This is not the final copy neither is it finished...
Introduction
In the land called Belle Tarr we find a 17-year-old boy who's job is to watch sheep but right now he seems to be doing something else…
Chapter 1 Antony held fast to the stones lest he lose his grip and fall 20 feet down to the wet grass. He struggled against the persistence of the vines that threatened to consume him. Almost there, He thought as he climbed the castle wall, just…a few…more…There! Looking into the most beautiful garden he had ever seen, He then waited for the city clock to shrike 1:00, which it did precisely two minutes later. He looked toward the two pillars with the door between them and just as he knew would happen, two servants came out followed by rich powdered faced women and young ladies. Their clothes were of the finest silk and their hair was done by the finest. He watched exactly ten women stride through the pillars and head for the chairs surrounding an oval shaped table made of true silver. He then looked again at the door, awaiting the reason he had gone to the all trouble of climbing 20 feet off the ground. And there she was, the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. She had her hair done up in a sweeping manner that suggested she was very proper and she had the most eloquent dress on. She walked gracefully down the two steps and headed for the nicest chair at the head of the table. Antony couldn't keep his eyes off of her as she moved to set down. She had on a pink floor length dress that lightly blew in the wind. The top of her collar was two inches below the collarbone and the top of her dress was twisted in such a way that it looked like it was woven. Her sleeves were of net material with a flower pattern that made the dress perfect. The rest of the women sat down after the young girl took her seat. "Have you ladies heard of the new law passed in Dinsic?" one of the ladies asked as she set down her teacup. "Oh, yes! Isn't it just awful!" another replied with exasperation. "I can't believe the King of Dinsic would pass such a law", a third chimed in. "What law do you speak of?" A young girl of 17 named Lydia asked. "You mean you haven't heard?!" the first women asked rather surprised, "Well," she went on with out waiting for a reply, "The King passed a law saying all women ages 12 and up were to where a veil at ALL times!" "Oh, that IS awful!" she replied and then asked the younger girl who had caught Antony's attention, "What do you think of this, Princess Jovin?" "Well, while I don't agree with the age or the fact that they have to where it all time, I do agree that women should cover up their face most of the time." Although the answer was said with much thought and seem wisdom, everyone knew that wasn't her opinion but nobody said anything. As the women chattered on Antony noticed the princess motion a servant over and whisper in her ear. The servant took her cup and five minutes later the servant came back with more in her cup and with something else mixed in it. She took a sip and set it down, a few minutes later she had visibly relaxed. The others noticed this and exchanged knowing looks. This happened every time they had tea with the princess. After about ten minutes of talking she would have the servant bring her medicine that would ease her headache. They all knew it was them talking but it never crossed their mind to stop talking.
" " "
Antony startled when he heard the clock strike 2:00. Here he was listening the women talk when he was supposes to be at home! He practically jumped off the wall and started gathering his sheep together. Once all the sheep were herded together, he hurriedly directed them toward home. He went through 5 miles of beautiful mountain land and then finally came out into a more spacious mountain range. He headed for the closed in fence and directed the sheep inside. Once he had made sure that they were all in, he slowly headed toward the small cottage some 30 yards away. He knew what would happen when he walked in, his father would yell at him and compare him to his brother. Then he'd find a reason to yell and beat his mother or even his sister all because he was 45 minutes late. Antony braced himself before he went through the old rugged door. He's father was pacing across the small kitchen slash family room. "Were have you been?" His father asked in a low menacing voice. "I'm sorry father, I got distracted." He answered in a quite voice. "Oh, you will be sorry when you have to do double chores and miss your supper for the Whole week." He father said, rising his voice with every word. "Yes sir", He replied as he started toward the stairs that would lead to the attic he and his brother shared. "Do know what this could do to our business?" His father asked. Antony stopped short and turned around, anger in his eyes, "Yes SIR I do, but the question is do you?" his father opened his mouth to reply but Antony cut him short. "All YOU do all day is stay locked up in your workshop and does who knows what. Then later that night go gamble off mine and Carder's hard-earned work." "What I do in my workshop and in town is none of your business," his father was yelling now. "It is when you spend all our money and leave us hardly enough bread for three people." Antony would of gone on but his mother intervened. "Why don't you two go your separate ways and cool off. Later you guys can discuss it like two respectable men." His father gave her a hard look but turned around and headed for his workshop, but while he was leaving Antony heard him say under his breath, "Why can't he be more like his brother?" Antony turned and stormed up the stairs. He opened his door and ran straight into his older brother who was on his way down to start delivering sheep. "Wow! You and Pa have another fight?" Carder asked as Antony threw himself on his cot. "Yea, something like that" "What was this time?" "I was late bringing in the sheep, like its that important" He said with exasperation. "I agree with that, but 45 minutes is quit along time" "Yea, Yea, I know" "Where were you anyways?" his brother curiously asked, "No were important" He replied "Oh come on it must have been important enough for you to be 45 minutes late" "I don't want to talk about it" and with that Antony got up and headed down stairs where he knew he would get some fresh water and a small portion of bread. Down stairs his sister was helping their mother prepare what little supper they had. "Hey Sis," he said tugging her long blond braid. "Hey don’t do that," Bethina said in a hurt tone but she was smiling. "Where have you been anyways?" she asked. His mother gave him water and he went to the table and sat down. "Oh I've been here and there" "You know when your suppose be home, you shouldn't wander off" his mother scolded "Yea, I got that" Antony was getting impatient. "Don't get upset, I was just reminding you," she patiently said. "Yes ma'am " He reluctantly said. Just then Carder came down the stairs "Are you ready to go deliver the sheep." "Yea, give me a minute" He took one last bit of his bread, grabbed his coat and stick, and headed after his brother.
" " "
King Danechie pasted the tile floor of his thrown room. How could such a thing in the eyes of a twenty year old be so simple and yet as a forty year old it was so difficult? Once again the memories flashed before his eyes, their armies marching day and night to reach their destination. Their main strategy was to strike from all sides, he and his men were to come over the mountains from the west, his brother was to come from the south, the Commander was to come from the north, and his father was to come from the east. Everything was looking so good for them, they had better leaders then them, they out numbered them, and their men were better trained. The women and children were at home awaiting their victorious men, but that was not to be. At the rising of the sun they had all been ready for attack, all they had to do is wait for the signal. One minute after sunrise they saw their signal, a burgundy and white firework. At his command they charged down the mountain, destroying every thing in their path. At the halfway point of the mountain they came a half a mile from the palace walls. They charged full speed across the field of grass but just before his men charged Denechie saw a guard run inside the palace to warn the royal family. He and his men started climbing the palace wall. They landed in various places, some in a large courtyard, some in a small courtyard, but Denechie landed in a beautiful medium-sized garden. He looked around quickly and saw no one around. He hurried through a door between two pillars. Two guards were at their stations, ten feet away, unaware of the situation until they saw Denechie running toward them with his drawn sward. Caught by surprise, they were easily cut down. Denechie moved on, killing anybody in his way. He ran through the corridors as if he had been doing it for years and in a way he had. He had studied the palace maps more then he had his Latin or Greek. Finally, he came to the courtyard that would lead him to the royal families private courtiers. He hid behind a large tree and watched as the guards fought his men. He was waiting for the just the right moment to slip in. That moment came ten minutes later when the guard guarding the door got distracted by one of his men and ran after him. Unknowtist, Denechie slipped through the big iron doors and down the hallway. He turned a sharp corner and ran strait into twenty or some bodyguards of the royal family, and right in the middle of them all was the Queen of Belle Terr and her children. Denechie knew he could never fight all twenty guards, but he knew he had to try. With all his might he charged into the mist of them. After five minutes of fighting he was overcome by a few guards and pinned to the ground. The edge of sward being against his throat almost prevented him from hearing the ping of a special metal, but he did hear it and he drew new strength. His men were in the mist of them and had every thing in control. So he looked around for the royal family. He saw them just as they rounded a corner. A man charged him and for the next 30 seconds he fought the man. He killed the man, turned round, and ran after them. Being in long dresses like the Queen and princess were in made it extra easy for Denechie to catch up to them. Plus the prince was only 10. They turned a sharp corner; Denechie quickly followed them to the corner. He looked around the corner and seeing nothing at first, but then he noticed part of the floor move. He crept up to the part that had moved, kneeling down he felt around for some kind of lever. Soon he felt an indent in the tile, he put his finger between the two tiles and pulled back. It slowly moved aside making a grinding sound. He jumped up and grabbed a lamp from the wall. He stepped into the hole, which turned out to be steep stairs, closing the trap door behind him he headed down the stairs. He went down the stairs for what seemed like forever, but finally he hit soled ground. He timidly walked a few steps and soon wished he hadn't. Thee steps later he hit the ground, falling. - - - He broke out of his reverie when a servant walked in with fresh fruit and a glass of wine. The servant bowed and quickly left the room. As the servant left, the king's adviser walked in. "You seem troubled, Your Majesty, what seems to be the matter?" "Oh, don't give me that" the king said with edge to his voice, "You know exactly whats wrong. And of course you don't help much, you party all night and sleep half the morning. Be thankful your distant family" "Of course your Majesty, you are correct" his adviser replied, "but I might add that I have given it deep thought and have come up with a possibly good plan." "Oh really?" sarcasm evident in the kings voice, "Well, in that case Tuvico set down have some fruit and tell me ALL about it"
" " "
Princess Jovin woke up to the sound of her maids rushing around her bedchamber. She sat up and stretched. "Good morning, princess", her head maid said, "Get up and get dressed, you have a lot to do today. Plus, from what I hear, your father has a surprise!" "A surprise! Really?! What is it!" Jovin jumped out of bed and started getting dressed. "It’s a surprise, your not suppose to know. And even I don’t know what it is." Jovin gave Hona a smile in answer, "Will you lace my dress?" After getting dressed, she headed to the dining hall. She drew near the big brass doors, her maids right behind her. She had been doing this ever since she was five, going to breakfast and eating with out dropping a crumb, going across the palace for her Latin, history, and mathematics for five hours, eating lunch, going to the dreaded tea, and last but not least she'd go the court room to sit and listen to her father do business. The men standing in front of the doors opened them. Jovin looked at the eloquent but simple dining room. The pillars on each side of her were made of silver with little design. Strait ahead was the table fit for 12 or so people. Her slippers slid gently across the marble floor and her rose dress grassed the top of her toes. The room was large but they only used the middle of it. The rest of the room was made up of pillars with a lamp on each one. The only decoration was a portrait of her great, great grandfather that was hanging on the wall behind her father, Her father being at the head of the table. "Good morning, Father" Jovin said as she sat across from her father. "Morning, my Angel" he replied with a smile and a mysterious twinkle in his eye. "What are your plans for today?" "Oh, the usual. What about you?" "The usual." He said bluntly For a few minutes there was complete silence, then a servant ran in, "Your Majesty there seems to be a problem with the…" The servant then noticed the princess. "Pardon me" the servant left in a hurry. Confused, Jovin looked at her father "What was that about?" "Oh, that? It was nothing." He hastily said. Few minutes went by, "Hona, my head maid, said you had a surprise for me, when can I see it Father?" "Surprise? Your maid must have only heard rumors." He seemed genuinely distressed. The day went by with only a few mishaps, three of the head servants had an accident with large portions of food, a fire stove caught on fire but was easily put out, and her teachers seemed to be distracted which made it hard to learn. But when a servant told Jovin to go to her room after lessons instead of going to tea, she started to wander. When she got to her room Hona told her that her father wanted her to dress in a nicer dress. She pointed at a dress on Jovin’s bed. Jovins mouth dropped and her eyes got wide. The blue dress was made up soft light blue silk and dark blue silk, the dark blue silk having the design of flowers "This dress? For tea?" "Yes, and don’t forget the diamond necklace." She handed her a necklace with diamonds hanging on strings all around it. "I don't understand, I'm just going to tea with the other Princess’ and Ladies" "Just following orders" Hona said matter of factly, "Now lets get you dressed." It takes 5 minutes to get from the lesson room to the garden where they usually have tea, but having to put another dress on and having to redo her hair, it was an hour before she finally got to the garden doors. The doors opened and she stepped into the light. "Surprise!" For the second time that day Jovins mouth dropped. Why are these people here? Where did you all come from? When did you get here? All of these questions swarmed in her head, but before she could ask any of them she was pulled to a big table with flowers and sweets. They sat her down at the head of the table where a cake decorated with rubies and gold, sat in front of her. And in the middle the number 17 was printed with off-white frosting. Jovin looked up at her father, "But I don't turn 17 for another week." "Yes, I know, but we are celebrating it early because I will be gone on your birthday" "Gone? Where are you going?" "We will talk about it later, for now lets enjoy the party" This was way better then having tea with know it ladies, that is with the exception of her best friend, Lydia. Everything was going just wonderful, until her father stood up to speak. He looked at the 60 some people and then at he's daughter. "I hope you are all having a great time, I know I am." He said joyously, then with a more serious tone he continued "As you all know at the age of 17 a girl is legally a women. And as a women she must choose a husband." Jovin looked up in shock. Surly her Father wouldn't make her marry at the age of 17. He went on, "And as a father I have the right to chose my daughter's husband. But I've decided the let her chose in between two men. I expect her to be married by next year." Everyone clapped and cheered. Jovin couldn't believe what she heard, she wasn't ready to marry. Her father talked on, "The two men I picked are in these very garden." Silence fell on the crowd. "I would like to present to you Prince David of Disnic and Duke Balen of Marcey." Two young men stepped out from the crowd. Prince David was handsome but Duke Balen was less attractive. The men stepped up, bowed, and kissed the hand of the princess. Still shocked, Jovin just stood there. "Father, may I have a word with you?" ”Not now sweetie, why don't you enjoy yourself and get to know the young men now" Jovin reluctantly followed the men to her table. How could her father do this to her. He had promised she wouldn't have to marry until she was 21. What made him all of the sudden want to marry her off? But she had to wait for the whole evening to be over before her questions were answered.
Chapter 2
The evening went by in a haze. When she took her seat she had no idea what she was about endure. Her first impressions of the two men were the following:
Two men, one tall with black wavy hair the other short with long brown hair to his shoulders. The tall one, David, was quite and resurved. The only time he spoke was when he was spoken to. His face was handsome with a strong jawbone and a tan body tone. Added to that he had the most beautiful blue eyes Jovin had ever seen. The short one, Balen, was the nerves type. He kept fidgeting in his set and every time he would speak he would stutter. His face wasn’t handsome but if he didn’t open his mouth he would come across as a thoughtful and deep thinker. After trying to eat every thing on her plate to satisfy the cooks, the cake was cut and the presents were brought out. Each gift was eloquent, beautiful and expensive. Prince David gave her a beautiful set of gold earrings. Duke Balen gave her satin-covered combs with red rubies attached to the top. She smiled and said thank you to both but inside her heart had twisted into knots of anger towards her father and agony towards the future that lay ahead of her.
- - -
Antony was deep in thought as he headed for home guiding the sheep. Married. How could the girl of my dreams be getting married? When he saw the party he thought it was going to be a very eventful day, but he didn’t know how eventful.
He was still thinking of the princess when he passed his father’s workshop. Normally he would just pass by without a thought but this time he heard an unfamiliar voice.
“Is this All you have? When we give you six weeks we expect more then seven crates.”
“Yes, sir, but when you have a family of five you have to feed them.”
“Ha! Since when have you cared about your family? Most likely you spent all your money on beer.”
“What I do with my money is none of you business.”
“It is when it effects the out come of your work and seven crates is a very poor out come.”
He heard his father grunt and the stranger spoke again, “I’ll take what you have now but next time I expect at least twice as much.” He heard footsteps coming toward the door and he back against the wall. And to his surprise the town’s chief stepped through the door and walked towards the woods. A few minutes later four men came out of the woods and went into the workshop. Soon they came out with seven crates and disappeared into the woods.
Confused and bewildered he went into his house. “What is the matter, Antony” his mother asked her son when he come in with a strange look on his face.
He answered with a question, “Is dad doing some kind of business with the towns chief?
“Fran Shuffin?, not on your dad’s dead body! Don’t you remember the incident a while back? They don’t talk, remember?”
“Oh, right….well I’m going to wash up for supper.” Still confused he went out to the pump to wash up.
“ “ “
“But daddy! You promised!”, Jovin was at the edge of tears as she begged her dad not to make her marry.
“Darling, Try to understand that when I made you that promise we were in a different situation. Your mother was alive, the economy was better, and we didn’t have any trouble with the neighboring countries.”
“Trouble?”, Jovin sat up, “What trouble?”
Her father sighed, “I didn’t want you to know because its not that important but we have received reports of small attacks on the southern and eastern border.”
“What?! I thought we made peace with Disnic and Marcey twenty years ago, why are they attacking us?”
“We don’t know whos attacking it could be either of them, which is why you need to marry now.”
It then click in Jovins head. Her father wanted her to marry to avoid any more conflict with other countries. With an alliance there would be no war and they could continue their lives in peace.
“Oh”, she looked down at her dress but then looked up with a quisative face, “How do I know whom to choose then?”
“Well, that all depends, we have spies out there trying to find out who is attacking us. Once we know for sure you will marry to that country to avoid bloodshed. Mean while just have fun with both of the young men”, her father gave her a smile and then dismissed her.
Jovin couldn’t believe her father, he was going to use her and it didn’t seem to bother him. Right there and then she determined, no matter what she had to do, not to marry.
Running to her chambers she grabbed paper and started writing down the things she would need.
She was running away. She had never like being a princess anyway. She spent the rest of the day gathering what she needed. She knew it would be impossible to leave during the night because the guards were doubled at night. Putting her bag under her bed, she fell asleep planning exactly how she would get out of there.
~ ~ ~
King Danechie laughed to him self as he heard the results of the attacks. The King of Belle Terre had no idea what was going on. With this minor distraction he could concentrate on the real work.
To the king surprise, Tuvico’s plan was working. Had he realized how handy Tuvico could be he would of listened to him years ago. Though he never did admit it, he knew if his father had listened to Tuvico 20 years ago all would be different…
Danechie fell for 50 feet before he hit hard concrete and sprained his ankle. Feeling in the dark he started to craw. He didn’t make it for before he hit a wall. Turning he stared to craw again only to hit another wall. And again he crawled. Hit another wall. And then stopped to rest. While resting her heard voices. “Momma, are we almost there. I’m getting tired.”
“Just a few more steps, Sweetie”
Denechie stiffened. The voices were getting closer. He had to get out of there. He had dropped his sward when he fell and the torch had gone out during the fall. Again he heard the voices. “Here we are, Javia go get the fire started. Jasper get the wood for your sister.”
Seeing a small glimmer of light shining on the ceiling, Denechie started backing up. But before he hit the wall, He ran into what feel like tree stumps. Turning around and looking he saw, with the ad of the torch, a pile of firewood. Before he could even think about it another trap door in the wall opened up and a flood a light washed across his confused and tried face.
“Momma?” Jasper asked in alarm, “What is that man doing in the storage room?”
“Man?” The Queen asked as she took the torch from Jasper, “What are you talking about?”. Opening up the trap door, she looked in. Stepping away quickly she told the children to back away. Javia, Jella, and Jasper all huddled in the corner. They heard some rustling and then the creak of the trap door. Through the door stepped out one of the most handsome men Javia had ever seen. Being 16, Javia was old enough to marry and was always looking. Thinking that such a handsome man would never hurt a pretty girl like herself she stepped out from the shadows to get a better look. He was tall. He had short black hair covering a hard face with a strong jaw. Noting his great body, Javia spoke up, “Who are you?”
Before he could answer the Queen commanded, “Javia! Get back.”
Realizing who they were Danechie smiled. “Well, I knew we would win the war but I didn’t realize how easy it would be.” Pointing to the corner with his sward he commanded, “All of you come into the light so I can see you.” Studying them as they stepped forward, he noted the beauty of the eldest. “And whats your name?” he asked pointing to Javia.
Smiling up at him, Javia replied sweetly, “Javia.”
- - -
A week had gone by and Antony was still wandering what his Father was up to. In an attempted to find out he went through the little bit of stuff his Father had in his room. Nothing added up. A few years ago the chief and his Father got in this big fight over a piece of land. The chief said he wanted it for his future family but everyone knew he wouldn’t settle down for quite a few years. It was such a big deal that they had to have a town vote. His Father won and ever since then they had never talked to each other. So why then, Antony wandered, were they talking now.
Antony’s thoughts were interrupted when one of his sheep started straying away. Jumping up he ran after it and steered it back towards the others. Looking up he stopped dead in his tracks. Twenty feet away from him stood the princess. At first he didn’t recognize who she was because she was wearing dirty servant clothes and her hair was down, flying around to the rhythm of the wind. When he did finally realize who she was he dropped his stick, “My Princess!” Antony bowed.
Jovin just looked at him. After a minute of silence she spoke, “Princess?”, Laughing she tried to hide her nervousness, “No, no, I am not a Princess. I’m just passing through.”
Antony gave her an odd look as if to say, “I’m not sure I believe you.”
Instead he asked, “Where are you headed?”
She shrugged and answered, “Anywhere but here.”
As Antony got closer he noticed how tired she looked. Offering for her to sit down with his hand, he asked, “Whats so bad about here? From what I’ve seen you have had it good.”
Jovin looked at him, “From what you’ve seen? How could you possibly have seen anything? I’ve never seen you before and I usually don’t go into the common public.”
Antony laughed, “Ha! So you are a princess?”
“What? No!”, Jovin blushed at being caught and stood up. “As I said I’m just passing through.” She knew she wasn’t convincing him. Sighing, she sat back down, “I should of known I couldn’t do it.”
Antony looked at her for a minute then stated the obvious, “Your not suppose to be here, are you?”
She smiled faintly, “No. I’m trying to run away…but its not really working out.” Laughing, she continued, “When I left the palace yesterday, I was so sure of what I was doing. I packed food that would last at least a week, I had smuggled servant clothes from my maids servant quarters, and mapped out all the directions.” Not knowing why she was telling this complete stranger all of this, she kept talking, “So no one would ask where I was I told my Father I was going on a long evening walk with my head maid. Of course my maid knew nothing of this.” Stopping, she looked at Antony with a sheepish face, “I’m sorry, I hardly ever go on like this.”
All this time Antony had been looking at her with a queer look on his face. Of the three months he had been watching her, this was the most he had ever seen her talk. The beautiful but reserved girl he had seen in the garden was still there but her out burst had caused him to rethink he’s opinion.
Introduction
In the land called Belle Tarr we find a 17-year-old boy who's job is to watch sheep but right now he seems to be doing something else…
Chapter 1 Antony held fast to the stones lest he lose his grip and fall 20 feet down to the wet grass. He struggled against the persistence of the vines that threatened to consume him. Almost there, He thought as he climbed the castle wall, just…a few…more…There! Looking into the most beautiful garden he had ever seen, He then waited for the city clock to shrike 1:00, which it did precisely two minutes later. He looked toward the two pillars with the door between them and just as he knew would happen, two servants came out followed by rich powdered faced women and young ladies. Their clothes were of the finest silk and their hair was done by the finest. He watched exactly ten women stride through the pillars and head for the chairs surrounding an oval shaped table made of true silver. He then looked again at the door, awaiting the reason he had gone to the all trouble of climbing 20 feet off the ground. And there she was, the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. She had her hair done up in a sweeping manner that suggested she was very proper and she had the most eloquent dress on. She walked gracefully down the two steps and headed for the nicest chair at the head of the table. Antony couldn't keep his eyes off of her as she moved to set down. She had on a pink floor length dress that lightly blew in the wind. The top of her collar was two inches below the collarbone and the top of her dress was twisted in such a way that it looked like it was woven. Her sleeves were of net material with a flower pattern that made the dress perfect. The rest of the women sat down after the young girl took her seat. "Have you ladies heard of the new law passed in Dinsic?" one of the ladies asked as she set down her teacup. "Oh, yes! Isn't it just awful!" another replied with exasperation. "I can't believe the King of Dinsic would pass such a law", a third chimed in. "What law do you speak of?" A young girl of 17 named Lydia asked. "You mean you haven't heard?!" the first women asked rather surprised, "Well," she went on with out waiting for a reply, "The King passed a law saying all women ages 12 and up were to where a veil at ALL times!" "Oh, that IS awful!" she replied and then asked the younger girl who had caught Antony's attention, "What do you think of this, Princess Jovin?" "Well, while I don't agree with the age or the fact that they have to where it all time, I do agree that women should cover up their face most of the time." Although the answer was said with much thought and seem wisdom, everyone knew that wasn't her opinion but nobody said anything. As the women chattered on Antony noticed the princess motion a servant over and whisper in her ear. The servant took her cup and five minutes later the servant came back with more in her cup and with something else mixed in it. She took a sip and set it down, a few minutes later she had visibly relaxed. The others noticed this and exchanged knowing looks. This happened every time they had tea with the princess. After about ten minutes of talking she would have the servant bring her medicine that would ease her headache. They all knew it was them talking but it never crossed their mind to stop talking.
" " "
Antony startled when he heard the clock strike 2:00. Here he was listening the women talk when he was supposes to be at home! He practically jumped off the wall and started gathering his sheep together. Once all the sheep were herded together, he hurriedly directed them toward home. He went through 5 miles of beautiful mountain land and then finally came out into a more spacious mountain range. He headed for the closed in fence and directed the sheep inside. Once he had made sure that they were all in, he slowly headed toward the small cottage some 30 yards away. He knew what would happen when he walked in, his father would yell at him and compare him to his brother. Then he'd find a reason to yell and beat his mother or even his sister all because he was 45 minutes late. Antony braced himself before he went through the old rugged door. He's father was pacing across the small kitchen slash family room. "Were have you been?" His father asked in a low menacing voice. "I'm sorry father, I got distracted." He answered in a quite voice. "Oh, you will be sorry when you have to do double chores and miss your supper for the Whole week." He father said, rising his voice with every word. "Yes sir", He replied as he started toward the stairs that would lead to the attic he and his brother shared. "Do know what this could do to our business?" His father asked. Antony stopped short and turned around, anger in his eyes, "Yes SIR I do, but the question is do you?" his father opened his mouth to reply but Antony cut him short. "All YOU do all day is stay locked up in your workshop and does who knows what. Then later that night go gamble off mine and Carder's hard-earned work." "What I do in my workshop and in town is none of your business," his father was yelling now. "It is when you spend all our money and leave us hardly enough bread for three people." Antony would of gone on but his mother intervened. "Why don't you two go your separate ways and cool off. Later you guys can discuss it like two respectable men." His father gave her a hard look but turned around and headed for his workshop, but while he was leaving Antony heard him say under his breath, "Why can't he be more like his brother?" Antony turned and stormed up the stairs. He opened his door and ran straight into his older brother who was on his way down to start delivering sheep. "Wow! You and Pa have another fight?" Carder asked as Antony threw himself on his cot. "Yea, something like that" "What was this time?" "I was late bringing in the sheep, like its that important" He said with exasperation. "I agree with that, but 45 minutes is quit along time" "Yea, Yea, I know" "Where were you anyways?" his brother curiously asked, "No were important" He replied "Oh come on it must have been important enough for you to be 45 minutes late" "I don't want to talk about it" and with that Antony got up and headed down stairs where he knew he would get some fresh water and a small portion of bread. Down stairs his sister was helping their mother prepare what little supper they had. "Hey Sis," he said tugging her long blond braid. "Hey don’t do that," Bethina said in a hurt tone but she was smiling. "Where have you been anyways?" she asked. His mother gave him water and he went to the table and sat down. "Oh I've been here and there" "You know when your suppose be home, you shouldn't wander off" his mother scolded "Yea, I got that" Antony was getting impatient. "Don't get upset, I was just reminding you," she patiently said. "Yes ma'am " He reluctantly said. Just then Carder came down the stairs "Are you ready to go deliver the sheep." "Yea, give me a minute" He took one last bit of his bread, grabbed his coat and stick, and headed after his brother.
" " "
King Danechie pasted the tile floor of his thrown room. How could such a thing in the eyes of a twenty year old be so simple and yet as a forty year old it was so difficult? Once again the memories flashed before his eyes, their armies marching day and night to reach their destination. Their main strategy was to strike from all sides, he and his men were to come over the mountains from the west, his brother was to come from the south, the Commander was to come from the north, and his father was to come from the east. Everything was looking so good for them, they had better leaders then them, they out numbered them, and their men were better trained. The women and children were at home awaiting their victorious men, but that was not to be. At the rising of the sun they had all been ready for attack, all they had to do is wait for the signal. One minute after sunrise they saw their signal, a burgundy and white firework. At his command they charged down the mountain, destroying every thing in their path. At the halfway point of the mountain they came a half a mile from the palace walls. They charged full speed across the field of grass but just before his men charged Denechie saw a guard run inside the palace to warn the royal family. He and his men started climbing the palace wall. They landed in various places, some in a large courtyard, some in a small courtyard, but Denechie landed in a beautiful medium-sized garden. He looked around quickly and saw no one around. He hurried through a door between two pillars. Two guards were at their stations, ten feet away, unaware of the situation until they saw Denechie running toward them with his drawn sward. Caught by surprise, they were easily cut down. Denechie moved on, killing anybody in his way. He ran through the corridors as if he had been doing it for years and in a way he had. He had studied the palace maps more then he had his Latin or Greek. Finally, he came to the courtyard that would lead him to the royal families private courtiers. He hid behind a large tree and watched as the guards fought his men. He was waiting for the just the right moment to slip in. That moment came ten minutes later when the guard guarding the door got distracted by one of his men and ran after him. Unknowtist, Denechie slipped through the big iron doors and down the hallway. He turned a sharp corner and ran strait into twenty or some bodyguards of the royal family, and right in the middle of them all was the Queen of Belle Terr and her children. Denechie knew he could never fight all twenty guards, but he knew he had to try. With all his might he charged into the mist of them. After five minutes of fighting he was overcome by a few guards and pinned to the ground. The edge of sward being against his throat almost prevented him from hearing the ping of a special metal, but he did hear it and he drew new strength. His men were in the mist of them and had every thing in control. So he looked around for the royal family. He saw them just as they rounded a corner. A man charged him and for the next 30 seconds he fought the man. He killed the man, turned round, and ran after them. Being in long dresses like the Queen and princess were in made it extra easy for Denechie to catch up to them. Plus the prince was only 10. They turned a sharp corner; Denechie quickly followed them to the corner. He looked around the corner and seeing nothing at first, but then he noticed part of the floor move. He crept up to the part that had moved, kneeling down he felt around for some kind of lever. Soon he felt an indent in the tile, he put his finger between the two tiles and pulled back. It slowly moved aside making a grinding sound. He jumped up and grabbed a lamp from the wall. He stepped into the hole, which turned out to be steep stairs, closing the trap door behind him he headed down the stairs. He went down the stairs for what seemed like forever, but finally he hit soled ground. He timidly walked a few steps and soon wished he hadn't. Thee steps later he hit the ground, falling. - - - He broke out of his reverie when a servant walked in with fresh fruit and a glass of wine. The servant bowed and quickly left the room. As the servant left, the king's adviser walked in. "You seem troubled, Your Majesty, what seems to be the matter?" "Oh, don't give me that" the king said with edge to his voice, "You know exactly whats wrong. And of course you don't help much, you party all night and sleep half the morning. Be thankful your distant family" "Of course your Majesty, you are correct" his adviser replied, "but I might add that I have given it deep thought and have come up with a possibly good plan." "Oh really?" sarcasm evident in the kings voice, "Well, in that case Tuvico set down have some fruit and tell me ALL about it"
" " "
Princess Jovin woke up to the sound of her maids rushing around her bedchamber. She sat up and stretched. "Good morning, princess", her head maid said, "Get up and get dressed, you have a lot to do today. Plus, from what I hear, your father has a surprise!" "A surprise! Really?! What is it!" Jovin jumped out of bed and started getting dressed. "It’s a surprise, your not suppose to know. And even I don’t know what it is." Jovin gave Hona a smile in answer, "Will you lace my dress?" After getting dressed, she headed to the dining hall. She drew near the big brass doors, her maids right behind her. She had been doing this ever since she was five, going to breakfast and eating with out dropping a crumb, going across the palace for her Latin, history, and mathematics for five hours, eating lunch, going to the dreaded tea, and last but not least she'd go the court room to sit and listen to her father do business. The men standing in front of the doors opened them. Jovin looked at the eloquent but simple dining room. The pillars on each side of her were made of silver with little design. Strait ahead was the table fit for 12 or so people. Her slippers slid gently across the marble floor and her rose dress grassed the top of her toes. The room was large but they only used the middle of it. The rest of the room was made up of pillars with a lamp on each one. The only decoration was a portrait of her great, great grandfather that was hanging on the wall behind her father, Her father being at the head of the table. "Good morning, Father" Jovin said as she sat across from her father. "Morning, my Angel" he replied with a smile and a mysterious twinkle in his eye. "What are your plans for today?" "Oh, the usual. What about you?" "The usual." He said bluntly For a few minutes there was complete silence, then a servant ran in, "Your Majesty there seems to be a problem with the…" The servant then noticed the princess. "Pardon me" the servant left in a hurry. Confused, Jovin looked at her father "What was that about?" "Oh, that? It was nothing." He hastily said. Few minutes went by, "Hona, my head maid, said you had a surprise for me, when can I see it Father?" "Surprise? Your maid must have only heard rumors." He seemed genuinely distressed. The day went by with only a few mishaps, three of the head servants had an accident with large portions of food, a fire stove caught on fire but was easily put out, and her teachers seemed to be distracted which made it hard to learn. But when a servant told Jovin to go to her room after lessons instead of going to tea, she started to wander. When she got to her room Hona told her that her father wanted her to dress in a nicer dress. She pointed at a dress on Jovin’s bed. Jovins mouth dropped and her eyes got wide. The blue dress was made up soft light blue silk and dark blue silk, the dark blue silk having the design of flowers "This dress? For tea?" "Yes, and don’t forget the diamond necklace." She handed her a necklace with diamonds hanging on strings all around it. "I don't understand, I'm just going to tea with the other Princess’ and Ladies" "Just following orders" Hona said matter of factly, "Now lets get you dressed." It takes 5 minutes to get from the lesson room to the garden where they usually have tea, but having to put another dress on and having to redo her hair, it was an hour before she finally got to the garden doors. The doors opened and she stepped into the light. "Surprise!" For the second time that day Jovins mouth dropped. Why are these people here? Where did you all come from? When did you get here? All of these questions swarmed in her head, but before she could ask any of them she was pulled to a big table with flowers and sweets. They sat her down at the head of the table where a cake decorated with rubies and gold, sat in front of her. And in the middle the number 17 was printed with off-white frosting. Jovin looked up at her father, "But I don't turn 17 for another week." "Yes, I know, but we are celebrating it early because I will be gone on your birthday" "Gone? Where are you going?" "We will talk about it later, for now lets enjoy the party" This was way better then having tea with know it ladies, that is with the exception of her best friend, Lydia. Everything was going just wonderful, until her father stood up to speak. He looked at the 60 some people and then at he's daughter. "I hope you are all having a great time, I know I am." He said joyously, then with a more serious tone he continued "As you all know at the age of 17 a girl is legally a women. And as a women she must choose a husband." Jovin looked up in shock. Surly her Father wouldn't make her marry at the age of 17. He went on, "And as a father I have the right to chose my daughter's husband. But I've decided the let her chose in between two men. I expect her to be married by next year." Everyone clapped and cheered. Jovin couldn't believe what she heard, she wasn't ready to marry. Her father talked on, "The two men I picked are in these very garden." Silence fell on the crowd. "I would like to present to you Prince David of Disnic and Duke Balen of Marcey." Two young men stepped out from the crowd. Prince David was handsome but Duke Balen was less attractive. The men stepped up, bowed, and kissed the hand of the princess. Still shocked, Jovin just stood there. "Father, may I have a word with you?" ”Not now sweetie, why don't you enjoy yourself and get to know the young men now" Jovin reluctantly followed the men to her table. How could her father do this to her. He had promised she wouldn't have to marry until she was 21. What made him all of the sudden want to marry her off? But she had to wait for the whole evening to be over before her questions were answered.
Chapter 2
The evening went by in a haze. When she took her seat she had no idea what she was about endure. Her first impressions of the two men were the following:
Two men, one tall with black wavy hair the other short with long brown hair to his shoulders. The tall one, David, was quite and resurved. The only time he spoke was when he was spoken to. His face was handsome with a strong jawbone and a tan body tone. Added to that he had the most beautiful blue eyes Jovin had ever seen. The short one, Balen, was the nerves type. He kept fidgeting in his set and every time he would speak he would stutter. His face wasn’t handsome but if he didn’t open his mouth he would come across as a thoughtful and deep thinker. After trying to eat every thing on her plate to satisfy the cooks, the cake was cut and the presents were brought out. Each gift was eloquent, beautiful and expensive. Prince David gave her a beautiful set of gold earrings. Duke Balen gave her satin-covered combs with red rubies attached to the top. She smiled and said thank you to both but inside her heart had twisted into knots of anger towards her father and agony towards the future that lay ahead of her.
- - -
Antony was deep in thought as he headed for home guiding the sheep. Married. How could the girl of my dreams be getting married? When he saw the party he thought it was going to be a very eventful day, but he didn’t know how eventful.
He was still thinking of the princess when he passed his father’s workshop. Normally he would just pass by without a thought but this time he heard an unfamiliar voice.
“Is this All you have? When we give you six weeks we expect more then seven crates.”
“Yes, sir, but when you have a family of five you have to feed them.”
“Ha! Since when have you cared about your family? Most likely you spent all your money on beer.”
“What I do with my money is none of you business.”
“It is when it effects the out come of your work and seven crates is a very poor out come.”
He heard his father grunt and the stranger spoke again, “I’ll take what you have now but next time I expect at least twice as much.” He heard footsteps coming toward the door and he back against the wall. And to his surprise the town’s chief stepped through the door and walked towards the woods. A few minutes later four men came out of the woods and went into the workshop. Soon they came out with seven crates and disappeared into the woods.
Confused and bewildered he went into his house. “What is the matter, Antony” his mother asked her son when he come in with a strange look on his face.
He answered with a question, “Is dad doing some kind of business with the towns chief?
“Fran Shuffin?, not on your dad’s dead body! Don’t you remember the incident a while back? They don’t talk, remember?”
“Oh, right….well I’m going to wash up for supper.” Still confused he went out to the pump to wash up.
“ “ “
“But daddy! You promised!”, Jovin was at the edge of tears as she begged her dad not to make her marry.
“Darling, Try to understand that when I made you that promise we were in a different situation. Your mother was alive, the economy was better, and we didn’t have any trouble with the neighboring countries.”
“Trouble?”, Jovin sat up, “What trouble?”
Her father sighed, “I didn’t want you to know because its not that important but we have received reports of small attacks on the southern and eastern border.”
“What?! I thought we made peace with Disnic and Marcey twenty years ago, why are they attacking us?”
“We don’t know whos attacking it could be either of them, which is why you need to marry now.”
It then click in Jovins head. Her father wanted her to marry to avoid any more conflict with other countries. With an alliance there would be no war and they could continue their lives in peace.
“Oh”, she looked down at her dress but then looked up with a quisative face, “How do I know whom to choose then?”
“Well, that all depends, we have spies out there trying to find out who is attacking us. Once we know for sure you will marry to that country to avoid bloodshed. Mean while just have fun with both of the young men”, her father gave her a smile and then dismissed her.
Jovin couldn’t believe her father, he was going to use her and it didn’t seem to bother him. Right there and then she determined, no matter what she had to do, not to marry.
Running to her chambers she grabbed paper and started writing down the things she would need.
She was running away. She had never like being a princess anyway. She spent the rest of the day gathering what she needed. She knew it would be impossible to leave during the night because the guards were doubled at night. Putting her bag under her bed, she fell asleep planning exactly how she would get out of there.
~ ~ ~
King Danechie laughed to him self as he heard the results of the attacks. The King of Belle Terre had no idea what was going on. With this minor distraction he could concentrate on the real work.
To the king surprise, Tuvico’s plan was working. Had he realized how handy Tuvico could be he would of listened to him years ago. Though he never did admit it, he knew if his father had listened to Tuvico 20 years ago all would be different…
Danechie fell for 50 feet before he hit hard concrete and sprained his ankle. Feeling in the dark he started to craw. He didn’t make it for before he hit a wall. Turning he stared to craw again only to hit another wall. And again he crawled. Hit another wall. And then stopped to rest. While resting her heard voices. “Momma, are we almost there. I’m getting tired.”
“Just a few more steps, Sweetie”
Denechie stiffened. The voices were getting closer. He had to get out of there. He had dropped his sward when he fell and the torch had gone out during the fall. Again he heard the voices. “Here we are, Javia go get the fire started. Jasper get the wood for your sister.”
Seeing a small glimmer of light shining on the ceiling, Denechie started backing up. But before he hit the wall, He ran into what feel like tree stumps. Turning around and looking he saw, with the ad of the torch, a pile of firewood. Before he could even think about it another trap door in the wall opened up and a flood a light washed across his confused and tried face.
“Momma?” Jasper asked in alarm, “What is that man doing in the storage room?”
“Man?” The Queen asked as she took the torch from Jasper, “What are you talking about?”. Opening up the trap door, she looked in. Stepping away quickly she told the children to back away. Javia, Jella, and Jasper all huddled in the corner. They heard some rustling and then the creak of the trap door. Through the door stepped out one of the most handsome men Javia had ever seen. Being 16, Javia was old enough to marry and was always looking. Thinking that such a handsome man would never hurt a pretty girl like herself she stepped out from the shadows to get a better look. He was tall. He had short black hair covering a hard face with a strong jaw. Noting his great body, Javia spoke up, “Who are you?”
Before he could answer the Queen commanded, “Javia! Get back.”
Realizing who they were Danechie smiled. “Well, I knew we would win the war but I didn’t realize how easy it would be.” Pointing to the corner with his sward he commanded, “All of you come into the light so I can see you.” Studying them as they stepped forward, he noted the beauty of the eldest. “And whats your name?” he asked pointing to Javia.
Smiling up at him, Javia replied sweetly, “Javia.”
- - -
A week had gone by and Antony was still wandering what his Father was up to. In an attempted to find out he went through the little bit of stuff his Father had in his room. Nothing added up. A few years ago the chief and his Father got in this big fight over a piece of land. The chief said he wanted it for his future family but everyone knew he wouldn’t settle down for quite a few years. It was such a big deal that they had to have a town vote. His Father won and ever since then they had never talked to each other. So why then, Antony wandered, were they talking now.
Antony’s thoughts were interrupted when one of his sheep started straying away. Jumping up he ran after it and steered it back towards the others. Looking up he stopped dead in his tracks. Twenty feet away from him stood the princess. At first he didn’t recognize who she was because she was wearing dirty servant clothes and her hair was down, flying around to the rhythm of the wind. When he did finally realize who she was he dropped his stick, “My Princess!” Antony bowed.
Jovin just looked at him. After a minute of silence she spoke, “Princess?”, Laughing she tried to hide her nervousness, “No, no, I am not a Princess. I’m just passing through.”
Antony gave her an odd look as if to say, “I’m not sure I believe you.”
Instead he asked, “Where are you headed?”
She shrugged and answered, “Anywhere but here.”
As Antony got closer he noticed how tired she looked. Offering for her to sit down with his hand, he asked, “Whats so bad about here? From what I’ve seen you have had it good.”
Jovin looked at him, “From what you’ve seen? How could you possibly have seen anything? I’ve never seen you before and I usually don’t go into the common public.”
Antony laughed, “Ha! So you are a princess?”
“What? No!”, Jovin blushed at being caught and stood up. “As I said I’m just passing through.” She knew she wasn’t convincing him. Sighing, she sat back down, “I should of known I couldn’t do it.”
Antony looked at her for a minute then stated the obvious, “Your not suppose to be here, are you?”
She smiled faintly, “No. I’m trying to run away…but its not really working out.” Laughing, she continued, “When I left the palace yesterday, I was so sure of what I was doing. I packed food that would last at least a week, I had smuggled servant clothes from my maids servant quarters, and mapped out all the directions.” Not knowing why she was telling this complete stranger all of this, she kept talking, “So no one would ask where I was I told my Father I was going on a long evening walk with my head maid. Of course my maid knew nothing of this.” Stopping, she looked at Antony with a sheepish face, “I’m sorry, I hardly ever go on like this.”
All this time Antony had been looking at her with a queer look on his face. Of the three months he had been watching her, this was the most he had ever seen her talk. The beautiful but reserved girl he had seen in the garden was still there but her out burst had caused him to rethink he’s opinion.
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