The Bard

Chapter Five

By Lady Faelyn Rose

            Shana Rose stumbled to a halt. A gust of artic air hit her in the back, nearly knocking her down and leaving her body shuddering from the cold. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably as she steadied herself against a nearby tree. The hem of Shana’s velvet gown was heavy with wet slush and her slippers offered no protection from the ice which had formed over the surface of the snow. She could barely feel her feet.

In hind sight, Shana thought, she should have looked through the chests in the workshop of Jack’s tower for leather leggings and a tunic. The armor would have been warmer and, more importantly, it would have enabled her to run. Oh what she wouldn’t give for her soft leather boots right now!

It seemed like a week since she had set out on her first dungeon adventure with Seamus, Patrick and Bronson. But it had been only yesterday. “Stay focused on what lies ahead” Shana repeated Patrick’s words of advice “Stay focused on returning home.”

            But she was tired, freezing cold and lost in this Felucca forest. The frigid north wind seemed to be draining her strength and numbing her mind. Fighting the sudden urge to cry, Shana started to trudge forward through the snow once more. Sooner or later she had to come across a road. Shana wondered if she were walking in circles. She could hear male voices in the forest behind her as she glanced up at the full moon again. Keeping the moon over her right shoulder as she walked, Shana gathered the heavy, wet skirt of her velvet gown in her hand and continued the journey home.

***********************************************************

            Dominic crouched behind a tree and listened. The sounds of two sets of boots crunching through the snow were approaching from the north. Dominic waited, until Jack’s men had trudged just passed his position, before attacking them from behind. His magic bardiche delivered a deadly blow to the closest murderer. The mortally wounded brigand fell into the snow with an agonized cry. The dead man’s companion attempted to defend himself with a spear. But Dominic’s bloodied bardiche glistened in the moonlight above the brigand’s head, before ending his life, as well.

Dominic moved silently through the Felucca forest. In the distance he could hear Lord Jack and his men searching for Shana Rose. But Dominic knew exactly where the lady could be found. He had been following her footprints in the snow, and covering them as he trailed her.

            A movement ahead caught his attention. Dominic stopped beside a gnarled oak tree; his breath misting the winter air. The full moon illuminated the woods and made the snow sparkle like diamonds as he surveyed a small clearing to the south.

            There, standing in the light of a snow dusted moonbeam, was Shana Rose. She was dressed in an elegant blue gown, which clung to her narrow waist and gently curving hips, before falling in heavy folds to the snow covered floor of the forest. Her hair hung down her back in a long thick braid, leaving loose tendrils to curl around her face.  She was carrying a lap harp in one hand. The other hand was braced against the trunk of a leafless tree.

            As if sensing his presence, Shana straightened up and looked directly at him. For a moment they stood staring at each other. To Dominic, it was as if his vision of a fairy queen, from some childhood tale, had come to life. Her skin was as white as the snow, which quietly fell around her. The flame red color of Shana’s hair seemed to glow with magic. The sight of her held him transfixed, until her soft voice broke the spell.

            “Please” Shana said, with tears welling in her eyes “Let me go.”

            Dominic saw that she was shivering with cold. He began to cautiously approach her, removing his thick woolen cape as he drew near. But the young woman backed away;  her fingers shaking as they tried to pluck the strings of her lap harp. A series of off key notes broke the silence of the woods, bringing Dominic to a halt, several yards from the frightened young woman.

Dominic suddenly realized that Shana was attempting to play a magic bardic spell. Peacemaking, no doubt, in the event that he meant her harm.

        “That spell does not work on those who wish to help you.” he told her, but she continued to pluck at the golden strings of the harp. “Do you remember me, Shana Rose?”

            Shana backed away several more steps, stumbling on the ruined hem of her gown. Dominic took a step closer, hands extended; sure that she was going to fall. But Shana recovered her balance and continued her painfully slow retreat among the trees. “Please tell your master that I must return to my family.” She shook uncontrollably, her desperation showing clearly in her eyes.

            “I have no master.” Dominic answered, matching her steps so that he remained within a few yards of Shana. He had seen men die of the harsh winter cold and knew, only too well, that this woman would soon succumb to the elements. And then there were Jack and his cohorts to consider. It was only a matter of time before they found Shana.

 “I am Dominic. We met in Britain a few short hours ago” he smiled and held out his cape to her in an attempt to calm Shana’s fears “You were a ghost, walking in circles and talking to yourself, when we met. Do you remember?”

Dominic watched the changing emotions on Shana’s face as his words overrode her natural instincts to flee. A smile of recognition spread upon her trembling lips for a moment before panic widened her eyes. “You are one of Jack’s men!” she cried out and turned to run.

            Dominic moved quickly, tossing his cape out like a fisherman casts his net; catching Shana in the thick folds of the garment. He hauled her towards him, wrapping her tightly in his black cape. “Nay, young one, I am here to help you.” Dominic easily pulled her to stand before him. “Trust me, Shana Rose.”

Shana seemed too tired to struggle as he secured the cape around her shoulders.  Dominic stood silently looking down into her upturned face and felt his breath catch in his chest. She was even more lovely than he remembered. The fear and confusion in her eyes flooded his heart with a fierce need to protect her. He silently vowed to kill Lord Jack the next time their paths crossed.

            Shana searched Dominic’s face for the truth. Was he really going to help her? Or was this just another of Jack’s evil tricks? But the sincerity she saw in Dominic’s dark eyes was enough to convince Shana that he was worthy of her trust.

The thick woolen cape still retained his warmth and scent. Enveloped in the rich thick wool, Shana began to feel the heat returning to her body. Her ordeal and the deadly cold had left her exhausted and dazed. A wave of dizziness washed over her. Without realizing it Shana let the harp drop from her numb fingers into the snow.

“Are you real?” she breathed, wondering if she were beginning to hallucinate from the extreme cold.

Dominic put his hands on her shoulders and gave them a reassuring squeeze “Very real, my lady.”

 Shana reached out towards Dominic’s chest and clutched the front of his armor with both hands. “Please take me home.”

He looked directly into her eyes “I promise to see you safely away from this place, Shana Rose. You have my word of honor.”

 Shana let out a slow, soft breath. All of the tension, which had, until now, kept her on her feet, escaped with that breath “Dominic, how did you find me?” Her head drooped forward until her forehead rested upon his broad chest “What magic has brought you here?”

            Dominic suddenly felt awkward and uncertain of what to do. His life had been spent on the battle field. Killing his enemy was something he understood well. The women he knew were seasoned female warriors, capable of standing toe to toe with any man. Or sultry barmaids, wise in the ways of world.

 But comforting an innocent young lady in distress was new to him. Dominic let his arms encircle the beautiful woman wrapped in his cape. Shana’s slim form melted against him, as he drew her near. Her sweet softness startled his senses; his mind suddenly felt drugged by the scent of her hair. Holding Shana tightly in his arms, as her violent trembling began to subside, Dominic recounted the events which had led him to this Felucca forest.  “I returned to the healer and saw you entering a moongate accompanied by two criminals” Dominic told her, as the silky texture of her cheek brush against his rough unshaven jaw “I followed you, thinking that perhaps you were in need of my assistance.”

            “They tricked me into thinking that my family had sent them.” Shana replied, lifting her head to gaze up at him. “I was a fool to go with those men.” she sighed.

            “Did you lose your rune book?” Dominic asked “You should have been able to escape from Jack’s tower with a simple magic spell.”

            “Nay, my lord, I left everything behind so that I could carry as many crossbow bolts as possible” she explained “I was told to bring only those items which were most necessary to the dungeon crawl.”

            “Shana, you should never leave your rune book behind.” Dominic gently chided her “But, I suppose that you have learned that lesson for yourself, after today.”

            “Aye” she replied “Never again will I leave home without a rune book” Shana shook her head “There are so many things I do not know. I should have been better prepared before entering the land of Felucca.”

            “You are learning, lady.” Dominic smiled down at her. The color was returning to her face.

            “And I did not heed your warning about entering Felucca moongates” she confessed.

.

            Dominic chuckled “You managed, well enough, to escape without my aid. I am impressed by your resourcefulness. That spear jammed through the door handles was a nice touch.”

            “It was a feeble attempt to contain my kidnappers.”

            “You did well, Shana Rose.” Dominic told her. She was an innocent, of that there was no doubt. Were she only a few years older, Dominic would have pursued this woman in earnest. But alas, he had no intentions of becoming involved with a girl just out of the school room.

            They stood studying each other, their faces inches apart, sharing the heat that radiated between them. The snow continued to dust them in white. But after a few moments, their smiles faded, and despite Dominic’s reservations about the lady’s tender age, he found himself lowering his lips to Shana’s. The warrior pressed a warm kiss upon them, and Shana responded, as her arms found their way around his neck of their own accord.  Everything else in the world seemed to fade away; leaving nothing but the warmth of that kiss.

            Dominic lifted his head, and a shadow of concern clouded his face “I am sorry to have been so bold, Lady Shana.”

            Shana opened her eyes and whispered “Are you truly sorry?”

            Dominic hesitated for a second and then confessed, against Shana’s eager mouth, “Not at all” before tasting her sweetness once more.

            A shout in the woods, nearby, brought Dominic’s thoughts back to reality.  He swore, as he realized that he had let himself be distracted by this young woman. Even the smallest distraction in battle could cause a warrior to be killed. Dominic had let his guard down for only a few minutes. But it had been enough time for Jack’s men to catch up with them. Dominic would have to act quickly to make up for such a blunder.

Taking Shana’s hand in his, Dominic hastily led her further to the south. After they had run for a short distance into the woods, he stopped behind a large tree. “I will open a gate to my home.” Dominic told her, as he slung his weapon across his back and reached into his pack. He pulled forth a worn rune book and opened it.

Dominic chanted the magic words to conjure a moongate. But before he could open a magic portal, he was struck in the shoulder and chest by two crossbow bolts. An instant later, a flame strike brought Dominic to his knees.

Shana Rose stifled a scream as Jack’s men began to emerge from the trees. She felt the weight of Dominic’s leather rune book being pressed into her hands. “Go!” Dominic commanded her in a strained voice, as he struggled to stand between Shana and Lord Jack’s men. “Recall to my home. My father will protect you.”

“I will not leave you...” Shana began, but was interrupted when Dominic took his heavy bardiche and hung it across her shoulder.

“Take this magic weapon to my father.” Dominic said, gently pushing her away towards the south “Do as I say, Shana.” he ordered firmly.

Before she could respond, two more deadly crossbow bolts stuck Dominic in the back. He grunted with pain as he turned towards the attacking brigands. With a mighty war cry, Dominic tackled the two closest murderers. The three men crashed into the ground with such force, that the earth shook beneath Shana’s feet.

“GO NOW SHANA!!” Dominic shouted, as he pummeled the face of one attacker with his fists.

Shana flipped open the rune book, put her finger on the magic blue jewel, next to the word ‘HOME’,  and pressed down. In the split second before she recalled away, Shana saw that Dominic had killed one of the men, before being beaten into the snow by half a dozen heavily armed murderers.

Shana appeared near the steps of a stone fortress. The towering structure rose up three stories, against a backdrop of tall, rugged mountains. The leaves upon the surrounding trees proclaimed this to be the lands of either Trammel or Malas. The air was cold and a light breeze blew down from the mountains. In the misty half light, Shana crossed the lawn to the main entrance of the castle.

“Dominic’s home.” Shana whispered, gazing up at the finely built keep. There were banners of red and black, flying proudly from the ramparts. The customized, grey stone fortress had wide stairs leading up to iron double doors.

Draped in Dominic’s thick, black cape, and carrying his bardiche and rune book, Shana hurried up the stairs. She tapped franticly upon the iron door with the metal tip of the weapon. After a few moments, the door was pulled open and a uniformed guard appeared. The sentry was dressed in black leather armor with a scarlet crest upon his chest. Within the crest was the silhouette of a black raven in flight.  The guard’s eyes traveled over Shana from head to toe. “May I help you, my lady?” he asked.

“I must speak with your master” Shana pleaded “It is a matter of the utmost importance.”

“This way, my lady.” the guard swung open the door and ushered Shana inside the entry hall of the Keep “If you will follow me, I shall see if his lordship will receive you.”

The guard escorted Shana down a dimly lit hallway, whose walls were decorated with ancient shields and weapons. Finally, they entered a great hall, filled with long tables and a huge hearth, burning brightly at the rear of the massive room.

A tall, middle aged man stood up from a chair beside the hearth and strode forward to meet Shana. A look of irritation creased his face “How did you come by that bardiche?” he thundered. He was dressed in a black robe and the crest of the raven was embroidered upon his chest, as well. His shoulder length, black hair was streaked with silver and his deeply tanned features were so much like Dominic’s that Shana felt certain that this was, indeed, Dominic’s father.

 But Shana fell back a step at the anger she saw in his eyes. She held the magic bardiche out with a shaking hand. “Dominic, my lord…” she managed to croak.

“My son!” the man exclaimed “Where is my son?!”

“Felucca, my lord” her voice trembled with emotion “Dead in Felucca. He bade me bring this weapon to you. His last wish was to save it from his murderer.”

Dominic’s father blinked at Shana in disbelief “What trickery is this?!! He would never give up his weapon!” He ranted “You lie! No single man could kill my son!”

“There were many men.” Shana told him, as she saw, in her mind’s eye, the image of Dominic being beaten to the ground; his life’s blood spreading red across the white snow “Too many for him to fight.”  Tears began to roll down her cheeks, wetting the dark wool of Dominic’s cape.

Dominic’s father grabbed Shana by the shoulders and gave her a slight shake “Where is he, child? Where in Felucca?”

“A forest near Lord Jack’s tower.” Shana sobbed and hung her head in sorrow. “In a clearing. I know not where, my lord. I became lost in the woods. Dominic was trying to rescue me from Jack…… he was overwhelmed by murderers.” her tears flowed freely “I am so sorry that I can not tell you more.”

Dominic’s father slowly released Shana Rose. His anger receded and he when had calmed himself, he told her “Aye, that would be Dominic’s way. To give his life saving a helpless maid from murderers.” A strange half smile tugged at his lips and pride shown in his dark eyes “My son was born to be a hero, child. A true hero.”

“He is, indeed, a hero” Shana sniffed “Dominic thought only of my welfare when he sent me here in his stead. I am sorry to bring you such unhappy news.”

“Dominic placed this weapon in your care?” Dominic’s father stared thoughtfully at the bardiche, tightly gripped in her small fist “He told you to save it for him?”

“Aye, my lord. He asked that I see it safely into your hands” she held the weapon and rune book out to him “I am so sorry that I could do nothing to help him.”

“Tis I who should apologize,” he told Shana, as he took the rune book and bardiche from Shana and immediately slung the weapon across his back. “Forgive me for my harsh words. You have honored my son’s wishes. Please come and warm yourself by the fire.” he took Shana’s arm “I shall gather my warriors and go to Dominic’s aid. Fear not, child, for I know the place where Jack makes his lair.” Dominic’s father led Shana Rose across the great hall towards the hearth. The lord of the castle bellowed “ROSCOE!!” as he guided the young woman to the dining table and pulled a chair out for her to sit upon.

 A male servant came rushing towards them; bowing to both Shana and his master with a look of surprise upon his face. “Rest here, young lady.” Dominic’s father told her gently “My man will see that you are fed and returned safely to your home.”

“Thank you, my lord” She gave him a tired smile.

“You may call me Augustus” he smiled back, a curious twinkle in his eyes “And may I know your name?”

“I am Shana Rose” she answered.

“Tis a pleasure to meet you, Shana Rose.” Augustus took Shana’s hand “A pleasure, indeed.”

Lord Augustus held Shana’s hand for a moment longer, smiling down at her with a look upon his face which Shana could not comprehend.

“Have you a husband, young woman?” Augustus asked, studying her in the firelight.

Shana blinked with surprise. After a moments hesitation she answered quietly, “Nay, my lord.”

A broad smile crossed Augustus’ face. Then he turned and hurried towards an arched doorway “I shall take my leave now, Lady Shana.” he called back to her, as he disappeared into the hallway. “I must find Dominic.”

Shana sat staring after Lord Augustus. She pulled the black cape closer around her shoulders; feeling deeply trouble, as she worried over Dominic’s fate.

Images of Dominic flashed through Shana’s mind. She recalled the moment when she had first seen him in the clearing; looming up out of the snow like a dark, daemon from hell. She remembered the way his dark eyes had held her captive, taking away her will to flee from him. Shana unconsciously lifted the corner of the black cape to her lips, and blushed when she thought of  Dominic’s warm kisses. Then her eyes filled with tears, once more, as she relived the moment when Dominic had placed himself between her and Jack’s murderous horde of men.

“Jack was wrong” she whispered against the woolen cape “There is at least one hero left in this world.”

 A strange new emotion filled Shana’s heart. It was a mixture of joy and sorrow; sweet longing and pain. What had become of the man who had given his life to save her?

What had become of her hero?

**************************************************

 
                                               The Bard

Chapter Six

            As the grey light of morning touched the sky, Dominic’s ghost watched in silence, while those who had murdered him rummage through his corpse. A dozen of Jack’s men were gathered in the clearing where Dominic had been beaten to death, after helping Shana to escape.

The apparent leader of the group, a man with a long black beard, tossed the reagent bag and potion bottles, from Dominic’s pack, onto the blood covered snow beside his body. Another man, with a green topknot, watched anxiously as his leader searched Dominic’s remains for loot.

            “Those are the only unblessed items he had, Zing” the bearded man announced as he stood up “That bardiche didn’t fall under him, I tell you. He gave it to the lass!”

            “But where’s the lass then?” his cohort, Zing, asked as he surveyed the trees again “She couldn’t have just disappeared! She didn’t have a rune book, Ben. I snooped her myself.”

            Before Ben had time to ponder the question of the vanishing lady, Lord Jack came striding out of the woods. He was dressed in a black hooded robe, black boots and black leather gloves. Jack made is way through the carnage, which Dominic had cause to his henchmen before dying, and stopped near the dead hero’s corpse.

            “Is this the same man who refused to leave the clearing?” Jack questioned, thoughtfully.

            “Aye, milord” Ben answered “He’s the one alright. It must have been the woman that he was after.”

“Where is the lady, Zing?” Jack asked, still staring down at the battered body “Did you search the woods?”

“We searched, but her tracks don’t go any further than that tree.” Zing pointed to a large cedar tree to the south. “She just disappeared…”

His words were cut short as Jack reach out and grabbed the front of Zing’s robe, yanking him forward until they were nose to nose.

“She couldn’t just disappear” Jack hissed, twisting Zing’s robe like a noose around his neck, choking him “The lady did not carry a rune book. She could not have escaped without leaving a trail, you fool!”

Jack pushed Zing away, causing the brigand to fall back into the snow “Find her!” Jack ordered “And quickly before she dies! I can not keep a ghost locked up in the tower! I want her alive, Zing!!”

“Aye, milord” Zing said and scurried into the trees heading south.

“Ben!” Lord Jack barked “Post some men around this body. Our noble warrior will be back for his things, as soon as he finds a healer. Kill him as many times as necessary, until his belongings have decayed along with his flesh.”

“With pleasure, my lord” Ben said, smiling “Consider it done.”

From beyond the trees to the north there came a low rumble. Jack turned towards the sound. It was the thunder of a herd of horses running across the frozen earth. A hunting party? This early in the morning and in such frigid weather?

The pounding hooves were now accompanied by the jingle of many bridles and the battle cries of warriors. In the next instant, two dozen armed riders, dressed in black and red, swarmed into the clearing like angry hornets. Their weapons flashed as they began to cut down every man in their path.

Lord Jack slipped a ring of invisibility onto his finger, just before the avenging riders passed by him, like a tidal wave of death and destruction. Jack pulled out his rune book and instantly recalled away; unnoticed in the confusion of the massacre taking place in the clearing.

Jack’s henchmen scattered like a flock of crows, not even bothering to put up a fight. But the mounted warriors chased the cowardly brigands into the woods, relentless in their pursuit.  Soon the corpses of Jack’s once dangerous gang of murderers were scattered on the ground in every direction.

The mounted warriors regrouped in the clearing; their black and red tunics, capes and shields contrasting against the pure white of the snow. Their banner was a field of scarlet with the totem of a black raven in flight. The proud banner of Ravenswood Castle. Half the men of Ravenswood formed a defensive circle around the perimeter of the clearing, while the others continued to patrol the trees for Jack’s men.

Lord Augustus guided his ethereal steed around the dead body of his only son. He carried, in his gauntlet cover fist, Dominic’s magic bardiche. Augustus stood in his stirrups searching the trees for the spirit of his heir. “Dominic show yourself!” he commanded.

The ghost in question appeared at his side and the old lord cast the resurrection spell upon the spirit. With a hum of magic energy, Dominic was transformed into mortal form once more.

“Thank you, father” Dominic said with a smile “You arrived in record time.” he knelt and began to gather leather armor from his decaying corpse.

Lord Augustus cast the spell of greater heal on Dominic, bringing him to full health. “I came as soon as I received your message” Augustus told his son “Lady Shana delivered your weapon to me, as well. Have you not enough coin in your bank to insure this priceless bardiche?”

Dominic pulled his torn and bloodied leather tunic over his head “Of course the weapon is insured. Shana would not leave this place so long as I was battling these brigands. So, I used one of your favorite tactics to protect the woman from harm.”

“And what tactic is that, pray tell?” Augustus asked.

“To remove inexperienced warriors from the field by sending them on an urgent mission, of course.” Dominic answered, quickly fitting a leather gorget around his neck “You have used that ploy on many novice fighters over the years.  Myself included, Sire.”

Lord Augustus’ clansmen, who had surrounded Dominic, laughed and hooted in agreement. “Tis true, my lord” the captain of the Ravenswood guard chuckled.

“A clever tactic, indeed.” Augustus grinned.

When Dominic was finished dressing, his father tossed the magic bardiche to him “Here is your most prized possession, my son. I return it to you, cleaned and ready to use again.”

Dominic caught the weapon in one hand, testing the balance of it and checking the blade for damage. “And the Lady Shana?” Dominic asked, meeting his father’s gaze, as he slung the weapon onto his back.

Augustus gave him a sly smile “Safe, my son.”

“How safe, father?” Dominic’s frown was one of concern.

“Four armed guards and my faithful servant, Roscoe, will escort your Shana back to her family.” Lord Augustus reassured him, as he handed Dominic his rune book.

Dominic tucked the rune book away in his pack “Good” he said, ignoring his father’s teasing smile. Lady Shana was far too distracting to even think about right now.

“Lord Jack was too quick for you, I fear” Dominic said, changing the subject “He escaped like a serpent under a rock.”

“He may have escaped” Augustus winked at Dominic “Unless, of course, he decided to slither back to his tower. In that case, Jack will be in for a little surprise. I have sent my own sharp tongued viper to await his arrival.”

A smile slowly spread across Dominic’s face and his eyes narrowed with a dangerous glint. “He is mine, father.” Dominic growled, as he mounted his ethereal steed   “I have a score to settle with his lordship, Jack.”

Lord Augustus laughed out loud before ordering his clansmen to head north towards The Grove of Love and the lair of the Dread Lord, Jack. Once again, the quiet of the morning was shattered by the thunder of hooves pounding over the frozen earth.  

********************************************************

Jack appeared near the entrance of his Felucca tower. For an instant he smiled, secure in the thought that he had escaped the fate of his men. But he blinked his eyes in disbelief as he gazed at the front door of his home. Eight mounted warriors; dressed in red and black were lined up, shoulder to shoulder, across the wide steps leading into the tower. They sat silently atop their steeds, capes and red banners waving in the frigid wind; effectively blocking Jack from gaining entrance to his fortress.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Jack demanded, as he backed away from the steps. He opened his rune book as he inched towards the trees “What business have you here, gentlemen?”

Two sets of strong hands grabbed Jack from behind and his rune book fell into the snow at his feet. He swiveled his head around, to find another ten mounted warriors between Jack and the woods; plus two foot soldiers who, at the moment, were holding him prisoner.

One of the warriors, who block the entrance of his tower, dismounted. The tall, slender fighter removed his helmet, revealing a long, silken mane of black hair and the face of a beautiful, dark eyed woman. As the enchanting woman walked towards Jack, her long black cape parted, giving a glimpse of red female armor and red boots. She stopped within inches of Jack and gave him a smile that did not reach her eyes “My business is with you, Lord Jack” she told him “I am Regina, daughter of Lord Augustus of Ravenswood.”

 Regina drew a gleaming katana from her belt and lifted the sharp point of the blade until it touched the tip of Jack’s nose “I understand that you are in the habit of abusing young women, my lord.” Regina’s eyes narrowed as she looked Jack over with obvious distain “I am told that you hold women against their will in your run down excuse of a tower” she sneered and jerked her head in the direction of Jack’s home. “What say you? How do you answer these charges.”

“This is a family matter!”Jack exploded with rage. But his tirade was cut off, as Regina’s blade nicked the flesh on the end of his nose, drawing blood.

“Family matter?” Regina laughed “You would have me believe that a member of your own family was forced to seek refuge in Ravenswood Castle?” She slid the blade across his cheek, opening the flesh, and causing Jack to cry out in pain. “I will have the truth, my lord!” Regina demanded

“You have no right to keep her, you harpy’s spawn!!” Jack ranted, covering his bloodied cheek with the open palm of his hand “Shana is my sister in law!! You will return her to me at once!!”

In the next moment, Lord Augustus and his clansmen came thundering into the clearing around Lord Jack’s tower; distracting Regina from her interrogation. Jack seized the opportunity to use his wrestling skills upon those who tried to hold him; freeing his arms and tumbling away from the Ravenswood guards.

As quickly as Jack spun away, Regina was upon him. Her katana hissed through the air, hacking Jack’s leg and leaving him unable to run. With a cry of agony, Jack retreated; limping only a few steps before turning back towards Regina. He conjured an energy bolt, which knocked Regina into the snow.

A war cry sounded nearby, and Jack turned to see Dominic galloping towards him with a look of fury contorting his face. The warrior’s magic weapon gleamed in the morning light, as Dominic vaulted from his steed and ran the last few feet to where Jack cowered in fear.

Jack retrieved a magic ring of invisibility from his pack with lightning speed. The ring was within a hair’s breadth of his finger, when Dominic’s bardiche severed Jack’s head cleanly from his shoulders. The dread lord’s body stood upright for several seconds before it crumbled into the snow.

Dominic stood over Jack’s twitching corpse, holding his bloody bardiche “That is for Shana” he said, watching the ghost of Lord Jack vanished into the woods “But this is not finished, Jack!” he shouted after the retreating spirit “I shall take great pleasure in killing you each time we meet.”

Dominic walked over to where his sister still sat in the snow and offered her his hand “I am sorry to spoil your fun, ‘Gina.” he smiled as he helped her up “But I could not take the chance of that one escaping again.”

Regina returned her katana to its resting place against her hip “A quick death was too good for the likes of Lord Jack, brother. It is better than he deserved” she told him and mounted her ethereal steed.

Lord Augustus cast a moongate and called to his men “Our work here is finished. Let’s us leave this frigid place for the warm hearths of Ravenswood.”

His clansman cheered a resounding “HUZZAH!!” before following their lord through the gate.

Regina caught her brother’s arm before he could enter the magic portal “That scoundrel told me that your lady is his sister in law, Dominic. Is this true?” she watched the look of surprise that her words brought to Dominic’s face.

“I could not say, Gina” Dominic told her, a frown creasing his brow “I only know that Shana Rose was in need of rescue from that man and this place.” he nodded his head towards the corpse in the snow “I sent her home, as was her wish.” Dominic answered without emotion, before urging his mount through the moongate.

Regina cast one last look at the decapitated body of Lord Jack, before following her brother back to Ravenswood Castle.

*******************************************

The sun was beginning to rise by the time Shana and her guardians approached The Journey’s End Inn. Still wrapped in Dominic’s black cape, and riding upon Lord Augustus’ ethereal steed, Shana was finally returning home.

As the group drew near the wide front porch of the Inn, Shana saw five year old Angus peering at them through a spyglass. As soon as Angus spotted Shana, he began waving his arms wildly and calling for his mother, Jeanne Rose. The child then bounded down the steps and ran across the lawn towards Shana.

Jeanne Rose came hurrying through the double front doors of the Inn, followed by Kayla and Katie Rose.  The women shaded their eyes with their hands, against the morning sun, and searched the horizon to the south of the building. Upon recognizing her missing sister, Katie Rose ran towards the approaching party, while the other two women remained on the steps.

Young Angus was the first to reach Shana, wrapping his arms around her leg as she sat atop her mount. “Shana, I found you! Papa told me to watch for you with my spy glass and I found you!!”

Shana reached down and pulled Angus into her lap, hugging him tightly “Indeed, my brave warrior, you found me.”

“Shana!! Shana!!” cried Katie Rose as she reached her sister’s side “Where have you been?!!” she took Shana’s hand and walked along beside the ethereal steed “You gave us such a fright!”

“I am sorry, Katie” Shana answered wearily. She placed a kiss upon the top of Angus’ head “I did not mean to cause you worry. I was taken on an unexpected detour.” Shana gave Katie’s hand a squeeze “But I am home now, safe and sound, thanks to these noble knights and their most generous Lord.”

Katie studied the five heavily armed warriors, dressed in black and red, who were riding in formation around her sister “I don’t understand, Shana,” Katie Rose said, lowering her voice “How did you come to be with these men?”

Shana drew her mount to a halt beside the stable gates and let Angus slide, gently, to the ground “It is a long tale, sister. And one which I will gladly share. But first tell me, where is Amanda?” Shana asked as she dismounted. She was immediately surrounded by Kayla and Jeanne Rose.

Kayla threw her arms around Shana “Everyone is out searching for you, young lady! Amanda is beside herself with worry!” Kayla exclaimed as she hugged Shana and then drew back to allow Jeanne Rose to take her place.

“Poor Seamus seems to have aged ten years in the last day” Katie reported. She wiped tears of joy from her eyes with the corner of her apron “No one has slept since you disappeared. I don’t understand, Shana. Why didn’t you return to the dungeon? Where have you been?”

Shana wiped the moisture from her own eyes with the back of her hand. She was so tired and shaken from all that had happen; she just wanted to go to her room and climb into bed. “I will tell you everything after I thank these kind men…” Shana turned and stopped mid sentence. The Ravenswood guards were gone. They had quietly departed, leaving Shana with her family.

Shana looked down at the black woolen cape, which she still wore. Dominic had fulfilled his promise. He had rescued Shana from the frightening Felucca forest and returned her safely to her home. A weary smile curved her lips and in her heart Shana silently thanked Dominic for all that he had done.

****************************************************

When Amanda and Seamus received word that Shana Rose had returned home, they immediately made their way to The Journey’s End Inn. It was late afternoon and the couple found the rest of their family already gathered around the hearth.

Bronson and Patrick were teaching young Angus to play checkers at a table by the window, while Kayla, Jeanne Rose, Katie Rose and the infant Ayla Rose, enjoyed the warmth of the fire. The women were sewing as Ayla played upon a bear skin rug at their feet.

“Where is Shana?” Amanda asked anxiously, crossing the room to her sister.

Katie Rose placed her index finger against her lips “Shush, Amanda. Shana has retired to her room.” she whispered “When last I looked in, she was asleep.”

Amanda and Seamus joined the ladies, each pulling up a chair by the hearth. “What was her explanation?” Amanda quietly asked “Where has she been?”

“Twas that black hearted Jack that had the lass.” Patrick announced, rising up out of his chair.  “I SWEAR THAT I SHALL HUNT HIM DOWN….”

His booming voice was cut off, abruptly, as everyone else in the room said “SSSSHHHHH!” in unison.

“Jack?” Amanda repeated, bewildered “Jack was to blame for Shana’s disappearance?”

“Aye, he was in the dungeon and saw her die.” Bronson informed Amanda “He sent a couple of his men to find her at the healer and bring her to his home.”

“I will never understand my brother” Seamus said with a scowl “His need to cause trouble at every turn has always baffled me.”

“Jack told Shana that he was protecting her from our stupidity” Bronson grinned “by keeping her locked up in a tower in Felucca.”

Seamus’ face turned a deep shade of red, as he roared in outrage. “PROTECTING HER FROM OUR STUPIDITY???!!”

“SSSSSSHHHHHHHH!!!” the ladies quickly reminded him to lower his voice.

There was complete silence for a few moments, while Amanda and Seamus digested the explanation of Shana’s disappearance.

Finally, Amanda sprang up from her chair “I must see her.” she reached out her hand to her sister Katie “Come, Katie, show me where she sleeps.”

Katie took Amanda’s hand and together they climbed the narrow stairs which led up to the third floor. There was a long corridor, lined with doors on either side, each door leading into a bedroom. Katie guided Amanda half way down the corridor and quietly opened one of the doors.

Once again, Katie placed her finger against her lips and cautioned Amanda to silence. The two women peeked into the dimly lit room where Shana Rose was curled on her side in the center of a large bed. Amanda felt tears of joy fill her eyes at the sight of her youngest sister.

“Thank the gods that she is home again” Amanda Rose said softly. “But what in the world is she wearing?” she asked Katie, while wiping her eyes with a lace handkerchief.

“Come down stairs” Katie whispered “and I will tell you what little I know about our dear sister’s adventure.”

Amanda carefully closed the door, leaving Shana to sleep in peace. Shana Rose remained as her sisters had found her; fast asleep, with her bright hair spread across the white pillow, her hand curled against her cheek and her entire body cocooned within the warmth of a large black cape.

**************************************************************

The hour was late when Lord Augustus and his family finished their dinner in the private rooms of Ravenswood Castle. He and his lady wife, Loria, along with their grown children, Dominic and Regina, were gathered around a table by the fire.

Lady Loria directed their servant, Roscoe, to remove the dinner plates from the table. The wife of Lord Augustus was dressed in a scarlet robe, her silver hair carefully woven into two buns on either side of her head. It was a hair style befitting a lady of advanced age. A style from a time long ago. Her beautiful, dark haired daughter, Regina, was also clad in scarlet, while the men wore robes of black.

“So, once again my brother is a hero.” Regina said, as she poured wine into her father’s cup “Gallantly coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress.” she moved around the table, filling Dominic’s cup, as well “I am sure that the young lady will be eternally grateful to you for aiding in her escape” Regina slanted a sly smile in her brother’s direction. “And I have never seen you display such passionate rage, as you did this morning, when you slaughtered Lord Jack in Lady Shana’s name.”

Dominic frowned at his sister. Regina had always taken delight in baiting her older brother and knew the best ways in which to do it. He felt annoyance at Regina for giving their father a reason to turn the conversation to the topic of Dominic finding a suitable wife. The old lord made no secret of the fact that he longed for grandchildren. And he was losing patience with his unmarried son in fulfilling his duty in producing an heir.

“You showed great trust in Lady Shana” Lord Augustus told Dominic “by giving her your magic bardiche.”

“The question of trust never entered my mind” Dominic replied.

“Trust is important between a man and a woman” Augustus told him.

“Aye. An honorable woman makes a good wife.” Regina added, smiling at her brother’s discomfort.

Dominic said nothing

“I am sorry that I was not able to meet the young woman who returned your bardiche, Dominic.” Loria said, sipping her wine “Your father tells me that she was quite lovely.”

“A flame haired beauty, I believe were his exact words” Regina corrected, sweetly “Would that be a fair assessment of the lady’s charms, brother?”

Dominic sat back in his chair, settled his elbows on the arm rests, and steepled his fingers below his nose. His dark eyes narrowed intently, as he glared at his annoying sister “A very fair assessment, Gina.”

“Perhaps we shall meet your lady sometime in the near future” Regina continued with an impish grin “You must invite her to tea this week.”

“An excellent idea!” Lord Augustus readily agreed; his eyes lit with pleasure “The lady was fair of face and quick of wit. Your mother and I would be most happy to entertain your young friend…”

Dominic stood up abruptly “Father please!” he interrupted Augustus with a scowl “I scarcely know Shana. Not to mention the fact that she appears to be barely out of the classroom. No doubt, you would have me engaged to her within the week.” he cast his sister a look of warning, “When will you cease to meddle in my affairs?”

“Dominic is right, Augustus” Loria told her husband as she rose from her chair “You can not choose a wife for your son. Try to find some other way to amuse yourself, my love.” she kissed Augustus’ cheek as she passed him on her way towards the door. “Come, Regina. You have taunted your poor brother enough for one evening.”

Regina sighed and left the table to trail after Lady Loria “Aye, mother” she said rolling her eyes. “Good night, Father” she brush a kiss on Augustus’ forehead as she passed him “Good night, hero.” Regina saluted Dominic before disappearing through the door.

Dominic turned towards the hearth and leaned his arm against the wooden mantle; staring into the flames. Again, the image of Shana’s face, just before she had recalled away, crystallized in his memory. The look of sorrow in her eyes, as she watched Dominic die, haunted his thoughts like a spirit.

But he was not about to yield to the obvious attraction that he had felt for Shana Rose. For Dominic knew that she was far too young for him to pursue and it would be best, for both he and the lady, if they did not meet again.

“I had Roscoe make this for you” Augustus’s voice interrupted Dominic’s thoughts “Do with it as you please, my son.”

“What is it?” Dominic asked, still staring into the flames.

“I will leave it here upon the table” Augustus answered “Good night, Dominic” his father said and quietly left the room.

Keeping his back to the empty room, Dominic replied “Good night, Father.”

After a few minutes, Dominic turned his head and surveyed the dinning room table. There upon the shining wood was a recall rune. It was a dull blue color; a sign of being mark, by magic, in the lands of Malas.

Dominic picked up the magic recall rune and let his thumb slide across the smooth surface of the stone. An ancient runic symbol, which decorates all runes, appeared on the top. Turning the marked rune slowly in his palm, Dominic examined the inscription on the bottom of the stone; naming the destination of this rune.

It read: ‘The Home of Shana Rose’.