Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

After a few moments of riding, Marcus slowed his horse to a walk, ensuring that his men did the same. Evening meal was at least an hour away but it had been the best excuse he could devise when the urge to retreat had taken hold of him. The High Knight never retreated, not in times of battle at least, but back there at the edge of the field he had made the strategic choice to withdraw. It was a different kind of battle that had started now, one of words and conversation, and it was not familiar territory for him at all. Though they had only exchanged pleasantries for a moment, the sheer act of facing his enemy and talking instead of fighting had left him shaken, his legs barely able to grip Arianas flank to hold him upright. His thoughts drifted back to that moment and a smile lit up his face. Lady Illayna had proven to be as lovely in person as she had from afar and her outrage at the atrocities of her kingdoms men had been genuine. Marcus was a good reader of people and there was no doubt in his mind about that. Her show of concern for his safety had also been heartwarming and though one could take her final words as a threat, he knew they had not been spoken with that intent in mind. In fact, his gut told him that the lass would never harm a soul unless her life depended on it, a trait that Marcus found highly appealing. Picturing her in his mind one more time, he felt his smile widen but then the image broke apart as he heard his men talking. Theyd been riding slightly ahead of him, quiet for a time, but now they were talking back and forth rather more loudly than they should and he tuned in. I cant believe we just sat there while the Greymere Princess was in our grasp! We could have taken her guard out and kidnapped her for our Lord! Victory would surely be ours after he watched us murder her on the battlefield in front of his troops! The other knight concurred with his fellow soldiers assessments, adding that he thought perhaps their High Knight was going soft. The minute he heard their babble, anger flared within him and he kicked his horse into motion, driving a wedge between the men, scattering them. Spinning Ariana around, he blocked their path and drew his sword, facing them down. The next man that wonders if Im going soft will find out the truth the hard way he said, his words laced with venom as he glanced from one to the other. We are Narvashal soldiers, not murderers, and in the middle of a temporary truce. Kidnapping the princess would violate that and bring war to this Festival. Have you no honor at all? To even think those thoughts is sacrilege. His eyes blazed as he watched them, fury flowing on the winds that rode the street they stood on. Marcus was aware of the citizens and soldiers of other kingdoms that had begun to congregate around them but he ignored it all, simply waiting for his men to respond. After a few moments, one soldier finally bowed his head and muttered words of apology, followed by the second. With a curt nod, he slid his sword back into his scabbard and cantered his horse to the side. Go now, both of you. Straight to camp and report to the cook for chow duty. The men galloped off immediately, neither wanting to face their High Knights wrath anymore. Once they were gone, Marcus shook his head and then continued on. Hed gone another block before the reality of the moment hit, rocking him in his saddle and bringing Ariana to a stop. Princess? Did his men say that Lady Illayna was the Greymere Princess, daughter to Lord Ulric Terryn, leader of Kingdom Greymere? How had they known? Thinking back to their conversation at the field, he recalled the words of her guard and berated himself for not catching it then. As he neared the Narvashal camp, Marcuss thoughts were spinning out of control, ideas forming in his mind, ones that could get him trouble if discovered. What had been a simple conversation now had more potential and could, perhaps, be the first step towards something greater. Passing through the guard post, he received word that the High Lord wanted to see him and after dropping off his horse, he headed for his tent. Slipping through the flap, he entered and came to attention, snapping off a salute. You wanted to see me, your highness? he asked, keeping his gaze on the man before him. The High Lord stood from his chair and slowly moved towards him, stopping when he was mere inches away. They were almost nose to nose at that point but Marcus didnt lower his gaze, meeting the man head on. He knew what this was about, had expected it, and hed take whatever came his way. Rumor has it you were conversing with Greymere pigs today, Marcus. And not just any pig but the Princess herself. What do you have to say to that? Marcus studied the High Lord for a moment, letting the silence drag out, a direct and purposeful insult to his leader. Finally, he gave a tiny nod. Not rumor, milord. I spoke with the Princess and her guard today while scouting the city. My men saw it and have no doubt reported it. He paused for a moment, swallowing once to wet his mouth then continued. I did not seek her out but I did not turn away when she approached either. It will be hard to avoid Greymere soldiers and citizens during Festival, milord, and I did not want to insult them. His words done, Marcus took one step back, widening the gap between them. The High Lord stared at him for a moment and then finally spoke. You test me, Marcus, and I do not like it. We may be in a truce right now, but Greymere is still our enemy. I will not have my High Knight consorting with the Princess or anyone from that kingdom. Is that clear? The words were coldly spoken and there was only one possible response. Yes, milord. That seemed to ease the High Lords anger somewhat and he turned, moving further away. I have been summoned to the High Kings castle tonight for a feast, as have all the other Lords. I want my High Knight at my side. Go now and change. We leave in one hour. Marcus saluted again and hurried from the tent, heading for his own, his thoughts already wondering if Lady Illayna would be attending with her father. A smile graced his face then, one of joy and wonder at the thought of seeing her again.