A Soldier in the King's Army

The evening air was hot from the summer rains earlier that day. Mara pulled the cloak closer to her body as she made her way toward the stables. The village was lively, with the addition of their new "guests".

"Just keep your head low and keep walking" She muttered to herself as she passed the dining hall so full of King Merrik's men they were pouring out into the streets loud and drunken. The fallen women definitely had their hands full tonight and their purses as well.

The sound of their screams and laughter made her uneasy. She quickened her pace trying to escape the lusty visions of painted ladies seeping into her mind. Luckily she had gone unnoticed for the most part and she had reached the stables. It was darker than usual, she pulled back the hood of her cloak.."oh no where is she".

"Where's who? might I help you" A small yet boisterous voice rang out behind her. Startled by this unexpected reply Mara turned around to confront the voice. Seeing it was Tomi she pushed him to the ground. " By the Gods what is wrong with you" she whispered sternly.

The boys eyes brightened and his cheeks flushed " Pardons m'lady didnt figure to be seeing you much with all the goings on" he smiled raising the lantern to see her better. " You going for a night ride again?"

Mara nodded "where is Lullabell, I dont see her."

"No m'lady she is in the pasture we had to make room for .."

Mara stopped the boy "yes I know of course " Tomi could see the disappointment on her face and that he could not bare for he had been smitten for quite some time.

" I will get her for you if it pleases you m'lady " Mara shook her head. " No its not your fault you're just doing what you're told. I dont have time to wait. Remember don't say anything to anyone.I will just have to walk"

The boy smiled "never m'lady not even if they cut off my fingers one by one " Mara shuddered at the thought and kissed him on the cheek "We shall hope it does not come to that "

She started on her way then realized they were not alone. Standing just at the opened gate she could make out the shadowed figures of four men. How long had they been there, how much had they heard. She knew this was not going to be her way out. Mara mounted the steed closest to her. Riding bareback she grabbed a handful of its thick black mane in each hand and headed straight for them urging the stallion with a firm kick of her heel. The animal jolted forward almost dismounting her as she blew past the men.

" Tomi" a familiar voice shouted. " Who was that? And on my horse nevertheless "

Draven grabbed the boy by the shoulders. Tomi looked up with a dazed look "umm a girl ? M'lord?"

"I could see it was a girl" He glared at the boy then released him. "Quickly ready that one there boy."

Draven pointed to the chestnut

" So now your going to take my horse "Jolin questioned his words slurring as he steadied himself against the wall. " Well I'm going with you she needs to be shown what happens to horse thieves "

The large man slid down onto the stable floor. The other two roared with laughter. Draven shook his head and took the horses lead from the boy..

" None of you are going with me. I am more than capable of handling one little girl on my own no need to send an entire army " he said mounting up.

" besides I am the only one fit to ride"

"and good luck to you Sir on finding her " Truvon jested watching his brother as he swayed in the saddle

Draven looked down at Tomi

"I know you know who she is I saw the peck on the cheek so don't lie to me where can I find her "

Tomi bit his lip " Im no Liar M'lord but ..dont hurt her if i tell give your word"

Draven nodded

" I give my word I wont harm her I just want my horse back "

" ok but you only" the boy stated.

Tomi hesitantly told him where to find her but would not reveal her name. Draven scruffed the boys hair and placed a copper in his hand

" here boy get yourself a pigeon pie"

Tomi scurried off toward the kitchen as Draven started off toward a distant wooded area.

He finally came to the center of the grove and there stood the largest knotted oak. He led the horse thru the thicket down a barely visible path. Up ahead he saw a dim fire . following its glow he heard the sound of water and the sweetest voice singing a song he had not heard since he was a small child. His chest began to tighten. A few steps more and he saw her, floating in the water staring up into the night sky serenading the moon and stars. He recognized her immediately. He then knew it was not the large amounts of mead he had consumed making his chest hurt, it was her.

Draven secured the horse and walked into the clearing.

She did not notice him untill moments later. She thrashed about and swam to the middle of the pond. The white chemise billowing up around her.

" you.. stay where you are" She commanded.

Draven watched her curiously " if that is your will" he said. she nervously tried to figure out her next move.. " no i mean go away"

Mara watched the young man's every move. How did he even find this place. " did you hear me?" she asked. The man took a seat a few feet from the water " I did, im just not sure which one you want me to do. So I have decided to stay."

Mara waded a bit closer

" you cant do that"

Draven laughed "seems I can. Who are you girl?" he asked leaning back onto his elbows

Mara looked over to where her dress was hanging on a branch.

" Go ahead , im not going to stop you" He said sitting up again.

"I am not coming out as long as you are sitting there" she complained and sunk down to where the water was just below her chin.

Draven kicked off his boots and pulled his tunic over his head.

Mara could not stop from watching though she felt a bit ashamed and embarrassed. She could feel the warmth in her cheeks spreading across her face. "And just what are you doing?" her voice raised as she watched him stand and begin to unlace his trousers.

" Im taking off my clothes" he replied " havent you ever seen a man in his braies before"

Mara turned her gaze " So I see the kind of woman you take me to be..what else would be expected in a town full of dirt farmers and pigs"

she said spitefully.

Draven laughed " So you remember me do you girl? I most definitely remember you"

She watched as he neared the water. the fires glow revealing multiple scars along his chest and arms not uncommon for one in his position. One could say he was handsome in a rugged sort of way with dark brow hair that fell just past his shoulders.

One might say that she thought if he had not been part of the army that completely changed her life and not for the better she feared.

Draven stepped into the water. He saw her eyes widen. She began moving to the side and a bit closer to the bank

" I mustn't be here" she murmured. As he waded further in watching her every move with eyes the color of pitch. She ran from the water toward the bank but her attempt was cut short as he grabbed her holdind her down.The weight of his body making it almost impossible to move.

"No you dont. you're not taking my horse again. Im not going to harm you so you can stop fighting me"

Draven said roughly

" I didnt mean to take it i just needed to get away" Mara cried. "just let me go I will walk back. I cant be here any longer"

Draven could feel her heart beating franticly against him. Letting her go was the last thing he wanted.

" first you tell me who you are and secondly you will ride back with me"

he said " its not safe for a young girl such ad yourself to be wandering around at night. Many of those men are not as honorable."

Mara thought for a moment. She dare not tell him who she really was . " my name is Claire , my mother is a housemaid in the main house..if she finds i am out i will be severely punished."

Draven allowed the girl up " Well then Claire the housemaid's daughter lets make sure that does not happen."

Draven grabbed his trousers and started dressing he watch as she pulled her dress from the branches and how the damp chemise clung to her body revealing the soft curve of her bottom.

Draven lifted the girl onto the saddle and mounted behind her. "Thats more appropriate for a lady", he said commenting on her positioning. He made a clicking sound and the stallion followed behind through the thicket.

" Now you must tell me who you are" Mara insisted.

"I am a soldier in the King's army and now a captive of your beauty"

a sly smile crossing his face.

Mara shuddered " ewww really you expect me to believe you. I would wage my life that there are hundreds of maids in hundreds of towns that have heard you speak those same words that now await your return with broken hearts. I have heard the stories the other chambers maids tell about fighting men."

Mara began to slip from the saddle.

" Who sits sideways on a horse ..its stupid "

Draven placed an arm around her waist " Im telling you the truth. You dont have to believe me. I want to see you again, let me spend time with you,then you will see my words are true and I have no ill intentions "

Mara felt flush. How could she even consider it she thought. " Even if I wanted to" She said looking back at him " how would it be possible my mother hardly lets me out of her sight...and you im sure you have duties expected of you."

Draven whispered " this i can handle. The Kings son and I go way back so my time is my own and just tell me your mothers name and I can make sure she is be kept busy so you can slip away.

Mara longed for time away from the main house. If he had ill intentions he could have surely acted upon them this evening she supposed and then there was the fact she wanted to see him again.

Mara nodded " but we can not be seen in town at all "

There was a commotion going on at the brothel which made for a good distraction from their arrival.

Just behind the stables Draven gently lowered her till her feet touched down.

" Tomorrow meet me here just after the morning meal."

Mara smiled, concealed her face once again and made her way back down the pathway.