The men were quiet, Theo snickered, he didn't know why he let himself be talked into this, it wasn't what he wanted, he never wanted any thing to do with anybody, of course except his Naya... he closed his eyes, he just knew that she was the herb queen, he couldn't quite place his finger on it, neither was he very sure, but he just felt that way.., but now he was going to the opening soon, that's all he needed, enough time to get close to her..
"What's that noise, someone whispered, and Theo shook his head to clear it,
"What did you hear?, Theo whispered back, and almost immediately, the sound of hooves was unmistakable, they were there, the lady wasn't lying, how did she.....
"You know what to do guys, look alive!, Theo said in a strong voice for motivation, and it seemed to work as they cheered in a little voice, then they were quiet again, the men on the horses entered the gate, and Theo could see the confusion on their faces, they looked like they expected them to be defenseless and hopeless, but what they saw.., well it was unexpected, Theo stretched his hands folding his palm, signalling for the men to hold, and be quiet, the bushes around them hid them from their sight, they entered looking confused then Theo stood up and aimed an arrow, at the person at the front he guessed was the leader, and shot after being certain he got his target, but the person was saved as another person jumped in front of him dying instantly, he was right after all, that was their leader...
Theo held out his hand and screamed with a powerful voice, Now!!!, and all the men stood up, and took the surprised visitors unawares, running to attack them, the clashing and clanging of steels and bodies, and the deep grunts of the men so deeply concentrated in battle, could be heard through out the struggles, but Theo had the advantage, they fought, and fought, and after several minutes , more of the enemies attached from the flank, just like she said, Theo thought, how the hell did she know!!!
Francis waited, he wanted to go and help Theo and his men, but he couldn't, he remembered her saying to him that his calm approach was important and was what could give them victory, he wondered why she cared, and he was starting to doubt her, why were they not here yet...
Then minutes trickled by, it took all his will power not to join them in the fight, and wait, but he smiled when it finally paid off, she was right, but how did she know what would happen so well, so accurately, Francis watched all of them enter and he waited another the minutes, giving the enemies enough time to have a coy look on their faces like they had won already, it was fun to watch him shock them mercilessly, he stood up and gave his battle cry as well before charging at them, the surprised people stared at Francis in confusion, and some tried to get away, but it was too late, they were slaughtered and victory came to the Edinburgh fighters,
Francis located Theo at the end of the battle and they hugged fiercely, and held on tight,
"You still need to improve Theo, Francis said and when Theo frowned in confusion he smiled. "You still fight like a girl!, Francis said laughing at him
Theo only eyed him, he was too tired to jest with him, then he walked away knowing Francis would follow him, to a spot not too far from the battle ground, because he was needed around...
"Francis how did she know..., how did she get every damn details, what is she?, Theo asked Francis in an unsure voice..
"I don't know.., Francis replied after a deep pause, I think she is..., I heard something but I have to confirm first.. in the mean time, you can't tell anyone at all of this gift if hers, okay?, Francis asked Theo with eyes seeking for assurance, and Theo nodded, Francis sighed, he knew he could trust him..
"Let's head back, we have alot of bodies to sort, and other things.., Francis continues walking back to the battle ground ..
"More like I have alot of things to finish.., Theo muttered to himself as he walked behind Francis, them Francis stopped suddenly and turned sharply to look at him in shock ,
" Why do you complain so bitterly all the time!?, what is the matter? are you on your monthly flow perhaps, he asked again jesting. but Theo snubbed him, walking away, he had to get back to work..
Mary cleaned a man's wound, luckily he was calm, the other one she was cleaning earlier convulsed like a beast. she was scared, but she couldn't show it, she couldn't leave him, not when she remembered the way she had cone to assist headstrong, after she was adviced not to, by the Duke, but she couldn't stay away, she came inside and held her handkerchief close to her nose, but now she couldn't think of such, she kept on cleaning his wound but discovered that the bleeding didn't stop, she cleaned it more frantically, trying to keep him alive, her eyes wild with panic, but she couldn't get it under control, she continued attacking the wound like a mad woman
"He is dead, Francis said behind her, holding her shoulders and she shook her head in denial, still cleaning the injury, in panic, and Francis held her shoulders firmly,
"He is dead!, Francis shouted, so she could get herself together, she stopped running, and just held the wound with her hands to stop the bleeding..
Francis watched her, this must be the first time she had witnessed a death, he thought protectively, it would be too much for her, too hard on her, she hung her head and he knew she was fighting tears, but he would much preferred she cried there and then, so he would know she was just another female, but she held on, not letting even a single tear slip from her eyes, she looked so strong for such a delicate look, she stood up slowly and smoothed her blood stained gown, then holding herself rigidly, she walked out, Francis stared after her, he knew he was supposed to go after her, and console her or something...., but he didn't care about that, not now, not ever, he had no feelings to give, they made one weak and foolish, and when they leave, either by death or went missing, they only bring heartache, then he remembered that he had no choice, what if she became unstable and decided to end her life, then he will be dead too, he cursed under his breath, then ran after her, unknown to him how his men looked at themselves with shock on their faces...
Mary walked out to the river, it was a beautiful place, where the rich smell of the earth was very strong, whenever she was sad, she always came here, to help her calm her nerves, she looked away, everything was her fault, she brought them out here to die, she couldn't believe she had the power to change her visions, does that mean she should have tried harder to save her father?, would she have succeeded?, she hung her head and the tears she was trying so hard to control rushed out, choking her, she sobbed loudly, crying hard, then she rolled her hands into fists and shouted with a teary eyes and voice...
"If I could save them, why didn't you tell me!, what is this gift!, or is it a curse!, why!...., why!, she shouted from where she sat, and got no answer, so she sobbed harder.., "I could have saved them.., she whispered slowly, her governess, her father, everyone, she could have saved them.., she thought..
Francis watched her from the safety of the trees, so he wasn't seen, he couldn't believe what he heard, so she was a sorceress, maybe she did this to him intentionally at that, he thought as much, she felt different, he hated them, and everything about them, he would make sure he found a way to end this, and then he would banish her for life, he couldn't believe he kissed a sorceress, and enjoyed it, that was the last he thought, he won't ever do that again!.....
As he walked away, he was angry and wasn't cautious so he stepped on a twig, and Mary turned sharply at the sound, cleaning her tears, she stood up quickly..
"Who is there?!, she shouted her question.. she was embarrassed to having being caught crying, a lady never cries in public..,
"I know someone is there, show yourself now!, Mary shouted again, a little more harshly this time, Francis shut his eyes in despair, maybe he should stay still she won't come here he thought, but she did the opposite, she started walking towards the trees, and he had to come out to save face, and reduce this awkward situation,
"It is just me, Francis said, walking out to see her narrowed eyes, and he drowned remembering what she was, and also because he felt it would throw her off, and make the situation less embarrassing.
"How long were you standing there for your grace?, she asked him and he cleared his throat..
"Long enough, he replied and saw her cheeks flaming liking flushed in what?, embarrassment?, why?, he should be the one embarrassed...
"I wasn't crying, she said quickly, and Francis almost smiled,
"You weren't?, I really thought you were wailing out there, Francis said, barely holding in his laughter..
"I wasn't okay?, he said through clenched teeth, "And besides its rude to stalk and peeper at a lady your grace, she said with a fake smile..
"I.., I wasn't stalking you my lady, I wasn't, I was merely....., he stopped when he saw the funny look on her face, "Forget it, he said as he stormed off, her laughter followed after him, and he frowned walking away,
Yes, she was a witch alright! a wicked one! ...