An Irish Flower (Medieval Romance/Adventure Story)

Chapter 17: Rescue

 Thank you everyone for your kind comments and encouragement! It means so much to me. There's still more excitement yet to come in the next chapters, but I decided to leave this chapter on a quieter note instead of a cliffhanger. ;) I'll post more soon. PLEASE vote on each chapter, it really makes a difference! And I would love to hear your thoughts too :) It's not edited yet so I'm sure I missed a few things.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 17

Weylin's heart stopped as the pair came into view. The man holding his wife was his father's captain, a ruthless man that revelled in the violence he was allowed to inflict under Camlin's immoral rule. A leer on his face, he press the tip of his blade slightly harder into Maeve's creamy skin.

“You're caught, Weylin; there be no way out for you.” He snickered. “Aire Camlin is VERY anxious to see you; he was distraught when you left him to fight the fire by himself.” The heavy sarcasm was impossible to miss. Weylin was trying to form a plan as he kept the man talking. “How did you find us? We didn't leave an easy trail.” The captain laughed. “Aye, it was not easy, but I'm very good at what I do. Now stop stalling and drop the sword, or I'll kill 'er now and tell aire Camlin the sad, sad tidings.” He shook his head in mock derision.

As he spoke, another guard came running towards them from outside, panting from his exertions. “What took ya so long, Gregor?” The captain roared. “Are horses really that hard to secure? My ageing grandmother could have done it more swiftly than your lazy bones can handle!” The guard lowered his head, “My apologies captain! One of the horses got spooked by a snake and it took a few moments to get her calmed again.” The captain rolled his eyes. “Aye, that's fine. Now go collect the lad's sword.”

Weylin knew he had no choice. His father knew his wife was barren, so she was of little use to him anymore and would not be angry if she were killed. His only hope was to surrender, and hope that they would have an opportunity to escape. “Aye, you'll have your sword, bastard though you may be,” he said bitterly as he set his weapon on the ground and stepped to the side. Gregor darted towards him and kicked the sword towards the captain, who nodded his head towards Weylin. “Tie his hands so he can't get away, I'll do the same to her when he's no longer a threat

After they were both securely trussed, they were brought to the entrance of the cave. Squinting in the sunlight, they could see a path leading down to thebeach- their way home. Maeve's eyes filled with tears. “We were so close,” she whispered to Weylin. His face was grim. “We're not done yet, my love. We may escape this yet.” He whispered for her ears alone as the two guards unceremoniously shoved them both to a sitting position and tied their ankles with strips of leather like the ones they had used on their hands. The captain straightened. “Gregor, keep an eye on them. I'm going to the top of this ridge to wave down aire Camlin when he arrives.” Gregor nodded. “Aye, I'll watch them. If they try to leave, I'll slice the pretty one's throat.” he gave them an evil grin, then went to sit just outside the cave. Suddenly they heard a gagging, choking sound, and the guard slumped forward clutching his throat frantically. A large arrow had gone through his neck. Spluttering blood, he finally law still. They listened closely and heard the captain's screams faintly above them for a moment; then they faded into a barely discernible gurgle.

Then two men walked through the entrance of the cave. “FATHER!” Maeve shreiked, tears of joy running down her face. The tall man, clearly a warrior not used to showing emotion, threw away all semblance of toughness and ran to his daughter, taking her in his arms and letting huge tears cascade down his face. “My daughter! Maeve! We have missed you so, we were so worried!” He pulled out his dagger and sliced through her bonds, then held her close. The other man went straight to Weylin. “Who are you? Weylin gaped. “And how did you happen to be here?” The man smiled. “I'm aire Tiernan's right hand man, lad. My name is Timan. As for why we're here, we'll tell you once we get you both to safety. Aire Camlin is rumoured to be on his way with a larger contingent of men then we have with us at the moment.”