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Message-ID: <30845asstr$992657405@assm.asstr-mirror.org>
From: flame <flame@lvcm.com>
Subject: {ASSM} Milady and the Dragon part 4 (fantasy)
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2001 22:10:05 -0400
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<1st attachment, "knight.txt" begin>


                  Chapter IV. Collin and Jack

The Knight and his groom followed the road leading to the Keep.  It
was late afternoon as they approached the front gates of the Keep.
There should have been a guard on duty to warn of riders coming but
none could be seen as the two rode through the open gates.
People stopped and stared at the two, The one a very fine gentleman,
astride a huge black stallion, the other a small older man, dressed
in the livery of a groom, rode what looked to be a donkey.  they rode
into the center of the bailey and stopped.  When no one come out to
greet them the gentleman swung down from the saddle, he stood holding 
the reins of the stallion, then turned and looked towards his groom.
The groom climbed down off his donkey, and reached for the reins of 
the large stallion, who started to prance and paw the ground as it 
looked at the groom.  The gentlemen gently touched the horses mane 
and leaned down as if whispering to the horse, then tossed the reins 
to his groom.  Drapper came out of the stables, just in time to see 
the groom catch the reins and look around as if wondering what to do 
next.  He walked up to the gentlemen and bowed, introducing himself 
as the stable master and apologizing for lack of a formal greeting 
from the residents of the keep.  He suggested the gentlemen go inside 
and take a seat in the hall, someone would see him and find Captain 
Kurlew or Dame Agnes.  The gentlemen turned to his groom and instructed 
him to go with the stable master and see to the animals, then join him 
in the hall.  For a second the groom looked as if he would argue the 
order but muttering under his breath he turned and followed the man.  
The Stallion had other idea's and pulled back, rearing on his hind 
legs, Drapper laughed and reached out taking the reins from the groom.  
"a very spirited animal your master rides" commented Drapper as the 
stallion calmly followed. The groom leading his donkey, with a few 
tugs and muttered warnings followed Drapper into the stables.  He was 
shown what stall to put his donkey in as the stallion was lead into a 
larger, sturdier stall.  Drapper didn't want the stallion kicking down 
the stables if it got out of hand. After getting the animal settled in, 
he stood watching the groom rub his backside.
Drapper chewed on a piece of straw and suggested the groom remove the 
donkey's bridle and saddle, which the groom did with much fumbling and 
muttering. Dropping the saddle on his foot the groom started to swear 
long and loudly.  Drapper couldn't contain himself any longer and started 
to laugh, holding his stomach from laughing so hard he looked at the 
groom "I gather that's Virlane now sitting in the lady's hall, I knew 
this was going to be fun to watch, but I had no idea, it would mean 
seeing you as a groom" he started laughing again.  The groom walked 
over and punched Drapper on the shoulder, "You think its so funny, 
well me arse bounced all the way up the mountain and that beast of a 
stallion has already tried to take a bite out of it. I don't know how 
I let Virlane talk me into this!"  Trink headed out of the stables and 
turning told Drapper, "You can call me Jack!" He left to the sound of 
Drapper laughing and muttered about rude stable masters.

Virlane walked into the dining hall and took a seat at the head table, 
he looked around, not missing a thing, the stench was enough to make a 
dragon gag.  Virlane had always been very fastidious and this filth 
offended him greatly.  A scullery maid came out of the kitchens and 
skittered to a halt as she saw the man sitting at the mistress's table, 
he turned and looked at her.  "Would you please inform your mistress 
that she has company, child" her mouth hanging open, not saying a word 
she nodded and ran back into the kitchen.  The girl ran up and started 
to shake Harriet's arm, babbling about handsome knights and the main table.  
Harriett gently cuffed the girl on the side of her head and told her 
to get ahold of herself and speak plainly.  Loosing patience Harriett 
headed for the dining hall, stomping in she saw the man and advanced 
on the table, Harriett curtsied as this was to her eye's a very fine 
gentlemen and of high rank.  Virlane had just given Harriett the same 
message he had given the young scullery maid when Trink ambled into 
the dining hall.  He wrinkled his nose and looked at Virlane "Pheww 
this place stinks to high heaven, your sure this is the right place? 
Me Lord" He then turned and looked at Harriett "Me Lord and I have 
been traveling long and hard, a cold mug of ale and a bite to eat, 
would be nice right about now, my good woman."  He then winked at 
Harriett, suddenly flustered Harriett bobbed a curtsy and went back 
to the kitchen. She sent a maid scurrying to find Dame Agnes and Kurlew, 
then ordered another to fetch ale, bread and cheese ot to the men in 
the hall.  The girl was just setting the ale and food on the table 
before the two men when Harriett suddenly came flying from the kitchen, 
she grabbed the pitcher and platter, trying to think of something to 
say Harriett blurted out "this isn't fancy enough for the likes of you."  
Virlane chuckled and informed the flustered woman that plain fare would 
do them just fine.  Harriett nodded and ran back to the kitchen still 
clutching the pitcher and platter, the girl following on her heels.  
Virlane and Trink looked at each other and grinned.
Lord have mercy cried Harriett as she threw down the platter and 
pitcher "We almost served his Lordship the tainted food and drink."  
with that she sat down and fanned herself furiously with her apron 
trying to calm her nerves.

Dame Agnes arrived in the hall at the same time Kurlew did, they looked 
at each other wondering what was going on. Dame Agnes seeing the fine 
gentlemen sitting at the table brushed off her skirts and in a sickening 
sweet voice walked up, curtsied deeply "My Lord, have you lost your way? 
We would be delighted to provide you with a place to stay for the night 
and directions to your destination on the morrow."  The man raised an 
eyebrow and looked the woman standing before him up and down "You are 
the Duchess of St.Clair, Katrina DeLancy St.Clair?  I was led to believe 
she was a much younger woman of gentle refinement and a delight to look 
upon."  Dame Agnes with a startled glance at Kurlew pursed her lips "No 
indeed, My Lord, I am the Lady's housekeeper and companion, pardon my 
impertinence My Lord but you are?"  Virlane stepped down from the table 
and walked around to stand in front of Dame Agnes, he inclined his head 
and introduced himself. "I am Collin O`Donnell, Laird of the Clan O`Donnell 
and Duke of Virlane." he turned and indicated the other man "This is my 
groom and man of affairs, Jack Bentwood."
"I am not here by chance, but by direction of the King, he remembers fondly 
the daughter of his old friend The Duke of St. Clair and having heard some 
odd disturbing reports sent me to make sure the Lady is well and happy."  
Dame Agnes felt the color leave her face and thought she would faint, as 
she heard what the man said.  She stepped back and looked up at the man 
opening her mouth to say something, she was shoved aside by Kurlew.  
"MiLady is feeling a bit poorly at the moment and unable to see you, but 
we will give her your regards and tell her that you had been by to give 
her greetings." blustered Kurlew.  Collin smiled politely "My man, Jack 
is considered to be a fair healer and would be more then happy to care 
for the Lady St.Clair." turning to Dame Agnes he said "be so kind as 
to show Jack your Mistress's chambers."  Dame Agnes felt herself go 
even paler, she smiled a sickly smile at the Duke "it's nothing my 
Lord, the clumsy child tripped and fell down some stairs, a few bruises 
that will heal quickly."  "Good, then I shall look forward to meeting 
the Duchess at the evening meal, now if you would be so kind as to direct 
my man Jack to our chambers, it has been a long ride and I need to change 
and wash the dust of the road off."  Dame Agnes screeched at one of the 
scullery maids passing by "quickly wench, air out the Dukes old chambers
and put fresh linens on the bed." She ran after the girl hurrying her along. 
Turning his gaze on Kurlew, Collin commented "Your guards are not on duty 
at the gate, Is there a reason for such lacks of attention to the safety 
of the keep?"  With an angry look on his face Kurlew told the Duke that 
the guards had been ill with the stomach gripe as had half the keep, and 
would be back on duty that night.  He left the hall with the comment that 
he must return to his training.

Kurlew charged up the tower stairs and threw open the door to MiLady's 
chambers. Both women turned as the door opened, Mary who had been unbraiding 
MiLady's hair, picked up the hair brush, thinking to beat Kurlew senseless 
with it.  He simply pushed Mary aside and grabbed MiLady and shook her 
"You have a visitor downstairs, a man sent by the King to check on your 
welfare.  You say one word about what goes on here and I will claim Mary 
is a thief who has stolen from me and see her hanged in the bailey!"  
Mary gasped, knowing that Kurlew could and would do what he threatened.  
MiLady touched Mary's arm, calming her "I will of course do as you say 
Kurlew, you know how fond I am of Mary, I would never do anything to put 
her life in peril."  "See that you do!" snapped out Kurlew as he started 
to leave, he then turned back, "be in the dining hall for supper, and 
if asked, you fell down the stairs."  As soon as Kurlew had left, Mary 
grinned at MiLady, this is our chance, why we could slip the man a note, 
pleading for help. You know how to read and write, MiLady, hurry write 
a note and I will slip into his room and leave it for him.
After a few minutes thought, MiLady shook her head, we know nothing about 
this man, he could be worse then Kurlew, or a simpering fop like Barnard, 
lets wait and see his measure first and try to find out as much as possible 
about him before we do something that could get us in deeper trouble then 
we all ready are.  Now come Mary we have to be quick and get ready, I 
must look some what presentable.

In the dukes old chamber, Jack was helping Collin dress for the evening, 
Collin winced as Jack tightened his belt and jerked the scabbard for his 
sword into place.  "these clothes are an annoyance to say the least, how 
do you stand them? Jack." Jack grinned "We elves have a bit of modesty 
about us, we keep our parts covered, not to  mention a stray branch or 
thorn could unman an elf" shuddering at the thought Jack handed Collin 
his sword.  Collin laughed at Jack and the look of horror on his face at 
the thought, "you worry to much about those family jewels of yours, Jack" 
chuckled Collin as he walked to the door, he turned and spoke earnestly, 
"eat with the servants, listen to what they say and for what they don't say," 
grumbling Jack nodded and followed Collin out of the room and down to the 
dining hall.  Collin entered the dining hall with long bold strides, his 
black boots gleaming in the candle light.  Every man in the room knew a 
full fledged Knight when they saw one and bowed respectfully. Dame Agnes 
curtsied to Collin and indicated a chair at the table, next to Kurlew and 
Bruce, without thinking she sat down in MiLady's chair, Collin simply raised 
an eyebrow at her. She jumped up realizing her mistake and with a small ugly 
laugh took a seat further down the table.

MiLady gracefully walked into the room, her skirts making a soft whisper 
as she moved, Mary had brushed her hair out until it gleamed molten deep 
dark red, then braided it around her head, fastening it with a small gold 
circlet.  Her gown was of deep dark violet with and over skirt of lilac, 
her dainty slippers matching her dress, a scarf of lace covered her 
shoulders and was tucked into the bodice of her gown.  Collin stepped 
down from the table and met MiLady half way across the room, he held out 
his hand and she placed the palm of her hand on the back of his, with 
slow grace she dropped into a low curtsey.  Collin bowed over her hand 
then lifted it to his lips and barely brushed his lips over the back of 
her hand, then introduced himself.  At the touch of his lips on her hand, 
MiLady's eye's flew up to the mans face, Collin felt a shiver run through 
her fingers and smiled, MiLady's soft lavender eye's looked into dark green 
eye's and she felt a fission of awareness run through her body as his deep, 
soothing voice washed over her.  "Your Grace, I am pleased to at last have 
the pleasure of meeting you, the rumors of your beauty do not do you justice."  
He lead her to the table and her rightful place there. Once she was seated 
he sat down and turned to Dame Agnes "you must be more careful of your charge, 
it's a pity to see such beauty marred by bruises and cuts."  MiLady touched 
Collins arm, once more feeling a shock of awareness run through her body, 
"it is nothing, My Lord, I was in a hurry and stumbled, taking a small 
tumble down the stairs."  Suddenly Dame Agnes screeched out for dinner 
to begin, Collin winced and looked at MiLady, she smiled a small smile 
at him for some reason she couldn't seem to stop the warmth that flowed 
through her body, just sitting next to the man, sent all of her senses 
tingling.  "Please forgive, Dame Agnes, she can be a bit loud on occasion."  
Collin wanted growl with anger and swear never would he forgive the woman 
for what she had done to MiLady, but he simply nodded.

Harriett herself served the head table, wanting another look at the Lord.  
MiLady looked at Harriett, then at the platter she had laid before the Lord. 
Harriett with familiarity born of having seen MiLady come into the world, 
reached out and patted her hand. "safe as can be, MiLady, seems a bad bit 
of meat got into the kitchen by mistake."  Bruce who was still feeling the 
effects of the bad food felt his stomach muscles cramp and he threw a bone 
he had been chewing on at Harriett, cursing her poor cooking skills.  
Collin stood up and walked up to Bruce, grabbing him by the back of his collar, 
tossed him from the table "Poor manners are never acceptable, return when you 
have learned a few."  Never taking his dark green eye's from Bruce, he returned 
to his seat and apologized to MiLady and Harriett.  Bruce slunk out of the hall, 
then bolted for the jax again. Harriett with a wide grin on her face went back 
to the kitchen, rubbing her hands on her apron, she well pleased, her opinion 
of the fine Lord very high in her marks but that man, Jack, was something else, 
the nerve of the man giving her such a wicked wink thought Harriett.

Pleasant conversation flowed back and forth between the Knight and MiLady.  
It was wonderful to have intelligent discussions again, she thought, She 
asked questions about how the King and his young heir fared, about the 
state of the country and of the ladies at court.  As dinner ended, Collin 
stood up and once more bowed over MiLady's hand and smiled, thanking her 
for a delightful evening, MiLady smiled and bid the Lord good night, she 
knew when she was being dismissed, as she left the hall she turned the 
corner and stopped to listen.  "Dame Agnes, Captain Kurlew, I am not pleased 
at what I see, I doubt the King would be pleased either to hear of the state 
of affairs here.  The Keep is in a wretched state of filth, the food lacks 
spices, the men slovenly and look barely able to hold a sword.  Tomorrow, 
I will expect to see the ledgers, and will be touring the rest of the holdings.  
This keep and its lands were once one the richest of all the Kings men's holdings, 
I find it disturbing that it has fallen into such disrepair." So saying Collin 
strode from the room.  Rounding the corner Collin ran right into MiLady, reaching 
out and pulling her into his arms to keep her from falling, he looked down at her 
and grinned "hear anything interesting? MiLady" realizing he was still holding her, 
Collin let go, only to have to catch her again as she stumbled back.  
MiLady trying to find a little dignity, straightened her back and with a haughty 
toss of her head said "Not a thing, My Lord" he smiled down at her and she found 
herself once again smiling back.  Collin placed his hand at her elbow walking her 
towards the stairs, as they stood before MiLady's chamber door, Collin reached 
over her shoulder and opened it. For a second he saw fear flash through her eye's, 
with a gentle push on her back sending her into her room, he once again wished 
her good night and firmly shut the door.  Mathew coming up the stairs, stopped 
and shivered as he saw the anger in the Knights eyes, this was one man a body 
didn't want to cross he thought.  "No one is to enter her room unless it is her 
maid, is that understood" ordered Collin.  Mathew nodded and with a jaunty little 
salute, took up his guard duty by MiLady's door.

With a deep sigh of relief Collin entered his room and sat down quickly removed 
his boots, then began stripping out of his clothes, he was standing at the basin 
washing when he heard a knock at the door, thinking it was Jack, he called enter, 
he turned as he heard as gasp.  Mary stood in the door, clutching a hand full 
of towels, her mouth hanging open as she stared at the naked man, Jack slipped 
around Mary and took the towels from her, then with a thanks, shut the door.  
Laughing uproariously Jack tossed Collin a towel. seeing the look of surprise 
on Collins face Jack explained.  "Humans have a slightly different idea on the 
subject of nudity, yea need to keepin that in mind."  Mary stood on the other 
side of the door, her mouth still hanging open, she quickly headed down the hall.  
A huge grin split her face, why the man was hung like his stallion, and muscles, 
lordy, did he have muscles. She doubted there was an ounce of fat on that amazing 
body.  Stopping outside MiLady's door Mary winked at Mathew, then making sure no 
one was about, she pressed up against him and gave him a deep passionate kiss. 
With a sigh of regret Mathew stepped back from Mary, "I'm on guard duty all night, 
Mary me girl, so don't go gettin me all riled up." Mary gave him another quick 
kiss then went inside to help her Mistress undress and get ready for bed. Mathew 
might not be largely endowed like some men, nor the most polished, but he was hers 
and she was satisfied with what she had. She giggled, but it never hurt to get a 
good look at something amazing, now and then.

After slipping into her nightshift, MiLady sat and only half listened to Mary 
chattering about the handsome Lord and the happenings of the day.  Finally 
dismissing Mary, MiLady climbed into bed, she wracked her brains trying to 
remember where she might have met him before, he seems so familiar, yet he 
doesn't.  She closed her eyes and half asleep kept seeing those dark green 
eyes looking at her as if they could read her very thoughts.  She remembered 
the green and gold scarf he had tied around his sword hilt, she had once owned 
a similar scarf but had lost it several years ago, shaking her head at the 
coincidence, she feel asleep.  Once during the night she woke to a sound 
outside her door, she huddled under covers, when no one entered her chambers, 
she sighed with relief and fell back asleep.  Further down the hall, Collin 
lay awake, listening to the sounds of the night, he to heard the noise down 
the hall and started to rise, but then decided to let Mathew handle the problem.  
He fell asleep seeing laughing lavender eye's.




























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