Woods of Hermatige Forest
1357

She ran as fast as she could. She hit the ground fast and hard and 
even when she thought she would pass out she kept going. She could
barely hear past the blood pounding in her ears, but still she kept 
running. Her life depended on it. 

She didn't know what had caused the
soldiers to start running after her, but the fact was that she could
still hear the thundering hooves of their horses behind her. Still
she ran.

She ran past brush, trees, and hard rock. She barely felt it as the 
rocks tore at her flesh and as she fell over the cliff she knew her 
body had remembered even as her mind had forgotten. 

Suddenly the pounding of her blood was replaced by the strength of the 
water as she sank to the bottom. She knew that the soldiers would hear 
the splash and turn to find her. They wouldn't though. They would look
on the shore, but to no avail because she would already be miles away.

She swam to the small cave at the bottom of the river and climbed in.
She took a moment to catch her breath and get herself centered. Once 
her breath was normal she moved deeper into the cave. Her body 
familiar with the tunnel traveled along without problem. 

It was a few miles before she began to see the light from the end. She 
kept her pace slow and steady and as she reached the opening 
peered out to make sure none of the King's soldiers were awaiting her.

With everything as it should be she left the cave. She was a little 
way off from where she began that day, and with morbid curiosity went
back to where she had first encountered the soldiers. Nothing was 
there and although the ground was disturbed there was no sign of 
something that would require the soldiers attention. 

As she took a step to go back she inhaled deeply. There was an 
odor in the air.  Something close to her was dying. She could 
smell blood and dirt mingled. She let her nose be her guide until 
she noticed a small patch of leaves collected together to cover 
something.

As she bent down she had to breathe through her mouth as the smell 
became putrid and filled her senses. She moved the leaves out of the 
way and as she did so she saw a human hand. 

Not prepared for that she fell back. After brushing herself off she got 
on her knees and started digging. It was a man. As she started 
digging and moving leaves she started to notice that this man was 
covered in a purple tunic. He was of royalty whoever he was. 

He was face down and what breathing was done was inhaling the unforgiving
ground. She rolled him over and cried with shock at the face. It was
King of Hermatige. She fell silent as she listened to see if anyone
had heard her noise. 

When the forest resumed it's noise she continued her inspection 
of the King. He had been stabbed several times and was
barely alive as it was. Any more time spent in the ground he would be
dead.

She brushed off as much dirt as possible. So dedicated in her task that
she didn't even think of any thing else. She finally had him in a place
where she could take him back to her small home. 

Thankful for being considered an outcast this one time she slowly 
made her way to the home. It was a mile and half off, but she 
knew that if she didn't start making preparations now the King 
would die in a matter of hours.

She prepared a small bed to lay him and with twine from her hair wrapped
it around and started to drag him with her. It was only with the 
silence now prevailing that she figured out what had happened. They
weren't going to rest until they found her, and as she started to panic she
took the small rusted charm around her neck and then laughed.

She was dressed as a young boy. Still the King's men were smart and with
a blood hound would be able to track her sent. Especially since she 
was carrying what could very well soon be a dead king. She took the 
time to think about what it was that she could do. It was going to take 
considerable effort on her part, but she was going to have to go in
circles to get the dog's sent mixed up and off of her trail.

It was a considerable time later when she was finally on her way back
to her own home. She had tended as much as possible to the King's 
wounds and with some of the herbs masked his near death smell while 
she walked back to her small home.

Once she entered into the door she quickly set to work getting everything 
ready to try and heal the King. Luckily he was still breathing. It 
was going to be a long time before he recovered, but she had never been 
able to let someone innocent die. Even if this innocent was the King.
She would used her strongest herbs, but refrained from her more lethal
herbs in case the King were to see it as witchcraft. Something she 
had no desire to be accused of.

She was lucky to just be considered an apothecary. Her life had not been 
the easiest, but she was not one to complain. God gave her the life 
she did for his reasons and she was content with that. She had a purpose
in her young life and she was going to try and fulfill that destiny.

~*~
Bennett Manor
1357

Prudentia knew how dangerous it was for her to be here. Perhaps that 
was part of the appeal, but she knew there was much more to it than 
what someone could see on the surface. Yes, he would be killed if they 
were ever found out, but something in them made it seem worth the risk.

She did three knocks to signal her arrival and then opened the door. 
She walked into the small room and noted the only sound piercing the 
silence was his snoring. She knew he was tired. After all in the last 
duel he had fought for her hand and had won. She knew he was tired, 
but that didn't stop her from coming to see him.

She was forced to watch him all day as he was in constant battle. She 
had to endure sitting next to her father all day and his backhanded 
comments. She was sick of it all and she needed his reassurance. That 
was what she came to get. He had always felt like home to her and now 
with the threat that she was about to leave she needed him now.

She stripped her clothes and made her way into his bed. She snuggled 
up to his back and wrapped her arms around him. He turned around to 
face her still sleeping. She smiled at him and with her fingertips 
traced his face. She gave him adoring kisses when she reached some of 
her favorite parts, but it was the kiss on the lips that woke him up.

He did a little jump when he woke up, but quickly calmed down when he 
realized who it was. No reason he hadn't woken up. Her presence alone 
made him calm down and not worry near as much as he usually did. Of 
coarse that was only when she was with him like she was now. When he 
guarded her from her enemies he had nothing but fear in his body.

He couldn't let anyone or anything hurt her. It had been that way since 
he was young and his father wouldn't let him leave her side. His 
father had told him that he had a duty to protect her and that he should 
never fail. To this day he hadn't failed her. At least not in a 
physical way. Their love was an endangerment to them both. His 
punishment was death and hers was poverty and a cage.

Even though both knew this they still came to one another at night. The 
shadows hiding their secret. He smiled at her, "I'm glad you came." he 
whispered to her. 

"I had to come and see you." she whispered back.

His response to her was a tender kiss, but Prudentia was not satisfied 
with that. She captured his lips in a searing kiss. Her arms went around
his head and she pulled his body to hers.

He broke the kiss and moved his head to her throat and started to kiss 
downward. He was delighted to know that her clothes had been shed 
before she came into bed. As he kissed his way down her body he remembered.
He remembered how they had come to be like this. How when she was 
younger they were mere friends, but he had always protected her. She 
had never had to worry about her safety because he was always there 
watching her and making sure that nothing, not one person would ever 
harm the most precious thing in his life.

He remembered the day that she found out she was betrothed to the King 
of Hermatige. She had cried for what to him seemed like the first time.
She had told him of plans to live life as much as she could. Not be 
like the other girls that went to court, but to be her own woman. She 
had even been taught to read and write which was something not many of 
her kind had done. 

That was the day they had their first kiss. It was  soft and more of a 
comfort kiss, but it was still a kiss. Her eyes and attitude toward him 
had softened and changed. Suddenly she was confiding in him and found 
someone else to tell her troubles to.

He had asked her about it once, and she had told him that his perspective 
was different than Phoibe's was and that she liked that. He left it at 
that. Grateful that they were becoming more than protector and protected.

Soon though it wasn't enough and the passion caught up with them. They 
knew it was wrong, but they couldn't stop themselves. Sometimes he 
thought she went along with their arrangement because she wanted to defy 
her father, but other days he knew better.

Now here he was this wonderfully gorgeous naked woman who wanted him.
Their passion increased and soon they were floating back to earth together.
"I'm glad you came." he whispered. 

She smiled at him and gave him a kiss "Me too." she whispered back. 

Before either could go further though, there was a tiny knock at the door. 
The couple froze. "Prudentia." a voice called from the other side. 

Both turned to one another knowing the voice. Prudentia got dressed 
and turned back to a very naked Andrew. "I'll see you later." she kissed him 
and then walked out the door.

Phoibe didn't even blush when she saw Prudentia's put together appearance.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but your father is calling for you." Phoibe 
explained as they walked through the garden toward the manor. 

"It still seems early." Prudentia muttered. 

"Only because you didn't visit your sick friend until very late this morning." 
Phoibe replied. 

Prudentia turned to give her an un-amused look, but smiled when she saw that 
Phoibe was teasing her. "Do you know what my father wishes to speak to 
me about?" She asked as they entered the manor. 

"No. Your father didn't say, but I hope you prepare yourself for the worst." 
Phoibe advised.

Prudentia nodded and all the way to her bedroom was nothing but silence.
Phoibe knew that Prudentia did not wish to get married, especially to 
the King, but she was gladly trade her places at any time. Being a 
servant gave her such a small cage and although Prudentia had her own 
cage it was much bigger than hers. Being Prudentia's Lady-in-waiting 
certainly did not help. It was hard to be so close to having everything 
she desired, but knowing that it was not for her.

Prudentia had tried her best to make the best for her friend, but she 
could only do so much. Prudentia couldn't help her position in life 
anymore than Phoibe could hers. 

As they were about to leave Prudentia pushed passed her to the chamber 
pot and relieved the content of her stomach within. 

"Are you okay?" Phoibe asked with concern. 

Prudentia was too shocked and scared to answer. 

Phoibe took a cloth and patted Prudentia's forehead with it. "I will send 
one of the maids to tell your father that you are not feeling well."

"No Phoibe don't do that. I will be fine. Just give me a few moments."
Prudentia sighed. 

"Are you angry at me?" Phoibe asked as Prudentia's tone. 

"I'm not angry, but this way of life is getting to me." Prudentia
sighed. 

Phoibe tilted her head and gave her a look of sympathy. 

Prudentia looked back at her, "I know you are too. Sometimes I wish we 
could trade places."

Phoibe shook her head, "But we can't, and right now if we don't get 
you to your father then you are going to have it worse." she warned 
and helped her friend up. 

"Thank-you Phoibe. You have been such an amazing friend. I don't know 
how to repay you." 

Both girls were struck at the honesty of that statement because there 
was truly nothing that Prudentia could do. Phoibe held a high position 
and there were many girls that would kill for that position. Phoibe could 
hope to go no higher. 

They looked at one another one last time and then with Phoibe's help
Prudentia got to her feet and walked out of her chamber. 

As they came closer to the Great Hall Phoibe fell a step behind Prudentia 
as was the custom. Not something either girl really liked, but then again 
what in this life was fair? 

As Prudentia came to the door leading to the hall she paused and looked 
at Phoibe and smiled, "It will be fine,with God's grace it will be fine." Then 
with all the strength she could muster walked in.

"Lady Prudentia." the guard announced.

Everyone in attendance stood up and waited as Prudentia walked toward 
to where her father was seated. Lord Bennett was in all his finery 
except that this time his wenches were not in attendance. Prudentia's 
heart grew cold. She suddenly knew what she had been summoned for.

"Daughter." he greeted when she finally stood before him.

"Father." she greeted back. 

He gave her a small smirk indicating that he knew of her contempt of him 
and his ways. "I have some business to discuss with you." 

Prudentia didn't say anything and waited for him to continue. 

"As you know you were betrothed to the King of Hermatige.
Well the King is finally ready to be married. I have received a letter 
this morning and he is calling for you posthaste." he explained.

"When will I be leaving sir?" her question was not timid or angry, but 
something that Prudentia never was, resigned.

"In a fortnight. He is sending some of his guards to accompany you to 
his castle. It seems that woods that separate our kingdoms are not 
very safe. They will be here shortly."

"Very well." she said. 

She was poised to turn and leave when he stopped her, "You might know 
now that a guard will be posted outside your room and will walk with you 
everywhere. I have no intention of letting you run away."

Prudentia's back stiffened. She snarled inside at his audacity. She 
didn't acknowledge his comments and with the grace she possessed began 
to walk toward the exit.

--

Phoibe had been pacing while Prudentia was in the great hall. She had 
heard some of the maids talking and knew what was Prudentia's fate. She 
grieved for her friend. She grieved for herself. Their future was 
entwined together just as much as their past was. 

"Grams" had always told them that no matter what may happen that 
they were to remain true to one another. Where one went the other would 
follow and that was something that had happened all of their life.

When Phoibe had decided to runaway when she was ten, Prudentia followed 
her. They hadn't gotten past the gates of the manor, but when Phoibe was 
going to be punished Prudentia stepped in for her and had taken her 
punishment. Phoibe had always felt they were more like sisters than 
actual friends, but that of course was not true.

Phoibe didn't know who her mother was nor her father. Grams had told 
them that she was swaddled on the doorstep to the manor. Lord Bennett 
was going to send her away, but his wife took the child. Phoibe of 
course wouldn't have been allowed to be an adopted daughter, so they 
did the only thing they could think of. They made her Prudentia's lady
-in-waiting.

Phoibe's head jerked up when the doors opened. She saw Prudentia hadn't 
started crying yet, but the tears were just on the brims of her eyes.
Phoibe didn't say anything, but took Prudentia into her arms and with 
all her strength walked her friend back to her room.

"The King of Hermatige has... he has... summoned for me." she stated, 
trying so very hard to keep the tears in. Prudentia wasn't much of a 
crier, and really didn't believe in crying, but there were times, such 
as these that she couldn't keep the tears back. 

Phoibe simply held her friend and let her tears soak through her clothes. 
Phoibe didn't say anything, what could she say? Her friend was about to 
be the one thing that she had always dreaded most.

Soon the tears subsided and Prudentia became silent. Phoibe wouldn't 
push her for more. One of the downstairs maids brought food to 
Prudentia's room, but she wouldn't eat it. Phoibe left her for the 
night allowing Prudentia's fate to stir in her mind. 

When Phoibe finally left, Prudentia didn't acknowledge it. Her mind was racing
with every fate possibly imaginable and not one of them were pleasant. If she 
left with Andrew then Phoibe was left behind. If she took Phoibe with 
her something else would happen. Her fate was sealed and there was 
nothing that she could do.

Well there was one thing she could do. She took every caution that she 
normally did and snuck out of her room and out of the manor. Andrew 
and the other soldier's quarters were located out of the main manor's 
building. She crept along making certain that no one saw her as she 
made her way to his room. 

She didn't knock when she got there and barged in. Andrew was no where 
to be found. Which just upset Prudentia even further. She didn't want to 
sneak back and so with the strength she had left curled up on his bed 
and fell asleep.

When Andrew walked back into his room he was very surprised to see 
Prudentia asleep on his bed. He went to her and started shaking her 
awake. 

"Andrew?" she questioned as she let the sleep leave her eyes.

"Prudentia what are you doing here? You are suppose to be in your 
room." 

"I had to talk to you Andrew. Something has happened." She 
started to explain, but he interrupted her, "I know, the King of 
Hermatige has called for you, but you need to get back to your room 
now!" he urged her and even went as far as to pick her up and start 
walking her out of his room. 

"No! That is not what I've come to talk with you about!" Prudentia shouted.

Andrew put her down, "Then what is it?" he asked. Caring, but very 
anxious for her to get back to her room. 

"I'm...We...well..."

"Spit it out." he snapped. 

Her eyes flared and she looked like she wanted to slap him, "We're going to 
have a baby." she stated and with that flung the portal opened and 
started to walk out. 

He grabbed her arm and yanked her back into the room shutting the door 
all in one fluid motion. "What?" he asked.

"I've been caught." she stated. 

All of Andrew's emotions played on his face. "Is it truth?" he finally asked. 

"Would I lie about something like this?" Prudentia snapped. 

Her anger was evident, "No, but this just complicates things even further." 

She gave him a look, "Surely you jest Andrew. I don't know how this could 
possibly cause us more problems." her sarcasm in full swing. 

He gave her a look, but said nothing. "Listen, you need to get back to you 
room. It is very important you get back to your room. I will see you soon." 
he kissed her and then pushed her out the door.

--

Phoibe was having problems. She had just heard men's voices outside of 
her own room. Phoibe had heard Prudentia sneak out nearly half an hour 
ago, and with the only she could think to do, snuck into Prudentia's 
room. Perhaps it would at least fool those that wanted to make sure 
that Prudentia hadn't snuck out.

As she waited with bated breath someone opened the door. She silenced 
herself as much as possible, but it was to no avail. The looming 
figure stopped and looked over the bed. Phoibe waited and then all 
of sudden she was lifted into the air. A hand crushed over her mouth 
keeping her from screaming.

Prudentia rounded the stairs to see one of the upstairs maids looking 
into her bedroom. "What is it?" Prudentia demanded. 

"Phoibe... she's been taken..." the girl was stuttering. 

Prudentia flew to her room Phoibe's room to confirm it's truth. Phoibe 
was no where to be seen. She ran down the stairs and was making her 
way to Andrew's quarters when she ran into him. "Someone kidnapped 
Phoibe." 

Andrew shook his head. "They were suppose to kidnap you." Andrew told her.

"Me? How do you know?" 

"My half brother was going to help me. He was going to kidnap you and I 
was going to come for you when it was safe." Andrew groaned at the 
failure of his plan. He should have known something would have gotten 
screwed up. After all he knew that Prudentia was unpredictable and of 
course tonight of all nights would be no different.

"What do we do now?" Prudentia asked.

"We run." Andrew answered.

End of Part I