Journeys in Eladonia
The Soldier

By
Shannon L. Peel

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:
Carennedy Solutions on Smashwords


Journeys in Eladonia: The Slaver
Copyright © 2012 by Shannon L. Peel


This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. This is a free copy.  If you purchased it then please report it to smashwords. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Please note the spelling in this work is Canadian and correct.




This Book is dedicated to my children who encouraged me to write and gave me courage to put it out there into the virtual world.


___________________________

This short story is the third in a series.  
The first is called  Journeys in Eladonia: The Slave
The second is called   Journeys in Eladonia: The Slaver
They can be found at smashbooks for free









Chapter one:
Not again the battle had been ranging since they'd arrived from Perns last week.  A battle of two very spoiled combatants who had nothing better to do then fight.  Logan leaned against the tapestry covering a wall in the sitting room trying to keep his annoyance in check.   The tapestry was a valuable piece that Aleesa brought with them from Perns which he'd spent all yesterday struggling to hang on the high stone wall.  It depicted the story of King Stephen crossing the great sea and landing on Eladonia's shores to battle the savages.  An old bedtime story his mother used to tell him.  King Stephen was lucky he battled monsters, warriors, discovered new lands and the best part, there were no women.  He was not so lucky, the fates dropped him in this time and in this room watching the two women argue yet again.  He didn't know what they were fighting over, he didn't really care.  Every once in a while his charge would try to drag him into the middle of it on to her side.  He would do his best to remain neutral but that usually had one, or both of them, mad at him. 
Women, nothing but trouble in his opinion and here he was, up to his neck in them.  Why did he take this contract? He asked himself that question ten times a day even though he knew the answer,  money.  One day he'd take a job for principles and honour instead of money.  Money, he hated it but like everyone he needed it to survive.
"Logan tell her the couch needs to be reupholstered and the new rug I bought from Perns is much more tasteful then this old thing."  Logan just stood there pretending that he hadn't heard her.  "Logan, Logan answer me, tell her." 
"Madam I have no taste for decorating"
"But I do, I have exquisite taste.  I see the best decor at Court in Perns, unlike others who sequester themselves into old bare churches."
"Whatever you say madam."
"Well we'll just see what father has to say about it."  Margret turned on her heel yelling for her father at the top of her lungs.
"Why do you provoke her?"
"I am the lady of the estate and its time she understood that.  Plus the decor is so last century."
"It was her mother's sitting room"
"So what, it's my sitting room now."
Logan left it at that, he knew she didn't care about anyone's feeling but her own.  Women, spoiled pains in the ass who's only purpose in life was to ruin the lives of men. sitting around in the country with nothing to do but listen to women go on about nothing was driving him crazy.   Her husband, the Count, made them come all the way here to discuss selling his horses. He refuses to visit the court in Perns so his wife, Logan's charge, Aleesa must present the offer to the King on the Count's behalf.  Logan thought the man was stupid to leave such a profitable deal in the hands of a woman.
"Logan, Logan I'm talking to you."
"Sorry madam just thinking, what did you want?"
"Come move this chaise over to the window, I want to enjoy the view from here while I read."
"Of Course madam."
He spent the morning moving furniture and bringing in new pieces to decorate the room with.  The room was transformed from the stately sophisticated look of the previous lady of the Estate to the frilly and girlish taste of the latest.  He preferred the way it looked before.
"Aleesa, how is your room coming together?"  Count Della Terra came in cautiously looking a little scared of stepping on something breakable.  Probably all that broken glass that surrounded Aleesa.  
"It's a big job, I still have pieces in the wagons to bring in.  Logan would you be a dear?"  Logan started to leave the room but the Count put a hand out to stop him. 
"My dear I need to borrow Logan for the afternoon, I'll send a couple house slaves to help you."  Aleesa looked put out and started to pout but then changed her mind.
"Send Joe and the other one, what's his name? The one always with Joe."
"John my dear.  I will have them sent to you forthwith.  Logan if you'd please."  Logan followed the Count out of the main house towards the stables.  No surprise there, horses were all the Count cared about.  Logan did prefer the prospect of mucking stalls to moving furniture and felt grateful to the Count for his interference. 
"I thought you may want a break from moving furniture." 
"Thank you sir"
"My late wife used to have me moving pieces around all the time.  Margret does not remember that, nothing has been moved since her mother died.  She isn't handling the change of my new marriage well.  I'm afraid I have spoiled her."  Logan agreed with that statement but was smart enough to hold his tongue,  
"Logan, thank you for bringing Aleesa home from Court.  I realize that life out here is less exciting and you have little to do, aside from redecorating my home."  Logan was bored to tears but his comforts were not considered by the likes of Counts.  He just nodded and entered the stable.  The smell of straw and fresh manure filled his nostrils and he breathed in deep.  much better then the sweet flowery scents of the sitting room.  He loved this earthy heavy smell, it was manly.  The stables were full of horses, such beautiful beasts.  He stepped up to the first stall and stroked a dark mare and looked into the innocent eyes of the marvellous animal.  Lots of good quality stock under this roof.  Lot's of money too, if Aleesa could convince the King to buy them for the war effort.
"Logan, Aleesa is safe here in my home."
"Yes."  He didn't think she wasn't.  
"I think she could stay here a month or so."  A month or so?  Could Logan handle a month of the peace and quiet of the country.  "War isn't starting anytime soon, she will have time to present my offer to the King."  Logan knew what that would entail but kept his mouth shut.  He was charged with protecting her from bodily harm from bandits and the enemies of her father, not the man who her father married her to, nor the King he served.  If he knew her father he would approve of this plan of action.  He'd used Aleesa in the same way if rumours could be believed.  
"Logan, as you know my daughter and my wife are not seeing eye to eye.  It is probably time for my daughter to return to her place at the Church.  I would like you to escort Margaret to Analeesia to keep her safe on her journey."  
"Sir, when is she leaving?"
"The sooner the better for my nerves.  She will be ready to go tomorrow, unlike my wife, my daughter has few possessions to pack."  
"I'll be ready."  Logan spent the rest of the day enjoying the horses.  He found joy in the work.  He was sweaty and stunk and it didn't matter because there were no women to complain.  He inhaled the smells of stable and animal, the earthy stench of mud.  One afternoon to be a man then it was back to listening to the prattling on of spoiled women. 

Chapter 2:
He saddled two horses and readied two pack mules, he was considering a third mule when Margret arrived at the stable.  Her long curly brown hair was hastily braided down her back, curly tendrils fell around her small round face.  She was short with a petite bone structure.  He knew she was 22 years but she looked younger. A pretty girl, she should be married not shut up in the Church of Balla, but that was just his opinion.  
"Are you ready to leave Mr. Reachie?" Her voice was very powerful  and commanding.  It sounded so odd coming out of such a small person, he found it intriguing.
"Yes, I have two mules for your bags."  He looked behind her, there were no bags."should I go and tell the slaves to hurry with your bags?"
"I have no bags, Mr. Reachie, just myself and this one bag which I will carry thank you."  There was no hint of gratitude in her voice, it was dripping with annoyance. "I am in a hurry to leave, let's go." 
They rode in silence, which was a nice change from travelling with Aleesa who never stopped talking.  Not that he ever had to say anything, Aleesa only liked to talk, not to listen.  Margaret was a quiet woman, he didn't know they existed, it was a nice surprise.
"Mr. Reachie,"
"Logan."
"Pardon?"
"Call me Logan."
"Ok Logan, I have business to attend to in Terra, it will take a few days to complete."
"Ok"
"I expect that you will not tell my father."
"Ok"
"Just ok? No lecture, no what am I up to?"
"Margaret, I don't care what you have to do, I am not a babysitter or spy.  I am a hired sword, my only job is to ensure you safely get to Analeesia."
"Really? "
"Really."  Logan was curious but he had enough trouble without looking for it.  "It's not illegal is it?  This thing ya have ta do.
"No, I'm just meeting someone."
"Ah, I see."  Who was he to step between a young girl and her secret lover?  The Church's obsession with virginity in all those that serve was unnatural.  Hey, if she wanted to roll around in the hay, all the power to her.  
It was a nice day to travel. The road was dry and it wasn't too hot.  They quietly passed field after field of tall green corn stalks.  The long narrow green walls formed long hallways which made him uneasy because danger could be hiding behind any green wall. He kept close behind Margaret, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword.  
The corn fields were filled with worn out slaves picking ripened cobs of corn doing their best to stay upright.  This was what the King should see, abused people forced to work beyond exhaustion.  The King was so insulated from the world he believed all slaves lived like the privileged ones in Perns.  However, if he did know about the field slaves would he do anything to change their lot in life?  Could he ever be convinced to pass laws ensuring all slaves were treated well? A dream, an idealistic dream, one he did not have the resources to have.  He looked at Margret's back sitting on a gold coloured mare ahead of him.  These were her families slaves, did she care?  What if she did? She was a woman and belonged to the church, not much she could do.  Not much he could do, he was only a sell sword, a disgraced soldier, the youngest son of a minor noble family.  He said a short prayer to the gods for these poor souls forced to feed a nation.  
"Mr. Ah I mean Logan." 
"Yes"
"Do you mind if we stop for a moment?"
"Whatever you want."  Logan quickly scanned the area around them, seemed safe enough.  He dismounted keeping his hand on the hilt of his sword.  Margret grabbed the water skin from her horse turned and started into the corn field. "Wait where are you going?"
She didn't answer him, just kept going toward a group of working slaves.  What the hell?  He picked up his pace, they didn't look like they could harm anyone they were so beaten down, starved by the looks of it.  He was right behind her, every muscle tensed eyes scanning through the corn listening for danger.  He didn't like this, the corn plants were planted close together in neat rows, easy for someone to hide behind.  
"Margaret I don't like this, I can't see if there is any danger."
"These are my father's fields, there is no danger here."
He wasn't so sure, especially if the slaves heard that she was the mistress of the Estate, well former mistress.  He guessed Aleesa had that title now.  Either way they may attack her for revenge against her father's treatment of them.   She stopped and was offering the slaves what water she had, which was not enough.  Great now they'd attack her thinking she was holding out on them.  
"Who is in charge here?"  Margaret was yelling loudly walking further into the field.  Suddenly a hand grabbed her from behind the wall of corn.  Logan stepped through to find Margret staring down two men and from the look of them they were field slave masters.  One had a very grubby hand around her arm and an amused but not friendly look on his ugly dirty face.  
"What we 'ave 'ere a little slave lover?"
"Why are these slaves starving?  They need food and water, now."  Her voice ordered the men, not a hint of fear, just confidence.  This naivety was gonna get her killed. 
"I think we needa bit of fun whatcha say Maurice?"  
"Ya."  The one named Maurice went to grab Margaret's dress.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."  Logan's voice was cold and full of danger as he drew his sword. "The Count wouldn't be too happy to find out you damaged his daughter."
"Da master's daughter?"
"Yes, his daughter." Margret pulled her arm away free. "Now why are these slaves so thin?" 
"From hard work miss."
"Bullshit!" Margaret's voice rang out.  Logan was taken aback.  Her face was red, her hands clenched into fists.  Logan stepped closer and shot a challenging glare at the men.  "You, go and get these workers water, lots of it." Maurice turned and ran, Logan doubted he was going for water. "You round up all the slaves, take them back to their quarters and feed them." She was ordering these men like a field sergeant on a battlefield.
"But your father miss, he won't be appy if we bring em back early miss." 
"He'll be madder when they fall down dead from starvation, dehydration, and exhaustion.  They cost money to replace and down time to find replacements. You need them alive, so feed them.  My father would not treat his horses this bad." 
She was right there Logan thought, he treated his horses much better then his slaves.  His horse stables are castles when compared to the slaves bunk houses.  He doubted her father cared whether a slave lived or died.  
"Ok miss, I'll take 'em back."  The dirty man started to back away blowing his whistle signalling the end of the work day.  The slaves slowly made their way toward the Estate.  Margret was looking very impressed with herself, the poor girl.  Well if she wanted to believe she'd done some good he wouldn't spoil her illusion with reality. 
"Ok Margret, you've made your point, time to get moving.  We have a long way to go before nightfall."  He escorted her back to her horse.  She had surprised him, she was gutsy and she cared.  "Why did you do that? You could have been hurt.  Field slave masters are not known for their polite disposition." 
"You are here to protect me."
"Doesn't mean you should go looking for trouble, what if I was forced to kill one of them?"  
"You weren't.  Besides someone had to do something for those people or do you approve of their treatment?"
"Of course not, I think it's deplorable how these people are forced to work in the fields and are treated worse then animals."
"Then you understand why I had to do something."
"Not much anyone can do about it.  The King approves of slavery and the landowners care more about profits then their workers.  A small girl cannot do anything to stop it."
"You'd be surprised how much one small girl can do."  Her voice was ice, she kicked her horse and galloped away from him.  He picked up his pace to stay close with her but it was obvious the conversation was over.  Which suited Logan just fine, let her think she was making a difference what did it hurt?
He knew as soon as they were out of sight the slaves would be back to work.  There would be no food and no water.  He was positive her father knew the slaves plight.  He wondered if she would ever know that?  Doubtful, she was daddy's little girl and he wasn't going to be the one to educate her.  


Chapter 3:
Terra stood at the base of a large mountain all they could see from their angle was the high wall that surrounded it.  Even though the wall was close to twenty feet high it looked tiny against the mountain that loomed over it.  A fortress was carved out of the granite cliff high above the town.  Seven Large towers in a staggered pattern jetted out at differing heights, all connected with a wide wall of stairs and platforms.  A sentry could see all the way to Perns from that height.  
Terra was a small city, a dot compared to Perns but it was a city and that meant dangers to watch for.  His senses were heightened as he scanned streets watching for any threat to Margaret.  She was oblivious to her surroundings, she rode with purpose focused on their destination, the Falcon Tavern.  He'd never stayed there but she had at some point and it was where she insisted they stay.  He didn't argue, it was her rendezvous she could have it wherever she wanted.  He paid the inn keep for two rooms side by side, he hoped she wasn't a screamer in the sac.  The last thing he wanted to overhear was her extra curricular activities.  
"Logan, I will be staying in my room so you are free to go where you would like."  
"Ok miss."  Chances were her secret lover would be sneaking in.  He was curious to see who she was meeting but it was obvious she didn't want him to know.  Well, He wasn't leaving the building, he would hang out in the tavern to catch a glimpse of the young lover.  
The low ceiling was black from the smoke of the cook fire which provided most of the light in the small room.  It was full but he was able find a place against the wall near the stairs.  He sat at the edge of a long bench with men of various inebriated states.  The conversations ranged from concerns about the harvest to the political situation in Perns.  He noted most of that news was a month old, news took time to travel and interestingly, was embellished along the way.  He didn't correct any of the rumours and gossip, it didn't matter to him what these hicks believed was happening at Court.  He scanned the room assessing the men, identifying those that looked suspect and dishonest.  Most were farmers, some thieves but no real threat.  He sat watching in the dark smokey room, listening and keeping one eye on the door noting who came and who went.
The wench brought him a bowl of stew and a mug of ale.  She was cute for a serving wench, probably the owner's daughter he concluded from her efficient service and pleasant manner.  He watched her walk away and enjoyed the view.  If that was all there was to women he wouldn't mind being saddled with one.  But he knew better, he'd spent enough time with the wives of the nobles in Perns to know they were nothing but a pain in the ass.  
He was nursing his second mug of wine when a man walked through the door who caused him to put a hand on his sword hilt and make ready to dash up the stairs to guard his charge.  The man was large, as big as Logan judging from his frame blocking the door.   He was backlit by the sunlight so he appeared to be one huge silhouette.  The shear size of the man was enough to make Jackson take notice but it was the way he held himself that made Logan weary, danger and violence had walked into the room.  Other men noticed whispering to each other trying to figure out who he was.  Logan watched him as he found his way to a seat closer to the fire.  He looked familiar.  The cooking fire lit his face from the side enhancing the shadows of his square jaw, high cheekbones, and straight nose.  His eyes were deep pockets of dark shadows beneath a straight strong brow framed by long brown hair.  He knew this man he was sure of it.  He studied him while he ate and drank his ale.  Then the man laughed, his face lighting up at some joke told at his table and Logan saw the boy he knew.  Years melted away and he saw a younger version of this man sitting by a different fire laughing with him to take their minds off the next days battle.   Logan relaxed, this man wasn't dangerous, well not to him at least but enemies on a battlefield would beg to differ.  Logan made his way over to greet an old friend, one he hadn't seen in ten years.
"Jackson."  The man didn't answer, kept his head down scanning the room.  For an exit perhaps?  
“Jackson!  It is you man.  What are you doing here in Terra?”  Logan pushed a man aside and sat down across from his old friend.  He looked rough time had not treated him well.
“Logan, Logan Reachie is that you?”
“Yes, where have you been hiding yourself?”
“Here and there, recently in the High Flatlands.”
“On your way home to Perns then?”
“If only, I fear I will never see Perns again.”  Logan could see longing in Jackson’s eyes and felt bad for the man. “What brings you to Terra?”
“I work as a hired sword for the Count Della Terra.”
“A hired sword?  I would have thought you married to that Earl’s daughter and settled in the North near her father’s estate.”  
“Alas, she married someone else while we were at war in the South.”  Sara married now ten years with three children, that was suppose to have been his life but the fates had other ideas.
“Ah, the faithless whore.  You must have had other options, you a hero of the wars and from a good family.  A rich merchant’s daughter perhaps?”  Hero, no one remembered him as a hero, that title was stripped when he lost his commission in the army. 
“I’m still looking, until then I protect the new Countess Della Terra.”  
“The new Countess, who did the old coot marry?”
“Aleesa, daughter of the Lord Magistrate.”  Jackson choked on his ale.
“Aleesa.  I would have thought the Lord Magistrate would have secured a more powerful alliance for his daughter.”
“He would have if she had behaved better, but rumours and gossip are not something the powerful want to marry into willingly.  She spends most of her time at court pursuing her ambition and that of her father.”
“She always was an ambitious flirt and tease.”
“Still the flirt, just not so much the tease if you get my meaning.” 
“Why are you not at court then?”
“The Count insisted she visit the estate, I think he wants to sell some horses to the King.  That is if he goes to war and she will be the one to secure the sale.  I’m to escort his daughter to the Church of Balla while Aleesa is at the Estate.”
“Aleesa is here? Logan I would like to send her a letter of congratulations and good wishes could you deliver it for me?”
“For you, of course old friend.”
“I will be in town again tomorrow, we could meet here and I’ll buy the ale.”
“How could I pass up such an offer?  It really is good to see you Jackson, I’ve missed you old friend.”
“I’ve missed you too Logan, a life of exile is not as romantic as one would believe.”
“I never believed it could be.  Did you know Colonel Blithe is a Lieutenant Colonel?”
“A Lieutenant Colonel while I wither away in exile.  The bastard!  He should be the one in exile and I should still be in Perns.”  Jackson’s whole body tensed with anger and that dangerous edge which Logan had first seen in him was back.  He did not recognise this Jackson he was hard, mean, and dangerous.  “You know it was he that ignored orders and ordered me to attack.” 
“Yes Jackson, remember I was there.  But he had the written order to hold the line he even said the order out loud for others to hear.  The signal he gave you to advance and attack the gate was a silent one.  He had planned your deception well.”   If it was a deception and not just one of Jackson’s made up excuses for being impulsive and irresponsible.  Part of him believed that Jackson was out for glory that day but he stood by his friend any way and paid the price.
“The bastard assured me his orders were to attack upon his signal, that all the captains would lead a charge.”
“Jackson,” Logan felt pity for the man, it was obvious he was still suffering after all these years. However, more then just Jackson had suffered because of his recklessness.  “You know he did not order us other captains to charge.  I used to envy the extra attention he gave you, your evening dinners and private strategy meetings.  But now I know his real agenda and he was shrewd in his deception.  You lead a charge that lost us the war and I along with the other captains who followed you lost our commissions in the army.  You were not the only one who was wronged. Many lost their lives that day, they paid the worst price.”  
“That’s what makes it all the worse.”  Logan was surprised to see remorse and guilt in Jackson’s face.  That was new.  Ten years ago he was all indignation and self pity.  At least he’d learned something in exile others suffered too.  “So Count Della Terra’s daughter belongs to the church.  Poor girl.”
“Ya, she’s a Seer.  Kind of a cold fish you know the church type, all self righteous looking down on us sinners.”  That wasn’t fair Jackson thought, she wasn’t like the usual church type, there was something different about her but he didn’t want to explain it to Jackson or admit it to himself. 
“And you get to spend two weeks with her walking through the mountains to their sacred sanctuary.  I do not envy you old friend.”
“Come with me and make my journey bearable.” Logan half hoped he’d take him up on his offer.  He could use some time with another man discussing manly topics and swapping stories.  Plus he was curious to know more about what life had been like these last ten years in exile, Jackson looked as though he’d been kicked around a few times. 
“I just escaped from the High Flatlands and you want me to return? As much as I would love to spend time with an old friend I have business to the North to attend to as a hired sword for a northern tribe.”
The two men spent the afternoon reminiscing, catching up on each other’s lives and the gossip of court.  It was obvious Jackson missed the Court of Perns and all the games people played he lit up when Logan told him the stories and gossip.  Jackson kept asking him questions about old friends and Logan was even able to tell him news of his father and brothers.   Time passed quickly and when Logan realised how late it was he felt a little guilty about not seeing if Margaret had needed supper or anything.  He bid Jackson a good evening and made plans to meet him in the Tavern the next day in the late afternoon. 

Chapter 4:
Logan stretched rubbed the sleep out of his eyes when he heard a scream from Margaret's room.  His heart leapt into his throat as he rolled out of bed reaching for his sword in one fluid motion darted for her room breaking the door off it's hinges.  He scanned the room looking for the intruder, his heart beating in his ears.  Adrenaline ran through his veins heightening his senses. He looked at the window, closed.  He scanned the sparse room seeing every shadow, every corner, every hiding spot - no one.  He could smell her earthy scent and turned his eyes to the bed, she was alone holding the thin cover up to her chin.  Her eyes were not full of fright, there was fury in them and shock.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, look what you did to the door you brute."  He looked at the door jam beside him, the hinges were ripped from it leaving gaps.  The door was lying on the floor some distance in front of him.  He lowered his sword and breathed trying to get his heartbeat under control again.  
"What did you scream for?"  
"I woke up when a rat ran over my face, not something I need the likes of you saving me from." She was looking at him funny, her eyes were like saucers and her face was getting very red.  She looked very guilty as she looked down at the floor, what the hell was wrong with her?
"Screaming 'cause of a rat is not something to be embarrassed of."  He heard some giggles of laughter behind him and as he turned to see them he realized from the movement and breeze around his nether regions that he was naked.  Shit, he covered himself with his hands keeping a firm grip on his sword. He felt a hot blush running up from his now protected area up to his temples.  Shit.
"Nice sword mate, but maybe you should keep it behind closed doors. Huh!"  A man chided him.  "You'd have to have a door to that though."  Shit.  He had no choice, her safety over his honour.  he dropped he sword and  took two long strides to the fallen door and bent over to pick it up then leaned it against the gaping hole where the door should be.
"Stay covered." He ordered Margret and turned to the two women standing there watching the show he provided. "Please guard the door and yell if anyone tries to get into her room." He entered his room and quickly got his pants on.
"What the fuck, who did this?"  The women started yelling trying to keep someone away from Margret's door.  He swung his door open ready to pounce and was face to face with the innkeeper.  
"Sorry, my fault.  My charge was screaming and I over reacted."
"Ya think?" 
"Sorry I'll cover the cost and fix it for you today." 
"You better, ok folks back to your rooms, show's over."  The women looked at Logan blushing and smiling very provocative knowing smiles.  Shit! 
He sheepishly knocked on the door jam. "Margret you can get dressed now, I'll watch the door."  He turned his back to protect her privacy.  This was not one of his best moments.  
"Ready, shall we get break the fast?" 
"Ah can I finish getting dressed first?"
"Why, everyone has already seen all you have to offer."  He felt the heat of blush running over his torso and face deepening the the colour of red.  "You are kind of cute when you blush.  Get dressed I'm hungry."
She insisted they eat at the tavern downstairs.  He could hear all the whispers and laughter around him.  He kept his head down and ate his break the fast of eggs sausage and bread.  
"I am meeting someone today at the church in Terra.  That should give you time to fix my door."  She blushed.  Logan thought her innocence was endearing.  
"At the church? You're going to have sex in a church?!"  Logan didn't mean to say the words out loud, hadn't realized he had until her look of shock and indignation penetrated his mind's image of her on the church alter naked.  
"What?!"  He could see the fury taking over her face, shit.  
"Sorry, didn't mean to say that out loud.  It just surprised me that you were meeting your boyfriend at the church, I thought he snuck into your room yesterday."  
"Boyfriend? Who said I had a boyfriend? I am a seer I can't ..... You know ..... Well...."  She was flustered and mad all at once.  Logan shifted to get a little further away from her, could the day get any worse.
"Forget I said anything, my mistake I seem to be making a lot of them today."  He put both his hands up in surrender.  She started to stand up, "Please sit and finish your break the fast." She shot him a look of irritation that went right through him.  "Or not?"  She sat back down very slowly her eyes penetrating him, how much could she see?  
"Ok."  She was weary, he could tell.  He didn't want to upset her anymore so he kept his mouth shut and eyes down for the rest of the meal.  

When they arrived at the church he felt uneasy, like someone was watching them.    However, this was the Church of Balla and it always made him feel uneasy, perhaps it was just the usual nerves but he doubted it.  Someone probably was watching their every move.  He carelessly leaned a hand on his sword as if resting it against a fence, nothing too threatening.  
The church had built three large buildings for worship, one in Perns, one in Terra, and one hidden somewhere in the mountains.  The only other one he'd seen was the one in Perns and it was a carbon copy of the grand structure in front of him.  The building was located in the center of town and rose high above every other building.  The roof divided into three tall white pointed peaks, each topped by a large black flattened steel ring the center peak being the larger and higher of the three.  The walls were crafted from white stone and ordinated with hideous carvings made from black onyx.  Black screaming faces full of pain and monsters, never seen in his world, pushed their way out of the white walls leaving part of their bodies embedded in the stone they tried to escape from.  That is how the church made him feel, as though it would trap him within its walls to a life of pain and terror. Long white stairs led up to a large front covered platform the white columns that held the roof up were situated at the corner of the stairs.  Two at the base of the stairs and another two at the top.  A dark coil snaked up around each column climbing through the roof.  They climbed the 26 stairs and made their way to the front main door.  The door towered over him, it was the only door in all of Eldonia that did.  He felt small, which was quite a feet since he was usually the largest man in any room.  That was the aim of the church he thought, to make one feel insignificant, and these doors did the job well.  They stood over 12 feet high and were two 6 foot wide doors made of wood stained black with ash, coming together to create a seam down the center.  They had to be opened from the inside as there were no handles adorning the outside.  On each side of the door stood statues of guardians, one carved from black onyx the other from white stone.  They stood over 9 feet tall each wearing full armour, their swords in front of them, tips to the ground and their gauntlet hands upon the pommel.  They wore helmets with only slits for eyes and a flattened ring secured to the top like handles for the gods.  They towered over his 6 foot 7 frame, he now knew how other men must feel when they meet him on a battle field, he did not like the feeling.  
"You can go."  Her words took him aback.  He knew he was suppose to leave her here but it didn't feel right.  
"I'll stay if its all the same to you."  
"You cannot enter the sanctuary where I must go and I am safe within these walls.  It is my second home." She turned and walked toward a smaller regular sized black door off to the side, closer to the corner of the wall.  She knocked and it opened, she said some weird phrase and was permitted in.  
"I will be back before dinner for you."
"Ok, bye"
Logan watched as the blackness inside the church swallowed her.  He gripped his sword and stepped forward to follow her but the door was shut in his face.  she was gone and he could only hope, safe.  He turned away from the church forcing himself to walk instead of run.  The feeling of being watched never left him as he made his way to the smith's to purchase what he needed to fix the innkeeper's door.  

Chapter 5:
His day went by uneventfully, he fixed the door with the innkeeper watching over his shoulder scowling. His face was red as he remembered the reason for his task, should have slept in his tunic at least but his room was hot, too hot for a blanket, sheet, or clothes.  Tonight he would wear pants regardless of the temperature.  When he'd finished, the door was better then when they'd arrived.  He received no thank you from the man who watched his movements, just a grunt as they descended into the tavern.
Jackson arrived in the late afternoon as promised with a letter for Aleesa. 
"Thanks for this favour Logan."
"I gotta see her anyway, so might as well.  Really it's no big deal."  He wished he could do more for his old friend.  Overall he looked well, satisfied with something about life but when he really looked at him their was that deep sadness he saw yesterday.  
"It means a lot to me.  It's been a long time since I had the chance to send any word to her or anyone at court."
"Is their anyone else you would like to send a letter to? I should be returning to court in a month or so.  You're father perhaps."  
"Nothing as formal as a letter, if you see anyone of old acquaintance I would appreciate it if you let them know I think of them and pass on my greetings."
"I will old friend.  Are you off to the north soon?"
"I leave tomorrow.  There is much to organize for such a trip so I must be off.  I am very glad that we met.  It means so much to me to hear what has been going on at court."  The sadness in Jackson's eyes deepened and Logan looked to the floor.  What could he say?  What was done was done and they had all paid a price for it. "I am sorry you and the others lost your commission because of me.  If I could fix it, I would please know that."  Logan was taken aback by that.
"Hey what's done is done, let us shake as friends and forgive old wrongs."  They shook and then Jackson enveloped him in a strong manly hug.  
"I am sorry, it is good to see you well.  Goodbye old friend, I hope to see you again."
"Hopefully before another 10 years pass."
Jackson left the small tavern leaving Logan in a pensive mood.  Was his life really worse for what had happened?  Did he miss the army and his position within it?  He missed something's about army life.  The camaraderie with other soldiers and the status symbol of rank.  Hanging out with likeminded men on the same mission was considerably more preferable to listening to women gossip and babble on about nothing important.  He missed the feeling of being apart of something important, something more than himself.  However, he did make more money as a sell sword, had freedoms the army's ridged schedule did not allow for.  He lived in the luxury of those he protected instead of the bare barracks.  He was no longer a pawn putting his life on the line for the glory and agenda's of others.  His life was far from what his parents had planned for him, far from the glory he envisioned for himself.  But he was content for the most part, some jobs were more fulfilling then others.  The contract he had with the Della terra family was the worst he had ever taken yet, once back at court he could look for a better one.  It was a good life, much better then the one the fates gave Jackson.

He waited outside the church for Margaret, she was taking her sweet time.  He felt uneasy and wanted to put as much distance as possible between this place and himself.  How could she stand it?  She seemed like a nice enough person, intelligent, kind hearted, strong, and innocent.  A kind of innocence he found very endearing.  She's a sweet kid who deserves more then this.  How could a man like count Della terra just give away his daughter to the church?  He didn't have any kids himself but he was sure he'd want them to have the best life if he did.  
Kids, he was suppose to have some of those by now.  Sara had three kids two boys and a very spoiled little girl that looked exactly like her.  All three children inherited her blonde hair but the boys got their father's stocky build.  What would they have looked like if he'd been their father?  
He watched Sara when they visited court, she looked happy and content.  She hovered over her kids more then any other noble women, which to him meant she was a good mother.  His mother was like that.  She was always there when he needed her and doted on him everyday.  He really should go home and visit her, perhaps after this trip.  He could get the countess home to her father and then take leave of his contract with the family.  Aleesa's incessant talking and dithering drove him mad and she never was in any danger, he found the whole arrangement boring and pointless.  Yes he'd take a break and visit his mother.  Maybe find work closer to her.  
"Hello, Logan are we ready to go back? "
"Yes, Miss Margaret."  He followed her back through the busy narrow streets to the tavern.  His eyes flicked from side to side assessing every possible danger and trying to look as menacing as he could.  He was curious about what she'd been up to but he knew it wasn't his business.  Somehow that bothered him, secrecy in his experience resulted in trouble, mostly for him.  
"Logan,"
"Yes miss Margaret?"
"I would like to get an early start tomorrow."
"Sounds good, if you don't mind miss we should stop at the next market for provisions."
"Agreed, then dinner I'm starving." 
Since the day was nearing an end the market was mostly empty, which Logan found frustrating.  It was a long journey and there was no market between Terra and Analeesia. Add the fact that he was travelling with a noble woman meant they'd need extra luxuries many of which were not there.
"Logan, here is some salted beef jerky.  We will take what you have left." 
"Thad a be $5 dollas."
""I'll give you $3."
"$4 no less."
"$4, for this amount?........" she paused and looked around his stall, "ok $4"
"Margaret, no, she'll give  you no more then $3." Women had no clue what things were worth, he always needed to protect his charges from overpaying.  Women, Couldn't they do something right for themselves?  
She turned around to face him, leaned close against him so he could smell her earthy scent and whispered to him through clenched teeth.
"Logan, I know it is only worth $3 however, my father is paying and has more then he needs.  This man needs to feed a family and barely has enough to clothe himself.  He needs the money more than I do and is too proud to take charity.  Do you understand?" The reason why she wanted to give more than the beef was worth had him flabbergasted, she'd noticed this man's need.  Something he hadn't.
"Yes, ok $4"
"Logan, is there any cheese left over there?"  She was efficiently going through each stall finding exactly what they needed and ignoring all the luxurious items they didn't.  She always overpaid with a smile and knowing why she did, he wasn't irritated by it.  
"One small wheel."
"We need more, will he have some tomorrow morning?"  Logan asked the dairyman who agreed to bring 10 small wheels to the Tavern in the morning.  He was impressed, he wouldn't have considered to ask if he'd bring more before they left.  He'd usually be irritated and storm off looking for another cheese monger.   Shopping always left him short tempered but today he found he was enjoying himself.  
"Logan, how much bread? I was thinking a few days of yeast bread and the rest as flatbread that can be softened in the heat of the fire."
"Sounds smart and delicious."  
"I'll put an order in with the baker and have it delivered to the tavern.  Might as well start out as fresh as possible.  We have salted beef, cheese, bread.  What are we missing besides ale?"
"I can fish along the way and gather some wild roots and if we are lucky there will be some berries."
"Yummy!  I can taste the fresh fish already."
"Need extra bedding?"
"I have my cloak that will suffice, it always does."  A woman who didn't need all the pomp and comforts of home on the road.  He didn't think such a creature existed, but here she was standing in front of him.
"Let's get a treat."  She dragged him to a sweet bread cart and bought two round flat pieces of deep fried dough dipped in honey.  "You have some on your nose and there on your cheek." He tried to wipe off the sticky goo but missed and she was kind enough to reach up to remove the offending desert.  Her fingers were warm against his skin and left a tingle in their wake.  He caught her eye with his and felt the blush in his cheeks.
"Ah, thanks."  
"No problem." She smiled up at him and he found he liked her smile.  He wanted to make her happy so he could see it more but didn't know how. 
"Did you want to look at the dresses or perhaps hats?"
She laughed at this suggestion which he didn't understand because every woman in court loved to shop for clothes.  However she wasn't like the women he was surrounded by.   Not even her laugh, it wasn't the annoying giggle of the court ladies but a deep belly laugh, a true honest laugh. 
"What would I do with a dress or a hat?"  She changed her posture and voice to mimicking her step mother. "Oh  Logan how do I look in this dress? It's the latest Perns fashion you know.  Oh but it's the wrong colour for my perfect skin, it would look better on someone of darker unpleasant skin tone like my new step daughter, don't you think?  Get me another colour, and while you are at it grab me another hat, bag and don't forget the shoes."  She pretended to look at herself in a mirror and flicked her hair with her hands in a mocking fashionista way. "Don't you love shopping for clothes?  I can't get enough clothes.  The beggars should buy what I wear and beautify my visual space. How much for that dress? Oh $75.  I could support 3 families a month for that but I prefer to wear it instead." Her voice dripped with selfish entitlement.  He was laughing at her perfect imitation of Aleesa and her friends.  If only she knew how shallow and sheltered these ladies were.  This was only a small example of their self indulgence and lack of understanding of the real world. 
"Margaret you got it spot on"
"My shallow selfish step mother, she can't get enough dresses.  She'd put my father in the poorhouse if her father wasn't still providing such a good allowance to keep her outfitted for court.  Heaven knows my father wouldn't.  He spends all his money on horses."  Her voice was filled with contempt as she rolled her eyes in disgust.  
"What would you have them spend their money on?" 
"Schools and hospitals for the poor children. Clothes and food for the starving and cold, To start." 
He chocked on the bite of sweet bread in his mouth.  He couldn't see any noble doing that, not even The Lord Justice who was charged with bringing the cares of the poor to the attention of the King. 
"You don't agree?" 
"No, no, it's not that. I just can't see that happening, ever." 
"Too true, but we can hope, we can pray, and" she looked directly into his eyes, "we can be an example for others to follow." 
"No one will follow me."  He turned to a beggar on the street and flipped him a couple coins then looked around. "See, no one else will give just because I do."
"I will." She quickly did the same.  Logan watched in awe as other people stared to follow suit.  The beggar left with his pockets full of coins and a smile on his face.  Logan was amazed at her ability to influence others.
"Do you have magicks?" She must to get others to give money like that. 
"No, but I do wear the robes of the church." She winked.  
"The church doesn't give, it only takes." 
"Yes, but everyone wishes it would give so when they see me give it inspires them."  He couldn't argue with that, he'd seen it work.  
"What does the church think of your generous gifts?" 
"As much as my father does."   With that she walked toward the tavern, "I'm starving let's eat!" 
He bent down and stepped into the dark smoky tavern.  His head always touched the low ceiling and he had to wait for his eyes to adjust to the dim light of the fire before going further in or he'd break his nose on one of the thick beams that held up the second floor.  
"Der e is, e da man dat gave me de magic coins." The tavern went quiet and he could feel all the eyes turn toward him.  He felt very uncomfortable as his eyes focused and he could see the surprise and awe in the faces of others.  "E gave me da coins an udders who always spit on me gave me coins.  Dat how I get food an ale.  E wi da magic coins." 
"Got anymore of dose magic coins I need em." A voice from the back spoke up and then others joined him.  Men were getting up out of their seats hands out demanding magic coins.  He backed away from them and hit his head on a beam. 
"Fuck."  He rubbed the back of his head and everyone backed away from his hulking form.  This was what he got for being generous, a bump on the head.  He turned to Margaret, "bring my dinner to my room."  He pushed his way through the hopeful faces, annoyed, to the stairs and the security of his room.  Once he closed the door behind him he breathed and turned the bolt. "Bloody hell! What was that all about?" He asked the air not expecting a response and nearly jumped out of his skin when he got one.  
"You gave."  He turned, sword in hand and found no one.  His room was empty.  "She gave." His eyes darted to the corners, the shadows, and the window. "Then they gave." Fear welled up but his training and adrenaline kept it in check.  He systematically scanned the room, listening for the intruder when suddenly on the bed he materialized.
Logan fell back in shock loosing his footing and fell on his ass.  He scrambled up started to strike the man sitting on the edge of his bed when his sword became a gigantic feather in his hand.  Startled he dropped the feather which clang to the floor as his sword.  He put both hands up and slowly backed up to the door.  
"Logan, please sit." The man gestured to the only chair in the room.  A small stool which Logan feared would break under his weight.  "We need to talk." 
"Who are you? What are you doing in my room? And if you don't mind I'll stand."
"As you wish.  My name is not important, I am a priest of the Church of Balla."
"I got that.  What do you want with me?" 
"Margaret."
"Margaret? What about her?"
"She is young and has a big heart, bigger than her physical body."
"I've noticed."
"This heart is dangerous."
"I bet.  Makes you and yours look bad." 
"Inspires others to view the world differently, to act differently."
"I've noticed. So what you want from me? Want me to stop her?" 
"No! She must continue.  There are others like her but none inspires as she does.  She is special." 
"I've noticed." Something inside him warmed at these words.  She was special.  He was finding her intriguing, unique, and he wanted to follow her.  Yes, she was special. 
"Many want to harm her.  You are charged with protecting her.  You must not fail.  Her time has not yet come, but it will and she must be able to fulfill her destiny."  
"I don't know about destiny or fates, that's your world.  I know about swords and violence and will protect her best I can."
"Not good enough, you have to do better then your best.  She must make it home to complete her training."
"Ok, ok, I will protect her with my life if necessary." He hoped it wouldn't be.  
"Good.  I have some gifts to help you on your way.  Set these stones around your camp and those that mean her harm will not see you.  Ensure she uses this cloak, it will remove her from harm.  This sword will increase your speed and strength in a fight. This is all I can do and I hope it's enough."  
"Thank you but I don't understand."
"What don't you understand?"
"Why you want her protected, isn't her way of thinking a problem for the church?"
"For some, those that want things to stay as they are.  However they would never do her harm inside her home.  On the way though.... She must get there."
"Why do you care?"
"Soon it will be her time.  Soon our prophesies will be fulfilled and our world will be healed.  At that time she will return to your world to inspire others as she has inspired you to be better."  She hadn't inspired him, he was no better then before he met her.  "You are better because you gave." 
"I was making a point."
"Point made and you will never be the same because of it."  Logan just stood there.  No use arguing with this old coot.  "Your dinner is here and I must return to the church.  Remember she is vital, protect her."  The old man slowly disappeared in front of his eyes, was he ever really here?  Logan you're going crazy.  He jumped out of skin when he heard the knock at the door.  
"Logan it's me, I've got your dinner."  He slowly opened the door, apprehension controlled his movements.  What had he got himself into?  
"Come in and join me."  He pointed to the stool to indicate she sit.  He lowered himself onto the side of the bed and watched her carefully as he ate.  Who was she? 
When he finished his dinner he handed her the cloak, "this is for you."  
"I have a cloak thank you anyway."
Hell, "look do me a favour and wear this one ok?"
She eyed him with suspicion, picked up the cloak and examined it very closely.  
"How did you get this?"  The suspicion in her eyes turned to complete distrust and Logan began to doubt his visitors true intentions.  Damn priests you could never trust them.
"Some old priest materialized and gave it to me for you."  Might as well tell her the truth, it was her church after all.
"I told them I didn't need magical protection.  Why do men never listen?"  She was more then annoyed.
"How should I know?"
"You're a man, you should know."  He felt his face blush.  
"Probably the same reason women don't listen to men.  He made it clear that your in danger, what harm is there in some magical protection."
"I can take care of myself."
"Really? Then why am I here?" 
"I told father I didn't need a babysitter but he insisted."
"I ain't no babysitter."  He was standing over her before he realized his anger was aggressively driving him, "I am a hired sword, charged to protect you from those who wish you harm.  Which if the old coot can be believed is very real.  For the sake of your life and mine it's best I know who or what I'm up against and any magical help I can get is appreciated so you'll wear the cloak." 
"Men, you are all the same. I don't need you, go back to my step mother she's the helpless female."  With that venomous statement she stood up and left his room to lock herself inside hers.
Women, he thought he understood them or at least was getting better at it.  This one though was nothing like the tittering game playing ones at court.  This one was, he didn't  quite know what she was.  He sat back down on his bed trying to figure out what had just happened and how he was going to fix it.  Which is why he was still awake in the middle of the night when he heard the crash come from Margaret's room.  
He knocked and there was no answer.  He took the key from his pocket and just as he finished turning the bolt she screamed.  He burst through the door sword drawn to find her fighting a small man off.  He saw a glint from a knife and in two quick strides slid his own blade deep into the man's side.  The would be assassin looked at Logan, surprise, shock, and death flashed over his face.  Blood bubbled up out of his mouth as he took his final silent but wet breaths.  Logan pulled his blade from the body grabbing the dead weight in one fist and threw it into the corner as he surveyed the room for other attackers.  
"Are you hurt?"  Logan looked at her covered in blood. 
"It's not mine.  I'm unhurt."
"Now do you know why you need the likes of me?  He wasn't even that big." 
She sat in silence staring at her blood soaked clothes.  He didn't feel a need to berate her any further, she obviously got the point, almost literally he thought.  Too close, they needed to leave the city and soon.  He turned, locked the door and while facing it told her to get cleaned up.  She was going to stay in his room, he wasn't taking anymore chances.  She would be within his sight from now on.  He was running the show not her, he was the realist, she was too innocent and too much of an idealist to understand what she needed or the dangers she faced.  He would get her home safe, even if it meant his life. 

Chapter 6:
As they entered the mountain pass Logan looked up at the fortress carved out of the large cliff of granite that rose high above the forest that blanketed its base.  He'd made the long perilous journey on the narrow trail through the dark forest to the base of that granite cliff.  He'd climbed the cliff, clinging to the hard rock's cracks with only rope secured to steel rings embedded into the hard granite.  The climb was long and hard.  they had left base camp before sunrise and finally arrived at the fortress' lowest tower as the sun was setting.  His fingers were cramped from holding the small hollowed out cracks to keep from falling to his death.  
The lowest tower was a cylindrical stone room with straw stuffed mattresses laid out on the floor.  Stone carvers had risked their lives creating the fortress generations ago when the Lowlands was at war with the High Flatlands.  Logan ran his hand down the stone feeling where the tools had removed rock to make the wall.  It was an amazing feat that had taken years to finish.  This fortress saved the Lowlands when the High Flatlanders had pushed the Lowlanders back out of the mountains.  He couldn't remember the history of the wars but he was impressed by the effort it took to make the Seven towers and the wall that guarded the stairs that connected them.  
He stood at the lowest lookout astonished by the view.  He could see all the way to the sea and Perns rising up from its banks.  The land between was a patchwork of colour and textures.  Everything looked tiny like the toys of his youth.  He was transfixed as he realized how small he was in the world, how insignificant they all were.  Until that moment his world was small, now he knew how large it was.  He silently took it all in to honour those who came before him.
The silence was broken when Jackson had come up.  He patted him hard on the back full of adrenaline and pride from their success at arriving.  Logan remembered being too tired to move, too in awe of the landscape stretching out below them to speak, while Jackson vibrated around him with excitement babbling on about their achievement.  That was Jackson, he loved the danger, the more dangerous the activity the more alive he was.  However, That was not the Jackson he met in Terra, that was a man dead inside.  The forced smiles never reached his eyes and his voice carried a tiredness with it.  What had the last ten years been like to kill such an adventurous full of life spirit? 
Margret was quiet.  He liked that about her because he preferred to ride in silence and take in his surroundings.  That was not something one could do in the noisy company of Aleesa.  His thoughts were wondering back to his time in the army, a time he tried so hard to forget.  Seeing Jackson and talking about old times opened the dusty trunks he had long ago locked.  
He and Jackson entered the army as innocent boys full of stories and dreams of glory.  To them it was the natural progression in their lives, they'd played at soldiers since they could grip carved toy soldiers in tiny fists.  They role played first with the toys and then with swords readying themselves for life in the army.  As younger sons in noble families their options in life were limited to soldier or scholar or for the unlucky to be gifted with spiritual gifts, the church.  For him their was no other option then soldiering.  He was a physical child, large for his age, for any age and he found life in books boring.  It was difficult for him to follow a story or read for long periods of time.  He couldn't focus on the words long enough to see the picture they were painting for him.  Also, He couldn't sit still long enough to learn what a book was trying to teach him.  He learned best by being shown something and then doing it, copying others, and practicing over and over to master it.  He was a soldier and then he wasn't.
They were so excited to go to war to be part of the battle, part of history.  They thought it would be fun, easy, the stuff of songs and stories, they were so naive and young.  The King told them it would be a quick easy victory filled with glory and honour.  He lied.  They'd lost and lost bad but he didn't want to think about that day.  He never wanted to think about that bloody day ever again. 
"Margaret, ". Sometimes conversation was a good thing, when it distracted a mind from wondering into dangerous territory.
"Yes"
What was he going to say? He didn't have anything to talk about, nothing to say.  
"We are making good time, should be at the field in a couple of days."
"Yes" 
"Did you want to rest there for a few days?" 
"No" 
One word answers were not going to keep his mind occupied and he did not trust it right now.  He hadn't thought about the details of that day on the battle field for a long time.  It took him years to lock those memories away in a trunk and he thought he'd thrown away the key.  But Jackson found the key and opened it to remind him of that bloody day when everything changed, when so many died.  He couldn't go through that pain again.  
"So, what's life like at the Church?"
"Simple."
She obviously didn't want to talk to him.  
"Something troubling you Logan?"
"No why?"
"If you want to talk about it I can listen."
"No!" The word came out more rude then he'd meant.  Then again, his response came out before he knew he'd said it.  "I mean, nothing is bothering me thank you."
"I understand."  Not likely he thought. "Logan, would you like to work for me?" 
"No, I'm not the church type." 
"I meant as a hired sword to protect others." 
"Who does the church need protection from?" 
"Not the church, me.  I need someone I can trust.  Can I trust you?" 
"Of course you can trust me, I am here only to protect you."  
"I need someone who will not report to my father, who will not say a word to anyone. Someone who can work in secret and keep a secret.  I believe that you can."
"If you say so."  What was she caught up in?  
"Logan, you know I am a seer." 
"Yes". What did that have to do with anything?
"There are different types of seers, some see the past, some see the future, and others see what is happening at great distances.  My talent is to see into the hearts of men.  I first learned I was different after my mother died. My mother was good, very good, her heart was a bright light full of love for others.  My father had some goodness in him, his heart was warm and bright red. When she died his heart darkened, we all were darker without her light.  The estate was quiet for months and soon my father could no longer stand the reminder of her so he left us and went to court.  When he returned a year later his heart was no longer red, it was no longer warm.  His heart was icy blue and hard.  One day I asked him why his heart had changed and that day my life changed forever.  I thought everyone saw people the way I did but they don't.  It terrified my father at first and he took me to the church in Terra for answers.  They encouraged him to leave me with them and he did."
"How old were you?" 
"I was 10."
"You were a child."
"Old enough.  Older then most left at the church and I was lucky I stayed in Terra and visited my family regularly.  Over time My father's heart began to warm for me again, never as it was, but for his children there is goodness.  For others there is not.  I love my father, I grieve for the loss of him as much as I grieve for the loss of my mother.  You have been to court, you know it can kill the souls of men."
"We'll, it isn't for the faint of heart." 
"You have a strong good heart, one that has survived the actions and words of others.  I know very little about the world but you do.  I see there is hurt harboured deep in your heart but it is surrounded by light, good light."
Logan was surprised that she viewed him as good.  Most couldn't see past his size, his sword, or his silence.  Most just didn't care to see him at all, let alone his heart.  He felt exposed like she had stripped him down to nothing and then critiqued every part of him.  He didn't like the feeling. 
"What is it that you need me to do.?"
"Protect others."
"That is kind of what I do already."
"What I need is dangerous.  Those I need you to protect are below notice but extremely vulnerable."
"Who.... Wait...."  He put his hand up in the air to indicate she be still. Someone was in the forest beyond the road, he was sure of it.  He had smelt something on the wind, heard something.  An arrow shot between the horses and another bounced off Margaret's cloak. "Get low!" He yelled to Margaret as he rode up beside her to protect her one side.  Once she had bent herself flat against her horse he gave her horse's hind quarters a hard slap and they galloped as fast as they could along the dry road.  
Once they had put some distance between them and the ambush Logan brought his horse to a stop and dismounted. He hurried over to where Margret's horse had come to a stop.
"Are you all right?" He reached up to lift her off and quickly checked to see if she had any injury.
"I'm ok."
"Thank the gods.  Your cloak works I saw an arrow bounce right off it."  He was astonished by how well the spell had protected her.  
"Yes, thank the gods" 
"We can't stay here long."  He looked around to make sure they were still safe. "They will catch up."
"Let's hide in that grove of trees, just to see if they come this way." 
"Probably a good idea, see how many there are and maybe I'll be able to ambush them." 
They led the horses up a small hill and settled in amongst a grove of pine trees.  They offered enough cover for two and gave them a good view of the road.  It didn't take long before two men with bows hung over their back came riding up the road.  Logan couldn't tell much by looking at them, they wore no armour nor uniforms of a soldier.  But that didn't mean they weren't soldiers.  Once they'd passed he stood up and walked to his horse. 
"Margaret stay hidden here.  I'll be back."  She opened her mouth, he assumed to protest. "Stay here."  With that he kicked his horse and rode after the two archers to see what he could find out. 
He caught up to them quickly and since he come up from behind he was able to surprise them.  He quickly knocked one from his horse with a hard punch and shove.  the other he cut down with his sword as he tried to flee.  His sword struck him in the lower left side leaving a deep gash, if he wasn't dead already he soon would be.  Logan rode back to the other attacker.  He jumped from his horse, sword drawn ready for anything.  The man was ready for him and swung his sword wide leaving his torso vulnerable.  Logan stepped left and then lunged low bringing his sword up into the man's stomach as the man's sword whoosed above Logan's head.  The man staggered back blood soaking his tunic.  A look of disbelief came over his features as he fell on his ass.  He opened his mouth to say something but all that came out was blood.  It flowed from his lips, down his chin onto his tunic which was already red with blood.  His eyes full of fear  met Logan's and then he rolled to the side, dead.  
Who would want to kill Margaret?  She was so innocent and kind, was that a reason to have her killed?  If he believed the priest it was.  He moved the bodies to the side of the road, he had no time to bury them so he threw them into the deep grass.  He took the horses and headed back to Margaret.  He was covered in blood and she was startled by his appearance when he found her in the pines.  
"What happened? Are you hurt?"  There was genuine concern in her manner and voice.  Logan was touched by her concern, no one had cared about him after a fight before.  His charges were usually distracted by how close they'd just come to death before Logan stepped in to protect them.  Logan took the cuts and jabs meant for them and they only cared about how they almost got hurt.  It was a strange feeling to have her attention on him, checking for injuries.  She really was amazing, who could want her dead?
"I'm fine this belongs to the other guys."
"You killed them?" She looked horrified.
"It was either that or I'd be dead and then you in short order."  He felt a strong need to justify himself to this woman.  
"We'll, I guess, but couldn't you of found a different way? Maybe just capture them instead."
"And do what with them? If you haven't noticed we are in the middle of nowhere."
"Yes but, there must be something.  Oh I don't know.  It just seems so horrible that's all." 
"It is, it's supposed to be.  I wish there was another way but your safety is paramount."
Since neither wanted to ride any further they set up camp.  Logan placed the stones that the white priest gave him to hide their camp from attackers around the perimeter.  He hoped they would work as well as her cloak.  

Chapter 7:
He felt the vibration through his gauntleted hand as his sword blocked the swing of his enemy's sword. All around him he could hear the echoes of screams and the clang of metal on metal.  The scent of smoke and blood filled his nostrils with every breath.  He saw little through the slit of his helmet but he didn't dare remove it.  It was hot inside his armour, sweat soaked his tunic making it cling to him chaffing his skin.  His armour was heavy and weighed him down making him clumsy and slow, too slow.  The enemy was fast and swarming from all directions.  There were so many.  He killed one only to have another opponent take his place.  They didn't wear the constricting armour he did.  they were dressed in black cloth, it's too hot here for black Logan thought.  Their swords were quick pieces of sharp metal slicing through the air.  He felt the force of a blade connecting with his armour making him stumble to his knees.  He knows he is going to die there in that blood soaked field and the fear of that knowledge entered every pour of his body.  Another blow to his shoulder sends him to the ground where he lies with the bodies of the dead.  He can see their faces.  Their eyes bore into his soul.  They were his men, they followed him into battle and they died on the field.  Their blood was flowing into the earth.  They scream at him, 'it's your fault, you should have protected us, you failed.'  He screams as the dead reach for him to bury him amongst their rotting corpses.
"Logan wake up, it's just a dream, a bad dream."  His eyes pop open and he bolts up right drenched in sweat.
"Logan, you are all right, come here I've got you. Shhhh". Margaret's hands were stroking his hair, relaxing him.  She sat beside him and guided his head down to her lap stroking his wet hair.  He felt the chill of the night air against his wet clothes and a shiver ran through him. Margaret leaned over to reach his cloak to cover him as she comforted him.  He closed his eye and fell asleep.  

When he woke he found himself holding Margaret.  Her earthy scent in his nostrils.  A warmth grew deep inside his heart before the knowledge of what was happening  registered in his brain.  He was her protector, she was a young innocent girl that belonged to the church.  He could not, should not be holding her let alone feeling the way he was.  He slowly tried to unentangle himself from her without waking her.  
"Mmmmmmm" she moved closer to him as he moved back snuggling into his warm body.  His body stirred with desire and he shot up to remove himself from her tempting touch.  She woke stretching her body and he suddenly noticed her every curve, she definitely was not a girl.  To distract himself he turned to the fire and started to stoke up the embers adding sticks to encourage flame while he tried to extinguish the flame deep inside him.  
"Good morning, did you sleep well Logan?"  Her voice made him jump with the memory of feeling her in his arms.  
"Yes and you" Logan mumbled. 
"Emmmm, like a baby.  You had a nightmare do you remember it?" 
"No, no I don't." He did, every moment of it and the real battle he lived through.  That horror was not something she should know about.  Life for her should be peace and innocence not the brutality of reality.  "Hungry?"
"Yes, I'll get break the fast together while you get that fire going again." 
He watched her walk toward the packs tied to a branch in a tree to protect their supplies from animals.  Tendrils of her brown hair had escaped the leather thong that held her hair back.  He found her messy natural hair style sexy.  'You are a man, it's nothing more then that and you are mature enough to control yourself and act in an acceptable manner.' He told himself and refocused on the fire.  Nothing but misery could come from his desire for her and he'd had enough misery for one lifetime.  
"Eggs, bacon and coffee."
"Sounds good.  I'm gonna go find some wood, stay within the camp." 
"Food will be ready when you get back." Her smile was so innocent and he found it beautiful.  He rushed away to get wood.

As he approached the camp he heard voices coming from the fire.  He dropped the wood he was carrying and rushed toward camp ready to fight even though he didn't have his sword.  Panic rode through him spurring him on faster, he'd left her alone trusting in magic stones to keep her safe, how stupid.  As he came over the crest of the hill he saw her sitting at the fire with children.  Children? Was he hallucinating?  
"Logan, come meet my new friends." Logan carefully walked toward the tight group huddled around the fire.  He counted 10 children, mostly boys and two men, High Flatland men.  He casually made his way toward where his sword lay.  
"Hello, who do we have here?" 
"They smelled the bacon.  The poor dears are starving."
"Why are they out here?"
"We escaped sa, we an four udder groups, name a Basha sa." 
"Escaped? From where? There is nothing between here and Terra."
"Escaped from slaver sa, taken from High Flatland to Lowlands." 
"Four groups you said, where are the others?" 
"Tween ere an da field sa.  We snuck out five groups. We goin back ta find em all an go home." 
"I see.  Margaret we should get packed up and moving." Margaret looked at him and then smiled at the man named Basha.
"We will travel with you.  Logan here can protect you along your journey and we have horses for the children."  She looked at Logan her eyes firmly on his. "Won't we Logan?"  It wasn't a question. 
"Margaret a word." He waved his arm to indicate she meet him by the horses but she ignored him and smiled at a little girl sitting beside her. 
"All right." She reached for the pan cooking eggs. "We'll just finish break the fast and then we'll be off to find your friends."  
"Margaret it will only slow us down to travel with these children."
"Logan, we can't leave them.  They need us." Logan looked at the children.  They were young and they would need help getting to the High Flatlands.  She was right, they couldn't just leave them behind.  He just hoped there wouldn't be anymore attacks because he doubted he could protect so many.  

They made their way toward Analeesia.  The children were placed on the four horses while the adults walked and led the horses.  Margaret had a little girl walking beside her, holding her hand and talking incessantly.  Margaret seemed to be engrossed in what the little  girl had to say and was answering her questions and laughing.  Logan found Margaret's laugh intoxicating and the joy on her face endearing.  She belong with children but she would never have any, that thought didn't sit right with Logan.  It didn't seem fair that this woman would never be a mother she was a natural.  As He watched her, he held his breath waiting for the moments she looked back over her shoulder at him.  His heart jumped every time she smiled back at him, a beautiful smile just for him.  
"Sa, ave ya travelled dis way before?" 
"Call me Logan, a few times." 
"I Basha sa, I mean Logan. Dank ya for lettin us come wi ya. Da kids are scared of ya but I know ya must be good man if she say so."
"She said I was a good man?" He smiled, why did that make him so happy? "Why are your kids scared of me?"  This he found funny, he would never harm a child yet every kid he met was scared of him.  
"Da only white man dey know is Raif the Raider and dey think ya look like 'em."
"I look like a Raider?"  Raiders were scruffy brutes of men who wore furs and were dirty.  Grooming was not a characteristic he attributed to a raider. 
"Well sa, not any raider, just Raif.  He big like you, dress like you and talk like you."  That didn't make sense, he knew he looked and talked like a Lowland noble and there was no way a noble would be a slaver.  Sure they bought slaves but to deal directly in the trade was very taboo.  No one would buy a slave from another noble for fear of being spied on.  Nobles were a fearful, conceited lot who always tried to get insider information by any means including paying off spies.  
"I think you have been hearing rumours and stories.  I know Raif's stock is well prized amongst courtiers but he is a raider not a nobleman.  I, Basha am of noble birth so it's very unlikely that I resemble Raif in anyway." 
"No I see Raif wi me eyes.  He capture us when he killed Brathoid and."
"Killed Brathoid?  No one can kill Brathoid he is a legendary warrior.  Many have tried and died for their efforts." Logan had spent time in the High Flatlands where stories and songs of Brathoid's legends ran rampant.
"Me thought so too.  But Raif killed Brathoid, speared his head for all to see.  He take all villagers as slaves, we escaped."
"You escaped from Raif the Raider?"
"Ya Sashie, dat em over der," he pointed at the other High Flatlander adult walking near Margaret. "We sneak da children out of camp. Ten children and two adults, one hunter and one gather just like da Chiefta wanted." 
"How many total?" 
"Der are 5 groups of ten so 50 people, mostly young boys.  We find dem on da way to da field where we meet up wi da rest." 
"Fifty?  That's a lot to miss.  It would of been noticed."
"Der were hundreds of us from da village. No one notice kids gone."
"Hundreds?  He took hundreds to market?"
"Ya Brathoid's village was a big un.  We all trust Brathoid ta keep us safe.  He try but Raif kill him.  Drela, da Chiefta, she say dat de guard Jodie sneak up behind em an murdered him.  Eider way he dead."
"Hundreds."  The nobles would be pleased.  Back at the Count Della Terra's estate he heard mumbling a about a shortage of field slaves.  With the war coming soldiers would want groomsmen slaves to carry their things and care for there horses.  War was a profitable business for everyone, even filthy slavers.  
"Most all go ta Lowlands ta be slaves.  Even da Chiefta, she wa Raif's slave kept er wi im all da time.  She learn ta talk like you an serve and he beat her ta have sex wi her.  We couldna save er ba we save er boy.  He at field."  Basha beamed with pride as he told Logan about saving Brathoid's son.  Logan knew it mustn't of been easy to get away.  He'd heard stories about slavers beating those that ran.
"Why did you run away?"
"I dinna wanna be a slave.  I trader.  When I get da children home I go ta Perns find my wife.  She suppose ta be a kitchen slave. I find her and I bring er back.  My boy a groomsmen and is wife a breeder.  Ma udder boy is in da field.  My oldest is dead, died wi Brathoid.  I find em all an save somehow." 
It was weird talking to this man who was suppose to be a slave.  He never talked to a slave before, didn't really care where they came from.  He never thought they had lives before they became slaves.  He was surprised they had children and spouses.  Why didn't he know that?  Why didn't he assume that it was a possibility? 
He lived with slaves all his life.  They brought him his food, cleaned up after him, washed his clothes and did countless jobs around the house and estate. He'd never had a conversation with one, nor did he ever think to.  it was odd to him to be in the middle of nowhere listening to a would be slave.  Slaves were fed, sheltered, clothed, every need seen to.  It was a good life they gave them wasn't it?
"They may not want to leave.  Life in the Lowlands is very comfortable." 
"No, no one wanna be a slave.  My poor wife cookin all day with da whip if she don't.  No man, not see er children again.  My son knowing his wife is forced ta ave udder man's babies she will never getta hold.  I travel lots ta trade I know wha a breeder is.  I know how hard da slaves work.  I see dem.  no joy, no family, no love.  Comfortable life? For you ya but for da slave no."  
Could this man be telling the truth? Logan had forgot about breeding houses and he'd never even been in a kitchen.  What he'd seen in the fields at Terra was hardly a comfortable life.  But slaves were necessary to the economy.  Without them food would be too expensive, estates would go bankrupt and life in noble's houses would grind to a halt. 
"So why did you save mostly children, why not your family?"
"Des boys an girls were for da Pleasure Houses.  Da Chiefta wanna save 'em from da perverts. Dey jus kids............ Dey just kids."
Pleasure houses were schools that trained children to become bed slaves.  Young boys were valuable because the perverted nobles could hide them in their homes and use them in ways that were not socially acceptable.  Logan's head began to hurt.  He knew of these types of slaves but he never had equated them as real people.  They were toys, tools to keep perverted acts behind closed doors.  Logan looked at the children on the horses, they were just kids and deserved to be kids. 
"It isn't fair but the Lowlands need slaves.  It's just the way things work."
"Dosna mean it right or we should just be slaves.  I still gonna save ma family." 
With that the man named Basha picked up his pace to catch up with his friend.  Logan looked at the children on the horse he led.  They were young, no older than five or six.  Innocent children who had escaped a life he couldn't begin to imagine even though it was right in front of him.  slavery wasn't right but there wasn't anything he could do about it. 

Chapter 8:
It took them much longer to get to the field then he'd planned.  He had fretted over their dwindling supplies and was frequently angry with Margaret for distributing too much of their food to the children.  However, by the time they caught up with the other groups he discovered his worrying over supplies had been for naught.  Each group, except the first, had one hunter and one gather to replenish their stocks and nourish them all.  
Margaret was never without a child hanging off her.  She held their hands and bandaged their cuts and scrapes.  Each night she'd tell stories and sing lullabies to help put them to sleep.  She glowed when the children surrounded her demanding her attention.  Logan was surprised about how giving of herself she was, this was not the young lady he'd me at the Della Terra Estate.
She'd been there for him too in the middle of the night when the nightmares came.  He'd wake in a cold sweat to find her beside him ready to calm him back into a restless stupor.  He barely slept a full night and he could feel the fatigue during their long daily walk toward the field.  Each night he fell asleep as soon as he lied down by the fire, but it wasn't long before the dreams came.  They started pleasant enough, Drinking and playing cards with old friends or sitting round a fire with the guys telling crude jokes.  Nice memories of life in the army, However they didn't last long, only long enough to remember the faces of the long dead before the dream turned blood red.  It had been years since he suffered from the dark reminders of a battle lost.
"Logan we made it.  It is so beautiful here.  Look at the children they are so precious running through the flowers."  She grabbed his arm slipping hers around it encouraging him to walk with her.   His arm tingled with her touch and his stomach flipped up into his chest.  He tried his best to stay calm so she wouldn't notice but it was hard with her pushed up against him.  He wanted to face her grab her by the waist and lift her small frame up to him so he could kiss those tiny lips.  She was so tiny beside him, so delicate yet filled with a strength he'd never seen in a woman before.  She took care of others with no expectation of payment or favour.  She loved so honestly and with such an openness one could not help but love her back.  
"Yes we did." 
"The children are scared of you."
"I know, I think it's my size."
"Yes, your size and your silence, but it's more."
"Oh, well I don't take it personally."
"You should because of who they really fear, its not you."
"I can be scary, most kids take some time to warm up to me.  Even my nephews and nieces."
"You're an uncle?"
"Yes my sisters and a brother have blessed us with their spawn.  Spoiled brats but cute enough in small doses.  These kids are different though.  They are really good kids and you are great with them." 
"They are good, amazing really considering what they've been through.  I love them all so much."  
"I noticed." He smiled down at her. "You are an amazing woman Margaret.  I've never met anyone like you, so down to earth."  She blushed and turned away from his gaze so he did not continue.  She was so much more though and he desperately wanted to tell her how he felt but was too scared.  She belonged to the church, he could never even hope to possess her.  
"Logan, these children are scared that you will steal them and take them back to Raif the Raider."
"I heard, Basha told me I look like him.  Do I?"
"I've never seen him.  I know of him, at least he treats the people he takes relatively well.  Most do not.  Most slavers beat their prisoners regularly and don't feed them so they are no more then skin and bones when they arrive in the lowlands."
"If you say so."  Before this journey he didn't know much about the slave trade.  He was getting quite the education on this trip.  
"I do.  What you courtiers see are dressed up slaves who show nothing of their emotions or thoughts.  You do not care to know the truth." 
"That's not entirely true.  I know your father treats his horses better then his slaves who work too hard for very little.  Some slave owners are kind and others are neglectful, while a few are cruel.  Your father is neglectful, his slave masters are cruel and he doesn't notice."
"Oh he notices.  He knows.  In fact he hired cruel slave masters on purpose.  To him they are tools for profit and not people.  He loves his horses and hates people but he feels nothing for slaves.  No more than he feels for a hoe or a hammer."  She was so angry she was vibrating against him.  Her voice was hard and cold, something he didn't think possible from her.
"How can you say that about the Count, about your father?"
"Because I know the man, I know his heart and the hearts of those he hires.  That estate, my so called home, is cold and hard like ice.  Do not try to defend him or excuse him to me."
"Ok, sorry."
"Do you own slaves?"
"I have a groomsmen, he's at your father's waiting for my return.  I benefit from those your father and The Lord Magistrate own.  My family owns their fair share to run a house in Perns and their estate in the south."  That was more then he meant to say.  He felt compelled to answer her questions with detail.  Perhaps just to talk to her. 
"Ever talk to any of them? Think of any of them beyond what you needed from them?"
"Well, no, I never really thought to.  They've always just been there.  They never said anything to me." 
"Of course not. To talk to the master's family is not allowed, to do so results in a whipping at the hands of the slave master.  Nobles keep their hands clean.  They want slaves to serve them without emotion but they do not want to know what it takes to break a person into a shell and keep them that way.  For that they hire slave masters."
"For someone who lives shut away from the world you sure know a lot about the slave trade."
"I learned at my father's Estate and at the slave auctions in Terra.  I have learned a lot more since with my work." 
"The church deals in slaves?"
"Not my work with the church.  I have more important work.  Work that has gotten me into a bit of trouble, which you have saved me from twice."  Fear welled up in Logan he grabbed her shoulders to turn her to face him and bent down very close to her face.
"What have you gotten yourself into?"
"I lead a special group of people and I think you could be a part of that group.  I need people like you."
"Margaret, you are too precious to put yourself in danger.  We need to get back to camp, pack up the two horses, the slaves can have the other two, and get you to Analeesia.  You need to get back to the church."  He pulled at her to move toward camp.  He had to get her to safety.  "You need to quit whatever it is you are doing and stay at the church."
"No" she pulled away from him squirming. "Let go of me this instant." Her words were so full of authority he stopped and turned to face her. "I thought you were the man I needed but obviously you are not.  These people are not slaves and I will do what I can to make sure they get home.  You work for me so I expect you to protect all of us along the way.  Once we get to Analeesia your contract will be complete and you can return to my father."  She spat out the last word with such hate it made his blood run cold.  She yanked her cloak from his clutches and strode back to camp in a fury of rage and curses. 
Logan just stood there frozen unsure what he'd done wrong.  He was only trying to get her to safety, to protect her.  She was in danger, that was clear.  The fact that it was something she was choosing to do knowing full well that she would be a target that baffled him.  He returned to camp but kept his distance from her.  Now when she looked at him it wasn't with an innocent smile full of promise, it was a scowl of disgust.  He fell asleep that night knowing she wouldn't be there to chase his nightmares away, he'd lost her before he had a chance to claim her.  Idiot, she belongs to the church you never could possess her, better to build walls between you.

Chapter 10:
The day was hot for the mountains and Logan had stripped himself of his tunic to feel the breeze on his bare skin while he chopped wood.  He didn't stray too far from camp and was always aware of where Margaret was but he hadn't talked to her for a couple of days.  She no longer looked at him with disgust but she wasn't happy either.  He saw sadness and disappointment in her eyes now.  This was worse then the anger and disgust, it broke his heart to know he'd hurt her somehow.  
He had already chopped more then they would need to burn but he continued to swing the axe while he worked things out in his head.  Frustration over his inappropriate feelings for Margaret had him in knots.  He was agitated thinking about leaving her in Annaleesia with the children next week because then he'd be alone, the idea did not sit well with him.  He was getting used to the noise and energy of the children.  He enjoyed hearing the stories the High Flatlanders told about Brathoid and his legendary battles.  He couldn't help but think about his own mortality, if a fighter as great as Brathoid could be defeated then surely he would be.  Live by the sword, die by it he guessed.  You make enough enemies eventually one would kill you and all that.  Silly sayings really.
He'd hardly slept at all because of the nightly visits from faceless men.  They attacked him in his dreams and he couldn't protect Margaret.  Every night he'd held her dead limp bloody body in his arms on the battlefield while his dying men blamed him for their deaths.  The dreams left him with a deep anxiety about his ability to protect her and the children. 
Crack, his axe split the log into two pieces, he turned to get another chunk and noticed a young boy watching him. 
"Hello, can I help you?"
"No"  the kids were getting used to him but still kept a safe distance away from him.
"Did you want some wood?"
"No"
"Ok," now what?  Why was this kid standing there?
"Do ya know Raif?" Oh so one of them got brave enough to ask him.  His friends probably dared him.  Logan looked around to see if he could see the other boys hiding to watch their friend be devoured by him.  
"No, I don't know Raif."
"Oh."  He looked like he was about to cry.  Logan crouched down to the boys level very unsure about what to do next.  
"What's wrong?"
"Are ya sure ya Donna know Raif da Raider?"  Tears were falling down his round tanned cheeks but he had hope in his eyes.  He looked right into Logan's pleading for him to say he did.  
"I'm sorry but I don't why do you want me to know him?"
"Den ya could take me ta ma mom." 
"Oh."  What could he say.  If he even knew how to find his mom the kid would end up sold to a pleasure house or worse.  
"Raif took ma mom, e sold ma baby sista, an killed ma dad. E a bad man." 
"Yes, he is a very bad man."  This courageous little boy was alone because of a slaver and for some reason that made him very angry.  He wanted to hug the little boy and make everything all right but he couldn't.  He didn't know how.  
"Ya chop trees?"
"Ya for the fires."
"I help ya." 
"I think your a little small buddy to use an axe."
"I could carry wood ta fires fer later." 
"You could do that."  Logan tentatively reached out and ruffled his hair.  The boy smiled at him and Logan felt something loose deep inside him flooding him with emotion.  Logan was happy, really happy for the first time in a very long time.  "How about we carry it together?"  The boy's smile grew, which Logan hadn't thought possible.
"Ok". The boy rushed over to the pile and grabbed a big piece of wood, too big for him to carry. 
"Slow down little guy, how 'bout I load ya up?"  Logan placed a pile of kindling in the boys arms and then loaded up his own.  They walked back and forth between wood pile and fires until the stocks were replenished.  
"Thanks little buddy for the help.  You go play with your friends, I'll catch ya later."  The little boy looked at Logan nodding slowly but didn't move.  "Ok go play." 
Logan grabbed a couple pails and headed to the river to get water.  With so few adults everyone needed to help with all the chores.  Half way to the river he heard a noise behind him and he swung around ready for a fight but he didn't find an enemy.  Standing there was the little boy holding a pail half his size.
"Me help."  Happiness spread through Logan's chest turning his lips into smile.  He gave the boy a wink moved his head to indicate the boy should come along and together they packed water to camp.  The boy couldn't carry much water and was soaked by the time they'd finished but Logan was grateful for his company.
"How about a drink of water? I don't know about you but I'm thirsty."  They sat down beside the riverbank and drank from a one of the pails.  Then Logan filled a pail and poured the cool water over his head to wash away the sweat and dirt from the day's work.  Cool water ran through his long brown hair down his bare chest and back soaking his pants before landing in a muddy puddle at his feet. 
"Me too, me too."  
"Ok buddy, you too". Logan poured water over over his straight long black hair and it ran over the boys leather pants to join with the puddle Logan had just made.  The little boy squealed in delight from the cool water hitting his hot body.  Logan laughed,  "It's cold huh!"
"Freezin!" After cooling off they laid out in the sun to dry off and waited for dinner. 
"So buddy, what is your name?"
"I Josia."
"Thank you for all your help Josia. My name is Logan." 
"Logan. Mista Logan are ya takin us home?"
"Yes, I believe I am.  To Analeesia at least.  That is where your home starts."
"Oh."
"You don't sound happy about that."
"I happy ya come wi us.  It just ..... Well..... "
"What is it bud?"
"I Donna wanna go home."
"You don't want to go home? Where do you want to go?"
"Ta Lowlands ta find mom." 
"Oh, we'll Josia the Lowlands are a big place and your mom could be anywhere.  It is better you go home so she can find you if she can."  
"dat wa Basha say."
"Well, Basha should know."
"Ba der is no home."
"No home? Of course there is, the High Flatlands is your home."
"Raif burn ma home, killed dad take ever un away.  No home." 
"I see." That was true, the village was probably gone and full of horrors for these children.  He'd have to ask Basha what the plan was.  "How 'bout when we get back we ask Basha where home is gonna be."  
"Ah, Donna know.  I Donna wanna go.  Momma say I need ta remember her an me an da flowas." 
"What flowers?"
"Da flowas in da field.  I need ta stay or go find er."  He looked so determined how was Logan going to get him to understand that he had to go with Basha.  He couldn't stay here by himself and he didn't have a chance on his own in the Lowlands.  He was too small, about what 8 maybe 9? 
"Josia how old are you?"
"I five summers." 
"Five, well that my little buddy is too little to stay here or go to the lowlands.  You go with Basha and when you are twenty summers you can go find your mom." 
"Twenty, how many is dat?"  Logan laughed.
"Not too many, you'll be twenty summers before you know it." 
"Oh. Maybe I can go wi ya when ya go home.  Den I can find mom." 
"I don't think so."  Josia face dropped all hope gone.  He looked crushed and It broke Logan's heart. "We'll see ok.  I'll talk to Basha and see what he says."  He'd talk to Basha but not about taking this boy with him.  He doubted Basha would let him even if he wanted to.  Which, he told himself he didn't.
" Basha will say ya, he has ta do wa I say."
"He does does he."  Logan laughed and started to tickle him.  They wrestled and played games for the rest of the afternoon.  Logan couldn't remember having so much fun or being so happy.  It had been a long time time since he'd been happy, since before the war.

Josia curled up in Logan's lap as they listened to stories and songs about High Flatland legends.  Josia's approval of him did wonders for his reputation with the other children.  Suddenly he had kids settling in around him like puppies trying to get to their mother's teet.  The only child not to be jostled out of the way was Josia.  The tired little boy fell asleep almost immediately in Logan's lap, which was large enough to hold four kids it turned out.  
"He certainly likes you."
"Huh!" Logan switched his gaze from the sleeping Josia to Margaret who stood in front of him.
"Looks like you're just as taken with him."
"Well, he's a good kid, cute too.  Poor little guy wants to go find his mom or stay here."
"He can't do either.  It's much too dangerous."
"I know, I'm gonna talk to Basha and let him know so he can talk to him."
"I think he'd listen to you."
"I tried, he cried."
"Oh the poor dear.  He must be so confused and scared if he talked to you."
"Ah, should I be offended by that? or can you explain."  Logan was offended, it hurt that this woman thought this child should fear him. 
"It's not you, from what I've seen today you are wonderful with children, especially this one." 
"There is something about him that gets to me."
"I can see that.  It's the Raif thing."
"Oh, you mean because they think I look like him?" She nodded. "The first words he said to me were 'do you know Raif.' He was very disappointed when I said no.  He hoped I could take him to his mom." 
"You wouldn't!"  The look of horror she gave him made him angry, who did she think he was! For someone claiming to see his good light she had terrible ideas about what he would do. 
"Of course not.  Do you think I'm stupid? For one thing the Lowlands is a big place, I could never find his mother.  Even if I could he couldn't stay with her, her owner would sell him off."  His voice was louder then he intended and the boy shifted in his arms.  
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean you would put him in harms way.  I just wasn't sure you understood the dangers but you do.  I'm sorry."
"No problem.  I'm sorry to."
"For what?"
"For disappointing you the other day.  I'm sure you know what your doing.  I just wanted to get you to safety.  I didn't consider your feelings." 
"We'll, I may have over reacted.  I am used to everyone telling me what to do and when to do it.  What I am doing is very important to people like Josia there."
"Just be careful."
"Ok.  We'll talk about you working for me again.  Maybe tomorrow, I still think you are the right man."  She looked at Josia. "Now more then ever." 
Logan wasn't sure he was the right man for anything.  He was just happy she was talking to him again.  He watched her walk away toward her bed roll, the firelight catching her brown hair and highlighting her petite face.  She was beautiful.

Chapter 11:
Logan found Basha fishing at the river the next morning.  Josia was following him and he didn't know how to get him to go away.  He couldn't let him overhear their conversation because he wasn't going to be asking if Josia could go with him.  
"Basha"
"Logan sa, how are ya dis mornin?"
"Good, slept well last night." He had he thought.  For the first tie since entering the mountain pass he had no nightmares.  He looked at the kid, good luck charm?
"Good, mountain air good for sleep."  
"I guess.  Basha I need to talk to you about Josia. Alone." 
"Josia, go find Era and help em wi da chores.  Go now."  Josia turned quietly disappointment clearly painted on his face. "Ok now we talk."
"He's a good kid.  He wants to go to Perns with me"
"No!" Basha's voice was loud and shocked but still rang with authority.
"I know he can't go.  It's just, you see, I mean," Logan took a breath and tried again. "Look I tried to tell him that but he was so upset.  Could you talk to him, get him to understand.  If he knew where you were going and what your plans are then he'd be more, well, he may be happier about going home.  I think he's scared." 
"He just a boy, do what he's told."  
"I get that, I do.  You need to understand though, the last time they were home Raif tore it apart.  He doesn't think there is anything to go back home to and he's scared of what he'll find when he gets there." 
"He tell ya dis?"
"Yes, well not exactly in those words but yes he told me he doesn't want to go home and why."
"Why e tell ya?"
"I don't know.  Seems strange since you all think I'm as bad as Raif."
"No we know you not Raif.  You a good man.  Just wish da boy talk ta me or sanshi even Era."
"Well now you know you can talk to him, help him and the other children to understand." 
"Dank ya fer telling me.  I talk wi da boy."  
"Good.  He is an amazing kid, very brave maybe too brave.  It'll get him in trouble one day.  Make sure you keep a good eye on him OK?"
"Will do, dat boy is important."
"To me too."
Logan left Basha to fish after making plans to leave for Analeesia the next day.  He couldn't wait to get on the road again.  He felt like a sitting duck in the field just waiting for the next attacker to find them.  He found Margaret with the children playing in the field.  Her face beamed she was so happy and the field rang with her laughter.  He just stood there watching her a huge goofy smile on his face.  If things were different they could be happy together but things were what they were and if all he had was this moment watching her, he was thankful for it.  
"Logan!" She walked towards him a smile so big it radiated out her eyes.  Before he could think he'd stepped forward grabbed her around the waist and bent down to kiss her.  She tasted of rain and smelled of sunshine.  He couldn't get enough of her and his light kisses quickly filled with a passionate need fuelling his desire.  She kissed him back, awkwardly at first but they quickly found their rhythm and their lips were lost in a passionate dance.  Suddenly she pulled away from him, broke their connection and squirmed out of his embrace.  
"Logan I can't.  I just can't." She turned and ran towards the river.  He stood there for a moment crushed and embarrassed by what he'd done.  Once his head stopped spinning from the memory of her kisses he walked after her.  He had to apologize, explain.  What could he say? 
He found her sitting by the river her knees brought up under her chin and her arms wrapped tightly around her bent legs.  She was crying.  His stomach dropped, he couldn't breath with the knowledge that he was the cause of her tears. 
"Margaret, I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to, I don't know what came over me."
"Logan, I know sit."  She patted the ground for him to sit beside her. "You kiss well, really amazingly well.  I liked your kisses."
"Oh," he really didn't know what to say.  He wasn't expecting her to say that.  He didn't know what he'd expected but it wasn't that.
"I belong to the church."
"I know, I am so"
"Wait let me finish." Logan sat quietly.  "Yes, I belong to the church but that's not the problem.  I have enemies in the church waiting for me to screw up.  Do something I can be punished for, maybe even banished for."
"Then leave the church."
"I can't my work is too important."
"You keep telling me about your work but if it is causing some inside the church to want to harm you, kill you, can you not leave the church and still do whatever it is that you are doing?" 
"Once yes, but now no.  There is too much at stake.  Can I trust you Logan?"
"Yes, even if you tell me to leave you I will still find a way to protect you."
"You are a good man Logan Reachie.  Your heart is a bright light, very few from the Lowlands are.  I do not want to destroy that light."
"I don't think you could."
"Logan, I wanted to kiss you too, it's important that you know that."  He smiled at her.
"I'm glad." He so desperately wanted to kiss her again but stopped himself.
"I wish I was free to find out where these feeling I have for you could go, but I'm not.  If the seers saw, if those that were against me found out."
"I understand.  I know you belong to the church and I wish I could offer you a life if you left it but I cannot guarantee anything more then I'll always protect you."
"There are no guarantees in life. Inside or outside the church.  If I could leave it to be with you I would."
"Then do, we'll find a way together to complete your work if its that important."
"You don't know what my group does."
"I don't have to, I know you and you would not be into something evil, whatever it is I want to be there to help."
"I, that is, oh Logan I am scared to tell you, scared you will no longer look at me like you have these last weeks."  She took a breath looked at him in a way that took his breath away and his heart jumped in his chest.  "I lead a group of abolitionists who help slaves escape out of Perns and go to a place of safety in the mountains until they can return home.  Most stay to help us."  Logan smiled, that was it? Her big secret was that she freed slaves.  What a wonderful woman to risk everything for others.
"You could do that without being in the church.  In fact we could probably do it better if you weren't."  
"We, you said we."
"You wonderful woman, here you are risking everything for others and you thought I'd think what?"
"That it was wrong to save slaves."
"Nothing could be more right."  He bent in to kiss her but she pulled back.
"I can't leave the church yet."
"Why not?" 
"Because they found the healer, the one that will heal the world.  The church cannot be allowed to keep him.  I have to save the child."
"They found who? What are you talking about?"
"The gods they sent the healer of the world to earth as a baby and the church found him.  I do not know who or where, just that the healer has been found.  The healer will lead the world to peace, unite every nation under itself and rule.  The healer will be very powerful.  If the church possesses him then it will rule the world.  Trust me you do not want the Church of Balla ruling anything.  The world will be a dark evil place if it does."  Logan felt cold, very cold.  She was going into the lions den alone to rescue a baby.  This was worse then anything he had ever imagined or dreamed in his nightmares.  He couldn't let her go, but he couldn't let the church become that powerful.  
"But if they already know you are a threat how are you going to get close?  They'll kill you the moment they see you." 
"They only suspect, I have to convince them I am loyal to the church.  I must go back and recommit myself to them.  Then maybe I can get close enough to the child to escape."
"Wrong plan sweetheart.  It all hinges on you and if you die, it's done over.  There are other ways, better ways."
"Those of us that know and want to stop it are few.  I have no choice."
"You do now.  You have me and I'll help you come up with a better plan.  There has to be a way to save the child from the church and survive.  It will take planning and perhaps a bit more help, but we can do it together." 
"That's why I wanted to hire you to work for me.  If I failed you could try."
"Look, you will fail.  The church's seers are to good for you to fool them for long in such close quarters.  If you really want to succeed then trust me."
"I want to.  I don't want to return.  But There is too much riding on this."
"The priest who gave me the cloak and stones, does he know?"
"Yes, he's the one that told me they'd found the baby."
"Do you trust him or is it a trap?"
"I trust him.  Why else tell me?"
"Who knows why people do what they do.  It just seems odd that he sent only you and alone.  It stinks of failure and set up."
"Do you think we could save the child?"
"Together I know we can.  I just need time to plan and get some resources."
"Ok.  Together."  She stretched up and kissed him.  
He took her head and laid her down in the grass as gently as he could.  She was like a porcelain doll and he did not want to break her.  His hands stroked her hair as he kissed her mouth, nose, eyes, and every part of her face.  He inhaled her earthy scent which drove him wild with desire.  He wanted to rip her dress off and take her right there but she was innocent and deserved more from him.  He rose up above her, her hands grasped his tunic to bring her back down to her.
"I want you."
"There will be time for that.  For everything my love."
"Love? Do you say love?"
"Yes, Margaret I love you."  Her face broke into a huge smile of joy and her eyes filled with tears then she cried.  He froze, what had he done wrong.
"Did I hurt you are you ok?"
"I am wonderful.  I am so happy."
"Then why are you crying?"  He really didn't understand women
"Because I love you too."  She put her small delicate hand on his cheek. "Now kiss me you big wonderful man."
Logan's heart skipped a beat at her words.  She loved him.  Joy warmed him spreading from his chest to his eyes which teared up with the knowledge that she loved him.

Chapter 12:
They couldn't go on to Analeesia but the kids, what to do about them?  He and Margaret had discussed it last night but he still needed to talk to Basha.  Margaret was right he thought, they couldn't go home, there was no village left from what they told them.  She suggested they go to the safe house in the mountains, which seemed the best idea.  They would be safe, there would be other adults and the abolitionists could try to find their parents.  But he needed to talk to Basha.  
"Basha we need to talk." 
"Ah, Logan. So we leave soon we ready."
"Basha what are your plans?"
"We are going home."
"That's it, the extent of your plans?  You have forty kids and ten adults and a burned out village.  How do you plan on surviving?" 
"We will be ok, we will rebuilt.  Donna fash herself, we be ok." 
"Well Margaret has somewhere safe for you to go."
"It ok we be safe at village."
"No, you won't be.  You will only put these kids in danger of being captured by worse slavers then Raif.  Yes, there are worse, much worse out there."
"We gotta go back ta village."
"Why? What do you think you'll find there?"
"It where de families look if dey escape. Chiefta say she try ta get der."
"Ok look, Margret works with people who help slaves escape to the safe house.  They can try to find the kids families.  But if you go to the village they can't help you." 
"Margaret can save em?"
"Yes, but only if you come with us." 
"Can she find ma family?" 
"I believe she can." 
"Ok we go wi ya."
"Good." Logan was thrilled it meant Josia was going to be safe.  Not only that he would be travelling with him.  He'd grown very attached to the boy in a short time.  There was something very special about him. 
They packed what they had left of the food onto one of the horses, it wasn't going to last long the hunters would need to go ahead of them to find meat to add to their pitiful stores.  The gathers would be of help too and they could stay and help with the kids.  Their little group was ready to go, the smallest of them sat upon the horses they would switch the kids along the way ensuring the group made good time.  
They turned back down the mountain toward Terra until they came to where another smaller valley merged into the large pass.  Here Margaret turned the group into the smaller valley but since there was no road their progress was very slow.  Some kids tripped hurting themselves and others tried to go their own way and got stuck on a fallen tree.
  Josia stayed close to Logan the whole journey.  Logan was struck by Josia's thoughtfulness, he'd  given Margaret a bouquet of ferns and other woodland plants and She was thrilled to get it.  Logan made a mental note to get her flowers once they got back to civilization.  He squeezed her hand and brought it up to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles, each one separately.  Such delicate beautiful hands.  He still couldn't believe this exquisite creature was his to love. 
"What was that for?" She asked as he kissed the last knuckle.
"Just for being here with me." 
"You are too sweet Logan."  Her smile filled his heart with a light warmth.  
"I love you."
"Mmmmm I can't get enough of those words."
"I love you."
"I love you too Logan. Give me a kiss."  He bent down picked her up in his arms and gave her a deep passionate kiss.
"Oooooooo yuck. Do ya always ave ta kiss, gross!"  Logan laughed.
"One day very soon Josia you will want to kiss a girl just like that."
"Yuck, no I won't."  Logan put Margaret back down and she picked Josia up and gave him a big kiss on the lips laughing.  
"Mar ga ret, yuck" Josia was trying to look grossed out but the smile on his face gave him away and she kissed him again. "Too many kisses."
"You can never have too many kisses Josia." She looked into Logan's eyes, "never too many kisses." Logan smiled down at her.  She was right about that.  Her kisses only had him wanting more.  However, kisses was all he was going to be getting for a long time yet.  Oh how he wanted more of her but he had to do right by her and a romp in the trees was not right.  

Their journey took them into a narrow canyon.  So narrow they had to walk in a straight line.  He trusted Margret really he did, but did she have any idea where she was going?  He was about to say as much when she disappeared through a crack in the canyon wall.  He poked his head in to find a narrow steep trail leading to the top of a mountain.  It wasn't an easy climb and the horses had a hard time getting a good foothold on the loose pebbled ground.  When they reached the top where the trail ran flush with the rest of the terrain they found houses built into trees.  Some high up with rope ladders to reach them and others at the base of the trees scattered on the forest floor.  It was a village.  Logan was impressed by the scope and ingenuity it took to build all this way up on a ledge high up on a mountain overlooking a canyon.   
"Wow your group has been busy.  I'm impressed."
"Glad you like it, let me show you around." 
Margaret showed him cook houses, look outs, bedrooms, and storage rooms held way above the ground.  If they were attacked the could survive a long time.  The village was situated on a type of shelf created by the canyon running along three sides of it and a cliff on the fourth.  A water fall originating from a glacier high above them fell down the far side into the canyon depths below.  The only way to get into the village was by the way they'd come.  Lookouts were built along the top of the narrow canyon.  Each station held a huge pot to heat oil and pitch to pour down upon any attacker coming up.  A couple big piles of rocks balanced on the edge of the canyon wall waiting to be pushed over to block the way in.  The fortress was impenetrable but they couldn't survive an attack forever if cut off from the world completely?  He wanted to know everything about the village, the group and the people they helped, but all that would have to wait.  Margaret held out her hand and let him to a little hut. 
She led him to a pallet bed and sat down on the edge to wait for him to join her.  She looked so innocent, so beautiful.  He got down on his knees before her wrapping his arms around her body, pulling her close for a kiss.  She was so scared she was shaking but kissed him as eagerly as he kissed her.  His hands stroked her back and hair while he greedily drank her in.  He wanted her, surprised with the intensity of his desire he pulled back suddenly.  Her eyes were full of hurt and confusion at his sudden departure from her embrace.
"We can't here." He swept his hand about the room. "I want you, all of you, and do not trust myself to control my desire with a bed so close at hand." 
"I don't want you to control yourself." A slight blush came over her face and she looked down at her hands resting on her lap. "I ah, I want you too."  He dropped to his knees again took both her hands in his.  With his free hand he placed a finger under her chin to bring her eyes to his.
"Not like this.  I would marry you first.  I will not sleep with you without making you my wife."
"Are you proposing?"
"I guess I am.  Would you have me as your husband? Would you be my wife?"  Her face broke into a joyful smile, tears filled her eyes.
"Yes, oh yes."  She hugged him tight falling off the bed and into his lap.  He held her close kissing her neck taking in her scent.  She'd said yes and suddenly he was scared.  He was going to get married to this innocent creature and he didn't have her fathers permission to ask, or his own father's approval.  
"I'll ask your father when we return to Terra and you can set a date, any date you want for the wedding."
"NO!"
"Huh?! What do you mean no you just said yes." 
"Yes to marry you, no to asking for my father's consent.  Marry me here and now.  That is the date I pick,  today."
"Today? Who will marry us?" They needed a Lord, the King or one of his court justices to perform the ceremony.  Perns was a long way away from here, wherever here was.
"There is a priest of sorts here.  He performs weddings, he could marry us." 
"Is he someone who's authority is recognized by the King?"
"No, he is a tribal religious man.  However, my father could not refuse you if we were already married, especially if I carried your child.  He would have recognize our marriage to save his honour."
"That's sneaky.  I won't dishonour you that way."
"But it's the only way.  I belonged to the church.  He gave me to them.  He would return me before he'd allow me to wed.  I love you, you love me it has nothing to do with my father or the Church of Balla.  I would rather stay here with you hidden forever then to risk being separated from you forever.  Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Then marry me today and I will be yours.  I want to belong to you more then I've wanted anything else in this world.  You said I could pick the date, any date and I pick today."  
Her words resonated in his ears and into his soul.  He knew the truth in them and understood she would be safe as soon as she belonged to him.  Those in the church who feared her would no longer see her as a threat because she no longer could get close to them.  Her father would say no, she knew him better then he did.  As for his own father he would not risk the wrath of the church and would bar this union.  If he wanted her to be his wife it would have to be this way.  
"I want you to be my wife, if you are willing to risk the anger of your father and the church then so am I. I will do everything I can to protect you from any harm or harsh words. I love you and I am yours will you be mine?"
"Yes, yes I will be yours."  Tears ran down her face and he wiped them gently from her soft cheeks.  Kissing them, tasting their saltiness on his lips.  Happiness overtook his senses, he was going to marry this amazingly strong innocent delicate creature.  "I'll go make the arrangements.  I will send someone to tell you the where and when of it."  She made her way out of the hut only to return just as quickly. "I love you."
"I love you too." With that she was gone but he held her light deep within him to keep him warm.  He was going to be married, he could hardly believe his good fortune.

"Logan?"
"Come in Josia, what's up?"
"Miss Margaret send me ta tell ya ceremony at sunset."
"Sunset huh?!  Sounds good to me." He picked the boy up and gave his a big hug.  
"Ya marry miss Margaret?"
"Yep! What do you think about that?"
"Do ya love er?"
"Yes, very much.  I've never felt this way about anyone before."
"Does da moon love da stars a lot?"
"I don't know why do you ask?"
"Cause ma say Brathoid love Drela like da moon love da stars."
"In that case yes more then a lot."
"Ba ya said ya dinna know". The kid had him there.  How to explain it to him so he'd understand.
"Well I don't know how or if the moon feels anything.  But I do know that the stars and moon come out together and are part of the night sky.  Um, it's kinda like saying your eyes are blue like the sky.  Understand?"
"No."
"Ok, you know how flowers have a centre?"
"Yes"
"You know how they have colourful parts called petals?"
"Yes."
"You need both parts to make a flower."
"Ya.  
"Well to be poetic I could say I love Margaret like a centre loves a petal.  We need each other to be something beautiful.  It's like that."
"Ok.  So Brathoid needs Drela ta be beautiful?,
"That's right." 
"I miss 'em."
"I know."
"I wanna find ma.  He call 'er Mary she servin girl. I can find 'er."  
"We will tell Margaret's people and if she can she will find her."
Josia smiled and gave him a big hug. "Dank ya Logan."
"Yer welcome.  Want to help me with something important?"
"Yes."  His little grin beamed at Logan warming his heart.  This little boy had him hook, line and sinker, just like Margaret did.  His life was turning upside down and he was enjoying every moment of it.
There was no where to buy a ring out in the middle of nowhere so he had to improvise.  He and Josia found a new green branch of a deciduous tree.  Logan then stripped the bark off and cut it into thin ribbons. Margret's fingers were small and delicate and his were huge, so he had a hard time weaving a ring small enough.  Josia was able to help him weave the ribbons of fibrous bark together in a tiny round circlet.  Logan held it in his hand, it wasn't much but it was simple and earthy just like her.  He hoped she'd like it.  Josia was vibrating with the excitement of giving her the special gift he'd help make but Logan made him promise not to say anything until the ceremony.  
"You promise."
"I promise!"  Logan ruffled his black hair and they walked back to the makeshift village holding hands.  Ya, everything was right with the world, finally, thought Logan.


Chapter 13:
Everyone had gathered by the edge of the village around a tree growing near the canyon edge.  The view from the tree was the best in the village, it was breath taking.  Logan looked out over the canyon down the valley toward the road to Perns.  The sun was setting leaving reds blending into oranges in the sky.  Shadows lengthened growing larger then the objects they followed.  Everything was still and quiet, the world was holding its breath waiting for them, for her.  Someone started to play some music, beautiful music that spoke to his soul.  He turned around to find the source of the sound that stirred him and his heart stopped beating.  She was standing behind the people at the end of an aisle.  She was wearing a light blue dress with a high waist where a yellow ribbon was tied just under her bosom.  The low scooped neckline promised him sweet pleasure later.  Her brown hair was loosely tied with yellow ribbons with white flowers placed through it.  The sight of her took his breath away.
She slowly walked toward him her eyes holding his heart.  Everything around him melted away and the sounds fell on his deaf ears.  He only saw her and she was walking toward him into his life forever.  He took her hand brought it to his lips while he poured all his love for her into his gaze.  Together they stood under the tree growing on the edge of the canyon.
"We have been blessed by the gods this evening, for we are witnesses to a new beginning for Logan and Margaret.  Our ceremony is simple for we live a simple life but that does not make the choice these two have made any less important.  For when a man and woman have decided to belong to each other they give themselves to each other.  It is the responsibility of the man to cherish, protect and provide for the life he holds in his hands.  It is the duty of the woman to honour, support, and nurture the lives she will carry in hers.  Logan Reachie you stand here before witnesses to make vows to this woman.  The vows you speak will be binding in the eyes of the gods.  If you are ready to give your life into the care of this woman speak them now."  Logan turned to face Margret and looked down into her brown eyes wanting to get lost in them. 
"Margret I vow to protect you with my life.  I vow to provide you with the best life I can.  I vow to love and cherish you for as long as the gods allow me to.  I give you my life.  I belong to you. Will you accept my life?"
"Yes."  Margaret's voice was full of certainty and love.  
"Margaret Della Terra you stand here before witnesses to make vows to this man.  The vows you speak will be binding in the eyes of the gods.  If you are ready to give your life into the protection of this man, speak them now."
"Logan I vow to support you.  I vow to nurture you and our children.  I vow to love and honour you for as long as the gods allow me to.  I give you my life.  I belong to you.  Will you accept my life?"
"Yes."
"To remind them of their vows Logan and Margaret have a gift for each other.  Josia if you please."  Josia shyly stepped up to Logan and gave him the ring.
"Margaret, Josia and I made you this ring as a symbol of my life.  Will you accept it as a symbol of our love? ". Margaret smiled at Josia.
"Yes."
"Shasta if you please."  A small girl quickly stepped up to Margaret without looking up and handed her a thick woven bracelet made of leather strips.  
"Logan, this bracelet is a symbol of my life, will you accept this bracelet as a symbol of our love?"  Logan looked at the leather bracelet.  It was the most precious thing he'd ever seen.  He felt guilty about the ring he'd made and quietly vowed to replace it with a gold and diamond one as soon as they got back to Perns.
"Yes."
"We ask the gods to seal your vows and bless the symbols of them."  Josia handed the religious leader a yellow ribbon. "Your hands please.  Today two have become one and now to symbolize this union I will use this ribbon to tie your hands together.  Will you keep your hands joined until you can join your bodies to complete your union?"
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Then go and be one." 
Logan and Margaret walked back down the aisle past the witnesses to celebrate their marriage.  Shouts of joy and music filled the air.  Little girls threw flowers at them covering them and the ground in vibrant colours.  Women laid food out on the table and the newly wed couple were led to two chairs decorated in ribbons and flowers for them to sit on during the festivities.  
Once dinner was done and the couple were toasted tell drunk the guests carried the couple to a hut and placed them on the bed.  The men urged Logan to be gentle with her and the women prayed to the gods that she would give him a baby boy in nine months.  The eldest unmarried woman in the village untied the ribbon and wished them a fruitful union before leaving them alone.  
The hut was a spartan square room made from stones and wood.  They sat quietly on a large bed stuffed with straw.  There were candles lit around the room and incense burning to fill the room with a musky scent meant to increase fertility.  Logan turned to face Margret, the warm candle light played with the red highlights in her hair and cast a warm glow over her skin.  She sat on the side of the bed looking down at her hands on her lap.  He placed a finger under her chin and brought her eyes up to meet his and found fear.  
"Why are you scared?" He gently placed the palm of his hand on her cheek and she nestled her face into into it closing her eyes.  
"I don't know.  What happens now?"  
Logan was taken aback by this question until he realized she didn't know what happened between men and women.  Of course, how would she know? Her mother died when she was young and then she was given to the Church of Balla where such topics were forbidden.  He took her in his arms and held her tight to his chest.  He bent his neck to kiss her forehead, her nose and her sweet lips.  She tasted of the wine they'd drank with dinner.  He had to be careful with her.  His desire for her grew hot inside him but he wrestled with it to keep it under control.  She was an innocent and he was her protector, her teacher, her guide through the world of pleasure.  She kissed him back eagerly wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him closer.  Their kisses were hot, intense and drove his passions into a frenzy so he pulled back and broke their connection. 
"Margaret, when a man and woman love each other enough to give themselves to the other they also give their bodies to each other.  That is what happens next.  Are you ok with this?"
"I love you and want to give you everything I have to give." 
"I'm going to make love to you tonight, our bodies will be joined together and I will give you my seed which may grow a baby inside you.  Do you want that?"
"Yes, I want to give you a son." The idea of their union producing a child had him scared and hopeful at the same time.  
"if you want me to stop or you need me to tell you something you just say."
"Ok." Her eyes were full of desire and he wanted to ravish her but he kept his own passion in check, although he did not know how he did it.  
He slowly rose picking her up and laying her down gently on the bed.  His hands slowly explored her body as he kissed her.  His lips travelled down her face, he nibbled her chin and flicked his tongue down her resting in the crook of her slender neck causing her to moan.  He travelled lower to her exposed bosom and feasted on her soft and supple curves.  His hands found the ties that kept her dress on and slowly untied them so he could draw her dress down to expose her nipples.  He flicked the precious hard pink nubs with his tongue and lightly nipped them with his teeth.  She cried out and his desire rose inside him.  He lost his hands in her hair pulling himself back to her mouth which he hungrily covered with his and drank her deeply letting his tongue explore.  He brought himself up and removed the rest of her dress before slowly making the journey back down her body again.  Flicking and nipping along her flat stomach which for a moment he allowed himself to imagine filled with his child and found hope in the thought.  He could smell her desire as he past it to tickle the inside of her thighs.  His tongue journeyed up from her knees to where her legs joined to taste her passion.  His tongue tasted, ate and drank in her desire and found a hard nub to play with causing her to moan and cry out begging for more   He expertly licked and sucked on her passion until her body contracted in obvious pleasure liquid covering his face.  He rose to look at her face relaxed and glowing with happiness.  He knew the next part would cause her pain and knowing he would hurt her in loving her held his desire in check as he rediscovered her body to raise her passion again.  He removed his clothes allowing his skin to melt into hers.  He couldn't hold back any longer, he needed her wanted her and knew it wouldn't take much for him to explode.
"Margaret, I am going to enter you now, join with you.  It will hurt but only for a moment."
"Please, oh please join with me." Her voice husky and demanding.
Logan spread her legs wider and placed himself between them.  His cock was hard and ached with desire and need.  He slowly entered her, felt her break, heard her scream in pain and slipped deep inside.  She was silk, velvet, and everything soft and warm.  His passion grew he couldn't think as he moved inside her.  She was moving with him grabbing at him forcing him closer to her.  His entire focus was on her and how she felt wrapped around him when suddenly her vagina contracted around him causing him to explode in an intense light.  Every muscle contracted and then relaxed as his essence left him and deposited itself deep inside her.  He collapsed beside her trying to catch his breath and bringing her into his arms. 
"I love you Margaret."
"Mmmmmmm, I love you too Logan". He dragged a blanket over them just before loosing consciousness. 


Chapter 14 :
Logan slowly woke up stretched and found someone beside him and the events of yesterday flooded back to him warming him from the inside.  He wrapped his arms around Margaret's sleeping naked body and pulled her close to his naked skin feeling her against him stirred his desire.  He bent and kissed the top of her head inhaling her earthy natural scent, much better then the pungent flowery scents that wafted from her body the night before.  She nestled into his embrace kissing his chest sending waves of lightness through him.  
"Can we join again?"
"Now?"
"Yes."
His hands lightly ran down her back finding the curve of her small round back side.  
"That feels nice, I like that."
"Me too." He gently squeezed her bum cheek in his large hand.  She leaned her head back to look at his face and he bent to join his lips to hers when someone knocked on the door of the hut. 
"Break the fast." A woman announced, "I bring in?" 
"Yes."  Margaret grabbed the blanket and hid underneath it as a young woman brought food on a tray in.  She looked at the bump hiding beside Logan and gave him a knowing amused look.  Logan found Margaret's need to hide very endearing.  She was still innocent even after last night.  He smiled at the woman and wrapped a protective arm around Margaret. 
"Please put it there on the table.  Thanks."  The woman deposited the tray and left the hut closing the door silently behind her. 
"Break the fast!" Margaret came up from under the blanket.  "I'm starving."  She jumped out of bed wrapping herself in their only blanket and made her way for the food.  Logan laid there naked watching her grab a piece of fruit and pour herself a mug of water.  Oh he loved her.  Then she turned toward him and stopped short and looked down at the blanket she held close around her.
"Ah, sorry.  Um let me get a cloak."
"No, it's ok, look at me."  Her head came up and her eyes met his, her face was red with embarrassment and his heart clenched as it filled with emotion.  "It's Ok we are one now.  Bring me some food and come back to bed I'm cold."  She grabbed the bowl of fruit and a loaf of bread and quickly made her way back into his arms.  
They spent the morning eating and exploring each others bodies to get used to their nakedness.   Touching, kissing, stroking to find those spots that gave the other the most pleasure.  When she was ready he joined with her again until both their passions were spent and contented.  

When they had emerged from the hut it was after lunch and they were greeted by cat calls and knowing hoots.  Logan glared at those who were too crude and put his arm protectively around his new wife silencing the crowd whom went back to their days labours.  Margaret led Logan to the chieftain's hut and introduced him to her co-conspirators and soon talk switched from congratulations to business.  Logan watched as Margaret took control of the room and was astonished when leaders of men deferred to her authority.  
"With my marriage and break with the church our plans have changed."  Margaret addressed the group.  A large man who was introduced to him as the leader of the village Chasha stood up and faced Margaret.
"We still disappointed in yar choice miss Margaret.  Ya ave be selfish in ya choice." He glared at Logan. "What we do now?"  Logan started to rise to put this man in his place but Margaret put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"I know that my choices effect more than myself and that the church will come after me for it, which could jeopardize some." She looked at Logan. "However, it does not change my commitment to the cause.  It only changes the tactics of it.  Logan my husband," Logan's heart jumped and did a somersault at being called her husband and he couldn't stop nor hide his smile.  "is a valuable ally and his skill as a soldier will help us make better plans that can succeed."
"He a Lowlander, he ave slaves.  We canna trust 'em".  Chasha's angry voice was directed at Margaret but his eyes shot daggers at Logan.
"How we know we can trust him?" Another man blurted out.  
"Because I do.  I am still a seer and he is a good man, he is good in here." She held a fist to her heart. "He will help us to save the child, which I have more news about.  As you know Logan and I met up with what is left of Brathoid's village, some kids and a few adults.  We brought them here for you to protect.  I want to introduce you to Basha, he is the leader of their small group, he has news of the healer." 
Basha stood up in the back and bowed his head to the group of men.  Margaret waved her hand to indicate he come to the front of the room to speak.  
"Hi, I Basha. Da Chiefta Drela told me about white priests dat come to da camp.  Drela was kept wi Raif an she know tings.  She saw tings. Da two white priests come ta Raif an e give 'em Brathoid's baby girl."  Murmurs went through the group and Logan felt an angry tension spread through the room. He tensed his body ready to spring up in front of Margaret to protect her. She stood and put her hands up to calm the small group.  
"We now know who the healer is, she does exist and the church has her in their mountain fortress."
"It more important now dat ya go back an get er."  Chasha was not giving Margaret a chance, Logan stood up quickly before Margaret could stop him.
"Margaret will be killed or Inprisoned if she goes alone to the church.  You would send a woman alone and unprotected while you stay here safe?"  He glared at Chasha who shifted uncomfortably. "The church knows her plan and has tried to kill her twice already.  Your plan would not have succeeded, it only would have gotten her killed.  I believe I can figure out a better plan and recruit others to help, others like me who are not cowards."  His glare shot at Chasha accusing him of cowardice.  Logan looked back at Margaret and a fierce love flowed through him.  "My wife," he smiled at the word, "will not walk into that church alone and unprotected.  She will have an army to follow her."   Her face lit up, her eyes wet with tears.
"Like I said, tactics have changed."  She said to the group but her eyes never left Logan's. 
The hut was quiet as the meeting broke up leaving Logan, Margaret, Basha and the Cheiftain Chasha.  
"Miss Margaret, I wanna go wi ya to Perns ta find ma family."  Basha's face was set with determination. 
"Basha, I promise I will get the details to my network of people.  They will locate your family and help them quicker then we could or you."  She gently put a hand on his cheek.  "I see your pain.  The children need you to speak for them here in council meetings.  You are their leader.  I know it is harder to stay but know that we," she looked at Logan and he nodded, "will do our best to send your families through our network to here." 
Basha looked defeated but he nodded his head slowly.  "Danks fer yar help.  Ya got us 'ere an ya good ta Josia.  Now ya gonna try ta find our family. Ya good people." 
"Josia's a special kid.  You keep an eye on him while I'm gone.  Make sure he's safe.  I'll do my best to find his mother and your family." Logan was going to miss Josia and he needed to know he'd be safe here with Basha and his group.  
"Josia be safe we protect 'em, da son of Brathoid and Drela must be protected."  Logan had suspected Josia's parentage and was not surprised by this deceleration but Margaret and Chasha were taken off guard. 
"He's Brathoid's son?  His sister is the Healer?  Thank the gods we have him here safe with us.  If we succeed and save the baby he will be her protector."  Margaret turned to Chasha.  "You have to swear not to tell anyone who he is.  He must be protected and hidden here away from seers eyes."
"Brathoid's son? He here?"  Logan saw something dangerous flash through Chasha's eyes.  Something he didn't like.  He grabbed him by his shirt and lifted him off the ground bringing his nose close to his own mouth.  
"You listen to me.  Whatever fight you had with Brathoid, it's over now done.  If I find out that you have hurt him in anyway, if he goes missing, if he so much as stubs his toe I will cut you up piece by piece over a very long period of time.  Do you understand me?"
Chasha nodded but Logan was not convinced.  He dropped the Chieftain and walked out of the hut.  Margaret was running to catch up to him and Basha wasn't far behind.  When they got to their borrowed hut Logan finally acknowledged their presence. 
"He's going to kill Josia."
"He wouldn't, he's a good man."  Margaret said.
"I saw it in his eyes, trust me.  I've seen enough killing to know when someone has murder in their heart.  Basha, why does Chasha want to kill Josia."
"I 'ears at da fire dat Brathoid kill Chasha's son in battle."  Logan looked at Margaret.
"He can't stay here.  Josia, he can't stay here.  I don't care what Chasha says he will kill him, he'll find a way."
"He knows how important the sibling of the healer is.  He wouldn't jeopardize everything for a vendetta."
"Yes he would.  He doesn't care about the healer, the church any of it.  He wants power, I know his kind I am surrounded by them in Perns."
"He shares power here with the group of leaders you just met.  He cannot do anything or they would rise against him."  Margaret was very defensive in her tone and stance.  Logan had to get her to see reason.
"Josia will have to come with us.  He isn't safe here.  There could be others who want revenge against Brathoid."  Basha nodded in agreement..
"Der are some. Many people from different tribes 'ere and Brathoid kill many men in battle.  Me know two udders who 'ate us."
"Go find leaders you can trust and bring them here after the sun has set.  First we need to find Josia and protect him."  Basha left to follow the directions Logan had given him and Logan and Margret went to find Josia.  They found him playing with a group of kids by the water fall.  
"Josia."
"Logan!"  Josia ran to him a smile on his face and Logan's heart warmed at the sight of him.  
"Josia I need you to come with me. 
"Ok"
"Josia, your going to go to Perns with Margaret and I."
"Really?  I go look fer ma?" 
"You are going to have to stay with me.  We'll figure out the details as we go."  
When they returned to the hut they started packing they would have to leave in the morning and that wasn't soon enough for Logan. However the sun was setting and he didn't want to travel at night with a child and woman.  Better the danger he knew then the one he didn't. 

"Basha come in."  Four men followed him inside.  
"Hello, I asked Basha to bring you here because his group is in danger here because I do not trust Chasha."
"Why, Chasha good man, seer say so." 
"Yes, at his heart Chasha is good.  But sometimes good men make bad choices.  I do not know what choice Chasha will make, we want to be careful is all."  Margaret's soft voice was soothing and he almost thought he'd been wrong about the man. Almost. 
"Chasha hates Brathoid." Basha said.
"Ya, e appy e dead." A man confirmed Logan's suspicions.
"I only want to make sure that those children are safe.  It is important that they have more then just the few adults that came with them protecting them.  I am asking you to foster them to protect them."  
There was silence, no one said anything until Margaret spoke.
"Your groups are made up of the ones we bring, there are no tribes.  What is the problem?"
"Chasha not 'appy if we do."
"I realize that Chasha is the Chieftain but you all rule together."
"Only when ya or yars are 'ere. Chasha rule when ya not."
"What?!  That is not the way of it."  Margaret was outraged her body vibrated with anger.  Logan made a mental note not to make her angry.  "Go get the other leaders bring them her, NOW!"  The men left quickly obviously not wanting to upset Margaret. 
"You were right I can't believe you were right.  How did I not see it?"  
"He is still good, he hasn't done anything to hurt others, hasn't had to, until now.  You weren't wrong about his heart."  Margaret paced, furious at first but was soon able to get her emotions under control.  Logan didn't dare say anything, instead he played with Josia until the men returned.
"I want to know who here supports Chasha as Cheiftain?"
"We all do."
"Well, that needs to change.  You are all suppose to lead, protect, and care for everyone we bring here until they are safe to go home or find a new one.  Do you all understand that charge?"
"Ya" all the men said together.  
"Good.  Now Brathoid's people are going to need foster homes, they are mostly children unable to care for themselves.  They will be divided equally amongst you. You will care for them as you take care of each member of your group.  Will this be a problem?" Margaret's voice had a threatening edge to it.  The men looked like children who had just been scolded by a parent. 
"No."
"Good.  If any of those from Brathoid's tribe are harmed you will be held responsible.  Understand?"
"Ya."
"I am taking Brathoid's son with me to keep him safe.  The children left here are not Brathoid's they are just children needing protection.  The adults as well.  Remember there are no tribes here."
"Ya miss Margaret." 
"You are good people, don't let anything happen to change that.  Help each other to stay good. I am counting on you so that I can help bring more good people here."
"Ya Miss Margaret."
"Dank ya fer saving us from da Lowlanders."
 "Ya good."
 "We wan ta do good by ya."
"Yar our Chiefta we obey ya." 
"I just want the best for you.  I love you all and want you to be safe but if one of you does something to turn your heart bad it will break mine.  Basha will help you place his group into yours.  Be safe.  Logan and I leave in the morning with Brathoid's son.  Now off you go to your beds and thank you for your gracious hospitality, I am grateful for my wedding, thank you."  The men left after Margaret laid down the law.  Logan was impressed with his new wife and wanted to show her how impressed but Josia was still awake.  
"Come on bud time to sleep."  Josia lied down on a pile of straw in the corner and Logan tucked his cloak tight around his small body.  
"I excited canna sleep." 
"It's a long trip, try ok"
"Ok." He was such a sweet boy, how could anyone even think to hurt him?  He couldn't wait to get him away from here.  He slipped into bed beside Margaret and held her close.  He still couldn't believe this strong important and innocent woman was his wife.  He closed his eyes and the world went blank. 


Chapter 15:
The sky was red with fire, the heat burned his skin.  His sword was in his hand it was red with blood.  He smelled burning flesh and heard the screams of the wounded and dying.  A faceless man came at him with his sword held high.  Logan's sword was heavy in his tired arms, his muscles burned with fatigue.  The man swung at Logan's head and his sword deflected the deadly swing but he didn't have the strength to hold his sword and it clanged as it hit the ground.  The faceless man laughed as he raised his sword to kill him. 
"Logan what are you doing?"  
He turned and saw Margaret standing in the middle of the battle watching him.  He tried to move toward her to protect her from the faceless men but his feet were like weights he could only drag behind him as he crawled.  He tried to yell for her to run, to leave but his voice caught in his throat.  
"Horsey ride!"
He turned his head to see Josia riding on his back laughing.  The fires rolled behind him and he tried to stand to grab Josia but his hands were shackled to the ground.  
"Logan what are you doing?" 
He strained to see Margaret carnage all around her, the faceless men were coming.  
"Logan wake up, wake up Logan.  It's just a dream, a bad dream.  Logan wake up.  I've got you.  
Logan woke up startled and confused he didn't know where he was.  His body was wet from sweat.  He was breathing hard and his vision was blurred.  A hand came to his cheek and he grabbed it twisting it and he heard Margaret scream.  He dropped the hand looked at her as his vision cleared.  She was holding her wrist, tears falling down her face from the pain. 
"Oh my god, Margaret I am so sorry, I didn't know it was you.  Let me look at it.  I am so sorry."  He checked it over, thank the gods it wasn't broken but it was beginning to bruise.  "I am so sorry." He kissed her wrist not knowing what else to do to make things better.
"It's ok, I'm fine.  Really it's ok, I'm good."  She lifted herself up and kissed his cheek, his nose, his mouth. 
"Yuck, do ya gotta kiss sa much?"  Logan and Margaret looked at Josia sitting on his little bed in the corner and broke out laughing.  
"Yep, I love this woman and I love kissing her, it's fun!"
"Fun? Yuck, no fun ta kiss girls dey got yucky stuff on 'em."  Logan laughed.  
"Wait a few years.  Now it's back to sleep for you."
"Ok" Josia fell back onto his makeshift bed and fell right back to sleep.
"I wish I could fall asleep like that."  Logan was about to rise and tuck Josia in but was stopped by Margaret who had other ideas.
"I'm glad he does."  Her mouth was on his, her hands in his hair. 
He kissed her deep and thanked the gods for her.  There was nothing slow to their love making, this time both were in a hurry to join themselves to the other.  Logan rode the waves of desire until she cried out and then he let his passion fill her.  They laid quietly in each others arms.  Logan gently stroked her body and brought it in closer to his.
"Logan, your nightmares, can you tell me about them?"  Logan froze, every muscle tensed and he was still. Could he tell her? Say the words out loud?  "Logan, Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Trust me with your fears and demons I can help you." She laid her hand on his cheek and looked deep into his eyes. "I can see your pain it was deeper behind your heart when we met but now it is closer to the surface.  It is beginning to block your light.  I can't bare to see your light hidden by this pain.  Let me in."  He felt her looking deep inside him.  He felt her hands upon his mind opening the trunks.  "Please I will not hurt you, I love you." He felt the trunks he'd locked so long ago open and the images he saw frightened him.  He tried to protect her from seeing the blood, the carnage that was there but she only looked deeper and settled on his heart. "I can protect you too.  Tell me what is this I see in you?"  He knew he could not hide from her eyes but he could not find the words.  "Who is this young man I see?"
"His name is Jackson.  We grew up in court together.  We were closer then brothers, he was my best friend.  We were teenagers when we joined the army together, our fathers bought us commissions as captains and expected us to progress up the ranks quickly.  It was suppose to be easy, what did we know? We were young and full of ourselves.  We thought we'd go to battle and come back heroes, we came back disgraced.   He into exile and me into a life of protection."
"Why? What went wrong?"
"Our Colonel, Colonel Blithe, he took an interest in Jackson's career.  I was jealous, all the captains were.  They would have dinner to talk about strategy and warfare tactics while the rest of us ate at the mess tent.  We all thought Jackson was on the fast track but he wasn't he was being deceived and mislead.  During the battle when the order was to hold the line Colonel Blithe gave Jackson a signal to charge.  He charged opening a gap in our defensive line.  The other side must have known what was going to happen, it happened so fast.  Men dressed in black with black masks came out of nowhere and poured in through the gap Jackson left.  They were quick, strong, and there were so many of them.  My men, those who trusted me were hacked to pieces by their swords.  I fought hard, I killed a few but they kept coming.  My armour, my sword, they weighed on me, tiring me out."
"But you lived, you are here alive in my arms."
"Yes but so many died.  Everywhere I looked I saw my men bleeding.  I found another good childhood friend in the carnage, his name was Thomas he was still alive but badly wounded.  I held him while he cried for his mother.  I held him until his cries rang silent.  I lost so many friends that day and I was not hurt, not even a scratch."
"What about Jackson?" 
"He'd been surrounded but only a few in his company died that day.  The enemy would not attack them, they defended themselves and disarmed many of Jackson's weakest fighters, but they would not kill them.  When the battle was over the men in black disappeared as quickly as they had appeared.  They didn't take one of Jackson's men prisoner.  If it had not been planned it was certainly strange.  Strange enough for the higher ups to ask questions and order a court marshal."
"When you dream what is it that scares you most?"
"Usually it's that I can't protect my men, the faceless men rip them apart.  Lately though, you and Josia are there and I can't protect you.  My feet and hands are weighed down or bound and I cannot get to you."
"You are not alone.  You are still strong and brave but you are not alone anymore.  What happened when you came home?"
"There was a court marshal for Jackson.  He was tried and found guilty of treason against the king."
"They hung him? Did you see your friend die at the hangman's noose?"
"No, they didn't hang him.  His father is a powerful man, he was able to convince the king to exile him instead."
"He must be a powerful man if he could arrange that."
"Yes he is.  I saw Jackson when we were in Terra, while you were in your room.  He is a different person.  He used to be fearless, full of energy and ready for anything.  The man I saw in Terra is fearful, suspicious and I'd wager cautious." Margret sat up, placed both hands on his temples and closed her eyes.
"There are powerful men in Perns who play with the lives of others, I see their hearts and they are as black as ink.  They work behind closed doors waging war against each other and against nations to the South, East, and North.  You know these men, you have protected some and unwittingly helped others to achieve their evil objectives.  These men are presently working to control the King and want to start another war.  
The fates were with you on the battlefield that day when your life's ambitions were shattered ten years ago.  They protected you by wrapping themselves around you to keep you safe.  That is why you were not hurt, you were protected by strong magic but I cannot see why.  The fates say you have a destiny one more important then you can imagine.  You have saved many lives since that day by thwarting the attempts of others to kill them.  One life you saved will save many more.  I cannot see your destiny clearly but it entwines with mine.  The fates saved you for something bigger than one battle."
"Why didn't they save the others? Why didn't they stop Jackson?"
"They are too few.  What happened had to happen.  If the King had won the war all would of been lost."
"That doesn't make sense all was lost because we lost the war."
"No you only see your small part, your side.  You have to learn the bigger picture.  You are meant to find the truth.  The fates have been guiding you to it and it is almost time for you to find it.  There is someone, someone who is not who he is.  A Lowland nobleman, I see his face but I do not know him.  You need to find him and together discover why you lost the battle and learn the truth so you can win the war."
"The war ended, we lost." 
"The war never ended, it plays out in royal courts and behind closed doors by powerful black hearted men." Her voice was filled with terror and he wanted her to stop but she shook her head and put her hand to his heart.  "I was right, you are the right man.  You will protect the innocent."
"I already do, I protect you and there is no one more innocent in Eladonia."
Margaret closed her eyes and he felt something inside him leave, a heaviness that was apart of him.  She closed her hand on his chest, got up and left the hut.  He quickly threw on a cloak and grabbed hers to cover her naked body. When he caught up to her she was almost to the tree they were married under.  He threw the cloak over her and tried to hold her in his arms but she fought him.  He looked into her face and it was blank, her eyes seeing right through him.  She walked around him towards the tree he stayed close behind her ready to grab her if she went to close to the edge.  When she made it to the tree she fell to her knees, said something he could not understand and started digging with her free hand.  Then she shoved her clenched fist into the ground and buried the hole over.  
Her mission complete she stood took a couple of steps and vomited.  Logan grabbed her to support her, held back her hair and when she was done lifted her into his arms and returned to the hut.
"Logan, hold me."
"I am."  He was scared, she was shaking in his arms and crying.  He sat on the bed holding her close wrapping the blanket tight around her and waited.  After awhile she stopped crying and then stopped shaking. 
"Logan."
"Yes my love?" He bent to kiss the top of her head.  
"Do you know what happened?"
"No."
"I saw the past, the present, the future, the hearts of men and talked to the spirits.  No one, not one, has ever been able to do more than one of those things.  I did them all and I healed your pain.  No one can do that.  I'm scared."
"I know."
"Don't leave me alone please."
"I won't.  I'll never leave you." 
They were still sitting together in silence when the sun came up.  They didn't move until Josia woke and broke the spell that hung over them.  
"Mornin Logan, Miss Margaret."
"Morning Josia."
"We leave today?"
"Yes, we leave today." 
Logan was bone tired as he dressed and packed up the horses.  He could see that Margaret was worn right out but she kept on insisting they leave and soon.  She was spooked, so was he if he was honest with himself.  It was time to go face her father and then his father.  Neither would be pleased about their marriage but their fury would be nothing compared to the church's, especially if Margaret's new talents stuck.  Staying hidden on this ledge in the middle of nowhere was very tempting.  If he thought she would stay he'd of insisted on it but she had other plans, a silent war to fight and he would go to protect her and Josia.  He only hoped he was strong enough and big enough to protect them both.


The end

Thank you for reading Journeys in Eladonia the Soldier.  I hope you enjoyed the stories of these four people as they Journeyed through the mountain pass and their lives.  So what's next for Drela, Jackson, Logan and Margaret? A whole lot.  Their stories are tied into a power struggle that will have ramifications for more then them.  

If you liked this story please take a moment to rate them.  If you didn't you probably stopped reading long before now.  Please remember I do not have an editor to help me polish this story so please be kind!  

Comments can be sent to carennedy@gmail.com