• I left Sir Slade in the clearing and went to collect firewood. When I returned Sir Slade was talking to another knight in the clearing. A squire tended to two new houses and watched me closely with cautious eyes. I put the logs in the pit and bent down to light the fire. The squire walked over to stare at me.
    “Step back a few paces, would you? Your making me feel uncomfortable.” I said softly.
    He didn’t move. I ignored him and pulled out my tinderbox full of dust. I sprinkled some dust onto the fire and snapped my fingers. The wood exploded in flames. I stood up and turned around to find the squire was now so close to me that I couldn’t see past him.
    “Would you please move out of my way?” I asked him kindly.
    The boy didn’t respond. He stood staring at me with trained eyes like a dog watched a person as they passed their home. I pushed my hair back from my ears as casually as possible and smiled at him. He started at my ears which, was normal. They usually didn’t act as he did though. He tilted his head with an expression that made me think he was in pain.
    “Are you okay?” I asked him.
    He did it quicker than I could notice. I fell down on my knees clutching the wound. I scream.
    The new knight grabbed the boy by the neck. The boy dropped his short sword on the ground in front of me. Pain ran through me. Sir Slade picked me up easily laying me down on the ground a few yards away from the other knight who was now scolding and beating his squire by the fire.
    “Eve, Evalyne stay with me. Don’t fall asleep. Stay with me.” Sir Slade said. He was holding an already bloodied cloth to my gut.
    “What happened, my lord?” I asked painfully.
    “That squire boy attacked you, Eve. Your wounded. Just stay awake and still.” Sir Slade said.
    “Is she alright? My dearest sympathy for what has happened.” The other knight asked. “I’ll assure you he’s never done anything like this before and never will again if I have anything to do about it.”
    “That’s very reassuring, Sir, but no. she’s not alright.” Sir Slade said irritated. “I would be helpful if you could get the red bag out of the tent so I can tend to her wound.”
    “Yes. Yes of course Sir.”
    I relaxed as Sir Slade tried his best to bandage my wound. He waited until I recovered my senses before he started talking again.
    “How are you? Can you make it back to court like this?” He asked.
    “I think I can.” I said unsure.
    Sir Slade helped me onto my mare. Another dizzy spell came over me and I rested my head on the horse's neck.
    “Would you like me to escort you two to the court, Sir knight.” The other knight asked.
    “No, I think we can handle it, good Sir.” Sir Slade said mounting his own horse glad to be rid of him.

    We road a wile before the dizziness really started to bother me. I felt myself slip from the saddle and fall painfully to the ground before I blacked out.

    When I woke up it was cold and dark. I was in horrible pain. I was shivering under a layer of snow. I was dizzy and I could barely move.
    “My lord,” I tried to yell but it came out as a whisper. There was no answer. There was no sound of movement.
    I then realized I was alone and practically buried in fresh snow. I closed my eyes. What do I do now? Why did Sir Slade leave me here? Would I live to see the next day?
    Then I heard it. “Lady Eve! Lady Evalyne!” I voice called through the forest. I had to answer them I had to do something.
    “My lord,” I tried again and again but, nobody heard me. I fell back exhausted. The light of a lantern was drawing closer. Through the shadows of the trees I could almost see the searcher.
    “Lady Evalyne? Lady Eve.” He still called.
    I willed myself up. I screamed. The shadow starts and my senses fall dark.

    I next woke more comfortable. Warm beyond my imagine. I slowly opened my eyes. Sir Slade was sitting next to my bed. “You’re awake.” He smiled.
    “My lord, where did you go? I couldn't find you. I was so scared.” I said.
    “Hush, I went to find help for you. Rest now. You’re safe.” He soothed me.