No Greater Love

Chapter Two

        My day had gone generally smooth. I decided to travel to Gayinesville where the market was and perhaps spend my day there. As I looked through shops, a weaponry stall caught my eye. The shining blades of sabres, flamberges, and claymores intrigued me and after searching eagerly through the bundle, I drew a basket-weave claymore. The sun glinted brightly off of it and it felt...well, right. Thus, I pulled out twelve dollars and paid it to the kind pudgy sir who was very friendly. I thought he and Mrs. Gresham would be the best of friends. In his kindness, he even let me have a beautiful leather holster for the beautiful sword.

        After making my purchase, I decided I would need some practice so I galloped away on Goldie while Peppercorn rode in the saddlebags nearly scared half to death. At the edge of town there stood a vast expanse of woods filled with immensely tall trees, through which I made my way in order that I may find a clearing enough for me to practice.  In the midst of the thick woods I drew my sword and hacked away at a tree violently as Peppercorn leapt from her bag. With every strike I felt myself grow stronger. Though perhaps not as agile. I imagined myself killing evil henchmen and coming through victoriously. Though I had no idea that that senario would be in my near future.  

        In the midst of my grunts and strikes I sensed someone was watching me. Who would be all the way out here? I thought. I whipped around but saw no one there. I continued my practice. But then I heard chuckles. Really? I thought. Again I whipped around and seeing there was no one in sight, I decided to inspect the area. Sword in hand, I walked towards the way from which I came. "Who's there? Show yourself!" I called out. With a snap and a thud I saw a tall blonde haired guy who was shirtless, wearing tan trousers. He had apparently just jumped from the trees and now was crouched down on the floor. Immediately following, he darted to Goldie and hopped upon her back and they galloped away.

        "HEY! COME BACK HERE YOU! Goldie!" I screamed.

        The guy looked behind him to see me charging for him. He laughed which only stirred up my anger even more. "How dare you!" I thought as my eyes narrowed in on him. I sprinted after him but to no avail for I had tripped over roots and rocks multiple times. Consequently, Goldie and her selfish brutal rider had galloped off in the distance. Tears slipped down my now dirty face. "Goldie..." I whimpered. Leaning against a tree trunk I collapsed in grief with my hands upon my face. "I'll probably never see her again and who knows what he'll do to her!" I thought frantically.

        As I held my head in my hands I felt a warm breeze snort harshly against my hands. "Wait...." I thought. "The wind doesn't snort!" In concluding this I jumped up to see Goldie! She reared in her excitement and I squealed as I jumped up and down. I hugged her neck but felt along her neck rough hands. "UGH." I grunted as I noticed the thief with his shining green eyes and dimples. I had never loved men and proposed as a child that I never would. Yet though he stole my horse, my heart jumped with admiration at the sight of his tousled blonde hair and jokingly airs. I had to slap myself out of this unwanted transe. Coughing I said firmly, "Get off my horse NOW."

"Haha! I wouldn't want to mess with a lovely lady like yourself." He laughed as he dismounted.

My mouth formed a tight smile as I grabbed Goldie' s reins and was going to make my way back. But as I examined my surrounding I realized.....I'm lost. I turned towards the blonde headed guy and saw that he was leaning to one side with his strong arms crossed. He was smiling an all knowing smile so I was suspicious. "You planned this didn't you?" I inquired.

"Ha! Of course I did. Though I never forced you to follow me. "

"What. Was I just going to let you steal my best friend?!"

"This horse was your best friend huh." He said as he stroked her nose gently.

"Obviously." I said quickly removing his grimy hands from her soft face. 

"Yes, yes of course. My apologies."

There was a long awkward silence which was broken by my stomach growling.

Hearing this he offered, "Would you accompany me back to my camp? We could see to it that you are fed."

"Absolutely not." I said flatly. "I'd never go with a thieving barbarian who practically killed me with fear that i'd never see my best friend again."

Throwing his hands up in surrender he said, "Fine!" as he walked away he stopped and said,".....and.....I'm sorry."

"Still not coming!" 

"Can't you accept my apology?" he yelled.

"Just go away!" I said pointing to the direction he  was heading. 

He turned sharply and marched away into the woods. 

Goldie nudged me as if to say 'I'm hungry!' 

"I dont have any food girl." This was true for I had already eaten my lunch and only had a little milk left. 

Seeing my predicament, I decided to explore the area for maybe a fresh water spring or maybe an apple tree. I marched through the colorful fallen leaves with haste looking everywhere not only in search of provisions but to make sure that guy wasn't following me. 'I wish I had gotten his name. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so rude...but he stole my horse! UGH. Boys.' I thought.