The Soldier's Sparrow (A Fable 2-3 Fanfic) Ch. 1, Pt 2

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Chapter 1.

The Knight in the Dark. (part 2)

Swift studied the mysterious woman as she broke through the rest of the cave in. She was so strange looking, beautiful but strange; Short angel blonde hair, fair skin covered in scars and deep blue eyes. Her clothes made it hard for him to distinguish where she was from. Thigh-high black boots and a corset would suggest she was a woman of the night, but, her black nobleman's coat, noble trousers and highwaymans hat say differently. A pirate maybe? But why would such a woman save two strangers? How did she even know they were down there? So many questions ran through Swift’s mind.

“Will you give me a hand?” the woman said as she began laying a quilt down on the ground next to Walter. Swift followed all of her instruction without question or delay, but still watched her closely. ‘She has not shown any sign of harming us yet, but whether she is a friend or foe remains to be seen.’ Swift thought. They dragged Walter from the cave and then lifted him into the back of a carriage covered with beautiful quilts of purple, red and gold. Swift grew curiouser and curiouser the more he followed this woman. “Get in, we must get your friend to my estate quickly.” the woman said firmly as she climbed onto the front of the carriage where there was a man in nobleman's clothes. He had long blond hair tied neatly and a clean face, young, not much older than Walter who was only of age 27 and Swift of 30. Two beautiful horses, one white and one black. In the back next to Walter was a bright eyed dog with yellow fur sitting very patiently. It was as if the mutt was saying ‘You are safe now’ but it still felt so strange. They made haste until they approached a large farm. Swift sat in the back with Walter and the dog in awe of all the flowers that were in full bloom. He glanced over to see a well filled to the brim with fresh clear water. He sprung from the back of the carriage in full sprint, he plunged in arms and head first just resting in the cool liquid for a moment. He guzzled the water until he almost breathed it into his lungs. He began coughing and struggling for breath “Take it easy now, sir, no one is going to hurt you. Take it slow.” the young butler said as he brought Swift a pitcher “Your friend is going to be just fine, Lady Lionheart is a terrific healer.” the man said with a twinge of pride in his voice.

“Lady Lionheart? Is that the woman?” Swift asked as he sat next to the well

“Yes and I’m Jasper, her trusted houseman and friend. We were given information that you and your men were being sent into an ambush. But from the looks of it, we were quite late…” Jasper replied. Just then the dog jumped from the carriage and approached the messy soldier. The hound began to investigate Swift, it licked him and barked enthusiastically. Swift was quickly charmed by the small furry beast and stroked its soft clean fur.

“Ah yes, and that would be the madam’s faithful dog, Adventure. He is messy but harmless. If you will follow me, sir. We may find you some clean clothes, I will prepare you some food while you take a much needed bath.” Jasper continued as he helped Lionheart take Sir Walter out of the back of the carriage. Swift held open the door to the large house, as they took the wounded knight up the stairs. He looked around the front room. It was full of mysterious objects; A perfectly preserved golden leaf, a unusual helmet with deer horns coming out of the sides, a pair of goggles and a very peculiar item; a large metal ring. It had orange glass symbols upon it and metal spikes pointing in and out. But the thing he noticed immediately was the giant trophy sitting on the mantle. He gazed at it and read the inscription ‘Crucible Champion’.