The Witch's Daughter and the Rogue Lord

Opinionated

 I     tried not to think of the rebellion rumor. It may not even be true. I can't afford to think about such things. I have far more to deal with in my life right now.

               The flame in my chest burned even more after hearing about it. But I try not to show my discomfort. Especially after the volunteers started arriving. Among them was my dear friend, Angie. I was surprised she wasn’t here earlier, considering Mr. Lance is her father. Nonetheless, she was very pleased to see me there. She giggles as Ferron smiles at her.

Mr. Lance rolls his eyes. “Angie go ahead and help the others load the last carts. Lii do you and Lord Ferron mind taking the two you filled up to the carriage?”

               We both nod and make our way out the door. Ferron doesn’t look down at me, he just walks straight for the cart of armor. I go ahead and push my cart ahead, so I can lead him to the correct place. I can hear his cart close behind me.

“Mr. Lance is a very hard-working man,” Ferron says with a happy tone in his voice.I smile back at him, but I notice he isn’t smiling.

“Yes he is. Dragg is very proud of him for being our blacksmith. He earned the favor of King Reilach years ago. He is the one to design the King's Knights armor. So naturally, he gets the biggest commission from the King.” I try to say it with pride in my voice. But it doesn't feel real.

“Our King is asking quite a lot from a single man though.” Ferron frowns at me like I said something offensive.

I huff. “Ferron it isn’t safe to express such opinions.”

“You don’t think our King would be open to criticism?” Ferron says with smiling resentment.

“I think you know he isn’t.” I turn my gaze away from him and look straight ahead. I can't expect him to understand my situation. I’m already the daughter of a traitor. I can't risk agreeing with him.

“Dragg must be very fond of our King.” He has bitterness in his voice.

“Yes, he is.” I can feel the burn come up to my throat. “I’ve been taught not to speak negatively on our …beloved.” I choke on the word. “King.”

“I see.” Ferron groans but says nothing more.

               I feel the tension between us now. He wanted me to agree with him, which I do, but I just can't until I know there aren’t listening ears. I take a quick look back at him. His face is pale, and his eyes seem to be miles away. I look forward again and hope that we’ve put an end to the subject.

               I could see Sir Bane at the edge of the fence line. He was in his very ornamental armor, the very armor that Mr. Lance had designed. It had a large, beautiful floral crest in the center. He had his long blonde hair pulled back out of his face.

               Sir Bane was making space in the carriage it seemed. As we approached, he turned and smiled a wide grin at me.

“Morning Sir Bane,” I called

“Good morning to you Lii and to…” His smile vanishes as he assesses Ferron.

I release the cart handles and turn to Ferron. He is smiling again, but his brows are pulled together. I gesture to him. “Sir Bane this is Lord Ferron Dellagashe.”

Sir Bane bows his head immediately. “It's an honor, my Lord.”

“Indeed.” Ferron's mischievous smile remains. “Well, Sir Bane it seems we have a very large order for you here.”

Sir Bane eyes the carts. “This isn’t all of it is it?” He sounds disappointed.

“Hardly.” Ferron's voice hardens. “Mr. Lance has been working nonstop trying to fill this demanding order.”

“I can imagine.” Sir Bane's eyes narrow at Ferron.

“Yes well…others are bringing the rest.” Ferron sighs and reserves himself.

I also sigh but out of relief. Sir Bane and Ferron begin loading the carriage. I also begin to grab arm fulls of swords. Sir Bane looks at me. “I have a letter for Lord Dragg, Lii. It's from Erik.”

“Erik?” My heart skips and I can hear a c***k in my voice.

Ferron must've heard it too because he turns quickly to me.

“Yes, he was quite happy to be sending it. He must have some good news for his father.” Sir Bane says cheerfully as he shoves some armor into his large carriage.

“Oh.” I try to act calmer. “I do wonder what it could be. Did he give you any hint?”

“Not at all.” He shakes his head.

“Hmph.” I pout quietly. It had been so long since I’ve seen my childhood crush. I wonder if he looks much the same.

“How is the Lord's son fairing in the Kings Knights?” Ferron directs the question to Sir Bane.

“Quite well. He is a sturdy lad now. The King favors him I think over most of us.” Sir Bane shrugged.

“He should’ve sent him with you. It doesn’t seem very effective to send only one knight to defend such valuable cargo.” Ferron turns up his wicked smile.

Oh no. I think to myself.

Sir Bane is quickly offended. “I don’t need anybody escorting me.”

“I meant no offense of course sir, but it's just so many weapons and armor. Bandits are everywhere sir and while you may be very capable, I’m sure you couldn’t take down several men on your own.” Ferron's voice seems full of concern, but he still has that smile on his face.

“I don’t give them the chance, my Lord.” Sir Bane smiles a confident smile. “I get there in two days.”

“Two days? From here to the King's palace?” Ferron asks doubtfully. I try to occupy myself and continue to pack the carriage.

Sir Bane looks around carefully then leans closer to Ferron. “I don’t take it to the King's palace. I stop in the merchant city.”

I look to see Ferron's reaction. He looks very relieved. “That is much safer sir. I feel much better knowing that.” He turns and grabs some more armor.

“Why the concern in the first place, my Lord?” Sir Bane's eyes are questioning.

“Well.” Ferron does the same look around that Sir Bane did. “We heard some rumors of ….rebellion. I don’t know how true it is, but you can never be too careful.”

Sir Bane's eyes widened, but he says nothing and only nods. I’m not sure if that confirms or denies it. This may be the first he has heard of it.

                Ferron pushes in the last bit of armor just in time. Angie, Mr. Lance, and three other villagers push the remainder of the carts towards us. Sir Bane looks as though he was counting each cart's inventory. He gives an upset expression.

“Mornin Sir Bane.” Mr. Lance calls.

“Mr. Lance. “Sir Bane sighs. “I have to leave soon.”

“I know that. I’ve brought it all here and we will help you load-“

“This can't be all of it Yurg.” Sir Bane says informally adding Mr. Lance's first name.

Mr. Lance hangs his head. “I’m sorry Sir Bane. This was all I could manage…” He sheepishly hands Sir Bane an envelope. “I have written down a list of supplies I no longer have available…I thought maybe the King would be kind enough to help supply me with the needed materials to complete his order.”

Sir Bane didn’t soften his gaze or hide his clear disapproval. “Very well.” He took the envelope from the old blacksmith. "This isn't very competent of the Kings favorite blacksmith." I hear Angie scoff at the disrespect her father received. I frown at the knight but I continue to pack the order.

“Sir Bane I suggest you adjust your attitude towards this man.” I snap my head up to Ferron whose voice was holding back anger. “Mr. Lance, as I mentioned to you before, has been working very hard for our King. I think first and foremost he is owed gratefulness for what he’s done.”

“This isn’t what the King asked for.” Sir Bane’s face begins to glow red.

I feel my face heat and my heart begins to beat hard against my chest. Ferron's eyes flashed with justice. “The King asks too much.” I hear several gasps including my own.

“No, my Lord.” Mr. Lance looks at him pleadingly. “Please don’t say such things. I will get what the King is owed, Sir Bane.”

“You will good sir, but that is impossible without the supplies and time it takes to do so.” Ferron does not look away from Sir Bane now.

Sir Bane spat in Ferrons direction. His projectile barely missed Ferron's shoe. This only widens the Lord's smile. He takes two strides toward Sir Bane and stops inches away from him. “I am Ferron Dellagashe, Lord of Castle Gastion. You are Sir Bane of the merchant city Traeg. I could have you in a prison cell within the day for slighting me. But…..” Ferron’s eyelids lower, almost sensually. I feel a bit of shame as I realize how attractive I find this behavior. Ferron continues. “I’m not that kind of Lord. But I will gladly use my position to make sure this hard-working man gets the respect he deserves from a common delivery boy.” His words hit their mark.

               Sir Bane bowed his heated head and mumbled an apology to the blacksmith, who looked towards Ferron in amazement. Ferron bowed as well, but at Mr. Lance. My heart was going crazy in my chest. Ferron's head raised and his piercing eyes found mine. I see a bit of a blush on his cheeks as he smiles softly at me. Could he hear my heart from where he stood? Does he know the effect he is beginning to have on me?