Blood Ward

Chapter 1

I stepped out onto the balcony of my father's estate, heedless of the chill in the air, penetrating my nightgown. I breathed deep, imagining I could smell the scent of the stables across the mile and a half expanse separating me from my favorite gelding, War Chaser. It had been weeks since I'd been able to slip away for an afternoon of riding. My body ached for the feel of the wind in my hair and the scent of the leather tack.

I smiled, picturing Stefan waiting for me outside the barn after a long carefree ride out to the Briarwood. "You're late," he would say grinning at me jokingly.

"If father knew what I was really doing, he would die of embarrassment," I'd retort with an equally wide grin.

"Yes, and I'd be shipped off to the service of another Earl who didn't have such a beautiful daughter for me to teach forbidden weapon's training to," then he would place his hands on my hips and pull me close to him so he could press his soft lips to mine.

I would giggle and pull away saying, "Sir Blackwood! What if someone sees!?"

"Let them look, my lady..."He would grin and kiss me again.

"My lady!" I snapped out of my day dream and turned to scowl at the interruption.

"What is it Enalairya?" I asked, letting her know I was less than pleased.

She stuttered nervously as she said, "Y-Your father says you sh-should get some rest for the arrival of Earl C-Compton tomorrow, my lady."

I sighed. Earl Thomas Compton.The last man on earth I would ever want to marry was to arrive tomorrow to fulfill our two families'wishes by proposing. "Ugh, tell father I will not be shooed off to bed like some child."

"My lady!" Enalairya gasped,her face blushing red. "Y-You c-c-can't mean for me t-t-t..."

I stopped her with a hand raised."No," I sighed. "I'll be in, in one moment. I just need some fresh air."

Enalairya curtsied nervously and backed out with a muttered, "Yes, my lady."

I sighed again. If only I could refuse ladies in waiting. I never liked having girls tittering over me. I was perfectly capable of taking care of my own needs, but if I wanted father to believe I was his perfect, spoiled little girl, I had to play along. Acting like some brainless twit was for court life. I was more interested in adventure and weapon's training. I was an oddity among the ladies at court. Even my best friend Valkyrie(who just so happened to be the princess of the realm) was often shocked at my interest in strategy and intrigue. Her talents centered on gossip and fashion.

When I was 15, I'd started to show an interest in horseback riding and not just side saddle. I would spend hours down at the barn watching the knights and squires training and riding the war horses, wishing I could feel that kind of freedom. One day I'd snuck into the barn, ditching my current servant and started brushing one of the geldings not being used. I'd gotten so entranced, I didn't notice the knight approach. "My lady, what are you doing here without an escort?"

I jumped out of my skin, dropping the brush and giving a yelp of surprise. "You startled me sir," I said, a hand over my heart.

"I apologize, my lady," he bowed, a fist over his chest.

I suddenly panicked. "You won't turn me in?" I asked nervously, knowing my father would not have his daughter passing her time with what were both male and peasant activities. I looked at his face and recognized him as one of the newest knights to join my father's service. "You're Sir Blackwood, correct?"

"I am." He was barely 18 and probably new to his title.

I looked at him and an understanding passed between us. "So, Sir Blackwood..."