The Star King

Secret Rendezvous October 1415

She had no idea how long she held the boy. Time had seemed to cease but after a while, the boy's sobs subsided and he let go, tears still sparkled like silver rivers down his cheeks, but with one hand he wiped them away and looked at her intently " What is your home like my lady?" she smiled as she pictured the castle, the fields, the woods, and her stone house.

" It's beautiful, I hope that one day you can see it" before the boy could reply she jumped up as a rustling in the undergrowth could be heard and the sound of snapping twigs. Quickly grabbing the boy she pulled him behind her and unsheathed her sword, pointing it towards the trees.

Her hand started to tremble as a figure all in black formed out of the shadows. A long black cloak went to the floor and the figure's face was hidden by a black hood. They looked like a grim reaper and Elisabeth found her heart racing. Checking that the boy was still behind her, she turned her attention back to the figure " Who are you?" her voice shook slightly as the figure stood before her, saying nothing, so she tried again " Are you French or English?" she found she had taken control of her voice and it sounded more demanding and powerful.

Gripping the sword hilt so tightly she tried to draw strength from her sword. The figure started to walk again this time halting just inches in front of the end of her sword. The figure was huge and seemed to tower over her. Feeling her throat go dry, Elisabeth stared as the realization hit her that she wouldn't be able to overpower them if they attacked " you are a woman?" the figure's voice sounded shocked as he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. Elisabeth mentally cursed herself she had forgotten to deepen her voice. But thankfully, it seemed that he was English.

But it didn't ease her mind as these men hadn't seen a woman in a while and he could be like that soldier in Harfleur. That screaming, terrified woman could become her. Stepping back she added a little distance between her and the man, keeping her sword pointed at him " And you are English" she replied trying to keep calm.

The Figure in the moonlight disturbed her. She could feel the boy shivering behind her and could feel the figures stare from beneath the hood, glancing around she wondered if she could run. Then shaking her head banished that thought as her main priority was to protect the boy at all costs. She weighed up the odds in her head and decided she would probably rather die here than on the battlefield. Clearing her throat she spoke again " tell me what you want?" her arm was starting to ache as she tried to keep the sword steady. In the back of her mind thoughts swirled, she wanted to scream aloud but knew if she did that the French encampment was not far and they would hear and maybe attack then everyone from the English to the French would know she was a woman.

She willed herself to remain fearless and felt the sweat trickle down her brow and the back of her neck." What is a woman doing out here alone?" he asked his voice was gentle yet questioning. It was also a voice she recognized but she didn't trust it. " The same could be said for you what are you doing prowling around in the middle of the night on the eve of battle?"

She could just make out his eyes under the hood and in the light of the moon, they shone like pools of silver water. She could tell he was amused by her. Lowering her sword, her arm ached after holding it aloft for so long, she gazed intently at those eyes and found herself telling him everything " I am here because I am penniless" taking a step towards the man she found he had somehow broken down her defenses that she had put up in her mind. With just one gaze she felt she could suddenly trust him, his eyes were bearing into her very soul " What if the King were to find out?" the man asked gently " you think you will be allowed to stay and fight?" Frowning she tried to see under his hood " aren't you at all afraid that you might die tomorrow?" he carried on and despite him being a total stranger who could still potentially do her harm, she felt she wanted to tell him the truth and found that strangely her heart had calmed.