Re: By the Kings Order

[Guest]

The count went "Oooomph" as the air was explelled from his lungs from the kick Laire gave him to the stomach. When he recovered he backhanded her across the face, drawing blood from her mouth. "I like fight in my women, it turns me on, but do that again and I will have you whipped." He then moved beside her and took her face in one hand and grabbed one of her breasts with the other and squeezed it hard. He grinned evily.

About that time there came shouting from ahead and the carriage slowed down then came to a stop. "What the hell?" the count said and poked his head out one of the carriage's windows. "Why do you stop fool?"

"Soldiers sire, English Soldiers." the man said with pride in his voice.

The count opened the door of the carriage and stepped out. He saw six mounted men in uniform and armor. One was a young man dressed in fine clothes and armor denoting him of high rank or of nobility. The young man rode up to the count and looked from him to the carriage where he saw Laire. Anger flared up in his eyes as he turned back to look at the count. He immediately dismounted and removed his cloak. It was of soft blue material trimmed in purple velvet. He approached the carriage and notted the kilt and its colors. He covered Laire with his cloak before turning back to the count. "My appologies for the actions of some of my .......... countrymen." the man said to Laire. His voice was sincere, untill the last part when it became sarcastic.

"She be one of the Scottish women that has come down with their men." he commented to the count.

The Count straightened up, "Aye that she is. She be the wife of that Barbarian rable's leader. " he said with boisterious voice. " Now Duke Wellington." the count's voice was full of venom when he spoke the mans name. "You will escort us to New Castle."

"You are in my lands now Count Devon. " his voice was not at all friendly towards the count. He turned back to Laire and helpped her from the carriage and cut her bonds. Then he rearranged his cloak on her so it covered her completely.

"What are you doing?" the count blustered. "She is my prisoner and......."

"Not any more!" Wellington stated. "You are in my lands now and she now is my prisoner!" he lead Laire to his horse and helped her to mount, before mounting up behind her. "We return to New Castle. You may accompany us or not." he turned his horse back towards his men and gave them a signal and they inturn turned and began heading back down the road.

"You, you......... Sexon dog. My cousin the king will hear of this and he will have your head! the count screamed.

"We shall see, Count." Wellengton said as he put his heels to the flanks of his horse and rode after his men.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire was pleased that her feet had made the impact that they did. She continued to glare at him as he caught his breath she was about to go into him again as she felt his hand sting her face and tasted the blood. After a few moments of trying to blink away the tears of surprise. She looked at him “You flithy scum you will pay for that too” She smiled at his threat though, he had just given away how she could keep herself true to Dustin. All she had to was continue to fight him, kick him again if she had the chance, whiping marks would heal, but the embarrasment of being taken by another man she would never be able to live down. In her mind even her Dustin wouldn’t be able to look at her again. She could still feel the sting of his hand and the taste of blood in her mouth she really wanted to rub it but with her hands still behind her back she could do nothing. And she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of getting to her. As he moved beside her she spat some of her blood on him. She was trying anything and everything to attract his anger and stop this sexual touching it was making her sick to her stomach.

As they slowed and stoped Laire took a small breath of relife. It couldn’t be her Dustin yet. Could it? Her heart sank when she heard the dreaded words “English soldiers” Now her only prayer was that it would be ones that she attended to…but they wouldn’t be up this far. Her mind was racing, she attemtped to keep a straight face though, to remain strong. Her strength would be the only thing that would be able to get her through this.

As the man rode forward and looked at her Laire became embarrassed. No one should see her in this state but she had no way to cover herself. Her mind begain racing again she heard no less then 6 horses, there would be nw way that she chould fight off six men. Her hopes were slightly dashed, but this delay also hopefully was helping Dustin catch up to them. Surely he knew by now.

Laire noticed the man dismount and was about to get ready for another fight but as he removed his clock and covered her with it she softed slightly but she still had her guard up, she was in her husbands clothing. Clearly stating on what clan she belonged to. She was his enemy there was no telling what he would do, but anything was better then beinging with the count. She nodded her understanding to this new English man. Glaring at the count. She wanted nothing more to spit at the count but she needed to see how to take this new captor no use poking the fire until she knew the temper of this man. He had showen her kindness thus far and she didn’t want to be stripped of his clock.

“My husband is not a barbrien, you be the barbrain count, you scum” If looks could kill the count would had burst into flames. “He never took more then what was needed, even sharing our food with your straving people, I think you be the barbrain” Her heart sank as the count demanded that they be escourted to New Castle shecouldnt stomach being so close to the count again. As she was helped from the carriage her heart quickened. And as he cut her bounds she whispered a thank you and rubbed her raw wrists, the skin was broken and a thin trail of blood leaked from it but she was just happy to be free of her bounds. She was also grateful for his cloak for now she was covered.

Laire allowed herself to be led away and put on the horse she tenced slightly as he mounted behind her, but still anything was better then the Count. Or at least she had hoped that is what she hoped. She closed her eyes and prayed for Dustin to hurry. She didn’t know what was going to happen but she would remain strong even with her new captors. She didn’t even turn back as they rode off but she did have a slight smile on her face. She was free from the count and soon she would be with her Dustin, she was sure of it. “I thank thee for your clock” She spoke the words to him, not sure if he heard her over the sound of the hooves. “But how did you come across the carriage?”

[Guest]

"I was leading a patrol to the western boarders of my lands and saw the Count's carriage." He caught up with his men and looked back to see the Count reentering his carriage and it following. "I appologize again for the conduct of some that call themselves englishmen. The Norman dogs that invaded england now rule it and make the lives of all miserable."

He made sure that she did not fall from the horse but was not anything like the count. "So Lady McCloud, how did you fall into the Counts hands." He figured she would be a bit surprized he knew her name. "You and your Angels of Mercy are quite the thing. Word travels fast in these parts. I have several of the soldiers that your husband released. They have told stories of him and of you and your ladies, as have those that have traveled to and from the places your highlanders have been."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire nodded. So it was by accident that he came across them but she was grateful that he found her. He most likely saved her life. She was about to thank him when he contined.. “The count is scum, I realized that when I tended to whipng wounds inflicted on his people by his hands.” She shuddered as she invisoned the wounds on all the peple.

She was grateful that he was nothing like the count. But she did shock him by knowing her name. “I uhhh” she paused. “My husband had him in a dungen and I had a few questions for him, I guess someone helped him escape just as I was coming down the stairs, they must have knocked me out” She thought for a moment. “It was foolish really, but my anger towards him was too much for me to even think that harm would come to me. My husband isnt going to be too easily calmed down either”

She smiled again at his news “Then men we released how are they faring” Laire wrists were raw, she had burises on her face from the crack on her head and she was bleeding from the mouth, not to mention the way she was just touched by the count and yet she still worried about others. Any normal person would have asked what his plans with her, but he had shown her mercy and therefore she did not worry about what he had planned. She had helped his men, and it was clear that deed had saved her before and was going to do it again. “I do not have anysupplies on me, but I will do my best if any of your men or people need attention”

[Guest]

"They are well and do not look forward to engaging in battle with your husband and his men. They told me they swore an oath not to again return to Scottland but nothing about defending their country." he told her. As he moved up between his men to take the lead he urged his horse on faster. "It seems he has earned their respect."

"My people are fine Lady McCloud. I ensure they are treated well and have what they need. Much like your husband I think." he chuckled. "If things were different and we were not at war with each other, I think I would like your husband. He seems much like myself and not like these Normans." Indeed things had changed for England when the Normans invaded. The Leader of the Normans had laid claim to england due to some sort of right of succssion of the throne. Now that they were in power they taxed the people heavily, the nobles enslaved and kicked people from their homes to put those loyal to them in them.

The Saxons suffered under the Normans. He could not complain of the taxes nor of the call to send men to a war that was very unpopular. But he would defend the city of New Castle and his people.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire was troubled. She knew her husband wouldn’t show any mercy if he thought that she had be hurt by any of these men. She would have to intervine, but would she be able to soothe his temper . “Swore an oath to whom?” Her mind was racing these men saved her from the Count she only hoped she could stop more needless bloodshed.

“You are a good man, compared to all the others that we have come across” She was refering to the count. “I am sure if my husband sees that I am unharmed his temper will be soothed, he is more then likely assuming I will be tied to a post naked and beaten.” She remembered seeing her dear husband in such manner and shuddered to think what her husband would do if she was in that state.

“When your men spot ridders coming toward the town, maybe it will be best if I go out first and see them, and see if I can talk my husband into having a sit down metting, if you are up for that .?”

[Guest]

"I do not think you understand Lady McCloud. I am sworn to defend England and do so willingly. It is my home, my country.Like you and your husband defend Scottland. If he comes here and tries to take the city, we will fight. Should the King come I must turn you over to him, even though I do not wish to." he told her. "I have my people to think of and protect any way I can. Should the king remove me from my position my people would suffer greatly, and this I will do my utmost to prevent."

He was in a very sticky situation. He had a important prisoner that could be used against the Scottish highlanders. But from what he had heard she and her ladies had saved many englishmen's lives. Her husband and his highlanders were not the brutes the Count so adamently seemed to think they were. He had invaded but had not hurt the people or pillaged but did quite the opposite. But he would fight him to protect his people, not from her husband but from his own king.

"I think if things were reversed you and your husband would be doing the same thing."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire was crushed. She was going to see more bloodshed, she knew her husband wouldn’t leave this city, and her new captore wouldn’t give up his city without a fight. She continued to stare ahead her back rigid her jaw set rigid. “I understand” She spoke in sincre voice. “Do not fret over your king, do what your must for your people” She paused she was going to say that her husband was on the way but thought better of it. She would only speak when needed.

Her back ached from the postion that she held but she didn’t budge or even flinch her legs ached but she did not want to make more trouble for this man and his men. And she didn’t want to be any closer to the count. She closed her eyes again. Praying for her Dustin to remain calm, she prayed that he would realize how strong she really was and attacking the city would be unwise. She prayed that he would come up, purhapes in a disguse like she had.

“I say again kind sir, If your king comes and asks for me, do not fret, I am strong and will be able to survie him” She continued to stare forward. “You be right my husband would do the same thing” She paused “I be praying for minumum bloodshed on both sides” In truth she didn’t want to see any more bloodshed, But this was the way of men

[Guest]

Wellington felt bad. He knew that Laire was trying to be helpful but there was nothing she could really do. To keep his people safe he had to do what his king told him. He had sent men to Wilshire where the Count had also been sent with men. If the count was McCloud's prisoner then the village had fallen and the soldiers were either dead or captured.

He knew that McCloud would be coming soon enough, his spies had seen where he was. New Castle was a city that could be used to launch an attack against Scottland. It would only be a matter of time before McCloud would try to attack it. The King would be coming with the southern army and he had to hold the city till he did. Most of the civilian population Women and children and the old, had been evacuated to the coast, to villages and towns there. Only those able to fight stayed.

He also knew that when McCloud found his wife missing and the count also, New Castle would be the only place that they would go. McCloud would be bringing his army there now to get his wife back. He knew he would if he had a woman like Laire. Again if things were differnt she would be one that he would have prusued to be his wife.

In a sence he was a bit jelous of McCloud. Such a woman was rare and McCloud had found her. From the way she spoke of him, he knew that they loved each other greatly. "Your Husband is a very lucky man Lady McCloud. To have found a woman like you. I can only hope that this can all be resolved somehow. Like you I do not wish to see people die needlessly in a senceless war."


Dustin and Father Marcus rode hard and long. They had alot of distance to cover in a short time. The Carriage could travel fast but not as fast as horses with a single rider. In his mind he was going over the many things he was going to do with the Count when he found him. There were so many things that could be done, all horrible and extremely painful. They would be there by nightfall at the rate they were going.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire kept her eyes peeled for anything, she was growing weary again and her head was beginning to throb again she started to take her hand to rub it but thought better of it she also wanted to lean agaist the back of the Englishman and rest. But she felt like she had to keep up her façade of being strong.

Laire perked up as he spoke again. She shook her head slightly “Nay I be the lucky one my family always told me I was not what a man looked for in a woman, I was too stubbron, free willed and hottempered, nothing like what a wife should be, but my fire is what attracted him to me I think” She smiled The talking was calming her down, and the talking was keeping her awake and therefore she wouldn’t be in a more vulenerable state.

She longed for her husbands arms around her, she longed for his smell, his voice soothing her, and even his people and all their loud noise. She looked around, if she wasn’t so unsure of what goingto happen to her she would acutally enjoy the land scape. “Your land is quite nice” She stated trying to sound as if all of this wasn’t affecting her.

She wished that peace could be worked out. Something like her husband didn’t attack NewCastle but NewCastle didn’t take arms up against the Scotand…but she knew that was hopeless. She protectively brought a hand to her stomach. Would her children ever see peace? Oh how she hoped.

[Guest]

Wellington could see that she was tired and also he saw that she had been hit on the back of her head and the blood on her mouth. "Lean back and sleep. You are safe and will not be harmed, that you have my word on." She was a prisoner but that did not mean she was to be treated cruely like the normans would have probably done.

When she discribed herself he chuckled. "Now that is the type a woman that would make a good Dutchess here." He seemed more like Laire's husband then one would have thought. It was only what seemed to be a couple hours later that the walls of the city came into view. He spurred his horse on to a faster pace and his men followed suit.

The Gates swung open at their approach and he rode on up the cobblestone street towards the castle in the middle of the city. There were a few people around. No children, mostly just men but a few women that had refused to leave their husbands. As he rode into the courtyard of the Castle, and elderly woman with grey hair emerged from the castle. She was dressed in rich garments. As Wellington dismounted he hugged the elderly woman. "Mother please take care of Lady McCloud. I will send guards to ensure she is not bothered by Count Devon that is coming."

His mother looked back the way her son had come, a distasteful look on her face and then looked up at Laire her face changing to concern , "Come my dear. You are in good hands here."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Lare was grateful for his words and fell against him and closed her eyes. She was very weary and she knew that she had to have her strenghth, there was going to be a lot of injured ment that she would have to deal with in a short time. “I thank you for your kind words…” She paused. “I do not belive I caught your name, you know mine though” She smiled her a dutchess? Never! “Well I also do many unlady like things I must admit. Before Dustin I worked my fathers land, learned the bow and arrow” She stopped. Remembering killing the rapist.”Aye I did many things that most husbands would not want their wife doing.”

With this she allowed sleep to consume her mind and body again slipping into the painless bless of sleep. Her body slowly healing its self, but the bump was still visable on her back of the head and her eyes continued to swell it would be a couple days before they went down and the blood on her face had dried. In all honesty she looked a lot worse then she really was.

She awoke as he quicken his pace with a start and grabbed for the closest thing to stedy herself. Turned out to be his arm, when she regained herself she looked at her new surroundings indeed it locked like they were prepared for a battle. She said a silent prayer that this all could be advoided.

She sat up in the saddle and watched as he dismounted and hug an elderly woman that Laire assumed was his mother. She attempted to smile, she noticed the sour look on her face she could tell that even he disliked the count. As she turned to her she nodded her head. “I thank you for your hospitality I promise I wont be much trouble.” She dismounted from the horse but stumbled her legs had gotten to use to riding and it took a few moments t reagain her stance then she stood strong and walked to the woman. “You have raised a fine son, he was very kind to me, saved me from a fate worth then death you should be proud.”

[Guest]

"Come child, lets get you cleaned up and some food." Wellington's mother put an arm about her to steady her. "Poor child, the count is a pig." She looked and saw the torn shirt. "The filthy pig!" She also saw the colors of the kilt. "Ahhhhh you be the lady that the soldiers and some of the merchants talk about. Bless you child. It is so unfortuneate that such a good woman as you have been caught up in all of this." she smiled when Laire told her she had raised a fine son. "Aye he's a good boy, but one that has a hard task before him. Like his father before him and his grandfather before him, they have taken care of their people and protected them." she mused. "Was his grandfather that offered his alligence to the Invader King to ensure the safety of his people and that he and his decendents could keep it that way."

She took Laire to a suite of rooms and a couple servents came in with a bowl of water and some clothes then left. "Lets get you cleaned up and into a proper dress, shall we?" she smiled and began washing the blood from her face and head. "Nothing bad, a bump that will ease off in a day or two."

A blue dress was brought in and the two men were shooed away so that Laire could strip off her old clothes and put the dress on. "Are there any more like you back home?" she chuckled. "My son needs a good wife."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire was gratefulfor the kindness of this kind woman and leaned into her arm slightly, her body continued to ach. She had to smile on her dispiction of the pig. "I think we be offending the pigs" Laire nodded "Aye I be Dustin's wife, I worry about what will come of this, the count stole the one thing that he would die for" She paused. "Although I be not knowing why"

She thought for a moment "I am a bit of a rareity, people belive I come from a line of the highlanders for I am nothing like my sisters they were said to be more of the marring type. quiet and submissive, I have a hot temper and am not afaird of hard work"

Laire sat on the bed and only grimmaced a few times as she cleaned her face, she was glad to hear that it wasnt that bad she didnt need her husband being more worried about her. "How be my eyes? They feel swollen."

She gratefully accepted the dress. "I thank thee" Laire was too grateful for her kindess to worry about her back, she stiffely stripped off her clothes reveling her back to the woman. She then slowly reached for the dress. "I am sure your son will find a woman, but surely he doesnt want a scotwoman.." She trailed off "I mean...for him to remain on the good side of the king?"

[Guest]

"Well that is what that boy needs. A storng woman with a mind of her own and not any of those silly empty headed ones." She looked at Laire, "Don't worry about it my dear, the swelling will go down in a day or two also. " There came a knock at the door and Lady Wellington answered it. Two soldiers stood there and announced they were to guard Lady McCloud. Both looked in and saw her and gave a bow or respect. They had been two of the soldiers that Dustin had set free.

They shut the door placing themselves on either side of it. One whispered to the other, "All hell will be breaking lose here. Her husband will be here after her. Remember what she did to get him back."

The other guard nodded. He knew full well that McCloud and the highlanders would leave no stone unturned to get her back and if that ment killing every one in the city to do it, they would. "Tis a mess indeed. Seems we have leapt from the frying pan into the fire."

Hours later Dustin and Father Marcus finally saw the lights of New Castle before them as darkness was falling. But they rode further around so they would come upon another gate, one coming from the south and not the west. They approached it slowly giving their horses a needed rest. When they got to the gate Father Marcus spoke first in french then in broken english, letting the guards know that they were priests coming from the the bishop of London to give the people of the city hope.

After the guards checked them throughly they were allowed to enter the city. Dustin took note of the guards as well as the defences of the gate and the walls by it. He could see it was well fortified and defended and it would take a long time to breach the walls. "First we need to go to the church here and talke to the priests there. It would be odd indeed for priests from the south not to do so." Dustin nodded but was eager to get up to the castle and see about Laire. He was sure she was there."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire was grateful for the new clothes, she knew that she wasnt wearing her colours but if the English king came for her maybe her not wearing any colours would save her life.

She nodded to the two gaurds, she felt pitty for them as well, she knew they were nervous about her husbands furey. She had to think of something that would prevent as much blood she as she could.

"Is there a way that I can be alerted when my husband comes, purhapes when he seems me, and how well you have cared for me part of his temper will be soothed" She spoke in a gentle voice to the two gaurds. "I know no one wants to see anymore blood shed" She paused. "Other then the count, I would like to see him recive 39 lashes, and then castrate the scum then place him naked in the stockads so he can be mocked and ridicued and left to bleed to death, or better yet starve or die of thrist" Her firey eyes flashed over them and she blushed slightly she knew her outburst was very unlady like but she still meant each word.

[Guest]

"Now don't you worry about what is going to happen or what might happen. You rest and I will ensure that food is brought." Lady Wellington told her. "But I will let you know if your husband and his men are spotted." she placed a hand on Laire's shoulder and smiled. Larie was then left alone in the chambers.

Dustin went with Father Marcus to the large church that had been built in New Castle. Here four priests emerge to welcome Father Marcus and him. Father Marcus explained that Dustin was newly ordained in the service of the Lord and had much to learn. They spoke in latin which was alright with Dustin who also knew it. It made his role as a priest more beliveable. Dustin bided his time and then made an excuse of being tired and left the priests and Father Marcus. He walked out into the streets to find his way to the castle and find a way to get into it.

The count was furious. His prisoner was taken from him. He had plans for her and those were now dashed. Duke Wellington out ranked him in the nobility but he was a saxon and that would made it easier for the count to have his cousin the king dispose of him. He laid his plans carefully so as to be able to make his cousin angry at Wellington.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire knew that she should rest but she was too nervous instead of resting she paced. Eventually though exhustion consumed her and she laid on the bed praying that Dustin would find her first before he had to do any damage to the people or the town its self.

She didnt know how long she slept for but it could not have been that long for the promised food had not even arrived something must have awoken her she stiffly rose from the bed using her husband plaid as a shoulder cover then walked to the window.

Her mind went to the count, he needed to be delt with before he could do more damage. Surely once Dustin had heard what he did to her he would demand his death. She was lost in a day dream and wasnt even paying attention to the outside, her eyes were glazed over and she shuddered, not over the cold but for the thought of her rescurer being punished for the counts death!

[Guest]

As Dustin walked the streets to the castle and around it trying to figure a way in, he heard the soldiers and the men that had stayed to defend the city talking. "Aye The Angel of Mercy herself be in the castle." came one comment, "Tis sad such a woman be a prisoner. She should be freed and welcomed here." came another. Many more people talked about Laire. All were kindly words. None knew her but had heard of her and what she had done. This made him smile and he was proud of his wife.

As he walked about he wondered if he could use his discuise as a priest to get into the castle. Like Father Marcus, he began speaking french which the guards did not understand. Then he began with a bit of broken english. "Mmmmm Here......see to.... the Lady's..... ahhhh..... " he made it look as if he was trying to think of the words in english. "Ahhhh spritatual needs." The guards let him in and he slowly walked forward not wanting to seem to be in a rush, even though his mind screamed to run and find Laire.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire leaned against the wall and continued to look out the window, it was much to far of a drop to jump. She wasnt sure what was happening and that was drving her to maddness. Not knowing what was going to happen. She longed for a bath, her body ached she shivered again and slowly made it back to the bed her face towards the door her long blonde hair framing her face hidding most of the swollenness. She longed for someone, almost anyone would do.

She was weak from the stress of the day, how long had she been gone? She was unsure her time fram was messed up to to being unconcious for most of time that she was with the count. God had he touched her when she was unconcious? Her eyes begain to tear at that thought. "God please I want my Dustin" Laire whispered horsly, her throat was dry...where was that food promised? Her mind was firing in a bunch of different places at once, she thought to close her eyes just for a moment.

[Guest]

Dustin had been lucky so far and he knew it. The guards at the city gates and the gate of the castle had not been any he had set free. During his walk around the castle he had spied a few of them. He had took note of a few when he released them and they were there. He could only hope that the castle guards were more of the Dukes men then those he had set free.

Once he was in the courtyard of the castle he didn't want to take the chance of discovery. Castles seemed to have a simalar design and he ustilized it. He walked around back and not to the main doors of the castle where more guards stood. Back to the servent's entrance where the kitchen was. Here he entered without the hassel of guards and nodding and making as he was blessing the servents he made his way further into the castle

Not only did Dustin hear about his wife, but of the Duke himself. It seemed the people loved him and that was why many of them had stayed. They would fight for him and die for him if necessary. That spoke a great deal about the man. It seemed he cared for his people and tried to protect them the best he could. Much like Dustin did with his clan. He was not like the count or the others that he had heard of from the towns and villages. The more he heard, the more he knew it was going to be more difficult to fight such a man. Not only because of the support his people was giving him, and too his loyalty to his country which was equal to Dustins, but because he was begining to like the man and he had not even met him.

Dustin climbed the back stairs that lead up to the upper levels of the castle. He had to look for any door that had guards. But he didn't have to search. A servent with a tray of food, moved by him and he followed a hunch. It was right, the servent lead him directly to the room that was guarded. But the bad news was he recgonized the two guarding it. He cursed to himself. He knew that they would probably regconize him if he just walked up. But the servent gave the distraction he needed to get close.

As the two guards turned to open the door for the servent, he moved quickly and silently up to them. He grabed a dagger from one of the guards as he grabbed him about the neck with one arm. The dagger came up to the mans neck. "Drop your weapons or he dies!" he told the other guard.
The other guard had his hand on his sword ready to draw it. He saw Dustins face and recgonized him instantly. He licked his lips and then grinned and took his hand away from the sword. The man he held did not struggle which seemed odd to Dustin.

The other guard turned and opened the door and pushed the frightened servent into the room before entering and turning to Dustin. "That not be necessary Sir." he nodded to the dagger at his companions throat. "Tis wrong for The Lady to be a prisoner here." Dustin was taken aback by the statement, as he moved into the room pushing the guard before him. He saw Laire standing there. "Take her quickly and leave. But know this. If you and your highlanders attack this city, we will fight you, fight you to the death."

Dustin released the guard and he joined his companion.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire awoke with a start when she heard murmering coming from the other side her door. She heard talking. Her heartbeat quickned. Was that her Dustin? She sat up in bed quickly and stood. She tried to straighten her dress his plaid was still drapped around her shoulders.

When they entered the room Laire wanted nothing more then to run into his arms but she was still a bit unsure on her feet. "Dustin do let go of the gaurds, they were not keeping me in the room they were protecting me from the count" She grinned and slowly walked to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Now Dustin I have one question for you" She paused and winked at the two gaurds. "Prey tell what took you so long?" She then let out a small quiet laugh and leaned down and whispered in his ear. "This town already sufferes enough and if we attack the Baron of this town is going to be kicked out and these people will suffer greatly, even more then they are, I only wish for one person blood to spill and that is count."

[Guest]

Dustin swept Laire into his arms and held her tight. He looked from one guard to the the other. They stood there watching and not even trying to give an alarm. He slowly moved Laire out of the room into the corridor beyond. The guards followed them out and shut the door and again took their places on either side of it. The servent had been ushered out of the room and given a strong warning from the guards. But the servent just nodded, smiled and went the opposite direction.

The guards actions was strange to Dustin. He had expected them to fight and sound the alarm. But then he realized that Laire's kindness, and hard work to save people had won the hearts and minds of many and though they could not just let her escape persay but the would prevent her husband from taking her. None seemed to want her there to be a pawn of the English King. He took Laire back the way he had come.

As they came close to the dinning room of the castle, They could hear voices. "What to do mother? She is an enemy, yet the people she has helped and even those that have heard the stories have come to love her." came the Duke's voice.

"I know son. Also from what the soldiers and other have said, her husband is a man of honor and caring like you. I pray that he meets up with the King, before he gets here and rid us of that Norman pig."

The Cound sighs and says, "Aye would be nice if the King would meet such a fate. Then perhaps we could make some sort of truce with this McCloud and his highlanders." He chuckled a bit, "I would love to meet this man." Dustin listened closely and smiled. Perhaps one day the Count would get his wish. He continued on, an arm about her waist.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Laire held to her Dustin tightly she had to fight the tears back for she was so grateful for him. So happy that he had come to you, him dressed how he was did not even strike her as odd. She had dressed like a man to get him back it was only fitting that he put on a disguise to get her back.

She mouthed a thank you to the gaurds then walked out the door in Dustins arms. As they made their way through the castle Laire remained slient as she could. She had to smile as she was mentioned though.

She heard his wishes and looked up at Dustin, would he be able to do what these people wanted? But they countiuned. Laire was still concered would the count be delt with? She didnt want this town to suffer cause of her being freed from the evil count. But she would remain silent until they were safe.

[Guest]

Dustin made it down the backstairs back to the kitchen. Here the cooks looked at Dustin strangely and then seen Laire and were wide eyed. He just kept going hoping that they would say noting and just go back to work. Dustin had no idea of what the count had done to Laire, so he didn't care about him at that time. He would let the Duke deal with the count. He just wanted to get Laire back to the Church and get Father Marcus and then get out of the city.

Now the trick was to get out of the castle with her. There were guards at the gate of the castle and he didn't think they would be a sympathic as the ones on her room. Dustin looked around him trying to figure out a way to get her out of the castle. His eyes fell upon a basket of dirty clothes. Servents took them into the city to wash and dry them and bring them back. He picked it up and put it on her shoulder. "Keep this between you and the guards." he told her. He would walk on the other side of her and try to keep the other guards attention on him.

He kept his fingers crossed as he moved them towards the gate of the castle. He held his breath as they approached it. He smiled at the guards and nodded his head and moved his hands in a cross motion, blessing them. They inturned bowed their heads and crossed themselves.

[Sponsored content]