Holidays

This year for Yule I received an adult coloring book.  I have to admit that I
had a lot of fun filling it in.  It got me interested in art again and writing; after all each picture tells a story.  Not sure what I’ll be doing next,but it will be fun and posted.  I picked up a fancy new phone so pictures and posts are easier now.

The Mad Hatter

I always loved making hats.  You can get really creative with them, without a whole lot of yarn being used.  I’ve made a lot of shawls and jackets lately, as well as mitts, but in the last couple of weeks, I’ve fallen back to making hats.  It’s a little different this time… I’m making patterns, interesting ones, that are a little woodsy, or magical.  I’ve rediscovered that sense of whimsy that I had.  And then it struck me, that even though I had been making jackets, they had hoods, so hats were the focus after all in a round about way.

My favorite person to make hats for is my son.  His face is handsome, and yet full of character. In my opinion he looks like a modern day Viking.  But then I”m a mother and I may be biased.  When  I have finished blocking and finishing up these hats, I’ll be posting pictures, hopefully with my son as a model.  The patterns for each will be available, in the New Year, once I’m happy with the way the pattern looks and works.  Pattern sizing could be interesting.  All my hats have been made from homespun, but I’ll be providing wpi’s and suggested weights.  Meanwhile, back to hat making and design.

Anna’s Farm

I enjoy living on Anna’s Farm; it’s a truly beautiful place.  I trade work for my room, and have a small pension that pays for my food.  I’m totally happy, because I like a quiet, simple life.  It’s not often you get the opportunity to live the life you want. I get to work and play with fibre, be around well cared for animals, and cook in a decent sized kitchen.  There is a freedom here I had not known before.

I wake up early in the morning and the day starts with milking the goats.  I come in make sure the buckets are washed and then sit down at the computer and check emails and webpages, and make sure everything’s going smoothly, and enjoy my first cup of tea.  Then it’s kitchen time for me while the animals are being walked.  I like my kitchen time, it gives me that quiet time I need to start the day right and the view overlooks the sheep walking across the frost kissed ground.  I wash the dishes and make sure everything is stowed.  When all is said and done, I have my breakfast.  Right about then the animals are back from their walk, and the day gets going in earnest.  Usually there is some work in the mill or the back office to do, and I work on that.  The day disappears in a flurry of different chores and is sometimes highlighted with trips to town, or visitors to the farm or mill.  I wouldn’t trade my life for anything right now.

I do not miss my old life at all.  I worked in customer service for years and I know my way around it.  It’s stressful, and then I was unemployed for a long time, and that is stressful as well.  Each of these situations lacked a sense of purpose.  Having purpose again has changed my life and I feel the stresses of day to day life no longer.  Which is why I found it so important to help Anna save her farm.  I was given an opportunity to change my life and turn it into something with meaning.  We still have the last legs to go, but as we hit each milestone we feel more safe and secure.  Thank you so much for your continued support and donations during this unsettling time for us.  We’re almost there, so I include the  link click here to Save Anna’s Farm and ask to donate to save the farm, and if you can’t donate, please share.  Thank you so much to all those who have supported us thus far, it’s truly appreciated.

 

The Farm where I live

This morning I woke up 3 minutes before I had to be outside to milk the goats.  The last few days I’m up earlier than milking time to check the web for any updates and such, but not this morning, so when I arrived to help out with the animals, I found out the internet was down.  I returned inside wondering if it was the fact that I moved the router, so I returned it to it’s original place in the back room.  That wasn’t it.  I unplugged the modem and router and plugged them back in.  That wasn’t it either.  Then I gave in and called our provider, who after running me again through the a fore mentioned unplugging and re-plugging in of things, said she would reboot on her end, and she did… moments later we were connected.  It was wonderful…. I went right to our GoFundMe page and checked on things.  I like to get the thank you’s out right away… When I logged on I was so pleased to see that we had passed the $1500 mark .   We are  over a third of the way as of this morning.  I’m so happy right now.  I am still so amazed at the outpouring of help, the donations and the good wishes of people.

I’ve included a link below, please pass it on, and if you can, donate, it’s a worthy cause.:D

Save Anna’s Farm 

A Little Fibre Mill

So for all of you who follow my blog and enjoy my posts, I’m going to ask for your help.  This little farm where I work and live, has hit a little snag and it would be such a shame to loose this mill.  A gofundme account has been set up to help deal with an important situation regarding Anna’s Farm <—Please check out this link.  If you can donate great, if not please share the link, on Facebook or whatever social media group you can think of.  This farm has changed my life and I have discovered that I am capable of much more strength than I ever thought possible.  I would like to return the favor.  I still work with fibre here at the farm on a regular basis and am currently working on some new and unique patterns that will eventually make their way to the blog as well.    Now that we finally have internet here, I can keep more up to date with the goings on.

 This is a picture of the carder that I work on.   It takes piles of fleece and turns it into roving for spinning up and turning into yarn.

Here are some of the critters we look after.  There is nothing quite like the back end of a sheep.

And even in the rain, it’s still sunny here on the farm. 😀

A New Home

Over  the last two years I have encountered 4 floods, and several leaks that didn’t flood, just left a huge puddle son the floor.  In all the time I lived here there was minimal damage from the floods; however there was damage done to my walls (that was never repaired) over time as my landlord fixed the pipes for the house, replaced what needed to be replaced for other tenants, and I was left with holes and promises of new walls and a new kitchen.  The other damage was to me.  I’ve had a couple of serious slips landing on the cement floor, and the last one was the last straw.  So I pushed after 3 months of him not showing up for the promised repairs, and then it was explained to me in harsh tones and a face so grim I took a step back…in order to fix everything I needed to move out.  I was a good tenant, which is why I’m getting the new kitchen, and I’m welcome to move back;and enjoy it, but  all of this at my expense of course.  I holed myself up for a while.  Yes there is recourse I can take, but not without harming a nice bunch of people who also live here.  Trust me when I say it was not easy to take the higher road, and I have.

Now this story has a happy ending, so hang on tight.

Before this happened a friend of mine contacted me and told me that they had found a trailer for me and would bring it anywhere I wanted to go.  So when I gave my notice and posted that I needed a place to house my trailer on facebook, I was answered within 2 minutes.  I kid you not.  I soon discovered that it’s a farm… swoon, yes I”m swooning, and it’s a fibre mill as well with a carder, pin drafter, electric spinner, wash station and a picker.

Now I’ve always been one of  those people who land on their feet.  And once again that has happened for me.  I also have known for the past couple of years that I would find a trailer to fix up and make my own little Bohemian paradise.

So for anyone wondering where I’ve been for the last longest while.  I’ve been putting my dreams and desires out to the the universe and changing my stars.  With a little faith you can make things happen, even if it’s faith in yourself.  See you in two weeks digs.

PS:  I may be off line for a while, but then I”ll be working hard and living a life I consider well worth living. 😀

The Commission

I have spent the last month working on a commission for a friend.  It’s a short sleeved sweater done in various states of green and blue green.  I not only knitted it up, but also dyed and spun up the wool for it, as I went.  The shetland fleece spun up into a nice fingerling yarn, with a soft fluffy sheen to it.  In all honesty the picture does not do justice to the color.  I’m always so amazed by the colors that come from the dyepot.

This sweater is 45 inches long, and cinches in at the waist.  It’s hooded and dangled off the end are some hand carved fishes.  Meant more as a work coat, the sleeves are short so that your arms have freedom to work without being hindered or catching on things, stopping just above the elbow.

In all honesty a lot of work went into this.  I’d get up in the morning, snag some coffee and some breakfast, and then dig right into the project, spinning, carding and knitting as I went.  I made sure to allow a few days for emergencies and I was so glad I did.

This month I had to deal with a tooth incident, so there was a few days here and there while I went to the dentist to get things taken care of, so a couple of days went there.  And then there was the flood.  It’s not the first time there was a flood, and it probably won’t be the last.  So I’ve started up an account at Go Fund, to help me out a little.  http://www.gofundme.com/qmbcqk   I’m looking to purchase a trailer as my new base of operations.  A place I can work, and live in.  Nothing fancy, just a tiny little workshop/living space.

   

A Rogue’s Tale -2- The Way of the Rogue

This is not a children’s Tale, this is a story of rogues and miscreants.  This is rated R and for this I make no apologies.  Read at your leisure and discretion.  This story is best read in order, please start with Chapter 1 and work your way through.

Recovery was a slow and arduous journey for Kit.  Her wounds were such that she needed to stay in bed.  Kit chose not to dwell on the past, and would not allow the horrors of what happened to her to take over her life, so she moved forward, bit by bit. Kit was eager to start learning to defend herself and she missed playing with her little brother.  Deni would sneak in with cookies and tell her stories of his day, but it just wasn’t the same.  Another frequent visitor was Nick, who would bring her books about the fine arts of self defense to read, alas it was not the same as practice.

One morning, bright and early, Kit got herself out of bed, readied her bath, then gingerly stepped into the tub.  She allowed herself to soak for a while, and then, on her own stepped out of the bathtub.  It wasn’t much of a tub, just a barrel half, full of hot sudsy water, but the fact that she could do this meant she was getting better.  She wrapped a cloth around her and turned around.

“What on earth are you doing in here?”  She sputtered.  She had become quite at home in this hut and was surprised to see Nick standing in the doorway, holding it open for all to see.  “I have secret private lady bits that I don’t want everyone gawking over if you don’t mind… shut the damn door.”  Her final words a shriek.

“I might remind you, that this is my hut, not yours, and you have been a most…interesting guest, considering I’m barely allowed in here.  However, I believe the time has come for you to fly the coop, and me to return to my humble abode, unless there is something that you wish to tell me.  Simply put, I miss my things and I am here to reclaim them.”  Nick remained calm as he teased Kit.

“Oh yeah, if not here, then where am I going to sleep!”

“Now that’s not exactly my problem, but lucky for you, I have a solution.  Would you like to follow me?”  For the last few weeks the camp had been filled with the sounds of construction, and Nick had made sure that his little project remained a secret.  Kit was getting so mad, and the young man chuckled to himself as he thought just how amusing this was.  Her responses meant she was better, much better.  He still worried about her from time to time, but she didn’t seem to blame him at all for her attack, even though she should, even just a little bit.  Yes, this feistiness in her was exactly what he wanted to see.

“You are kidding. Right!   You are going to allow me to get dressed first.” Kit was in full on glower as she waited for him to shut the door.

“Of course Princess, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  In fact, seeing that you can now get in and out of the tub, on your own, and you are so independent, and spirited, how about we start your training with some chores.  Now hurry up and get dressed, daylights burning.  I’ll be sitting on this log out here waiting.  If you take too long I’m coming in and dragging you out.”

Kit heard the door slam behind him and dropped her towel.  “Oh is that the towel dropping to the floor.  You’re naked aren’t you?”  A few minutes later… “mm the small clothes, those dainty little underthings that are just so inviting, all covered in lace and ribbon that  men can’t wait to tear open because they make it so infernally hard to get at the good bits.  Ah, I bet that you’re putting on your stockings now pointing that toe, all ladylike… and your shirt must be easing over your head now to caress your, what did you call those?  Ah yes, your lady bits.  I bet you look amazing with those long stems of yours sticking out from beneath that man’s shirt, I should come in and see.  You are just so desirable.  There go the trousers and I hear struggling and moaning… is someone in there with you, or is that the doublet you’re lacing up far too tightly I might add, my bet is on the doublet.    I’m coming in; I can tell you’re dressed.”

Nick thrust the door open and caught Kit lacing up her doublet.  “You know, you don’t have to make it so tight up top while you’re here, a little bosom is good for the men’s moral.  You’d be doing them a favor.”

By now, Kit was steaming mad, her eyes all afire, and her teeth clenched.  “I’m going to kill you.” She hissed as she stormed out of the hut.  Kit looked dangerous and the few men that were sitting by the fire quickly disappeared into the woods when they saw her sweet face transformed into a mask of fury.  “So Nick, where am I sleeping?”

“Follow me Princess, your castle awaits.”  Nick put on his most pretentious expression and daintily took Kit’s hand leading her towards the lake.

“Is this to your majesty’s liking?”  Nick was waiting for her to say something, or at least go inside.

There, by the lake, was a tiny hut with a thatched roof and a flower box at the window.  She was almost afraid to go in, but it would be ill natured not to, and she had been so despicable to him, so bossy; only seconds ago she had wanted to kill him.  Kit started to stammer, but couldn’t get a word out, she was still so flabbergasted by the way he had behaved.

Nick snuck up behind her and whispered in her ear.  “You really should look inside.  Everyone worked on it in some way or another.  We’re going to be putting up more huts, but this one is yours.”  Nick stepped back and watched her.

There were flowers in the window box, and real glass panes.  She opened the door, and her jaw dropped.  There was a proper bed, a small hearth for cooking with two chairs and a small table in front.  A barrel half rested in the corner with a privacy screen partially hiding it.  There was even a cabinet full of dishes and pots and other odds and ends that occupied the space by one of the windows.  Simple curtains hung at the windows, and a few rugs were scattered across the floor.  The art work on the walls was clearly Deni’s creation.  There was even a counter set under the window, so she could work and look out over the lake.

Kit could not stop smiling.  She had her own little place where she could have privacy and move about as she wished.  Then she realized there was no bed for Deni.

“Nick, what about Deni?  Where will he sleep?”  Kits lip started to quiver.

“Oh right, I forgot.”  Nick walked over to the bed, and bent over pulling a rope handle.  A small bed wheeled out from underneath hers.  “I figured if he didn’t want to sleep in the bed with you, then he could curl up down here.  However he’s been sleeping over at Rusty and Jerome’s place for over a month now, he’s learned to be flexible, as will you when it comes to sleeping arrangements.  Besides, we won’t always be here, sometimes we may be out on errands, and he should be comfortable with the people he’s been left with.   By the way, your chores for the day are to get settled in here, and spend some time with your brother.  It is good to have you up and around.  Everyone is looking forward to seeing you at dinner tonight.  Shall I send Deni over now?”

“Yes, please, I miss playing with him.  By the way, thank you, and I’m sorry I was so unkind.”  Kit was blushing and smiling at the same time.  “I’ll see you at dinner tonight.”  Kit watched Nick leave, she was never quite sure what he was up to, and he always surprised her with more kindness than expected.

Nick grinned mischievously as he walked towards the common area; Kit was in such good form considering a month ago she had barely been able to leave her bed without help.  The stitches had healed well, and it seemed the memory of what happened had faded enough not to be an obstacle.  There was something about her, a tart sharpness, a tawdry humour, a kind heart, an air of confidence.  When he had first seen her at the inn, she was little more than a girl trying to look like a boy.  That all changed when he saw her pirouetting with that blade, at that point he only saw a woman with so much potential.  He regretted cutting her hair so short, but now that it had grown out a little it was softer, and she looked like a little sprite. He shook his head to chase away the daydreams.  It was not the time to think of her like that, he was supposed to be getting Deni not musing after a young woman, and if he was going to think about Kit, he should be thinking how best to teach her.

Kit spent the day organizing the small house and playing with her brother.  She put things in place, but when she tried to get into the cabinet, she found it locked and she had no key for it.  It was Deni who came to the rescue; he pulled out some lock picks from the pocket in his coat and had the latch open in seconds.  “Look what I can do.”  He said brimming with pride.  “Rusty taught me this, and Jerome says whatever I can’t unlock he’ll smash open.”

“I see, well you did a good job, I’m proud of you.”   In truth, Kit didn’t know what to think, but Deni was so happy, and if they were going to embrace this lifestyle they should enjoy it to the fullest.  Who was she to judge anyways?  When push came to shove, she was a murderer, in the greater scheme of things being a skilled burglar was a lot less likely to get you hung.  “I’m curious, what else have Rusty and Jerome taught you?”

Deni removed off his cap, bowed his head and looked up at her with big puppy dog eyes, “Excuse me mam, could you spare a few coppers for a poor orphan.   I’ve not eaten in days and I’m so hungry.”  Then his lower lip started to quiver and a tear formed at the corner of his eye.

Kit burst out laughing.  “Perhaps I should have sent you out to beg in the Ghetto.  That was spot on.  You are so cute.   I’m not going to give you any coppers, but I think you know what to do with these.”  Kit gave Deni the sack full of little cookies she had found in her cabinet and his eyes lit up.

Kit looked up at the doorway and caught Nick watching her.  “Deni, you should probably go and share those with Jerome.  If he finds out you have a stash and didn’t share, he might not be so willing next time to share with you.  Off you go.”  Kit gave Deni a light swat on the butt and sent him out the door.

“Did you know my brother is a felon?  Did you?  He is!  He opened up that cabinet with lock picks quicker than I could blink my eyes.  It was amazing, and wrong, but amazing.”  The words tumbled out of her mouth so fast that she was almost laughing them.

Nick chuckled softly. “You and your brother are quite surprising.  You are taking to a rogue’s life much more easily than I ever did.  I fought it tooth and nail.  I was so angry when I couldn’t return to school.  All I ever cared about were my studies, everything else be damned.  And there you are, waltzing in like a fresh breeze, with that open mind and heart.  You belong here; and so you know, I won’t be sending Deni out any time soon.  He’s far too young, but he’s still going to be taught.  By the time he goes out on his first quest he will know everything there is to know; I promise.”

“You do realize I’m starving… is it dinner time yet?”  Kit could feel her stomach rumbling and was sure Nick could hear it.

“Bronn knew Gramps was coming so he poached a stag a few days ago.  Tibor makes the best roast venison for leagues, plus he brought fresh loaves from the Inn.  This will be a good feast.  He even had some winter pears left over, and some cheese.  I can’t wait.  I love winter pears and cheese.”  There was something about a sweet winter pear, nipped by the frost, and salty, old cheddar washed down with a good hearty ale that put a twinkle in his eye.  “Tibor is a wicked old man; he’s up to something I swear.” Nick couldn’t believe that he had just admitted his secret favorite food.

Kit looked over at the setting sun and then at Nick.  “So about that dinner, we should eat it now or you’re going to be hearing my belly protesting very quickly.”

“We have to wait, remember I told you that there had been some changes, well there are more people here than when you first arrived, so we now have a dinner bell and we all go eat at the same time, that way we can meet all the new comers.  While you were recuperating, we made a kitchen, and there’s even a place to sit, we just have to wait.  And keep what I’m about to tell you under your hat…there is a keg of ale, yes a full keg, and another one to dole out more slowly, but we have ale.”

“Don’t tell Deni!  That’s his favorite drink, with a little bread and cheese, only he likes his cheese melted in warm ale and poured over the bread when it’s been toasted.  He also loves roasted chestnuts, and for desert slices of winter pear.  Seems you two have something in common.”

“You mean to tell me you can cook the cheese in the ale, oh, then you could dip winter pear in it… or put the pears on top of the bread and pour the sauce on it.”

Kit grinned evilly as she watched Nick’s reaction.  “You are nothing more than an ale drinking mouse.”

“Do not tell a soul” Nick begged.

“I wouldn’t dare, you are mine to toy with.”  And as soon as the words left her lips, she realized the implications of what she said.

“Really now, and what would you do with me if you had me.”  Suddenly the dinner bell rang.

“Ah…that’s dinner, let’s go, I’m so hungry.  You are safe for now.”  Kit breathed a sigh of relief as she followed Nick to the new kitchen.

As they walked, Nick pointed out the start on a large building, and a few huts scattered around in various states of completion, and all of these were hidden within the trees.  Even Rusty and Jerome had started an addition to their shack for Deni. As they rounded a corner Kit saw a covered area filled with trestle tables and benches, and at the back was a familiar face.  Tibor was busy carving slabs of meat from a large haunch of venison that roasted on a spit in front of the fire.  A temporary hearth had been created by piling stones as high up around the back as could be managed.  It was rough and needed work, but it was perfect.  A large keg of Ale sat on a long counter, with a struggling Bronn attempting to keep up with the men lined up for their pints.

All in all, including Kit and Deni, there were nineteen men and two women, thanks to the corruption of the Northern King increasing with each day.  Most of the men were guilty only of petty crimes that were now considered a hanging offence.  There even was a group of four young men who were guilty of nothing more than congregating on a corner and talking in the Kingdom, when the guard saw them, they were chased down a series of alleys, and when a murder was reported in the area they had been in, that kill was attributed to them.  Luckily for the boys, the twins had been on a reconnaissance mission for Nick, and saw the whole thing.  They rounded up the boys and brought them safely to the camp.

After being alone so much over the last month during her convalescence, suddenly being surrounded by so many people overwhelmed the lass.  Men were walking up and greeting her, and wishing her well.  And she found herself pulling away; wanting the comfort of those she knew and loved.  From the hearth, Tibor saw the young woman’s distress and put down his carving knife, as brought a plate of meat and bread to her.

“Your first day up and around, Kit, you must be so tired; let’s go sit down.”  Tibor escorted the girl to the table where Deni, Rusty and Jerome were already well tucked into their meals.  “Nick, while you’re getting your dinner collect an ale for the young lady here.”  Tibor then sat down beside her.  “There’s a lot to get used to here, and things are changing fast.  How are you settling in?”

“I don’t know yet.  There are so many new faces; I barely had a chance to get used to the old ones.  You are right about the changes.  So did you have something to do with that fancy bed?”

‘Yes, and it is just like the ones at the Inn, so you should be very comfortable.  Settling in here at the camp, means these boys will be staying close to me, and that makes me happy; although I don’t know how long it will be before our affiliation with them makes it so we have to join you.  For now, the best thing I can do is keep Robbie and I at the Inn as long as possible and gather information.”

By now Kit had started to suspect that these boys were not really the old man’s grandsons, and that much like her, they were strays he had picked up and taken under his wings.  It was obvious that Bronn and Robbie were brothers, but Nick, he was so very different, and not one of them looked a thing like Tibor.  When the time was right she would ask about it, but for now, she would just leave things as they were.  Who knows, maybe the boys didn’t realize it, and they got along like family, so yes, letting things be for now was the best thing.

“I’m glad that you and Deni are staying.  I think you can thrive here.  Nick has a plan for you, which he’ll be talking about with you tomorrow.  I’m not so sure about it, but he’s never been wrong before.  Almost everything he does is carried out perfectly.  If you don’t like it though, make sure you speak up. “Tibor smiled affectionately at Kit and patted her hand before leaving to carve up the rest of the meat for the men.

As the evening wore on, Kit found herself more comfortable with everyone.  It would take her a while to get all the different names right, but she would learn.  Had she not been one of the only two females in camp, it might have been easier for her; the fact that she was the only pretty, young lass kept all eyes upon her, and that might never change.  So be it.

Early the next morning Kit awoke to a soft knocking at her window by the bed.  When she opened the shutters, there was Nick with a small sack in his hands, the hilt of a blade sticking out the top.  He shoved the goods at her through the casement “Come on sleepy head, get a move on.  We have things to do.  When you are dressed send Deni for me.”  And before she could say another word, Nick skulked through the woods behind her cottage towards the communal kitchen.

Kit dressed slowly, so that Deni would stay sleeping just a little while longer.  Brother and sister had stayed up late talking into the night.  Once dressed, she examined the contents of the bag.  There was a belt, and a long slender blade housed in an ornate sheath.  As well there was a pair of pistols, small, delicate and equally as decorative as the rapier.  Once she put on the belt and added the sword and firearms Kit woke her brother, and then sent him on his way to get Nick.

Finding the door open, Nick walked into the room and smiled at Kit.  “Are  you ready to get started?”  Kit had removed the weaponry and placed them on the kitchen table unsure with just how to wear them.  She had a rough idea of what went where, but no idea how to keep them from slipping out of the belt.  Nick, standing in front of her adjusted the belt.  “There should only be enough slack in the belt to allow for the addition of the weapons.  You want it a little loose enough so that your weapons can slip in and out easily enough without having to yank on them.  You want the movements to be fluid.”  He expertly gauged how much room would be needed and then slipped the rapier on her left side and the pistols in front, beside the sheath.  Apparently both needed to be grabbed with her right hand.  “Come follow me, I’ll show you where we practice.  It’s early so no one will be there yet, and we can train in relative peace and quiet.”

When they arrived at the field filled with targets and bulls eyes, Nick handed over a small bag filled with powder and another bag with some small led balls.  He showed Kit how to load the weapons and then the training started.  It took a couple of tries for her to hit the center of the target, but her aim was true, and she was soon adept at shooting.

It was the same with the rapier.  She brandished it like she was born to it.  She took her time mastering lunges and slashes against the dummies in the field.  It’s light weight made it easy for her to aim for the throat, and quickly slit it with a mere flourish, although the weapon was meant more for thrusting than slicing.

Days turned into weeks as she mastered these weapons to the point of being able to practice with others, and get a real feel for an opponent.  Every morning it was the same thing, get up, go for a walk, then pistols in the morning with Nick, and blades in the afternoon with Bronn. Evenings were for suppers with the growing camp, and at night, when Deni wasn’t staying at Jerome’s, he would stay with her; but more and more, Deni stayed with his friends not his sister, until finally he didn’t stay with her at all.

She had been a little curious about why Jerome, who obviously was a grown man, would want to play with a little boy so often, until Nick explained that Jerome was not all that old, in fact he was barely thirteen, and Rusty was but fourteen.  Jerome was one of the hill folk from the distant land of Stellador, whose people were renowned for great size.  He was still a boy himself and wanted to play.  Nick had actually found Jerome and Rusty aboard a vessel filled with corpses.  A great plague had hit the ship, and all but a few survived.  Later, Rusty had explained to Nick that they had been captured when they were quite young, and taken to sea as part of the crew aboard “The Avenger”.  The pirate ship was famed not only for its most bloody battles, but also for its sudden disappearance.  Very few knew what had become of that terrifying vessel, and Nick kept it so.

It was good for Deni to have older friends, who were more like bodyguards than playmates.  They would keep an eye on him, and keep him safe, especially considering the lifestyle they had recently embarked upon.   It took a while, but as time went by, Kit slowly relinquished her brother into the safe keeping of the camp.  Letting go had been one of the most difficult things she had ever done, since she had raised him from the time he was born.  As she grew accustomed to having more freedom, she soon realized she had not really had much of a childhood.  It was nothing to grieve about, she had grown up strong, and knew things others her age did not.

Most mornings Nick would come over and join her for a hike; he did not like the idea of her wandering around the lake on her own.  There were wild things in the woods, not just animals, but rough and tumble men as well.  Lately though, he had been more concerned with the increased amount of guards on the King’s Highway.  Before he involved Kit in any of his schemes, he wanted to make sure she was ready and fit for battle.  He felt himself pulled in two directions.  Out in front, she would stand out, and as a woman, men would be loath to harm her, but then there were others, who because she was a woman they would deal with her quickly, assuming her an easy kill, and his need to keep her safe would overwhelm him.  In behind she could be kept safe, but her signature moves would not work from so far away.

One morning, after realizing just how threadbare some of her clothing had become, Kit announced that she would like to go into town for some new clothes.  Not a soul knew she had committed a crime except those in the camp, and so she could go on her own without worry of being recognized.  However, the roads weren’t safe for travelling on one’s own, so  it became a matter of who would go with her.  Everyone else had a price on their head.  Heading north would cause nothing but problems.  Perhaps heading into Lorian would be best, she could wander southwest along the lake path and then veer south by southwest to hit the town.  It was a small settlement that relied primarily on their constabulary.  It would be easy enough to enter via the north gate; people would assume they had come from the Dales instead of the forest.  They could hit the marketplace where a few shops and stalls sold everything Kit might need.  It might not be as fashionable, but it would be better than the thread bare clothes that were starting to reveal more of Kit than she wished.  Since it was becoming increasingly temperate, the doublet needed to be shed in lieu of something lighter and with more freedom of movement.

It was decided that she would go with Bronn, since Niko was with the twins, up north on a scouting mission.  So off they went with a purse full of coppers, along the southeastern edge of Lake Tristan.  There was not much communication at first.  They barely knew each other, and when Bronn was around her, he mostly gushed about how pretty she was, blushed and then walked away.  Her stalwart companion was Nick, who spent most of his free time with Kit, so this was quite a change for her.  Bronn who was usually quite talkative with his friends, found it difficult to talk to Kit.  Her beauty rendered him speechless, and he was hoping that this opportunity to spend some time around her might change things.

Once they left the lake, they walked through the forest towards the road that skirted the dales and onward to Lorian’s north gate.  The quiet was nice, but it was starting to get to Kit, they had hours to go before they got there, and this just wouldn’t do.  “So, Bronn, do you have any brothers and sisters other than those I’ve already met?”

“I have one brother, down in the city, we don’t see him much.  He joined the city guard over in Tamaris, and then when we were caught helping the slaves, a bounty was put on our heads, after that he wanted little to do with us.  Sometimes he will visit with Tibor and Robbie, but even when he sees us at the Inn, he won’t acknowledge us.  If I didn’t know him better, I’d think it was because he was worried about his position, but I do know better.”  This was a sore spot for Bronn, he had always been close with his brother and then it happened, they were caught freeing the slaves and he was suddenly too good for his brothers.  In his eyes they had besmirched the family name.  “Our brother is a snob, he always has been.  Thinks he’s better than anyone else.  He despised me for being oldest, and was resentful of Robbie for being the youngest, and when Tibor brought Nick home  eight years ago, that put the nail in the coffin.”

“I had wondered about that, so Nick’s not your brother then?  What about Tibor, I take it he’s not your grandfather.”

“No, but we’ve been raised as brother’s since his arrival.  And you are right about Tibor.  He’s an old family friend, so old, that our brother is named for him.  He used to help us out on the farm, take goods to market for us, or purchase supplies for his inn.  One night, while Tibor was stopping by for the night, the Miner’s Marauder’s decided it was our farm’s turn to pay the “tax”, and when my parents refused they were shot and killed.  That old man is a wily one, he ran to our bedroom and snuck us out the window and we escaped with our lives leaving everything else behind.  We wanted for nothing; Gramps took good care of us.”

“You were lucky he was there.  I take it Nick’s story is similar?”

“No his is a sad tale, and it’s not mine to tell.  I only know a little anyways, I know Tibor knows all of it, and he never tells.  As far as that old man is concerned we’re all his grandsons, and he treats us that way.  He brought us all up with love and respect.  Nick and I have been brothers since I was nine and he was not much older than Deni.  When he’s ready, if he’s ready, he’ll tell you.  His tale is not a happy one, he saw all that happened, whereas me and my brothers were asleep when it happened and didn’t see a thing.”

“I haven’t let on so far that I know, and I won’t say a word until I hear otherwise.  I’m glad to have my thoughts confirmed.  I suspected from the beginning that you and Nick weren’t true brothers, it wasn’t until later I wondered about Tibor.  He’s a good man, and you lads reflect his upbringing.”

“You and Deni are probably going to be added to this menagerie.  Not a bad addition, I might add, I’ve seen you with a sword.  You strike with finesse, and you have a grace with that little blade that I’ve never seen.  I suspect Nick is going to teach you to use two blades in tandem eventually; you’re fast enough to make them count.  And I know he has a little set of throwing daggers for you to practice with.  The way he talks, you’re his secret weapon.  He dotes on you, and I can see why.  You are beautiful Kit.  I’ve never seen my brother’s eye caught by a woman before; he’s always been more interested in his studies than anything else.  We should change the subject before I reveal all our family secrets.”

“You mean there’s more?”  Kit laughed heartily as she spoke.  “Well I look forward to discovering them in due time.  So what about you, before there was a bounty put on your head, where was life taking you?”

“I was going to get my family farm back.  There was girl who used to come in all the time.  Cheska… she was so lovely, dark hair and eyes, with legs that go on for miles, and those breasts…”  A deep sigh escaped his lips full of regret.  “We were going to marry, but that will not happen now.”  Bronn walked up to a fence post and ripped the poster off then handed it to Kit.  “These don’t help.”

A good likeness of Nick and Bronn stared back at her, with a bounty of fifty silver on each of their heads.  “That’s quite a hefty sum there.  I guess your infamy has reached the Dales.  I’m sorry Bronn.”

Bronn was visibly shaken by this.  “My Cheska lives not far from here in the Dales.  I have been sneaking off from camp to see her.  That has to stop now lest I bring hardship on her and her family.  We’ll hurry in town, and let Nick know.  He’ll know what to do.  I don’t think there is any clearing our name; we are guilty after all, but not so guilty as to deserve this high a bounty.”

“Surely it’s not as bad as all that.  People can’t be watching that closely.”

“It is, and that high a bounty is enough to turn the head of even the most faithful of friends and neighbours. If I’m seen it could bring trouble, as well this area was one of the few places we could blend in without much worry.  Now supplies will be harder to get into camp.”

“Well then, let’s make this quick.”

There were no guards at the North gate, so their arrival in Lorian was uncomplicated.  All the stalls and shops they would need were right there, close to the gate.  Kit quickly found what she needed and in no time had some breeches and shirts, a velvet bodice, a cocked hat and frock coat along with a pair of two inch high heeled boots.  Stockings and small clothes rounded off her personal list, and to that she added needles, thread and some pins.  Anything that didn’t fit could then be altered more to her size.  She picked up a small sack of crystalized ginger, and a large fruit cake.  Then she nodded to Bronn, who had clung to the shadows, and then they left with their goods.

They stayed close to the road, but hidden within the forest, as they headed back to camp.  There were soldiers at every crossroad, and the notice boards were full of familiar faces from the camp, with crimes ranging from petty theft to rape and murder.  It was becoming more apparent that a crackdown was under way.  Bronn looked especially concerned, as he stared up a hillside and saw a company of guard heading for the farmhouse at the top.

“You can’t go there Bronn, you’ll be caught and so will she.  Leave her be, and let her deny knowledge of you.  With luck we can get a message to her.”

“I know you’re right, Kit, but what if things get out of hand.”

“You have to trust that she will do the right thing.  I’m sure her family have discussed things with her, and have a plan, one you may not like, but will be necessary.”  Kit tugged on Bronn’s sleeve, pulling him along the path.

The turn off along the lake came into view, and seeing that home was so close they ran all the way there.  Nick greeted them as soon as they’d arrived.

“I’ve had reports about increased guard activity on the King’s road, as well as the woods near the Inn.  How was your trip in?”

“As you’d expect considering the recent commotion, with guards at every crossroads, and bounty posters of us and several of our crew on fence posts all the way to Lorian.”

“Crap; I was afraid of this.  It was like that along the King’s Highway as well, our faces on every notice board.  We’re safe here for now, but we’ll have to curtail some of our activities, and we have to contact Gramps!  In all honesty, there is no one we can send out.”

“I could go” Kit said “there isn’t a poster out for me.”

Nick looked at Bronn, and did some quick calculations.

“I’d rather not, but I don’t see what choice we have it’s either you or Deni, and I’d rather it be you.”

“Time is of the essence.  Let me change while you find someone to walk me there.  I don’t know the way.”

When Kit returned, she looked like a fashionable young gentleman.  Her breeches were snug, but not too tight, her shirt was pristine, with a hint of lace at the collar, and covered by a black velvet bodice that accentuated her curves.  The fawn colored frock coat, etched in black silk trim, had seen slightly better days, but it was well worn and draped perfectly over her shoulders hiding the cleavage that her bodice enhanced. On her feet, she wore a pair of ornate riding boots, with a slight heel that provided a little extra height.  The crowning glory were the sword and pistols tucked into her belt at a rakish angle. It was perfect, since no one really questioned a young man of any kind of wealth.

“Well now Sir, let’s escort you to the inn.  We can talk on the way.”

“As you wish.” She said slowly, the way he had taught her, dropping her voice so she sounded like a  young man just coming into his voice.

“That’s quite the devil may care look about you.  Add a powdered wig and a silk scarf covering your face and you’d be quite the highwayman.  I’m suspecting that you already thought of that.”

“’Tis true, Nick; it’s why I suggested going to town in the first place.  These are common clothes, but when put together the right way can provide different looks depending on what’s needed.  As long as I keep my mouth shut, for the most part, I can pass for a young man, rich or poor, as needed.”

“You think ahead girl, it’s why I trust you so much.  Your instincts are sound, and you don’t hesitate to say or do what needs to be done.  I appreciate…”

Suddenly silent, Nick moved in behind Kit and put a hand gently over her mouth and whispered ‘over there in the trees, do you see it?’  Kit nodded as she took note of the city guard just ahead.  Nick pulled her in behind a large Cedar and they both ducked down.  They were close up against each other, and tight up against the tree, with Nicks brown cloak over their heads, leaving only a slit for Nick to peer out of.  He watched as the guard disappeared from sight.

“Well now that was close.”  Nick said as he pulled the cloak open.

Kit let out a long loud breath, relieved to be breathing fresh cool air.  “That was too close Nick, that’s the Inn over there.”  Kit said as she saw the building in the distance.  “I can get there and back to camp on my own.  You need to go back to camp.”

“I’m not leaving you to fend for yourself with so many soldiers about.”

“How can someone so smart be such an idiot?  I don’t have a price on my head, and you do.  We can’t afford to lose you.  The worst that can happen is they bother me.  I’m just some young man out for a thrill who got turned around in the woods looking for a place to piss in privacy.  Then they let me go and I wait in the Inn for a while and head back to camp.”

“I don’t care.”  Nick was adamant.  He knew she could look after herself, but somewhere deep inside he felt it was his job to keep her safe.  “I’ll be right over here, by this fir tree checking out the mushrooms while you’re giving Tibor the message.  It’s not like it will take a long time.  You’re in, message delivered you’re out.”

“If anything happens to you, I swear I’ll find you and kill you myself you stubborn fool.” Kit stormed off towards the Inn uttering a string of curses that would shock a soldier.

“Hey Kit” Nick called to her softly his hand by his mouth, “bring me back something to eat.  I’m starving.”

Kit picked up a pinecone, turned around and pegged Nick in the head, then continued.

About ten minutes later Kit had returned to the spot where Nick had been and found him crouched. “I bet they returned didn’t they.  There’s no one around anymore. Oh, and this is for you.”  Kit shoved a pear in Nick’s hand.

“Thanks, I didn’t think you’d heard me.  Now let’s get out of here before that guard comes back.”  They ducked low as they rushed through the underbrush, as quietly as they could.  Once they were deep in the forest, all traces of the guards were gone.

Tibor would be coming later in the evening, once it was dark.  Kit was exhausted, the long walk to and from Lorian had been tiring, but the added necessity of needing to go to the Inn, had taxed her sorely and now she was tired and cross.  All she wanted was something to eat, a bath and bed.  Nick on the other hand was all excited to speak with Gramps and find out what was going on.

“When Tibor gets here we can figure out what to do next.  I was thinking we could…”

“Have a nice hot bath in my hut, eat dinner and go to bed.”

“That is tempting, so what’s for dinner?”

“I meant alone!” she spat out, and then pushed passed him as they entered the camp.  Kit stomped off to her hut and put hot water on for her bath.  While the water heated she snuck out and raided the kitchen, returning before anyone had a chance to see her.

Nick gave her some time to cool off.  He knew he’d pushed her too far, and regretted it.  He wandered around the kitchen and ate whatever leftovers he could find.  It wasn’t much; Kit had taken the best of what was left.  Stuck with a bruised pear and a small piece of cheese, he sat down at the table and waited for Tibor.

“Why the long face son?”

“Hey Gramps, I’m hungry, and I deserve to be.  I pushed Kit a little too hard today, and instead of thanking her, I was rude.  She didn’t take my teasing well.”

“Well then, it’s a good thing I’m here.  I’ve some things here, mostly meant for Kit, but I’m sure she’ll share them with you if I offer to cook.  We three need to talk; she’s too smart to leave out of the picture at this point.  I also have something for you to give Kit.  Don’t be tempted to hang on to it.”  The old man placed a beautiful wooden brush into the young man’s hand.  “You do recognize that don’t you?”  Nick just nodded.

Kit sat in her chair dozing in front of a small but warm little blaze in the hearth.  Her bath had made her weary, and the chair was so inviting.  She had only thought to sit for a moment, but that moment was past.  A soft rapping at her door roused Kit from her slumber.  She looked over at the entrance and watched as it opened just a crack, wide enough for a hand holding a small tin to slip through.

“Kit, please don’t be mad at me.  I was wrong, you are entitled to sleep, but we only have Tibor for an hour, and I’d like to include you in the conversation.  He’s offered to cook dinner in here and we don’t have to share with anyone.”

“Fine then come in, but no shenanigans.  I’m not in the best of moods.”  She was still feeling put out, but Tibor had come all this way, she couldn’t send them both away.

Nick sheepishly slunk into the room and sat in the chair opposite Kit, while Tibor went right to frying bacon and whipping up eggs into a frenzy.  He cut up some bread and removed some of the brown paste in the tin to make a hot drink for Kit.

“I was hoping to hear from you soon, and so when I saw you Kit, I was relieved.  The King is posting a platoon of soldiers at the Inn.  Nick and Bronn have both been spotted in the area, so now they must be careful.   You’re onto something Kit, disguising yourself was brilliant.”

“Perhaps for the next little while, Nick and Bronn should not travel together, wearing different clothing, hoods perhaps, would help.”  Kit was having trouble coming up with suggestions.

“At this point, Bronn and I don’t really need to leave the camp unless we are planning something.  However; keeping Jerome and Rusty away from the towns  and villages could prove difficult, it’s not so bad with the twins, yet still…  There are others who won’t leave because of the soldiers they just sit around and drink and eat.”

“There is plenty of game in the forest, why aren’t they out hunting?  We could also turn that fallow meadow in behind my hut, into a vegetable garden.  That way they have something to do, and we won’t have to leave the area as much. “Kit said.

“That’s a great idea, and if we bring in fewer goods, they’ll be forced to provide for themselves.”  Tibor continued to cook as he spoke, tossing the eggs into the pan and making an omelette with some chunks of cheese and the bacon.  Then he dealt with the chocolate, adding hot milk to the paste in a pot and stirring it vigorously with a wooden whisk until it was frothy and thick.

Dinner was ready and without waiting, Kit tucked right in.  “Oh that feels better.”  She sighed in sheer happiness as she spoke.  Then she tasted the hot drink before her, it was sweet and exotic, spicy and rich.  “By the gods that is the most delicious thing I have ever had.  It’s almost intoxicating, like strong liquor.  Thank you Tibor.”

“A gypsy woman came through peddling exotic spices and when I saw this I thought of you Kit.  I’ve had it before in a little place on the Summer Isles.  It’s hard to come by, so I don’t know if we’ll see it again.  You only need a spoonful of the paste with a cup of milk.  That should last for about ten more cups.”

“Now before it gets too late, I should be leaving for the Inn.  Since it’s difficult to get messages to me, I’ll come by every few days, and if it’s not me, it will be Robbie.  Before I forget, I have a letter for you from your brother.  It’s back at the Inn, I forgot it in my haste; I’ll bring it next time.”

Nick looked worried, as he walked Tibor to the door.  “Thanks Gramps see you soon.”

“Don’t forget the brush, boyo, you’ll thank me later.”

Nick moved his chair in behind Kit’s and sat down.  Then he pulled out the brush from his pocket and slowly started to brush Kit’s hair.  His strokes were delicate as he worked his way through the tangle of curls.

Kit withdrew for a moment, but Nick didn’t falter and continued to brush the auburn locks.  “What are you doing Nick?”

“I used to do this for my mother.  She was really beautiful and she had this long, dark, thick hair that hung down past her waist.  Every night, before I went to bed, I would brush it for her, the way she showed me, gently so as not to tear the knotted ends.  That was our time together when we could talk.  Tibor knew my mother well, and would bring her special things he had found on his travels as a merchant, this brush was one of them.

“My mother was a famous courtesan in Tamaris, known throughout Ellorum as a great beauty.  She had her own two story town house along the coast, not far from the palace in fact given to her by his Majesty, King Melicar, who visited her from time to time.  She was often escorted to various balls and other functions, always on the arm of some noble aristocrat or visiting dignitary.  She had a wardrobe full of beautiful dresses, with shoes and stockings, and all the trappings that truly beautiful women are gifted with as favors, for favors given.  Some men came and stayed for days, some for weeks, and on rare occasion’s months. My mother even had her own staff that took care of the house and kept it in perfect condition.

“One day, while she was out, her evening’s appointment arrived early.  He had been before, many times, but my mother had always been there to receive him.  I never liked this man, there was something not right about him, even with my mother around, he was overly familiar with me and his touch would make me wince.  He wasn’t local, he came from far away, and only stayed with us when he was in town, so I did not have to see him often.

“One day, that man showed up at the door unannounced while my mother was out.  He was not someone who was used to waiting, so when my mother was later than he thought she should be he took matters into his own hands. He took me up to my mother’s bedroom and in the privacy of her chamber sated his lust on me.  I was young, your brother’s age, and when my mother walked in she saw everything and without a word she picked up her letter opener and ran it across his throat.

“Now my mother had affection for this man, as she did all of the men she took to her bed, and when she realized what she had done to him, and tried to understand what had happened to me, she stopped caring about everything around her and became silent.  Unable to look after herself any longer, she became a prisoner in her own mind, unable to leave the house, and this drove her mad.  Days later she took that same letter knife and opened up her own wrists.

My mother’s servants had always been loyal to her, so when they found the letter addressed to Tibor, they sent for him.  When he arrived they handed me over to the one man they knew would take me in and keep me safe and  I’ve lived with him ever since.  Gramps had me educated at good schools, he fed and sheltered me.  So when he asked me to give you this brush, I knew he was asking me much more.  He was asking me to trust you with my secret.  In my eyes, Tibor is my family, and I couldn’t ask for better.”  As Nick stopped speaking, he stopped the long slow strokes of the brush in the soft auburn curls and placed it on the table.  There was more to the tale, but Nick could not bring himself to finish.

Then he reached into his shirt and pulled out a package.  “These are for you as well.  We can start training in the morning.  I think you’ll like these more than the pistols and rapier.  Nick leaned over and kissed the top of Kit’s head, then silently walked out of the hut before Kit’s gentle sobs got the better of him.

Kit couldn’t move, she just sat in front of the fire until the flames became embers.  Her sleeves were wet with the flow of tears down her cheeks.  She was tempted to go find him, wherever he was and hold him, but then that would be their undoing, everything would change.  Her heart grew heavy, and with a sigh she picked up the brush and walked over to her bed, alone and still holding the brush, waited for sleep to take her.

When Nick stepped outside he looked at the moons reflection in the lake.  It was full, and the night was bright.  He could make out the treeline etched against the Dales far off hills.  One day, when things were different, he would let himself follow up on all those feelings he was stuffing deep inside him.  The way things were now, there was no future, and he had nothing to look forward to but a life of crime, adding heartache to it just seemed wrong.  He wiped away a stray tear and turned around.  The camp, if he focused on the camp and getting it running more smoothly, perhaps things could change, but for now he needed sleep, if it would come, and he needed to be ready to show Kit how to throw those daggers with finite precision.

Nick stopped at the kitchen and helped himself to some ale.  He emptied the first draft in one long gulp, and then he filled it again and again until he was legless. Then he staggered off home and fell into a stupor on his bed, waking his brother in the process.

Tibor had dropped by the boys hut on his way out and let Bronn know that Nick would be telling him the story of the death of his mother.  So when his brother walked in banging around and smelling like ale, he waited for him to hit the bed.  He lifted his feet up onto the cot and covered him in a blanket.  He placed a bucket beside the bed just in case and then went back to sleep.  It was usually the other way around and he was glad he could return the favor for his brother for once.

It was mid-morning before Nick fell out of bed; his frustrated scream heard clear across the camp.  He held his face in his hands feeling the stubble thick and scratchy against his hand.  There was nothing for it; his hands were too shaky to shave off the growth.  For the life of him, he couldn’t remember how he had made it to bed last night, and he hoped, beyond hope that he had not done anything stupid with Kit last night.  He did remember leaving, and the full moon shinning down on the lake, everything after that was a blur.  He was supposed to be doing something.  He knew it, but it completely eluded him.

He walked out into the day, and was attacked by the sun.  He put his hands over his eyes trying to blot out the brightness, but it was no good, it snuck in-between the spaces of his fingers and blinded him, causing his head to pound even harder.  He could hear footsteps coming up behind him.

Kit tapped Nick on the shoulder, “Hey, what happened?  You were going to be teaching me to use my new daggers.”

“I have been mortally wounded by a vat of ale, and I need to go die somewhere, anywhere, maybe here, then I don’t have to move.”  Nick had never felt so sick after a night of drinking.

“Good Gods, you smell like a brewery.  I’m going to be… “ and before she could finish speaking, Nick expelled the contents of his belly on the ground barely missing her feet.  “Come on big guy, let’s get you out of the sun and something greasy into your belly, you’ll feel better.”  Kit quickly retrieved the last of the bacon with some bread and drippings.

“I’ll be sick again.”  He said pushing away the plate.

“Nope you won’t.  The greasy food will sop up all that alcohol and you’ll feel better.”  Jerome walked over and plunked down a mug of ale.  “Drink that, then eat, you’ll be better.”

“It would be better if everyone would just stop talking.”

“That’s not going to happen.”  Kit was trying not to laugh, it was her turn to tease him. “Would you like me to feed you?”

Nick looked down at his shaking hands and nodded, letting Kit feed him small bites of food until the pallor of his skin changed.  No longer looking so clammy, Kit gave him a few sips of ale, and then more food until the plate and mug were empty.

“You feeling better now?”

“A little, sorry I left you in the lurch this morning.  You ready?”

Nick watched as Kit threw daggers at the targets.  She hit them, but not with the speed and accuracy that he knew was in her.  He tried to think what was different, and then it came to him.  “Kit, you remember when you chucked that pine cone at my head, you didn’t think, you didn’t falter, you picked it up and flung it right at my head.  Remember that feeling and throw that knife.  I want to see you hit the mark.

Kit closed her eyes for a moment and allowed the anger to creep up into her.  Then suddenly she grabbed one of the blades and lobbed it, hitting the target in the center of the bulls-eye.  She pulled another blade and landed it to the right, then another to the left, one on top, and one below forming a cross.

Nick could not believe what he was seeing.  It was perfect.  Almost as magical as when she became the dancing blade mistress.  “That was amazing, Kit, I’m really proud of you.  I don’t think there is anything you can’t do.”  A few errant curls had fallen in front of her eyes.  Nick walked over and in a gentle motion, pushed them out of the way.  “You know, you are really quite extraordinary.”  He took in a deep breath and steadied himself.  “Now I need to head back to bed for a bit, or the rest of the day, and maybe part of tomorrow.  Come see me later, we need to plan a garden.”

A Rogue’s Tale -1- And so it Begins

This is not a children’s Tale, this is a story of rogues and miscreants.  This is rated R and for this I make no apologies.  Read at your leisure and discretion.

A jewel of a city nestled snugly along the hilly coastline of Ellorum hides a dirty little secret. Yes, Tamaris is so beautiful it almost sparkles, and yet, at the south western end, tucked away behind a great wall lies the ghetto, where the poor and downtrodden attempt to make their way through life. Within the ghetto reside the brothels, dance halls, alehouses, and drug parlors that are carefully placed along the routes most used by the middle class workers to get to and from their jobs in the manufacturing district. Littered amongst these dens of pleasure are the tenement buildings provided for the poor.  Of all the establishments, Tousaud’s Pleasure Palace is the grandest, for not only does it offer every pleasure and vice imaginable, but it also is the largest building in the ghetto, standing three stories tall and wrapping itself around the northeastern wall of the trade’s quarter from check point to check point.

Now across the road from Tousaud’s is one of the larger rooming houses, and one of the cheapest. A room can be had for a mere five coppers a fortnight and for that there are two sleeping mats, two thread bare blankets, two hooks on the wall, a brazier, a window, and a door that actually locked. Everything else you had to provide yourself. It wasn’t much, but Kit and her younger brother Deni had made it their home for the last six months. They had doubled up on the mats and blankets and slept in the same bed for extra warmth, but soon the spring would be coming, and the beds could be divided up again. In the coldest part of the room, they kept a crate filled with food that could be heated quickly on the brazier; beside the crate was a smaller box half filled with charcoal. The window they covered in a large scrap of flowery fabric so that when the sun shone through it, pretty shapes appeared upon the wall.

Kit looked out the window and noticed the darkening sky, then letting the curtain fall; she turned swiftly and smiled at the wee lad in the bed. He was so young, so little, she hated leaving him behind, but she would have to, there were coppers to be made for fuel and food, their stores were getting dangerously low and rent would soon be due again. Just then the slaughterhouse whistle blew, echoing through the Trades District and the Ghetto. That was her cue; she kissed her brother on his forehead whispering “I’ll be back before you know it, probably before it gets completely dark.” She spun around quickly and ran out locking the door behind her cringing all the way down the stairs. She consoled herself that when she got back she’d make him a nice supper, but it didn’t quite get rid of that nagging feeling of all the ill-favored what if’s. Before she left the building, she tucked her auburn curls, into her brother’s old cap, and rubbed some dirt on her cheeks. Although the staff at the boarding house knew she was a young woman, no one else did, and they quite understood that it was safer for two rough and tumble boys to get around unnoticed, than a pretty young lady and a frail little boy, so they kept quiet and watched out for her.  After all Checkpoint Guard Thibault, had brought them in and gave them extra coppers every week to keep them safe.

She hurried past Tousaud’s, avoiding the bouncers who sniffed around anything pretty, or exotic, or young, and dragged them inside to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  That was no life for her or Deni.  Safely past, she scuttled around the corner and over to the spot in front of the market across from the ghetto’s town square. It was the best spot, and could be seen from all checkpoints in the Ghetto. Kit pulled out a small wooden flute and started to play, she kept the melodies simple, happy, light hearted, just perfect for easing coppers from purse strings on payday. Now she could see them, the workers from the slaughterhouse, listening for the whistle had paid off, they were smiling by the time they reached her and in no time she was surrounded by cheery men and women on their way to spend their coppers, and some were tossing them at her. As the moon began to rise, the workers made their way towards the checkpoints before they were closed. It was a good night, Kit counted up twenty-three copper pieces and two silver no less. Never before had she made silver, and yet, today she received two.  At a hundred coppers to a silver piece, well it was something to think about.  It was not enough to move into a better part of the city, but maybe… she stopped herself from thinking about it.  She had to get home with the money, and dinner before she made any plans about what to do next.

Kit took her windfall and wandered into the Bazaar around the square,  picking up bread and cheese, a half sack of winter pears, a couple of bottles of Ale, and lastly a paper cone of roasted chestnuts hot off the pan that she tucked into her shirt to keep warm.

Weaving her way carefully through the throng of lusty, drunk men, Kit finally found herself back at the rooming house.  It was such a relief to see Deni safely tucked away in bed whenever she returned.  He was only eight and far too young to be left in a place like this by himself, but Kit had no choice; after all, they couldn’t starve, and she couldn’t play the flute and keep an eye on the boy. She need not have worried though, the owners kept a watchful eye on the boy and his room, and would have done so even if Thibault hadn’t have paid them off.  “Hey Deni, I have a surprise, and we have a small fortune, maybe enough to leave the Ghetto and get out of this city, we could find some farm work somewhere, I’m sure of it.” Kit reached into her shirt and pulled out the package, then slipped the warm chestnuts into Deni’s hands.  Although he had the blankets to keep him warm, his little hands were always like ice in the winter.  “We can eat those with dinner, for now though, they will keep your hands warm until the fire’s roaring.”

“MMM, I can’t wait, I’m so hungry Kit.” A smile crossed his wee face as he scooted over towards the brazier in the center of the room. He watched as she lit the coals and settled a small rack over top of it and poured out some ale into their one and only pot. When it was warm she poured some out into their tin cups and to the remainder in the pot, she added some little chunks of cheese to melt in the hot liquid as she toasted some slices of bread over the fire. She poured the cheesy sauce over the bread and shared the meal out with her brother putting some chestnuts on each plate and slices of winter pear. The room was nice and toasty warm and still Kit did not put out the fire. She let the room stay warm while she read to her brother from the only book they had, ‘The Adventures of Captain One Eye’.  Deni loved to hear all about the exploits of this exciting pyrate, who roamed the oceans and seas, where ever there was water he could be found, a busty wench in one hand and a cutlass in the other. Kit watched her brother fall asleep, and gently banked the coals in the brazier, with luck, they would still be glowing beneath the ash in the morning. It was going to use up the last of her supply, but she didn’t care, she wasn’t even sure if they would stay another night.

As she waited for sleep to take her, Kit couldn’t help but wonder if this was the best way to live.  Harvest had just come when the Revolution started, and her family’s farm was one of the first to be hit.  As her family slept, the rebels lit the house and barn on fire. Her parents died in the blaze, as did two of her younger brothers, and she and Deni barely got out with their lives. They had no other relatives and no place to go so were gathered up with the other refugees and sent north to Tamaris, with the promise of hope for a better life.  However, upon arrival they were quickly divided up, and those with family or connections or money were allowed to wander the city proper, the rest were herded into the Ghetto, which separated the rest of the city from the muck, mire and stench of the Trades Quarter. Needless to say, the only jobs available for the refugees were to work in one of the brothels, drug dens, or ale houses.  For a young woman this meant prostitution, or pickpocketing.  Kit had been lucky enough to salvage a few items that hadn’t burnt before she left, some of her brother’s clothes, and a wooden flute, that she could play quite well.  This windfall could change everything as long as she could get them down to a farm and get work for both of them. In the country, being small for your age was not a good thing. No matter how she tried she couldn’t make the thoughts stop and she watched as the glowing embers developed a thick grey crust over top.

Morning came and Kit had barely slept a wink; but at least she had figured out a somewhat workable plan. Spring was in the air, snow had vanished and frost rarely showed its face on the windowpanes any longer. It was the perfect time to go seek work in the outlying farms and vineyards of the Astarian Dales, which if things did not go as hoped, left them time to journey to other regions if something in the Dales didn’t pan out. Breakfast was quick, just the rest of the bread and cheese, eaten while Kit packed up. She put changes of socks and small clothes into the smallest of the packs, knowing that it would be light enough for the Deni to carry, then put their single pot and remaining food in hers.  After a last look around the room they went downstairs to the desk and let them know they were leaving.

Since it was better to travel light they stopped at the market square to pick up essentials; tea, nuts, hard cheese, jerky, hard tack and dried figs. She also purchased two cloaks, which would double as blankets, and two canteens.  Once she had filled the canteens with water from the fountain, they were both hung off her pack so as not to burden Deni.

It was time to head to Checkpoint Eight and say good-bye to the only friend they had really made since arriving.  In order to keep the city clean, all poor were kept to the Ghetto.  Workers in the Trades District wore a special red star shaped patch on their arm which allowed them to be waved through.  You could also apply for a special pass, but those took months to get, if you were even granted one at all.  There was only one other way to get past the checkpoints and that was if a Guard chose to look the other way. Today Thibault would be watching this checkpoint, and Kit was sure he would let them through. In fact he had been helping them since the day they arrived.

Kit and her brother had shown up six months earlier on the refugee freighter from the Southern Isles. All evacuees were herded into the poor district until someone claimed them as either family, or a connection by employment or finance, but most stayed put and added to an already overcrowded area. When a group of thugs tried to strong arm Kit for her packs, Thibault stepped in and quickly knocked those bastards on their asses, he then brought the pair to the rooming house, got them a good rate and dropped by with a copper or two when he had extra coins.  In return, Kit and Deni would visit him when they could and they became good friends, the only friend that Kit and Deni had in the whole city.   City Guards in the poor district did not make much money and as much as he would have liked to take them in, he couldn’t. Kit was so pretty, and that would mean something he just was not ready for yet. Maybe in a year or two once he’d worked himself up through the ranks, but not now working part time in the poor district. It was all he could do to keep his little one room flat in the Worker’s District.  Thibault had four brothers, and he fell in the middle, not young enough to be coddled and not old enough to be listened to, he had decided to make his way in the City as a Guard.  He had a strong arm and a good sense of justice; he wanted to make a difference.

Thibault smiled when he saw Kit and Deni coming towards him, and waved them over to his booth. “Hail Kit and Deni, dropping by for a visit?” Kit returned the smile, but her eyes told another story.

“We’re coming to say farewell.  Spring is almost here, and soon it will be planting season.  I’m used to farm work, and know what I’m doing, and I’m sure they can find something for Deni, more so than here where the only benefit of his size is being able to burgle.  I have a couple of silver and a goodly amount of coppers that should be enough to keep us until summer should things take longer than expected.  If worse comes to worse we still have time to move onto the farmlands beyond Ardent Forest. I don’t know if we’ll be coming back.” The realization that she might never see Thibault again hit her hard, and a tear slipped down her cheek.  “I don’t know how to thank you for all that you’ve done for us.  You’ve been a good friend and saying good bye is hard.  I will miss you.”

“Don’t be sad Kit, I couldn’t hope for better for you. Besides we can still keep in contact.” Thibault hesitated for a moment as he wrote down his address on a piece of paper. “You can write me here, and if you get a position, you can come back and visit me. You’ll have papers and everything, so you can even come to my flat.” He thrust the scrap of paper in her hands and then pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the forehead. ‘If only things were different’ He whispered to himself wishing he could have kept her from leaving, but knowing that it was best. How long could she stay safe in a place like the Ghetto before someone caught on that she was not a boy?  This was hard for Thibault, each time he saw her she was the highlight of his day. Who knows, maybe they would run into each other again. The soft hearted Guard reached down and pulled Deni into a bear hug, as he slipped a handful of coppers and a silver piece into the boys pocket before pulling away. “You take care of your sister, soldier.” Thibault smiled and saluted, and when Deni returned the salute, he gave the boy an ‘as you were’, waved them through the checkpoint and watched them leave until they disappeared into the crowd. Kit looked back at the young guard and their gaze locked for moment, she would see him again… one day.

It was a different world on the other side of the ghetto wall; the air was sweeter, the roads were clean, there were flowers and gardens and stores instead of stalls, and what stalls they had, were lavishly painted and covered with fine cloth. There were fewer guards and no more checkpoints. They weren’t even stopped at the city gate, just waved on through. As they started down the road, which meandered through the Dales, Deni, who was now free of his sister’s firm grip, thrust his hands into his pockets.  “Kit, I found money, did you put that here?”  The lad pulled out the coins in several small handfuls and gave them to his sister.

“I bet Thibault put that in there when he gave you that hug.  This will really help us out.  We can make this work, I know we can.”  A smile crossed Kit’s lips and she knew then that things were finally going to go their way.

For weeks they wandered through the Astarian Dales, taking refuge where they could and sleeping rough.  After a month had passed they still hadn’t found a placement.  Kit knew it was time to head for the farms on the other side of Ardent Forest before their money ran out. Although the people had been friendly, most of the vineyards did not need help until harvest and that would be late summer at least. She had not considered how vastly different raising crops for wine would be to farming that needed workers as early as March to start tending the soil and preparing seedlings for planting.  She had grossly misjudged everything.

Well there was nothing for it, but to turn around and head towards the town of Lorian where the Forest of Ardent met the Hills of Astaria, if they were lucky the weather would hold and they would arrive by weeks end.  From there they could follow the King’s Highway East and then head North towards Delphin Province, where the pastoral lands yielded the majority of the crops and animals grown for Elloran.  There were no real cities in Delphin, just scattered Villages and Hamlets, and one small Kingdom in the North East, at the base of the highest mountain of the Taupe’s Range that collected all the taxes for this region. Life was simple and easy in Delphin, as long as you were content to lead a quiet life devoted to the tending of the Nation’s needs.

An arduous journey lay before them, and yet Kit and Deni were as determined as ever to find work and restart their lives properly.  They took the quickest route they could, getting up at sunrise and beginning their walk, having their breakfast along the way, walking until the sun went down.  As twilight hit, Kit would look for tall grass or a tree, sometimes she was lucky and found both, and they would have a warm supper of whatever they had picked up along the way, sometimes a little rabbit, or a fish, other times it was just a little porridge cooked over a small fire.  Then they would curl up under a tree where the grass was tallest and eat and sleep. The next day they would do it all again.  Having been so deep in the Dales of Astoria, it had taken them close to a week to cross the many hills and valleys.  And as beautiful as it was, Kit breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the Forest come into view.

Kit had never seen a Woods so dense, for in the Southern Isles there were small woods and copses, groves and orchards, but nothing so vast and well populated by wildlife as this Forest. It was darker than she imagined, filled with spruce and pine, fir and cedar, with great heavy branches that hid the sun from plain view, yet still allowed in some light so they could find their path.  Eyes all aglow peered out from the undergrowth and the scratching’s and tiny foot falls filled Kit’s heart with sudden fear.  With a gasp, she grabbed onto Deni’s little hand and held it tightly.  She was still scared until she looked down at Deni and saw him smiling.  He could see right into the bracken, the wee folk that dallied in the underbrush were at his sight level and vastly differed from the shadows and glowing eyes.  She stooped down and saw a young fox, and beyond a pair of squirrels fighting over a pine cone.  The fear slowly vanished and was replaced with mirth at her foolish notions of dangerous creatures stalking them as prey.

As they walked along the highway, horse drawn wagons and coaches passed them by, as did adventurers astride their horses, well equipped for their journey. They passed roads and paths that led into the forest, some with signs, and others just with a single arrow.  Kit fought off the curiosity that surged within to travel down a road less travelled and see what was on the other side, but, she had Deni with her, and could not be taking those kinds of chances.  Besides, they had a mission, to better their lot, and start anew.

Just before mid-morning, an old man came by driving a wagon loaded with barrels. “Well hello lads!” He bellowed over the rattling of his cargo. “Where are you headed?”

“We’re on our way to the farmlands to the north, looking for work.” Kit didn’t want to give too much away, so said as little as possible in as deep a voice as she could muster.

“Well I’m going as far as The Inn of the Wood. Hop on I’ll give you a ride. That should shorten your trip considerably.” The old man smiled and his eyes softened. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.” He said with a wink, making room for them in the front with him.

“Thanks Mr…Mr…?”Kit stumbled over her words as sister and brother climbed up to sit beside the old man.

“Just call me Tibor, everyone else does. So what do I call you?” Tibor smiled and shook the reigns “Gee-up”

Deni slowly peeked out from behind his sister, his lips slowly curling upward. “This shy little man is my brother Deni, and I’m Kit. It’s nice to meet you Tibor.”

They set off down the road grateful for not having to walk for a change. Once they started off, Deni came out of his shell, and was rewarded with a small sack of baked sweets from the good hearted old man. Travelling deeper into the woods along the highway they chatted on about the weather and landmarks, but nothing of any consequence, at least not until Deni fell asleep from the gentle sway of the cart.

“So,” Tibor started off slowly “let’s cut to the chase young lady.” The old man looked right into the young woman’s eyes.

“I’m not a girl.” She said quickly, but not as convincingly as she would have liked to.

“Yes you are, and your secret is safe with me, in fact I highly approve. I’m also guessing you don’t know how to protect yourself out here. Even as boys, you should know how to fight. Running won’t be enough. Also your accent, and that you’ve got your brother with you, makes me think that you are refugees from the Southern Isles.” Kit was shocked by how much the old man had been able to gather. “You need to put down roots, get stable.  I figure you’re looking for work, but what will you do with the boy, pack him everywhere you go?  I’m guessing you’re heading up to Delphin I know a few families’ there that might be able to take you in while you look, and maybe even give you some work.  You never know.  I’ve lived in these parts a long time, and there are still a few people who remember old Tibor.”

“You are right about us being refugees.  Our farm was burnt down during the uprising.  We lost our parents and two brothers.  We were all so close, and then suddenly there was nothing left, just Deni and myself.  The King’s troops came in and gathered all the refugees together and we were shipped up here.  We don’t have any family left, so we lived in the Ghetto for a while. I was able to make enough money to get away from there.  It’s almost impossible leave that place, there’s no way to better yourself.  I didn’t want to end up working in a brothel to make ends meet, that’s no life for Deni, waiting on his sister to finish her day’s whoring.  I did a little busking here and there, just enough to make ends meet, but I couldn’t leave Deni alone for long periods of time.  The last time I busked I made some silver, so I took what we had and left with the help of a Guard I’d befriended, he waved us through the checkpoint, and Deni and I escaped to the countryside to find work. Did you know there is nothing in the Dales for work until late summer?” Kit let out a long sigh.  “We spent the last month looking, to no avail.”

“Well I do know a few people and when we get to the Inn I’ll make you a map that shows some of the farms worth trying.  The seasons set in slowly here, so take your time down in the south end, and ease into the north end as it gets warmer, you’ll have a better chance of finding work.  One of my grandsons works at the Inn, and I’m sure he can be convinced to teach you a thing or two about defending yourself.  I have four grandsons and he’s the youngest, so he’s had plenty of practice.  With luck we’ll run into the other two while we’re there, although I can’t guarantee it.  As for my name sake, he works in a big city as a Guard, so he rarely comes in, but we’ll see what’s what, and get you better situated and more travel ready before you leave.  And don’t worry about your stay at the Inn, I have some pull with the owner and it’s the off season, so I’m sure there will be room for you and Deni.”

“I do have to wonder why you’re being so kind Tibor.  Even just this ride was more than I could have hoped for.”

“I can afford to be kind, and I’m a good judge of character.  You and the boy strike me as being good people who just need a little help to get over the hump.  Besides not once have you complained about how hard things are, you just keep your head held high and do what needs to be done without a second thought.  There are not many people who can do that and those that can deserve a little help now and then.”

“Well thank you.  Maybe one day I can return the favor.”

Tibor chuckled softly, “Perhaps you can.  Now let’s change the subject before that boy wakes up.”

No truer words were ever spoken for with a bump of the wagon the boy woke up and the conversation fell to jokes and stories and games to pass the time.  As the day turned to night, Tibor lit the lanterns that hung from some hooks on either side of the cart, lighting the road so they could continue.

As the last traces of dusk turned to night, Tibor pulled into the well-lit Inn at the side of the road.  It was clearly two stories high, with a few short steps leading to a pair of doors.  Kit and Deni followed the old man into the building and were surprised how bright it was.  Lanterns hung from the ceiling and along the side wall, a large hearth cast a brilliant amber glow in every corner of the room.  In front of the fireplace a cauldron simmered on one side, and on the other, a large spit with a haunch of venison was being turned by a small dog running on a wheel.  By the bar were tapped barrels and casks, bottles of wine were set on their side in a rack against the wall and some bottles stood upright on a shelf in behind.  Platters and trays of food and drink were being scuttled about by a very busy young man.

It wasn’t long before a young man came to the table.  “Hello Robbie, everything went well, but we’re starvin’ bring us a platter of that venison, and a quarter loaf, oh and some of those tart yellow apples, you know those little ones, and a big pitcher of ale.  Once we’ve eaten I’ll introduce you around, I need a favor, plus, these folk will be spendin’ the night.”

“I’ll get right on that, Tibor, and I’ll throw in some of those wee little cookies you like.  We always have room for Tibor’s strays.” The boy winked at Kit and smiled.  “We sure got lucky tonight, Highway patrol’s sittin’ in the corner over there. Oh and Bronn’s in the back checking over supplies.”

Robbie reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t think of whom.  It was something about the eyes, she felt like she’d seen them before.  The meal was delicious but it was heavy and rich so it wasn’t long before Deni was falling asleep in his chair.  Instinctively Tibor showed Kit to their room, it was generous with a big bed and thick blankets.  There were even pillows and a fire already set in the stove.  She lay her brother down, covering him with a thick, warm blanket and then followed Tibor down the stairs and into a back room.  Robbie was in there, along with two other men.

“Bronn, Nick, I’m so happy to see you!” The old man grabbed the pair in a bear hug that encompassed all of them.  “I take it you’re watching the patrol?”

“Pretty much… I think they might be stirring up some trouble.  They say that there are bandits up in the southern farmlands, and they’re going to stamp them out.  If it’s who I think they are, those soldiers will be slaughtered.” Bronn was tall and broad-shouldered and as he spoke, his words rumbled softly through the room.

Not all three brothers looked alike, for where Bronn and Robbie had fair hair, Nick’s was dark as midnight and his features a little sharper.  Nick turned his eyes on Kit.  “Who’s this?”

“It’s all right Nick, we met on the road, Kit and her brother are heading north to find some farm work.”

“I don’t think we can just sneak past these guards, one look at us and they’ll be trouble.  We’ll have to wait till they head upstairs.  Luckily they’re well into their cups now.”  Bronn seemed determined to leave soon.

“I was going to have Robbie teach Kit to fight, you two take over for him while he gets those guards nice and drunk.”

Nick looked at Kit and smirked.  “All right Gramps, but it ain’t gonna be pretty.”

“It never is with you Nick.” Tibor chuckled as he and Robbie left the room.  The first thing that Nick did was walk over to Kit and flip off her cap.  Out tumbled all those auburn curls, and a gasp escaped Bronn’s mouth.  “By the Gods you’re beautiful.”

“Not for long.”  Nick pulled out the dagger he kept at his hip and with two quick slices; the tresses lay in a heap on the floor.  “You can’t have that hair and expect to get away with being a boy.  Your cap was too poufy.  If someone took a good long look at you, they’d realize that something was up.  Hand me those scissor’s Bronn, I’ll fix it up a bit.  We’ll get that old doublet of Robbie’s out of the chest too, that should fit her just fine, give her a little more padding.”

Kit just stared at the floor.  In one fell swoop, her crowning glory was gone.  He was right though, if she was going to play the part, she had to look it.

“That was a little harsh, Nick. All that hair, did you have to take all of it.  And her doublet will completely hide her breasts.”  Bronn stammered.

“That’s the idea dumbass.  She has to toughen up now!”  Nick turned to face Kit.  “So princess what does Kit stand for?”

“Katinka, it’s an old family name.”  Kit stammered still in shock about the hair.  Her life was about to take a drastic change, and although she didn’t like what Nick was doing, she understood that it was the only way to get through this.  She hadn’t counted on soldiers and bandits, both of which could be dangerous for her and Deni.

“Well from now on Kit stands for Kit, Katinka can come out to play when she can be a girl again, which might be a very long time, so you have to keep your hair short, always lower your voice, keep your face and hands dirty.”  Nick opened an old chest in the corner and pulled out a small doublet and a pair of socks rolled into a sausage shape.  “This” he said holding up the socks, “needs to be in here” he said as he thrust the socks down the front of her pants.  You’ll need to adjust that, often.  Now put this on.” He said as he tossed her the doublet.

Without even thinking Kit did everything he asked, and Bronn stood there in shock watching his brother turn this beautiful young woman into a boy.  “This is going to be tight in all the wrong places, but you’ll get used to it.”  Suddenly Kit felt the laces on the doublet being rearranged, the waist was loosened, and with a gasp, the top was tightened until her breasts were almost flat as a pancake.  It was an odd feeling, but if it worked, it was worth it, and it was nothing she couldn’t get used to.

“All right lets teach you to fight.  You are not going to be able to use your fists much; you’ll need to muscle up on the top first plus we don’t have that kind of time to teach you.  However, I think you could use a knife.”  He pulled out a pocket knife.  “You can keep this tucked in your sleeve.  When you need it let it slide out and into your hand, then flick this switch here.” He said pointing out a small notch on the side.  Kit pressed on the mechanism and out popped a blade about four inches long and sharp on both sides.  “A quick jab to the side of the belly will stop most in their tracks.  If they still keep coming at you, jam that blade up between their legs as hard as you can.  Then pull down fast and run, because they are gonna want to kill you.  So are their friends, and be prepared to do that again.  The guy will bleed out, and he will die, but it will take a bit.  That move will keep you alive.”

Bronn just stared at his brother “Where the hell did you learn that?” His voice was rough, as his hand formed a fist that began to rise all on its own.

“Shalaa told me what it was like living in the Ghetto at Tamaris.  You do what you gotta do to stay alive.”

Bronn turned to Kit “Girl, do you know what lies ahead.  We know those bandits, and we won’t have anything to do with them.  It’s not like we’re saints or anything, but don’t you have somewhere you can go, somewhere safe?”

“No, we left the Ghetto at Tamaris as well, and we won’t be going back.  I don’t have any choice if I want decent work.  I was raised on a farm, it’s what I know and I refuse to work in a brothel.”

“Lower and slower Kit” an exasperated Nick kicked the table.  “You don’t have time for this to take, you have to change now.”

Kit bit her lower lip to hold back the tears, regained her composure, and in a lower timber, she spoke slowly. “I can do this.”

“Yes you can.   We can’t help you ourselves.   We’re on the wrong side of the law, and Tibor and Robbie aren’t far behind.  Each time they help us, they get a little closer to being like us.   Until that time comes though, if you get in trouble, you come here.”  Bronn spoke softly to the girl.  For the rest of tonight though, you can be a girl, right Nick.”  Nick glowered at his brother.  Bronn stomped hard on Nick’s foot. “RIGHT NICK”

“OK, she can be a girl for tonight, but just for tonight.  Did you have to stomp on the one I kicked the table with…Arse Biscuit!”

“Thank you for everything. I don’t know how to repay you?”  Kit looked like she was about to cry.

“You repay us by staying alive.”

Tibor stepped into the room and was shocked at Kit’s transformation.

“Don’t look at me Gramps, it’s all Nick.” Bronn was angry and he threw his hands up in the air; Nick had gone too far this time.  He knew Nick hated women, but this was too much.

“Good job Nick, you’d never know she was a girl.  Now young lady, get upstairs to your brother, I’ve a few last words for these lads here.  We can talk in the morning.”  Tibor was suddenly all business.

As Kit made her way upstairs, the weariness she’d been keeping at bay crept in.  It took forever to reach the top of the steps, and when she reached the room; she just crawled on top of the covers and fell asleep curled up against her brother.

Down in the back room Tibor talked to his grandsons.  “I know what you’re going to say about taking in strays, but she needed help.”

“You always say that Gramps, and you’re always right.  But this one, she still needs help and we can’t help her.  I may have been a little rough on her.”  Nick put his hand to his head and shut his eyes with a sigh.  “I know I was too hard on her, I’m so sorry.”

Nick was angry and he had taken out his frustration on the girl.  She had been too pretty, and she should not have ended up like this.  She should be at home with her family, being courted by a young man, who would make her a home and love her properly.  He had not meant to be spiteful, and cold, but he knew what had to be done, and being nice would not achieve it.  If his brother had his way, she’d be wearing boys clothes in a way that made her look even more like the girl that she was, and she would be a target.  Being lawless for so long did not help his mood.  All he wanted was just to get back to his studies, but that was gone.

They were criminals, living in a camp in the heart of the forest that had increased in size recently.  With the reign of a new king in Delphin who held lofty ideals of grandeur that would cripple the country and bring it to its knees, a dozen men now made the camp their home.  These men all looked up to Bronn, who had a way of rallying them to action with good words and kind deeds for the people, the King be damned.  However, it was Nick who planned the skirmishes, and plotted their missions.  And when it was safe enough the brothers would visit the Inn, with Nick making sure they weren’t seen.   Now, with the increase in guards over the last 6 months, it was becoming more difficult to lay low in safety.  Gods forbid that the Delphin King should garrison a platoon of men on the premises.

Round about midnight Robbie let his brothers know it was safe to leave.  Sneaking out the back way, they followed the tree line and then crossed the road straight into the bracken on the other side.  They snuck back to the camp and headed for the small hut they shared.

Just before they went to sleep, Nick shared part of his plan “Bronn, I’m taking Rusty and Jerome with me tomorrow, and we’re going to tail Kit and Deni for a bit.  I have a bad feeling, especially with that platoon lurking around.  This is going to rile up the locals and the bandits.”

“Agreed, if you’re not back in a few days, I’ll send the twins out to track you all down.  You know I was sure you didn’t like her, but something tells me that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“Keep those stupid thoughts to yourself, Arse Biscuit.  I’m trying to sleep.”  Bronn was right though. Stormy blue eyes and copper curls, she was like a tempest unleashed and he was doomed.

When Kit left the Inn, she was well fitted out.  She had the thick doublet on, the pocket knife was secreted within her shirt, and her pack was filled with food and drink, as was Deni’s.  The map that Tibor provided had twenty or so little circles around farms in the southern region where she could use the old man’s name to get work.  It would be a day and a half’s journey to reach the end of the forest, and then it was bright skies and pastoral farm land for as far as the eye could see.

With new tools and a new look at her disposal, Kit now gave off a confident air, as though she owned the world.  It had been a shock to Deni when he first saw his sister with her new look, but she still felt the same when she hugged him, so he stopped worrying.

The early start gave them an advantage.  If they walked all day and into the night, they would be at the edge of the forest, and instead of sleeping in the woods, they could sleep in a wide open field, or maybe even a barn, or at least something within earshot of a farm.  As midday closed in Kit reached into her pack and pulled out a bottle of ale for them to share, bread and cheese, and an apple each.  It was a sumptuous feast, but one they ate as they walked.

It was after they finished their lunch that Kit began to feel eyes upon her.  She looked up the road, and down and nothing.  She peered deeply into both sides of the forest, and still nothing.  And yet, she could not shake the feeling that someone was watching, and perhaps even following them. Every little while she stopped and peered about, but still couldn’t see anything.  She even considered stopping for a while, but was reluctant to be stuck sleeping in the woods.  She checked to make sure that her knife was in place and they continued on.

Nick raised his fingers to his lips “Quiet fools” he whispered softly.  “She keeps looking around; we’ll need to hold back a bit.  She needs to believe she made this journey on her own; we only step in if things get too rough. “Here, eat an apple.” He said as he tossed some fruit at the heads of his two accomplices.  Rusty was tallish, spindly and devious as hell, with a shock of red hair and evil green eyes.  He was quick with a blade and capable of doing dirty work and cleaning up the mess left behind, without being told how to do it.  He was trustworthy in his own way, and owed strict allegiance to Nick.  Jerome, on the other hand, was kind hearted, and built like a big bear, with long dark hair, and a broad, friendly face.  When people got in his way, he swatted and took down opponents in a single swipe.  His way was a quiet one, and he often travelled with Rusty, and let him do the talking.  They worked well together, and they worked even better when Nick was with them.  For quick little skirmishes that required a delicate hand and quick action if necessary, this was the clean up crew.  They worked by stealth, silence, and instinct, always keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings and noting any changes.

Holding back for a bit, they allowed their quarry to amble on for several hundred yards.  They needed to be far enough away that they could not be detected, and yet close enough to swoop in should things go badly.  It was important that Kit feel she could travel alone, the more confident she became, the better she could defend herself.  Just before she disappeared from view, Nick roused his companions and they were off, skirting the underbrush, so as to blend in with the trees, and should they look back, they were nothing more than shadows.

They all travelled this way for several hours, Kit looking back every once in a while and seeing nothing, and the crew slipping into the woods each time she did.  As the sun disappeared on the horizon, and twilight started to deepen the shadows, Kit slowed her pace.  At first, Nick thought she was being more cautious in the dark.  However, that was not so; three taller figures appeared walking towards Kit and Deni.  They were getting to close, and suddenly Nick started to run through the undergrowth, whistling for his crew to follow.  Even this far, the little boys screams reached his ears.  Nick ran out onto the road, not caring who saw him and flew towards Kit.

Kit and Deni were making good time, hints of dusk loomed on the horizon, and the forest was beginning to thin.  With luck they would soon be in beautiful Delphin, land of myriad farms.  “A few more hours of walking and we’ll be there.  According to Tibor’s map, there is a farm right on the outskirts, and they know Tibor, so if a light is on, we’ll see about sleeping in the barn, or a shed.  How does that sound?”  Kit was so engrossed with how far they’d come, she’d forgotten to look ahead.  When she finally looked up, she saw three ominous figures walking towards them.  Kit checked for her knife and was relieved that it was still there.

Kit took Deni’s hand and tried to walk past them, but the three men stood in her way.  “Where you head’n boyo?” A deep voice called out to them, each word slurred; they’d been drinking heavily.

Kit slowed herself down and pushed the fear away, so that when she spoke, it was slow, deep and deliberate, just as Nick taught her.  “My parents farm is not far from here, and they‘re expecting me.”

“There’s no farm for miles, they’ll not be expecting you for a while.”  Said another mockingly; his voice equally incoherent.

“My father said he’d send someone out for us if we weren’t home by dark, they’ll be here any minute.”  Kit lied with confidence squeezing Deni’s hand to reassure him.

“We actually prefer boys to girls, and you’re a fine one.  I think I’ll dally with you a while until someone gets here, if they ever really were going to show up.”

Kit had not been watching the third man, and suddenly he appeared behind Kit and grabbed Deni tightly tossing him to the ground, then he grabbed girl, and before she could do anything he roughly yanked down her trousers and bent her over a stump.  The other two men ran over and each grabbed a hand pulling her forward until her face was flat against the wood.

“Look at that ass, it’s like a ripe peach and I can’t wait to pluck it.”   The drunken brute slurred as he steadied himself behind her and dropped his pants.  “This is going to be sweet.”  He ran his hand across her soft cheek, and she gasped in fear.  Brutally he took her wrists in his hands, and the others let go to watch, then he pinned himself against her “I want to feel you struggle, boy!” He whispered against her neck, his fetid breath gagging her.  The drunken lout wasted no time, eager to get to his plunder, and as he rammed his cock into her ass, Kit let loose a blood curdling scream.  Then Deni began to wail at the top of his lungs.  “Be patient boy, you’re next.  I always liked a little something after for desert.”

Kit was shaking now, but instead of fear, she felt anger.  Higher it rose, as the pig on top of her bellowed and bleated every time he thrust, and each time Deni sobbed she became more wrathful.  She could feel the pain, and the blood slithering down her thighs, but it seemed distant and unimportant.  She was not going to let what was happening to her now happen to Deni.  She shut her eyes as the foul beast atop her jerked with a final lunge that caused him to momentarily loosen his grip on her wrists.  Kit seized that moment and slipped the knife out of her shirt, turned about, hit the trigger releasing the blade and thrust it straight up between his legs.  The man just looked down at her, in wonderment, but she continued, for she had to save Deni.  She quickly slashed the knife across his throat, and then shoved him out of the way.  Then like a dancer, she pirouetted in a wide spiral brandishing the blade quickly and expertly, slitting the throat of the second man, blood showering down upon her.  Without even thinking, she reached her blade arm behind her and deftly flung the knife at the third man, hitting her target.  Then she flew at him, and as she landed on his chest, knocking him to the ground, she removed the knife from his eye and began to stab him over and over without stopping.

Nick, spurred on by Deni’s cries rushed through the shadows.  As he drew closer, he saw everything, Deni being tossed to the ground, the rape, and then the magnificent kills of the three bandits.  He was in awe as he watched her turn the brigand’s chest into a pincushion.  It was so unexpected, so magnificent, so horrible.  He watched for a while as she mutilated her kill, and let her finish in her own time.  She had a lot to think about, and a lot to forget.  Yet Deni’s weeping had not stopped, and he could not allow this, in all good conscience, to go on.

“Jerome, take the boy back to camp, calm him down, help him sleep. Rusty, clean this up and pike the heads, leave a sign.  I’ll take care of the girl.”

Nick walked up behind Kit and watched her for a while, she did not tire, and she just kept striking in silence, her face filled with cold blooded rage.  The forest was quiet now; Jerome was already on his way back to camp with the boy being gently rocked to sleep in his arms.  Rusty was waiting on the sidelines, carving a sign while waiting for Kit to finish with the corpse.

“That was a good job.  He’s very dead now.  How about you put that blade away, hmm?”  Kit stopped stabbing at the sound of the gentle voice, then closed up her knife and slipped it back into the safety of her shirt sleeve, but she still sat on the chest. Nick had never seen anything like that; she just killed them, quickly as though she were doing nothing more than dancing in the rain.  What she had endured during her attack had been vile, and yet, she used that to fuel her strike.  She was delicate now, vulnerable; she could crumble at any moment.  If he coddled her, she would break down and might never be the same again.  Nick would not let her fall apart and into despair.  After all, this would not have happened if he hadn’t let his guard down; it was his fault.

“Let’s go for a walk, shall we, Rusty has work to finish, and I’m afraid you’re keeping him from it.”  He held out his hand and waited until she placed hers in his, then he pulled her up and without letting go walked her down the road.  Before they left the area, Nick called over his shoulder “Come back to camp when you’re done, we have plans to make.”

The moon was high as they neared the turnoff to the camp.  She had barely spoken, but she had also not let go of Nick’s hand.  She followed him faithfully, grateful to be alive.  She knew what she had done, but could not remember the details.  Her step was slowing, and she was showing signs of exhaustion. Clumsily she tripped over a root, and before she hit the ground Nick lifted her in his arms, “Upsidaisy, what do you say I take over from here, it’s been a long night and we’re almost there.”

Kit did not argue, she had been feeling the pain of her attack for a while, and with each step she’d taken it had worsened, tripping over that root had actually helped her, it allowed her to accept some help and to rest.  Her eyes were alert as Nick walked an unseen path, darting in and out between trees and bushes.  As they neared the camp, she laid her head against his chest, and listened to the beating of his heart.  It was faster than expected, but she was comforted by the sound of it.

Jerome wandered over as soon as they arrived.  “Bronn wants you to wake him once you’ve got the girl settled.”

“Perfect, because she’s going in our hut anyways, so I can kill two birds with one stone.  Get Jian, she’s hurt bad; tell her to bring poppy tea.  Before I forget, how’s the boy.”

“He sleeps, he ate all my cookies, he will be fine, and so I am happy.  Make his sister fine and I’ll be happier.”

Nick entered the hut and gingerly placed the girl on her side facing the wall.  Jian would know what to do.  He removed his cloak and covered her with it, then stepped over to his brother and gently roused him.  “Follow me, the girl’s in my bed, and Jian’s on her way over.  I don’t want her disturbed for anything but healing.”

As they neared the fire, they passed the healer, “Wait a moment, you might want to hear some of this.”  With most everyone in bed, they could safely discuss things without anyone listening in.  Each took a seat, and they huddled together and spoke in hushed voices.

“Kit’s been brutally sodomized, and I suspect she might need stitches.  That’s not all.  I didn’t save her, or Deni, she did.  She killed the lot of them, so fast it was like she was dancing, and the blade was a mere extension of her hand.  Kit’s hardly spoken a word, since, and they were about two miles from the Delphin crossing.  Then she walked all the way back from there to the shortcut we use when we’re up in the north end, and I carried her in from there.  Not once did she mention pain, or groan, she just put her hand in mine and followed me.  I’m pretty sure she’s in shock, and I’m also sure she’s lost a lot of blood.  I saw the fight, it was like nothing I’d ever seen, and she didn’t even hesitate.  The moment her brother was in danger, she waited for her moment, and then pounced.  I need her saved.”

“I’ll need lots of hot water then, is she awake still?”

“Her eyes were wide open when I left her, but she didn’t say a word.”

“That settles it, bring that cauldron of hot water into the room, I’ll use it to wash her and clean her wounds.  Then tomorrow she’ll need a bath.  I’ll stay with her for now, we’ll need to take turns.  If she won’t sleep, I’ll give her some poppy tea, but the real healing will happen over time, when she’s had a good sleep, we can see how she is then.”

Jian stood up and walked towards the hut, with Nick close behind carrying the hot water.  Jian placed a comforting hand on Kit’s shoulder, and peered over to look in her eyes.  “Dear child, you’ve had quite an ordeal today.  How about you let me look after you for a little while.  I’d like you to sleep, so I’m going to give you some tea that will make you drowsy, and then I’m going to clean you up a bit.  You can have a proper bath tomorrow.  Is that all right with you?”

“Yes, I’m sleepy, but I hurt and slumber won’t come.  I think I did a bad thing,  I don’t remember much right now.”  Kit was so exhausted, but she still had one more thing to say.  “Thank you for saving me Nick.”

“Nick, I’ll need some lamps, and then you and your brother stay out of here until I tell you, you can come in.”

As Nick went off to get the supplies, Jian removed the cloak that draped over Kit.  Then she fed some opium tea to the girl in the bed and looked her over.  She loosened the ties of the doublet and eased it up over her shoulders and head as Nick entered the room with what she needed.  He lit the lamps last, placing them around and above the bed.  As he worked on fixing up the room, Jian carefully removed the girls shirt socks and trousers, leaving her in nothing but her small clothes.  Her drawers were blood-soaked, and her chemise had crimson stains from her assailants.

“I can’t watch this.”  Nick looked at the older woman, as she continued to work.

“Perhaps it’s time to leave I can do the rest myself.”

“No, one should have to see her like this…” His voice cracked as he spoke, there was a tone of caring that was unusual for him, and he chalked it up to a long day, that still had yet to end and he left to find the solace of sleep where he could.

Jian cut the poor girls clothes away, the little thing was a mess of blood and torn flesh.  Gently she cleaned the filth away and stitched up what she could.  When she was done, she returned to her hut to get some salve and other things that she would need over the next few hours.

She found Nick lying in the spare bed she kept in there to tend the sick, his eyes wide open.  “I am done for now, but I’ll stay with her through the morning.  You get some sleep you have done all you can do.  She’ll be fine, rest always does one good.“

“Keep her alive.”  He said, and then under his breath whispered “she is precious to me.”  One whispered secret could reveal so much.  No wonder this had been so hard for him.

Kit woke up in the late afternoon to Nick watching her.   “You’re awake, how are you feeling?”

“Better, but I’ve had strange frightening dreams, and I don’t know how I ended up here in this room.  Where’s Deni?” She was more alert than he expected.

“Deni is off playing with Jerome, he’s a kind man, big and gentle.  He’ll be safe with him, plus he has sweets, Jerome always has these little cookies, and your brother has developed a similar taste for them.  I brought you and your brother here last night, something happened.  Maybe you should tell me about your dream.

“It’s hard to tell you… It was terrible, these men stopped Deni and me on the road, and they wouldn’t let us pass.  I let my guard down, and they grabbed me, and bent me over a stump, and then they hurt me in front of Deni.  After that it gets really strange, I dreamt that I killed all three of them with that knife you gave me.  They wanted to hurt Deni too, and I just couldn’t let them.  I don’t remember anything after that…see silliness, there is no way I could have done anything like that.  I only know what you told me.  I’m not a fighter” Kit sighed at the end, and shook her head.

Nick pulled up a stump and sat beside Kit, “That wasn’t a dream; I’ve never seen anything like it.  In all honesty, you were magnificent, your strikes were mesmerizing, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you as I ran up to help you.  It was like you were doing this dance, each movement graceful and precise.  You killed all three of them in less than a minute.  Your brother is alive because of you.”

“So it was you, who was following me, and it was you holding my hand and leading me here wasn’t it?  You saved me.”  It was so hard for Kit to realize that it was not a dream.  She had actually killed someone, actually stabbed three men to death.  At least they didn’t touch Deni.

“You saved yourself, and your brother, you didn’t need me at all.  I wish I had been faster, and then you would not have been attacked.  I’m so, so sorry, it’s my fault.”  Nick winced as he spoke.

“I was travelling alone with a little boy, and you weren’t even supposed to be there.  You gave me a knife, and told me how to use it and it worked.  I was just too slow to react to save myself.  You even picked up the pieces after I failed.  I’ve never seen Deni so scared, not even when our parents were killed.  If you hadn’t come along when you did, I would probably be sitting in a jail, and who knows where Deni would be.  Now, I need to work on getting better so my brother and I can continue our journey.

“Actually, that night you arrived at the Inn, when you went upstairs to bed, Tibor asked my brother and I to take you in.  We were concerned, because, it’s almost all men, and everyone here is a criminal of some kind.  We lead a dangerous life, never knowing what’s around the corner, so we discouraged him from asking you.  Now we know that it’s the same for you as well.  To be quite frank, we are all murders, thieves, conmen, and felons, the lot of us, and that includes you.  So now you need to stay and be one of us.  It’s not like we’re giving you a choice.”  Nick was becoming quite convincing; she had suspected he was soft hearted than he came across, as the little chinks in his armor started to crack.

“What about Deni, what happens to him?”

“I don’t think Jerome would let him leave even if Deni wanted to go.  He’s finally got someone to eat cookies and build forts with.  Jerome is especially handy at fort building considering his size.  It might be good for the camp to have a child running around and reminding everyone what we are fighting for.”  Suddenly she had no desire to go.  Who’s to say that a life on a farm would offer the companionship that her and Deni were being offered here and now.

“Are you telling me we don’t have to leave, and that you actually want us to stay, and that we’re going to be bandits of a sort.”

“Not exactly…we only rob rich assholes that don’t deserve the money in their purse. We only kill to protect ourselves and we like to free slaves and prisoners on occasion.  Did you know a lot of people get thrown in gaol without a trial, and a lot of them are innocent?  It’s almost our duty to release them.”  Nick looked at her pensively.

“You mean you do all the wrong things for all the right reasons.  I have to admit, I kind of like that sentiment.”

“All joking aside, trouble is brewing up north, and we need to ready ourselves, that new King is a tyrant, and he’s robbing his people and crippling an economy that took centuries to develop.  If this continues, those farmlands will run red with blood, or turn fallow and be of no use to anyone for a long time.

“Well then, it looks like I’m staying. Now out with you, I need rest.” Kit watched as Nick left the room, wondering what her new live would bring her.

The Big Project

So every year I make a big project, mostly from scratch, or as close to scratch as possible.  I have so far limited myself to woolen projects.  However, there are so many things that I create.  I sew, crochet, work with wood, garden, cook, draw, paint, and much more.  So instead of limiting myself, I decided that something I keep meaning to do, but put off is going to be started.

I want to make myself a new home.  I’m hoping to find an old trailer so I can completely refurbish it inside and out.  Since it’s going to be my home, it will need to be big enough to accommodate a bathroom that includes a shower or small tub, or both (crosses fingers for both).  I’m handy with a hammer, and equally comfortable with a sewing machine.  I’m hoping for something in the 23 foot range, as I will be living in it year round.  I’m not too concerned with the interior, as that will be switched up quite a bit.  As long as the roof is soundish, the fridge and stove work, and the plumbing is decentish, I can work around the rest.  I am actually hoping for a fixer upper or with a trashed inside, but appliances and plumbing still salvageable.

So now I’m looking for that trailer-camper.  I don’t have much money, but perhaps something can be worked out.  If anyone in the Nanaimo area hears of anything, please let me know and I’d be willing to check it out.

I will also be posting pictures of the project as I go along.  This should be fun!!  Oh, did I mention I’m actually turning it into a gypsy caravan. 😀