As You Wish
Chapter Sixteen
Justin stood in a distance watching as the group of peasants made their way in to the fields to begin their work as the sun slowly rose in the distance giving them light to do their daily chores. His eyes drifted over to the stones built neatly against the hillside and he sighed heavily wondering if maybe he shouldn't agree with Lance.
The scenery around him appeared normal. A castle, needing a little work, stood strongly in the center of the land while surrounded by a stone wall giving the area protection from any intruders on the outside. The grounds grew fresh and green with plenty of lush trees and shrubs while the scent of flowers, attempting to blum, filled the air with a fresh fragrance.
Even the commoners appeared normal to him. Though as a Knight his duty was to protect anyone in need, as a Knobleman and one of new found wealth, he still believed a commoners place was to serve them, but yet still be treated fairly, and to Justin it looked as though they were being done just that.
"Why did you lead us here?"
The Lark that sat upon his horse in silence slightly jumped at the sound of Justins voice, and cleared his throat to push away the shaky tone he wished to be unnoticeable.
"You gave to me a threat sir and asked me to take you to where the girls had been brought. This is where you will find them. I have done my job sir....now please.....release me."
"RELEASE YOU?"
Justin turned on his heels looking dumbly to the man, whom had not without notice, lost the bravery he held before, and laughed loudly to the absurd question.
"You have done nothing for us. You led us to the home of a friend to the Royal Family and insist this is where your filthy Larks have brought the Princess and the commoner. Trying to make a fool of us is not wise, instead you only lead yourself closer to death."
"I did as I was asked of and there is no more I can do for you or your Knights."
"YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING!" Justin shouted, drawing his sword from his back and aiming its tip angrily to the now frightened man.
"Let him be." Joshua spoke as he moved across the field to where Justin and the Lark argued, stopping and placing his hand on Justins sword forcing him to lower it.
"I have searched the castle and walked the fields finding nothing but the norm, and if the commoners know of any wrong doing they remain hush mouthed. Once we all gather we shall resume our journey and our friend here will have but one more chance to lead us on our correct path."
"But I have led you......."
"Hush." Justin threatened through clenched teeth, pointed his word once agin to the Lark, reminding him of his previous threats.
"From this moment on you will choose your words wisely and speak only when requested to."
Justin moved his sword, placing it back into his holder once again as the man fell silent, and he stretched his arms widely to his side with a grin as he loosened his tiff muscles.
"I saw the fair maiden you held in your eye after last eves feast. She was quite a beauty if I do dare say." He chuckled, wiggling his brows at his long time friend knowing well it would give him a stir.
"Must I remind you a gentleman never kisses and tells, Sir Justin." Joshua smiled coyly, and took the reigns of his horse from Tristam as the Knight approached them, jumping from his horse as he came to a stop.
"Which is why we shall be hearing of your escapades later." Justin laughed, humoring his own self, and bringing his fellow friends into laughter as well.
"Prince Joshua......Prince Joshua."
The men turned watching as Lord Andrew drew closer to him, his men in monks clothing following close behind as though they were his protectors, extending his hand to Joshua as he drew closer.
"I do so wish you and your men would stay longer for I have indeed enjoyed your company and hate to see you go, but I part you with the best of wishes on your new marriage and hope you shall bring the future Queen for a visit. "
"I shall." Joshua nodded, moving away from the Lord, and gave a quick glance around the aread once again before mounting his horse.
"It has been a pleasure seeing you, Lord Andrew, but Camelot awaits my arrival and I still have yet a mission to complete before returning. I shall share with my father of our visit. Your home was always an adventure to me as a child and I must say....." he grinned "...and as proven last eve still as much so as an adult."
The group broke into laughter and each man began to secure their saddle bags and blankets tightly to their horses awaiting the command of their Prince.
"Let us ride men."
Following his lead, the other Knights mounted their horses following Joshua through the gates as they were opened and set out on the trail, not giving the stone wall a second thought.
*********
Jon watched as the group of Knights disappeared into the distance and made his way down the hillside, passing through a secret gate meeting Lord Andrew in the thick of the field.
"Our dear Prince knows not of our secret I presume?"
"Of course not." Lord Andrew grinned. "But the new on doth concern me. He seeks too many answers and persuades the Prince too much."
Jon turned, seeing not even a shadow of the group of men and nodded his head turning his eyes back upon Andrew.
"Then we shall eliminate any type of persuasion. Gather one of your young slaves. I have a message for him to deliver and he must do so with a quickness. "
The two men smiled as Lord Andrew snapped his fingers bringing forth one of his guards and locked his fingers firmly behind his back standing with pride as he gave his orders to his guard.
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