The Loom and The Blade Chapter 1

Prince Gareth Dunmoor is attacked and saved by a mysterious woman who then disappears

The Loom and the Blade

Prince Gareth Dunmoor rode through the crowded streets, his burnished armour dusty and blood-stained. The campaign against the rebels had been a success. He proved himself in battle. But at a cost. Almost half of the men he set out with died on the field. He also knew that there were those at court who had contrived to have sent to lead the army against the rebels, hoping that he would fail or even be killed in battle. Although he wasn’t sure who was behind it, there were a few he suspected, although they were too clever to give themselves away. The crowds cheered as they rode past. The prince sighed, looking around at the cheering crowd. He waved and gave a tired smile. He glanced over his shoulder at his men, equally tired and weary, and encouraged them. They raised their arms, waved at the crowd and saluted their prince, inciting the crowd to raise their voices even louder in praise for the prince. As he turned forward again, suddenly a figure stepped out in front of him. His horse stopped and reared on its hind legs. At a glance, the figure seemed to be a woman wearing a hooded cape. The prince was startled and stared at the woman, his ire rising. Before he could speak and give her a rebuff, the woman said. “You're in mortal danger, your highness.” She reached up and grabbed his arm, pulling him from his horse, just as an arrow passed over, narrowly missing him. Several more arrows flew into the crowd, one of which hit one of his men in the arm. The crowd panicked, running in all directions, shouting and screaming. The woman held the prince by the hand, pulling him along. He had no choice but to go with her amidst all the chaos. Two of his men dismounted and tried to follow the prince and the woman, but they lost sight of them in the crowd. Eventually, the prince pulled her to a stop. She turned and stared at him agitatedly. “Stop, who are you? Where are you taking me? Are you in league with those who tried to kill me just now?” The woman glared at the prince breathlessly, “I just saved your life, your highness. A thank you might be more fitting, don’t you think?”

He gave the woman careful scrutiny before speaking. She was of average height, with deep blue eyes, long red hair streaked with white, and a fair complexion. “I’ll not thank you yet because how do I know you are not just part of a plot to kidnap and kill me. Tell me your name and explain how you knew I was about to be attacked. Then I might at least give you some credibility,” he asked suspiciously. Looking around, the prince noted they had ended up in a narrow, deserted side street. “My name is Serenya, and I knew you were about to be attacked because I had foreseen it. The prince shook his head in disbelief. “What…!” Just then, the prince’s men who gave chase appeared. He waved and called to them when he turned back to the woman, but she had gone.