Tell me what you think about it.
Nathan finds himself falling into a haystack along side of a barn just as his body was falling to the floor back in his castle. He picked himself up and dusted himself off. He looked around to see a stone castle with people milling around. Some are working a horse in a corral. Some are pitching hay into stacks. One of the men sees Nathan and begins to question him. “Who are you Sir?” he asks. “How can we help you today Sir?” he adds. “I am called Nathan. I am in search of my wife. I fear something terrible has happened to her. She has not been home in two days,” he told the man. “How can we help you Sir?” He asks again. “I am in need of a horse but I have no way to repay you. I can only give my word to try and return it if you would be so kind,” he tells them. The rest of the men have gathered around by this time and listened to Nathan plead for help. “You seem very sincere,” says the man in charge. “I cannot give you a horse. But, I can ride with you to rescue your wife if you would allow me the honor of helping someone in need,” he tells Nathan. “My name is Simon. Let us make ready,” he tells Nathan. To his men he says “Make provisions for the ride. Bring this man a sword and a dagger as well. We ride in one hour. Gather food for ten men. Bring as many arrows as you can bind onto a horse. Now move,” he ordered. Simon and Nathan discussed a plan. “Have you ever heard of a man called The Traveler?” Nathan asks. “I have indeed,” replies Simon. “Does he have your wife?” he adds. “I don’t really know if he does or not. But if he has come upon her and discovers who she is, he will take her,” Nathan explains. “He is an enemy of mine. He killed my family. I have sworn to avenge their deaths. I know if he has Cecily he will hold her to get to me. He’ll use her to set a trap. He is a terrible man, evil and filled with hatred. And, he is the man that raised me,” Nathan finished. Simon replied, “I know he has several houses one of which is a days ride from here.” The men have now gathered everything for the journey. They will ride under Simon’s coat of arms. They head our towards the home of the Traveler.
Cecily is asleep in one of the bedrooms of Fumble. She is awakened by one of the servants. “Come quickly. I will help you to escape,” she tells Cecily. You must tell no one where you have been not even your husband. The master has very strong powers. He can keep you here as long as he wishes. He will kill your husband if he comes here. Now come quickly. I have made it to look like an escape. I will tell him I found your window opened when I came to check on you. I will wake him in a short time to avoid his suspicion. Now go quickly. The moon is full. You will be able to make your way to the river. Cross it as soon as you get to it to hide your foot prints. Here is some bread to eat as you go. Now be off,” the servant points her in the direction of the river. Cecily walks quickly in the direction of the water. She knows she is running for her life. She hopes Nathan has come to save her. She tells herself that she will never return to this place again if she makes it home.
Nathan and Simon ride hard to find Cecily. They are resolute in their mission. They will find her whatever the price. Simon is a man of chivalry. He will die before he gives up. It is his oath to help those in need. He will not accept failure. Nathan is glad to have made such an ally. He is also a man of his word. If it were possible he would be a knight. But, he will always be associated with the Traveler and all the dishonor that goes along with that association. He will never be knighted. This also adds to his hatred of the man who had both destroyed him as well as given him everything he has. It is late and they have made camp near the river that Cecily would be crossing. They would make a fresh attack in the morning after resting for the night.
When Cecily came across the river she could smell the camp fire. As she drew closer she could hear the men talking. She could barely make out the name Nathan, as the men talked. Could it be him? She wondered. She walked in that direction trying to be very quiet in case it was thieves. One of the men sitting a bit away from the others heard her trample the leaves as she stepped. He quietly snuck up on her and grabbed her from behind. She screamed. At once Nathan knew the voice. “Cecily!” he cried out and he and the other jumped to their feet. He ran to her and was upon them in seconds. He took her in his arms consoling her. At last she was safe. “I’ll never come back to this place she sobbed into his arms. Never again,” she repeated. Nathan guided her back to the fire. She was wet and shaking from the river as well as being grabbed. “Please forgive my sentry,” Simon pleads. He could not have known it was you in the woods. Please accept my apology,” he adds. Nathan tells her about meeting Simon on his return to the maze. He tells her how gracious Simon had been. Simon breaks in, “Tomorrow we will celebrate at my castle. We have achieved our goal and a celebration it will be. Now warm yourself and get your rest. My men and I shall protect you and see you safely home,” Simon declares. Cecily sits close to the fire and clings to Nathans side. She begins to feel safer as she holds onto him. Nathan also decides not to return. It is far too dangerous for Cecily. He will seal the room shut. What would happen if Walter found his way into the room and found them motionless on the floor. It would damage him for certain.
In the morning they return to Simon’s home. Simon orders a feats to be made for Nathan and Cecily. This was the stuff of the storytellers. This tale would be told again and again. Some of the men displayed their prowess in swordsmanship. Others shot at the targets with the bow. It was a time of great happiness. Nathan and Cecily had a good time with their new friend. But, now it was time to be going. They thanked Simon for all he had done for them. When they left they walked away with their hearts filled with happiness that they were together again. As they walked out of the sight of the others they disappeared into the nothingness that is between the world they called home and the one they called the maze.
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