Once Upon a Time A Warriors Heart: Once Upon a Time, #1

By Andrew Wichland

THE DARKEST HEART HAS TRAPPED THE FAIREST HEART IN A CAGE

 

Imprisoned in the darkness all her life without knowing why. Only understanding she must escape to survive. And escape into the forest she does.

 

But the forest isn't empty.

 

Eight warriors, each from distant lands, have formed a brotherhood and settled in this kingdom wracked by the greed of a wicked queen.

Even though their help is not always wanted, they lend their swords and their might to aid those in need.

 

When they witness the queen's men hunting her down, they save her. They offer her protection, friendship, and a home. For the first time in her life, she has a family.

But the queen wants her back – dead or alive. So this new freedom doesn't mean she is truly free. Not while the queen endlessly hunts her.

 

But she doesn't suffer alone.

 

The people of the kingdom have suffered for years under the rule of the wicked and bloodthirsty queen. So her only choice is: stop the darkest heart and liberate the people.

 

But first she must find out who she is and why the queen imprisoned her…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Wichland
• Release date: Mar 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088088753

Book preview

Chapter 1

Darkness…

For as long as she could remember. That was her world.

Darkness…

She hugged her legs close to her chest as she sat huddled on the straw that she had gathered in one corner of the stone floor. Laying her head against the wall, she eyed one of them, and idly thought that there were exactly seven thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight stones laid into the walls, ceiling, and floor of her cell. Thinking about the many times she counted them, she thought back to the one thing she believed kept her sanity… her dreams to be free.

She tried not to think about the countless times when she had thrown herself at the heavy wooden door. When they had slid food through or collected her bucket. Demanding in desperate screams, what had she done? What was her crime? Who was she?

Not once had her screams been answered.

The thought of food made her empty belly give a large growl. Pressing a hand to it, she gave a soft moan.

A loud noise jarred her from her thoughts. As quietly as possible, she laid down on the straw; her back to the door, as heavy booted feet approached. As she reached under the straw to grasp something, she heard the grate at the base of the door slide up.

For a couple of seconds, there was silence. Then a loud banging reverberated through the room as he kicked the door when her plate didn’t appear. Again, there was silence, and she bit her lip, hoping like the last few times, he wouldn’t close the grate and leave. And with a loud report, the grate slid home and she gave a silent moan of despair. Then a sound met her ears that she never heard before.

It sounded like something large and heaving sliding against something equal to it. Then she heard another large object shift and the door opened behind her.

Immediately, she snapped her eyes closed as she fought to keep still as feet approached her, hoping the person didn’t hear the pounding of her heart. When they fell silent near her, for a second there was nothing, then a booted foot nudged her leg and she let it slide from where it had been. Then came a low, mournful sigh as the guard bent down and gently took her shoulder and turned her to face him.

At once, she pounced. Rolling with it, she knocked into his legs, sending the stunned man heavily to the ground. Before he could do anything, she was on him, pressing the sharpened ending of her spoon under his chin.

I have nothing to lose! she warned in a low hiss as he stared at the feral gleam in her eyes. Cry out and I will not hesitate. With that, she took the man’s keys and the dagger at his hip.

Slowly she stood facing him, her trembling hand pointing the dagger at his face. As he watched her from his position on the ground, she slowly backed toward the door and once she could slammed it closed. Before he could stop her, she locked it and ran down the torch-lined hallway. Scooping up the bread from the food he was going to give her, she gorged it down as she ran, settling her empty stomach.

Not keeping track of where she turned and left and right, she didn’t slow down as she continued her escape. Even when she passed through hallways with tall windows, where the moon shined so bright it almost blinded her, she did not stop. Then through an open window above her, what seemed like two balls of moonlight shot down and shimmered before her, and she froze in fright.

You must not go this way… a soft voice whispered.

This way… the second ball said, and both darted to a door. Trust us… it urged when she hesitated.

For a brief second, she glanced back the way she was going. Then darted to the door and opened it, and rushed inside. No sooner had she done so that the rhythmic pounding of marching feet could be heard outside.

When the clatter died, she slowly faced the balls of light that bobbed at eye level. I’m in your…

Think nothing of it… the first said, interrupting her. Now follow us and do as we say if your wish is to escape. And with that, both streaked away, her close behind.

Chapter 2

Wearing an elegant gown that swept the ground, with an equally towering crown donning her head while long golden hair stretched down her back, The Queen descended the steps down to the dungeon, walking a path that she had not walked in years.

Once she reached the heavy wooden door, which was now open with two of the palace guards there, waiting for her. Stepping forward, she looked into the now empty cell. A little girl… she muttered and faced the men. How is it that one little girl got past you? and her eyes fell on the guard that had been let out.

With a light gulp, the man held up the metal spoon with the sharpened end.

Keeping her eyes on him, she took it. Tell me, guard… she tapped it against her palm, are you blind?

He shook his head in pure terror on what she was about to do. ’Co-course not, Majesty, he said with a tremor to his voice and body as he looked at the guards and soldiers around him who backed away.

Stepping forward, she held up the spoon. Then tell me… she lifted her hand, and the man was lifted off his feet to hover in the air before her, how is it that you could not see she had managed to keep this? and she tapped the point under one of his eyes. Well, since you do not know how to use these properly… With that, she pierced the man’s eyes with the sharpened point, and she faced the two other pale guards as the guard’s screams reverberated through the hall. Find her! And bring her back! she snapped at them. Or you’ll suffer a worse fate!

Chapter 3

For the rest of the journey, she followed the balls, who warned her whenever danger was nearby, and told her when and where to hide to avoid detection.

When they were finally outside and behind ample cover, she paused to catch her breath, then took in her surroundings. And forgot to breathe. Tears of unbearable happiness blurred her vision as she beheld the starry sky and was unable to keep the smile and look of wonder on her face as she stared up at the most beautiful sight in her life. While the moon bathed its soft light on the land around her, she scanned from the distant forest to the castle she had left on the mountainside.

We don’t have a lot of time, one of the balls warned, and turning, she watched in wonder as one led over a proud, majestic white steed.

Before another word could be spoken, the alarm was raised at the castle.

Climb on and ride. And whatever you do, don’t stop and don’t look back, the same ball of light from before instructed her.

For a second, she hesitated before timidly climbing on. Where am I going? she asked.

To the forest, another ball answered without hesitation. There you will find sanctuary and safety. Now go! As if given the command, the steed turned and ran full out for the forest. And looking back, she saw the balls shoot off into the distance.

Chapter 4

Earlier…

Shadow watched from his perch in the rocky hillside of the mine surrounded by the forest. He was dressed head to toe in black with a balaclava mask that covered his face, except for his eyes, which were a steely green. Across his back was a hand and a half sword with a quiver of arrows and a short bow in a case; a belt around his waist contained pouches and a pair of sheaths that tied to his legs for daggers with a third across the small of his back.

He was hidden from sight as the miners started to pack up for the day. He raised his head to look at the setting sun and could tell it was about five o’clock. He smiled behind his mask as the last rays of the sun hit the parts of his face that were not covered. He looked down again and saw his friends come up to the owner of the mine for today’s payment.

He stood up, still concealed from sight, and turned at a small sound. Not far from him, a mountain lion licked his chops looking at him hungrily. He and Shadow looked at each other for a moment before he turned and padded away. As the lion disappeared from his sight, Shadow bent low and flipped back into the air.

He made his way down the hillside, sliding, flipping, and rolling to avoid the obstacles. To someone on the ground, he would be no more than a shadow moving from one spot to the other. Until he came to the correct spot and leaped away from the hill, and landed silently in a tree. He peered through the branches as his friends gathered around the owner.

His friends would be an odd sort to most people, but to him, they were more; they were his brothers and teachers, his mentors and family.

First, there was Lee Chang, a Shaolin Warrior Monk from China who always wore a sleeveless robe with leg wrappings around the lower part of his pants. He had strong facial features with slanted eyes, lightly tanned skin, and a bald head that shined in the dying sunlight. Chang was maybe one of the best fighters in the group, despite his small size and quiet ways.

Then there was Satoshi, a Samurai and the best swordsman of the group, who always wore a robe that some people mocked him for because it looked more like a dress, and on the shoulders, was the symbol of his clan. At his hip rested two swords that he taught Shadow how to use in the time they knew each other. Like Chang, he was peaceful in his ways until you made him angry, and the last place you want to be is on the other end of his sword.

Next was Iron Hawk, a Native from a land that he says laid beyond the great sea, but he was still by far the best horseman of the group as well as the best archer. He wore a buckskin tunic with a beaded breastplate over it, with a band of beads tied around his upper arm and an eagle feather in his long black hair that was tied back away from his hard face. His other clothing, aside from his bow and quiver across his back, was a pair of buckskin leggings, a breechcloth, and moccasins. He had a tomahawk and dagger at his hip.

Niram was from a place called Siam who, like Chang, had a bald head but around his head, he wore a thick headband. Unlike everyone there, he just wore a puffed-up pair of shorts and a pair of sandals with a simple unbuttoned shirt over his chest. Though he was a little stubborn at times about his ways, he was loyal.

There was also Sir Edward, a knight from England who wore that serious look on his face and always wore black padding and steel armor on his right shoulder. At his hip were his hand and a half sword that hardly left his side. Though he always put on that stern look, he was a softie at heart with a poetic tongue to match.

Next to him was his ebony skin and sharp eyes shining in the dying light, was his friend Adel whom he met in his travels to the south. He wore a turban around his head with a piece of cloth hanging from his shoulder. He wore loose clothing with arm guards on his forearms that almost reached his elbows at his hip and shined on the sheath of his sword. This member of the group, though set in his ways, had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

The last member of the group wore thick furs and a giant ax across his back as he partly towered over everyone there. Over and under his furs thick armor shined in the sunset and on the helm, that covered his head and partly masked, his thick beard flowing beneath it. His name was Halldorr, a Viking from the north and the bronze of the group, and he was known to charge before he thought much of the time.

It has been a good day, Mr. Albron, Chang said, putting his palms together and bowing to the man.

Mr. Albron nodded. Yes, we got much done and more in our pockets, the man said, rubbing his hands.

It’s even a better day if our services were not needed and we all have our health, Chang said, standing straight, and Mr. Albron nodded absentmindedly.

After a moment of the group looking at Mr. Albron, he said, I guess you would want your payment for today’s work?

That would be the honorable reason for us remaining, Satoshi said, and the others nodded.

From his belt, Mr. Albron started handing out small purses of money to each of them.

After he tossed Halldorr his payment for the day, who slammed his fist to his chest, Alborn not caring looked around. Wait a minute, where’s the eighth guy? he said, as Shadow dropped quietly behind him.

A few seconds later, he turned and jumped in surprise at seeing Shadow.

Don’t do that; you creep me out enough as it is, he said, exasperated, and handed Shadow his purse with a hard, judging look in his eye.

Ignoring the look in the man’s eye and with the purse between his hands, Shadow bowed to him. Shaking his head, Mr. Albron walked away muttering to himself. As the group walked to their horses, Satoshi looked at Shadow.

You know, my friend, it would probably be better if you would give him some warning, he said.

Shadow looked at him and extended his right hand flat, back up in front of his body, fingers pointing to left and front; then swung the hand to right and front while turning his hand so that his thumb was up, and back downwards, then returned to its first position. He held his left-hand flat, edge-wise, well out in front of the body. Point his right index at center of his left hand, then moved his right index forward until it struck his left palm, then bounced off and down to right. Then after shaking his head with the gloved tip of his right index pressing against his thumb, before moving his hand a trifle to the front and snapped the index straight forward.

I know it’s not your fault you can’t speak, but there are other means of being heard, Satoshi said, as they reached their horses.

Shadow made other gestures and Niram nodded. That may be true, but we did not intend for you to be quiet all the time to scare people, he said from his horse with a look between scorn and amusement.

Niram, it’s who he is; Black Tiger, he spoke of Shadow, is one with the spirits of the earth and it’s his inner spirit. We should not discourage him, Iron Hawk said as Shadow mounted his black stallion. Like Iron Hawk, he rode bareback.

I’m not, but it could also cost us this job, Niram said, as the group spurred their horses on through the forest, the mine quickly disappearing from sight.

Ha, Niram. you worry too much; besides, Alborn should learn that an enemy can attack at anytime and anywhere, Halldorr said.

We are not at war my friend, there is no need for a man who has to worry so much to think of such things, Sir Edward said.

I agree with both of you Alborn needs to always keep his guard up, but Shadow doesn’t need to surprise him like that, Adel said, tying his helm to his saddle horn before lowering his cap and mail covering.

I believe you all have a point, however, what’s done is done and there is no need to argue about what is past, Chang said, stopping his horse. Everyone fell silent, and the others started passing him. Chang put his horse into a walk as Shadow came up and he whispered so no one in their group would hear, Though it probably would be better if you would refrain from doing that.

Shadow looked at him and after a moment, turned away. Before giving him a thumbs up, and Chang nodded.

They continued to ride through the forest with Halldorr singing at the top of his voice a song of valor in battle and a few laughing as they talked. Shadow smiled behind his mask, watching them, as he rode next to Satoshi and the two talked, with Shadow signing what he was saying with either steady or rapid movements. Suddenly Chang, Satoshi, Iron Hawk, and Shadow stopped while the others kept going until they realized their friends were a little way behind them, and they turned back.

What is it? Sir Edward asked.

I thought I heard something, Satoshi whispered with a hint of worry.

Iron Hawk looked in the direction they were staring, and the wind ruffled his hair slightly. Dangers blows in the wind, he muttered.

A few seconds went by, and Chang looked at Shadow, who looked over at him. We’ll wait for you, he said, and Shadow nodded, stood up on his horse, and leaped into the trees and out of sight.

Chapter 5

The young escaped girl’s arms wrapped around the horse’s neck, struggling to hold on as crossbow bolts went whizzing by her head. The horse ran at a breakneck speed as they ran full out for the forest.

As they entered the cover of the forest, she glanced over her shoulder, seeing her pursuers not far behind. Turning back, she was just in time to lift her arms to shield herself from the low-hanging branches, and the next thing she knew, she was knocked off the horse and sent rolling across the ground.

Pushing herself up, she watched as the horse continued without her. She glanced over her shoulder again, then gave a muffled scream as a pair of hands grabbed her.

Chapter 6

Shadow leaped from tree branch to tree branch at an incredible speed for about ten minutes until he stopped outside a small clearing crouched behind a leaf-covered branch. What he saw astounded him and his eyes widened. She rode on a white steed that was worthy of a king or queen, and rode like the Hounds of Hades was after her. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen despite the tattered and torn rags she wore.

She had long black hair that, though now it was as tangled as a rat’s nest, flowed here and there through the air behind her. Her skin that wasn’t covered in filth was whiter than the snow and shined in the moonlight.

His eyes then drifted behind her where a group of huntsmen on horses were in close pursuit. He felt his blood boil at the thought of this girl being hunted like a fox against a pack of hounds.

At a sound, his eyes shifted down and his eyes widened at the sight of the girl sprawled on the ground after being knocked from the horse. Which continued without her. Dropping to the ground, he hid behind a large shrubbery and reaching out in one motion grabbed her around the waist with one arm, covered her mouth with the other, to stifle her screams that had started to erupt from it.

When he pulled her into the cover of the brush, she struggled against him. He was shocked to find how little she weighed. When she was out of sight, he turned her just enough to look at him with her deep, fearful sky-blue eyes. Though a little taken aback by them, he pressed his finger to his mouth.

For a second, she held his gaze before nodding and he lowered his hand from her mouth. Glancing up, he watched as the riders rode into the forest and right by their hiding spot. For a second, Shadow was going to let loose his pent-up breath in a sigh of relief when a small group of huntsmen at the rear stopped and turned back.

They watched as the pursuers drew closer to where they were hidden from sight, and he felt the girl begin to tremble in his arms. At a closer look, he saw they were all garbed in black leather with various weapons belted on them.

He turned her face to look at him, and pointed at her then at the ground and pressed his finger to his mouth again. He seemed to meld into the darkness, not waiting for an answer.

Chapter 7

After the figure vanished, the girl stared after him in surprise of how easily he seemed to have disappeared into the darkness. He had the grace of a cat she had once spied out her cell door.

Turning she watched as the men drew closer and closer to her hiding spot. Then out of nowhere two fell from their horses, black arrows piercing their backs. In disarray and fear, the men turned, calling out into the dark.

As one brought the men under order, they turned. Some climbed from their mounts and slowly crept toward where the arrows had originated. Then, from the opposite direction, arrows struck deeply into the backs of the two remaining men on horseback.

Chapter 8

As they fell to the ground, Shadow, sword gleaming in the moonlight, stepped into sight and the men turned to look at him. For a few seconds, he was still. Then he pointed back the way they came before jabbing the point of his sword at one of the bodies resting on the ground.

The men were frozen for a second, then with a cry, one rushed at him armed with a sword and a great axe strapped to his back and another sword hanging at his hip. In a flash of movement, Shadow cut the sword in two. Then, reversing his grip, brought it down twice across the man’s body and his axe and sword fell to the ground. Stepping to the side, his sword in the same grip, he brought it up high and hard before stepping away facing the men.

For a second, the man went still, then turned to face Shadow, before his face and half his head fell to the ground along with the rest of him.

Shocked at what just happened the men looked from the body to Shadow who held their gazes. Slowly as one, they dropped their weapons, then turned and fled. Tails tucked between their legs.

After watching them go, Shadow turned back to the body on the ground, trying to keep the bile down. Sighing, he shook his head before kneeling and wiping his blade clean on it. Then turned and walked back to where he had left the girl.

Only to find the nest empty. The bird had flown.

Chapter 9

As if her feet had wings, she ran through the forest, away from the scene she had left behind. And the man. How could he have done that...? There had to have been another way. How could she have thought he was the person those balls of light were speaking of?

As she ran everywhere, she turned and struggled to hold in her screams. As she imagined, every shadow, every sound, every tree was an enemy ready to pounce on her.

On the verge of hysterics after being startled by the hoot of an owl and her clothes, getting caught in low-hanging branches that looked like massive fingers reaching for her. She shrank down to a fetal position on the ground. Her eyes wandered to her surroundings and the looming trees.

Before, her eyes whipped to a bush across from her, where a pair of yellow glowing eyes watched her. Breathing rapidly, she shrank back in terror as it rustled again. And from its depths, a large, black wolf emerged.

Barely stifling a scream, she shuffled back until she was against a large tree. Eyes wide in terror, she watched as the wolf slowly stalked nearer and nearer to her as her hand reached around for anything that could be used as a weapon.

The beast was barely a couple of feet from her when her hand finally closed around something; she whipped it forward. The wolf leapt back, barely managing to dodge the large stick from striking its nose. Holding the weapon firmly in both hands, she wildly swung it at the animal who slowly backed up, keeping its eyes on her.

Holding the stick before her she and the beast locked eyes on her before it gradually disappeared into the bush. Letting loose the breath she had been holding and dropping the stick, she collapsed against the tree.

For a short while, she remained there. Then after taking a few breaths to calm herself, she climbed onto unsteady legs and slowly moved forward.

Chapter 10

Shadow, after finding her tracks, watched the huntsmen from a new hiding spot as they killed a boar, cut out its heart, and placed it in a cloth bag before leaving the carcass. From the tree he was in, he watched the huntsmen go before turning to return to his friends. All the time pondering what was going on.

He met up with his friends twenty minutes from their home in the woods by dropping out of the trees and onto his horse.

The others looked at him. Well? Adel asked.

Over the next minute or so, as best he could, Shadow explained with his hands and other gestures what he saw, and his friends looked at each other.

We’ve got to find her, the forest is not a safe place, especially at night, Sir Edward said.

Then we must go at once! Halldorr shouted, drawing his axe.

Easy friend, we must return home to get torches otherwise we’ll be blind in the dark, we don’t even have Smoke with us, Satoshi said, looking at the setting sun that was almost completely dropped behind the mountains that rose above the forest.

And we must hurry, the longer she stays out here in the dark, the less likely we’ll find her alive, Chang agreed, and the group drove their horses into a gallop.

Chapter 11

Still moving slowly through the forest, doing her best not to let her fears get the best of her as she constantly heard the thicket and bush rustle around her. Every time she moved off some unknown path, the rustling would grow louder, and she would immediately shrink back.

After an uncounted amount of time, she walked around a large oak, trying not to imagine it as some bloodthirsty beast. She paused.

There before her in the middle of the clearing, stood a great tree bathed in the moon and starlight. That grew out of or had a cottage built around it.

It had two stories to it with a shingled roof. Higher in the branches, several levels extended with three small personal huts built in the stronger branches. Catwalks connected out to the other huts in the upper levels.

After glancing around, she slowly inched forward, ready to run at the sign of any threat. When she reached the front door, she timidly knocked. After waiting a few seconds for a reply, she knocked again. Still no answer.

After hesitating for a second, she took the antler handle, slowly opened the door a crack, and peered inside. By the light of the moon, she could see a long table at one end, and at the other she saw the mantle of a great fireplace with various chairs around it, while a staircase ascended to the upper levels in front of her.

Drawing inside she scanned the room. She started closing the door behind her when she paused. And left it open so she could make a run for it if needed.

Edging forward, still ready to flee, she moved toward the table. She found a candle there and, after lighting it with some difficulty, walking and with some food in hand, (that she found after a careful search of that side) she continued her exploration of the cottage.

On the other side of the room, she puzzled at the mats on the floor, along with the high-backed chair with the antlers and fur on it, as well as another, oddly U-shaped chair made of some kind of exotic wood that she did not recognize.

Still frowning in puzzlement, she started to explore other rooms and felt relieved when she found a bed in it. Stifling a huge yawn as the exhaustion of the recent events fell upon her, she moved toward the bed and sat on the soft feather mattress. She stretched herself out on it and, after putting the candle on a low table next to it, was about to put it out when she paused. Climbing out of the bed, she walked out of the room; she knew it was too high and too soft for her to get any rest. And the ornaments of armor, swords, and shields suggested too many things to her mind.

On the bottom floor, she found another bed that had deep furs on it that was a little too itchy for her. She also found a room with a round bed piled high with pillows that was likewise rejected. The last one downstairs she found a simple mat on the floor with a pillow that looked appealing. But quickly left when she saw the armor with a demonic facemask and metal horns on the helmet.

Upstairs, after coming out of one of the huts, which also had a mat on the floor but the statue inside of a man sitting cross-legged, made her feel uneasy. Walking across the catwalk to the other hut, she opened it and saw again a simple mat and pillow. After doing a quick scan of the room, she was relieved to find it almost void of ornaments or possessions; she slowly approached and laid down on it.

For the first time since she escaped her prison, she felt herself relax and was soon fast asleep.

Chapter 12

It was ten minutes of galloping through the forest before Shadow and the rest of the men pulled them to a skidding stop; ahead of them was a meadow with a small waterfall, which fell into a small pool at one end. That flowed into a river, which ran through the meadow and behind a great tree, growing tall in the middle of the meadow. Built within the great tree was a two-story, shingle-roofed cottage. Higher in the branches, several levels extended with three small personal huts built in the stronger branches. Catwalks connected out to the other huts in the upper levels.

However, what had caught their attention was their front door wide open. Shadow! Iron Hawk! With me, Chang barked quietly and the three dismounted.

You have five minutes, Chang, Satoshi said, moving his sword for a better grip and the others drew their weapons.

The three of them darted quietly at the cottage and once there, they bent low under the window. Slowly, they peeked inside.

They saw the low set table they had left that morning and the other contest of the main lower room and the big iron pot hanging over the fireplace. For other furniture, there were several variations of hand-carved chairs, a couch with a couple of pillows, and just below the pump was a sink with a hand crank. They slowly drew their heads back and looked at Chang.

He pointed up; the other two nodded, and Shadow bent low, cupping his gloved hands. After taking a few steps back, Iron Hawk darted forward and jumped into Shadow’s cupped hands, who heaved him onto the roof; then he and Chang leapt up to join him crouched low. The three quietly went higher onto the roof and into the tree.

They climbed higher and higher until they were above the huts, there they separated, going for each hut. Once over his, Shadow lightly dropped onto the roof and went to a corner where the window was. After securing his legs, he dropped down, looking into the window of his hut.

He saw his things in the room with a couple of things on the floor and in the light of the rising moon; he saw slight movement by his bed mat on the floor. He pulled a dagger sheathed at the small of his back, slipped it between the windows, unlocked it, and opened it. After putting the dagger back, he grasped some wood under the roof and swung himself down his feet landing on the sill lightly then onto the floor, drawing his sword.

He silently walked forward, sword held ready, watching his bed blanket slowly rising and falling. He lowered the tip of his sword slowly ready to use it. Then in a flash, he drew the blanket back slightly, then raised it ready to strike.

He froze there; lying on his bed fast asleep was the girl.

He quietly sheathed his sword so as not to wake her, then made his way to the door, opened it, and walked out to the catwalk. As he stepped out onto it, Chang and Iron Hawk came out of the other two.

Anything? Chang asked as they met near the stairs that led down to the main house.

Shadow nodded, then reached out and grabbed Iron Hawk by the arm as he started toward Shadow’s tree hut.

What? Do you know who it is? he asked, and Shadow nodded.

Who? Chang asked, surprised by that.

In rapid movements, Shadow told them, and they stared at him as they looked at the hut and back again. "The girl from the meadow?! Iron Hawk muttered in surprise and Shadow nodded.

What is she doing? Iron Hawk asked.

Shadow lowered and extended his flat hands with a sweep so his left hand in front of right breast pointing to right, pointing to front and right; then inclined his head to right. closed his eyes, then pointed at himself.

Sleeping in your bed, Chang said, and Shadow nodded.

If that’s true we’d better get downstairs and stop the… Iron Hawk started to say but stopped at the pounding of hooves.

The three of them leaped over the catwalk railing, slid down the roof and two landed with a roll on the ground and held their arms up to stop. The others rained in their horses looking at them and dismounted.

Well, what is it? Halldorr demanded, taking off his helmet.

Quickly Chang explained what they had found, and they all looked dumbfounded. We were going to go looking for her and, in the end, she found us, Niram said, looking up at the hut.

After they put the horses in the paddock for the night, they started to go quietly inside for their dinner when they paused at the door. There laying near the threshold of the door was a large black wolf. At the sound of them approaching, it lifted its head to look at them.

For a second, the group and the wolf looked at each other. Shadow patted his thighs and with a jerk, the wolf was on his feet and darting forward all but tackled the man to the ground as he leapt on him.

We should have known that you were responsible for leading her here, Smoke, Satoshi said as Smoke proceeded to lick what parts of his friend’s face that he could while the other gave him affectionate rubs.

Before they all went inside and sat down for their dinner, Smoke took his place by the fire.

Well, she did help herself, Halldorr said, picking up some of his meat (which had a piece cut off) as Shadow as per usual took his meal outside in privacy.

When they were done, and Shadow came back in, plate empty, they put their dishes in the sink and after lighting a fire in the fireplace, they all sat down.

What are we going to do about her? Adel asked, from his U-shaped chair.

Well, it’s obvious she’s spending the night, Niram said, from his teak chair.

Yes, but what about tomorrow? Halldorr said, from his high-backed chair covered with furs and antlers.

Wouldn’t it be better if we decided on this tomorrow? Chang said, from his cushion on the floor, his legs crossed.

Chang’s right, it’s late but where will Shadow sleep? Satoshi asked, from the floor on his knees looking at Shadow who was leaning against the mantle looking at them.

He pointed at himself then curled his index and thumb, so the tips were touching, then walked over and mounted the staircase to the upper level.

Once there, he walked to just outside his hut, climbed onto the roof, laid down his sword next to him, and looked at the stars. For a few minutes, his mind went over the events of the last few hours. And who this girl could be and why the Queen had been so intent on capturing her when, from appearances alone, should be nothing more than a low farmer’s daughter or beggar. Then at long last, he rolled onto his side and finally fell asleep.

He woke early the next morning as the sun rose over him, waking him from his dreams. He sat up on the roof a little stiff and looked out at the dawn over the forest and mountain.

He slipped his sword across his back, crawled to just above where his window was, and hung over the roof to look in. The girl continued to sleep, tossing a little bit on the bed and moaning out. Concerned he pulled himself up, crawled across the roof and dropped down to the door and entered the hut.

She continued to moan a little in her sleep as he squatted down next to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She stopped moving, turned to him and slowly opened her eyes, then leapt back in shock, screaming.

He took a step back to the door holding up his hands trying to soothe her when he heard someone on the catwalk a second later Chang and Iron Hawk appeared fully dressed.

It’s alright my dear, you’re safe, no one is going to hurt you, he said, holding his hands up slowly walking toward her.

Who… who… who are you? she asked, in a shaky voice as she shielded her eyes from the sun as if it was painfully blinding her.

Seeing this Shadow moved and, cutting a strip of black cloth from a spare roll, he kept turning back to her. So as not to spook her again, he slowly approached and gently tied the cloth over her eyes.

Is that better? Chang asked, soothingly as his voice slowly became soft and he gently placed his hands on her shoulders.

Slowly she nodded. Yes… I’ve… I’ve rarely seen the sun,

And at her words, the three looked at each other.

I am Lee Chang, and this is my brother, Iron Hawk, he said, reaching for her, and gently placed his hand in hers.

She looked at it for a brief moment with a look of worry, then reached out and took it and he gently helped her to her feet.

Now my dear let’s get you something to eat ok, he said, and kindly led her out of the hut.

When the two left, Iron Hawk turned to Shadow. What did you do? he asked. Shadow shrugged, and the two followed.

Down in the main cottage, the others were already awake and were in various parts of the cottage and all turned as the small group came down the stairs. In a flash, Sir Edward was at the bottom and gently took her by the hand, him down on one knee and the girl stared at him nervously.

Milady, please give me the pleasure… ah, ah, he said, then tilted back as Adel stepped forward and took him by the ear and pulled him back onto his feet and pulled him away.

Come on Casanova, give the lady some room to breathe, he muttered as a few others smiled in amusement.

Shadow rolled his eyes as Chang led the girl to a chair and let her sit down as Smoke padded over to her resting his head on her lap.

Is this… your dog? she asked softly, running her hands over Smoke.

He… doesn’t really belong to anyone… He comes and goes as he pleases. Now, what is your name? Satoshi said, stepping forward, a Boken practice sword in hand. Please, you have my word of honor that we will not harm you.

She looked at each of them who all looked at her. I’m… she muttered, then paused. I don’t know.

You must have a name, girl, Halldorr said, taking a step forward and Chang jumped up and wrapped him on the top of his head.

As everyone stifled their laughter at the sight of the girl’s blindfolded face turned left and right. I’m sure that I do. I just don’t know it, she said.

You don’t know your own name? Satoshi said, frowning while moving forward.

She shook her head.

Kind of weird, not knowing your own name, Halldorr said, looking at Chang who stood straight, hands behind his back.

She thought for a moment. I always thought that as well; for years I tried to remember it but never could… Silence fell. What are your names?

Chang stepped forward. I as you know am Lee Chang Shaolin Monk of China, he said, bowing palms together.

Adel stepped forward. I am Adel Ibn Ahmed Ibn Azieem Ibn Fahdlen, but you may call me Adel, he said.

Satoshi stepped forward. Satoshi Ketsamoru Yamato of the Yamato clan, he said, and bowed.

Halldorr, keeper of the Bear Clan, Halldorr said, slamming his fist to his chest.

I am Niran, Champion of the King of Siam, Niran said, getting down to his knees and putting his hands and face to the floor before climbing to his feet again.

Sir Edward of England and may I say my lady, your beauty… ah, ah Sir Edward said, after stepping forward in front of her on one knee again taking her hand but stopped when Iron Hawk took his ear and pulled him to his feet.

Please excuse him, his tongue is still in need of training. I am Iron Hawk of the Cheyenne tribe, he said and pulled Sir Edward further away.

She chuckled a little behind her hand then turned to Shadow who was leaning against the wall near the staircase looking at her arms folded. And you are? she asked.

Satoshi looked at him, then at her. Sorry he doesn’t speak, he is… he started to say, but stopped when Shadow raised a hand, standing straight.

He pointed at himself, then crouched down into the shadow then stood up.

The two looked at each other. Sorry, ma’am if you don’t understand what he said, his name was… Satoshi started.

Shadow, and I suppose it was your bed I slept in last night, she said, and Shadow put his palms together and bowed.

How’d you know? Satoshi asked. Can you see him through the blindfold?

From last night… she answered, looking in his direction. He moved like one.

Well, speaking of which, you ever heard of anything called trespassing? Halldorr said in a stern voice walking forward. Satoshi cuffed him, and Shadow glared at him.

She lowered her gaze. I am sorry for intruding on your home and for eating some of your food, but I had no other choice, she said, a few tears forming.

Chang stepped forward placing a hand over her shoulder. It’s perfectly alight, he can be a little temperamental at times. Now tell us what are you doing out here all alone? he said, soothingly.

She wiped her eyes. I have to get as far away as I can.

How did you come to be in the forest?

At that, Shadow watched as she bit her lip nervously. I… I… I… she muttered, and Shadow could almost hear the internal struggle being waged within her. I… escaped, she finally admitted, and the group looked at each other.

From where? Niran asked, coming close.

The large stone building… she answered hesitantly. …the one on the mountain.

The Queen’s castle? Sir Edward asked, stepping forward. "You were a… guest of the Queen?"

I believe, brother, the more appropriate word… Adel said, coming forward, is prisoner.

After shooting his friend a look, Sir Edward retorted, I was being sarcastic, brother, and he looked back at the girl.

What was your crime? Adel asked before he could.

Slowly her face turned to him. I don’t know, she answered after a moment. For years… I screamed at the guards demanding to know… none gave me an answer… or even spoke to me.

For a second, the group of men looked at each other.

"Frankly, I’m not surprised… last time we were in town we watched a man being dragged to the dungeons for speaking out against her," Niram said.

After giving, the girl once more looked Chang stood and motioned for his companions to follow as they moved back toward the fireplace.

What should we do? Iron Hawk asked, in an undertone when they were gathered together.

I say that she should stay here… at… least we could protect her, Sir Edward said while they all studied him under shrewd eyes.

Satoshi looked at him. I can see why you would say that my friend, considering how you are with the ladies we have to constantly drag you off, he said, and a couple chuckled or slapped Sir Edward on the back. But remember, all the other stories of how the Queen is a great witch with extraordinary powers, he said.

Shadow looked at the people around him before making several gestures to them. Yes, of course, that means she won’t be safe anywhere… Chang said when he was done. I believe this is a decision we’d best not make lightly… I suggest we take the day to ponder and meditate on it, and he looked at Shadow. But for now… she should remain here, and Shadow nodded.

Slowly the group turned to her.

For now, you can remain here, Niram said.

A grateful smile grew on her face. I thank you, good sirs, she said, emotionally a tear running down her cheek.

Nodding his head Satoshi commented, Well for now the first order of business while we practice before breakfast… is for you to have a bath and wash up. She looked at him frowning. To be perfectly frank and honest, young lady… you stink, and Shadow shot him a glaring look.

What’s a bath? Chang froze in mid- cuff as all eyes turned to the girl, who was oblivious to their looks of disbelief.

Satoshi, after shaking his head, clapped his hands, ending the stunned silence. Now then, before breakfast, we practice, he said, and they filed outside.

In the light of day, the training dummies, grounds, and posts were revealed, and Shadow smiled. A couple of hours later after each went through all the obstacle courses to various failures or successes. Then they sparred with each other, Shadow mainly with Satoshi, Niram, and Chang in hand-to-hand and sword combat.

In the last spar of the day, Shadow faced off against Halldorr with the girl listening under a tree.

The two circled each other, Shadow holding a practice sword in both his hands while Halldorr spun a wooden war axe in his massive hands. Yelling Halldorr charged forward swinging the axe with both hands. Shadow sidestepped the blow parrying it and struck at Halldorr. Who blocked the blow then swung at Shadow’s legs who leapt over the blow and rolled away spun around on his knee, swinging and wrapping Halldorr in the knee.

Halldorr limped away then roaring charged Shadow who rolled back onto his feet and blocked the blow, twisted it with a spin around him, and kicked Halldorr across the face.

Halldorr, don’t lose your patience, Chang said as the fight continued.

Roaring at the top of his voice, Halldorr swung wildly at Shadow’s head who blocked it, then, spinning his sword caught in the hook of the axe, he wrenched it out of Halldorr’s hands. At the end of the spin, the tip of Shadow’s practice weapon was at the side of Halldorr’s neck and the two froze. Shadow lowered his sword and walked away, and Chang shook his head and Shadow saw the girl dash into the cottage.

Halldorr, you are a great warrior, but you have much to learn about patience, Chang said, as the group headed inside for breakfast.

Later before the group left for work, both Shadow and Satoshi rode into a nearby village with people coming and going through their morning routine. Both ignoring the usual stares and people stopping to point at them as they rode past. Stopping outside a small inn with a signpost hanging above the door labeling it The Mother Hen. They dismounted and after the pair scanned the street; they turned and walked inside.

Scanning the room inside, which now was quite the great fireplace with its spit and giant cooking pot darkened and empty. Looking over at the long tables with benches and the bar occupying the far wall with kegs of various contents lining the shelves.

Glancing over they eyed a woman picking discarded dishes and silverware while a barmaid