Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 15-

About a month later, I sat sewing once again in my tent, waiting for Joanna’s return with news of the boys. They received multiple cuts and scrapes, but nothing too serious. Terrin had healed terrifically, and was on his feet within two weeks.

There was a horrible rustling racket outside. I looked up just in time to see King Harold scowling down at me, his hand forcibly pushing Joanna by the shoulder.

“Women! Women here in the camp!” He hissed. “I can understand you, Evelyn, but Joanna, I’m terribly disappointed in you.”

Joanna didn’t say a word. She looked scared. I had never seen her scared before.

Hector, Terrin and Gwin bounded in behind the King, stopping short at the sight.

“I am outraged that you two would even consider going outside the place you belong- especially under my orders of staying at home!”

“Father, I-“ Joanna began.

“Silence child! You’ve both disobeyed me, and I will not stand for this intolerance! You two will pack tonight. You are being sent home in the morning!”

“Sir-“ Hector began.

“Silence!” He bellowed.

“Permission to speak.” Gwindire said.

The King glared at him but waved his hand in approval.

“These two have helped us tremendously. They’ve provided food and have fixed our-“

“You knew?! And you didn’t tell your King?! My God, if we weren’t in a war right now, I’d have all five of you exiled! Be gone, the three of you! You are not to speak to these women again!”He yelled.

They obeyed without comments.

He ferociously let go of Joanna’s shoulder, and with one final scowl, turned and left after the three boys.

I looked to Joanna. She gently rubbed her shoulder, her mind elsewhere.

~

As the King had ordered, we were back at the castle by mid-morning. We sheepishly ignored all the scolding and hissing coming from the older ladies.

My mother hadn’t said anything (since she had supported my trip), but welcomed be back comfortingly. Joanna’s mother did the same, for my mother had apparently told her our mission.

We were bored, and winter was once more upon us- which meant my birthday was as well. I wondered if I’d be able to write the boys, since the King had banned us from communicating. Or hopefully, he forgot.

~ -Age 16-

Dearest Evelyn,

The King is sending a few of the more respected men home for the holidays. It doesn’t include us, for I think he is still pestered with our disrespect. Or, so he calls it. Gwindire has calmed him down as much as possible, so perhaps he might let us come home. If not, then know that we’ve appreciated all you and Joanna had done for us, and we hope to come home safely to you.

            Much Love,

Hector, Terrin & Gwindire.

I showed the letter, among other small ones to Joanna. She nodded, then went back to her busywork. A small giddy bubble had formed in my stomach with the thought of the boys being home- even for a short amount of time.

I had wanted to sneak back onto camp, but Joanna warned it would be best to wait until the King’s temper had subsided. I was just wondering if she feared getting caught again. I wasn’t, even though my father had sent home a furious letter to Mother about my actions. When she read it, she threw it down with a huff, mumbling something about letting me be my own woman under her breath.