Coming Home

[Repsol]

No screams no death just a soft blue light filled his head with a ghostly veiled woman with dark eyes smiling softly upon him, he knew who she was and he knew he wished he could just hold her...just once, the vision faded as he was woken by a light thump to his chest, he lay still for a moment then opened his eyes the hood over his head allowed for him to see some of the loft, he could see a pair of pants with string fastened just under the knees and the part of a broom being held with its head upwards.
He knew it was not guards they would not have been so sincere, then the second prod came in hitting him on his hip, he moved his hand and took hold of the broom firmly not allowing the holder to have further pleasure at his discomfort and he had never suffered injury from a broom and he certainly did not wish to begin now.
As the voice holding the broom spoke with the offer of food it was a familier voice..He spoke quietly to the broom master...

'Iffen thou wish to persist with thy prodding I shall gladly place this handle about thy person and spank ye black and blue, and as for thy offer of food I would gladly accept what ye could spare me...nothing more'

He moved to sit upright and released the broom handle, his cloak slipping slightly to expose the hilt of his sword, quickly realising he pulled the cloak tightly around him once more and lowered his head so his hood settled again over his face, he spoke once again quietly as if.' he was speaking to his chest...

'I be at thy mercy whoever be thy name, iffen ye shall call the guards I shall nae draw me weapon on any in this place and I pray death shall find me quickly'

He sat back against the side of the loft and closed his eyes once more waiting for the shout which would introduce his return before he had intended for he needed to speak with the Queen or Council afore he showed himself once more and he knew he would not be greeted until the guards where satisfied which would innevitably mean a stay with the dungeon master...

[Perran]

He may have been smelly and covered in facial hair, but he was still strong. Perran felt the air leave his chest with an 'oomph' when the broom handle was grasped hard. His eyes quickly looking again as the man, it certainly was a man, moved and spoke. The Sword, although quickly hidden again was enough to confirm Perran's suspicians, he was not afraid of this smelly, unkept man, but he was curious.

Perran stepped back a little, laying the broom down first, before sitting next to the man, placing enough distance between them so as not to crowd him. He took the muslin warapped package and unfolded it to reveal two chunks of freshly baked bread filled with a generous slice of bacon and a couple of fried eggs. Beside that was not one but two fancy small pastries left over from the banquet of last evening. Perran found himself explaining this as he took his small knife and cut the sandwich in half and offered it to the man.

"It be Celia.....yer sees......she saves me tha special cakes an' all.......yer looks in need of a bath Sire........'av yer been travelling a long while......ah be Perran Sire......stable 'and......and...well....I do a lot around tha Castle......ye may know me."

Perran offered a smile, chattering softly away inbetween mouthfulls of the delicious breakfast, quite calm and feeling secure in the knowledge that there were extra guards everywhere and although he had no plan to, he could shout out and give this man away at any moment.

[Repsol]

[glow=red,2,300][/glow]He crossed his legs in front of him and leant his head back to lean on the wooden wall behind him and sighed slowly, the hood still hiding his eye with the tip resting below his nose but leaving his lips and chin open the rough growth of hair which lined his jawbone had not seen a blade for some time.
He reached and accepted the bread as it was offered and showed gratitude to the once owner of such by way of a thank you, it took just four savage bites and his hand was empty once more but with the hole in his stomache now filled he fealt warmer.
He had not looked upon Perran's face though his voice as he spoke lit the dull places in his Repsol's mind, aye he knew Perran he had relied on the lad so much when this was his home, he also knew if he needed anything the lad always had a ways to find it.

'Ye had chance to call the guards it bewilders me to think why ye did nae, yet thee shares thy food with me, thou shows nae fear yet thy only weapon be a broom, and mayhap ye shall hold onto this lass celia, we oft loose the ones'....

He broke off abruptly and fell silent with his thoughts cursing himself inwardly, he could not show anything of himself to Perran....not yet if he was found out then he shall accept the concequences he needed time to come to terms of where he was, it did not yet feel like his home as he once knew, he had been absent for such a time and so much had happened he did not return to his beloved home after the wars, he still couldn't answer to himself why it has taken so long, why it had to be this way he had lived as a thief and a vagrant to escape those who sought him and this regime had taken over his life, would he have killed the beggar over ham and bread.......yes he would, he had lost his honor, would he be an embarassment to Windstorm, the question of being accepted actually mattered, he had not given much for peoples opinion or welfare come to that, he spoke softly once more...

'Perran ye say thy name be, prithee ye knows of a place I may hide...erm stay for a night for I seek work to pay me way..'

As he finished speaking he drew out his pouch and removed one of the few silver coins and tossed it to Perran, whilest the coin was spinning through the air he didn't look once where it was heading he tied his pouch and placed it back inside his grey shirt...

[Perran]

'Ye had chance to call the guards it bewilders me to think why ye did nae, yet thee shares thy food with me, thou shows nae fear yet thy only weapon be a broom, and mayhap ye shall hold onto this lass celia, we oft loose the ones'....

Perran munched on his breakfast, listening to the man, he could hear sorrow and regret within the spoken words, wisdom too. He nodded and finished his mouthful.

"Well, yers could 'ave cut me down with yer big sword an' all, ah would nae have stood a chance.....but ye did nae. Ye did nae because I believes ye know more of the Castle than ye be lettin' on but that nae be my business."


With that he reached forward and placed one on the fancy cakes beside the man......the smelly man. Perran was glad they were in the open somewhat, the hay loft giving seculsion yet allowing for an air flow!

Pondering his last words of asking for a place to hide, Perran felt sad now, because he was certain this was a man of valour, honour and courage, resorting to this kind of life, there would have to be a reason......

"Ye know, I was told once......that iffen ye does hide all tha time.....and nae face what ye be hidin' from.....ye end up hidin' from yerself. I did nae make sense of it then, but......aye...ye can stay here, it nae be a fancy bed but it be clean and nae a one shall bother ye, I can see to that....iffen it pleases ye .....Sire."

His eye caught sight of the silver coin and his free hand reached to catch it, quite suprised that he did so!

"Ye looks like ye be more in need of this.....but ah thank ye most kindly......I were told nae to ever say no ta any gift. There may be work here while tha visitors be about, but yers be needin' a bath first!"


He winked at the man and shoved the whole small cake into his mouth."

[Repsol]

It became obvious by Perrans mannerism the quick baths in the streams had not taken the stench away fully and he would no doubt settle for a long dip in the castles spa's or the moat whichever he cared not he would need new clothes too, what few silver coins he had should be spent.
He lifted the cake with his left thumb and forefinger and looked upon it turning it slowly one way then the other, he did not figure any right or wrong way to eat it he just placed it all in his mouth and chewed quickly, it was not bland as some he had tasted before, it was soft and sweet, he lifted his head slightly and turned to Perran as he swallowed the last bit..

I need to bathe as ye suggest, these clothes are all I possess and I have but few coins to me name, do ye hath a contact within the walls to aid me with other clothes, I need nowt special ye hear...

He placed his small pouch on the floor and slid it to Perran and as for staying at the stable he would take the offer but not for too long he needed to let council and the Queen know he had returned....but how....

'Do thou know of the feelings when someone doth rely upon thee fer protection and guidence and that to protect them come life or death and I sit here with life whilest those who relied upon me are no longer at my side, because I failed them'

He looked to Perran as if the cake had contained magic to make him speak, he knew he had been alone too long but he could not lay this at the boys feet it was his burden to carry and he shall til his last breath, he lowered his head and closed his eyes, he would need to clear his head and get on with why he was here...

[Cara McKenna]

Cara hummed softly as she worked...twas the only way to keep her mind off of what had happened and continued to happen to Kyle.She had been up since afore dawn. Her first chores complete, which had been to cook breakfast for the Castle she moved upward into the halls of the Residential chambers now, taking linens and furs with her as she headed toward the chambers. She usually attacked one set of chambers per day whilst the twins did others..today her work belonged to Sir Repsol's chambers.

Now twas true the Knight had naught been seen in a while but fact was she had never known anyone to be turned away from the Castle especially a long time resident. So with these thoughts in mind Cara slipped into His chambers and begins to strip the bed carefully remaking it as she continues to hum softly. Smoothing the linen's and furs just so she then begins to shine the wooden fixtures with a bit of citrus oils....

[Perran]

Perran grinned wide as he watched the man eat, he wondered if there were any more of those treats as they were tasty. He nodded to the request of clothing, thinking for a moment who best to seek out, perhaps it was best to just ask him outright.

"Aye Sire, many a contact, but, and forgive me fer speaking me mind an' all......be it a certain person that ye wish to see.....why ye are here I mean. I can get yer clothes and a bath can be sorted, there be hot springs......aye...ye may know of them."


He waited and listened to the man again, so much said, yet so much left unsaid, he really felt for this man who he was almost sure of his name now, yet did not say yet. He shook his head but wanted to share his own experience, it may ease some of his pain. Besides he wanted to know so much more of this raggedy man who he was sure was a Knight of the Castle once. He may have a troubled soul but Perran was sure it was a good soul.


"Nae Sire.......nae me personally, but p'raps me Grandfather did feel as ye speak of, when 'e went and died on me, I was left alone fer he had raised me since me parents were gone an' all. It were tha Ladies Beren and Dream who took me in 'ere, give me work and a place to call 'ome again. If ye did yer best then ye must nae blame yerself aye?"

[Repsol]

His attention had been slowly taken by the increased movement from below and the stir of voices from outside the stables, mens voices quiet a few a mixture of curses and expletives followed by short bursts of laughter.
He stood and moved slowly to the opening to look upon the sounds which made the hairs on his neck begin to rise, it was as if ghosts had filled his mind he steadied himself by raising his right hand and grasping the wooden frame above his head, below he could see the shimmering silver of armor and the soft flowing crimson capes and sashes, he sank to his haunches and leaned against the side of the opening, he watched intently as men and horse became one, he remembered leaving the camps on patrols, when he had returned all was lost, the men in his command had withered to nothing his patrol in tatters, he closed his eyes and remembered all as his pride his love and his passion all left him he had failed so many but most of all he had failed his beloved home he had spent a year in the wilderness trying to find logic of how so many men just faded, men he had led for so long...
He spoke softly as he half turned his head to look over his right shoulder upon Perran..

The Queen and Council doth fare well in re building the army of Windstorm to its former glory, to build such troops in numbers greater than afore and tis such a sight I believed these eyes would nae ever see the like again..

He fell silent once more and watched as the troops formed his eyes made out a young man who gave the order to ride and they moved off as the dust settled silence filled his ears once more he half turned and sat resting his back against the side of the building looking inwards towards Perran, he pulled his knees up and rested his forearms upon them fiddling with something which had found its way into his hands he passed the slim glistenening chain between his thumbs and fingers feeding it in a loop between his hands, it was the only thing he had left of her apart from the memories which only death could erase but alas they would be together once more.....

[Repsol]

His eyes moved to look over and beyond the chain to fall upon Perran if he was ever to take the lad into his confidence now would be the time he could faulter no more time was passing, he had taken in what the lad was saying as he spoke fondly of his Grandfather, the lad had been a truly good friend of the Lady Dream and had become a valuable part of the Windstorm family.
Turning his gaze back to the chain he softly muttered......

Perran, ye be in favor of the Family of Windstorm prey speak of the Queen, be she wed yet to the Rock of Kent, and of Lady Dream how fare the good Ladies of the house and of Sir Kyle, a good man and steadfast as I know of him, though each I hath nae acquainted for some time..(sighs)..seems it be a lifetime hence...

He moved the chain slowly almost nervously as he awaited some form of response from the lad who was breathing somewhat more easily now there was a small distance between them, he would wait til dusk and attempt to use the spa to cleanse himself, he took the chain in his right hand and opened the palm of his left hand and allowed the chain to run freely into it stopping the chains free run by trapping its pendant between his thumb and finger slowly caressing it between his fingers before placing it upon the chain and closing his hand and placing it in belt pouch....

[Perran]

Perran had stayed still while the man, he would call him Repsol within his mind simply because he truly thought he had recognised him fully now. He was such a troubled soul, Perran wanted to place his hand to a shoulder, reassure him, tell him everything would be fine again, but he could not, it was not his place, besides he was a mere lad still, even though he felt wise at times. He could only watch and listen to the sounds coming from the courtyard below, a familiar sound he was quite used to, it comforted him on a daily basis. He thought then may be a good time to go and raid the barracks, now the men were gone for a while, well most of them and he did know where the mended clothes were kept, he had seen them placed there after the body did not need them any more. Repsol would not mind wearing something that had served another, Perran was sure of that. He was about to slip away when the gallant and brave man spoke again, this time he seemed more sure of his surroundings, and perhaps even himself. Perran smiled and listened before replying.


"Oh nae Sire......tha tall man from Kent be gone a long while now, we did nae know why, praps it were nae meant ta be, tha wedding an' all......but there be another, but.....aye, well 'tis a secret still, but we all be knowin'.


He chuckled more to himself just then and touched a finger to the side of his nose before continuing. Watching as Respsol tallied with the chain and pendant, his thoughts obviously miles and miles away.


"He be an older man, tha Duke of someplace Gregggory.....Freezin' land o' somewhere ah nae ever 'erd of in truth. Seems nice enough, gots two Nephews, strange buggar one o' them be, tha other travels on 'is ship a lot."


He paused to think of more news to tell.

"Lady Dream fares well enough, she be sad oft though an' I can nae make 'er smile as once I did, it be Sir Robin, 'e be gone an' all, I dun think 'e will be back. Dead I think."
He shuddered then and smiled a little.

"There be a few more ladies now, stayin' though I do nae know them well enough, and Sir Kyle, well 'e came back in a state, few months back now, he be healed an' all but he be a strange one too, gone off on 'is own ta catch the buggars what set upon 'im. We all be thinkin' 'e be sweet on young Cara, an' she be smitten with 'im."


He shook his head as he thought better of saying any more. Perran was no fighter, nor did he enjoy thinking of it all, he would of course fight for his Queen if needs be, but he was a quiet lad who loved the countryside and the animals. There was room for all sorts he thought, and was glad of it.


"I know they will be ever so glad ta see ye again......truly 'appy......Sire.......Sir.....Repsol."

Perran swallowed hard as he pushed the name out......he was sure he was not wrong.


((With no offence meant to any ))

[Cara McKenna]

((just laughs and swats Perran's backside...naughty scamp ye are))

[Repsol]

He remained silent as Perran began to give news of the family in the great house, he had no expressions upon his features though his mind was keeping up with Perran very well, he would have thought Edfeil would be married with 5 or 6 children but alas this was not true and the Queen had continued to keep the house together along with the lands, he knew she be of strong character but this surpassed his ideas of just how tough the Queen was, and poor Dream though he would never speak such as he would receive a good slap round his chops, Robin was almost home as I left for those shores and thus was the last I heard, he would prey the gods look upon these two Ladies with good fortune, and then there be Kyle if the fare cara is smitten then he would suggest she begins the next she meets with Kyle as he is a strangely handsome gent and will turn the ladies heads wherever he may be but alas this be news for him it is none of his business, then he slowed his breathing as Perran spoke those last words efore he stopped..
The stark realisation that whether by the hand of the gods or by pure chance Perran shall be in his confide from now on, the lad looked young of features but his head was one with age on its side and some wisdom too, he reached up and took his hood and lowered it behind his neck exposing the sore red eyes and his cold pale skin, a beard which looks as if trimmed by a farmhand and his long hair tied with a whisp of leather he looked to Perran and spoke softly..

Perran tis true, tis I, I doth nae intend to burden thee with the knowledge but alas ye could have moved on and said nowt, thus way ye could have stayed out but thee are in..in with both feet, I shall do all I can to protect thee, could ye find iffen the Queen has kept me room open, alas for now I shall take to the spa..

Before he could finish the noise and clatter of horses filled the air, he turned to look upon the patrols returning, as the dust settled he watched as the men dismounted and began to remove their helms, his brain almost burst from its skull, the men he was looking upon where the very same men who dissapeared upon his return from the patrols during the wars, words left his lips not intended for anyone but himself in an attempt to come to terms with the visions afore him...

They be ghosts...

He turned to Perran and pointed out a sergeant who was speaking to a group of men and spoke softly...

Prithee Perran could ye bring this one to me, I am in need of news from him as to what happened, I shall see to it ye be well paid for thy trouble lad....

He sat once more and pulled his hood up over his head he fell silent, his impulse was to drop amongst the men but alas that would have served no purpose and would have alarmed the castle guards, he closed his eyes and fell deep into thought......

[Perran]

(( cara))

Perran looked beyond the scruffy beard and pale features of the smelly man before him and just grinned very wide. He nodded his head, more to verify his own thoughts than anything else and spoke quietly.

"Welcome home Sir Repsol, ye have been missed.......aye, nae ever a burden Sire....."

He would have continued on with his praise, both to lift the man's spirits and hopefully help him to feel needed and worthy once again, but there was more clattering and voices coming from below again. Perran crawled nearer the loft opening and peered past Repsol, noting the man he spoke of and nodding in acknowledgment. Without saying a word, he shuffled back and over to the ladder, slipping down quickly and brushing the straw from his clothing. He had an important task to do....and for Sir Repsol!

Now then......he stopped for a moment, standing next to the stalls, a familiar muzzle nudged him and he turned to rub Biscuit's head. The horse, now older in years was still one of his most favoured. Reaching into his pocket he took a carrot, one from a collection he always carried, a little stale but none the less eagerly eaten by the dark stallion. Perran grinned once more and placed a finger to his own lips as if the horse was meant to understand that he was on secret, most important business. What to say to this other Knight, now that may be difficult........

The courtyard was busy, many men dismounting at the same time, several lads taking horses' reins and doing their job, all of which was a natural occurrence when the patrols returned home. Perran mingled with them all, making his way towards the man in question, all the while keeping his eyes from straying upwards to the hayloft lest he would give Repsol away.

He chatted merrily to both the men and lads in turn, finally arriving at his destination. It was his turn to take reins, pat the horse, silently thanking it for keeping the man safe, bringing him home where he belonged. He made up a believable yarn about another horse being in need of aid, in the stable, could the Sergeant give his valued opinion, would he give his time, for just a few moments. Perran had sounded very genuine, and as soon as they reached the stables, he apologised and kept his voice low.


"Sire......ah 'ave mislead ye, but fer a very important reason....." He looked upwards towards the hayloft and gestured to the ladder. "There be one who be in dire need of yer council Sire."

[Repsol]

His madness stiring wildly in his mind, this cannot be happening for a whole year he had been wandering in fear of his sanity, of how he had let down his men and his Queen, his home and his dearest of friends, his stomach tightened if this man was not who he thought he was then that would settle it in his mind, no more questioning, no more the gods shall torment his soul he shall end it himself, this way the gods shall have no choice but to accept his soul as destroyed, he had tried many times laying his life in the hands of other men but alas none where up to the job of taking it from him.
He half turned to his vantage point as Perran moved through the men and horses to the man he had pointed out to him, the palms of his hands where wet with anticipation, he knew Perran would keep his end of the bargain, he watched as the two men entered the stables and the voices began to clear as they stood at the bottom of the loft entrance.
The steps creaked as someone began to climb, he sat still where he was his mind telling him over and over not to startle the sergeant, he just needed answers thats all, the middle aged mans head appeared, he was scanning the loft first right then left, then his eyes came to rest on the grey cloak. he climbed the last few steps which saw him standing fully in the loft, the sergeant began moving towards him slowly his right hand automatically resting on his sword.

Ye summond me?.....vagrant, In who's name, I hath things which take me time other than runnin errands on strangers, speak else I shall leave and slap that lad silly fer waistin me time..

Repsol lifted his head slightly his eyes open his senses where dancing naked on hot coals, he stood his full length which saw the man slightly looking up to him...

Prithee thee spare such a little time, just a few answers tis all I would ask of thee, and in the name of Windstorm and all that this great house stands for, for none shall be turned away and iffen in need shall be warmly welcomed...
Ye be at the wars of Dragons and men in the lands of....

The sergeant barked interupting Repsol mid flow....

And what be it to thee, of 800 men and horse we came back with 600 we lost good and fare men in those wars and I shall speak of it with nae beggar nor vagrant..despite what Windstorm be about this is beyond such welcome, now out wi it or else I be gone....

Repsol knew he would need to show his identity or short of beating it out of the man he would get nothing, he lifted his hands to remove his hood, the sergeant drew slightly upon his sword.

Thou shalt nae have such a need for thy sword, for it is I who asks for such news, Repsol Montague formerly Captain of the Crimson Knights of Windstorm, in this name I prithee thee for such news, for it shall save me, iffen ye would speak of it...

As if he had been shot with a bolt of lightening the sergeant fell to his knees.....

[Perran]

Perran was half way up the ladder, he held on tightly and listened.......he knew he should not, but he was just so very curious as to what had caused Sir Repsol to become the shadow of what he once was. He heard his name and raised voices, cringing, his grip tightened on the wooden ladder rail, sweat forming on his brow and beneath his hair. He swallowed hard, his mouth dry with fear. He should not be listening.........no.....he should not be listening.

Slowly, he stepped down, one......two.....three.......four rungs of the ladder, this was private, he had done his duty now, Repsol was with his own.......it was how things should be. A smile, his lips creased into a smile.....it would be well now, Repsol would be well, Perran truly believed that as he went about his chores. His heart lighter now than it had been in quite some time........

((Always adore your writing Mister Repsol and eager to see where this goes. ))