Thread: A Mother's Trials (Tesora & Greeneyed23)

Nathan started to yell the moment she touched him but then she started to speak. He had always loved his mother's voice. Even his anger could not stand up to it soothing effects. Then she was touching him. He tried to stay angry but as always she was so gentle and sweet to him. Then he looked into her face and sighed. She needed him? Why? Finally he couldn't take anymore. Mother...Mom. I'm sorry... I'll try. He leaned up and kissed her cheek and despite his anger put the broach on his chest. For you. He snuggled into her chest. His anger was still there but he was not foolish enough to blame her. And he did love his mother. More than anything. For her he would try. Mom...can you sing for me? Please? His hands captured one of hers and began to study it playing with the lines, something he did without knowing why, unaware his father had often done the same stroking Elizabeth's tender hands always marveling at the differences. Roland's large hands had long held scars from hunting and fighting and seemed made to destroy while Elizabeth's seemed made to comfort and heal. ------------------ Roland watched the last pilgrim enter the city with a sigh. Are we done yet Ishim? Yes milord. Do we go speak to Godfrey and Gerard now? Roland nodded tiredly. Twenty minutes later he was no longer tired. He was furious. As were Ishim, Godfrey and Gerard. They sacked Damascus?! How fucking dare they?! Godfrey please- Shut up Gerard. The uncrowned king of Jerusalem pointed at Roland. My friend I am sorry but you have to find these beasts and bring them to justice. I want them brought in alive for judgment. No one else can do it. Roland glared at his friend then slowly nodded. Fine. But I want another thousand men. I can't- Damascus is one of the best defended cities in the land. I cannot bring them in alive with only five hundred exhausted knights. Give me the thousand or I refuse to do it. Godfrey tensed at the threat and glared back at Roland, having to look up at his glowering friend burning blue eyes. Finally he sighed and nodded. 'You have your thousand. Roland nodded. Ishim I want all fifteen hundred fed and mounted by dusk. We ride tonight. Ishim nodded not liking the plan but knowing they had no choice and left to obey. Roland growled. Now I want out. Roland you can't- Roland snarled at the two making them flinch. I've fought a thousand battles for the pair of you. I have a family waiting. I want to go home. you keep saying just one more. You have done for six months now. I want to go home. But we need- Shut up. I've offered you a dozen men who can do the job just as well as I. You know that is not true. They won't follow anyone like they follow you. Then keep Ishim. They will follow him. By the time you need to show yourselves to the Pope he'll have trained your new Grandmaster and he can go home too. But I'm done with this. I've been here longer than both of you and I'm beyond tired. I've fought everyday since arriving. I've had enough. Roland you can't shirk you duty like this. It's- DUTY!? Both men jumped at his shout. Roland pointed down at the floor. I came here six years ago. You want to know how many other English knights were here then? Two. And they were both killed within minutes of arriving. I have fulfilled my oath. I made this all possible by the grace of God and aid of my friends. I have seen the taking of Jerusalem. I was the first through the wall. What more do you want from me? Neither could answer that. Roland nodded and let out a long sigh. I will give you a month to appoint a new military leader. But I want a ship to Rome and I want your assurances that Ishim and the Muslims that helped us will never be punished in any way. And you will keep my other promises to them and the people. I also want all the gold you have promised me. This made Godfrey grin. Getting greedy in your old age? No. But if I am to ensure the Pope leaves me alone it is best to have a suitable offering. All three men nodded. They hated that such truth existed but life had altered the station of the Pontiff. Very well...agreed. A month. Roland smiled. And no extensions if either of you try that rubbish I'm going to tell the knights. They both knew this was no idle threat. The knights adored Roland. They nodded. Agreed again. Thank you my friends. I'm going to get some food and a nap then I'll go get the raiding bastards. Very well. Rest well. Roland nodded and went to do as he said. Godfrey chuckled. I must say it. I will miss him. Gerard nodded sadly. And I. He'll never even make the history books according to the Vatican now. Doubt he cares. He has Elizabeth at home. At that little girl. Remember Catherine? Gerard nodded smiling. Such a wee lovely thing. I'm sure she is going into a fine lady like her mother. Aye....