Chapter 9

Pearl had overheard a few things that evening, but not very much that was going to help her friends.  There was some discussion about a contest happening later that month, and a lot of excitement about a royal ball. 

She had to smile at that.  She never imagined men would get so excited about attending a ball, but apparently, this was no ordinary dance.  The king was going to offer a parcel of prime acreage to the man who could bring the prettiest woman to the ball.

Pearl wondered if this had something to do with the king needing a bride.  Of course, it would be looks that they’d consider rather than ability to help run the kingdom or dealing with the people.

She was a little lost in thought, when she turned, and her tray bumped right into the man with reddish-blond hair and beard from Rowena’s table.  He had been coming back from the kitchen with a drumstick in his hand, which was now covered with ale.

Laughing, he took a bite of the meat.  “This will be the best thing I’ve had all day,” he said, waving it towards his friends.  “Did you see they marinate their meat here?”

The entire table started laughing as Pearl quickly picked up the mugs and wiped up the ale.  She kept an eye on the man, but he walked back to the table without giving her any further trouble.

“Are you all right?” Rowena asked as she walked past.

“Fine,” Pearl assured her. 

“Then, if you can grab that other tray at the bar, I’d appreciate it,” Rowena said. 

Pearl set her tray down on the bar and picked up the one Rowena had mentioned.  It was loaded down with ale and chips, which she realized smelled very good.  She was reminded that she hadn’t eaten since breakfast.

As she walked up to the table, Rowena set down the ale, then spun around as one of the men made a grab for her arm.  “As I said, we are happy to serve you ale and food, but that’s as much as you’ll get from this tavern.”

The man laughed. He was tall with dark hair and a beard.  “Maids don’t usually turn me down,” he said, smiling at his friends.  “I’d be happy to share a few things with you…I believe you’d enjoy it.”

The men at the table burst out laughing.  Pearl glanced behind her, hoping to catch John’s eye, but she didn’t see him.  The bar was packed, and no one seemed to be paying attention to their table.

“Why don’t you have a seat,” Rowena told the man.  “We have chips and more ale right here,” she added, turning to Pearl.

The man grabbed Rowena’s arms, pinning them to her sides.  “I don’t want chips,” he said, pulling her towards him.  “Why don’t we take this outside?”

The others were still laughing as Pearl walked over and tapped on the man’s shoulder.  He turned and looked at her. “Did you want to join us?”

“I would appreciate it if you would let go of my friend,” Pearl replied.  “We have work to do tonight, and going outside with customers is not included.”

“Well, maybe it should be,” a voice said behind her. 

She turned and saw it was the man with the drumstick.  “Why don’t you finish your food?” 

“I’d rather go outside,” the man said.

“Well, I would be happy to arrange that,” Pearl replied, taking the man’s arm and turning it behind him.  She had the advantage that he was very drunk, so she easily leveraged his weight and pushed him out the door.

The other man let go of Rowena and made a grab for her as she shoved the first man outside.  Pearl spun around and dropped down and swung her leg in a half circle, knocking his feet out from under him.  As he fell, she hit him with her elbow and pushed him out the door with her foot.

The entire tavern was watching now.  As she walked back in, the other men at the table were all laughing and most of the other customers were either laughing or staring at her in surprise.

“Nothing to see,” Pearl said, brushing her hands on her skirt.  “Would anyone like some more ale?”

Rowena’s eyes were huge.  “Where did you learn to do that?” she whispered as they walked back to the bar.

“Let’s just say, we learn self defense at an early age in my realm,” Pearl said with a smile.

“Well, I hope you didn’t just get us both fired,” Rowena said, then smiled back.  “Although it would almost be worth it.  Did you see the look on their faces?”

“They were laughing,” Peal replied.

Rowena shook her head.  “They were shocked, then they laughed as you walked back in.  You’ll be the talk of the village.”

“I didn’t think about that.”  Pearl looked around and saw John, who shook his head.  “I’ll be right back.”

“Make it quick,” Rowena said.  “I’ll have the owner take over the ale with me to that table, which should take care of any further issues…at least for tonight.”

Chapter 10

“You have an interesting way of dealing with customers,” John said as Pearl walked over to him.

“I didn’t like the way they were dealing with my friend.” Pearl paused. “I did look for you first.”

“Sorry about that.”  John shrugged.  “I went to check on the barrels.”  He smiled.  “I got back just in time to see sweep one off his feet and you push him out the door.  Did Ulster teach you that move?”

“An acquaintance of my father’s showed me that particular one,” Pearl replied.  “Something he learned it in the war.”

“Which war?” John asked.

“Oh, one that was down in the southern kingdoms,” Pearl said, realizing she shouldn’t have mentioned it.  “That was before my time.”

John nodded.  “Looks like you’d better get back to work.” 

Pearl saw Rowena was waving to her to join her at the bar.  “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Try to stay out of trouble,” John added as she walked away.

The rest of the evening was fairly quiet, and Pearl was hoping no one would mention what happened.  The owner finished dealing with the rowdy table while Pearl and Rowena took care of the rest of the tavern.

As they were getting ready to close, one of the men from the table approached Pearl.  He walked over with his hands up in surrender.  “I’ve come in peace.”

Pearl waited to see what he wanted.  Finally, she asked, “Is there anything else we can get you?”

“I’d like to know if you can help me,” the man said.  “My name is Sir Darren of Brunswick, and I’ve heard of women in the southern kingdoms who can take a man on and win.”  He smiled.  “I’d guess you’re not from around here…am I right about you being from the south?”

Pearl nodded.  “My mother…yes, we’re from one of the southern kingdoms.”

Sir Darren glanced back at his friends.  “I told them you probably were.”  He laughed.  “It did them good to find out they can’t hold their own against a girl when they’ve had too much to drink.”  He reached out a hand, then paused.  “I just want to give you a tip.”

Pearl accepted the money.  “Thank you, but I think this should go to my friend.”

“Use it as you wish,” he said.  “If you need some extra money, I can help you with that.”  Pearl raised an eyebrow, and he laughed.  “No…not like that.  I mean, I could use your help training my daughters.  I don’t trust any of this group to be alone with them, but I think you might be exactly what I’m looking for.”

“I’d have to check with my…grandfather,” Pearl replied.  “I’m staying with him.”

“Well, do that,” Sir Darren said.  “And I will leave a note here tomorrow from my wife, so you know my intentions are just what I’ve stated.”

Pearl nodded.  “Thank you.”  She smiled.  “I will consider it.”

“Aren’t you the plucky one?” he asked, shaking his head and turning back to the table.  “Consider it,” he repeated, then laughed to himself and joined the others. 

As they left, Pearl walked over to Rowena and told her about the offer.  “Well, that’s an unusual one, I’ll give him that,” Rowena said.

“I thought he was joking until he mentioned his wife,” Pearl replied.

Rowena shrugged.  “I don’t know if that guarantees anything, but if he really is a Sir, then his wife probably runs the household.”  She paused.  “If you do get a note, we’ll find out.  It might be a good way to make some extra money.”

“Do you want to go with me?” Pearl offered.

“Only if you teach me that swinging your leg thing,” Rowena said, laughing.  “I’ve never seen anyone do that before.”

“It’s a deal,” Pearl said, shaking her hand.  “Let’s finish and go home.  I have a long walk back to the cottage.

“You can stay with me tonight,” Rowena said.  “I think it would be safer not to have you walking through the forest alone after besting two of the king’s soldiers.”

“Those men were soldiers?” Pearl asked in surprise.

“Not exactly,” Rowena admitted.  “They used to be soldiers, then received lands in thanks for their service in the last battle against the western realm.” 

“The western realm…” Pearl said thoughtfully.  She didn’t know they’d been at war.  How did she not know that?  She decided to ask Ross and the others about it in the morning.

Chapter 11

Pearl thanked Rowena the next morning for letting her stay but declined breakfast.  She was in a hurry to get back to the cottage she now thought of as her temporary home. 

“Remember, the owner said you can come back tomorrow night if you want the work,” Rowena reminded her.

“Very generous of him,” Pearl replied.  “I’ll do my best not to fight with the customers.”

Rowena giggled and waved goodbye as Pearl started down the path out of the village.  She didn’t notice that one other person watched her with interest as she left.

As she passed the tree where she’d met Melia, Pearl noticed there was no one there.  Walking all the way around it, she almost called her name when she heard something rustle in the underbrush. 

“Who’s there?” Pearl asked.

The man stepped out and smiled.  “I didn’t mean to startle you,” he replied.

Pearl recognized the man from the day before, with the dark blond hair, who had spoken to her outside of Rowena’s cottage.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name,” she said.

The man smiled and bowed slightly.  “Sir Brandon of Apalby, at your service.”

“Sir Brandon?” Pearl asked.  “It’s nice to meet you.  What brings you to the woods…surely you weren’t following me?”

“I’m here on official business,” Brandon replied, “but running into you was an unexpected pleasure.”

“What type of official business, if you don’t mind my asking?” Pearl realized this was the longest conversation she’d had with a man on her own.  She glanced around but reminded herself that Melia was probably nearby.

“I am here on behalf of Chancellor Grant,” Brandon said, “to assess the timber in the area and see what would be best for our plans.” 

“You work for Chancellor Grant,” Pearl replied softly.  “I see.”

“Do you know him?” Brandon asked in surprise.

“Only by reputation,” Pearl said.  “His name was mentioned by some of our customers when they talked about trade with the southern kingdom.”
“You heard all that in the tavern?”  Brandon smiled.  “I’ll have to remind the Chancellor that his men speak too loudly after their ale.”

Pearl shrugged.  “No difference to me.  I am hardly in a position to benefit one way or the other.”

“What a curious thing to say.”  Brandon took a step closer.  “You don’t sound like the average tavern maid.”

“Well, I just started last night,” Pearl replied without thinking.  “I was on my way south when one of the horses went lame.  I decided to work here and save up enough to complete the trip in a little better circumstance.”

“I see.”  Brandon glanced around.  “Do you live out here?”

“Oh, no…I’m staying with a friend of the family in the village.”  She turned and started walking back the way she had come.  “I just wanted to see what all the talk was about last night.”
Brandon fell into step beside her.  “Do you mind if I walk back with you?  I would hate for you to come across men like the other day, although I understand you can take care of yourself.”

Pearl blushed slightly.  “That man yesterday didn’t expect me to do anything.”

“And the ones last night?” Brandon asked.

Pearl stopped walking.  “Oh, that was a misunderstanding.”

Brandon took another step towards her and smiled.  “Don’t worry, I won’t get too close.  I’ve seen you in action.”  He put his hand out indicating she should keep walking.  “Besides, a gentleman asks a woman before he tries to take liberties.”

“I assure you,” Pearl replied, “any liberties will not be granted…asked for or not.”

Brandon laughed.  “You are a direct one, aren’t you?”  He shook his head.  “Very well, I will remember that you are not interested in any liberties I might offer.”

Pearl wondered what exactly he’d had in mind but decided that was a complication she did not need.  It was too bad he worked for Chancellor Grant because Pearl thought he was rather charming, in his own way.

When they reached the edge of the village, Brandon stopped.  “I will accompany you no further now that you are back within sight of your friend’s cottage.  Have a good day…”  He paused.  “I don’t believe you told me your name.”

Pearl smiled in spite of herself.  “It’s Pearl.”

“A lovely name,” Brandon said.  “Take care, Pearl.”

She watched him go back towards the main part of the village. After a few minutes, she turned and walked back into the woods.

Chapter 12

When Pearl reached the cottage, Ross was the only one there.  “I wondered if you were coming back,” he said as she entered.

“Why did you wonder?” Pearl asked, then stopped.  “John told you?”

“He told Callum, who told the rest of us,” Ross replied.  “Not a great way to stay unnoticed, but I understand they were getting out of hand.”

“They were,” Pearl agreed, “and where I come from, women don’t just wait around for men to decide we are not property.”

“What an odd thing to say.”  Ross smiled.  “You are more like Ulster than I realized.  He’s never been one to sit quietly and wait for something to be done.”

Peal nodded, still not entirely comfortable with this subterfuge.  “I..um, I have always had a very supportive family.”

“The others will be back soon,” Ross said.  “Did you find out anything that might help us know what is going on with Lord Parker?”

“No,” Pearl admitted, “but there wasn’t much talk about the mines…which is surprising when you think about it.”

“Perhaps not,” Ross began as the door opened and the rest walked in.

“There she is,” Callum said, walking up and patting her on the shoulder.  “Well done, my girl!”

Pearl smiled.  “It wasn’t that difficult.  They had been drinking for most of the evening.”
“Still, it’s not everyone who can clear a tavern on their own,” Liam joked.  “I don’t suppose you want to show us your technique?”

Walter shook his head.  “Ignore my much younger brother.  He rarely gets out in public even when we’re not hiding from the sheriff.”

Pearl smiled.  This must be what it’s like having a family, she thought.  She rather liked it.  “I did find out one thing,” Pearl offered.

“What’s that?” Daniel asked.

“There are plans for the forest, and men are already looking at the trees.”  She paused.  “Well, at least one man.  He said he was working with Chancellor Grant.”

“Did you get his name?” Ross asked.  “It could be important.”

“He introduced himself as Sir Brandon of Amalby.”  Pearl blushed slightly.  “A very nice gentleman despite his task.”

“He introduced himself?” Liam repeated.  “At the tavern?”

“No, I ran into him in the forest,” Pearl began.  “I saw him yesterday outside of Rowena’s cottage after a slight…”  She stopped. 

“You saw him twice?” Ross glanced at Callum, who raised an eyebrow.

“Sir Brandon is not one to underestimate,” Callum said.  “I’ve had dealings with him in the past…he’s very capable.”

“Capable of what?” Liam asked with a smile, glancing in Pearl’s direction.

“Capable of finding out more than he should,” Callum finished.  “Pearl, you’d do well to steer clear of him.”

Pearl nodded.  “I made sure he returned to the village before I came here.”

“Are you sure you weren’t followed?” Daniel asked.

“I’m sure,” Pearl assured him, “and I told Sir Brandon that I was staying with Rowena.  He has no reason to doubt that.”

“Still, you should be careful,” Ross said thoughtfully.  “Perhaps working at the tavern wasn’t such a good idea.”

“Ulster would never forgive us if something happened to you,” Callum agreed.

“I can take care of myself,” Pearl replied, then smiled.  “I’ll make sure no one follows me here, and I will try not to start any more problems in the tavern.”

“Are you working tonight?” Walter asked.

“No, I’m not expected until tomorrow night,” Pearl replied.  “Did you need me to do something here?”

“Well, you could start dinner,” Liam suggested.  “I don’t suppose they showed you any cooking tips at the tavern?”

“Not exactly,” Pearl replied, “but I am getting very good at balancing mugs of ale on a tray.”

“A useful talent, to be sure,” Liam agreed.

“Why don’t you help me tonight?” Ross suggested.  “I can show you a few basics, then maybe you can help out the nights you aren’t working.”

Pearl nodded.  Even if she had shown she could fight, it seemed they saw her talents were more suited to the kitchen.  When she had the chance, she would show them she could do far more.

Chapter 13

Pearl woke up the next morning and decided she needed to make some changes.  While it was nice to have a place to stay and a job, she needed to get back to her own kingdom.  Her people thought she was missing or worse, and she didn’t seem to have any way to help her friends here or in the forest.

“What’s wrong?” Callum asked as she walked into the kitchen.

“I feel like I should be doing more,” Pearl said.  “And not in the kitchen,” she added as he looked over at the stove.

“I see.”  Callum smiled.  “Well, if you’re anything like your grandfather, helping around the cottage is not going to be enough.  Have you ever shot a long bow?”

“A long bow?” Pearl repeated, her eyes lighting up.  “I have not, but I would very much enjoy learning.”

“Come on then,” Callum said, grabbing his cloak. “Let’s go before the others notice.  The last thing we need is Daniel and Ross showing us their technique.”

“Are they any good?” Pearl asked.

“Very,” Callum assured her, “but you don’t need three people trying to teach you at once.”

Pearl followed Callum along the path until they reached a small clearing.  “This is the best place I know.  Plenty of light and no animal paths crossing through.  The last thing you want to do is injure one and have them turn on you.”

“Where is the bow?” Pearl asked, looking around.

“We start with walking the area,” Callum instructed.  “Walk all the way around the edge, then check out the larger trees.  Get a feeling for the space.”

“All right,” Pearl said, then smiled.  “So, what are we using for a target?”

“I’ll show you that tomorrow,” Callum promised, “if you do well today.”

Pearl nodded and for the rest of the morning, she did what Callum suggested.  Once she felt comfortable with the space, she started looking at each tree.  This reminded her of Melia, and she realized she needed to talk to her.

When the sun was directly overhead, Callum waved her over.  “That all for today,” he said.  “You work tonight, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Pearl said, “and I’ll probably stay with Rowena tonight if she doesn’t mind.”
“Then, meet me here tomorrow about this time, and we’ll try shooting a few arrows at the target.”

“Really?” Pearl clapped her hands together.  “That would be wonderful.”

“Don’t make me regret my decision,” Callum warned her.  “This is serious business.  A long bow is a powerful weapon.”

“I will be careful.  I promise.”  Pearl walked with him back to the cottage and they joined the others for lunch. 

“Where have you been all morning?” Liam asked.

“I took Pearl out to look at the clearing,” Callum said.  “I’m teaching her how to use the long bow.”

“Really?” Liam smiled at Ross.  “Did you know about this?”

“No,” Ross replied, “but if she’s any good we could use the help.  The sheriff and his men will start looking in this area eventually.  If Pearl can’t find, she should stay in the village.”

“I’d rather stay with you,” Pearl said.  She looked around.  “All of you.  I appreciate what you’ve done to help me, and I…well, you feel like family.”

“Ulster is a good friend,” Walter said.  “It’s the least we can do.”

“I’m still not sure it’s a good idea for you to be here,” Daniel said, surprising the others.  “So far, no one has seen her with us. If they do, she’ll have a bounty on her head, too.”

“Daniel makes a good point,” Ross conceded.  “Think about it, Pearl.  Consider it carefully, because there is no going back if you’re seen with us.  And no working in the tavern anymore either.”

Pearl looked around the room.  “I am with you.  All of you.”

The others nodded and they sat down to eat.  As she walked through the forest later that afternoon, she realized it felt good to be fighting for a just cause.  The men should be paid what they’re worth, and the forest should be protected from the likes of Chancellor Grant. She just wished it didn’t put her at odds with Sir Brandon.  He intrigued her, but she needed to stay focused on what was important.

Read the next part of the story here!