Briar Woods (Re-working)

Chapter 22: Unrest

As the news spread of what happened in Kenton, a feeling of unrest rose across the land. I could not blame the people for how scared they were. I was as frightened as anyone, and yet I could not let the others see my weakness.

We continued to train our new recruits. In light of the brutality that had occurred, they appeared to be more dedicated than ever to improve their skills. This gave me something to focus on and I channeled all my energy into their training.

Training also gave me an excuse to avoid certain people, one of them being Sir Gregory. I had never answered his proposal. I knew I would never marry him but I had to admit that there was a side to him that frightened me and I didn't know what he would do if I out-right refused him.

The incident in Kenton, where he killed the man I had apprehended, bothered me. He claimed he had been protecting me but Warrick confirmed that the man had indeed been unconscious and I was not in any danger.

Sir Gregory was not a careless man, and he would not mistakenly kill the man. So why had he wanted the man dead? The potential reasons frightened me.

I began to feel paranoid. Was everyone around me involved in some secret plot? Was anyone who they claimed to be? I was sure to go mad, if I did not get some answers soon.

I feared for what would happen next, and daily patrols throughout D'Lanquet lands were implemented. While we patrolled our lands as best we could, we just didn't have the manpower to do so as effectively of late. Our newly added numbers were not as many as I had hoped, but the additions made patrolling manageable.

Our patrols and searches found no sign of the attackers. I was not overly surprised by this. After all, the men that attacked Kenton and had been responsible for the other attacks throughout the area were following orders.

My only hope was that Sir Raulf or whoever else was involved would slip up or leave some kind of clue that would reveal their plans. I did not know who all could be involved, for this reason I dared not call out Sis Raulf on his betrayal openly. For as little as I knew, there was one thing I was sure of; the game had just begun.

"My lady!" Brom called out to me. I was crossing from the courtyard to the main gate to meet his squad that was returning from patrol. He dismounted his horse and turned to me, a grave expression crossing his face.

"What news?" I inquired fearing his report. He did not reply right away, but regarded me for a moment.

"Our patrol took us past Kenton and so we planned to see how restorations were progressing." He paused again not sure how to explain.

I stepped closer, "What is it? Has something happened?"

"The place has been abandoned. There is not a living soul to be found anywhere. Its as if they disappeared into thin air, my lady."

"Disappeared!" I exclaimed. I reeled for a moment not quite comprehending his words. I had feared people would begin to flee, but I never fathomed a whole community would be gone without a trace.

"Brom, tell me, do you believe they left of their own accord, or do you suspect foul play?" I wanted to know what his instincts were.

"It is hard to say--there does not appear to have been a struggle. However, I find it hard to believe that they would be able to go anywhere without someone noticing." He ran a hand through his unruly hair, and sighed in frustration.

I looked at the other men. They appeared dirty and tired and I knew they would wish to rest and eat, as they had been on patrol most of the day.

Speaking to Brom I asked "I know you have just returned, but would you mind returning to Kenton with me? I wish to see the state of things myself."

He rubbed his chin contemplating my request. "Something tells me that I dont really have a choice. I know you well enough by now to know that you are most likely to go alone, if I were to decline." There was a hint of humor in his eyes and I felt color flush my cheeks.

Ignoring his comment I informed him. "I'll be ready to leave in fifteen minutes." Then I turned and walked away. I did not wish to go traipsing about in the powder blue gown I was currently wearing. I avoided wearing gowns as often as decency would permit, and yet I had to admit I enjoyed the way Bom looked at me when I did.

I glanced back his direction, and was slightly surprised to see his gaze following me as I walked away. Feeling my cheeks flush again, I quickened my pace. A part of me wondered if this little venture was a good idea. I didn't care for how my heart seemed to be beating faster than normal.