Lilith's Child

Chapter 1

 Eliza held her breath to prevent the tickle in her nose turning into a sneeze. She screwed her eyes shut, loath to miss a second of the scene below her in the blacksmith's forge. A sneeze would lead to her discovery, and the punishment for that, she dared not think about. She squirmed against the prickly hay and attempted to remove the offending stem from her face.

Robin the blacksmith paused and strained to hear the soft, noise that had disturbed him. He was always aware of the dangers around him. His senses worked in his favor to prevent him from being caught in any acts that would reflect badly on him. He didn't want to compromise on his standing in this small, isolated community. He raised his head and scanned the building, loath to be surprised by unwelcome visitors. Especially at times like this, when he was particularly vulnerable.

'What is it?' Sarah whispered. A worried frown marred her pale features. She gazed up at the smith. In a moment of panic, she pulled her gown into place, to cover her naked breasts.

'I don't know.'

Robin rose to his feet. He reached for his discarded trousers. He tried to make as little noise as possible as he dressed. He signaled the young matron to do the same.

Sarah pulled down the hem of her skirts. A flush darkened her neck, spreading down to her barely concealed breasts.

Eliza realized that the smith knew something was wrong. She watched the pair below stop their illicit coupling. She sighed and pulled her own gown back into position over her full breasts. She prepared to make her escape before she was discovered in her hiding place. She watched and waited in silence for the moment she should flee.

With an abrupt wave of his hand, Robin signaled Sarah to move away from the hay pile. He looked at the crushed hay where they had lain together just a few moments before and scuffed it with his foot. He needed to hide all trace of their assignation.

Sarah slipped behind a cart that stood in a darkened recess at the back of the smithy. She crouched down. hiding from any visitors.

The large wooden doors to the smithy shook with the forces of blows against them from outside. Robin took a few moments to compose himself before shouting. 'Hold on, I'm coming!' With a last glance to ensure that Sarah was well hidden, he threw open the heavy doors.

'There you are!' boomed the man responsible for the banging. 'I thought you'd given up work and gone fishing.'

'Just having a quiet bite, Mayor. I've still got lots to do.' Robin answered Sarah's husband.

'Good, good...now about the new wheel for my wagon, is it ready yet? The merchants are eager to be off. You know these traveling men, hey?' The mayor chuckled and nudged Robin in his ribs.

'I'll deliver it tomorrow, first light.'

The blacksmith guided the mayor towards the door.

'Now if you excuse me, I have things to get done if I am to deliver in the morning.'

He gave the mayor a forced grin, reaching for the edge of the smithy doors as he did so.

'Of course my boy.' The mayor returned Robin's grin. 'I'm off to find that wife of mine. Take it from me; avoid the young, pretty ones when taking a wife. Your prick might grow often, but your gold shrinks daily.'

The mayor laughed, turned away from the smithy and headed towards the inn.

Robin swung the heavy doors shut, scraping the hefty iron bolt into place. Once the door was secure, he whispered to Sarah to come out of her hiding place.