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A Heart Full of Stars {A Medieval Story} Chapter 70 *Finale* now! 5/28/21

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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    I hope to write more tomorrow, and I'm formulating a possible casting call for the future. Stay tuned for that.
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    Hey, I'm sorry I've been absent, but I lost my spark for a bit. I want to continue this, I just took a small break. I haven't written the next chapter yet (I wrote some and then stopped for some reason). There are a lot of angles to this and I want to make sure that it makes sense and fits together right. And sometimes you just can't find the right music to theme it to, you know?

    Any way, I'm getting back on the horse, and this should be coming back sooner than later.
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  • JestTruJestTru Posts: 1,761 Member
    Can't wait for another chapter. This is such an interesting story and you're doing a great job. Love it.
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
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    Chapter 20

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    The two priestesses came out of the room with unreadable faces. They weren’t happy, or sad, or disappointed… What were they thinking?

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    “We managed to return the soul of the woman to her body, but her injuries are severe. We have her resting in a pod now, it may take some time before we know if she will stay with us.” Midshore said.

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    “May I see her?” Romeo asked.

    “Do you normally look at women while they sleep?” asked Everstar.

    “No!” he claimed, reeling back. “I just want to make sure that she’s alright.”

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    “She isn’t!” she snapped. “This mother-to-be died! The spirits were very nearly unwilling to help us. Her child, though, the spirits feel that it is in the crux of destiny, and that is why they returned her spirit.”

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    She approached Romeo “If you EVER show up here again and make Midshore beg the spirits for a soul again, I will personally kick you to the shore myself! It is far too much of a burden to place on the shoulders of two priestesses. The spirits may not talk to her for a month now, and you know how that affects her.” she huffed and walked away.

    “I--- What?” Romeo asked, genuinely confused. “What is she talking about?”

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    “I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll pull out the extra beds, you and Lara may stay here tonight before you walk back to the refugee camp. There are other things besides this woman to think about. Are you going to stay on the islands? Are they? What will you do if you stay?” she blinked. She was obviously quite tired. “But first, I want you to tell me how any of this happened in the first place.”

    ~*~

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    Mr. and Mrs Cupshire looked around the sunken ship that was their temporary home.

    “Kids, don’t touch anything sharp. No playing around inside, this is primarily just for sleeping and eating, you can play outside. Kids?” Mrs. Cupshire turned around to see the three kids sleeping on the blankets on the floor. “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about tetanus…”

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    Everyone split off and found places to lie down, resting their weary bodies after days in the sun and wind. They were able to stop running, and after being on alert for so long they didn’t know how to relax again, for a while. It took some work to relax enough to fall asleep in such a strange place, but eventually the sunken ship was filled with quiet snores.

    ~*~

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    Romeo gritted his teeth and took a breath. He then put on the most innocent smile he could think of and tried to act oblivious. “Hey, Montoya, I have some family we’re going to be passing, in a very small village. It’s about two miles off the path we’re going on, and I was hoping I could take a day or two to visit them.”

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    “A village nearby? I haven't heard of any village near here, are you sure you have the right place? If there’s a village nearby, maybe we could take a stop there, see if they have an inn that would put us up for the night.”

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    Romeo quickly compensated for his interest. “By small village, I mean really just like three families living near each other. All of them are farmers. Rather dull people. One room houses. You wouldn’t really want to visit them.”

    “I thought you were from the city. Why would you visit family all the way out here?” Montoya looked sceptical.

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    “My mother’s side came from here. We used to visit in the summers and my grandmother loved to see my family. I just want to see her again.” Romeo layed a bit into asking for sympathy.

    Montoya considered for a moment. “Alright, but be careful. I suspect that there are bands of barbarians roaming around, be on your guard. Be back in two days from today. We’ll stay near the road.”

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    “Aye, sir!” he quickly walked back to his tent to gather his things. “You owe me big for this, Reed. Next time, it’s your turn to lay down your life.”

    “If we ever get to that point, I’d be happy to. Remember, up the east hill, north at the giant tree.” he recited.

    “Yeah, those two directions are easy to remember. You don’t have to repeat them over and over.” Romeo grumbled. “If I don’t come back in two days, come looking for me.” he suddenly turned somber.

    “Romeo- I can’t thank you enough.”

    “Then you’ll be shining my boots for months.” he said, snapping out of his sentimentality. He grabbed his pack, a few rations, and walked away from the camp.

    ~*~

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    Liam had a knot in the pit of his stomach now that his plan was in motion and everyone was in more danger than normal. He should tell Anwyn, but she was under constant surveillance. They had been traveling for about a month now, and she seemed to be showing obvious signs of pregnancy. She was ill all at odd times, then suddenly better. She was tired, and she had to let out her dresses at the seams to fit them better.

    Still, she had to know. He quietly approached her tent and listened for anyone around. He spotted the king at the table eating dinner along with the duchess and her lady, and the Templar knights were sitting around their fire, complaining about their feet. Anwyn should be alone in her tent.

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    “Anwyn, are you in there?” he asked quietly in a hiss.

    “Liam, is that you?” She asked, just as quietly.

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    “Yes, I need to tell you something. It’s urgent that you know.” he said, going back to the back side of the tent to be more hidden. “We’re going to make a run for it.”

    “What? When? How?” Anwyn’s confusion was evident.

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    “I sent Romeo to lead a pack of natives to our group. In two days, they will attack and in the ambush we will make our escape. I have planned the route we’ll flee on, and we’ll make it to the Western Islands by a month from now. We’ll be free.” he assured, hardly believing it himself.

    “But my family- The king will punish them for our actions-” Anwyn stuttered.

    “They’ve been informed, and they’re going to meet us. I sent a message to the maid from the manor, and she passed on the message to your family. They’ll meet us along the way.” Liam said.

    He thought he heard her sniffling in the tent, and he wanted to hold her until she stopped shaking the way she did when she was overwhelmed with emotion, but it was too risky.

    “I love you,” she whispered to him, and his eyes became wide and welled up with tears.

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    “I love you,” he said simply in response. He was willing to lay everything down for this girl that had become the sun to him, and where she went he wanted to be there also. For the rest of his life, forever and always. While he had previous lovers, none of them compared to what he felt for Anwyn, and he knew that while he had filled the hole the others had left, he knew that he could never replace Anwyn.

    He crouch- walked away from the back of the tent, and noticed the duchess and her lady coming back from the table towards him. He smoothly hid behind a tree and waited for them to enter the tent so he could get away and act normal.

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    “It’s too bad Romeo left, I miss looking at him. No one else here is as nice on the eyes.” Briella said casually to the duchess. “I mean, Sir Reed isn’t bad if you’re into red hair, but I’m not all that interested.”

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    “Sir Reed is a traitor, don’t even think of bedding him. He’s too much of a loyal soul anyhow, so it would take far too much effort to try. He wouldn’t look at anyone but that girl, and you’d just scare him.” the duchess answered. “No, now that we know he’s a treasonous guard, he’ll make a good example of what happens to anyone who stands against the king. He’s to be executed once we get to the front line as a warning to the soldiers not to dessert. It ought to be nice to see his pretty head roll of the ground. It’s been forever since I’ve seen a proper death; the island is far too isolated.”

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    “Speaking of the traitor, I get my payment at some point, don’t I? If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had a clue who the queen was having an affair with. Heh, I can’t believe how easy it was to play into Sir Romeo’s insecurity like that! Act like you’re afraid he’s taken and he’ll spill all of his secrets!” she laughed.

    “You’ll get your reward, but we have to wait until we return back to my manor. I didn’t bring all of my riches with me to the palace. Now, would you get me out of this corset? It’s beginning to pinch.”

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    Liam stood in shock. Even if he hadn’t set the actions in motion by now, he had no choice but to make an escape. It was no wonder the Templar knights were so watchful of him, they had been informed of his crimes and were escorting him to his death. He hoped that the rest of his plan went smoothly, or he’d meet a much worse fate than a quick death.
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  • icmnfrshicmnfrsh Posts: 18,789 Member
    Oh dear, it looks like things are looking grim for everyone.
    Don't manhandle the urchin. He's not for sale. FIND YOUR OWN! - Xenon the Antiquarian, Dragon Age II

    Race Against the Clock: Can your elder sim turn back the clock before their time runs out?
  • JestTruJestTru Posts: 1,761 Member
    I wonder what happens to Liam... can't wait to find out.
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    I wrote six pages of a google doc, and I want to write more, but I feel like it's getting long. Do you guys want me to lump it all into one long chapter and have it be longer or cut into two chapters?
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  • icmnfrshicmnfrsh Posts: 18,789 Member
    Personally, I'd be fine with it being cut, so that we get more frequent releases and so that each chapter has a manageable amount of text
    Don't manhandle the urchin. He's not for sale. FIND YOUR OWN! - Xenon the Antiquarian, Dragon Age II

    Race Against the Clock: Can your elder sim turn back the clock before their time runs out?
  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
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    Chapter 21

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    “So I walked to this camp, knowing that I’d probably be dead by nightfall. There was little hope that I would be able to convince them to help me and not kill me.” Romeo told Midshore quietly. Lara had fallen asleep by now, exhausted by their travels and whatever part she played in the ceremony. “The closer I got the more I wanted to dessert and make my way back to the last town we had set foot in.”

    ~*~

    As stealthy as he thought he had been, the natives heard Romeo approaching and captured him. There were three of them, two women and three men, all dressed in garb that looked ragged and worn. They threw him into a jail made of solid boards sticking out of the ground. Obviously this was a well used campsite for the natives; If they had been here since Liam was first here, it must be a strong area.

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    “If you have any sense, you’ll keep your mouth shut until we can send you back to your people. We don’t need more deserters like you coming to try and ask us for our pity and our limited food. You filthy southerner!” one of the men spat.

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    Romeo dusted himself off, free of his heavy armor. “I’m not here for any of that, and any of the food I brought you can freely have,” Romeo bargained cavaliery. “I’m not a deserter, or I kind of am. No, I’m not- Look, that doesn’t matter right now, what matters is that I have a proposition for you. You don’t want to pass this up.”

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    “We will take anything of yours we want, including your nice and shiny armor.’ commented one of the women. “You are in no position to be making deals.”

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    “I have very little to gain from this arrangement, I swear. I didn’t even plan this, my friend did. He told me how to get here.” Romeo claimed.

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    “Why would a single guard seek out a camp that could overwhelm you?” asked one of the other men.

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    “That’s what I’m saying. Me coming here makes no sense. I have important information, and I think we can mutually benefit from a temporary alliance.” Romeo gushed. He was feeling nervous.

    The group recoiled away from him and started yelling.

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    “Are you out of your mind? We barely know you, and you want to be allies?”

    “You’re really more trouble than most wandering stupids, that’s for sure!”

    “I’m not aligning myself with you!”

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    Romeo continued. “I wear golden armor for a reason, I’m one of the King’s personal guards. He’s coming to the north to rally his troops and show them how well the kingdom is doing. However, my friend is the father of the child within the queen, and he wants to make an escape while everyone is confused by the rucass. You can take the king, the guard and the queen queen escape, and that’s all. Oh, and don’t hurt the other young woman with the brown hair. She is… Not involved in the king’s wrong doings.”

    They stared at him. “This sounds too easy,’ said one of the men.

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    “Unfortunately, there are about six templar knights accompanying the king as well. They’re trained, but they’ve been in the capital for too long and haven’t known much battle lately.”

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    They considered the details. “So we have a chance to potentially kill the king and six Templar knights, and all you’re asking for is a distraction?” Asked one of the men.

    “That’s right. I’m due back the day after tomorrow. You have nothing to lose, the guards with the king are all sympathetic to the queen and her guard. Anyone in golden armor won’t attack you.”

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    “You say your friend told you how to find us. What is his name?” asked one of the women.

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    “His name is Liam Reed,” offered Romeo, not knowing what significance it would have.

    “Oh, Liam! Why didn’t you just say so!”

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    These natives seemed rather easy going for a people full of rocks for brains and barbaric behavior…

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    They opened the door and let Romeo out. “Liam used to hunt with us on his leave days. We weren’t sure how he was able to slip away from the other soldiers, but he was a great help to our small community and he never told anyone how to find us here. It’s a bit far from the road, so we rarely had visitors. I don’t remember too well how we came to trust him. I almost wish we hadn’t become friends, it was too hard on him when it came time to battle.” the woman turned solemn. “Poor man had to fight a people he didn’t hate, with a side that would kill him for not killing. I almost wish we had made it easier for him to hate us.” she said with a sad tone.

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    “Liam has talked about the red-stained snow, the horrors of war. He never mentioned any of you though.” Romeo said.

    “He wouldn’t have. I suspect that Liam doesn’t trust as easily as he used to, and there are more foes in the army than allies. To associate with a Northerner is on the same level as treason. He did it to protect everything; him, us, anyone who knew.” one of the men said.

    “And we’re ordered to kill you on sight…” Romeo pondered. These people, they didn’t seem organized. They were a band of survivors, scraping together a life that had been hunted and extinguished. He had never thought much about the validity of the war, what were they even fighting over?

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    “Get some sleep, we’ll have breakfast tomorrow and from there we’ll plan out our attack.” one of them encouraged. “A friend of a friend is a friend of ours.

    ~*~

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    The night was dark, and the lone Templar knight who had been tasked with sitting watch was nodding off, soon to be snoring. Romeo had traveled as lightly and quietly as he could, the other five of them waiting just to the east to spring in the morning.

    He had to inform Liam to be ready though, or else he would be unprepared.

    He stalked at a range of ten yards outside the edge of the camp, watching by the light of the moon that he didn’t disturb any dried twigs on the ground. He made it to Liam’s tent (He recognised the little stain on the top) and knelt by the back, outside of the tent.

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    “Liam, Liam you better not be sleeping now. Wake up.” he whispered in the softest he could. The other tents were closer than he would like. One of them held Briella, and his heart began to race. She was in there, in a nightgown, her hair probably lose against her pillow, her round face relaxed and smiling-

    Liam peaked open the tent, and then slid out, signalling to follow. He walked casually to the treeline and then after a moment Romeo followed him quietly. They walked to where they were out of sight of the camp and the lazy knight.

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    “Romeo, you’re back? Where’s the trope?” he asked frantically, tired eyes running wild.

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    “They’re about a half mile to the east, waiting until first light to attack. That’s what I’m here to tell you, they’re going to attack at dawn. You should be ready if you plan to leave.” he assured.

    “Oh, how many are there? Last I knew there were five of them, are there still five?” Liam asked, worried.

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    “Yeah, there are five, and you could have told me you knew them!” he hissed. “They threw me in jail for a hot minute. I had to use your name to get me out, something I would have liked to know sooner!”

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    “I didn’t know if they remembered me, or if they would even be the same people at the camp. But yes, I should have told you that I had a friendly relationship with them. I’m sorry.” he said.

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    Romeo breathed out, setting aside his anger. “This will all be over soon, and then you can live our life as whatever you choose to become, with Anwyn, and your child. I wish you luck, good friend. This may be the last time we speak. I hope to stay with Briella.” he paused, smiling. “You know, they say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and I’m sure it’s true now. I thought about her all the time over the past few days.”

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    “It’s been two.” Liam said bluntly.

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    “It’s only been two days? It feels like forever. Like I haven’t seen her in a month.” Romeo claimed.

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    “Romeo, there are some things that you should know before- Briella isn’t all you think she is.” Liam started.

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    “What are you talking about? She’s a loyal girl, concerned with the care of her lady and is faithful to me, surely. You- you aren’t seeing her behind my back, are you?! Briella isn’t a loose woman!” he almost started shouting.

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    “Keep your voice down!” hushed Liam. “Romeo, Briella is a loose woman. That’s exactly what she is. I know you wanted her to be the wife you’ve always wanted, but she is the furthest thing from it. The duchess thought that you and Anwyn were having an affair, so she had her sister hired and act as a spy. The night in the guards’ wing was a ploy. She played into your every insecurity and got you drunk, then asked you if you were with Anwyn. You said that you weren’t with her and to ensure that you weren't we told her that I was! They know about us because of Briella and she will leave you as soon as she is told to by the duchess. I’m to be executed at the front for treason.” Liam told

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    Romeo stood staring at him with disbelief. “You’re lying-” he sputtered, “You must be. You can’t let me have anything, no happiness. Briella is a kind girl, a funny girl, and you can’t stand that we’re happy. I told her that I wasn’t with Anwyn, and that you were, yes, but she wouldn’t tell the duchess. She’s not like that. She wouldn’t-”

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    “Romeo,” Liam stepped forward, “If I hadn’t heard that she had told the duchess about you telling her, how would I have known you told her at all? I don’t talk to her, I never really have. Not since she tried to make you jealous at the get together. My head is on the line, and yours may be too because you knew about us and did nothing. If they can’t find me to execute and you’re standing around, who’s to say they won’t murder you in my sted?”

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    “No, you’re wrong!” hissed Romeo. He threw his arms down in disgust and finality. “Tomorrow, at dawn, be gone. I won’t hear more of this, and I think it’s time that we parted ways. Too long have I fought to have what’s rightfully mine, untainted by your view on the world. Farewell, Liam Reed, your memory will be missed.” he chewed his words and turned on his heel, making sure that he was quiet as he left the campsite.

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    Liam stalked back to his tent and lied on his back thinking. Romeo didn’t see reason anymore. But could Liam blame him? The man was in his prime, seeing it start to drift away from him, and Liam had found his love. He had had flirtations with the other entertainment that the king had brought back to the palace too, and Romeo kept waiting for the perfect girl and the perfect opportunity, but it never came. Here comes along a pretty young woman and of course Romeo would fall in love, ready to give her anything to make her stay with him. He was a fool at times, not knowing when to not say something to a pretty girl, but all the same he didn’t blame him. He just hoped that he wouldn’t be too hurt when Briella dropped him like a stone into water.

    ~*~

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    Romeo walked back to the native’s temporary camp fuming. How could Liam even think that of sweet Briella? She was a woman of high breeding, she wore fine clothes, and she was sweet and kind. She thought that Romeo was interesting and charming, and of course he was, but that wasn’t the point. He waited for so long for the Creator to bring him the perfect girl, and here she was. She was a bit closely affiliated with the duchess for him to be truly comfortable, but every relationship had its positives and negatives. Briella was just an innocent link.

    She would never tell. Why would she? What did she have to gain? Who would hurt someone like that, to have them open their heart to you and then to step on their trust like Liam was suggesting? Romeo could think of at least two people he knew who were tyrannical, the king and the duchess, but Briella wasn’t. She did look a bit like the duchess when they stood next to each other, but that was just coincidence. IT had to be. They weren’t actually sisters. The duchess wouldn’t let her family be a lose woman.

    Romeo kept running through the same lines over and over again, convincing himself that he was correct and that nothing that Liam said could be correct.

    ~*~

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    Romeo stood up from his bunk and walked around, restless. Midshore looked up at him, patient but expecting the rest of the story.

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    After pacing for a few moments, he sat back down, jittery. “I didn’t believe him. I was so blind, I couldn’t believe him. Not if you had held Briella in front of me and had her tell me that it was true, I would have said that she made her say that. That they were forcing her somehow to lie to me. I can’t believe I was so blind.”

    “You’ve been blind before. A pretty girl is all it takes for you, apparently. Just don’t get any ideas about my wife.” she lightly teased.

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    “I would never get an idea about a married woman, that just doesn’t seem right to me.” Romeo defended himself a bit too seriously.

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    “I almost told the group that Liam had called it off, I was so angry. I felt betrayed by my best friend that he didn’t bless my match. The group looked at me when I came back, wondering how it had gone, and I wanted to blow the whole thing, but I didn’t. While I felt that he had betrayed me, I couldn’t betray him.”
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  • VanPelt81VanPelt81 Posts: 2,990 Member
    Loving the introduction of the Barbarians. Romeo seemed very judgy towards them. Hope they reek havoc on the Knight Templars. >:)
  • icmnfrshicmnfrsh Posts: 18,789 Member
    Man, Romeo is such an id ee yot
    Don't manhandle the urchin. He's not for sale. FIND YOUR OWN! - Xenon the Antiquarian, Dragon Age II

    Race Against the Clock: Can your elder sim turn back the clock before their time runs out?
  • TaraIris94TaraIris94 Posts: 552 Member
    I had two chapters to read today when I logged on, such a sweet surprise!
    I love being able to see how everything happened. I'm glad you're going in depth with it. I can't wait to see what happens next and what truly happened to Liam
  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    I plan the next chapter to be quite a bit more action packed. When a lot actually happens. There's been so much build up, I hope that it meets expectations :sweat_smile:

    I keep trying to find the right music for the events I want for Liam, but I'm having a tough time. But if I tell you what I'm looking for you'll know what I have planned!
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    I did it! I found the inspiration song! It's like scratching an itch, finding the right music. So pleasing.
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  • TaraIris94TaraIris94 Posts: 552 Member
    Irishsong wrote: »
    I did it! I found the inspiration song! It's like scratching an itch, finding the right music. So pleasing.

    Can't wait to read the next chapter! I'm glad you found the perfect song.
  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    I did it! I wrote the big bad chapter! It's about 9 and a half google doc pages long, and I hope to take pictures tomorrow. If not by tomorrow, I'll shoot for thursday.

    What will happen? stay tuned to find out! (ooo, I can't wait for you guys to read it!)
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  • icmnfrshicmnfrsh Posts: 18,789 Member
    Irishsong wrote: »
    I did it! I wrote the big bad chapter! It's about 9 and a half google doc pages long, and I hope to take pictures tomorrow. If not by tomorrow, I'll shoot for thursday.

    What will happen? stay tuned to find out! (ooo, I can't wait for you guys to read it!)

    giphy.gif
    Don't manhandle the urchin. He's not for sale. FIND YOUR OWN! - Xenon the Antiquarian, Dragon Age II

    Race Against the Clock: Can your elder sim turn back the clock before their time runs out?
  • JestTruJestTru Posts: 1,761 Member
    I'm excited. I can only really get into playing my game about every other weekend due to work schedule so I love these stories they keep me interested in this game.
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    I'm wondering if you guys would be interested in the playlist I've put together of music that I listened to while writing? For the next leg off the story, I may make a new playlist for those characters, so you could kinda listen to the emotions I tried to channel thus far. I think I'll post it after this coming chapter.
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  • icmnfrshicmnfrsh Posts: 18,789 Member
    Yeah, that would be interesting :)
    Don't manhandle the urchin. He's not for sale. FIND YOUR OWN! - Xenon the Antiquarian, Dragon Age II

    Race Against the Clock: Can your elder sim turn back the clock before their time runs out?
  • VanPelt81VanPelt81 Posts: 2,990 Member
    Irishsong wrote: »
    I'm wondering if you guys would be interested in the playlist I've put together of music that I listened to while writing? For the next leg off the story, I may make a new playlist for those characters, so you could kinda listen to the emotions I tried to channel thus far. I think I'll post it after this coming chapter.

    I wonder what songs would fit what characters.
  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    VanPelt81 wrote: »
    Irishsong wrote: »
    I'm wondering if you guys would be interested in the playlist I've put together of music that I listened to while writing? For the next leg off the story, I may make a new playlist for those characters, so you could kinda listen to the emotions I tried to channel thus far. I think I'll post it after this coming chapter.

    I wonder what songs would fit what characters.

    It's more about the tone of the chapters than the characters. There are a few songs for characters, but not too many.
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
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    Chapter 22, Part 1 This chapter has violence and battle in it. If you are uncomfortable with these things, this chapter is not for you

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    Liam kept his tent flap open the smallest bit, tensing at any sound that he heard and watching the sky and the stars move across the sky. Each moment he had to wait for the band to attack was a moment he couldn’t relax.

    He went over and over again how he was going to jump out of his tent and grab Anwyn and flee. He wore his green armor which had been hard to put on in dark quietly, but no one had stirred in their tents. As the sky grew faintly lighter, he heard and saw the Templar knights starting to put on their white armor, waking the rest of the camp in their noise and clamor.

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    Liam stood from his tent, hoping no one thought it was weird that he was already fully dressed. If anyone asked, he would simply say that the cold from last night had made him dress warmer and he slept in his rugged clothes. Which had chainmail…. That he couldn't really sleep in because it was uncomfortable… Hopefully no one would have time to ask.

    He looked for Anwyn, but she wasn’t out of the king’s tent yet. This would be the last time she would have to share his bed. She didn’t have to go along with what he wanted any more, not after today.

    Liam’s nerves were rising with each minute that he didn’t hear the sound of battle, and his stomach felt like it wished to exit his body. Hopefully the Cupshires had packed food like Liam had asked, as he didn’t have the stealth or time to pack his own food for him or Anwyn. They would make it a few days, hopefully the baby would be alright as well.

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    Cries came from the east, just as Romeo had said they would, and Liam jumped into action. He darted to the back of Anwyn’s tent as one of the native men came through and caught one of the Templars in the arm, another woman tackled one of the girthy knights to the ground. To see them again was nearly overwhelming, scrawny as they seemed, they appeared to be in good health. Liam wished that he could do more to aid them in squelching the king then and there, but he couldn’t do anything if they were to get away unharmed. He wasn’t the hero today.

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    Anwyn popped out of her tent, her hair down and wearing a simple gown and apron he had seen her wear often lately. It had space for the growing child, and it was warm and rugged. It would suit the journey. She slept with her shoes on since the coming cold nipped at fingers and toes in the night.

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    “Anwyn, come on! This way!” he beckoned as he led her to the west, away from the skirmish.

    ***

    After over a month on the road traveling, he knew which tent would be whose, and he sought out Briella with his eyes. He found her, in her nightgown and robe, hair still done up. She was beside the Duchess, huddled next to one another. In the pale light, she looked… No, she wasn’t the sister of the duchess. That was just crazy talk by Liam to get him to join him on his suicide mission. Briella was soft, and- was she looking at the native woman on the ground in delight? She was about to have her heart pierced, he couldn’t stand by and do nothing-

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    Romeo jumped and tackled the Templar to the ground, involving himself in a battle he didn’t want to choose sides in, now irreparably burning the bridge he may have gone between on. By saving this woman’s life, he had chosen to go against the king.

    “Traitor!” screamed the knight beneath him. “You and Reed will die slow and painful deaths for your treason. You will-” Romeo silenced him by slicing his throat and jumping up from the fray. He helped up the woman, then looked at Briella. She looked horrified that Romeo was involved, and she drew closer to the duchess who looked like her suspicions had always been correct, that he had always been a traitor.

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    Romeo tried to approach her. “Briella, Bri, come with me. We can be together and happy.” he pleaded.

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    She recoiled. “You will die a traitor’s death and be fed on by wild dogs!” she yelled over the noise. “I hope you rot in the afterlife! Maybe there you’ll find someone who loves you, you mut!”

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    Romeo stared at her, then was pushed out of the way of a sword by the red-haired woman he had just saved. “Flee, my friend!” she hissed. “Be gone, I will avenge you. I swear it!”

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    Romeo felt empty, but he ran to the west quickly to try and find the trail that Liam and Anwyn had taken. How could Briella say such things? They had shared a bed, and he thought that they were well on their way to being wed by the end of the year. When had it all gone wrong? Was Liam right this whole time? How could this have happened?

    They weren’t that hard to follow, seeming more interested in getting further away from the skirmish than being careful so that they couldn't be tracked. It had been quite a while since he had tracked anyone, but he did his best. He met up with them hiding behind a large stone, catching their breath.

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    Liam wasn’t expecting Romeo and jumped to alert, holding him against the rock until he recognized that it was him.

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    “Romeo!” he exclaimed. “Why are you here? Didn’t you want to stick around with Briella? Stay a happy guard?”

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    Romeo rubbed his neck. “I wanted to, believe me, but she seemed to like the violence of the fight. She watched on while a native woman was nearly killed, but I couldn’t stand by and let her die. I jumped in and now I’m stuck with you, so you better let me know where we’re going.” he croaked.

    “You made the right choice. Nowhere in this kingdom will be safe for you anymore.” he faced west. “There’s an old ruined city that we’re going to. Anwyn’s family will be waiting for us there, and we’ll rest there for a day before making our final leg to the coast. I have passage waiting for us there to take us to the Western Islands where we ought to be safe.”

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    “I know someone who emigrated there. She was a very… talented young woman. I went to her for some help once, I hope I can find her once we arrive. It would be nice to talk to her again.” Romeo reminisced.

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    “See? The future is already looking up for you!” Liam assured, trying to brighten everyone’s spirits.

    He turned and peered out from behind the rock to see if they had been followed. There was no one in sight, but he knew that their trail would be easy enough to follow. It was time to be more careful with their walking, blend in with their surroundings.

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    “Romeo, I’m happy you decided to come with us. You’re a good friend to both of us and I feel better with you here.” Anwyn said, smiling.

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    “Coast is clear, follow me and we’ll be ok. Try and stay low.”

    ~*~

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    They walked carefully for a few hours, going slower than any of them would have liked, but they didn’t have much choice. Slow and steady was what would get them safely out to the other side. They journeyed on into the night, and by the time that they finally saw the tall walls of the ancient city, it felt as if the world was asleep and they were the only ones awake.

    Of course, they were expected, and as they wandered their way into the old city they noticed the smell of smoke and flicker of a campfire.

    Liam walked forward first, hoping that it was Lara or Melinda who saw him first as they were the only ones who would recognize him. They were so tired, he just wanted to relax his weary body and hibernate. Because of their exhaustion, they were unable to be as quiet as they had previously been and the person on watch perked up.

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    Thank the Creator, it was Melinda!

    “Guys, guys, wake up! Anwyn and her two friends are here! They’re here!” she cheered, waking everyone.

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    Anwyn’s two little siblings came rushing out of their tent, Lara and her husband woke and emerged, as did her brother and his wife, and her father and her mother. They were all paired so evenly, even Melinda had a little figure next to her, the hidden and abused daughter from the basement of the lord’s manor.

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    Anwyn rushed over to embrace everyone, ruffling hair and crying, so happy to see them again. She turned and tightly embraced her sister.

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    “I’m sorry I missed your wedding, Lara. I wanted to go, but after we left the manor I no longer received word from anyone. I’m sure it was a beautiful day.” Anwyn gushed.

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    “It was, but it was sad because you weren’t there, and we knew why. I would kill that monster in his sleep if I could, but with any luck we won’t have to ever worry about him again.” she stood back and looked at her sister.

    “Annie, are you expecting?” she asked, seriously and grim, as she looked down at Anwyn’s middle.

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    “I am.” Anwyn smiled. “I’m about, oh, it must be three months now.”

    Anwyn’s brother’s face was set hard in stone. “That beast of a man. Forcing himself onto a woman like that. And you’re happy to be carrying his child?” he asked, confused.

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    “This isn’t the king’s baby.” she said plainly. “May I introduce Liam, my love and the father of my child.” Anwyn motioned for Liam to come over to the group.

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    “Pleasure to meet all of you at long last.” he said meekly.

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    “Who is this? And how do you know that he is the father of your child?” asked her mother.

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    “The cook at the manor cursed the king somehow so that he couldn’t make anyone bear children for a year, and I was happy with that. I didn’t want to have children with him, I didn’t want the child to grow up and inherit the throne and have the duchess’s son be her husband and-- it was just not what I ever wanted. But the king got angry that I wasn’t expecting any children and he threatened to harm you all if I didn’t produce. So I went to Liam, the guard that I had fallen in love with and asked him to help me. We- I believe we want to be married, but we obviously haven’t had the time for that.”

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    Her family looked dumbstruck. “But you’re married to the king.” was all that little Sophia could say.

    “I lied in my wedding. I don’t love him, I never will, and that’s all there is to it. Once we’re at the Western Islands, it shouldn’t matter if I was married to a tyrant anyhow. They’ll have no way of knowing and I doubt they would fault me for separating from that marriage.”

    “But the Creator will judge you! You will be 🐸🐸🐸🐸 for this!” her mother was frantic.

    “I must live my life with an open conscious, and live it how I can survive. I will not live in a way so that evil wins.” Anwyn stood defiantly, defending herself. “But, mother,” she suddenly remembered something the king had said. Her mother had been pregnant. She had been pregnant before she had left for the manor, where was the baby? “Where is your baby?”

    Her mother smiled. “We have a new son. He’s sleeping in the tent, we didn’t want to wake him. He was born a month ago, just long enough for us to be able to move him without putting too much risk on his life. He’s strong, he reminds me of you at that age. The strongest of my children.” She looked teary eyed.

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    “And who is the other man with you?” asked her father. He had reddish hair as well, though none of his other children seemed to have shared in this trait.

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    “This is Sir Romeo. He has aided in our cause and has joined our side in this fight. He can be trusted.” Anwyn told her family.

    They all nestled down, catching up on what had happened the last few months. Joseph had finished learning the alphabet from the other people in the family while Anwyn had been away, and Sophia had started to learn it as well. The Cupshires didn’t discriminate when it came to learning.

    Soon, the sun was rising and Anwyn was nodding off. Quietly, her brother straightened the blankets on a bed nearby and kindly led her over to it, letting her sleep. Even in the sun, it was chilly, and Liam was equally as tired, though he wasn’t growing a child inside him. He couldn’t imagine the exhaustion that Anwyn was going through.

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    He carefully laid down beside her, taking her into his arms and letting her feel as safe as they could manage. They would be safe for today, and tonight they would be going again, to their final destination.

    ~*~

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    Anwyn woke up beside the fire and was surprised to find that her family wasn’t crowding her. Not even Liam, who had been there when she had fallen asleep, was near her. Anwyn sat up and rose from the bed roll, stretching. She still felt weary, but she was used to feeling physically tired, but now she felt more tired emotionally.

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    Having all of her family so close to her made her anxious. She was so used to not being able to be happy; having everything she loved threatened if she diverted from the king’s desires. To have them here around her made her afraid that doom was looming on the doorstep.

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    It appeared to be mid afternoon, and a few people were working on something to eat, and the children were playing cards. Liam noticed that Anwyn had woken up, and he trotted over, greeting her.

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    “Anwyn, you’re up. Would you walk with me for a bit?” he asked.

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    “I’d love to.” she smiled. She thought for a moment that she should tied up her hair before she made herself more public, but it was a reflexive thought. She wasn’t married to the king now, in fact she wasn’t married at all currently.

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    They walked away from the group, seeing that Lara and her brother were sitting together on a bench as well, chatting. Anwyn and Liam walked down a slope to an open area, happy for the solitude.

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    They stood over near one of the old pools of water, watching how the water sparkled in the slight breeze. It was quiet here, as if no one had been here for a hundred years.

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    “What are we going to do when we get to the islands?” Anwyn asked quietly.

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    “What do you want you to do with your life?” Liam asked, answering her question with a question.

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    She thought for a moment. “I guess I wanted to be a teacher, open a school. I think all children should know how to read, but I’m going to be busy being a mother, so I’m not sure how that’s going to turn out.”

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    “Our child will be well cared for.” Liam laughed. “Just look at all the family you have to help us. We’re blessed to have them.”

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    “I’m blessed to have you,” she said, looking up at him. “Every day.”

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    She kissed him, and they enjoyed the moment, fully aware that anyone in the family could look down at them and think that it was too forward to be embracing in full view. Try telling that to two people who had been hiding their relationship for five months.

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    “What do you think you’ll do? When we get there?” Anwyn asked Liam.

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    “I don’t know. I could become a carpenter, I guess. Becoming a guard was my default choice, and I haven’t had to make a new one since I started that. I don’t know what I am outside of it.” he said.

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    “I guess we’ll just have to sort that out when it happens. But first, we get married. I don’t care if I’m as big as a melon,” she giggled. “I want you to be my husband. I love you, Liam. And I will love you until I no longer breathe, and even beyond that.” she smiled.

    “I love you too.” he said simply, and he kissed her.
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    Chapter 22, Part 2 Chapter contains battle and wounds. If that bothers you, this chapter isn't for you. It stays pg13

    ~*~

    The night came and that meant that it was time to move on. The Cupshires had been in the ruined city for just shy of a week, so they had become quite comfortable in it, and their presence would be easy enough to see. Their fire had scorched the ground, their tents had sleeping spots flattened into the grass, and their excrement littered the bushes near the walls.

    As evening fell, a silence did as well. The joy from the day had passed and now everyone, even the children, felt a weight around them, a tenseness that wouldn't pass until they were safe.

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    The fire was turned over, the tents were packed up, and they started their way west again. Liam listened for the sounds of the forest and the normal night sounds, but they were different. He didn’t hear the familiar movements of birds in the trees, or the surprise of the mice as they darted out of the way of the group.

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    Perhaps it was just because they were a larger group and easier to hear and thus didn’t scare the night life the same way they did when it was a smaller group. The king’s group hadn’t traveled at night, so he had nothing to compare it to. Still, it unsettled him.

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    They walked for about twenty minutes and Liam was now sure that something was off. No one was talking, everyone was trying to stay quiet as possible, but as he was bringing up the rear, he felt like they were being followed. His heart started to race, worried.

    Now was the worst time to be ambushed, with a baby and three children as possible casualties. He signaled to the group, signalling them to stop. Everyone was silent, and that’s when he saw the glint of silver in the woods.

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    Templar knights.

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    “Run!” Liam hollered, turning to herd them faster.

    An arrow shot out past him, nearly hitting his arm as he ran. He heard the familiar clank of armored knights rising from where they hid in waiting, and they raced to catch their prey.

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    Romeo and Liam drew their swords, but Liam urged Romeo to continue on. “What are you doing? Don’t leave the group undefended! Go with them!” Liam shouted.

    “You’re going to be a father, you have someone you love, I am more expendable!” said Romeo as they kept up with the back of the group at a small distance. “Anwyn needs to get to safety, but so do you! Your child needs a father!”

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    A knight sprang out of the bushes and lept at Liam, trying to wrangle him to the ground. He and Romeo quickly defended themselves, making sure that the knight never moved again.

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    Liam looked backwards at the retreating family, whole once again. They could live as a whole now, they had their missing piece back. If Liam let Anwyn get caught by the Templar knights, she would be kept in a cell for the remainder of her life, if not publicly executed for her treason to the throne.

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    He looked at Romeo, weighing his options. There would be more knights. As hard as the band of natives may have fought, they were outnumbered and the knights were better suited. They had armor, and sharp swords, the natives had what they could make or steal. There would be more knights coming for them, and the longer Liam thought about it, the worse their odds were looking of getting out of here together and alive. He knew that as he was considered a traitor to the crown, the knights would swarm him and be distracted from the rest of the group. As they were moving now, they were only evading the knights, not slowing them down.

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    He shot a quick glance at Romeo. “Then make sure my child has a father.” he said, and he walked back into the forest, hunting down the knights that were hunting them.

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    “Liam! No! Come back!” Romeo shouted in shock.

    Romeo had no choice but to continue protecting the family, and as he continued on Liam’s figure became obscured by the forest. The sounds of fighting still rang out, but even that became dull after a few minutes and was soon gone.

    Romeo kept looking from side to side, trying to see if he saw anymore armor glinting in the limited light, but he saw none. They kept up a quick pace, moving as swiftly as possible through the underbrush.

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    Eventually, the tree line was visible, and the smell of the ocean filled their senses. They were breathing heavily, but it was going to be over soon. A bit of the way down the shore was a collection of small boats that would be their escape, they just had to get there.

    Romeo moved to the head of the group, looking for the direction that they had to go, and he felt relief rush over him. They hadn’t seen any knights for about an hour, there was no way they would be this far out. They were safe to board the boats and get away from this terrible continent.

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    “Wait, where’s Liam? Why isn’t he here? Where did he go?” Anwyn started to panic. Romeo turned back to the group, tears starting to well up in his eyes.

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    Anwyn reached for him, still pleading to know where her love had gone when she gasped. Her eyes went wide, and she started to sag, her head dipping.

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    Romeo reached for her when he noticed a wound on her back. A red splotch spread from between her shoulder blades, and the smallest arrow imaginable stuck out from her back.

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    “No no no no no!” he pleaded, cradling her, making sure that no sand got into her wound. Her family noticed, and they became frantic, wondering if she was alright.

    If Romeo told them that she was seriously injured, they would slow down and grieve. A it was, only Anwyn seemed to have noticed that Liam wasn’t around, but if they realized they would grieve the small family that hadn’t even begun.

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    No, there was one option and one option only. “She’s alright, she just fainted. I can carry her, we need to get onto those boats now before the knights catch up to us!” He hid the red stain from the family.

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    “Anwyn, stay with me. We have six days until we get to the islands, you have to hold on. I know someone there who can help you, but you have to do your part and stay with us, alright? Stay with me.” his eyes were filling with tears as he begged her, and she carefully nodded.

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    He wiped his tears and stood up, lifting her with him. Whoever had shot the arrow seemed happy with their handy work and hadn’t shot more, perhaps they were satisfied with shooting the queen and knowing that she would soon die. Romeo just hoped that it wasn’t poisoned.

    The family all loaded into boats, and while the other boats were rather crowded, Romeo insisted that he and Anwyn have their own boat, to give Anwyn space to stretch out and rest, of course. No one seemed to argue with that, and after they had pushed off and had a good breeze in their sails, Romeo could only pray that they made it to the Western Islands in time.

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    “She died over night on the second day, in her sleep while I held her. I tried to keep her awake, to keep her with me, but I couldn’t. She slipped away with short breath, and I felt so desperate. I felt- I felt like I had failed both of them. I failed Anwyn by letting Liam sacrifice himself, I failed Liam for letting Anwyn get killed. I failed the two people that I am closest to in this world, and I had to live-” he covered his face in his hands, unable to finish.

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    Midshore looked at him, compassion in her eyes. “You didn’t fail Liam. Very few people know a necromancer, and even less will bring someone to them to have their soul restored. You saved two lives by bringing them here, and Liam saved many of you by distracting the knights who ambushed you. Now you can honor his memory and be the father that he couldn’t be.”

    ~***~

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    “What do you have to report, knight?” asked the king.

    “We found the group, but they were able to get onto boats before we could reach them. We were able to shoot and wound the queen though, my lord. The marksman said he did good work and she wouldn’t have long.”

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    “You did what?!” roared the king. “The queen is carrying my child! You have murdered the heir to the throne! You will be killed for this treachery!”

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    The knight stuttered. “I- I thought they were all traitors- my lord, I- I thought-”

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    “And what of the actual traitor? What of the guard?” the king asked in a snarl. “Tell me you found him.”

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    “We did, my lord, but he killed three of our men before we were able to take him down. He’s bound and awaiting your order.” the knight shook in his suit.

    “Good. I will enjoy this at least. Make yourself scarce and maybe I’ll forget what you look like.” he barked.

    So the traitor was in his grasp. He should have known that the redhead had a bleeding heart when it came to the king’s lovers, but last time he thought he had learned his lesson. Apparently he needed a harder teacher this time.

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    Well, guys and gals, I hope it was everything you hoped it would be! I unfortunately couldn't find the time to find actual sword accessories for the pictures, so just imagine they're there.

    I stayed up quite mast my bedtime now, I'm going to bed right after I post the playlist and I've written up a bit of what I think of each song as well. I'll link that in a Google Doc.

    This isn't the end, that's for sure, so stay tuned!
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  • IrishsongIrishsong Posts: 1,754 Member
    Here's the playlist that I assembled for along the way of writing the story. By the way, the song Hurt is about self-harm. I didn't use the song for the purpose of the words, but if that is an issue for you, you may want to skip the song.

    Here's a link for my thoughts on each song and why I chose them. I hope that it grants you insight and is enjoyable :)
    Link to the playlist:
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