Tales from the Vale: The Knight's Code

Squeaks7

Skirting the large forest, Ranald and Theobald crossed the green pasturelands. They hoped to make camp before the sun set. The two knights had completed their mission and now rode home towards the castle of Evenmoore. Their king, Malin Thorne, chose them specifically to deliver the message to the outlying region of Andairs, an annexed kingdom, who was now under Evenmoore's sovereignty and authority. Diplomats they weren't, but upon occasion they did what was required of them. They had enjoyed their visit to the remote Andairs for the past week but couldn't wait to get home.

"Cutting through the forest would bring us out closer to the main road into Evenmoore," Theobald reminded Ranald for about the tenth time over the past couple hours.

"Yes, but if we stay on this route, we'll come across a little tavern soon. It's not far off our path." Ranald smiled at his brother-in-arms, giving him a cheeky grin to which the more serious knight only frowned deeper.

"Do I even want to know how you know the location of every tavern and inn between here and Evenmoore?"

"It's called a plan, Theo. Always have a plan."

"Sounds like if we go with your plan we'd be a bit too inebriated to make it back home."

"Oh, we'd make it home. I don't know when, but we'd make it there eventually," Ranald laughed. The two knights had grown up in the castle with Malin and his brother. They were as close as brothers but complete opposites in every way. Where Ranald was easy-going, Theo could make grown men doubt their resolve with one stern look. Both men were as loyal as they came in dealings with their king though. Rethinking his plans, Ranald took off towards the thick copse of trees south of their current location.

"This is not a race," Theobald called out to the dark-haired knight riding full speed towards the trees he'd been eyeing all day. Shaking his head, he did the only thing he could. Spurring his horse forward, Theo rode after his friend. Despite Ranald being the cause for most all his aggravations in life, Theo couldn't help but chase after him just like he'd been doing since childhood when they used to run across the castle grounds and get into all manner of mischief. Usually, caused by Ranald now that he thought back on it with a wry grin tugging at his lips.

The two men slowed as they entered the darkened forest. Soft light from the sun lowering in the evening sky filtered through the trees. Shadows flitted across the forest floor, but the broad-shouldered knight knew they still had a good hour or two before needing to make camp. They could trim off quite a bit of distance in that time. He knew Ranald was always up for a good adventure but all he was thinking about was getting back to his quarters, his bed and his routine.

It wasn't like he wasn't used to missions, just last year they had traveled to the fae lands through the stepping gate to help their now queen, Riven, before she and Malin married. He was used to the life of a warrior but that didn't mean he didn't like the quiet times of his life as well. Ranald's chatter interrupted his musings. The man never stopped talking, Theobald thought with a slight shake of his head. But he listened as they rode on, making good time despite the lowering sun.

An hour later found them deeper in the woods, close to stopping for the night. Both men were scouting for the perfect spot to set up camp when they heard the scream. A tingle ran down Theo's spine as Ranald stiffened in his saddle next to him.

"Did you hear that?" Ranald whispered.

"It was hard not to."

"Shhh! Not so loud," Ranald hushed the man beside him.

"It's just a pangath. You know those wild cats are all over this part of Evenmoore." Theobald played off the scream as an animal despite the chill that had ran up his arms at the eerie sound.

"That was no pangath and you know it. Someone's in trouble," Ranald called as he dismounted and began moving with caution through the forest. Theobald was much less rush in and ask questions later than Ranald. But if his friend was correct, they couldn't leave a woman alone in these woods possibly hurt or in danger. Sliding from his horse, he followed Ranald as they worked their way through the large trees, treading careful over the needle lined forest floor.

Deep voices carried through the twilight filled forest. Ranald stopped just ahead holding up a hand for Theobald to stay where he was. Securing the horses out of sight, Theo crept over the small rise. Ranald knelt beside the trunk of a large tree peering down the other side of the hill.

"What is it?" Theo's deep voice whispered in the dark. Without saying a word, Ranald stretched his arm out pointing below them into the quickly dimming light. A dozen men moved about setting up camp in the clearing below them. Bandits by the look of them. And there across the clearing was the most enchanting girl he had ever laid eyes on.

~~~~~~~~

Ranald eyed the bandit camp trying to piece together a plan to save the beauty who sat in the middle whose hands were bound by ropes. He heard Theobald counting under his breath, sizing up the competition.

"I still say this is the only way. We can take four out with the bow before they know we're here. Then you take those two big ones on that side while I take these two," Ranald whispered as he pointed to the bandits closer to him.

"Why do I always get the bigger ones?"

"What? It's not intentional. They're just on your side."

"Every single time?" Theo asked narrowing his eyes at his fellow knight.

"What can I say? You're just lucky that way," Ranald said with a low chuckle as he patted Theo on his back. The gruff knight huffed at him but didn't say another word as they moved into position on opposite sides of the camp. Straightening his leather armor, checking his sword and daggers one last time, Ranald gave his friend the signal he was ready before raising the bow into place.

Taking a deep breath, Ranald drew back the string with his right hand. With a steady release of air, he loosed the first arrow and by the time it found its mark, he was releasing the next. Leaping down the embankment, Ranald pulled his sword as his feet slid down the hillside of slick needles and leaves. He reached his first target just as he heard the ting of metal from the other side of camp. Theobald engaged the two ruffians closest to him. The bandits were good fighters but no match for trained Evenmoore knights despite the odds against them. Ranald glanced to the center of camp where he'd last seen the young woman. His eyes darted around the clearing searching for the ebony haired maiden blocking the sword coming towards him at the same time. He spun, his sword clashed against the brute coming directly at him. From the corner of his eye he caught dark hair disappearing into the edge of the tree line. A leather clad bandit ran after her.

His sword met those coming at him with little resistance. Pushing his way through two maybe three bandits, he moved closer to where he'd last seen the girl. Theobald was still fighting two bandits on the other side with two more laying nearby. He didn't pause to see how many were left standing behind him but followed the sound of crashing footsteps through the darkened forest. A whimper sounded from his left letting him know he was close just as he saw the hulking dark shadow ahead.

The snap of a twig alerted the brawny thief of his presence but distracting him from his intended target at the same time. Ranald saw the girl sprawled on the bracken covered forest floor. He couldn't see much of her features in the now darkened forest but everything about her body language bespoke fear. Reluctantly, he tore his eyes away from her and back towards the large man barreling towards him. Their swords clashed as the knight met and blocked every blow thrown at him. He pushed the bandit back with a shove, spinning away as the sword struck out at him again. The two men threw a series of blows not just with their heavy swords but anything in range as well. Ranald landed a punch to the man's gut while taking a jab from an elbow right across the bridge of his nose.

Left stumbling for just mere seconds, it was enough to give the bandit the upper hand. He felt the sting of the blade as it sliced across his chest and arm. Fueled by the pain and rage, Ranald kicked out sending the rough looking man sprawling back at the same time he brought his sword down in a final blow to the man's chest. A deep sigh escaped as he stumbled backwards feeling the warm trickle of blood as it made its way through his tunic sleeve. The blade hadn't penetrated his thick leather covering his chest but he couldn't say the same of his arm which was growing number by the minute.

His eyes scanned the surrounding trees as his thoughts turned back to the purpose of him being out here. Whimpers sounded from deeper in the forest. The girl must have run again while they were fighting. He couldn't blame her for her fear. Not knowing who they were or why they were there more than likely put them in the same standing as the bandits in her eyes. She hadn't gone far as Ranald caught up to her within a few quick steps.

"Stop. You're safe now," Ranald called out through the dark. An owl hooted in the distance as he watched her feet slow but not stop fully. She turned looking over her shoulder. Ranald threw his sword into the ground leaving it standing where it fell in the damp soil as he walked closer to her, both hands held out in a peaceful gesture. "I mean you no harm, Mi'lady."

"H...how do I know you mean that?" Her words were soft as her pace continued to slow. It was as if she wanted to believe him despite the fear still eating at her.

"My partner and I are knights of Evenmoore. The royal seal is on our gear back where we left our horses. I promise you no harm will come to you." Ranald waved her towards him with the slight motion of his fingers from where she now stood still staring at him. Just the slightest movement of his fingers left a stinging sensation pulsing in his arm. He bit back the hiss threatening to escape but couldn't keep the grimace off his face. Her eyes darted from his face to his arm taking in the now bright red of his once white tunic.

"You're hurt."

"Aye, but it's nothing. A mere scratch. Why don't we go find my friend so I can patch this up?" He watched as his light words put her more at ease. Her feet carried her forward until she was standing even with him. Shadows played over her features as they made their way back towards the bandit's camp. No sounds came from where he'd left his friend just minutes before. Motioning for her to stay in the shadows, Ranald peered around the trees into the clearing. Theo looked up at him from over the body of the bandit who'd just fallen at his feet.

"It's about time you came back. Have fun frolicking through the woods?" Theobald's gruff greeting brought a chuckle to Ranald's lips. Taking the girl by the hand, they both stepped into the light of the campfire.

"Loads of it actually," Ranald quipped sending a wink to the beauty as they made their way to his friend's side.

~~~~~~~~

Much later and further into the woods, Theo, Ranald and Katriana sat around a campfire. They'd made quick work disposing of the bodies and snuffing the campfire before mounting their horses. They both had agreed to put some distance between the bandit's camp and themselves before stopping for the night. Katriana hadn't said much other than her name since Theo pulled her reluctantly up on his horse. Ranald hadn't liked the idea but with his arm, they agreed she'd be safer riding with him.

Katriana had been quite skittish until Theo draped his cape around her. He watched as she took in the royal insignia, fingering the heavy metal clasp it was carved into. He understood her need to verify their identity after what she'd just went through but his patience was beginning to wear thin. She hadn't answered any of their questions other than her name choosing to sit by the fire with her arms wrapped around her knees.

"We cannot help you if you do not help us, Katriana." Theo's deep voice echoed across the small clearing. A cough from Ranald's direction drew his attention to the deep scowl now covering his friends face. Ranald glared at him, shaking his head. Theo knew he could be a bit direct to the point of being blunt. And patience wasn't his strength. Waving his hand, he leaned against the tree at his back letting Ranald know to take over questioning the girl.

Theo watched Ranald scoot closer to the dark-haired girl. His arm was now wrapped in a bandage but to a careful eye, you could see the fine lines around his eyes crinkle when he moved it. They hadn't grown up together, fought together and traveled together for the past fifteen or so years for nothing. He knew when his best friend was in pain regardless if he would admit it. Despite being a buffoon more often than not, Ranald took his responsibilities seriously. Getting hurt in the line of duty was a given they accepted.

"I know you're scared but you have nothing to fear now. Not from us. Just tell us what happened, we'll see you safely home and you can put all this behind you." Ranald's voice was much calmer than Theobald's had been, gaining attention from the maiden who sat folded in on herself. No one said a word for several moments but at least the girl with the raven locks was looking at them. Her bottom lip trembled ever so slightly just before she pulled it between her teeth. Just when Theo believed he'd need to speak up once more, she let out the softest sigh before speaking.

"I was traveling to Gimbledon to meet my f... family when we were set upon by the highwaymen," Katriana began stifling a sob.

"We?" Theobald asked, his brow raising in question to her lack of companions now.

"My servant was with me. She is older but outrode them when my horse threw me. I pray the old gods spared her and she made it to safety. Did you see anyone else on your journey today?" Hope filled her voice as she looked between the two knights. Her eyes lowered when she noticed the frowns appear on their faces.

"I'm sorry but we didn't see anyone today. But we could have easily been coming from a different direction." Ranald tried reassuring her but it didn't lift her spirits.

"What happened after they captured you?" Theo continued the line of questioning totally ignoring Ranald's look of disbelief. If left up to him, they'd be coddling her all night and get no rest. Best get it done and over so they could be up early on their way home tomorrow morn.

"They asked what my father's occupation was that I could afford a fine horse and clothes. When I informed them he was a merchant, they said if I cooperated I would be free in a few days' time. I assumed they meant to hold me for ransom but..." The girl's voice trailed off, fear rekindling as she thought about her captors.

"You are safe now. No one will harm you," Ranald cooed as he placed his good arm around the maiden's shoulder drawing her against him in a half-hug. Theo narrowed his eyes at the smooth move but only shook his head. Ranald had always been loved by the ladies for his easygoing manner and wit but this was a bit fast if you asked him.

"You should rest, Katriana. We can take you as far as Evenmoore and then arrange an escort to see you safely to Gimbledon," Theo said before moving to spread out his mat. He knew he wouldn't be resting much after the events of the night but with his choices being to rest or watch Ranald fawn over the girl, he'd rather the first.

He listened while Ranald whispered with the maiden for a bit longer aggravation causing him to toss and turn until camp grew quiet. He must have dozed off easier than he thought, for the next he knew, Ranald was nudging him to take the second watch. He rose, walking the perimeter of their clearing before seating himself by the dying fire. Absentmindedly, he tossed a few smaller logs on the blaze watching as the flames licked at the wood until none was left unconsumed. Ranald's voice startled him from his reverie.

"I promised we'd take her home, the two of us. And before you go all grumpy on me, you know it'll be faster if we travel from here rather than all the way to Evenmoore and then send her back on her way. Think of what's best for her." Theo didn't say anything to Ranald's whispered words at first.

"You've already thought this all out, haven't you?"

"You know I am right," Ranald quipped lightly. Theo replied with a grunt before looking over at where the girl slept curled into a ball just a few paces away.

"Fine. But... I don't go all grumpy," Theo responded as he mimicked Ranald's voice. His friend's laughter rang out in the quiet of the night.

"Whatever you say, grumpy." Theo let out another grunt as his friend's breathing lightened. It looked like they'd be gone a few days longer than expected, he thought to himself as he watched the girl sleep. He imagined he'd be irritated by the fact, but oddly he wasn't. Now to keep Ranald from making a complete ninny of himself and it might be a pleasant trip.

~~~~~~~~

Gimbledon was two to three days from their current location and then another three to Evenmoore from there. Ranald knew they could have been back home long before then but in all good conscience he couldn't leave Katriana alone after what she had been through. Something about the quiet beauty tugged at long buried emotions. Being a knight, a personal consort and friend to the king of Evenmoore wasn't without its advantages. But finding the right girl to settle down was as likely to happen in this line of work as the sky turning green and birds start talking. He chuckled to himself at the thought.

"What's so funny?" Ranald glanced to where the maiden rode sitting in front of Theobald. She stared at him curiously, appearing to be in better spirits today. Of course, she must be relieved to be going home, he thought.

"Oh, nothing much," he replied lightly.

"Ranald finds everything amusing. Don't you, Ran?"

"Better than looking like I've eaten sour grapes all the time." Ranald winked at the girl while Theo simply grunted in reply. The sound of tinkling laughter filled the space between them. Just before she covered her mouth with a dainty hand to stifle her giggles, Ranald saw the maiden's mesmerizing smile. Several minutes later, she interrupted the companionable silence again.

"Thank you. Both. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along when you did." Her voice trailed off at the end as she relived those fearful moments before they'd rescued her.

"There's no need to thank us, Mi'lady." Theo's deep baritone voice answered her with a tenderness Ranald rarely heard from his friend. He knew his brother-in-arms was capable of compassion and somewhat normal emotions, but it was still surprising when it happened. Theobald had been apprenticed to the guards at a young age and grew up faster than most of their group of friends. The only childhood he'd been able to enjoy was when the princes would request him as companion, which they had quite often growing up together. They were both blessed by the old gods to have come to Evenmoore as youths and met the brothers. Ranald didn't want to think how boring his life would have been without them. Maybe safer, with a lot less hangovers, but much more boring.

"What kind of heroes would we be if we didn't rescue fair maidens?" Ranald added with a chuckle.

"Not very heroic, I suppose," Katriana replied, the corners of her mouth turning up.

"My thoughts exactly," Ranald agreed in an eager voice flashing a vibrant smile across to where Katriana sat. A small smile framed her lips while Theo's signature frown seemed to deepen at Ranald's words. "Now I can tell you, we weren't always so heroic. There was a time we were quite cowards." Ranald's voice lowered as he leaned across the space separating them and gave another cheeky wink to his captive audience.

"What are you blabbering on about now?" Theo deadpanned.

"Oh, just that time you, Malin, Killian, Brom, Dov and I ran through town without any trousers..."

"That is not a tale for innocent ears," Theo thundered at his friend who didn't seem to care at all for the other knight's objection to the story.

"I grew up with five brothers. I'm sure I've heard worse stories," Katriana replied with a conspiratorial wink to Ranald. Theo simply rolled his eyes looking straight ahead as the cheerful knight continued the tale with enthusiasm.

"And then after the girls ran off with our clothes while we were swimming, we just sat there in the water. We had no idea what to do!" Ranald's voice grew louder the longer he told the story of the how they had decided to go swimming in the pond behind Fingrew farm.

"Those Fingrew twins were mean," Theo grumbled under his breath.

"So Theobald had the bright idea to steal some clothes off the wash line behind the farmhouse. But just as we pull off some shirts their momma runs out swinging a broom. We take off running blind, trying to pull those tunics over our heads as we did. Instead of running back towards the castle, we end up in the opposite direction and run straight over the next rise and into Evenmoore village. Needless to say, it wasn't a pretty sight," Ranald laughed. Theobald shakes his head while listening as if trying to dislodge the memories.

"How did you not know which direction you were running?" the girl asked the man behind her as a small laugh escaped her lips. Theo grumbled under his breath a moment before answering her.

"I was scared. We were only fourteen after all. It's not like we'd planned for it to happen," Theo's deep voice rumbled. Ranald let out a bark of a laugh at his friend's words.

"Yeah, it was the first time something like this happened but it wouldn't be the last," Ranald said with a shake of his head.

"Like I said, those Fingrew twins were mean." Theo meant his words to be serious but had the opposite effect on his traveling companions. Laughter filled the air lightening the mood for the three travelers. Even Theo found his lips turning up in an uncharacteristic grin.

"Do you have any more stories?" Katriana asked after the laughter had subsided and they were lulled into a companionable silence.

"Don't encourage him," Theo whispered rather loudly causing the maiden in front of him to chuckle again.

"I heard that."

"I meant for you to." Theo and Ranald grinned at each other across the empty space between them. They hadn't been friends this long to let a little thing like embarrassing each other ruin the friendship they had.

~~~~~~~~~

"Are you nervous?" Theo asked the beautiful maiden who sat by the small fire. The flames cast a warm glow over her pale skin as she sat there wringing her hands. Her eyes held his, startled out of her thoughts by his question. She watched as Theo sat near her while Ranald was off checking the horses.

"Just thinking," she replied with a forced smile. Theo understood. She had been through a lot the past few days.

"Not much longer now," he remarked off handedly while tossing twigs on the fire. "We'll be at Gimbledon tomorrow. I still think it's amazing how fast the village has grown up since the stepping gates to the fae realm opened a few years back."

"It has become a center of trade for both realms." He heard her soft voice answer in reply. He wondered if she'd ever crossed over to the mystic realms since she lived so close. He had only been there a few times, and while everything about the mystic realms had been interesting and new, he was more than happy to stay in Evenmoore as a knight of the realm.

"Have you..."

"Do you know..." she asked, trailing off when he spoke at the same time. The usually solemn knight gave her a genuine smile motioning for her to continue. "Sorry. I was going to ask; do you know much about the fae realm?"

"Oh, more than most, I suppose. As one of King Malin's personal guard we've traveled with him when he visits. Why do you ask? Have you crossed over?" Theo watched her eyes light up as he spoke.

"I've never been but find it fascinating. Sadly, Father does not so we've never crossed over. Even on market days, we stay in the mortal realm while many other merchants travel across to sell goods." Theo listened as her voice became animated as she spoke. He could understand her curiosity. Many mortals had become fascinated with the mystic realms once the gates had been reopened and peace between realms restored.

"There are many mortals who are still cautious about the mystic realms even though the last couple years have been peaceful and our king's brother is married to queen of the light fae." Theo ended up answering question upon question over the next half hour. He was sure he'd never spoke this much at once before but Katriana was easy to speak to. Her fascination with the mystic realms caused her eyes to light up, more vibrant than they had been since he and Ranald rescued her.

After a while, he watched as a weariness replaced the curiosity. He'd seen that look before too. There was something she was fighting internally, probably something she wanted to ask but he wouldn't push her. Theo felt her blue eyes on him as he peered into the darkened woods where the glow of the fire didn't reach. When she finally began speaking again, he wasn't surprised.

"Before we reach Gimbledon there's something..."

"What's all the chatter about over here?" Ranald asked plopping down directly between the two. Theo had never wanted to wring his friends neck more than in that moment and they'd had their share of disagreements. Katriana seemed to shrink back inside the shell she'd been in when they first found her. She answered questions, chatted politely and even laughed at Ranald's tall tales but the exuberance of their previous conversation wasn't there. Something tugged inside Theo's chest. He wondered why he longed to see her face light up as she smiled again. Trying to shake these thoughts, he stood leaving her alone with Ranald as he checked camp before turning in. Tomorrow would find them parting ways so the less he thought about it the better, or so he tried telling himself.

~~~~~~~~

Ranald drew in a hiss as Katriana washed his wound and applied a small bit of ointment. Her soft curls tickled his cheek as she bent over his arm. He knew his arm would be fine and normally wouldn't bother with the wound other than simple cleansing, but she had insisted. And who was he to deny her? He felt her knot the linen after she finished wrapping it around his bicep. Ranald reached over to pull the sleeve of his tunic down, his fingers brushing hers as he did.

"There! All done," she said stepping back quickly.

"Thank you, Kat." Ranald smiled at the girl as they finished packing up camp. There wasn't much chatter between the three travelers while they rode today. He wasn't sure about the other two but he found himself lost in thought more than once.

He hadn't thought much of settling down having enjoyed his time as personal guard to the kings of Evenmoore, but somehow over the past three days those strange thoughts begin to niggle at him more and more. He knew it had to do with the maiden they'd been fortunate enough to rescue. She was sweet and charming. And enjoyed his humor. Or at least, she appeared to with her soft giggles every time he spoke. He'd also noticed how she turned serious anytime she spoke with Theo. He knew his friend was solemn but wished he didn't depress Katriana. She needed cheering up after the ordeal she'd been through, Ranald thought with good intentions.

Around midday, the forested paths they had been following turned to rolling hills. The scenery became familiar the further they rode. It had been a while but Ranald remembered the area surrounding Gimbledon from patrols. He also noticed as the terrain changed, so did Katriana's mood. Where she hadn't been chatty this morning, she had cast smiles his way asking a question now and then. But now, even the smiles had stopped. He watched as she fidgeted with the cloak rapped about her.

If he didn't know better, he'd say she was nervous to be going home. Surely, she should be happy to be putting the past few days behind her, but something was bothering her. By the time Ranald thought it through long enough to ask her, the hamlet of Gimbledon appeared in the valley below. A relieved sigh escaped Katriana's lips. Maybe he had over analyzed it. She looked happy as they rode into the trading town.

At the edge of town, Theo slowed his pace. Ranald couldn't blame him. Time spent with the maiden had been a light-hearted change compared to most of their missions. Any reason to prolong it was fine with him.

"Where do we go from here, Katriana?" Theobald's deep voice carried over the noise filling the dusty streets. Carts carrying goods rolled by them as people both on foot and horseback bustled about. Katriana looked up and down the road they were steadily making their way down.

"I'm not... just... Anywhere here is fine."

"Absoutely not. We've seen you safe this far. We're going to see you safely home too," Ranald assured her. For a moment her blue eyes widened, a look of panic appearing before her features softened.

"There's a tavern near the stepping gate just past the market place. Can we go there?" Theo's brows furrowed as he gave Ranald a questioning look over the girl's head from where she sat in front of him. Ranald shrugged but nodded, clicking at his horse to pick up pace. The town looked much like any other in Evenmoore. They passed a blacksmith, livery and several small shops before reaching an open market. The market held several stalls full of everything from exotic fruits and vegetables from the fae realm just across the stepping gate to fine linens and household wares.

Katriana pointed out the tavern as they led their horses in that direction. Ranald dismounted as he watched Theo lift the dark-haired beauty from his horse. His large hands seemed to encircle her waist as he sat her gently beside the steed. Katriana looked over the market place as if searching for something, or someone. A forlorn look took residence on her features, as she turned back towards the knights.

"There is something I need to tell you. Something I should have shared with you days ago." Her voice lowered as she spoke until it was barely above a whisper.

"You can tell us anything," Ranald assured her as Theo placed a large hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"What is wrong, Katriana?"

"I may have..."

"Katriana?" A distinctly male voice called out from behind the group. Looking over just in time to see a brawny young fae coming towards them, Katriana gasped and ran to meet him. Ranald and Theo stood where they were, feet planted in the same spot, watching as the young man caught Katriana in his arms and spun her around.

~~~~~~~~

"I was so afraid you wouldn't be here," her voice carried to where the knights stood, not able to help but overhear the couple's conversation.

"I waited for you. When you didn't show, I came back daily so afraid something had happened." Theo looked on with a scowl deepening as the young man wiped a stray tear from the maiden's eye. The fae man was dressed simply in a tunic and loose linen pants. From the looks of him, he was either a laborer or farmer. Someone used to hard work.

"I ran into trouble but had some help." Theo crossed his arms across his broad chest at Katriana's words. The couple walked closer to where they stood. A shy look came over the girl's face as pieces began to click in Theo's brain. They weren't bringing her home, but rather helping her run from it.

"Knights of Evenmoore!" the young man exclaimed, his voice full of awe. "How can I thank you enough for helping my betrothed find her way safely here?"

"It was nothing, nothing at all," Ranald chuckled while Theo stood there with a gruff expression. Only a grunt let the young man know he'd heard the words he spoke.

"I was just closing up the stall if you're ready to return."

"I will join you in a moment," Katriana whispered. She watched as the fae man walked back into the busy marketplace before turning to face the two knights.

"I wanted to tell you. I tried. But I was afraid if you knew the truth you wouldn't help me," she whispered softly.

"How did you meet him?" Theo asked in a deep voice startling the girl as she looked back over her shoulder to where the young man had disappeared.

"Brennon and I met in the market when Father brought our goods here to sell and trade. He's a farmer from the mystic realm. Once Father realized we liked each other, he refused to let me come with him on market days. But I have an older sister who is tender hearted. She would sneak messages between us." Katriana didn't raise her head as she spoke choosing instead to look at where her hands clenched in front of her.

"I wish you all the happiness and many blessings for your life together," Ranald said as he placed a kiss on the girl's head. Her head whipped up to look at the light-hearted knight. His eyes held no ill will for her giving her courage to turn to his grave companion. While Theo's features were still solemn, there was a definite softening around his eyes.

"I hope you aren't upset..."

"We are knights of Evenmoore. We help those in need. That will always be the code we live by no matter the situation that person may find herself in, Katriana," Theo's lips turned up slightly at the corners in what passed as a smile for him. The ebony haired beauty gave him an impromptu hug before waving farewell. They watched her race across the market place to where Brennon stood waiting. Neither knight moved for several moments letting the events that had just taken place sink in.

"That was... unexpected," Theo grumbled looking over to where Ranald stood, looking no less cheerful than his usual self.

"I was certain she fancied me. We had a moment there in the woods."

"The only moment you had was when you embarrassed yourself with your silly stories."

"Pfft! You're just jealous," Ranald shot back at his friend.

"What's there to be jealous of? We both know she would've picked me."

"What have we said about you trying to be funny, Theo?"

"Not to be?"

"Exactly!" Ranald replied much too chipper as he slapped his friend on the back.

"Now, didn't you say something about a tavern a few days ago?" Theo asked raising one brow.

"As I recall you said we didn't have time for that sort of thing."

"We have all the time in the world, my friend. All the time we need!"

"True, true!" Both knights grinned at each other and entered the tavern conveniently close by. "But we both know she'd have chosen me." Ranald nudged Theo in the ribs as the knights set to work forgetting their almost rivalry over a dark-haired beauty happy to be brothers, friends and knights of Evenmoore.

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The Vale Series consists of four books (three currently on Wattpad) as well as several short stories centered around my fantasy world of Votierra which is introduced in Book 1, The Shadowed Vale. This peek into The Vale is of two secondary but very much loved characters featured in Book 2, The Treasured Vale. It can be read at any point in the series or enjoyed alone. Thank you for reading! ~SJ 

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P.S. Don't forget to enter the 130+ #WattpadBlockParty Giveaways! Clickable links are at the top of my Wattpad profile! :)

GIVEAWAY LINK ONE:

http://kellyanneblountauthor.blogspot.com/2017/01/giveaways-for-wattpad-block-party_31.html

GIVEAWAY LINK TWO (with Widgets):

http://kellyanneblountauthor.blogspot.com/2017/01/giveaways-with-widgets-for-wattpad.html