I would like to thank everyone who will take the time to read this historical-fantasy book.
The story takes place in Wales, around 1300, concerns two important families who have bonds of kinship and friendship, together with shared secrets.
Elemen...
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After crossing two ditches of water, Owain had arrived at the west bank all frozen and parched. The temperature was not warm enough to chill even a puddle let alone at that time of the morning when the sun had not even risen, an amount of water of one ... no, two ditches at least the height of two men deep.
He had to find Parsy right away so he could change clothes if he did not want to get sick and jeopardize the mission. Owain crouched in some bushes not far from the edge of the ditch and listened. The cold was getting intense because of his soaked clothes and the wind that had picked up. Finally, he heard the call of a lark. That was the signal they had bargained with Parsy.
The sound was repeated several times at precise intervals. This gave Owain confirmation that it was Parsy and not a real bird. Owain cautiously followed the direction the call came from until he reached a hiding place made of stones and logs, well camouflaged and protected by bushes and plants.
<<You made it!>> said evidently pleased Parsy.
<<Of course, but I am freezing so hurry up and give me something to change into>> Owain answered him brusquely.
The clothes were not much since he had agreed with the de Clare to pass for a poor scullery boy. They smelled and had rips all over them, but at least they were dry.
<<Where did you put the horse?>> Owain asked Parsy as soon as he finished changing.
<<They are over there, follow me>>.
<<Are "they"?>> asked Owain confused.
<<Didn't Sir William tell you? I'm going with you>> was Parsy's flat explanation.
Owain stopped suddenly.
<<What are you doing, hurry up or they will see us>> Parsy urged him.
As soon as they got to the mounts Owain said:<<You can't come. You would be in the way. On my own I go faster and then if they should stop us... what should I say?>>
Parsy shrugged.
<<Something we will come up with, but these are the orders, so...>>
<<All right, all right...>> mumbled Owain.
<<But see that you do as I say>>
<<We will go by secondary trails, as far from the main road as possible, and try to make as little noise as possible. We cannot go at a gallop. We will try to keep a steady pace not too fast and not too slow either. No stops. We have no time to waste>>.
Owain got on his horse and then before spurring him turned back to Parsy and asked:<<Do you know how to fight?>>
<<I can handle it>>
<<You know that if anything should happen, the priority for me is to get to Carreg Cennen so I will not hesitate to leave you behind if the need arises>>.
