Chapter 53

53

"What will you get out of doing this?" Sapphire asked, desperation lacing through her. She needed to get out of there somehow!

"Revenge, for my dead son. Happiness, for myself. The reason of me being alive this long finally having a purpose. Shall I go on?" Corriane questioned as she watched the flames spread rapidly throughout the room. She should have had more rushes placed, a pity. Although the fewer the rushes, the more painful would be for the chit. She smiled at the thought.

Corriane left Sapphire in the chamber to die. She had bigger fish to fry. How had Tristan found her so quickly? It had barely been a complete day, and yet the arrogant git had found her. How!? Corriane was beside herself in fury. She quickly walked through the many dark tunnels, the man following quietly in her wake, not coming to close. She had to know how Tristan was able to find her! He was not this intelligent.

Corriane came to a halt as she heard the sound of battle cries. Switching her direction, she headed towards the top of the mountains. A small cave was located there, one which held a small opening to view the outside. That would be perfect to view who was battling whom.

By the time she reached her destination, her gown was torn in several places, her hands slightly raw, and her breathing shallow. But she cared not, she had a task to complete.

Corriane surveyed the battle ground. Amongst the many unfamiliar faces, one struck her memory. It seemed the years had been kind to him, not a single wrinkle marred his features. Of its own accord, her hand went to her own face, her fingers slightly searching. She watched him quietly as he struck one man after another, never letting anyone draw to near. But throughout it all, his gaze was searching, his body trying to move towards a certain direction. Corriane snorted, he wouldn't be able to find his daughter no matter how hard he tried. She was most likely dead by now.

She looked through the many men battling, many of her own meeting their death rather quickly. Her eyes searched, and searched, but she couldn't find him. Or was it possible she ceased to recognize him? Had he changed much over the years? So much so that she, his mother, was unable to recognize him? She wondered who he took after. He had his father's hair. But, she couldn't see a head of bronze amongst the battle. Mayhap it had grown darker? Did he take after her? Her Christian had his father's hair, but he had her eyes, her coloring. What if Tristan was a replica of her Christian? The fates would not be so cruel? Would they?

Corriane continued to watch the bloodshed. What seemed to be hours to her, were in fact, only a mere few minutes. She dragged her eyes, as well as her thoughts, away. She needed do find Fredrick, put him in Rivers path, then find Tristan and finish him off. But before doing so, he had to see the charred body of his beloved. She would not make death easy for him. It had to be painful, excruciating. She would never be able to give him as much pain as he had given her, but she would give him as much pain as she possibly could.

****

Sapphire stared at Corriane's retreating form. How could the woman so easily kill another? How could she hurt her son? A son which had done nothing to earn such treatment?

Sapphire began pulling at her chains until her wrists became raw, blood beginning to ooze from them.

"As if I need to loose more blood." Sapphire muttered angrily.

She kicked, she pulled, but nothing seemed to work. Sapphire coughed as the smoke began to fill her lungs. The fire would reach her soon enough. She looked towards the entrance. Nothing.

Hot, scalding tears filled her eyes before cascading down her cheeks. She wouldn't be able to see Izzy's children, nor would she be able to tell Tristan how much she loved him. Never again would her uncle train her, never again would he tell her he loved her and never would he be able to hold her child in his arms.

Sapphire pulled the chains again in vain, wincing as she noticed how hot they were. She closed her eyes as despair over took her. This was the end. If only she could tell Tristan how much she loved him. It was true, what they said. One should always leave their loved ones with loving words, for they knew not if it was their last time seeing them. Death could come at any given time, and we'd be none the wiser. We should live our lives in such a way, that when we die, even if unexpected, we are content to die. Content to meet our creator and to know we have not wronged another.

Sapphire took a shaky breath as more tears assaulted her. Tristan mustn't know it was his mother, he would be crushed! Her poor Tristan. He was always so kind and so loving to everyone around, despite the fact he had never gotten love himself. He would end up killing her in his anger and then he would regret it.

Sapphire tried once more with the chains, but other than scalding her wrists, they did nothing. Sapphire swayed on her spot. It was really hot. She was getting light headed. She needed water, her throat felt dry. Sapphire stumbled back slightly as her vision failed her. It was really hot. Her head felt heavy. The flames were drawing near, almost as if they were teasing her. She could have swore they were laughing at her, mocking her. Sapphire looked towards the entrance of the cave, it was covered in smoke. Was that a figure she saw? Whether it was reality or a figment of her imagination, Sapphire knew not, because at that precise moment, her body had had enough, letting the comfort of unconsciousness protect her from the horrors which were still to come.

****

"Tristan, go!" Lord Rivers growled, tying a piece of linen around his upper arm to stop the blood from gushing.

"No!" Tristan snarled. "I can help you battle and we can go together. Fredrick is a cruel man."

" I am very aware of Fredrick's cruelty. Which makes it essential for you to find Sapphire. I will see to Fredrick and his lady friend. You must find Sapphire." Lord Rivers said as he aimed an arrow at one of the men, catching them unaware.

The guards had been dealt with, and now they were trying to take out as many men as they could, as stealthily as they could. As each man was killed, their men would remove the body. Dressed in the guards clothing, none were the wiser.

Tristan stayed quiet, lord Rivers not looking his way. Then, very quietly, as if he were too afraid to speak, as if voicing his fears would turn them into reality, Tristan asked in a slightly choked voice, "what if I can't find her?"

Lord Rivers refused to look up, knowing his own eyes were clouded with tears, but he couldn't let Tristan know. He had to be strong for both of them. At that moment, Tristan was the small ten year old boy he had found, afraid of his own potential.

"You will find her. And you will bring her back. If I believe in you, then you have no reason to doubt yourself. Believe me. If I can, then you can as well." Lord Rivers voice came out clear and strong, one would not be able to tell he was fighting a raging battle within himself.

He glanced from the corner of his eye as Tristan stood up to leave, not turning back.

That was well over an hour ago. There was no sign of either Tristan or Sapphire. Nor was there a sign of Fredrick or his lady friend. He needed to get to Fredrick. It mattered little whether they killed everyone if Fredrick managed to escape.

Lord Rivers killed his current adversary, staring menacingly at the five men who circled him. He was covered in blood, his sword coated in the blood of his latest victim. The men backed away, giving him a wide berth. Lord Rivers lip's curled into a malicious grin, a glint in his eye.

"Where is your leader, Fredrick?"

The men remained quiet, staring tensely at each other.

"Who is his mistress?"

Again, they remained quiet, staring at each other. One of the men shifted from one foot to another.

"Where is Sapphire being held?"

No one spoke a word. Lord Rivers gave them another minute or so, but they held their tongues. Then, faster then they could comprehend, faster than they could blink, two of the five men lay dead on the ground before them. A dagger protruded from the heart of one, while the others head lay beside his body covered in dirt.

The remaining three men stepped back, fear coating their features.

"We are nay afraid of ye."

"I never asked you to be afraid of me. I asked you simple questions, ones you have the capability of answering. You decided not to answer them. I decided to remove you from my path." Lord Rivers answered nonchalantly.

"Will ye kill us if we tell ye?" The one who had been shifting nervously before, questioned.

"I will spare you now, but if you attack me, or my men, I will seek retribution." Lord Rivers answered.

"Fredrick is in the mountains, the second layer where the caves are. We doona ken of the mistress' name, but we have heard Fredrick call her by the name of Corriane-" Lord Rivers inhaled sharply- "We doona ken a Sapphire." The same man answered hastily.

"Sapphire is the prisoner who was brought in." Lord Rivers snapped, his mind going slightly numb. Everything was falling into place.

"We doona ken. Mistress took her as soon as she was brought." The man in the middle said quickly. Apparently, he too, valued his life.

"What does this Corriane woman look like? Describe her to me." Lord Rivers had gone slightly pale.

"She is verra beautiful. Her hair is as fair as the sun, at times we swear tis more fair than the sun-"

"I asked not for you to say poetry in her wake, I asked you to describe her features to me!" Lord Rivers snarled, he did not need to hear grown men pathetically falling at her feet, he had better things to do.

The man paled but continued to speak.

"She has fair hair and light blue eyes. Her cheek bones are verra high. She is a bonny lass. Yet she is verra cold. She doesna speak to anyone of us, only to Fredrick. Only if she is in dire need of something, does she speaks to us. Even then, she speaks as if we are beneath her, not worthy of her time." The man who had stayed silent thus far, was the one to speak. Although his words were one of anger and loathing, he was unable to hide his awe over the woman's beauty. Cruel as she was, her outer beauty could not be denied, nor could it be ignored.

"When did she join you?"

"We doona ken."

Lord Rivers accepted their answers. There was nothing else they could help him with.

"Stay clear of my men, if you do not raise your sword on them, they shall not attack you." Lord Rivers said as he turned to leave.

"Where is Corriane?"

"In the caves. Her chambers are across from Fredrick's."

"Thank you." Lord Rivers said in gratitude as he ran towards the mountain, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He had to get Tristan out of there.

The three men stared at lord Rivers retreating form in awe, no one had ever thanked them before. Yet, today a lord had thanked them, more so, he had stayed true to his word and spared them.

"I shall help him." One of the men said as he raised his sword.

"Are ye mad? Why would ye want to help him? Fredrick will have ye head."

"He has given me more respect in these five minutes than anyone has ever given me in my entire life. Further more, he has treated my like his equal, as a human." With that being said, the man took off after lord Rivers.

"He has gone daft." The other man muttered.

***

"I can help ye."

Lord Rivers looked towards his right to find the man who had been the first to answer his questions, crouch beside him.

"Help me?"

"Aye. I can help ye get around the caves and I can tell ye where the mistress is. I canna help ye with lady Sapphire. I doona ken where she is."

The man paused to take a breath, then, as if he had forgotten, he said, "my name is Galaith."

"Galaith, why do you want to help me?"

Galaith smiled sadly.

"Do I need a reason, my laird?"

"Aye, you do. I was about to kill you not moments ago, and now you want to help me?" Did the man think him daft?

"If I tell ye, ye willna believe me. If I survive the battle, I shall tell ye. But if I do survive, I have one request. I would like to join yer army."

"This is not my army."

"The men answer to ye."

"They answer to my son."

"Then there would be no greater honor for me then to join an army where it's people have such respect for their laird, that they respect his father."

Lord Rivers appraised the man.

"What made you join Fredrick?"

"Coin? Labor? I doona ken the reason meself." Galiath said as he stared at his hands. He looked no older than twenty-five summers.

Lord Rivers prayed to The Lord he was not making a mistake in accepting his aid.

"I had told Tristan to go find Sapphire. If what you said about Corriane is true, I need to reach Tristan before she manages to do so.

"Aye, I will take ye to her chambers."

***

Tristan cut the leaves and shrubs with his sword, finding the clearing he was looking for. He ran towards the tree which was located just to the end of the clearing. Quickly, he began to climb it until he reached the very top. This tree had been here longer than he could remember. Tristan removed the flowers and moss which covered the mouth of the small cave. As a child, he could easily fit through it, he wasn't so sure about now.

He carefully let go of the trees branch's and put one leg into the tree before the second one followed. It was slightly uncomfortable but he would fit. Tristan put his entire body into the opening and then slid down. Once inside the cave, he pressed his ear to the floor and heard the murmur of voices.

Another thing Tristan found amazing about these caves was that all the caves were connected. The cave he currently stood in, had small holes throughout it. And those holes lead to all the caves in the mountain. If one were to put their ear next to the holes, they could hear the conversations taking place quite clearly. A miracle in itself.

Tristan put his ear next to almost it every hole, but none of them could lead him towards Sapphire.

"God damn it!" Tristan cursed as he kicked at a pebble. He needed to find her, but how? Tristan punched the wall! He was running out of time! With his mouth set, Tristan left the cave. He would start with what he knew. The lower floor was empty, he heard nothing and could also smell the dampness which would occupy a cave once it was abandoned. The second floor was occupied by people. The third floor also seemed to have been used. Which meant he had to search the second and third floors. He was on the fifth floor now. He checked all the caves to find them empty, Tristan moved forward. The fourth floor had two men which Tristan took out easily enough by slitting their throats and hiding the bodies. Time was of essence but he couldn't afford to be careless.

He moved to the third floor which seemed to be more inhabitant than the last two he had searched. He checked all the caves, killing anyone who dared cross his path. It was still quiet outside, which meant the battle had yet to begin. A good sign, they had not discovered an intruder as yet.

Tristan clandestinely moved through the caves, quietly killing another dozen men. They were either caught unaware or were to slow to draw their weapons. Or simply, they were dealing with a man with a purpose, one who was not afraid of death. One who would do anything to reach the love of his life.

Tristan checked the third floor twice, hiding in the shadows when a large number of men would pass. He knew when to draw his sword and when to halt it. He waited until they had gone before moving towards the second floor. Tristan cursed low and hard. The floor was crawling with men! He surreptitiously made his way back up, returning to the men he had just killed. He took their weapons, as well as their clothing. Tying a piece of cloth on the lower portion of his face so that everything besides his eyes was covered, Tristan walked out with the air of a man who was in control. He was not naive, not a single one of the men had a beard, and if they did, it was very large. Tristan would have stuck out. Not to mention the men were most likely told of his appearance before leaving for battle.

Tristan walked through the third and second floors, nodding at the men who passed him.

"Why is ye face covered?" A brawny man asked of Tristan as he eyed him suspiciously over his tankard of ale.

"A nasty gash in the battle. Some herbs and paste the healer put on me face. Told me to keep it covered. I ken better than to ignore him." Tristan answered evenly in a thick Scottish accent. His steely silver eyes daring the man to defy him.

"Aye, Knight and his men are a nasty piece of work. Good thing ye did was see to yer injuries. Got a gash meself, but was nay quick enough to go to the healer. If it doesna get better, me arm might have to be cut off." The man said somberly.

Tristan spoke before he thought better of it.

"Seven miles north from here is a village, there is a healer who can see to yer arm. But ye must hurry."

"If the healers a lassie than I would rather die!" The man spat.

Tristan suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. The man was an intolerable git! Sapphire would be so very pleased to deal with him.

"Nay, tis a man. But ye must leave now. He doesna see anyone before the noon meal. It will take ye sometime to reach there." Tristan said as he walked past the man and into a room. He shut the door and stared at the chamber.

It was filled with a woman's items. A cold bath stood before him. This must be the room the mistress had taken up. No sign of Sapphire. Tristan looked around the room closely, it was not amongst those who held a hidden passage. The room was filled with several chests. Tristan considered checking the chests but thought better of it. He could not afford to be found in such a compromising state. He left the woman's room in favor of the one across it. That to, was empty.

Tristan checked several more rooms. Some were empty while others were occupied by men drinking ale.

"Do ye ken where Fredrick is?" Tristan asked one of the men walking past him.

"Nay, he was nay too happy with mistress. Threw a fit before leaving his chambers." The red head answered all too cheerfully.

"The mistress, which way did she go?"

"I doona ken."

"Thank ye for yer assistance." Tristan said.

The man eyes him with suspicion.

"Did ye just join?"

"How can ye tell?"

"No one thanks another. Ye take what ye can, when ye can. Try to save another's hide and ye will be trading yer own. It would do ye good to remember." The man advised before walking away.

Tristan stared at the man's retreating form. That was not the way of life, but it would do him little good to dwell upon it. He needed to find Sapphire.

He checked the second floor. No Sapphire. Where could she be?

Just as he went to the first floor, he heard it, the battle cry.

Tristan hid in the recess of the shadows as the men ran past him. Once they had all left, Tristan hurried to the first floor, thoroughly checking it in vain. He had wasted enough time waiting for them to leave, he couldn't waste more. Chances were they had switched her location.

That only left the dungeons which were deep under ground. Tristan went to the second floor, running into the room on the far right of the mountain. Once inside the room, he made certain it was closed before stepping towards the hidden passage, this would lead him to the heart of the dungeon much quicker. Tristan ran his hand against the wall, it was there... Just as Tristan was to press the lever, the door was thrown open.

"Why are you not with the other men battling?" A cold voice sneered. Tristan froze, the voice trickled something in his memory.

Slowly, her turned around to face the speaker.

"I asked you a question, had I not? And what is that mask on your face?" Corriane snapped. She had to find Fredrick and then that awful son of hers.

Corriane took in the man's appearance. He had an unusual shade of hair coloring. As if The Lord could not decide which color to choose. A piece of cloth covered his face while his clothes were old and worn. Barely presentable. A sword was sheathed by his hip. It seemed as if the man was only vain regarding his hair. A pity, everything else regarding him seemed to entice her hatred. Was it the way his silver gaze stared at her with such coldness it left a certain chill to the room? Or was it his arrogance? Just what was it about the man who stood in front of her?

Tristan's lungs refused to let air enter them, his body enflamed in an anger and betrayal he knew not that he was capable of. But he mustn't let his emotions rule him now. Staying level at this very moment was more crucial than he could ever fathom.

With the air of one discussing the weather, not giving any hint of the turmoil raging within, Tristan spoke calmly, clearly. His silver gaze colder than the steel of a blade.

"I am making certain the other men have gathered for battle. Fredrick wishes everyone to partake in the battle. As for the mask, I attained an injury to my face earlier. The healer applied an herb, told me to keep it covered if I value me life." Tristan answered in a thick Scottish accent.

"Very well. And where exactly is Fredrick?"

"I canna recall."

"You mangy cur! What are you good for?!" Corriane snarled.

Tristan stayed silent as she stalked out of the room. Once he was certain she was gone, did he press the lever, the wall instantly sliding to the side. Tristan stepped inside, closing the opening. Only when he was surrounded by darkness, did he let his body fall to the floor as it shook with his barely concealed anger.

But it was more than anger that he felt. Once more, he was a boy of no more than ten or eleven summers, begging for his mothers attention. Only to be kicked to the curb, neglected. Once again, he felt the pain of every slap, of every kick. He felt the blood trail down from his head as he was thrown against the wall. More than the physical pain, he remembered the contempt, the hatred his mother had for him.

"I hate you! You hear me? I hate you! I wish you were never born!"

***

"You killed your brother! I know you did! What did he do to you?! What!" Corriane screeched as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"Mamma, I didn't. Tin-"

"Don't you you dare say his name on your filthy tongue! Don't you dare! You killed my angel! My sweet child! Had you no remorse! Mark my words boy, I shall make you suffer! I will take away the one thing you would come to value!"

***

"You can not love, you see. No one loves you. You are incapable of love. Therefore, how can you love, if no one loves you. You can not give what you have not received. It is quite simple, my boy."

***

Their voices seemed to echo in his head, deafening him. He felt sick. Unwanted. Unloved. He was no longer a knight of twenty something years who was battle hardened, he was a boy who could not understand why his mother hated him so. Of what he did, and how he could fix it.

And then, when the darkness and despair seemed to overtake him, clawing it's way through his heart, trying to suck out every happy memory he had, a voice, distant memories, fought to resurface.

"Tan would you like a biscuit?"

Tristan smiled a toothy grin. "Aye." The eagerness could be heard in his voice.

Christian laughed heartily.

"I love ye, ye know. I shall fetch one from the kitchens, but you must stay here. You mustn't move." Christian advised.

Tristan nodded wide eyed. His silver orbs sparkling with expectation.

Christian used the back door to get to the kitchens, taking a handful of biscuits and what ever other treats he could find.Once his tiny hands were completely filled, did he run back to Tristan.

"I hope you like them."

"You're the best, Tin!" Tristan sad happily as he began to eat.

Christian laughed, messing up Tristan's hair in the process.

"I love you, little brother."

Tristan glanced up at him and smiled through a mouthful of treats, making sure to share them with Christian.

**

"Tristan! Why are you hiding?" Lord Rivers questioned as he pulled Tristan down from the tree he was hiding from.

"I don't want to go home." Tristan said, his once vibrant silver orbs now a dull shade of grey as fear clouded them.

"You don't have to go home, you can stay with me."

"I can?" Tristan questioned fearfully and yet hopefully.

"Aye, ye can."

"But Isabella does not like me."

"Isabella is just angry her friend could not come to sleep over. Besides, I like you very much."

"Truly?"

"Truly. I am going to make you a very strong knight, and a very good lord."

"I don't want to be a good lord." Tristan said as his lower lip began to tremble.

"Then together we will be good people." Lord Rivers said as he pushed the hair back from Tristan's face.

"We need to cut your hair." Lord Rivers said as he took out food for Tristan.

"Ye do not like my hair?" Tristan questioned, a gleam in his eye.

"I do like your hair, lad."

"Then why do you wish to cut it?" His innocence made a fond smile cover lord Rivers face.

"Simply because it is getting in your eyes. If you like it long you may keep it that way." Lord Rivers answered, looking at Tristan carefully. His bruises were beginning to fade, but they were still in plain sight.

"You will not be angry?" Tristan asked tentatively as he began to eat.

"Why would I be angry?"

Tristan shrugged his frail shoulders.

"Tristan, I take you as a son, I could never be angry with you."

**

"You did it, Tristan!"

"I did!" Tristan said out of breath as he placed his sword down. He had mastered the art of swordsmanship in a years time.

"I am so very proud of you!" Lord Rivers said as he picked up Tristan and began to twirl him. Tristan's laughter filled the courtyard as lord Rivers continued to swing him before throwing Tristan and himself in the river.

**

"I love you, Tristan. More than you can ever know. I love you. So don't you dare tell me how I feel!" Sapphire said as she gave him a soft kiss.

**

Tristan stood up, wiping the cold sweat which had formed on his brow. He needed to find Sapphire. Knowing his mother, he knew exactly where Sapphire was being held. Mother dearest was not very creative. Tristan thought grimly as he stood up and ran down the spiraling pathway.

**

Lord Rivers and Galaith hid in the shadows, waiting for the hurried footsteps to pass. Lord Rivers watched as the shadow grew, he needed to find Corriane and Fredrick.

Once the man had left, lord Rivers motioned Galaith for follow him.

"I need Corriane and Fredrick, it is absolutely crucial for me to find them both before Tristan does."

"The lady I will look for. Fredrick is on the battlegrounds. I will show ye." Galaith said as he lead lord Rivers to the area Corriane had abandoned just moments before.

Lord Rivers looked towards the raging battle. Where was Fredrick? Lord Rivers looked left and right, then, mercifully, he found him. Fredrick had his sword raised, a malicious look in his eyes as his eyes searched. There was something akin to fear on his face as well. Lord Rivers wasted no time.

"You must find Corriane. And when you do, hold her captive until I arrive. Under no circumstances is she allowed near Tristan, is that understood?"

"Aye." Galaith answered, curiosity evident in his face.

With that being said, lord Rivers unsheathed his sword and jumped down, landing a few feet behind Fredrick.

"Looking for someone?" Lord Rivers taunted as he nicked Fredrick's shoulder.

Fredrick turned around, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he stared at lord Rivers.

"Has your tongue been cut off?" Lord Rivers taunted again as thy began to circle each other.

"I see ye is meddling into matters which is nay yer own." Fredrick snarled as he attacked. Lord Rivers jumped out the way of the slashing sword. Striking with his own sword, he managed to slash the side of Fredrick's leg.

Fredrick hissed in pain. He seemed to have forgotten the agility in which lord Rivers would strike.

"I see you have not lost your leg." Lord Rivers said with a smirk. The more he taunted him, the sloppier his attacks would become.

"Where is Knight? Did he pay ye to work for him?" Fredrick sneered as he aimed at lord Rivers heart, only to be blocked and forced to move back as lord Rivers began to attack with more ferocity.

"It seems fate has finally grown tired of you, Fredrick. Tristan will cut you from limb to limb."

"I doona see him."

"He has given me the pleasure. You see, I have not forgotten what you did to Edward and Annabelle. You shall pay dearly." Lord Rivers said as he concentrated on making his anger fuel his strength.

"Ah, the beautiful Annabelle. Her daughter looks just as she does. Except she has her fathers eyes and yer foul tongue. Knight is a lucky bastard. Tell me, have ye had a taste." Fredrick said with malicious intent, his lips curled in a perverse smile.

Lord Rivers willed himself to remain calm. He mustn't let him know what his words alone did to him. Sapphire had been near this vile man! He didn't know who was worst, Fredrick or Corriane.

Plastering a taunting smile upon his lips, lord Rivers spoke, "she is my daughter, she will have to take after me in some way or the other. Her tongue is the least of your worries. You should be afraid of what she does with a sword. Men like you do not stand a chance against her."

Fredrick attacked again, letting his sword do the talking. Their swords clashed against each other, one not far from the other.

"Why did you capture Sapphire?"

"She has her mothers beauty. I left a job incomplete, I couldna let it be." Fredrick answered with a shrug as he continued to duel lord Rivers.

"And what of Tristan?"

"The chit seemed to know a handful of things regarding Knight. Thought I would take my chances." Fredrick said bitterly.

"I assume you wanted Sapphire and she wanted Tristan?"

Fredrick ignored lord Rivers, opting to ask his own questions.

"How does she know Knight?"

"Jealous, are we now?" Lord Rivers taunted.

Fredrick roared in anger, lifting his sword above his head and aiming for lord Rivers skull. Lord Rivers blocked the blow with his own sword, kicking Fredrick so that his sword fell from his hands. The man was beginning to favor his injured leg. The end was near.

"Why did you kill Edward?"

"I should have tortured him more before I killed him."

Anger sizzled in lord Rivers veins like molten lava, waiting to be unleashed.

"Hell has waited long enough. I believe its preparations for you are complete. Do try not to be in too much pain." Lord Rivers said as he unsheathed his second sword. Time for games was over.

"Ye canna wield a sword with two hands. Only Knight can do so."

"Your information is incomplete. Pray tell me, who do you think taught Tristan?"

Fredrick paled in response, stepping back.

"Every soul shall taste death. I believe your time has arrived." Lord Rivers whispered as he attacked with both swords.

Fredrick moved left and right, trying to dodge. Unable to help himself, lord Rivers began toying with him once more. Letting him think he had a chance of escaping, which he truly did not. Lord Rivers attacked left and right, not giving Fredrick enough time to defend himself.

Fredrick managed to block one attack, only to be injured by the other. It seemed as if his swords were wielded by two separate persons. What else did he not know regarding Rivers?

The effects of weariness were making themselves known upon Fredrick. His attacks were becoming sloppier, his defenses slower.

Lord Rivers advanced upon him, with one sword he severed his head from his body, while the other sword pierced his heart. Fredrick was truly dead. Lord Rivers stared at his lifeless form, unable to believe he had avenged his friends, his daughter. Perhaps now her nightmares would fully stop. He removed his sword from Fredrick's person, wiping the blood on his tunic.

Lord Rivers looked around at the men who fought. He lifted Fredrick's head, walking towards the man closest to him.

"Tell your men your leader is dead. Either you leave, or come to face your death, the choice is yours."

The mans eyes widened in horror as he stared at Fredrick's head, nodding quickly as he ran to spread the message.

Now, he had to find that wretched woman.

***

Tristan stopped as he was faced with two choices, either he took the path which was alighted with torches, or the one which lead to darkness.

Shaking his head, Tristan chose the dark path, running quickly. He was almost out of time. Tristan ran as fast as his legs could take him. He didn't know how long he ran for, but he ran.

Finally, he came across a room ablaze with fire. His heart stopped beating in his chest, no! She wouldn't! She wouldn't......

Tristan tried to look over the flames in vain, he could see naught but smoke and fire. Running back, Tristan jumped through the flames.

"Sapphire!" Tristan screamed as he saw her amongst the flames, being held up by chains. Not caring whether he was being burned or not, Tristan ran towards her.

"Damnation!" Tristan cried in frustration as the chains would not budge they were firmly set inside the stones.

Tristan looked around the room. The key was in here. His mother believe the best place to hide something was in plain view, making a person doubt their own minds. Tristan searched frantically. If smoke wasn't clouding his vision, then the flames themselves were. He looked towards the wall behind Sapphire, nothing!

There, on the table, Tristan spotted a set of keys. It had to be one of them. He grabbed them as fast as he could, hurriedly trying them on her shackles.

"Come on, love. You must be strong." Tristan said anxiously as none of the keys had worked thus far.

"Sapphire, please don't leave me." Tristan pleaded as tears streamed down his soot covered face.

His clothes wear torn or burned in several areas, the heat suffocating. Yet, he continued to try the keys, one after another. Mercifully, the last key entered with ease, freeing Sapphire's arm. Tristan gently grabbed a hold of her while he freed her other arm.

Cradling her injured form to his body, Tristan once again jumped over the flames, making certain her body was shielded with his.

"Love, wake up." Tristan begged Sapphire's unconscious form. Sapphire remained immobile.

"Please, I promise to tell you how much I love you. I shall stop behaving as a brute. Please, wake up. Please." Tristan whispered in anguish.

They stood outside the burning room, a bit towards the right. Tristan lowered them both to the ground still cradling Sapphire close to his chest. Blood covered the side of her face, making her raven locks look ebony. Her face was pale, her lip spilt. Tristan removed a hand from beneath her to push her hair back only to freeze in his tracks. His hand was covered in blood.

With his heart beating frantically in his chest, while fear clawed at everything within him, he gently turned her over.

The site which greeted him had a flood of tears release from his eyes and unadulterated anger run rampant through his veins, making his blood sizzle. Her entire back was covered in blood, and what seemed to be slashes.

Tristan gently ran his hand along her spine. How much pain had she endured? Not a single inch of skin on her back was unmarred. His mother had done this to her. His God damn mother!

Tristan didn't bother to wipe the tears from his face. He lifted Sapphire in his arms, he had to get her to a healer. Nay! He wouldn't let anyone touch her. He would heal her himself. And as for his mother, he prayed to God she did not cross his path again. For if she did, he would have no control over his actions.

***

"Where do you think you are heading towards?" Lord Rivers asked as he pulled Corriane flush against him, her back to his front.

Corriane froze as she recognized the all too familiar voice.

"Jonathan."

"No invitation to your bed today, my lady?" Lord Rivers sneered the tittle. The wench was despicable. He could barely contain himself to stop her black heart from beating.

"Are you bored of your wife already?" Corriane taunted, not dating to turn around. Lord Jonathan Rivers was the only man to have ever walked away from her, the only man to reject her.

Lord Rivers pressed against her from behind.

"As you can see, my lady, you have the same effect on me today as you had some twenty years ago. No effect at all." Lord Rivers snarled as he pushed her away from him, but making sure to hold her wrist firmly. Galaith standing behind her, sword raised in warning.

"All you have to do is come to my bed, then you shall know what I can offer you."

"You're a bitch!" Lord Rivers snarled.

"I thank you for the compliment. Now, remove your hand from my person. Or else-"

"Or else what!" Lord Rivers growled. He wanted to kill her now! Never had he craved someone's blood as he did hers, but he needed answers.

"Your dear Fredrick is dead. Who is going to be your champion now?" Lord Rivers sneered, taking great pleasure to see the look of horror which flitted across Corriane's face.

"I care not whether he is dead or alive. I intended for him to die, that to, at your hands. I presume I am correct."

Lord Rivers shrugged nonchalantly.

"Are you afraid now Corriane? Tell me, why did you fake your own death?"

Corriane's lips twisted into a sneer, her beautiful features turning some what grotesque.

"I did not fake my own death. The castle had caught on fire. My good for nothing husband had been into his cups a bit much that eve. He set the entire top floor on fire. I was fortunate enough to have survive." Corriane said bitterly as she stared at her bandaged arm.

Lord Rivers followed her eyes.

"Still vain."

"There is nothing wrong with appreciated ones beauty."

Corriane tilted her head to the side.

"I wonder, will my daughter by marriage be just as vain when she looks in the mirror. Will you be sneering at her?"

She had struck a nerve. It took all his skill, all his training as an assassin not to rise to the bait.

He couldn't begin to imagine what she had done to his daughter. The woman's cruelty could not be matched.

"You have no right to call her your daughter. Sapphire and Tristan are my

children. Therefore keep their names, or any associations regarding them, off of your filthy tongue." Lord Rivers said coldly.

Before Corriane could retort, lord Rivers spoke.

"Why?"

"Why, what?" Corriane snapped.

"Why after more than twenty years have you come after Tristan. That is the only reason you took Sapphire, to hurt Tristan. He had left you when he was ten summers. Why now?"

"He had no right to leave me! Not only had he murdered my son, he was forgiven for it. His wish had been fulfilled. He wanted the tittle, he had it. Instead of taking it, he left. He went to you, to become a knight! His duty was to me! To the castle! To the village." Corriane ranted her anger.

Lord Rivers snorted.

"He has fulfilled his duties far better than you could ever have done so. As for leaving you, he had every right to do so. You never wanted him as a son. Why should it bother you that he left?"

"He had no right to! I am his mother-"

"You are nothing more than his birth giver. Do not dare to call yourself his mother, you sarding bint!" Lord Rivers snarled, squeezing Corriane's wrist painfully.

Corriane struggled to remove his arm, her attempts were futile. Lord Rivers watched her, letting her do as she pleased. He hated her. Hated her with every fiber of his being.

"I should end you now." He said silkily.

"Then why don't you?" Corriane countered, trying in vain to free her arm.

"I have some unfinished matters to attend to."

"Where is my son? Is he so cowardly that he has sent you to do his dirty work? Still an assassin are you? A belittling occupation for a lord."

Lord Rivers ignored her, concentrating only on the beginning of her sentence.

"It seems to me, you have difficulty hearing. He. Is. Not. Your. Son!" Lord Rivers said each word slowly, as if he were talking to a small child and not a grown adult.

"Say what you like, it will nay change reality." Corriane said in triumph. The brute claimed her son as his! His arrogance had no bounds. Tristan was her son, her son alone. No one had any right over him. She had given birth to him, she alone bore the mark.

"Where have you kept Sapphire?"

Lord Rivers menaced as he placed a blade upon Corriane's delicate neck. She looked lord Rivers straight in the eye as she answered quite happily.

"Dead."

"Where is she?"

"Who is incapable of hearing now? I said she is dead." Corriane replied haughtily.

"You lie!" Lord Rivers growled as he pressed the blade deeper.

"When I left her, she was alive. She should be dead by now." Corriane remarked happily.

"Where. Is. She!" Lord Rivers growled as blood began to drip from her neck.

"With her dead father and mother."

"May you rot in hell!" Lord Rivers exclaimed as he removed the blade from her neck.

"Surely you will not kill a woman?"

Corriane questioned arrogance.

"I kill those who are deserving of it, man or woman."

"Tsk tsk."

"Any last requests?"

"Where is my son?"

"Far away from you."

Lord Rivers took his dagger, aiming for her stomach.

"You can not kill me, only I know the location of the wench."

"I have full faith in Tristan. He will bring her back." Lord Rivers answered.

"That boy is good for nothing!"

"That boy is a diamond amongst the stones. In a sickening, selfish way, I'm glad you instilled your loathing in his heart. Your loathing made way for others to love him, to cherish him. Therefore, in a way, I am indebted to you."

"If you leave your precious daughter in his hands she will never survive. He will betray her."

"I think we have spoken enough." Lord Rivers said quietly as his sword pierced the sensitive flesh of her stomach, protruding from her back.

"You...you.....you attacked me." Corriane stated the obvious, her eyes wide with shock.

"You aren't as imbecilic as you show yourself to be. Congratulations." Lord Rivers retorted, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"How...how...could you?"

"It was quite easy. The memory of Tristan bruised and about to die does strange things to me." Lord Rivers answered callously.

"You shall ...pay...for this." Corriane said, it was becoming difficult for her to speak.

"You are correct. We can't think you dead when in reality you are alive somewhere." Lord Rivers said softly as he toyed with the dagger in his hand.

Corriane barely had time to blink before he dagger was lodged firmly in her heart.

Lord Rivers removed his sword and dagger from her person, wiping the blood clean on her clothing, a grim expression occupied his face. Yet, in his heart there was no remorse, no guilt. He felt nothing at killing her. With Fredrick he had felt peace, his friends had been avenged, his daughter had been avenged. But with her, he felt nothing. Perhaps he was as cold as they claimed.

"My lord?"

Lord Rivers glanced up towards Galaith, he had forgotten about him.

"What do I do with the body?"

"Get rid of it. I must find Tristan."

"I doona think tis necessary." Galaith said as he looked over lord Rivers head. Lord Rivers turned to look.

"Tristan!" Relief evident in his voice.

Despite the soot and dirt which covered him, lord Rivers recognized him faster than his mother ever could.

Tristan glanced up at the voice, Lord Rivers. He looked questioningly at the man who stood behind him and then towards the body which lay on the ground.

"Who killed her." It wasn't a question. Tristan wasn't certain if he even wanted to know. He felt........nothing.

Lord Rivers stayed quiet, not answering. For the briefest of moments, doubt crossed his mind. Should he have killed her?

"It matters not. Where is Fredrick?"

"Dead." Lord Rivers watched Tristan closely. He was closed off, distant. His eyes moved down to the bundle in Tristan's arms.

"Is that...."

"We need to see a healer, quick." Tristan said flatly.

Lord Rivers knew better than to take Sapphire from him. They both walked in tense silence towards the horses. Asher neighing anxiously upon spotting Tristan.

"Are there any casualties?"

"Aye." Gerald answered as he wiped blood from his face.

"And the others?"

"We let them go. They were outlaws, most of them anyways. The rest were in need of work. We killed those who fought."

Lord Rivers nodded.

Tristan mounted Asher, being conscious of Sapphire. She was wrapped in a bundle of clothes, concealed from view.

"And the double crosser?"

"Tis Andrew, or Keith." Alexander answered, hatred lacing his words.

"Where is he?"

"Dead." Alexander answered gleefully.

Tristan pulled Asher's reigns, wanting to go home. Asher ran as fast as he could while Tristan held Sapphire close. None of the men spoke as they all pushed their horses to return to castle Knight, Tristan in the lead. While his insides were raging, his emotions raw with pain, his face was a stoic mask, not letting anyone glance at the pain which he hid.

They reached the castle not a moment too soon, Sapphire's breathing pattern had changed. Asher lead them straight to the castle doors, barely stopping in time. Tristan jumped down. Kicking the door open, he took the stairs two at a time, running towards his chambers, ignoring the voices which called him.

He lay his wife gently on her stomach. Tristan walked towards Sapphire's chest, pulling out her bag of herbs. Then he went towards his own, and took out his herbs as well. The door to his chambers opened. Tristan didn't bother to look up.

"I need warm water, linen and a needle." Tristan instructed.

The door opened once more, hushed words were exchanged before footsteps carried the person towards Tristan. He need not look to see who it was.

"How is she?"

Tristan refused to answer. Voicing it would make it...more.....real.

He pulled the clothes away from Sapphire, exposing her bloody back.

Lord Rivers sucked in a sharp breath as he fell on his knees besides Tristan. Just as lord Rivers opened his mouth, there was a knock on the door. The linens and water was brought in.

"I need ale." Tristan said as he soaked the linens in warm water and began to wash the blood away. They worked in silence, lord Rivers and Tristan. Once all the blood was cleaned, Tristan stared at her back. She had been whipped, mercilessly.

He began mixing different herbs; Willow bark to numb the pain, turmeric and witch hazel for the inflammation and thyme for infection. He worked meticulously, applying the salve to every mark.

"Needle."

Lord Rivers handed him the the thread and needle wordlessly. Tristan poured some ale over it, then stitched the wound closed. The whipping had caused it to re-open. It was a good thing she was unconscious. She wouldn't have been able to bear the pain as he tried to heal her. But that was the strange way a persons body worked, when it could take no more, it would block then from said pain, shutting them out completely.

Once her entire back was covered in the salve he had made, Tristan wrapped linen around it before gently placing her on her back. Her face was still too pale. Tristan cleaned the blood from her face, stitching the wound on her head closed.

Lord Rivers turned around as Tristan saw to the rest of her body, looking for more injuries. Once he was certain he had everything taken care of, did he he turn her on her stomach. But not before washing the dirt and grime away from her body. Tristan stared at the linen which covered her forehead, her pallor causing his stomach to twist uncomfortably.

They remained quiet, not willing to speak. And yet, it was Tristan's chilling words which decided the silence was too deafening.

"My mother did this to her. I knew she hated me, but today I saw the extent of her hatred. To hurt me, she went to my wife. I can't remember my childhood. Was I a rude child? Was I disobedient? Did I do something to instill her hatred? Why did she do this to Sapphire? Why?

"If she wanted to hurt me why couldn't she hurt me? Why Sapphire? She didn't deserve this! She didn't deserve to be whipped and beaten mercilessly! I should have never married her." Tristan said ferociously as his bottled up emotions could not contain themselves any longer.

"Don't you dare!" Lord Rivers growled.

"Don't you dare loathe yourself. This is not the time to have pity on yourself. Not hours ago you were saying how much you loved her and now you're saying you should not have married her?! Have you gone daft!"

"Yes I have! If she never married me this would not have happened!" Tristan snarled.

Both the lords were nose to nose, letting their anger rule them.

"She wouldn't have had it any other way! And if she finds out you think otherwise, you will break her!" Lord Rivers said through gritted teeth.

"As if I haven't caused her enough harm!" Tristan spat. He was sick of himself! Because of him she was injured and hurt. He didn't even know what else had happened to her.

"I suggest you stop acting like a lass and behave as a man. When she wakes up she will want you besides her.

"As for the woman who gave you birth, that is all she is, your birth giver. You need not give her the satisfaction of thinking over her words and believing them. She is a sorry excuse for a mother, and a sorry excuse for a woman. She is deranged, delusional. You may not remember your past but I damn as well do! Nothing she has ever said to you was true!"

"You're biased." Tristan snorted.

"I may be biased, but you may question Alfred. He will tell you just the same."

"Alfred?" Tristan quirked a brow. Who was this Alfred character?

"Our butler, he used to work for your castle." Lord Rivers elaborated.

Tristan fell to his knees beside Sapphire, pulling her hand into his own. He needed her comfort, her closeness. He hadn't known the butler had worked for them. It made sense now, his extra attentiveness around him. What else did he not know?

"I don't know what to believe anymore." Tristan whispered. He was tired. Tired of the nightmares, tired of trying to remember how his mother was. Tired of hurting those whom he loved. Tired of not be able to prevent it. He didn't know if what his mother said was correct or what lord Rivers said was true.

"Believe in yourself, Tristan. I did."

Tristan remained quiet, his thumb

grazing Sapphire's hand.

"I didn't know that woman was behind this. But when I did, my heart stopped beating in my chest. I was afraid, afraid Fredrick would have the upper hand once again. No one knows the way she thinks. I was afraid we would not be able to find Sapphire. And when she told me my little girl was dead, my world had shattered. I was so very afraid, more afraid than I had been in a very long time. And then I remembered you had gone in search for Sapphire. I felt a sort of tranquility settle within me. Telling me everything would be alright.

"I know you, Tristan. I have seen you grow up in front of my very eyes. I know your strengths and your weakness's. You are far from perfect, we all are. But our imperfections are what makes us who we are. We are imperfectly perfect. Our flaws is what makes us humans. We are not meant to be perfect. If I had sent anyone else, I would have lost Sapphire." Lord Rivers said gently.

"That woman may say what she wants. I had asked her why she went after you now, after all this time. The answers she gave me, she is insane. What she says does not make sense. She's trapped in her own world, creating scenarios that never existed."

Tristan remained quite the entire time. His mind either refusing, or mulling over lord Rivers words.

Silence settled as a comfortable blanket around them as they watched Sapphire, each lost in their own thoughts.

"What did Fredrick have to do with all this?" Tristan whispered, his voice slightly hoarse.

"He wanted to finish what he began years ago."

"He could have easily done so before, why now?" Tristan questioned, some of his earlier frustration beginning to resurface.

"He was not certain whether Sapphire was with me or not. I had kept her shielded from society. When she was wed to you, he became aware that she was still alive. He was afraid of you, too cowardly to attack."

Lord Rivers let out a sign.

"Then Corriane came along, convincing him she knew things regarding you others did not."

Tristan snorted. He had no doubt regarding mother dearest's convincing techniques. He felt sick.

"Forget her, Tristan. She is not worth your attention."

"I will." Tristan answered without glancing away from Sapphire.

"What are her injuries?" Lord Rivers questioned tentatively, not entirely certain if he wanted to know the answer or not but needing Tristan to ponder over something else.

"She was attacked with an object on her head, other than being whipped, there's a gash by her shoulder blade, I am assuming due to an arrow lodging itself in her. Her wrists are raw and bruised."

"You failed to mention to me you became a healer." Lord Rivers said dryly.

"I am no healer, I learned certain things while I was out in battle. I did not want anyone else touching her, I couldn't bring myself to. Fortunately, my knowledge was vast enough to help her." Tristan said quietly.

Lord Rivers ran an affectionate hand over Sapphire's head before standing up to leave.

"I will be back shortly."

Tristan nodded his head, not bothering to glance up as the door shut with a soft click.

"Please wake up. I know I was often rude towards you and a brute, but I promise to try harder.

"When I saw you in the fire, I though I had lost you. You looked so pale and fragile.....I.."

Tristan continued to play with her fingers as scalding tears cascaded down his cheeks.

"It's my fault you are hurt. Never in a million years would I have thought my mother would take the hatred she bore against me, out on you. I'm so, so sorry. If it hadn't been for me none of this would have happened.

"Despite what I said to lord Rivers, I can't imagine my life without you. You make me happy, alive. You've taught me how to love and accept love. Please don't leave me yet, please." Tristan whispered as he put his head on the bed, giving his tears and thought free reign to do as they please.

Tristan cried and prayed for the rest of the night. If he was not praying or crying, he was making certain Sapphire did not get a fever.

&&&&&&&

One more chapter and then the epilogue 😫😫😫😫😫😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩

Sad times... My baby is all grown up.

Thank you for all of you who have been patient with me and have been with me from the beginning. And thank you to those who have joined in afterwards, it's greatly appreciated.

I will be posting up the last two chapters, hopefully, quickly so you guys don't have to wait too long.

Comments I will do today tomorrow.

If I can have one request, if you guys could tell me your favorite part in the story😁

Andddddd after I edit this story, how does the tale of Lord Jonathan Rivers sound to you guys?