The Braedsen Village Chronicles X

Alrighty then! I'm getting kind of tired of Tracy's moping and self pity. Maybe another addition to the story will cheer her up. Hmmmm????

Powers Unseen

Last time......

"This can't be...." She said, confused.
"In my vision... I saw...." Her body went limp as she died.
Danno placed her softly on the ground.
"Rosetta..."He stood, his entire body shaking. He clenched his fists so hard that his nails bit into his flesh, drawing blood.
"A CURSE ON THE POWERS ABOVE!!! IT CAN'T END THIS WAY! HER STORY IS BADLY WRITTEN!"He collapsed to the ground weeping.
Then he smelled roses, and heard the tinkling of bells..... and a deep sigh.

~

"Oh, Danno, why did you have to interfere?"
Danno jumped, startled. He turned around in circles to try to find the source of the voice.
"Who's there? Who are you?!" Danno was afraid, but managed to sound like HE was the one who should be feared.
"Calm down, bucko. I'm right here. I've always been here. I am your creater."
"My what? Why can't I see you? Show yourself if you dare!" Danno was pretty sure that this was some kind of trick, and he was more than a little (!$$#) that someone would be making fun at a time like this.
"Yeah, whatever, pal. That's not possible because you are fictional, and I am real. I told you. I'm your creater. That's C R E A T E R. I made you up. You kinda got your name from someone else, borrowed it really. But I'm the one that made you. I'm your writer."
"Am I supposed to understand or believe any of this?" Danno was still (!$$#).
"No. Because I don't want you to be. In fact, I'm the one who made you say what you did. And I can predict what you will say next. I can even predict what you will THINK next."
"This chick's nuts.." Danno decided to himself.
"You just thought to yourself that I was nuts. See?"
Danno was thoroughly... No he wasn't. He began to grasp the concept of what was going on.
"Why are you talking to me?" He was just tired of the pointless conversation.
"I completely agree. I set this whole thing up to let you know that you messed up big time mister!"
"What? What do you mean? What did I do that you didn't make me do?"
"Shoot! I made you too smart. You will now forget that I said that I was your writer, and instead.. believe me to be a fairy that has unlimited powers...."
A blank look crossed Danno's face.
"Good. Now, as I was saying... You have done great wrong Danno of the troupe, 'Danno's troubladors'! You were not supposed to be here at this time!"
Tee hee! This is where all those writer's privlages come in handy.
Danno was shocked.
"What do you mean, oh wise fairy? Are you saying that it is my fault that Rosetta died?"
"Yeah, and that brings up another point. You're not supposed to know Rosetta at all. You're supposed to meet her later and bother the heck out of her..... I mean, dear little man, you are meant to be her tormentor."
Danno was filled with remorse.
"What could I have done? How could I have known?"
"Whoah there boy. Gettin' little too smart fer yer britches. Let's redo your line."
............... HMM hm hmmm.......
"How horrible! Woe is me! What have I done?!"
"Nothing I can't fix, my woebegone friend. Now listen to me. I have decided that for my own indescrutible purposes, you shall remember everything... no... ALMOST everything that we spoke about just now."
"What do you mean... remember?..."
"Don't interrupt. Geez! I made you really rude didn't I? Just listen. I will rewind time. Or... sort of... rewrite the part of this... story that YOU messed up, and you will NOT do what you did before. You will do something more characteristic for a traveling group, and will promptly set about packing up your things for a hasty departure. Okay?"
"But...."
"AND!!! No matter what you hear, you will pretend that this never happened. Got it?"
"I.."
"GOOD"

~~~~~~ZOT! ZAPPO! WHOOSH! KAZAM!~~~~~~~~

Danno was meditating on the numerous possibilities, Kevintello was trying to convince Helen that she needed to learn to walk the tightrope, Damio was beginning to snore, and Solomundo, Wondeyego and Michaelangelo were eating pheasant when they all heard a loud ear piercing shriek.

"This can't have happened." Danno thought. "I don't believe it. Wait. No. I suddenly do."
Danno ordered everyone one to pack up quickly just in case whatever the predator was... just in case it wasn't satisfied with its current prey.

~

The priest stood, not far distant from Rosetta, carefully aiming a throwing knife at her. Her face was white with fear, and her eyes wide. She could see him as well as her vision, and she couldn't understand either. The two contradicted each other.
The evil man took the time for one last smirk, and it cost him dearly. A large branch from the tree above him fell, crushing his scull.
Rosetta stayed on the ground for a while after her vision cleared.
She slowly got up, limped over to the still form, and examined the frozen features of the now dead terror.
Although sadly impeded by her limp, Rosetta found it within hersalf to do a little gypsy dance.
"I can't believe it! I've been wanting to do that for quite some time now. I'm almost glad that I saved it for this occasion."
Rosetta then noticed the clashing of pots and pans, and the indignant breighing of horses, not too far distant. Having just gotten over panic, and still slightly hysterical, Rosetta started limping over to investigate the noise.

Are you happy now, Tracy??? I intended to do that ALL ALONG, but YOU didn't have ANY trust in me. Silly girl.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles IX

Okay, so.... I know that you guys have waited a really long time for this episode. So without further ado.................

The Braedsen Village Chronicles IX

Some Loose Ends are Tied, and Others..... Cut

The fight lasted too long for the women, but was actually not very long. Two hours at most, but it felt like days to Sr. Christian and Genna. Not long after the last bandit was tied and taken into a tent with all the other prisoners, the cute guy who had fallen on Genna came over to them and asked them if they were alright, and what their story was.
Genna blushed the entire time while Sr. Christian related their story to him. Genna fervently hoped that he hadn't noticed, but she would have been glad to know that he DID. In fact, he had been hard pressed to keep his gaze focused on Sr. Christian rather than stare at the beautiful young maiden with the rosy cheeks, and pleasant manner.
When Sr. Christian was finished, he said, "Thank you. The Captain will be glad to receive this information. I must go tell him immediately. Excuse me."
"Wait!" Sr. Christian was a little irritated, "I told you all about us. The least you can do is tell us what YOUR name is." She crossed her arms.
The soldier blushed. He had been so intent on keeping his thoughts OFF the young lady that he had entirely forgotten proper etiquette was naturally expected in the company of ladies.
"My name is First Lieutenant Kildare." He blushed and went on, "But there is no need for formalities. You may call me Sean if you like." He regained his composure and took Genna's hand kissed it and gave her a little wink before turning to go to the Captain's tent. On the way he was interrupted at least ten times by people who required his attention.

~

"Did you ask them if they heard the bandits say anything regarding where they came from?"
"Well, no sir, I was busy with.."
"Take me to them."

Brother Sean led the way to where he had left Sr. Christian and Genna.
"These are the women, sir." Brother Sean, gestured toward them.
"Yes. Thank you, I can see that, Lieutenant. You may resume your duties."
Brother Sean made a quick sort of bowing salute, turned and went his way.
"So. Ladies, as you have heard, I am the Captain, but you may call me Brother Duard. I have a few questions that I would like to ask you, if you don't mind."
Sr. Christian seemed about ready to say that she did mind, but Br. Duard looked up sharply at her tone, and Sr. Christian merely mumbled something about her memory being poor.
"We need to know as much about these men as possible. While you were captive did you manage to hear anything? Perhaps... They may have, at one point, had you in one of the tents while they were discussing strategies, or business? I hate to bring this up, but many of the... "bandits" like to have the comfort of a woman while they." Sr. Christian cut in, absolutely livid, "You certainly don't have a very gentle way of putting things, Captain." She practically spat the words.
"As it so happens, we were lucky enough to escape that particular misfortune, though we'd like to thank you for your concern!"
Genna had sunk to the ground her hand over her face. She was as embarrassed about Sr. Christians irritation as she was over Br. Duard's assumption. However, Brother Duard didn't know that, and was instantly contrite. He had never meant to cause the lady to cry.
"My sincerest apologies, my lady...s. I was speaking to you on the assumption that you had been their captives for many days, I didn't realize! But you see, I spoke the truth. That IS how these men operate. I must say, I don't think we've ever rescued any women from them who hadn't...."
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence.
"So how long WERE you here?"
Genna straightened and answered, it didn't look like Sr. Christian was going to. She seemed as angry at the reminder of how lucky they were as she had been at his assumption that they had not been so lucky.
"We have been here for nearly four days."
Br. Duard just stared at her with a blank face. They didn't know it, but he was mentally thanking the powers that were that these two women had escaped the horrors that would inevitably have been their fate had they not been rescued. He was also amazed that they had been let alone for so long. He was about to speak again when Keitha came jogging up to them with a bandage around her head and upper arm.
"Keitha! You've been hurt!" Genna ran to her sister and began to fuss over the bandages.
"Leave me alone, Genna. I'm fine. The Brethren doctor already took care of them. Besides, they are really nothing more than scratches. Now the one on my LEG..." She stopped when she saw Brother Duard who flushed at the thought of her leg.
"Hello. Who are you, sir?"
Genna introduced Br. Duard to Keitha, and told her that he had been asking them what they knew about the bandit's.
"Oh. I see. Well, I overheard them talking of two places. I can't say for certain what the import of those places were, but they seemed to mention Spretoria with reverence, and spoke of Silfrene with a sort of contempt."
Br. Duard's face lit up with this news. He thanked the women and grabbed the nearest Brother and told him to escort the ladies home, wherever that might be, and to meet the rest of the men back at the fortress, Smenita.
Genna blushed when she say that the soldier was Lieutenant Sean Kildare.

~

A shriek pierced the air.....

Rosetta tried to pick herself of the ground and keep on running, but she stumbled again. When she looked down at her leg, she saw that it was covered in blood. She closed her eyes, knowing that she had broken the bone. She stumbled again as she tried to get up, and heard a cruel chuckle behind her.
"Justice, and goodness will always prevail over wickedness, and sin, my dear."
Rosetta closed her eyes preparing to jump up and run, no matter how much it hurt, but she was caught in one of her dreamlike visions, and was paralyzed while she watched the vision before her eyes.

~

Danno shouted at Kevino, and the others to watch the camp while he went to investigate the shout.
"If I don't come back in an hour pack up and leave as fast as you can. Don't come get me. I don't want any of you getting killed by anyone or anything because I was to clumsy to keep from being heard by them."
With that, Danno ran silently in the direction from which he had heard the scream. He had gone about a half a mile when he heard voices. He slowed his step and moved more cautiously. He came to the edge of a small clearing of trees in time to see a dark figure aiming a throwing knife at a young women. Her face was white with fear, but.... her features were almost frozen, and her eyes wide. As if she were frightened, but caught looking at a scene that was not in this time and place. Danno knew that look.... Knew that face..... Rosetta. He shouted at the man.
"STOP! What do you think you're doing! Leave that woman alone!"
He had thought that his shout would have caused the man to turn and fight him. Instead, the man rushed toward Rosetta. Dan ran to intercept the man, but lost his balance when he felt something crash to the ground near him. His fall cost him dearly.
In what seemed to be slow motion, Danno watched, trying desperately to get there in time, while the man stabbed Rosetta repeatedly in the chest. He then ran off laughing hysterically, and shouting, "I've done it! The %!#($ is DEAD! HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAA....."
Danno felt tears on his cheeks as he ran up to Rosetta. He lifted her gently off the ground into an upright position. She was alive, but wouldn't be for long.
"This can't be...." She said, confused.
"In my vision... I saw...." Her body went limp as she died.
Danno placed her softly on the ground. "Rosetta..."
He stood, his entire body shaking. He clenched his fists so hard that his nails bit into his flesh, drawing blood.
"A CURSE ON THE POWERS ABOVE!!! IT CAN'T END THIS WAY! HER STORY IS BADLY WRITTEN!"
He collapsed to the ground weeping.
Then he smelled roses, and heard the tinkling of bells..... and a deep sigh.

Well...... I hope that you are content with that because it may be a while before I have time to write another episode.
Love to you!

The Braedsen Village Chronicles I

Alright, so I said I'd write a story, and so I will. However, I think that it'll prove to be too long for just one post. I will therefore post the first Chapter, and, pending approval, post the next a week from now.


THE BRAEDSEN VILLAGE CHRONICLES
Chapter 1
Keitha Mairi (K.M.)

It was a common enough day as days go in the country surrounding the village of Braedsen. Keitha Mairi was tending her sheep, with her faithful dog, Kevina, helping her. It was Spring, and there had been many births among the flock. At such a time there were normally many predators waiting to get a lamb. It had, however, been a quiet day, no wolves or other predators had attaked the flock yet. Keitha Mairi was just beginning to hope that the entire day would be like this, when she heard a frightened bleat. She crabbed her crook, and called for Kevina to follow her, as she raced to the spot the bleating was coming from. She was too late. There were only blood stains in the grass, and she saw fresh cart tracks where the bloodstains stopped. Keitha began to cry. She knew that it was impossible to save them all, but she was angry and frustrated, with herself as well as with the culprits. Wolves she could handle, but this.... this was a different matter. Oh, there were bandits enough, but the sheep always bleated if one came near. Not bandits, but rogue shepherds. They were the most dangerous of predators. Deceptive. They have their own flock for shearing, but they'll take from others when they want meat. Being shepherds, they smell of sheep, and the sheep don't think them a threat until it's too late.
Keitha just sat down, she yelled, and cried, and yelled, and cried. She was so angry, she didn't notice that Carrie, her faithful goat, had come to lay beside her. She put her head in Keitha's lap, but Keitha shoved it right out of her lap and shouted, "Go away you stupid old goat! Can't you see that I'm angry?!"
But Carrie just put her head back in Keitha's lap.
This made Keitha very ashamed. "Oh Carrie, my friend, I'm sorry. I know you're just trying to comfort me, but now I feel worse then before. Because I've hurt you now."
And Keitha spent the rest of the day sad, but extra watchful.

Keitha Mairi was in low spirits as she herded the sheep back into their pen. Her father, Rubert, came out to greet her. He was getting on in years, and so the shepherding fell to Keitha.
"Oh, shoot," he said in a weary voice, "how many did you lose? Not more than three I hope."
"I lost one, but.."
She never finished what she was saying. Rubert had burst out laughing.
"Well, dopey, you can't expect to go half a year without losing one. You haven't lost one in over a year. You're doing fine honey."
But Keitha just burst into tears.
"I know dad, it's just that I was supposed to be watching them and I let myself drift off. I should have been more watchful, but I let myself rest because the day looked so nice. I should have known that it was just the kind of day that.. that. And it was a rogue, dad. I... they make me so ANGRY! I wish they'd all choke on their stolen meat!"
Rubert had just sat back and let her get it all out and, seeing that she was finished, he comforted her.
"Well, I know it seems worse because it was a rogue, but that lets you know that it wasn't entirely your fault. There are very few shepherds that can guard against them. As a matter of fact, I'm glad that you didn't catch them. I know that you're very good with your crook, and I'd hate to be on the recieving end of one of your kicks, but rogues have their own weapons. They're heartless, and I've heard tell that they've taken to throwing daggers. I am VERY relieved that you didn't get there in time to stop them."
This made Keitha a little happier. She gave her little brother Mikel strict instructions as to the feeding and watching of the flock. It was his job to watch the flock in the evening and night while Keitha rested from her day of work.
Genna was finishing dinner when Keitha and her father entered the house. Genna was a beautiful young girl with long blonde hair and delicate features. She also had a very womanly figure. The family always said she looked more like a princess then a pauper. Genna loved to sing, and was doing so. Like the rest of the family, Genna had inherited a temper. Rather than being fiery, Genna's temper tended more toward sauciness and brattiness.
"Well hello, Keitha. I wondered when you'd get home, if ever."
Genna seemed to be in a decent enough mood, but something was bothering her.
"I don't suppose that you might have considered that today would not be a very good day for being late??"
Never mind. she was in a very bad mood.
Keitha was in no mood for a fight so she just said, "I'm glad to see you too, Genna.", and sat down at the table.
Rubert, however, looked from Genna to Keitha and said, "I'm sorry K., but you don't have time to eat with us. Your mother has fallen ill, and we need you to go see the Gypsy, and get some of her herb medicine. Mikel's the only one beside yourself who knows the way, but you are on friendly terms with her, so it falls to you to go."


End of chapter one. There are many more characters and you'll get to meet them all..... if you decide you like it enough.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles II

Okay, here is the latest edition for you. I hope you like it. Oh, and before you read this, make sure that you read the addition I made to the last chapter. Otherwise you won't understand how the story got where it is.

Last time....
"Rubert, however, looked from Genna to Keitha and said, "I'm sorry K., but you don't have time to eat with us. Your mother has fallen ill, and we need you to go see the Gypsy, and get some of her herb medicine. Mikel's the only one beside yourself who knows the way, but you are on friendly terms with her, so it falls to you to go.""


The Braedsen Village Chronicles
Chapter 2
Rosetta the Gypsy

Keitha got up from the table, and asked, "May I see mother before I go?".
Rubert just nodded and headed toward the bedroom, with Keitha following.
Trista looked very ill, indeed. She was laying in bed, white as the blanket she had pulled up to her chin. Her black hair contrasted sharply, and made her appear even more pale. Her eyes were closed, and what was even more amazing is that she didn't utter a sound upon their entrance. Not a moan or a sigh. This made Keitha as worried as anything else. her mother had always been a very vocal person, and silence was not natural to her.
Keitha went straight out of the room again, grabbed her coat, and was out the door, before her father had a chance to give her the meal he'd packed for her. It didn't matter, Keitha was in no mood to eat anyway.

It was about an hour before Keitha reached the clearing where the gypsy made her home. Rosetta was a very odd character. She seemed to have the ability to read a persons thoughts. Although she never used "magic", Rosetta had the misfortune of being labeled a witch. She was common enough in appearance, brown hair, brown eyes, brown skin. She was taller than most women, and had a more accentuated figure as well. Yet, something about her seemed to fascinate men. She was hated by many of the village women for it.

"Hello Keitha. Your mother is ill."
It was not a question.
"I have already gathered the proper herbs for you to take with you when you go, but I wouldn't go until morning if I were you."
Keitha wasn't surprised. Rosetta often did this kind of thing, you see, Rosette had the ability to see the future.
"Thank you Rosie. I'd be happy to stay here with you."
Keitha went over to Rosetta's caravan, next to which Rosetta had built a fire, and sat down on a log in front of the fire.
"You're hungry, K. Here's some soup and bread. I'm sorry that I don't have more, but I haven't been able to sell any of my books lately. And it seems that everyone has lost their tast for gypsy songs and jewelry."
Rosetta took a seat next to Keitha. And got out the curious little book that she was always writing in.
All of a sudden Rosetta giggled and pulled her bandana off her head, put her face in her hand, lifted her head again and fluffed her hair. This was one of Rosetta's habits that always startled Keitha. Here was this grand, mysterious and dark woman..... giggling.
"I am sorry, Keitha, but I just thought of something very funny to add to my story. I think it will entice people to buy it."
Although Keitha begged Rosetta to tell her what this funny thing was, Rosetta refused to tell her.

It was a cool, pleasant morning, and Keitha woke refreshed. She looked around for Rosetta, and found her meditating in a tree.
"What are you doing Rosetta?"
"I'm trying to see if something would actually work. It will be in one of my stories if it does." Rosetta replied, mysteriously.
Keitha was at a loss as to what Rosetta could possibly want to put in a story that had to do with meditating in a tree.

Rosetta stayed in the tree until it was nearly noon, and then gracefully alighted from her loft.
"Yes. I do believe it will work."
Keitha was still puzzled, but knew that she would never get a straight answer from the gypsy, so she left the gypsy to herself.
"It is time to go, Keitha. Your father will be anxious."
And so the two set out for the home of the shepherd.
They had gone about two miles when a noise ahead startled Keitha. She was immediately on her guard, but Rosetta put a hand on Keitha's arm and said, "All is well, we need not be frightened."
Keitha looked at her and asked, "Do you know what it was?"
"No," the gypsy replied, "but I know that whatever it is will not harm us."
And so they continued. However, it must be said that Keitha had the strangest feeling that someone, or something had been watching them.



Well, There you have it. I hope you enjoyed it Tracy. Oh, and I'll be adding more to this chapter before I move on to the next. I don't know who I'll introduce next. I haven't planned that far. Things will fall into place though, never fear.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles III

Alright, I know what the next step of this story needs to be.

WARNING! This chapter may not be suitable for people of all ages.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles
Chapter 3
Sister Christian

Sister Christian wound her way through the desserted streets of Braedsen villiage. She was just returning to the convent after having visited one of the oldest members of the villiage. Sister Christian was not in a good mood. She did not like visiting Old Sheliett the Crone. She was so boring, and always wanted to talk of nothing but herself and her past.
"As if I have nothing better to do than to sit and listen to her ramble on. Would she let me talk to her? No. I didn't get a single chance to impress her with my wit. That woman is downright soporific. And I really wanted a chance to impress someone with my newest word..."

When Sister Christian got back to the convent most of the nuns had already gone to bed. However, Sister Michael and Sister Theodore were up waiting for her.
"Good evening Sisters."
They only nodded their heads in response, but they looked tense.
"Are you two going to tergiversate, or are you going to tell me what is going on?"
The other two sisters looked at one another then Sister Theodore said, "There has been another death Sister."
Sister Christian looked up quickly, "What?"
"Perhaps we should leave these halls and go to your cell before we discuss this further?" Sister Michael said this like a question, but headed toward Sister Christian's room before she had a chance to answer.

Once in Sister Christian's room, Sister Theodore continued her story.
"Okay Chris, so here's what we've heard. A wine merchant came to town yesterday, and got in an arguement with Fr. Huey. Fr. Huey told the merchant to leave or promise to only sell his wine to the church. He said that people like the merchant were the cause of sin. The wine merchant ignored Fr. Huey, and he also ignored the innkeeper who warned the merchant to only stay in the top room, but the merchant said that the idea was rediculous because he wanted to be near his merchandise in case someone should try to steal it. This morning the wine merchant was found dead and his wine, ruined."
Sister Theodore finished her tale with a flourish of her hand.
These three nuns had been friends before they took their vows. Unfortunately, one of their worst faults was that they couldn't let go of the past, or their love for mysteries.
"Are you sure that you heard all this from a reliable source? They didn't seem at all tetchy?"
Both sisters shook their heads.
Sister Christan pondered for a moment. "You don't suppose that Fr. Huey could be responsible for the terrible string of deaths do you, Dora? Why, he cried pitifully when his dog died. I can't imagine him capable of killing innocent people. Besides there have been so many deaths completely unconnected with him. No. I just cannot believe him a killer."
The sisters went on into the night discussing who might be suspect.

________________________________________________
Chapter 4
Fr. Huey

The previous evening........
Fr. Huey was sitting in the confessional.
"When will this sinner ever be done?", He thought to himself.
"And I was not as gentle as I should have been with my neice when she...."
Fr. huey cut him off.
"For your sins, you shall say two rosaries in penance. Now say the act of contrition."

When Fr. Huey had finished hearing everyone's confession, he sat back and heaved a great sigh.
"I didn't see that wine merchant in here. He needs to be taught a lesson. His evil ways cannot go unpunished."
So Fr. Huey waited until after midnight, and went to the inn where he knew the merchant was staying. He just walked in, checked to make sure that none of his parishoners were here, sinning, and went into the room nearest the storeroom where he knew the innkeeper would have stored the merchants wine.
The wine merchant jumped out of bed with a knife in his hand.
"Stay back or I'll slit your throat."
The merchant seemed very cool about it all. Apparently he'd had experience with this kind of thing before.
"Hello, sinner." Fr. Huey said, also in a cool tone. He'd had experience also.
"I didn't see you in confession. You didn't even donate any of your wine to the church like I told you to."
"I don't intend to donate anything. I wont be cowtowed by you Fr." The merchant replied, irritated. "And I don't want to see you ever again. Go away before I call the innkeeper and tell him you've been threatening me."
Fr. Huey shrugged and turned and left the room. He waited until he heard the mearchant shuffle toward his bed, and then he quietly re-entered the room and hit the merchant on the back of the head with the big, heavy cross that he always carries when on one of his "missions". He gagged the merchant, waited until he was awake and then tortured him before finally slitting his throat. After which he went into the storeroom and slit all the merchants wine, he had no use for the wine now that it was tainted with the merchant's sin, and went back to the church. He was always careful not to get himself messy, so he didn't have to worry about cleansing his clothes.

The next morning the innkeeper noticed that the wine merchant's wine had been ruined, and dreaded what the merchant would do to him. If he was still alive, that is. The innkeeper had a dreadful suspicion that the merchant was, indeed, in as sorry a state as his wine. The innkeeper, therefore was discusted, but unsurprised, when he found the merchant dead in his room.
"Poor fool."

And that was the only pity that the wine merchant got from any of the townsfolk of Braedsen village.

This is kind of off the story line, but I felt that you needed some history before I continued Keitha's journey. Besides, almost every story has at least one chapter that is written from the bad guy's point of view.

Sister Christian's words, and their definitions.......
Tergiversate: beat around the bush.
Soporific: sleep-inducing
Tetchy: unreliable

The Braedsen Village Chronicles IV

This next chapter is dedicated to some of the seminarians. Of course, it only has them in it. I didn't give their characters as much of their individual personalities as I gave everyone else, instead I just sort of.. assigned roles. So... I just thought I would write a disclaimer. You know, just in case anyone was in the mood to be scandelized.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles
Chapter 5
The Brotherhood

Even though it was the busiest time of day, every villager stepped aside to let the four members of the Brotherhood through. Impressive in their dark robes and austere countenance, these men were feared and respected. None of the townsfolk knew exactly what they did or how they earned their money. However, many said that they were unofficial monks, and earned their living off the land. Others said that they were warlocks and worked at the evil arts all day, creating their own money. Still others said that they were a cult of evil men, and responsible for all the deaths in the town, and all the plaugues, drouts, and anything else evil that happened to the land. They were only partly right about one thing.........

Duard Huffman, Sean Wittiker, Bert Mairten, and Simson Scott were used to the evil glares, and frightened looks that the townsfolk gave them. They were here to buy supplies, but the townsfolk seemed a little edgier than usual.
"Do you suppose that there has been another death?" Br. Bert wondered aloud.
"Ach, I hope it was a woman who died this time." Simson Scott did not particularly care for women. And it would be just as well for him if there were none left on the face of the earth. Br. Duard, and Br. Sean just looked at each other.
They got their supplies without much problem, and Br. Duard was able to get the latest gossip from the shopkeeper.
"There was another death." Br. Duard informed the others as they stepped back onto the street.
"A wine merchant. It seems that he'd had a quarrel with Fr. Huey."
"Isn't it interesting that none who quarrel with the good Fr. manage to stay alive very long?" Br. Sean mentioned casually.
"Except that good for nothing gypsy! I just wish she would get what she deserves. And she would too, if she didn't have those psycotic powers." It was, of course, Br. Simson who so vehemently disliked the young gypsy.
"And I'm sure that one of these days she will." Br. Bert said, soothingly. "It just is a matter of time."
"Aye she'll surely get what's coming to her, and all good for nothing women. I..."
But Br. Simson was cut off abruptly by Br. Duard's outstretched hand, a signal for silence. He had heard something. There were many badits in the woods, and while they could each handle two, if there were more, it would mean certain death for all of them. Br. Bert understood and immediately jumped onto a branch that was above him, and soon there were none of the Brethren to be seen on the road.
"Ach, it's just a shepherdess and that gypsy." Br. Simson whispered.
He looked as though he were eying something dead in the road.
After the women had passed, the Brethren lowered themselves from their perches and continued on their way. They soon arrived at their destination, the home of the Brotherhood. The castle Smenita. It was quite a thing to behold, covering as much land as any farmer's field and boasting as many fortifications as the royal castle Bloggdor. It was not a place any would attack without a plan. Or perhaps a mental problem.

Upon entering they were greeted by Br. Timothy Sewrige.
"Gooday brothers. How did you fare?"
"Well, thank you." They replied in unison. Then, Br. Bert took it upon himself to tell of the newest murder.
"This is a sad toim." Br. Timothy said, shaking his head sadly, "The King has sent us here to learn how to foight and defend justice, and we con' even stop the croimes goin' on in Braedsen Village."
Timothy had just finished saying this, when he noticed that the leader of the Brethren, the General, Br. Justice, was standing next to him. Br. Timothy really wished he knew how long the General had been standing there.
"It's time to eat." Justice said in a commanding tone. "And then you must prepare yourself for the Course."
The Brothers all felt as though their stomachs were led. They had forgotten that it was a Course day.


That is all for now on the Brotherhood. I'll write more of them into my story if you guys really don't think that it is inappropriate for me to have them in my story. It wasn't tooo obvious who these guys are supposed to be... was it?

The Braedsen Village Chronicles V

Back to Keitha. It's about time, huh?

The Braedsen Village Chronicles
Chapter 6
Keitha and Genna get in Trouble


They arrived at the cottage in good time for lunch, and surprised Mikel who had fallen asleep next to the sheep's pen. This made Keitha feel badly. The poor boy'd had no one to relieve him of his duty since Keitha left the evening before, and had probably not had any sleep, but for this small respite.
They were immediately greeted by Genna upon entering the house.
"Oh, Keitha! You're back. Father and I never thought you would....."
Genna stopped when she noticed Rosetta.
"You don't need to be afraid of me, Genna. I could give you warts, but I never would. Besides, you'd have to be foolish enough to put essence of toad on your skin, and I know you're not foolish." Rosetta made this remark as she was unpacking her bag. Genna carefully backed away from the table containing Rosetta's herbs and potions.
"Here it is! Now, will one of you start boiling some water?"
Rosetta asked very sweetly, but something in her tone gave the girls the impression that she expected her "request" to be carried out immediately.

Rosetta was at Rubert's cottage tending to Terisa for over an hour. She finally pronounced that the beloved wife and mother was safe from death, and bid Keitha to come and see what she must do to nurse her mother in the days to come. After enjoying a late lunch, and a little conversation with the Shepherds, Rosetta was on her way back to her Wagon in the woods.
Keitha looked at the paper Rosetta gave her. It was a list of items she needed for the proper care of her mother. Rosetta promised that none of the items were expensive. At least, not at this time of the year.

2 Ounces Dried Rose Hips
1 Jar Lavender Oil
New Cloths, Preferably Made of Cotton
1 Medium Jar Monkshood Leaves
1 Jar Poison Oak
1 Small Jar Olive Oil
1 Small Sack Dried Peppermint Leaves
1 Small Sack Dried Echinacea Leaves
2 Ounces "Poison" Salt, It is truly called something else, dear, but that is the name by which it is known here.
1 Ounce Baking Soda
1 Jar of Honey, Whatever size you wish
I will tell you how to make half of it into a salve, and the other half into tea when you return from the market.

"Rosetta must know what she's talking about. Because I have no idea why she wants these things, or what she could possibly use them for."


About an hour and a half later, Keitha set out for the market along with Genna, Kevina, and Carrie. Keitha would have left the little goat behind, but the little goat was being stubborn, and Rubert told her that it was a waste of time to try to get Carrie to stay. So, Carrie went along.
When the arrived at the village, they were overwhelmed by the amount of people there. It was a small village, but apparently, something had happened. Something that had given everyone a reason to be out of their homes and gossiping in the street instead. Another thing that Keitha and Genna noticed about the Village was how big it was getting. It was beginning to look more like a city and less like a town everyday. Though why people wanted to live in the Village was beyond their comprehension, what with all the murders. While purchasing some of their supplies from a nice-looking young vender, they asked him what all the commotion was about.
"Oh, haven't you heard? There've been two more deaths in the past night."
"What?" They said, unbelieving.
"But that's never happened before. It's unheard of, even for Braedsen." Genna was completely shocked. And to hear such a thing from such a good looking fellow.
"I know. It's near unbelievable. But it happened." He went on, "I'll tell you another thing, they discovered the first early this morning. Innkeeper John found a merchant dead. Then, Old Man Rick's maid found him dead in his study."
There was a squeal from Genna, and, encouraged by this, the young vender went on, "It turns out that Old Rick was a spy for some foreign country. They found documents in his study, one's that could have gotten him strung up. Whoever killed him did the country a favor. Thing is, since it wasn't by law that he was killed, whoever did the killing will face murder charges. It's a downright shame if you ask me."
The girls paid for their purchases, but were jittery for the entire time they were shopping after hearing such a tale. However, once they left the outskirts of town they felt safe enough. Very few were ever murdered outside of town. Besides, the air was so sweet and the birds were trilling so merrily, that it was nearly impossible for the girls not to enjoy their walk. Unfortunately, their peace was not to be enjoyed long. As they passed Sycamore Grove, they were attacked by a party of bandits.


Heehee.... Don't you wish I weren't ending the chapter here? Too bad. I am. Even though it is so short..... sigh. I need a break. I think I'll take a week off writing. Or maybe even two.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles VI

Last time in The Braedsen Village Chronicles........

"....the air was so sweet and the birds were trilling so merrily, that it was nearly impossible for the girls not to enjoy their walk. Unfortunately, their peace was not to be enjoyed long. As they passed Sycamore Grove, they were attacked by a party of bandits."


The Braedsen Village Chronicles
Chapter 7
Bandits

Kevina started barking and snarling furiously and attacked the first bandit he saw while Carrie simply bleated helplessly. Genna started throwing rocks rapidly(though rather pitifully), and Keitha fended off five bandits hitting them with her staff and kicking those who managed to evade it. This went on for what could have been hours or minutes until one of the bandits caught Kevina in a sack. Kevina was guarding Genna, so it was not long after, that she was also caught. Carrie had been nabbed at the beginning, and with all eight bandits attacking her at once, Keitha could no longer fight them off. Genna and Keitha were tied and gagged, and both were slung across the back of a horse like baggage. Some of the men walked next to the horses, and taunted and teased the girls, some threatening them with what they were going to do to them once they got back to camp. Keitha and Genna were miserable and frightened.
When they reached the bandit's hide out the girls were tossed onto the ground, and Carrie was tied to a post. The Bandits then threw the sack containing Kevina in a puddle of what looked to be.... human waste.

"Keitha, I am so frightened." Genna whispered.
"Don't be, We'll be all right, you'll see." Keitha said this mostly to reassure Genna, though the truth was that she was thoroughly frightened herself, and rather certain that they would either be dead by the next evening, or wish they were.
"Hey, you two. Aren't you the shepherd's daughters?"
Keitha and Genna started, then looked to see where the voice came from.
" I'm behind you two, and one of you is sitting on my foot."
They both managed to scoot forward and turned to discover that one of the nuns from Saint Norbert though they couldn't tell which one because she was sitting in shadows.
"Thank you, that feels much better. I can't believe these bandits! What could they possibly want with a nun and two shepherdesses? Oh, by the way, I am Sister Christian."
Keitha didn't quite know what to tell her. It was obvious that Sister Christian was very innocent if she couldn't see what the bandits might want with three attractive women.
"Bandits don't need a reason for doing anything, Sister. They do whatever they feel like doing. I believe that they might just be practicing." Keitha fervently hoped that what she told Sister Christian was true.
There was silence for a time when Genna let out a squeal and whispered loudly, "They're back! And they're coming toward us!"
Keitha moved in front of Genna protectively. But the two bandits passed by the women as if they didn't even see them.
Instead, they picked up the sack containing Kevina. One of them guffawed and said, "This out to be fun. I haven't gotten to do this in years!"
Genna and Keitha were quite worried, but could only watch frightened of what the bandits were about to do to their beloved dog.
The bandits had formed a ring and unsheathed their swords. They then untied the sack and unceremoniously dumped the poor dog on to the ground in the middle of the ring. It took Kevina a while to clear her head. When she saw where she was she went wild, barking, snarling, and snapping, but the poor thing could never touch any of the bandits, nor could she escape. All the while the bandits were jeering her, and poking at her with their weapons.
Keitha and Genna started crying, but neither of them knew what they could do.
"STOP THIS!"
Sister Christian had stood up, and was hopping in the direction of the bandit's circle.
"Sister Christian, DON'T!" But it was too late one of the bandits grabbed Kevina by the scruff and tossed her back in the sack, and all the rest were advancing menacingly toward Sister Christian.
"Who are you to be ruining our fun? Dirty ?@? !$+, you sit back down and don't interrupt us again or I'll give you something to pray about."
Sister Christian was about to make a retort that may have cost her life or worse, when a group of twenty or more bandits arrived. The leader of the group addressed the bandit who was threatening Sister Christian.
"Sergeant Borden we have caught a group of those meddling King's men. We need to secure their passage to Queen Melantha immediately. She'll want to get information out of them. Come with me to discuss details."
"Yes sir, General." Borden turned back to Sister Christian, "I'll deal with you later sweetie."
Sister Christian shivered.
Borden snapped his fingers and one of the bandits grabbed Sister Christian, less than gently, and dumped her back on the ground with Genna and Keitha. The Sergeant then proceeded to follow the General into a tent.
Keitha and Genna looked at Sister Christian, and shook their heads. Sister Christian didn't notice. She was staring into the trees, a dazed look on her face.

I'll add more to the story later, but I figured that You'd want to read what I had written as soon as possible.

The Braedsen Village Chronicles VII

Sister Christian was saved. Rosetta did a gypsy dance. Everyone else died.


THE END


There. Are you happy now?

The REAL Braedsen Village Chronicles VII

Well.... are we eager to see what Shelley will come up with next? Good.



The Braedsen Village Chronicles VII
"Lots of little plot lines, no endings...."
Brother Duard looked at the document in his hand gravely as he strode down the long hall to Justice’s chamber. He did not bring good tidings and therefore was not eager to be the one to tell the General the bad news. Besides he was hungry, and it never did one good to be yelled at while hungry. He went reluctantly to the door and knocked.
"One moment." Came the strong reply.
"Oh, great." Duard thought, "He sounds like he’s swamped…. Maybe I can sneak off without.."
The door opened.
"Come in, Brother."
Brother Duard entered the room and tried not to look as worried as he felt.
"I have some bad news to report, sir."
By all outward appearances, Duard was not in the least concerned with anything but the news he was reporting.
"I have here a report from one of my scouts General. As they were returning from a mission, his detatchment was set apon by brigands, and only one member of the detatchment seems to have escaped."
Justice looked displeased, but merely waved for Duard to continue.
"The scout party we sent to look for suspicious activity in and around Braedsen Village found more than they were prepared for. Of the entire detatchment only Karlin Marsiol made it back. The rest were taken for questioning. I would say that they needed to be left to their fate, die for their King, except......."
Duard knew he had to play his cards right if he was going to get his men out of their predicament.
"General..... Brion Mcdonal was one of the party. He was going along for training..... I don't believe he'll last long if they torture him, and if we don't act quickly, the bandits will repot our location to the enemy."
Duard hoped he had judged rightly, and that Justice would allow him to take two or more detatchments to his men's aid.

~

The next morning the women learned the names of the men who had been captured, Dafead Boardof, Joseph Passive, Joseppe Zepranni, and Brion McDonal.
"Those poor men," Genna shuddered, " I heard some of the men talking about how they were going to torture them today."
Sister Christian’s face looked hard. "I hate to say this, but I’m somewhat glad that this happened."
Genna and Keitha looked at her in bewildered distaste.
Sister Christian cleared her throat. " You see, with the Brethren to preoccupy the bandits, there is less chance that they’ll pay attention to us. Not to mention the fact that there is likely to be a rescue attempt by the rest of the Brethren."
Genna and Keitha were still looking at her oddly. Sister Christian, under the weight of their gazes, felt compelled to speak further. "I’ve been doing much thinking lately. It’s been hard for all of us, but I thought it was time to start seriously considering our options given the situation. The bandits don’t seem to me the sort who would like to sit down and have a syllogistic conversation, so naturally reasoning with them had to be……"
Sister Christian never got to finish, for there was a sudden and tremendous outburst from the surrounding trees and the camp was put into immediate uproar.

~

"I have here a report from one of my scouts General. As they were returning from a mission, his detachment was set upon by brigands. Only one member of the detachment seems to have escaped."
Rosetta woke with a start.
Keitha! She’s in trouble. No, it was just a dream.
Sometimes Rosetta had trouble knowing which of her visions were real and which were just nightmares. She could have sworn that her dream about Keitha had been a vision , but….. Rosetta closed her eyes…. Now that she was awake, she could no longer feel the danger that had been in her nightmare. Rosetta put a hand to her forehead.
That’s what it had to have been, just a nightmare.
And who had those men been? She hadn't ever seen them before, and she had never had a vision about a stranger before. What could it mean?
Suddenly Rosetta snapped her head up. Here was danger only for herself this time. She turned and looked toward the wagon doorway. In it was the silhouetted form of a man. She didn’t need to see his face to know who he was. He had tried to kill her before, but she had always known enough ahead of time to avoid him. It seemed as though her powers were slipping, and that she was about to pay a terrible price for it.


There you are guys. I hope you're in enough suspence that you want me to write more. By the way, for the purposes of my story, a normal detatchment consists of about 8-14 men.
Love you guys!!!

The Braedsen Village Chronicles VIII

It All Comes together................


~Partings And Meetings~


It was absolute uproar. Brethren were fighting Bandits, left and right. All was confusion.
Genna, K.M., and Sr. Christian could only huddle down beneath trees and try not to get hurt. Keitha was frantically trying to untie her hands, but the knots were quite well tied.
"If you had only tried to escape fewer times, then they probably wouldn't have tied us up", was Genna unhelpful remark.
Keitha just glared at her, and continued more vigorously in her efforts.
Sr. Christian then walked up to Keitha, turned and untied Genna, then untied Keitha. They both just looked at her confused.
"How.."
Keitha didn't get to finish asking her question because just then the body of a bandit came crashing down on her. She threw it off and began kicking it before Genna exclaimed, "Stop that, Keitha! He's already dead."
So Keitha left him there and ran into the midst of the fighting, picking a few weapons off the fallen as she ran.
"I sometimes can hardly believe that she is my sister. She'll get herself killed!" Genna said disconsolidly before hiding behind a tree as another body flew at them. This time however it was a live body and he said, " So sorry Mi'lady..... Sister." before rushing back into the fray.
~

Rosetta had felt his presence before she'd seen him. It was the priest. He had her cornered.
"Hello my pesky gypsy. It seems that you have gotten careless. Have you not been sacrificing to the devil recently?"
"I never did you horrible man! You would know if you bothered to pay any attention that I would never do anything like that. I didn't choose to see the future, and I didn't choose to be a gypsy." Rosetta was truly afraid, and only prayed that he might be brought to kill her quickly.
"I am going to enjoy this immensely." Was his cruel reply. He didn't have any intention of giving her a painless death.
Rosetta thought desperately.
"If I can just lure him away from the trap door at the bottom of the wagon then I might be able to escape into the forrest."
She slowly circled the unholy father, getting him to move with her. Trying to make him think that she was headed for the doorway.
"So now that you have me. What do you plan to do to me? I'd like to know what kind of death I can expect.... Surely you can grant me that at least."
The Sadistic man was only too delighted to comply to her wish.
"Well, first I plan to tie you up very tightly, and bind you mouth so that you cannot call out to the devil, or whoever else may be wandering nearby. Then, I shall build a fire, and roast you slowly over it, to give you a taste of what you can expect when your soul is no longer on earth. I will proceed to give you cuts all along your freshly burned.... You &%@^~#* WENCH!"
Rosetta had succeeded in getting out of the wagon and through the trap door faster than she had thought herself capable. All to soon, however, she heard him fast behind her.

A shriek pierced the air; full of pain and agony.
~
Duard had formed a detatchment of his best men, and still they were having a hard time with the bandits. There was much confusion, and Duard thought he had seen a woman fighting somewhere. The fight lasted longer than expected, but the last of the bandits was eventually caught; none had escaped. After seeing to that the wounded were being cared for, Duard went in to visit the bandit leader.
"Who gave you orders to spy on the Brethren?"
Duard wasn't about to mince his words.
"We just came here because the land was rich. We have no orders."
The Bandit leader must think the Brethren were stupid if he thought they'd believe that.
"You were encircling our barracks for a week, and the minute you capture some of our men you decide to head out. You must think that we are very stupid if you think we'd believe that you weren't sent by someone. So I'll ask you again, and keep in mind that your answer may decide your fate... Who sent you?"
The bandit leader looked away and refused to speak.
"Soldier let's make things a little less comfortable for......."
Brother Sean came in suddenly.
"Sorry to disturb you sir, but I thought you should be informed that the bandits had prisoners other than our men. He had women prisoners..... and a dog, it seems."
"Did you ask them if they heard the bandits say anything regarding where they came from?"
"Well, no sir, I was busy with.."
"Take me to them."
~
Danio loved the open road. In fact, the only thing he liked better was beer and good cheer! Danio had been the leader of 'Danio's troubladors' ever since his father, Danio the First had died. Troupe members had come and gone, and most of the members of his current troupe were fairly young. Danio sat back and looked at them as they sat around the campfire. There was Solomundo the acrobat currently juggling, Kevintello the high-wire and trapeze artist juggling with him. Wondeyego the animal tamer was poking at a pheasant that was roasting over the fire, and Damio the magician was warning him that he'd burn himself.(Which he did) Helen the fair was preening, and Michaelangelo the strongman was trying to explain to her how he understands her difficulties, seeing as how they were both so really really ridiculously good looking and all. And
Danio.... Danio was the Master of Ceremonies. He also told fortunes and gambled whenever he could. Some people had accused him of pickpocketing, but Danio had never been proven guilty.
He smiled now as he thought of how far they'd all come. Throughout the land, problems were arising, and so far they had been really lucky. His attention was brought back to his troupe when he heard Helen say, "I most certainly not put an 'O' on the end of my name! I like it just how it is." Helen looked like she was trying not to laugh as Kevintello made his quirky answer.
Danio had been thinking lately that it may be a good idea for he and Kevintello to put together some sort of comedy routine. Ever since their old clown had died the show had been without one. There really was no NEED for a comedy act; so far every town they had come to hadn't minded a bit, but.... the show just wasn't the same without a little bit of humor in it. Although, from a stranger's perspective, the show was humorous enough what with the odd persons who were part of it.
Danio didn't have an outsiders perspective.
Danio was meditating on the numerous possibilities, Kevintello was trying to convince Helen that she needed to learn to walk the tightrope, Damio was beginning to snore, and Solomundo, Wondeyego and Michaelangelo were eating pheasant when they all heard a loud ear piercing shriek.

There you go Guys. What WILL happen next???? OOOooooooooh.......

Back to school

I think that this is a fitting template for my back to school mood.

Serious and a little dark.

I will soon be writing more of the chronicles, but first I must settle back into the college routine a little better. But then.... Ahh, THEN I shall amaze you with my wonderful writing skills!