Chapter 3

"The Last Normal Day"

The forest was dim with a thick fog blanketing the ground. Majestic sun rays pierced the tree canopy, sending down gleaming beams of light. It was all quiet. A small creek flowed down between the mighty oak trees, giving life to not only the plants, but to wildlife of all shapes and sizes. In a hole in the ground, a rabbit appeared. It made its way across a fallen log onto the opposite bank. It hopped along at a slow pace, pausing here and there. He made his way to the water’s edge and rested on his front paws as he drank slowly. One ear slowly went up. He lifted his head as his second ear shot up. He sat up on his hind legs. His nose started twitching, causing his whiskers to tick back and forth. He cocked his head sideways, as if trying to get a better listen of what was approaching. Off in the distance the sound of a low galloping could be made out. It quickly began to become louder. With each second passing the sound loomed more heavily on the rabbit’s ears. The small rabbit wasted no more time in foolish lingering. He bolted up the creek bed and across the fallen tree back into his home among a thistle patch, vanishing from sight.

“YA! YA!” A thunderous shout stormed through the air. The constant sound of hoofs thrashing the ground was now on the air. The rabbit hunkered down, keeping out of sight. Quick as lighting a rider in burlock green flew down the wooded hill. His cloak flew in the wind behind him, with a gleaming bow around his chest. The horse’s nostrils heaved, with sweat raining down from its glistening coat.

“YA! YA!” The rider kicked the horse’s sides, challenging it to go faster. As quick as they appeared, they disappeared. The rabbit slowly made his way out. All was quiet once again. He hopped down to the water’s edge to finish his drink.

A small man, in a nightgown ran through the great stone halls. He went through a small dark passageway, breathing heavily. He opened the door to a flood of warm light.

“My lord! My lord come quick!”

An older man turned from his wall of books. He lowered his head down, so his eyes could look over his spectacles.

“What seems to be the matter my friend?”

“Sire! It is about the company!

“The company! What? Is it sent, is it safe? What happened?”

“I do not know Sire. A messenger from Lake Haven has just arrived with the news.”

“Take me to him.”

The two figures ran out from the study, leaving the candles to melt slowly into puddles. They made their way across an indoor arched bridge that led into a courtyard. They ran down a stone staircase and onto a wooden platform. The Lord nodded to a guard who gave orders to open the gates. The mighty wooden doors swung inward, revealing another platform. Yet this one was above a deep chasm, that lead as far down as the eye could see. Connected to platform was a stone bridge, that lead out to a great forest. On the platform a rider in green stood. His arms were crossed, with one hand holding a parchment, and the other holding the reins to a great black horse. His face was hidden by a mask, and a thick hood drooped over his head and shoulders.

“Rider of Lake haven, servant of Lady Windhelm. What news have you brought me?” asked the Woodsmen leader as he quickly walked down the stone steps onto the platform.

“A message from our Lady to you my Lord. Two nights ago we found your company’s carriage turned upside down in a ditch. All of your secret service were killed except one. The sword was nowhere to be found. It was stolen. “

At this the Woodsmen leader slowly lowered himself onto the stairs to sit. His eyes widened, then shut, then opened. He look up quickly and asked

“What of the survivor? What did he say?”

“When we found him he was hardly alive. I do not think it was an accident that they left a survivor. He could not talk for several hours. Late into the night he started to mumble, and yesterday morning he could speak faintly. He told us of his mission, and that his company was under your jurisdiction.”

The woodsmen leader inhaled. He held his breath for a few seconds then slowly exhaled. He slowly stood up while he looked the rider in green in the eyes.

“I know your Lady will be displeased with me. I should have told her about the company setting out. Yet I knew sending a messenger to tell her was far too risky. And it would seem even planning it out under our own means was not secretive enough. So, this survivor, what of him? Did he say who or what attacked them?”

“His name is Born. He said they were traveling down the main road, when the horses came to a halt. He said it was like magic. The carriage slowly rose off from the ground, then was thrown against the rock hillside, killing all within. He said he could not raise his weapon, and slowly fell to the ground, wounded with stabs. He never saw the enemy, nor who even inflicted his wounds. More so my Lord, Born believes he knows how Genesis, or whoever it was learned of the company and its mission.” (note)

“How? Who? I want this traitor to have his due justice.” Replied the Woodsmen leader in an angered whisper. His fists were clenched. His teeth pressed hard against one another. His eyes narrowed.

“They were not betrayed my Lord. Born talked of three boys. Three boys they encountered whilst staying at Crown’s Inn in the town of Escamar. It was their last night to stay within a town. Born said one of the boys they found at the door, listening in to the company’s conversation. The other two boys ran into the room to save their friend. They seemed to have just been trouble makers, Born said. He also said under certain circumstances he had to tell them that he and his men were on a mission. That is all he told them. Why? I do not know.”

“So these, boys, must have been . . . spies? And led their brutes, our enemy, to the company!”

“That is the best theory we have so far sir, but not certain.”

“Not certain? Not certain! I am quite sure it is certain. No other explanation. Did Born tell you what they looked like?”

“In full detail sir. One was tall, long hair, and broad. Another was skinny, had unkempt black hair, and wore glasses. The last one had Orange curly hair, and was said to grin a lot.”

“Find them rider. I will send my personal Rangers with you. When you have found these boys, bring them in for questioning. These are fragel times. We must know about our enemy, and what they plan to do next. If was Genesis who took the sword, we are at a great disadvantage.”

“It shall be done my Lord.” The rider mounted his horse. He looked down at the Leader. “And here is a message from our Lady.” He handed the parchment down to the Woodmen Leader. The gates then opened. It would seem almost as if the Woodsmen were waiting for this messenger, for rangers in grey and brown rode out from the castle gate, awaiting orders within seconds of being mentioned. The Rider then took his reigns.

“We ride North!” The Woodsmen leader read the parchment, as his riders thundered pass him, disappearing into the forest, following the Rider in burlock green.

“Stacker?. . .Stacker? Where is that boy?” said Hunter with her hand on her hips. Under one arm she had a fresh basket of towels that she had just washed, and was about to ask Stacker to hang them up.

“Dane? Sweet heart? Have you seen Stacker?”

Dane lowered his paper down and took his pipe out of a box. His face was light, and his eyes soft. He smiled faintly at Hunter as he said

“He must be at the Woods house. They usually find their way there. Has he not been home since this morning before the tournament?”

“No he has not. It is unlike him not tell us his plans for the day.”

“Well, he must be up to something exciting with his friends.” Hunter then realised that her dry towels that were hanging outside were being soaked by the rain. She quickly plopped down the wet ones in her hands down onto the floor and rushed out the sidedoor.

Just as Dane raised his newspaper back up, the frontdoor opened, and voices were heard.

“Well so much for that.” said Reed. “Our one chance at all being knight pages for a day, gone.”

“Mmm, maybe not. I am sure the tournament will be postponed. And now at least we can have our meeting, which we didn’t have last night due to. . “ Stackers voice trailed off. Ryan finished the sentence for him.

“Last night’s interesting events?”

Stacker looked up and smiled.

“Ah yes. I couldn’t think of the right words.”

Stacker actually never knew what not to say. He was wonderful at talking. He did not finish his words due to the fact that his parents were in the house and that they may overhear him. As the boys went and dried off by the fire, Stacker’s mother walked in, carrying more wet towels.

“Well I guess a second wash never hurt.” She said in a tired, but optimistic voice. She then realized that the three boys were in the living room and she perked up.

“Well if it is not my three favorite young prince’s of Escamar.” She placed the laundry aside and went and gave each one a kiss on the forehead. “But this one is my favorite.” She said as she kissed Stacker’s cheek. Stacker blushed and gave his mother a hug.

“Well what are you boys up to? I’m guessing it doesn’t have anything to do with the outdoors.” She leaned towards one of the windows and peered up into the dark sky.

“We are having a secret meeting I believe.” replied Ryan.

“He means we are just gonna talk and hangout, and share a few secrets haha.” Reed quickly added. He hated it when he was compared to a child or was treated like one. Therefore, he disproved of what Ryan had said, making it sound like they had a little boy’s club, and had secret meetings, which they did. Ryan and Reed both liked Hunter, and viewed her as their second mother. She made them cookies, lemonade, and even uniforms for their club. She truly loved them nearly as much as she loved Stacker.

“Well I hope your meeting goes well. “ She then picked her laundry back up and walked into the kitchen. As she placed it near the fire hearth she said loudly,

“Would you boys care for some cookies?”

“Yes ma’am!” All three replied at the same time.

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Reed then stretched his arms and yawned. He placed his long limbs on his hips. He looked at Ryan, who was slowly drifting off to sleep next to the fire.

“Wake up old boy.” said Reed as he shook Ryans shoulder.

“I’m up, I’m up.” yawned Ryan.

“Let’s take this upstairs, I think the fire is putting Ryan to sleep.” Reed said to Stacker.

As Stacker, Ryan and Reed walked up the stairs, they started talking about last night’s events. Reed thought it was all baloney, and Ryan said it wasn’t. As for Stacker, he could only think of the beautiful sword he had seen a glimpse off, right before he was taken prisoner. It had four hilt pieces. Each hilt was a different color. The blade was a silver white. Stacker had never seen such an amazing looking sword.

“What’s eating at you?” asked Ryan.

Stacker realised he had been staring at his room’s wall for quite some time.

“I was thinking of a sword that one of those men carried last night. I have never seen anything like it.”

Reed perked up and looked very interested. His mother was a blacksmith, and he helped her with the orders. He loved everything to do with weapons, tools, or any metal devices really.

“A sword?” He asked as he straightened his back up.

“Mhm.” replied Stacker. “It was was a four piece hilted sword, with a silver blade. Each piece was a different color, and two swan heads met in the middle.”

“Can you draw it from memory?” asked Ryan. He too was now curious.

“I think so.” Stacker stood up and walked quickly to his closet. He opened the door, objects of all shapes and sizes fell out around him. He searched for a few moments and turned around, holding his coloring quills.

“Why do you need your coloring set?” Reed asked.

“Like I said, the hilt was multiply colors. Pay attention.” Stacker replied.

Stacker set the quills on his bed. He examined each shade of each color of ink. He picked several until he was satisfied. Reed and Ryan both stared, each looking curious and a little confused. They expected dark, metal colors. Instead Stacker had selected blue, green, red and yellow. And a few more darker colors. They both sat down on either side of Stacker and watched as he sketched away. They all kept quiet. As Stacker started to color it in, Reed exclaimed,

“What on earth?

Stacker kept coloring away.

“I have never seen anything like that.” Ryan said in a mumble.

Once Stacker was done, he raised his drawing up. The three boys stared in awe.

“Those hilts won’t protect your fingers very well.” pointed out Reed. “They seem to be vertical. They are suppose to be . . .err” Reed had forgotten the word. He tried to hide it.

“You know, they should be flat."

Ryan raised an eyebrow and said slowly, “I believe the word you are looking for is horizontal?”

Reed chuckled a little and confessed he had forgotten the word.

“Well anyways I’ve never seen a hilt like that. I’ll ask mum about it.”

“And I’ll go to the library tomorrow and see if i can find anything on it.” Little did Ryan know there would be no tomorrow for them.

As the boys sat there, staring at the drawing, Ryan perked up. A sly smile crept upon his face.

“Oh fellers, I nearly forgot to tell you about my encounter.”

Stacker and Reed looked over to Ryan and both at the time replied, “What encounter?”

Ryan leaned back and yawned. It was obviously a fake yawn, but Stacker and Reed said nothing. Ryan stretched his arms and then folded them across his chest.

“Well” he paused, then continued. “Long story short, when I went to get taffy, at the tournament that is, I saw the most beautiful being, I have ever seen.”

Reeds cheeks went red. Stacker smirked. “Continue” replied Stacker.

“Well, while I was waiting in line for the taffy, I noticed this girl in the front of the line. Her hair was amazing. As I was staring, and wondering how she made it seem so shiny, she turned around and stared right at me! I nearly jumped a foot. I wasn’t prepared.”

“What did you do old mate!?” Reed asked. His cheeks were still red.

“Stared right back. That’s all I could do.” Stacker started laughing softly and grinned.

“Ryan you must be the luckiest guy in the world. First, you were a knight’s page for a day, and now this?”

Ryan gave a toothy smile and replied “Yes I am.”

Reed rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I don’t believe it. Anyways, I need to be heading back off home to help Mum with sharpening. Today is our deadline for a few orders.”

“Take care man.” replied Stacker.

“See ya” replied Ryan.

Reed stood up and walked down the stairs. He made his way to the front door and headed towards his home. When he arrived at his house, he noticed two horses out front. He ducked under the tool shed, taking shelter from the rain. He ran his hands through his long hair and washed his face. He walked up the front door, grabbed the handle, waited a moment, then entered in.

“There he is! Right on time.”

“Hey Mom!” He gave her a hug and then sat down on a chair to untie his shoes. Then he quickly sat back up, realising there were two guest in the room. One was a man, about mid forties. He had gray long hair, and a thin white beard.

“Reed, this Calvin.” His mother said as she introduced them. Reed walked up and smiled. He stuck out his hand.

“How do you do sir?”

“Very well thank you. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Quinn.” He turned to his daughter. Reed smiled and looked over at her. As soon as Reed saw her, he went stiff. She had black wavy hair, smooth tan skin, and big brown eyes. She was absolutely beautiful. She smiled at Reed.

“Nice to meet you.” She said. Reed smiled and tried to talk. He was lost for words, and nothing came out. This had completely caught him off guard. He looked to his mother, hoping she might say something. She didn’t. He tried to speak again, but nothing came out. He turned back to his mother and said in a rushed light voice.

“Oh I left my watch at Stacker’s house. I’ll be right back.”

“Well, ok dear. Just come right back once you have it.” replied his mother, whose name is Grace.

“Oh boys, always forgetting things.” She said as she shut the door behind Reed.

Reed ran at full sprint, dodging town’s people, and taking every short cut he knew. He had the biggest smile on his face.

Stacker and Ryan were just walking out of the front door, since the rain had slowed down. Reed’s head was down and he nearly ran into them.

“What are you doing back here?” asked Ryan.

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping your mom?” Stacker also said.

Reed gulped, and through breaths managed to speak a bit.

“Girl” He swallowed another breath. “Pretty.” He was so winded he had to stop talking.

Ryan turned to Stacker, and raised an eyebrow.

“Yes Reed, girls are usually pretty.” replied Stacker, looking a little confused. Reed waved his hand randomly around. The other on his knee, as he was bent over.

“No, no. . .no” he said through breaths. “I mean, pretty girl.” He pointed a finger back in the direction of his house. “Pretty girl, at my house.”

Stacker leaned back against a fence post, crossed his arms and smirked.

“So both of you have seen a beautiful young lady today? Well hopefully this is contagious and I’ll see one too.” he said with a grin.

“What did she look like?” asked Ryan.

“Black hair, fiery brown eyes, absolutely gorgeous.” Reed replied.

Ryan’s jaw dropped. “That is the same girl I saw! It must be!”

“Well shoot.” exclaimed Stacker. “I want to see her now.”

“She is still at my house.” Reed said, as he finally caught his breath. “We should go, since you’ll never see a better looking gal.”

Stacker grinned at the two. “Well what are we waiting for?”

Ryan and Stacker took off in a sprint. Reed sighed. “Can’t we wait a bit?” He yelled out after them.

“Nope!” Ryan replied, without turning around. “But I just caught my breath.” Reed said in hurt voice. He slowly trotted after the other two.

They ran up main street, then cut across old man Mcglugin’s small meadow. Once they arrived at Reed’s house, Ryan slammed into Stacker who had came to a halt rather quickly, making Stacker stumble and slam into Reed. All three were on the ground. They quickly tried to collect themselves. Stacker brushed off the dust from himself, as Reed coughed up dust. Ryan was holding his nose. It was bleeding.

“Good going Ryan.” Reed said as he coughed.

“Well at least you’re not bleeding.” squeaked out Ryan.

Reed smoothed out his hair, and tried to see his reflection in a puddle. Stacker leaned over the muddy puddle, and then looked up to Reed.

“Looking good mate!”

“Well thank you kind sir.” replied Reed in a mocking tone, due to the fact that the puddle was far too muddy to see a reflection, making Reed’s look like a blob of color.

Ryan stretched his arms, and hitched up his pants, since they were usually to big on him. He was about to say something when the front door to Reed’s house opened.

“Thank you for the shelter Grace.” said a gentlemen like voice. Then an older man walked out of the house and looked around at each boy. It was quite a sight.

“Boys!” said Grace as she walked out. “What of earth happened?” Ryan looked to Reed, and Reed looked to Stacker.

“Ah we were just running up main street, and you know how dusty it can be with all the wagons.”

“Well as long as no one got hurt then I won’t ask any further. Oh boys, this is Calvin.” She stepped to the side, and smiled to the man. She gestured her hand out towards the boys.

“This one is mine.” She looked to Reed, who smiled at Calvin.

“That one is Ryan. He’s a smarty.” she winked at Ryan who smiled awkwardly. Before Grace could introduce Stacker, he stepped forward and put his hand out.

“How do you do sir?”

“Very well thank you. You must be Stacker, from the description Grace gave us.”

“Yes sir.” Replied Stacker. Just then another person came out. It was the young lady Reed and Ryan had seen. She walked with a strong dignity about her, but in a beautiful way. She was just as well spoken as Stacker, stronger then Reed, and smarter than Ryan. But the boys did not know all of these things. And she did not give these things away. She was also quite humble. She walked out of the house and smiled to Grace.

“Thank you for your lovely hospitality miss. Your kindness has been so very refreshing.”

Grace took her hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You all are always welcomed under my roof.” Grace then turned to the boys.

“Quinn, this is Stacker, Ryan, and this one is my son, Reed.” Stacker smiled and put his hand out. She stepped forward instantly and shook it. Stacker stared at her for a moment, then gave her a wink. Quinn’s face turned the slightest shade of red, she was blushing. Before anything else could happen further Calvin broke in.

“Well we must be going Quinn.” She looked towards her further and her eyes blinked a few times, as if coming back to reality.

“Yes sir. It was nice to meet you all.” she replied. Calvin nodded to the boys as he passed through them.

“Nice to have met you Stacker.”

“The pleasure was mine sir!” Stacker replied. Calvin then walked passed Ryan and Reed.

“Gentlemen.” he said as he gave a nod.

“Nice meeting you sir.” they replied. Reed gave a half bow, but then realised it looked stupid. He tried to cover it up by pretending he meant to tie his shoe. He bowed down, paused, then went all the way down and started tying his shoe. Calvin and Quinn looked at each other, both a little confused, then kept walking on. Ryan smirked. As soon as the guest had gotten out of earshot, Ryan and Stacker broke into laughter. They each put a hand on each other to steady themselves as they laughed.

‘You just, kinda bowed there.” laughed out Ryan. “And you, you looked so stupid.” Stacker’s eyes started to form tears as Ryan kept making fun of Reed. Grace had a small smile and tried to not laugh. She could not hold it back, and had to turn around pretending to inspect the framework of her front door.

Reed stood motionless. His face had a slight smirk on it. It turned into a grin.

“Oh shut up.” He then grabbed Ryan in a headlock and wrestled around with him.

“Oh you boys. Come inside and clean yourself up.” said Grace. The three of them, still all laughing a little walked side by side, arm in arm as they walked into the house. It had been a wonderful day.

Just then the Gattleburgs had finished tea. Mr. Gattleburg was walking out the door to feed his chickens when he noticed a strange looking carriage in the road. It was in front of the Dukov’s house. He had never seen anything like it. He took off his hat, and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

“Susan?” he called back into the house. An older woman walked out into the door frame, as she scrubbed a plate clean with a cloth.

“Yes dear?”

“Do you know anyone from town with a carriage like that?” He pointed across the street. Ms. Gattleburg stared for a moment, then slowly shook her head.

“I don’t believe so.” Just as she said this, a door to the carriage opened. Two young men stepped out. Each in chainmail, with green capes on. One carried a crossbow, and the other a sword on his back. They stepped out of the carriage and held the door open. Then an older lady in a deep velvet colored gown stepped out. She had an odd hat on, and carried a small wooden staff.

Mr. Gattleberg quickly looked away and pretended that he had not seen them. “How peculiar.” he said quietly. He picked up his chicken feed and walked towards the backyard, muttering how strange the times had become.