The Star King

Conquer and Endure October 29th 1415

The Captain's toothless grin swam in her vision his words swirling around her head.

 "Without you by his side, he will die"

Snapping open her eyes she awoke to the gentle rocking of the boat. A knocking filled her ears. It had all been a dream she thought as she yawned but the ominous feeling was present and wouldn't disappear. Getting up she saw the boy was still asleep. His breathing was deep and rhythmic, not wanting to wake him she dressed quickly trying to not make a lot of noise. Dressing in her tunic and hose she pulled on her leather boats and made her way quietly to the door and out of the small cabin up the stairs and out into the sunshine.

 A light breeze tickled her face and she could smell the fresh sea air, taking in a deep lungful of air, she let it fill her, like air filling a horn, she could taste the salt on her tongue. The Sun was getting higher above the horizon and she could make out the cliffs glistening like white beacons. She was at last home. Seagulls flew above the ship giving out there shrill cries. She would see her children, hold them in her arms, and her dear Ma-Mere.

The excitement filled her with utter joy and lifted her spirits, although deep down the chill still ran through her blood she couldn't seem to shake the Captain's prophesy, she just hoped that it was a dream.

Beaming a smile she ran towards the cabin running down the ladder as fast as she could she burst into the dark cabin startling the still sleeping boy.

 " We are home!" she cried feeling the tears prick her eyes, laughing. The boy stood up slowly yawned and stretched, she grabbed the boy embraced him quickly before pulling him up onto the deck in excitement.

The boy still bleary-eyed with sleep looked towards the white cliffs, a slight breeze billowed out the white sails and the men were cheering as the cliffs drew ever closer, getting whiter and whiter like a mountain of gems sparkling out of the sea.

Going back to the cabin they started to pack their belongings. Her heart was almost bursting she couldn't stop smiling. Imagining her children's faces and thought of being able to hug them brought fresh tears in her eyes.

Once packed her and the boy stood on the deck watching the English coast drift ever nearer in the sunlight the white cliffs almost dazzled the eyes. Gazing at them as they neared the port of Dover she couldn't help but think this is what heaven must look like. No more men's garments, no more mud, and no more stale bread.

The ship finally drew into the port of Dover. Standing proudly above on the hilltop was the castle. Momentarily, as she looked at the menacing walls she thought of Henry, the image of him on horseback with his shield and sword would be forever etched into her mind but she shook it off quickly as she didn't want anything to tamper her good mood. 

Saying goodbye to the toothless Captain she tried to see if the night before had been a dream or reality, secretly hoping he would say something else but he said nothing, just wished her well on her journey home.

Saying goodbye to the soldiers and the crew she set off with the boy in tow.  Getting on Willow, her at the front the boy behind, holding her waist they began wandering up the streets. They came across the market square it was heaving and the noise was thunderous. Women shouted, and merchants came running out at her waving their wares at her and the boy. Elisabeth had missed this and found she couldn't stop smiling. To be back in England was truly a blessing.

She brought another Horse for the boy bartering with the money Hal had given her. A purse full of coins jingled in her pocket and made her feel richer than she had ever felt before, she had enough to buy a whole army of horses. Her hand kept instinctively moving to the purse and alternating between that and the dagger to check both were still hung to her hips.

They stopped at a dressmaker and brought fine fabrics of blue, golds, and various other colors to make dresses and clothes for the rest of the family and the boy.

Once they had brought supplies for the journey they set out and rode on towards Canterbury.