Wharton's Lock

[Cecilywolfe]

Sleepless night. Did she really expect sleep? The morning light brought no relief, instead it cast a harsh glare on reality. She rose from the warmth and familiar comfort of the bed into the numbing coldness of the bedroom. Visions of yesterday flashed through her mind as clearly as if they were happening before her.

The heavy oak doors of the courthouse swing open sending a stiff wind down the aisle. She looks to the doors to see who has entered. A collective gasp passes through the crowd.

Carefully adding a few pieces of kindling to the fire, she gently blew on the dying coals until a small flame burst forth. Slowly, she fed more wood to the fire until it was burning strongly. Sitting back on her heels, she stared into the dancing flames.

Four men wearing the red and black livery of the king storm down the aisle. All eyes follow; confusion spreads through the court.

Shaking her mind from her thoughts, she stood, bundled herself in her robe and sat before the mirror at her dressing table. She traced her fingertips along her brow, across her red and swollen eyes and down her cheek. The woman staring back at her hardly seemed herself.

Two of the men guard either side of the aisle, the other two approach Grendell from behind, looping under his arms and pull him roughly from his seat.

She averted her eyes from the visions in the mirror. Filling the washbowl from the ewer left by the door, she splashed the icy water over her face. She pressed her frozen fingers to her eyes, the light rose fragrance filling her senses.

The men lead Grendell down the aisle. Her cry fills the air as she tries to push her way to the doors. Mac catches her in an embrace.

Winding her hair up, she secured it with a comb. One last glance at her reflection and she rose to get dressed.

A stunned silence fills the air, broken only by a cough. Her knees go weak. Thankfully, Mac helps steady her. She watches, helpless, as the men lead Grendell away, the last man slamming the door behind them.

Dressed, she reached for her cloak. Unwilling to acknowledge the possible outcome of yesterday's events, her hand passed over the black cloak in favor of the one behind it.

Her crimson cloak beaming against the snow-blanketed ground, she set off to face her future.

[Admin]

Outside, sitting by the trees Grendell watches her leave. His first instinct is to call out but he waits and watches, wondering where she will head for.

His own footprints disappear as the snowfall starts and soon so do hers. With a sigh he pulls himself up and limps across to the old mill. In the yard the remains of his forge stand empty, his tools and anvil gone to pay his debts.

In the stable he finds his horse and he gives him a quick pet and rubs down his coat while thinking of the future.

A low growling reaches hi ear and he turns in time to see th ebig dog jump up at him, tail wagging. Laughing he catcjhes the dog as it knocks him over and rolls on the floor with the creature rubbing his face and neck.

A bit happier he walks inside, Moose at his side. Some food on the table quickly disappears. Tired and sore he walks up the stairs to the bedroom he shared with Cecily and dropped fully clothed on the bed. Moose quickly follows and jumps up next to him, th epair sonn battling each other for the title of loudest snorer.

[Cecilywolfe]

Moose didn't greet her at the door. Most days that would have seemed strange, but today it barely pierced her consciousness. Evening had come early and she lit a candle to brighten the dim kitchen.

She pulled the comb from her hair and unwound the chignon, smoothing the locks with her fingers. Her hand stopped midair as she went to throw the comb on the table. A nearly empty plate lay there, bits of what was to have been her dinner dried onto the edges.

She froze, heart beating in her throat and listened to the silence. With a frown, she peeked into the parlor then tiptoed up the stairs, clutching the hilt of her dagger.

As she stepped into the bedroom, the large dog lifted his head and looked at her with a grunt before resting his nose back on his paws. Grendell lay snoring next to him.

She collapsed against the doorframe, the dagger dropping to the floor with a loud clang.

[Admin]

The noise wakes him and he wearily raises his head, a weak smile on his lips.

'Welcome home lover, I wondered if you'd come back. It is so good to see you.'

Pushing himself up he breaks out coughing, a thin bead of blood on hislips, 'Sorry darling, the kings men aren't the gentlest of questioners, and I not the greatest of men. It seems the offices of his majesty take a dim view of tax evasion. I'm left with nothing but the dog, the horse and the box of junk downstairs, and you if you'll still have me' Standing up he staggers before regaining his step and limps towards the door where cecily still sits.

Sinking down beside her the bruises around his eye are more visible, and his breathing distinctly raspy. Favouring one side he winces as his ribs grate. 'Told you I'd be okay dear, I'm broke, but okay'

Leaning forward he puts his arms around her pulling her tight to his chest, his own tears dripping down his chin onto her hair.

[Cecilywolfe]

"You wondered if I would come back!" she gasped in disbelief. Pulling back from him, she slapped him across the cheek before bursting into tears.

Relief at having him home alive soon washed with the anguish of the last few days, the disappointments, loneliness and heartache of the last month. She tried to speak through her sobs, but only fragments of her words could be understood. I....alone....why?....lies....dead....

Deflated, she rest her forehead on his chest, his chin on her head, her tears soaking the front of his shirt. His hands stroking her back and her hair, she finally managed to calm herself enough to speak. "I still love you." she whispered.

[Admin]

Hugging her tight to him, he whispers and I love you too.

In the doorway they sit holding each other tight, each glad of the others presence. Eventually the big dog gets bored and shoves his nose against their faces, his tongue licking each of them in turn.

Laughing Gren pushes him away and he stands up pulling Cecily with him.

'I wish they'd taken him and left my tools' he jokes, ruffling the dogs head. 'Come on then sweet, lets find something to eat'. Holding her arm, as much for physical support as for love they trek back down the stairs.

In the kitchen he pours two small beers from a barrel left over from the tavern and rummages in the pantry. In a short time he puts a platter of pears fried in sugar and brandy on the table for Cecily to pick at as he carefully trims some meat and potatoes, loading up a pie. Slicing some veg he throws it in a small cauldron suspended above the fire as he shoves the pie in the base of the clay stove.

'Right' he says, pressing his lips to Cecily's, tasting the sugar on her mouth. 'Time to talk isn't it?' As Cecily eats the pears he takes sips of his beer, explaining to her about the illegal trading deals he had done, the subterfuge, the groups he had abandoned and betrayed. 'Sorry my dear, I let you down' he says as he rises.

Laying two platters on the table he lifts out the pie and lays it down next to the little cauldron on the table. Pouring each of them a fresh beer he lays a portion of each on their plates. Eating in silence he finishes first and reaches over to stroke her face.

'I'll be outside when your ready' he whispers.

In the yard he lights the coals in the forge and goes back inside. Shortly he returns half carrying, half dragging a wooden chest. Opening it up he starts to throw the contents on the fire. First up are the deeds and crenellation license to chillingham, then all his ducal papers, the manual of law he had been working on, a set of coded papers stamped with a wolves head quickly follow them. A battered jacket with a red and gold wolf on the arm follows these along with the now battered copper fox mask of the black company. The papers and licences of the black company and its holdings join the flames. Soon the chest is nearly empty, a few licences and title deeds left in the base, a battered box of papers that belonged to Prince John and a vast empty space all that is left of the past. As the flames lick skyward he turns to see Cecily framed in the doorway.

'You okay my love?' he calls

[Cecilywolfe]

She stood in the doorway, a long while, just watching him burn the mementos of his life to this point. The same man, yet somehow different. She wondered if one day he would tell her what had happened at the hands of the king's men. She wondered if she really wanted to know.

'You okay my love?'

His voice interrupted her mediations. "I think I will be." She replied as she came to stand beside him, her arm around his waist.

They watched as the flames died down; the last of the papers turning to ash and smoke, the fox mask staring eerily from the coals. "All's not lost." she said, touching his bruised eye gently before tenderly kissing his lips.

"I put some water on to heat. You'll feel better after a good soak and a sound night's sleep." Back inside, she filled the tub and helped him take off his shirt. Dark bruises covered his back and ribs. She ran her fingers just above the surface of his skin, surveying his injuries. Standing on tiptoe she lightly kissed the top of his shoulder, the only spot left unmarred by blood or bruise before helping him into the bath.

Later that night, she lay next to him unable to sleep. In the dim light, she watched the rise and fall of his chest until she finally drifted off.

[Admin]

Dawn sees Grendell up and about clearing up the mess and tending to the animals. His muscles ache but he muses at least I can feel pain, means I'm alive.

Stripping to the waist he dips his head in the trough to wash off the dirt and almost shouts at the cold. Rubbing himself down he goes back inside to gather up some breakfast.

A short while later the smell of eggs frying with some bacon pulls Cecily from there bed and he greets her with a plate of toast, eggs, bacon and mushrooms.

As he eats comes a banging at the door, looking through the flap he sees the town herald, and a king's guardsman. With trepidation he open sthe door.

The guardsman motions the herald to go first and he pases Grendell a wedge of official notices before running off. The guardsman just smalls and steps in.

'We meet again sir. I see you have settled back home'

Grendell doesn't answer.

'Very well, however today it is a different matter we seek answers for. Where is the girl Myfanwy? She's known to be an associate of yours and we require her for questioning' the way in which he says the word leaves little doubt as to exactly what they intend to do when they find her 'for the murder of a gauardsman and several civilians. You wouldn't know where she is would you'

Slumping at the table Grendell shakes his head, 'No, I haven't seen her since I was at the trial, she seemed a bit crazed then but no more so than usual and....what is it?' he asks as Cecily goes white.

'I..I forgot to tell you with everything else' quickly she passes ion the tale that Frey gave her and the fact that Frey is being hidden by friends.

'Damn you woman, she could be in danger' snarls the guardsman running for the door. Smashing it wide open he grabs the reins of his horse shouting for the othe riders.

'And my son? what of him?' Grendell asks his wife. 'Don't worry they are both safe' she replies, 'Though it would do well for us to warn their guardians'.

'Let me get something' he mutters and stands on the table, the official letters forgotten for now. His hands rummage on the beams above them and he shortly lifts down an oiled package and a tube of vellum.

Laying the package out on the table he unwraps it, exposing his old one handed crossbow. With a grin he slots the pieces back into place, testing the string. 'Ah, an old friend' he mutters, 'May come in useful' he says to Cecily noting her disapproving grin. Laying it down he looks at the vellum seals as if making a decision then breaks them open. Drawing out the canvas inside he unrolls it passing it to Cecily. 'Would be your yule present but got forgotten in the rush, I had one of the passing mendicants arrange it'

Holding it in her hands it shows her ready with her sword before one of the early Chester Bowmen execises. 'I think we need to frame it so it doesn't get damaged' he says looking at it over her shoulder.

[Cecilywolfe]

"It's beautiful. And I have nothing for you. What with the trial and my sister visiting, I scarcely remembered the holiday." After rolling the canvas back up she squeezed his hand and smiled over her shoulder at him. "Thank you."

Her breakfast getting cold, she slid the plate before her and began picking at her food. Half expecting the king's men to storm back in, she kept glancing to the door as she pushed the food around her plate. Grendell rest his hand on hers and gave her a reassuring look. "I know," she said, "I know, I can't help but worry."

"We had best get a message to Frey. They'll not be safe long where they are. " she said as she pushed back from the table. "Do you have any idea where Myfanwy could be?" She picked at a mushroom while pondering Myfanwy's whereabouts. "I fear that she's watching us in hopes that we will lead her to Frey."

[Admin]

'Who knows? Before i met her in Burgundy she was working as a courtesan and a spy for one of the minor powers. She can plan as well as any captain I know and her fighting and hunting you've seen before. She's dangerous and mentally unstable. If she gets it into her head the regent is to blame she'll be in his bedchambers alreday. The fact we're sitting here peacefully lends to the conclusion she's elsewhere. Logically she met Frey in Worcester, Warwick castle to be precise. Its burnt down so where would Frey's friends go? I'm guessing you'll have hired them for the castle so Myf would probably be stalking the castle in the hopes of recognising someone else from worcester.'

taking a bite of his toast he runs it round the juices on his plate.

'That would be my suggestion, she's at the castle. What do we do? I'm in no state to fight her anymore. So do we tell the kings men where to go, do we get the constable to find her first or do we concentrate on getting frey away and back to her people?'

Sitting back down properly he twiddles with the crossbow as he finishes his breakfast, his eyes wandering to look at Cecily, trying not to grin at the egg yolk on her chin till finally her reaches over and wipes it off with his thumb.

'What do you think lover? Time to get one away then hunt the other at leisure, of catch the hunter first?'

[Cecilywolfe]

"I'm afraid there is not going to be much leisure in this hunt. So much for a few quiet days at home." she muttered the last comment under her breath as she began clearing the dishes from the table. "You're right," she said glancing at him. "You are in no condition to fight her and I am no match for her by myself. We need help."

Dishes neatly stacked, she sat back down next to him watching him tinker with the crossbow and wound her hair up in a knot.

"I can't bring any more danger to the people who were kind enough to take Frey and Gryff in. If you are sure that she is not following us, we can get notice to the Constable and Sergeant to help with the search while we move Frey and the baby. But move them where?"

"While you think about it, I'd better get dressed." she caressed his shoulder on her way past him to the stair.

A short while later, dressed and armed to the teeth, she emerged from the house with her satchel to find Grendell ready and waiting with the horses.

[Admin]

Greeting her with a hug, he pulls himself up onto his horse, his sword strapped to the side of the beast alongside where he has hung the crossbow.

'Remind me my love, when we carch up with her I want one of those new horse bows she had made, although if she really has been touched by the Gods I feel we will be seeing the business end all too soon.'

Reining in his horse he pulls alongside her as she settles herself in the saddle. 'Where to? My first thought is get Frey and Gryff and escort them to the Warhound, she's still ours, and have her sale somewhere safe. She's Gryff's official guardian and I'd rather a missing live son than a dead close one. Lets get them aboard ship and to sea, then help the law find Myfanwy.' Leaning forward on his steed he kisses her softly on the cheek.

'Thank you my love, now I'll let you lead - you know where we're going. We'll send a messenger to get the Warhound to meet us - Holywell or Ellesmere?'

[Cecilywolfe]

"Holywell," she said, looking at the late morning sun." And we will be hard pressed to get there before dark." Realizing suddenly that it was no one's fault but her own that they would be riding after dark, she fiddled with her skirts, avoiding Gren's gaze.

She nudged her horse forward at a good clip and grinned sheepishly over her shoulder at Grendell.

By mid-afternoon, both horses and riders were sorely in need of a rest. They dismounted by small creek, and hobbled the horses leaving them to drink their fill and graze on the dormant grass. Cecily took some hard cheese and bread from her bag and sat down in a patch of sunshine, motioning for Gren to join her.

As they ate, she recounted the whole story to Grendell: Frey coming to her in the gallery, hiding Frey and Gryff in the castle office, sneaking them out with the musicians at the end of the banquet. "Lady Fugue offered to take them in until we could get them out of town," she explained popping the last bit of bread into her mouth. "They should have been safely gone by now except..." her voice trailed off as she thought of that afternoon in the courthouse.

Their meal done, she stood brushing crumbs and bits of grass off her skirt. She reached down to give him a hand up, only to be pulled into his lap. Grinning back at him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips against hers. Recognizing that this would likely be the last few minutes of peace they would have for the next few days, she wondered why she was in such a hurry.

Finally, reluctantly, they rounded up the horses and continued on their way.

[Admin]

It was dark when they reached the town, the gateman stopped them as they approached.

'For Loki's sake, I get rid of my wolf badge, take off the mask covering my face and all of a sudden I'm suspicious. It's Grendell of,, well never mind, and the Lady Cecilywolfe, come to find friends and succour. Now open the damn gates its cold.'

The heavy gtes swing outwards enough to let them thorough and Grendell mutters a quick thanks to the gurad. Inside he takes a look round, only having been here a few times and then just to and from Beaumaris. Dismounting he takes the horses reins in his hands and walks the steed up the road as Cecily rides beside him. Outside the tavern he was heading for he recognises the livery on the horse and tkes a closer look. 'Inana's, whats she doing here?' The temptation to rifle the pouches is great but with other things in mind he pushes away and motions to Cecily to head for the next one.

'Lets get a some food and a drink then a decent bed for the night dearest, and then we can have an EARLY start ion the morning, you know before lunch' he jokes at her. Laughing he helps her down and kisses her softly on the cheek as they hand their horses over to the ostlers. Wrapping one arm round her waist he picks up their packs in the other and escorts her inside.

[Admin]

Heading back to the tavern to make final preparation he sees Gren and Cecily coming down the road. Quite suprised to see them.. especially him. Icy hadn't been fully versed on the events after he was escorted from the courthouse. He was very surprised to see him alive at this point. Wether it be from the king's men or Cecily's hand to strike him down.

Good to see you both. Why didn't you send word you were coming to Holywell? I could have made arrangements for your stay. I wil be a bit busy this evening to entertain properly, but I can make myself available tomorrow. The Stumble Inn is abit preoccupied tonight, so if you need lodging, you are more than welcome to stay at my home should you feel the desire.

He points them in the direction of his home before he heads off.

[Cecilywolfe]

"Icy, just the person we were looking for. There wasn't any time to send word ahead. We just got news morning that we needed to come here." Cecily briefly relayed the story of the morning's visit from the King's men. "Thank you for your hospitality, but we don't want to impose. We'll be by in the morning to fill you in on the rest of the details."

In the tavern, they were informed by a surly innkeeper that the private rooms were all occupied. Looking at the filthy state of the main hall, Cecily could only speculate what the rooms would look like and what kind of vermin would be sharing the mattresses. She looked at Gren and could tell by his expression that he was having the same thoughts. Politely declining, they backed out of the tavern.

They found Icy just up the street trying to look casual, but obviously distracted by something. He jumped a bit as she called out to him, but quickly recovered himself. "I think we will take you up on the accommodations after all."

[Admin]

Feeling tired and looking pale, the days exertions having taken their toll on him, Grendell leans to the wall while Cecily speaks to Icy. A vague nudge against his leg causes him to turn round but nothing is immediately apparent and he goes back to watching icy and cecily talk.

Nodding his thanks to icy when he points them in the direction of his home and offers to walk with them he shoulders the packs once more and follows Cecily, taking the opportunity to watch her hips sway as she walks.

'What are you grinning at?' she queries as they arrive.

'Nothing dear, nothing at all' he replies innocently as they move inside.

Lifting their packs onto icy's table he calls out to Cecily, 'Myfanwy's in town'

'How do you know?' she asks him, a puzzled look creasing her brow.

Slowly he spins his pack round, from the back juts the tell tale feathers of a crossbow bolt. 'I felt the impact earlier but didn't realise what it was, either she's tired or it's just a warning. Which ever, she knows we're here. We need to get Frey and Gryff out fast come first light. Any news on when we can expect the Warhound? in Fact - Icy - have the docks said anything about preparing for her arriv.....hang on you've got apples!! where on earth did you find them? Man's a genius'

'Cecily, hold him down while i steal them and i promise you the best ever apple crumble with cinnamon and if we're lucky i still have some cream left from the chester market'

[Admin]

Startled to see his friends again, he tries not to be too overly anxious in watching Lady Moonfaerie. The last thing he needed was for them to see him acting afool over her.

I will let Miss Sylvia, the caretaker of my estate, know of your arrival. I had sent a messenger to have her make arrangements for you. We can meet up in the morning to discuss Myfawny further. Please be wary of her, she can get quite moody when she feels the need. She is good at what she does, but can be fairly crass at times.

I have no news concerning the docks. Been really quite lately. Then again fishing boats going in an out she could easily have slipped up river without detection.

Seeing Gren's eye light up seeing the fruit, Icy pulled them aside.. Wait for breakfast you gready man

[Cecilywolfe]

She blanched at the sight of the bolt stuck in the pack and gave Grendell a concerned look. "I hope daybreak is soon enough."

Her stomach grumbled loudly and she realized she had not eaten a decent meal since that morning. "There's no way I am going to make it until breakfast," she laughed and began rummaging through the cupboard.

"Ahh, Love...?" Gren called.

She turned to answer him and found herself staring straight into the face of a rather stern-looking woman. Disapproval all but dripped off of her as she moved to position herself between Cecily and the cupboard.

"You must be Miss Sylvia," Cecily smiled sheepishly and backed slowly away from the woman. "Pleasure to meet you. We were just..."

"I'll show you to your room," Sylvia said briskly as she marched up the stairs, motioning for them to follow. Gren grabbed their packs and the pair dutifully followed Sylvia to their room.

Cecily closed the door behind her and tried to suppress a giggle. With a mischievous grin, Grendell flopped back on the bed and bounced up and down causing it to squeak against the wall. Cecily burst out in a fit of laughter. "Stop," she cried. "Keep that up and she'll throw us out before breakfast."

Pouring some water from the ewer by the table, she began to wash off the dust from the road. A loud rap at the door stopped her and she shot Gren a look that said, 'I told you so.' Miss Sylvia entered without being invited and set a tray of food on the table.

"Is there anything else you require?" she asked formally.

Distracted by the promise of a meal, Cecily started to say no. "Oh, wait. Would you happen to know if a ship called the Warhound is docked here?"

Sylvia looked insulted. "I do not concern myself with the workings of the docks," she said to Cecily's disappointment. "But, I did happen to overhear mention of this ship at the market today. If there is nothing else..." Miss Sylvia was gone, door shut tightly behind her before Cecily could even say thank you.

[Admin]

Unnable to bite his lip any longer Grendell bursts out laughing. 'Well the Wolfe tamed eh ha ha' Opening the door askance he walks down the stairs and asks the house mistress for a pitcher of water and some goblets for drinking. Miss Sylvia points out the various pieces as she pulls on her coat, 'My apologies my Lord, I am needed elsewhere for the while, till morning probably, my grandson is sick and i am away to help his mother.' Her expression denotes it is her daughter in law 's child rather than a daughter's, the look of 'Jah she couldn't find her way out of a barn with both hands and a blazing torch' giving it away. Promising not to destroy the place he helps her on with the garment and latches the door behind her, wishing her well.

Carrying the drink upstairs he pushes the door shut behind him watches Cecily wash, her dress pushed down off her shoulders. Setting the tray down he wraps his arms round her and kisses her neck and along her collar. 'The housekeeper' she mutters,'Is gone' he replies as he undoes the lace on her dress his hands taking the cloth from her and wiping down her back, kissing slowly along her spine.......



.......Some time later he lies next to her on the bed, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin as she eats some of the cold chicken Miss Sylvia had left. Her soft fingers peel off a piece and press it to his lips, his teeth nipping them gently as he takes the profferred meat.

Snuggling in next to her he kisses her skin softly. 'this going legitimate has it's bonus's you know, less bits of wood in the back and more comfy beds shared with you. Your a bad influence on me my dear, I haven't planned anything nasty for months. What are you doing to me to keep me so occupied?' he teases, laughing against her skin as she blushes gently.

He presses his fingers to her lips and whispers softly in her ear,'Don't answer that, lets just find out again later. Curling against her he pulls the covers up over his torso and wraps his arm round her waist, his face pressed to her. Soon soft snores fill the room as he falls asleep.

[Cecilywolfe]

She lay awake worrying, fighting with herself over what to do next. His steady breath was warm on the back of her neck; so much of her wanted to stay right where she was. A ray of silver stretched across the floor as the moon rose. It crept slowly across Grendell's pack, illuminating the bolt that was still stuck in it. She shuddered, convinced she had to do something.

Sliding out from under the covers, she gathered up her clothes and stepped lightly across the room. She dressed quickly in the hall, carefully strapping her blade to her thigh and checking the dagger at her belt. Not that it will be much use against a crossbow, she sighed to herself.

It was still early evening. Light from the houses she passed spilled out of small windows, brightening an already bright night. She pulled her hood low over her head and hurried along to the Stumble Inn.

Inside, she scanned the room for familiar faces. Not seeing any, she pushed her hood back and approached the innkeeper. "Sir, would you know if Lady Fugue is here?"

"Yes, milady, she is in the private hall right through there," he said, gesturing through an arch at the back of the main hall.

"I won't impose on their party. Do you think you could slip her a note?" The innkeeper handed her a pen and ink and a scrap of paper then stepped away as she wrote.

Dear Fugue, We are in town and so is Myfanwy. Your charges will not be safe long and we would like to move them before dawn.
-C.

She passed the note to the innkeeper. As he disappeared into the back, she ordered a cup of tea from the barmaid and sat down at a table in the corner awaiting Fugue's reply.

[Cecilywolfe]

The innkeeper returned shortly and slid a note on the table while clearing away her empty mug. She nodded to him and unfolded the note.

Dear Cecily, I was afraid of this. I left a shutter open at the back of the house. If you slam it twice, she will think that it is me, but at least she will know that it is safe. There is a path through the woods in back of the granary. You will not have to walk through town. Jah speed. Be careful. - Fugue

She crumpled the note and tossed it into the fire. Pulling her hood low over her head, she stepped outside and lingered in the doorway a minute as scanned the streets, making up her mind where to go next. A movement down the street caught the corner of her eye. She turned to look only to see a cat scamper across the road. Still, she could have sworn she'd seen more than a cat.

Nervous now, she turned up the street walking away from Icy's house. Rounding a corner, she slipped quickly through the door of the other tavern. The drunken crowd inside was too busy leering at a plump, scantily dressed red-head to pay her any notice and she passed undetected through the back door.

Before her eyes could adjust to the dim light, she nearly ran into the innkeeper who was swaying drunkenly as he relieved himself on the shrubbery. "Decided to come back, did ye?" he smirked reaching to grab her with one arm as the other fumbled with his pants. She hurried across the yard to the gate. As she stepped into the alley, she heard him shout out behind her, "Come back when you are ready for a piece of this."

The alley was still and empty. She turned towards Icy's house, trying to appear casual, mentally willing her pulse to stop racing. She neither saw nor heard anything suspicious the rest of the way back and wondered as she latched the kitchen door behind her if it had simply been the cat.

Grendell was still snoring softly in bed. She undressed quietly and curled up next to him. Half-awakened by her cold hands, he muttered something she couldn't understand and pulled her tightly to him.

[Admin]

In the morning Gren pushed himself out of bed and grinned, smiling down at his wife. Pulling on his boots he headed downstairs to see what he could find for breakfast. The apples still sat there and he grabbed one biting into it happily.

Looking for some wood for the fire, he opened up the back door to seek out the woodpile. Humming happily he tosses the apple into the air between bites.

It explodes in midair, the bolt passing through it striking Grendell in the chest. A shocked look on his face he staggers back as a second joins it and he collapses against the wall, blood pouring from his chest.

A shadow falls over him and he looks up slowly, the face in front of him hazy. 'Sorry lover of mine, I could never beat you up close. Keep a space at the table for me on the other side.' Dropping her crossbows next to his body she leans over and carves a small M into his cheek as his breath rattles. 'Don't worry' she whispers,'Your wife and son are safe from me'. Finished she slips back into the alleyway at the side of the house disappearing once more.

Unable to hold his eyes open, Grenrolls to his side, his fingers dragging through the blood writing a last line on the boards

Cec, I love y.........

[Cecilywolfe]

She stretched and rolled over. Not feeling Grendell beside her, she sat upright. The morning sun streamed through the window and she wondered why he had let her sleep so late.

Groggily, she pulled on her dress and wrapped the quilt around her shoulders. She trudged down the stairs and into the kitchen. A cold draught blew through the kitchen, the door swinging gently on its hinges.

She gathered the quilt tightly around her shoulders and went to latch the door. The sight she beheld just outside was worse than anything she could have imagined.

Dropping to her knees she gathered his head onto her lap - his body cold, his blood soaked into the earth all around him. Tears streamed down her face, her heart broken twice at the loss of the husband she'd just gotten back.

"You win, you bitch." she screamed into the trees. "Are you happy now? You win."

[Cecilywolfe]

Sylvia invited the king's men to sit around the table and poured tea for everybody. Cecily pulled the quilt around her shoulders as she sat half-listening to the men, her eyes focused on the brownish smears of blood drying on her skirt. The room went silent and she realized that they were waiting on her to answer a question.

"Hmmm?"

"Did you see Myfanwy at the scene? How do you know she committed this crime?"

"No, I didn't see her. But they were her bolts. There's another one stuck in Gren's pack upstairs." The guardsman motioned to the other man to go retrieve the pack. Cecily went back to staring at the stains on her skirt as the guardsman and Icy spoke, catching only bits of the conversation- The Bowmen will get right on it...can't have gone far...where is the boy...

The last thing the guardsman said echoed through her head "...100 pound bounty, dead or alive..."

"If you will excuse me gentlemen, I need to change."

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