After Jason had returned to the side of the two leaders, Commander Eric started to talk, "Master Sterling, as you are aware, you are the hope for Alepp. The prophecy is becoming fulfilled just as soon as you got here. I, and only a few of the nobles of the land, were told by the Prophetess-"
"Wait, the prophetess? What's her name?"
March smiled, "No one ever knew her name. Elohim commanded that she should not tell anyone her name, only to call her Prophetess, or Woman of God." (When Jason looked inquiringly at him) "This signified that the woman or girl would be wholly devoted to Elohim. And only to Him. It was en entire of life of service devoted to Him. But as I was saying, there was more to the prophecy then she told the Pirates. She told us that not only would you be the deliverance for us. But you would unite the nobles together. And that you would set the long lost heir on the throne."
Jason blinked, "That's a whole lot more than I thought I would have to do. What if I just want to return to my world?"
"She also told us that you would probably bring up this excuse, and told us that the way home would not be opened until you accomplished this task you have been allotted with.." Sneered Evans.
Jason glared at him, "Those are the first words that you have spoken to me all day, Sir Evans. And I do not enjoy that tone."
Evans grimaced and gripped his sword handle. All nervousness gone now, and was replaced by an angry flush.
Jason swiftly drew his sword as Commander March reined in between them, "Well, well, well. There is no need for anyone to be angry. Put those weapons down. There has been enough blood spilled today. Our soldiers need to see that we are united as leaders. A house can't stand if it's are divided.
When they replaced their swords back in their scabbards, he continued. "Good. Let's move out. I need to bring you up to pace on your task, Master Sterling."
* * *
Commander March had told that Jason that he would need to convince the nobles of Alepp who were still loyal to the crown to join in the war. But it would take alot of convincing, because Eric only had about two thousand people at his disposal, and only a few recognized it as a revolution. More just an upstart rebellion of peasants and troublemakers. "But," he continued,"Four of the thirteen nobles believe in our cause. And one of them is only a twenty mile ride from here. Let us start with him."
So they had ridden that distance, Evans growing even stiffer in manners toward Sterling with every step. Eric continued to debrief Jason on who the baron was, "His name is Baron, or lord, Joseph Hilldeg. He is one of the most powerful lords in the land. He has been one of the most watchful for your coming. He knew that it would take something big to make the infidels leave.
"He is able to put five thousand men in the field. But, when the people see such a powerful man join our ranks, they will surely rise up with confidence. In short, this first noble is one of the most important to convince."
The leaders proceeded on in silence, with their men chatting quietly behind them. Jason considered what he had just been told, his mind spinning. The miles also seemed to race by, and before he knew it, they were in the courtyard of a magnificent castle and they were being led into the hall by the steward, having left their men to pitch a camp outside the walls, when out of the stables dressed in a simple riding dress, entered the most beautiful girl Jason had ever seen. Jet black hair washed down her back, and blue eyes that could persuade a man to do anything. She only stood five foot four, but she had a air of command around her, yet she also knew when to be gracious and loving.
When Jason had come back to his senses, and his stomach had stopped doing a back-flip, he finally noticed that Commander Eric and Sir Evans were staring at him. March was grinning with a mischievous air, but Evans was glaring at Jason with such hatred that Jason would've drawn his sword again, if the Lady had not at that time entered.
"Master Sterling," Eric's eyes twinkled, "Meet Lady Mary Hilldeg. She is the daughter of our lord who we have come to visit."
Lady Mary dropped a curtsy and said in a voice full of laughter, "Welcome to the halls of my father. I do hope that you will enjoy your stay. But if you'll excuse me, I should go change into something more suitable for the occasion. "
"I think you look fine." Jason blurted out before he had actually thought through the sentence.
Eric merely let out a bark of laughter, Lady Mary only smiled and disappeared into the hall, but Evans looked anything but pleased. Grimacing at himself, Jason dismounted and entered the hall after the Lady, behind the steward with the Commander and Sir Evans. Knowing that it was of the utmost importance that he convinced Baron Hilldeg to join their cause.
* * * * *
Frodo stirred. He had the dim thought that something truly hurt. Something was wrong. He couldn't move his right leg at all. But he knew, if he slipped back into unconsciousness, he would die. He needed to stand up and move around. Primal instinct demanded that he needed to move.
He opened his dark brown eyes, grunted and moved his back left leg and back right leg, which was bent at an awkward angle, underneath him as he prepared to stand. As he stood, he let out a yelp of pain. Whimpering he finally reached the standing position.
The amount of energy it took him to merely get up almost made him collapse again, but his instinct yelled at him to get out of the clearing and find some water. Looking through the mist of the early morning, he could make out bodies around him. Stumbling forward, he looked down into Ryen's face, and Frodo knew that this was a friend. He let out a bark, and nudged Ryen's boot. Why didn't he get up? Why hadn't he woken Frodo up?
Then the cold truth hit him, and this time he did collapse. His master's friends had been slain by the wolves of the enemy. And his brother has been captured. Frodo moved from Ryen to Clatvin, and knew the same was true with this fallen warrior. Sitting down, he let out a howl of sorrow. Why? Why?
As the day waxed on, the mist disappeared, and Frodo knew he had to move on. Heaving a big doggy sigh. He got up and limped to the forest on the right hand side, and plunged into the underbrush. The questions in his head waging an ongoing battle. Should he go back to Jason? Or should he continue his quest and try and find Abraham and Lydia?
* * * * *
Abraham was woke up to the sensation of falling. And then hitting the ground. He started awake to find himself in the middle of what looked to be a courtyard. He struggled to an upright position, as his mind spun through the recent events. Is this where they were holding Lydia? He mused, they just made my job easier. No need to overtake them anymore. I just need to find Lydia and leave.
Easier said than done. As Ab looked around that crude building, he saw what could have been a castle.. in the 1st century. The pirates weren't exactly known for their craftsmanship. The walls were some fifteen feet tall, and three feet thick. And the building in the middle of this outpost was only about thirty feet tall. All in all, it looked like a couple hundred men threw this together in about three days. 'Which,' Ab thought,'was very likely.'
The big pirates grabbed Abraham by the scruff of the collar and dragged him into the house. The man could easily have been a troll, he has the kind of look in his face. His nose was flat, his eyes grey and lifeless, his faded blonde hair cropped close to his head. And he was broad and tall. Muscle stretched the sinew taunt over his body. He entered in what must have been the great hall and slammed Ab to the floor. "Stand up." His voice low and guttural.
When Johnson didn't obey immediately, the champion gave him another yank on the collar. Slowly, Abraham got to his feet and looked up to the raised platform at the end of the room. And then got a blow on top off his head for it. "Don't look at the Emperor. Your dirty eyes are not worthy enough to look upon his highness. Keep your head bowed, bastard."
Ab glared at the man for treating him like this. But did as he was told, for he knew this was the only way to find out what was going on. He needed to find Lydia and get out of here. And then it hit him. Was this the Emperor of all Pirates? Surely not.
"He is permitted to look at me. I would look upon the man who wrought such destruction on my men." Came a deep, rich voice.
The troll lifted Ab to his feet, and walked out. Apparently dismissed. Abraham approached the throne, peering through the smoke that the fire was making.
"You may not come closer. I can see you clearly. I want to know why you have come here. Or at least why you were pursuing my men?"
Abraham decided it was best to go with the truth. "I was chasing after your cowardly men, because we were trying to free one of our own that your men had captured."
The Emperor seemed to ignore the slighting remarks on his retainers, and merely laughed. "She is not one of yours. Trust me. She is mine. Or rather, the daughter of one of my captains. One of the noble lord's of the sea."
When Ab merely looked confused, he continued. "Surely you know that she is the daughter of Captain Bruce Bradford?"
Abraham stared.
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