beca blanched at what nearly happened to her. She clutched tightly onto Jesse's back. He turned his head slightly towards her and curled his fingers Into her cloak to reassure her.

"Perhaps she could stay for a while?" the creature was now saying hopefully. "I can show her where the others are."

"I'm sorry; our journey is long. Thank you for letting us stop here for a while," Jesse said politely, staring down at the wet creature.

She sniffed disappointedly before saying, "Anytime. Stop by whenever you want. My name is Lily."

"Thank you, Lily. My name's Jesse."

"I know who you are. The water tells many tales if you'd listen," Lily said. She casted her unsettling gaze on Amy and Beca. "But it didn't tell me who is the Chosen one."

What could she mean?

Before Beca could open her mouth to ask, Jesse had quickly stepped back, effortlessly lifting Beca with one arm.

"We best be on our way. Thank you, Lilly."

He didn't wait for Lily to answer before bodily carrying Beca further up the bank, passing Amy who was slack jawed witnessing the scene in front of her. Beca heard a splash and when she turned her head towards the river, Lilly was gone. Beca also lost her ability to speak.

Jesse set her down as soon as they reached their tethered horses. She was about to yell something about manhandling her and not letting her talk but her voice died at her throat.

Because he was looking at her furiously, his eyes glittering black with anger.

"Please get dressed in something decent, mi'lady." The way he spat it out was bordering on an insult. "And for goodness sake, listen when I said there is danger. I would prefer to deliver you to the de Lessops alive. But it would not trouble me the least, to deliver you dead."

It was a somber party that set off afterwards.

Beca was a little shaken at what had happened and the normally ebullient Amy was exceptionally quiet, refusing to be drawn into conversation. Jesse was riding ahead, trying to keep his temper down. Night was falling and he signalled them to a stop. They were to break for the night. The fire was adequate and unlike previous nights, they settled for some bread and meat paste from their supplies, eating quickly and quietly.

He waited until the ladies turned in; sleeping in their hammocks. He had not thought about that. The usual way was to curled in their sleeping bags with their travelling cloak over them like a thick blanket but after one night, Beca declared her back was killing her and had fashioned a hammock tied between two sturdy trunks. It looked much more comfortable than lying on the ground.

Their regular, even breathing reached his ears and Jesse slowly got up.

He needed to hunt. Just to get rid of this tight feeling in his chest and all these thoughts swirling in his head.

Eventful day?

Wolf was cocking his head to one side.

Good evening, Wolf. Shall we hunt?

Will she be safe?

Jesse did not bother to reply. He walked behind the trees shading their little camp. The dark shadows covered him from view and he shuddered through his transformation as easy as putting on a cloak. It took him just a moment to fell onto fours. He padded forward, trying to stretch his muscles to get rid of the tingles. The world was coming alive in colours and scents around him as his eyes adjusted to the dark

He circled round their makeshift camp twice, checking for any signs of danger. Nothing but the even sound of their breathing deep in sleep, exhausted by the excitement of the day. He footed softly past Beca's hammock and like a beacon in the dark, her pale hand was lying outstretched. She must have flung her arm out in her sleep. Jesse moved silently and with his head, he nudged that hand back in.

For an instant, Beca's hand trailed over the top of his head, fingers raked deep in his coat. Jesse stood like a statue, trying to quell that shiver that went through him. She was still asleep and he crept away silently.

And when he was clear from the camp, Jesse began to run.

Claws and fangs.

Red eyes glowing in the dark.

And running water.

River nymphs dressed in wet reeds and leaves, holding Beca's hands, almond eyes smiling at her, drawing her deeper into the tangled river bed. Beca saw bodies, bobbing and swaying in the current, rictus grins on their faces, fish nibbling at their lips. She wanted to scream but couldn't.

She was fading, carried deeper by the current. Yet the sharp claws brought her to life, away from the watery dead.

Beca shifted in her sleep

She felt it rather that see it. That reassuring bulk by her. She did not what manner of animal it was except she felt safe. And that feel of softest fur on her fingertips. Beca tried gripping harder into the coat, not wanting to let go but sleep was pulling her deeper.

She saw little bright specks in the sun and when she looked closer, they were tiny, perfect humann beings with gossamer wings, fluttering furiously. She saw faces peering through the leaves in the trees. Dryads dressed in green and they smiled naughtily at her. And now she knew that that acorn or fruit that fell on her lap were not an accident.

The nights were different.

Something was chasing her and she was trying to run. Except she kept stumbling and falling. She tried not to scream. She had to get away.

Then Luke was there, holding his arms out to her.

Blond and beautiful in the pale moonlight.

He was telling her to hurry.

Hurry, Beca. I'm waiting.

Hurry.

Now.

Jesse slowed down; his run turning into a brisk trot before he stopped. He had hunted and ran under the light of the moon. He was still panting, steam rising from his body. His coat was lathered in sweat but it felt good. It felt good to run, feeling the wind rush past, feeling the dirt and grit underneath his paws. Nothing but the fresh smell of pine needles in his nose.

There was nothing complicated about running and hunting. Things always seemed less complicated when he was in wolf form. And his thoughts were so much clearer somehow. And he knew why he felt so out of sorts.

He didn't mean to be so callous and so sharp just now.

Jesse could still see that look of surprise on her face and she had bit her bottom lip, like she was trying not to answer back. He spoke to her too harshly and for a moment, she looked like she was about to cry.

He had to step away.

Because he could not just stand there when she looked like that. And she was all wet and nearly naked. She was wrapped up in her sable cloak, that was true but it was...it was not proper. And distracting. He didn't know what else to do. So Jesse had curtly move away and kept himself busy, getting the horses ready.

She was just impossible.

He told her not to stop there but did she listen? No. Of course she didn't. And that river nymph nearly drowned her.

Which was another thing.

Humans were not supposed to see any magical creatures. Humans and sub-humans who were not of age. Jesse mulled over that thought.

Bumper.

Jesse flung that telepathic thought out almost irritably. Obviously Commander Allen had omitted a few details and now Jesse would have to find out some answers.

Jesse, is that you?

Bumper's answer back was incredulous.

Yes.

Bumper was busy; Jesse could tell. An image of Bumper stepping into the shadows, wrapped in his maroon cloak came to his mind. The caravan had stopped for the night and set up camp. Bumper was just completing his round, checking the guards were in post. He also looked very displeased.

What the hell are you doing here? You are still close enough to talk to me ?

Jesse felt Bumper's mind reaching out, trying to gauge where he was.

You are about two days run away? You should be well on your way now.

Bumper was now saying in disgust.

I know. - Jesse's answer was a tired sigh - We are moving very slowly. And we had a mishap today. A river naiad nearly drown Beca just now.

But she's safe now.

Yes. She is.

Fine - Bumper sounded a little distracted - Move faster, Jesse.

Bumper was about to dismiss him when Jesse quickly asked.

How far away is her eighteenth?

Who?

The Lady Beca. How far away is her eighteenth?

Bumper was frowning at the question.

A week. Ten days at most. Why are you asking?

Her powers are getting stronger. - Jesse added after a moment's pause - And she is starting to see.

This time Jesse got Bumper's attention.

You have to hurry. The sooner she gets to safety, the better. I'll send word to Sta -

Bumper broke off, swearing. Jesse could not feel the touch of Bumper's mind. Something was happening. All he could visualise now was Bumper moving briskly deeper into the camp, barking commands as he moved. Then many more voices. Torches being lit like a ring of fire; frightened faces and horses neighing and dogs snarling. Bumper was speaking to Lord Mitchell who nodded and withdrew into his tent.

Then Jesse felt his hackles rising.

Something was definitely not right.

His comrades; some of them changing and howling.

And Jesse howled back in return.

For goodness sake, stop shouting. Bumper's voice tore through his mind. What the hell are you doing giving your position away?

What is happening?

We are being attacked! Bumper shouted at him through the miles. Go back to Beca. Now!