Battle for Kirk and Home Chapter I

Chapter III

Chapter III Enya's P.O.V.

As we ran over the moors I got a chance to think over the last evenings and mornings adventure.

I had snuck into town to visit my best friend Beth. She would be serving until about 9:00 pm and then we would meet in her room and I would give her news of the preachers and recite the sermon from the past field meeting I had attended.

And because she was the tavern keepers daughter, she heard all the latest news and knew what went on in town. She would tell me who needed money or food or what the soldiers plans were if she heard anything.

When Beth did come up she was excited and a bit worried.

"Oh Enya! You will never guess! Tonight that terrible man they call Red came in with his crew and ordered drinks as usual. Normally my da would send me up to bed early if Red came in but he had stepped out to see the smith about something. So I had to serve them. As I was serving them Red began talking down to me and disrespecting me. As he was in the middle of saying something awful, when that Irish soldier got up. He said "that's enough Red." He was calm as you please and he looked bored! So then he said, "she said no Red. Let's stop this thing before someone gets hurt. That's a chap!" Reds face became so crimson that I thought he was going to pop! He said, "I've had it up to here with you boyo! Let's you and I take this outside!" James - the Irish boy you ken - said, "alright but in the morning at dawn." And then he yawned! Like standing up to Red was an everyday occurrence! So then he said he was tired and that he'd had a long day and all. And then He turned his eyes to Red and they looked like daggers of fire! Looking at Red straight on his voice filled with menace he said, "But you and your crew will leave the girl alone. And you'll pay for all your drinks, now.""

"I watched as most of Reds men cowered away from James, as He looked each in the eye. They all got their money out and threw it on the table and left one by one. Finally Red fuming looked at James, and with clenched teeth said, "Prepare to die boy."

James smirked and replied, "I am prepared. I know that if I die tomorrow or even in my sleep my next thought will be Jesus's holy face." Then his expression change to a thoughtful one and he almost whispered saying, "Can ya say the same I wonder?""

"I was quiet as this show of sorts went down. After Red stalked out of the room James turned and smiled at me. I was about to thank him and beg him not to risk his life but he turned away and went to his room. I cleaned up and got here as quickly as I could!"

Beth had finished her story and I was just quiet thinking. Beth knows me so she hadn't tried to get me to talk straight away.

I finally broke the silence with, "he dosnae have a second."

"What?" Beth's brow was furrowed at my statement.

"he dosnae have a second. A second is someone who makes sure that nothing unfair happens. He needs a second. You say he went straight to his room?"

"yes. He keeps to himself and dosnae keep company with anyone."

"So he has no friends."

Beth shook her head.

"I'll do it then."

Beth looked up in alarm. "but if he is..."

"If he is to wounded to finish the fight then I will. You ken could if wanted."

She nodded thoughtfully. "you'll go in your mask I'm guessin'."

"Yes. Now I must sleep if I am to help with the duel at dawn."

Then we had gone to sleep.

I let my thoughts wander as James and I continued to run.

He had looked composed and calm when I showed up in to the duel that morning. And when I stepped forward and announced that I was his second he just looked satisfied. Not even surprised! That had made me pause. Why wasn't he surprised? I shook it off, and said my name there was a bit of a stir in the crowd as I made it known that I was "Enya". He just smiled and held out his hand towards me. "it's good to see you again." he'd said. "Likewise." was my reply and I had smiled.

Then the duel had begun and I was once again puzzled by James. He was basically toying with Red. His swordsmanship far surpassed that evil coward. It was over quickly.

And that brings us to now. I led James to the same field I met him at and slowed down. I wasn't breathing hard even though we had just run five miles at top speed. I stood up straight and looked at James. He had dropped to the ground to rest. Although I could see he wasn't breathing much harder than I was.

He looked at me with his gold and emerald eyes and smiled. I made my decision.

I drew my sword and took a fighting stance. "stand and deliver" I demanded.