Kendrick opened his eyes and looked around the room he was in. He remembered where he was. He had stopped the four pirate leaders that had invaded the city, and had tried to invade the castle as well to look for something incriminating against the king. He had failed in the second part and was now in one of his safe houses. Kendrick stood up and stretched, looking at himself. He realized he was still in his vigilante outfit. Kendrick changed into his everyday outfit, with his hooded cloak. Kendrick walked out of his safe house, towards his wife's home. Niesha found herself a little busy. Some civilians had been injured in both the attempt to get to safety, and by the pirates themselves. She was suddenly even more glad that she had bandages, and she did her best, sending them on their way once she had helped them. Finally, there didn't seem to be anymore, and she gave a weary sigh, glancing about at the mess, wondering if she could just leave it for later. She ran a hand through her hair, and sighed again. She hadn't minded the many patients, at least it was something she could do to help. Shaking her head, she began to clean up the mess. Zach had gone back to the forge. He had armor he was working on for a customer and he needed to get it done soon. The fighting had put a bit of a dent in his time frame. It also allowed him to watch and make sure nothing happened to both of the women in his life. He knew Niesha was doctoring and Sofia was walking the floor with worry. He knew she was cooking too. He could smell it and he was getting hungry. Sofia knew that she need not worry that Kendrick would be home soon. That didn't stop her though. She kept peaking out into the forge and saw her brother. He knew as well as she did that the first time he left the forge she would go look for her husband. Sitting around worrying was really not her thing. Kendrick quickly became in eye sight of the forge. Kendrick stood, hiding behind a corner, making sure he wasnt followed. He snuck a quick glance at the forge and smiled. Sofia, quickly bopping her head in and out the window, more than likely hoping to see him. He saw her brother too. Kendrick quickly walked out from the corner and to the home. He walked past Zach, and walked inside to see a surprised Sofia. He smiled and embraced her. [color=004b80]"My dear wife, I have returned."[/color] Sofia kissed him tenderly then made a big fuss looking for injuries. [color=f49ac2]"Where were you? Zach said he saw you but then you guys got split up."[/color] Sofia carefully left out that she had actually gotten herself captured at one point. She was always taking chances that she shouldn't for the good of others. [color=f49ac2]"Dinner's almost done. Go ahead and wash up."[/color] She went to the door and told Zach. "Dinner's done go get Niesha." He smiled and nodded. A few moments later he returned with Niesha. Niesha locked up the office, slipping the key in a pocket, before following Zach across to the house, but stopped, and turned back, hurriedly writing a note, she stuck it on the door, before hurrying back across, [color=f7941d]"Just in case someone is hurt"[/color] She said, although she hoped there wasn't anyone else. Kendrick washed himself. He made sure he scrubbed every inch clean, going over every scrape and bruise he had. Luckily nothing had been fatal. He changed into a simple tunic and pants, seemingly belonging to Zach. It seems he had not moved all his stuff out yet. Lucky me, Kendrick thought. When he finished he walked out and joined everyone. He walked up behind Sofia, hugged her and kissed her cheek. [color=004b80]"Sorry for taking so long my dear."[/color] [color=f49ac2]"It's alright,"[/color] She put dinner on the table and sat with the others. [color=f49ac2]"Did anyone find anything out about the pirates we fought today? They were everywhere and there were more than a few of them. Three ships worth is a lot."[/color] She looked at Niesha and nodded.[color=f49ac2] "I fear you are going to be busy for a while and so will the gravediggers."[/color] Sofia looked at her brother. [color=f49ac2]"Zach, Niesha needs to be taught how to fight and you need to make her a sword."[/color] Zach nodded. He had been thinking about that himself. [color=6ecff6]"I'll have it for you love by week's end."[/color] He smiled at his wife tenderly. [color=00aeef]"I don't like you walking about unprotected." [/color] Niesha decided she had to say something now, so she shifted, nervously [color=f7941d]"I know how to fight with a sword. I trained with my brother, a bit"[/color] She said, [color=f7941d]"As much as my father would allow me, that is"[/color] She added, giving a shrug, [color=f7941d]"Although its been two years..."[/color] Kendrick held his hands together and tapped his thumbs against his own hands. [color=004b80]"Should not be an issue. If you really need training fast, I can help. I can train you in the ways of knighthood."[/color] Kendrick laughed softly. [color=004b80]"Wouldnt that be something. The first women knight."[/color] Kendrick then broadened his talking to everyone at the table. [color=004b80]"I do have news though. Turns out the pirates attacked because of our king. He amassed quite a large debt to certain pirate leaders, and they decided they would take what they felt was owed to them. They combined strength and attacked, for plunder and riches."[/color] At that moment there was a knock on the door and Zach motioned for Kendrick to go into the bedroom. Sofia looked at Niesha and they both looked at Zach as he opened the door. One of the royal guard was there. [color=8dc73f]"I have orders to bring in a Miss Sofia."[/color] Sofia looked stumped and Zach demanded, [color=00aeef]"Why? My sister is not leaving unless I know why."[/color] Zach was sounding angry and she looked at the guard and asked, [color=f49ac2]"Sir knight, who commands my presence and do you know the reason? It has been a harrowing day already. Is it not possible that I handle this business at the castle on the morrow?"[/color] He answered, [color=8dc73f]"I believe that the Baroness and the other titled ladies have requested your presence imediately. You are to go before the king for a gift of some sort M'lady."[/color] Sofia's expression showed shock. [color=f49ac2]"I'd have to bathe and dress to see the king this is not enough time! How can I be expected to be ready to meet the king in just moments?"[/color] [color=8dc73f]"Miss Sofia. I was asked not to dawdle and I was also informed that you would be marrying shortly after your arrival."[/color] Sofia choked and started coughing hard. She excused herself for a moment and went into her room and shut the door supposedly to compose herself. She looked her husband in the eye. Whispering she told him, [color=f49ac2]"The Baroness wants to reward me with a match. They have me getting married tonight!"[/color] She hugged him and asked, [color=f49ac2]"What do I do?"[/color] Kendrick hugged Sofia back, very confused by this unforseen turn of events. He had no how to react at something like, it was so sudden and random that any normal person experiencing this same turn of events would have no idea how to respond either. Kendrick stood there and hugged Sofia. [color=004b80]"I guess.....do whatever you need to do. If you go you will be married. If not......you will become an exile like me."[/color] Sofia looked at him and was more heartbroken than anything. The hurt in her eyes was apparent. She walked out of the room and grabbed her cloak. She walked out of the forge and into the night air with the knight. He kept her safe as they walked to the castle. [color=f49ac2]"Do you think they would allow me to accept another type of gift?"[/color] [color=8dc73f]"I have no idea Miss."[/color] When Sofia entered the castle she walked to the Baroness' room and knocked on the door. [color=f49ac2]"Baroness? I need to speak with you. It's Sofia and it's urgent."[/color] The door was opened and she was pulled inside by a woman and praised. [color=7bcdc8]"Oh Sofia I have wonderful news for you!"[/color] Sofia felt empty inside. He told her to do whatever she needed to do. What the hell did that mean? Obviously he didn't care about the fact that she was his wife. If she told the she ws already married they would demand to know who and then he would be killed if she gave him up and if she didn't she could be locked in the jails until she did. [color=f49ac2]"Please Baroness. I can't have a match. I'm already betrothed to another. Is there another way to show your grattitude?"[/color] [color=00a99d]"Oh, that is a problem. I already spoke to the king and the Count is already here."[/color] Sofia stepped back. [color=f49ac2]"It was my father's dying wish that I make this match. I can not in good conscious marry another."[/color] Sofia brought the tears that were in her heart and used them to her advantage. [color=f49ac2]"Please ma'am."[/color] The Baroness gave in and went to see the king. Sofia waited. Niesha watched the scene, wanting to say something, or do anything, but she couldn't figure out what. She watched Sofia walk out, with the knight, frowning. They couldn't let this happen, could that? [color=f7941d]"What can we do?"[/color] She said, feeling helpless because there really wasn't anything that could be done. She looked to Zach, then to Sofia's bedroom, wondering what Kendrick was going to do. She knew what it was to be faced with a match you didn't want, but this was different. Sofia was already married....but she couldn't say anything about that, could she? Niesha threw uo her arms in frustration [color=f7941d]"We have to do something!"[/color] She said, starting to the door, not sure what she was going to do, but intent on doing something. Kendrick was unsure of what to do. He did not want to subjugate Sofia to the life of an exile, but at the same he knew the King would punish her if she did not go through with what he wanted. He was just that selfish. Kendrick knew that from experience. Kendrick dressed himself in full vigilante gear, then stepped out of the room. He looked at Zach and Niesha. [color=0054a6]"I'm going to the castle. I......if they try to force Sofia against her will, I will intervene, but only if they try it. I do not want Sofia to live as I do. It is not the proper life for anyone."[/color] Kendrick gave them a two finger salute, then walked out the door. He quickly hid, almost immediately spotted by, passing guards. Then Kendrick moved swiftly, headed towards the castle.