The Blackguard.

Dominiah's POV Surprisingly, I woke up from my sleep refreshed and ready for the day's events. I had thought that maybe I would start by finding out what happened four months ago. Last time King James arrived, and made my fast escape. I wondered if maybe, either, any of my clansmen had come as well. It would be nice to get a glance at some of them, but I knew that my hopes were too high. There was no possibility that my people would travel with James. My father hated the king to the core. Ever since I was young I had known that fact. Gidden the Drull, I thought with a small chuckle. As every day he would talk about the things the king had done and was doing. It was as if my father even hated the previous king and queen for making James be born. My father had spewed word after word about what he would do to James if he ever got his hands on him. My mother, Layah, had just smiled at her husband's words and told Dominiah that if I lived as long as my father, I would want to kill people and hate them to the core just as much as my father had for King James. At one point, my father was under the king's rule. In the kingdome and by the throne. But he could not stomach the ruthless and snobish king for that long. James was only fourteen when he took the throne, but it was enough for my father. My father had said there were countless parties where people were displaying their nakedness, that my father wanted to kill them. Money was wasted due to the king's expensive taste, not only in women but also in the trading of goods. Drugs, slaves, you think of it, the king was in all of it. Made his hands dirty in all respects. Maybe Henry was just like James. I thought about it while washing my face in the basin and drying it with a towel. They were similar in that category. The more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that there must be something that I was missing. How were James and Henry connected? It must be my imagination, she thought, as I looked for an outfit for the day. But a dreading feeling was still there, lingering in the back of my mind. I just didn't know how to express it or word it out. A bit confusing. Shrugging to myself, I decided to leave it alone for the moment until it became clear. There was no point in pressing at it. Like my father told me, The more you dig, the deeper you sink. Whatever that meant. Dressed and ready to tackle the day, I knew that there was a lot of ground to cover. Having no horse was hard, but I had my speed. Which was faster than a horse, by the way. Or rather, I could outrun any horse, so it is technically not a problem. But taking things back to my hideout, well, that was another story. Carriages usually work well for those kinds of things, and I am currently out of one. Oh well, I thought as I dragged my bow behind me to find fresh meat for the morning. Running through the forest gave me an immense feeling of freedom. Fresh air stuffs into my lungs as I intake in the freshness of the smell and taste on my tongue. Never forget it and want more of it every morning. That was why I awoke as early as the sun rose. Running at full speed, I watched my view becoming closer to a blur, in the dense forest. Slowling down was my best option in not scaring the game away. The birds fly in all directions as I land on a nearby tree limb of the ground ten feet away. Well, so much for not scaring the game, she thought to herself sarcastically. I was in hiding in a tree overlooking the meadow waiting till I spotted something or anything, after the noise I had just made. I would be glad if anything is left in this area after that wake up call on branch jump. I was never much in stealth. I just watched in the shadows and acted like a cute, innocent woman whenever someone had questions. Not long after sitting there, I saw a buck making his way into the clearing with an antler. The other broke off or whatever, I was just glad that he showed up. Feeling the taste of meat already in my mouth, I gathered the bow and aimed. Releasing it, I watched as the arrow pierced the heart and the buck fell over. Happy about my victory, I took a deep breath and jumped high, landing a few feet away from the deer. From where I was in the tree, the buck looked medium sized, but on closer inspection, I found out it was a good size for a buck. Goody, I thought as I smiled, walking closer to the deer. His weight was nothing, I thought,stringing the deer over my shoulders, compared to the beatings I used to receive at the castle. Balancing his weight on my shoulders, I gave a small chuckle before I started to run at full speed towards my place I call home. The sun had risen more during this time, and made everything fresh and inviting to touch. Small fog played upon the tips of grass blades, while the green leaves of the trees had morning dew running down the petals. I thought it was the best feeling and wonder in the world. Being able to see this with your own eyes.This is what being alive is all about. I wasted time at that stupid castle and away from all this, I thought, should have left earlier. Taking in the scenery, I walked briskly up the stairs to my butcher / kitchen. Keenly peeling and stripping the meat from the hive, I made quick work of the deer and laid out the rest for drying and some in cold storage for later cooking. Some have already been entered into the pot for cooking a stew for the rest of the day. Some I was already going to just cook over the fire, But others, well, let just say there was a very large bear near here. I gathered the rest of the deer to use as bait also, but away from my place, to get it out of the way. Washing my hands, I took out a book to read that I had stolen from one of my crusades, waiting patiently for my stew to get done. I was reading about the Greek gods of ancient times and how their enemies tried gaining all kinds of ways to destroy the gods because they feared them. If you fear it, you try to kill it, as it read. Battle strategies and ethics all played along the pages as I gazed briefly at them. My main focus was on the stew and everything else around me except the book. Why I was distracted, I don;t know. But I felt as though something was going to happen. You know that feeling of de javu. Well, I was feeling it. My feelings were everywhere and I didn't know what to think. Do I ignore the feeling or do I search it out? Question after question with feelings of strong bond were absorbed into me, as I felt it through the air. It was as if a part of her was attaching itself to that feeling and making her think about her home. The deeper I sank into that feeling, the warmer I felt. Snapping out of my daze, I came to realize that the only time this had happened was when she was around her people. Where are some of the blackguards near here? Snapping out of my thoughts, I quickly brushed those things off. There was no way that her people were there. It took years and then maybe months to be where she was at. Laughing to myself, I knew that I was thinking crazy thoughts about the air. It was probably the smell of stew that had made me think of home. Her mother used to do the same. The smell alone would make any man weak in the knees. It certainly was that way for her father, as she saw over the years. Graabbing a bowl and spoon, I dished my stew into the bowl, pilling on top. It smelled divine and with the leftover biscuits I had made, I quickly settled myself at the table. Tasting the soft meat and the potatoes, I realized that I had become a good cook, just like mama. Gobbling my stew as if it was the last meal on this earth, I quickly put it in my washing basin. Didn't know why I ate that fast, since I hardly took time to chew, I wondered where I should start first. The first town here, the east, was mostly whores and slaves. Jerico was the name of the hellhole. Which technically it was. It was practically stay and die or run for your life from that place. All the unwanted slaves and the ugliest of the whores were sent there as entertainment for the slaves. They had a few guards, who were slaves, patrolling the entrances, but the rest were kayos and death within its walls. She preferred to stay away from there most of the time. North of me was Durack.That was where the noblemen and the king lived. There was no way in hell she was going back there. The west was Luria filled with middle-class people. They had the biggest monastery I had ever seen. I was only there once, but it was more than enough. And finally, south of me was Gurch. The stupidest name I have ever heard. The people there were even more so. How they knew their way around there was beyond me. Everything looked the same around every corner. You ask where the butcher is, they tell you to go right, then left and you will see it in front of you. Where? Didn't even bother about anything after that. I just walked from one shop to another until I found what I was looking for and then left. I have spent a lot of time there, but I did't care. Never went back there and sure hell wasn't going to again. Well, except for the part where they were located at the seaside. Grabbing my hood and any other knives that I might be in need of, I grabbed my bow and arrows, walked out of my home and into the big forest. Some part of me thinks today will be a good day, while the other still thinks about the lingering bond from earlier. There wasn't anything that should have brought about that kind of a feeling. Shrugging to myself, I knew that I had to keep my head about it and not let it distract me. Being focused is the best possibility of any outcome. Loose your cool, loose your head. She would like to keep that part of her body intact. Running through the darkest and the dense part of the forest heading north towards Durack, I knew today would be a good score. I could feel it. Durack was full of the wealthiest families. But I didn't want to rush there. The nights were the times that she would prey upon the disgusted. It gave her power. And the king, of course. I wasn't sure if I wanted to visit them just yet. But I was gladly thinking of the next time that I would pay them a visit. That would be a spontaneous day. Reaking havoc and tearing their lives apart stich by stich. Did I make that sound as though they were woven dolls that had been stitched together? Oh well, so what if I did? They were the scum of the world, in my opinion. A lot of bullshit is all it was. Those people didn't give a dam about anything except their wealth. For all she knew, they could all die in the pits of hell and she would be the one that would put them there. And gladly. Slowing down, I wanted to take in the view. It wasn't everyday that she got to enjoy great scenery. Well, maybe she did, but isn't going to brag. The lush green of the trees and grass was stretched miles and miles, filling the horizon with smells. The birds chirped away that warm breath upon her face, taking in the warmth. I enjoyed the open fields without anyone disturbing my peace. Made me think about my homeland. I was surrounded with all the things that everyone else missed and was in their own little world. No one appreciates these types of things anymore. My mind was at peace. I was so engrossed that I didn't realize that there was a large shadow beside me. I was falling the next moment with great force that the lush green grass, cushioning my fall. What the hell? I thought about looking up at the source of my downfall. I was ready to kill that person with my bare hands. I've had enough of people messing with me! See a lone girl walking by herself, and decide to take advantage? Hell no! Murder was an option for me when I hated to be touched. Someone was going to hell to pay! ********************************************************************************************************* Devein rode out of town as soon as the sun rose. He had already thought it over after last night. After throwing the w***e out of his room and having his men deal with her, he couldn't go back to sleep. That was when his good friend the crow, or rather his messenger, from his chief, told me more about the things that he had found out while he traveled with King James to King Henry's castle. He learnt that there was a possibility that when the chief had mentioned his daughter, there could be a possibility that his daughter was under the service of the queen. They weren't even sure if she was Dominiah. But there was a great possibility that it was. They just had to find the girl without anyone on King Henry's side finding out. He didn't know for sure, but there was something very fishy about the way King Henry and his queen looked at them when mentioning a girl, as if they knew who she was, but didn't reveal any secrets. Ugh, so much stress and work over someone that wasn't supposed to disappear. The one person that was supposed to be protected at all times. The one and only person who can calm his inner storm. She was the only one that could bring him peace with just her eyes and smile. But yet, he turned around for a short minute and she was gone. It was his fault in the first place, but as others told him, it wasn';t. He was too young, as they had stated, he couldn't have done anything about it. Hell no! He could have, he was just scarred and in shock. It took him an entire week to snap out of his retreat, and by then she was long gone. His laughter, smiles, sparkling eyes, his life was gone. He became a shell and she was the only one that could open him up. But she was gone and he wasn't sure if he would ever see her again. He just hoped that he would. He would never let go or go out of sight. That was his promise if he ever found her again. That was his will and his salvation of life. Clearing his thoughts, Devein looked at his men and noticed that they seemed quieter than usual. It must be lack of sleep,he thought to himself as he observed a lush grass and trees in their path. It made him think of a similar place and it smelled the same too. What the hell? he thought as he observeed his surrounding as the closeness of home was closer and stronger feeling than he has ever had. The fresh breeze, the sun on the tree limbs and grass blades. The feeling of peace was most overwhelming that it felt as de ja vu aroung the corner. Suddenly, a shadow jumped from tree branch to the ground and ran away, fast. Pullng the reigns on the horse, it caught Devein's men's attention. They watched behind their commander's back of the cloacked figure making a quick work of the buck and running away. They were frozen! It wasn't fear that made them perplexed but astonighment of the current scene. No humand could possibly do any of those things. Devein watched in amazement as it took a shot, jump, butcher, sling over the shoulder and run away with the buck for the hooded figure to do. Hell, he couldn't even do that if he tried, even with his speed. But the shadow did it and was now running away. But why as though he smells fimiliar?he thought. I dismounted and signaled for my men to silence themselves and wait. Several hand gestures later and Devein was running after the shadow. I would get back to my men once I knew more about the hooded figure or his hideaway. I just knew that there was very similiar about this person and I wanted to know what that was. It took Devein awhile before he could catche up to the clocked figure. Devein waited till he disappeared into the broken entrance of a cstle before following him inside. What greated me was astonishing. Green vines along with multiple colors of flowers greeted my nose as I hid behind them to observe the hooded figure. Soon the hood was taken off and a beauty stood in place. Devein felt a stir in his soul and heart as he looked at her. She was breathtaken with her auburn hair and hazel eyes pearing behind thee red curls. Her slim figure but strong arms lifted the buck unto the butcher rope and slicing the belly without any flinching. It was of she had gotten used to the feeling and the killing. I made a mental note not to piss her off in the future or she might end up gutting him the same way. That feeling sent a cold shiver down my spine as I kept watching the beauty silently. She was observed in her work as I was in watching her and taking everything in my veiw in my mental conscienceness. The place that she has made home was breathtaking as was her. Wooden strucktures stood for support for the main house with straw and green vines for the roof. Flowery vines intertwined themselves around the pillars creating a heavy curtain. Part of the old castle tower held covering for what I thought might be her bedroom from the height. I would certainly would to watch the stars... Devein watched longer as she stewed, cut, stored and got ready for what he didn't know. But I was going to follow her. I had a feeling that I just found someone that could help me. I felt a great warmth from her and yet I didn't even know her. Almost as if, no, that can't be. She would have to be in order to do the things that she did and the way I felt about her just from one look. But from the way she walked and did things, I was sure that I found his one and only Dominiah. But there were doubts and suspision that I wanted to confront first before making a move and I wasn't exectly sure how I was going to go about it. Devein had a plan but he needed to find his men and fast. I watched as the beauty covered her face and sholdered a bad of weapons on one sholder before running out. I hid and watched as she took the direction of Durack through the forest at a high rate. My men were in the same direction that I had left them. I was sure that I would probably run into them if I tried to outrun her on foot. But it seemed as though she was faster and stronger than he was and at this moment I wished that I had my horse with me. I wasn't surprised with her if it was Dominiah, she was suppose to be the best of all of us as the seerer mentioned. And by the way that she moved and took care of herself, I was sure now that she must be Dominian. His soul already screamed out for me for my other half, but I had to get to my men and then track Doninah again. I would probably bring them back to her hideout, as long as she doen't get all pissy with him. From my peripheral vision I saw as she ran fast and finally stopped. For what I wasn't sure. But scanning the area I knew that there weren't any danger as darkness was just around the corner. But the sunshine was still very much visible and warm. I wondered if she was going to anjoy the scenery for awhile and if that happened, well he had enough time to get to his men. Hopefully, I thought as started to head towards the direction of my men. But fate had to intertwined and Devein saw his men not even hundred feet from him in the thickest part of the forest sitting around a fire. Never in his life was he ever thankful.