Enemies From Within

Author: PaulenaK

Email: toukalah@hotmail.com

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: Everything WWE-ish belongs to Vince McMahon.

Pairing: Lita/Hunter

Author's Notes: AU fic set in the days of old. I apologize if I offend anyone... my musings of the highlands and lowlands are purely fictional. This is my first fic with 'Lita' as a main character.

 

**

 

Part One

 

**

 

'Man it was cold." He thought as he crouched in a bush. Had his clan really come to this, squatting in bushes like raiders awaiting the last lights of the village to flicker out before sneakily robbing them of horse and cattle?

 

But in this case they weren’t waiting to raid, they were waiting for the village warriors to gather and embark on their own pillage of his lands.

 

Back in his grandfathers day it had been like a game, his kinsmen would raid and steal off their enemy calling out the unique battle cry of their clan while waving their colours proudly and then with the setting of the new days sun their enemies would seek revenge on his clan by stealing back what they had lost the night before, it had waged on till the turn of the century until after a very violent and blood curdling battle both clans had lost their leaders, their predecessors proclaiming a truce to honour the deaths of those that perished.

 

No one but his aunt knew what had really gone on between the two leaders who were found dead in the same room... a pistol shot wedged into the skull of his grandfather while the grandfather of his enemy lay with a gaping hole in his chest, his aunt was found later curled up underneath a table covered in blood, but whatever it was that she had seen had stayed locked within her mind because till this day his aunt had yet to utter another word.

 

But after years of truce, after years of living in peace the raiding on his lands had started again... cattle was taken and lives of his crofters were lost, his people screaming out for retribution as they mourned their loss.

 

He hadn't wanted to believe that after all this time the lowlanders would start up the feud again, it just didn't make sense, after all his clan had grown and prospered in the years that followed his fathers reign while the lands of his foe had regressed as the arm of poverty over took them.

 

'Matt Hardy couldn't be that stupid,' He thought. 'We out number him three men to one. It just didn't make sense.'

 

"The dawn is upon us cousin,"

 

Hunter was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t hear his cousin approach or notice the dawning of the new day upon the horizon.

 

"We should leave before the crofters awake and go about their morning duties."

 

"Lead the men back, I will follow shortly."

 

"Hunter-"

 

"Go Shawn, I will follow."

 

Knowing his cousin as he did Shawn knew it would be pointless to try to persuade him of the dangers if he were caught by the lowland warriors but he also knew Hunter wouldn't be that stupid as to let himself get caught so with a quick nod and a brotherly clap on the back he ambled back through the shrubbery towards the waiting men.

 

Hunter watched as his cousin disappeared out of sight before turning back towards the crofts that littered the clearing and focusing on the castle that sat further up away from the farmlands. He could see the small puffs of smoke streaming up out of the crofts as morning fires were lit and inhaled deeply as the aroma of bacon and sausage assaulted his senses.

 

He ducked quickly seeing a flash of red in his peripheral vision, his eyes squinting as he tried to hone in on the source. After a while he shook his head admonishing his mind for playing tricks on him blaming it on his lack of sleep and the smell of food cooking.

 

Keeping his body low he made his way back to where he had tied his horse deciding maybe his cousin had been right, it was time to go.

 

He murmured soft words as he approached his horse to soothe the beast. "The smell of food playing on your senses too, hey boy." He whispered untying the reigns before leading the animal through the thicket.

 

"Woah boy..." He whispered next to the horses head as a very feminine giggle was carried towards him on the breeze. "Shhhh boy..."

 

Tying the reigns up again he headed in the direction of the laughter, keeping low using the rising fog as cover. He came up short wavering on his feet as he came to the edge of a small cliff and he had to dig in his heels and lean back to keep from going over.

 

Putting his stomach to the ground he crawled to the edge and looked down... and then had to rub at his eyes not believing what he saw. There below in what had to be the coldest season of the year was a young girl bathing in a small pool of water. The water barely reaching her waist only just covering her navel to his gaze while her long red hair trailed over her shoulders and down over her breasts, the tips dipping in and out of the water as she frolicked about in her play, splashing water up into the air around her.

 

He was mesmerized not able to take his eyes of her. 'She can’t be real,' He thought, 'She had to be a water sprite or a pixie... no one in there right mind would swim naked in the wee hours of the morn.'

 

He felt himself grow hard and cursed his own lack of control but the sight before him was too tempting. He just needed to touch her, feel her skin between his hands... had to know that she wasn't a vision... then he saw ‘him’ sitting on the other side of the embankment... a boy no less, who looked like he had still to reach his twenty-first year. He sat with his back to the girl honouring her privacy, which he realized was more then he had allowed.

 

The sun's first rays peeking over the horizon brought him back to his senses and he knew he had to go or risk being caught and he couldn't allow that to happen, he would never hear the end of it from his cousins if they had to pay a ransom to get their leader back.

 

Turning away from the sun he searched below for one last sight of the water imp but his eyes met only the fog lifting up off the waters surface, his brows creasing he searched the other side of the embankment only the boy he had seen moments before was gone as well. 'I have gone mad,' He thought shaking his head before getting up to make his way back to his horse.

 

"I so need to get back to the castle where my duties as leader of the

Helmsley clan can occupy my mind." He grumbled to himself as he rode back through the woods and across the river that separated the two clans but not even the drumming of his horse's hooves against the ground could drown out the sound in his head of hypnotic giggles and splashing water or erase the vision of the water sprite bathing in the early winter morning shrouded by mist. That he knew would stay with him for a long time to come.

 

**

 

Part Two

 

**

 

A week later...

 

"Jeff... Jeff... wake up sleepy head."

 

"Aw Lita not today please..."

 

"Would you rather I went alone?"

 

He cringed beneath the covers at her words knowing she would do exactly that wether he liked it or not.

 

"Come on Jeffrey... please?"

 

He peered up at her over the covers when it occurred to him that the whole castle was on double guard because of those stupid highlanders and that no one, even them would get in or out without their older brother finding out.

 

His chin rose as he thought of all the cattle that had been lifted by that damn Helsmley and his lot of marauders, the bastard knew they were no match against the Helmsley clan, yet knowing this had not stopped him from breaking the truce.

 

Twice now their lands had been raided, both times taking all they could get their hands on. He knew these attacks were weighing heavily on the mind of his older brother, with the raids, the farmers and their families who tended the land... not to mention him and Lita. His brows creasing in remembrance of what he had heard last night in the great hall after the scouting party had returned. He heard the men talking excitedly about how they had captured one of the raiders, some boasting that it was Helmsley himself who they now held in their castle dungeon.

 

A rogue of a man they said, merciless to all, friend to no one with a heart as black as night. Others went on to tell how he had raped and beaten his wife on their wedding night so bad that come the next morning she was found with the bed sheets tied around her neck as she dangled out the window.

 

But hearing that hadn't made his heart stop or his mouth from falling open as he over heard another guard saying that he had been caught crouching near the embankment just past the crofts. Knowing straight away that the only embankment on that side of the castle was the place where Lita loved to swim. Matt forbid her swimming there which was why she went during the early hours of the morning with him as her guard. He knew she would go no matter what so he always tagged along knowing he couldn't do much in an attack but he would serve as a very good look out.

 

The guards told stories till the late hours that’s why he was tired now because he had stayed to listen, something Lita hated because women were forbidden in the great hall. He also knew she knew nothing of their having a house guest.

 

"Jeff, stop staring and get up." She hissed. "This is the last day of winter my tiny swimming hole will be dried up till next winter.

 

Jeff actually liked that idea but he wouldn't dare tell her that instead he said, "You can’t go, I forbid it... and... and if you go I will tell Matt."

 

He cringed again as he stared up at her, she looked shocked and very, very pissed. "Jeffrey Nero Hardy-"

 

"I'm sorry Lita but sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do."

 

"Well when you become a man you can do it!" She snapped sitting down in a huff on the end of his bed.

 

He instantly felt sorry for her. "If I tell you why I don’t want you outside the castle grounds today will you stop being mad at me?"

 

Straight away her expression changed and she moved forward kneeling down at the side of the bed to look more fully at him. "Something has happened, hasn't it? Was it another raid?"

 

"No... Its worse."

 

Her eyes bulged, 'What could be worse than that devil breaking the truce.' She thought.

 

"I heard the guards saying that we have Helmsley himself in our dungeon."

 

She gasped and then her face paled, Jeff immediately regretting telling her... Helmsley's reputation with women being well known throughout their clan as well as some of the neighbouring clans.

 

"Matt's been in meetings all night discussing the ransom and Helmsley being their leader we should get a pretty penny." He reached out and clasped her hand in his. "Now do you see why I don’t want you to go out? His clan is bound to be scouting the area."

 

"Yes, you're only looking out for me... as always." She smiled down at him. "I love you little brother."

 

"I love you more big sister." He replied as she leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

 

"Now, go back to sleep and I will see you at breakfast."

 

Jeff sighed in relief as she left but sleep was the furtherest thing from his mind right now. He wanted to know what their prisoner was doing at that particular embankment when he'd been captured.

 

Little did he know that sleep was the furtherest thing from his sister's mind too.

 

**

 

Part Three

 

**

 

Hunter groggily shook his head awake wincing at the searing pain that shot up the back of his skull, his arms ached from being tied behind his back. 'God how long had he been here? Or more specifically, where was here?'

 

He breathed in the dank stale air having to rely on his sense of smell since he was blindfolded, the stench of unwashed bodies and human waste all around him.

 

In his head he retraced his steps from when he had left the castle.

He had left in secret not wanting his cousins to question his early morning rides across the river and into the lands of their enemy.

 

Everyday for the past week he had made this trek hoping upon hope to see the vision of the girl bathing in her own secret pool... but she never appeared again.

 

His downfall had occurred because he had chose to stay longer than usual, he had been so sure that today she would appear... the feeling so strong he had waited ignoring the rising sun and the movement between the crofts and now he knew without a doubt where he was. The Hardy dungeon.

 

A grating noise above his head drew his attention upwards although the blindfold hindered his sight.

 

"Is someone there?"

 

It seemed an eternity before he got an answer, expecting the harsh gruff voices of the guards instead hearing the meek quiet voice of a young boy.

 

"Are you really Hunter Hurst Helmsley, leader of the Helmsley clan?" The voice asked from above him.

 

"I am." Hunter replied wondering why the voice was coming from above him and not from in front of him. "Whom am I speaking to?"

 

"I am Jeff Hardy, younger brother of Matt Hardy."

 

Hunter smiled. "Is your leader too much of a woman to come face me himself, that he'd rather send a boy to do a man's job?"

 

"My brother is as brave a man and leader as those before him." The boy snapped defensively not missing a beat. "I'll warn you now to hold your tongue if you still want it attached to your mouth."

 

Hunter grinned liking this boy, his honour and loyalty for his brother and clan doing him justice. "What is it you want boy?"

 

"I was curious..." Jeff began. "The embankment where you were captured... is on the far side of the castle well away from the river and the safety of your own lands."

 

"So?"

 

"So... I wanted to know where your logic lay because as far as I could see you left yourself wide open for capture."

 

'Damn,' He thought, 'The boy was right.' He shifted uncomfortably in his chair trying to think of a way not to come off looking like a fool. 'Well... more of a fool.' Something told him he could trust this boy but he himself wasn’t sure he wanted someone else to know why he had been crouching in wait at the embankment. Figuring he'd be the laughing stock of his castle anyway he didn’t see the harm in telling this boy the truth.

 

He heard the boy shift above him as if getting comfortable and again he wondered why the boy was above him. "I was waiting for a vision." he admitted, "I saw her once swimming in the tiny pool there."

 

Jeff paled but for the sake of his sister he continued on. "Do you know who she was?"

 

"No, I only saw her once." He turned his head upwards trying to listen for the boy’s movements.

 

"And what would you have done had she appeared again?"

 

"I think you know the answer to that boy," Hunter smirked when he heard the boys sharp intake of breath then a thought struck him and he couldn't help but ask. "Why are you so interested?"

 

"Just curious..." Jeff replied deciding he had better steer the conversation away from his sister. "There are many crofts littered on that side of the castle... she could be anyone..."

 

Hunter sighed, "That she could boy."

 

"I imagine your kin know nothing of your being here?"

 

"That is true... I'm impressed... you sure your brother didn't send you here to negotiate?"

 

"I am sure... my brother knows not of my dealings here. My reasons for coming here are for reasons of my own."

 

Hunter could see leadership qualities in this boy and knew that when the time was right he would make a fine ally. "What is your proposition?"

 

"Your freedom and knowledge in that your time spent here will go no further then these four walls."

 

"You said it yourself the guards are boasting about having captured Helmsley himself, don’t go making bargains when you got nothing to bargain with."

 

"Boast they do... but they don’t know for certain... their stories are exactly those... stories."

 

"Why are you willing to help me... you don’t fear the wrath of your brother?"

 

"I fear him Helmsley... make no mistake... but there is something else I fear more." He said thinking of Lita and what this man would do to her if he were to find her. "The day grows light, I will be back at dusk."

 

"Wait!" Hunter called out but the grating sound above told him the boy had gone.

 

He settled back in his chair and smiled to himself... 'Well... it looks like he was going to be saved the embarassment of being caught by the enemy...' He let out a hearty laugh. 'By the enemy themselves.'

 

**

 

Lita found it hard to sit in her room, sometimes she hated being a women of her station. She wasn't allowed anywhere near where all the action was, she was a whole two years older than Jeff and yet he was allowed access to more area's of the castle then she. It was so not fair!

 

Her mind raced with what Jeff had told her and she longed to go down to the dungeon and see for herself what kind of a man would raid and steal from a helpless clan such as hers. And if it was the mighty Helmsley himself she maybe the only woman to have ever lain eyes on him and lived to tell the tale.

 

'What harm could one look have?' She thought to herself. Her mind made up she opened her bedroom door, poked her head out a little to make sure no one was there before she stepped out... quietly closing the door behind her.

 

She made her way down the stone path that led to the dungeon pulling her cloak up further over her head as she neared the guard’s room. The boisterous laughter coming from inside the room told her the guards hadn't been changed yet and that these men were more then a little drunk. 'Oh what would my brother say...' She thought as she slipped past the door unnoticed... or so she thought.

 

"My lady... you shouldn't be down here... it's not safe."

 

She turned to see Goldberg, the guard leader and her brother’s right hand man staring down at her. "Ah... I was looking for my brother I must have taken a wrong turn..."

 

"Then let me lead you back to the right path, my lady." He said offering her his arm.

 

Smiling innocently up at him she allowed him to take her arm and lead her back up the stone steps. 'Damnit! She would have to try again tonight.'

 

**

 

Part Four

 

**

 

Lita waited until her older brother had locked himself away in the great hall with his officers of state no doubt again trying to come to a decision about the man in the castle dungeon before she crept once more out of her room and down the stone stairway that would take her into the bowels of the castle and hopefully if all went well she would get her first glimpse of the man who's mere name sent fear into the hearts of many men.

 

She had looked for Jeff earlier in the day missing the companionship of her younger brother, wanting to alleviate her boredom by grilling him silly on the happenings inside the great hall but she hadn't been able to find him and no matter how much she begged her upstairs maid Torrie, the young woman refused to enter the great hall just to spy on her master.

 

"It's just so hard to find good help these days." She chuckled to herself as she rounded a corner to disappear down the stone steps.

"Everyone is so loyal."

 

The stairway darkened as she neared the bottom and no sounds could be heard coming from the guards room. She didn't think anything of it, just thanked her lucky stars that her little escapade might come off without a hitch.

 

She felt her way along the wall using it as her guide in the darkness remembering Jeff telling her that the dungeon was just beyond the guard’s room when she had made him describe it to her the first time he was allowed to accompany Matt down there.

 

Remembering what he had said about the stench she wrapped a cloth around her nose and mouth tying it at the back of her head before pulling the hood of her cape up over her head covering her long red hair. 'Matt himself wouldn't recognise me in this.' She thought continuing on her way... 'Just a few more steps...'

 

"What the!" She heard the muffled curse as someone coming in the opposite direction ploughed right into her.

 

"Come on we have to hurry!" Came a familiar voice. Her brows furrowed as she chanced a glance up peeking over the rim of her cape to see Jeff waving for the man who had run into her to hurry up.

 

The man seemed to stop short as if wondering wether to offer help or not, obviously deciding on the former as he reached down to grab her arm and help her stand but Jeff moved forward then and Lita pulled her cape further down over her head hoping he wouldn't notice her, thankful that his mind seemed intent on the man with him to worry about the person on the floor.

 

"Come on... the guards will change soon... we don’t have much time."

 

'What is going on?' She thought as she watched them like shadows disappear into the darkness.

 

"You there! Stop!" Came the voice of a guard as he came running up to her with his pistol raised.

 

She backed up against the wall, his eyes never leaving her as he called out to the men following behind him. "I have one!"

 

Three more men appeared all with their pistols raised and trained on her as they awaited a command from their leader.

 

Lita could do nothing as Goldberg approached her reaching out to pull her away from the wall her cape falling away to reveal her long red tresses. She expected the shocked faces of the guards as realisation set in but what she wasn’t prepared for was the intense callousness she saw in Goldberg's gaze as he looked down on her.

 

He roughly pushed her towards the officers. "Bind her hands and bring her." He snarled turning away from them.

 

"Bind me!" She looked down at her hands trying to pull them out of the officers hold. "I demand you release me at once!"

 

"Do not make things harder on yourself, my lady." Goldberg called from his position in front of them not bothering to turn to look at her.

 

"Where are you taking me? What is my crime?"

 

He stopped then turning to rest his gaze on her face, his eyes roving over her as if she were the lowest of the low swimming around in a maggot infested pit of waste. "We are taking you to your brother, my lady. Your crime is helping in the escape of Hunter Hurst Helmsley."

 

**

 

Jeff walked into the great hall and sat down next to his brother who seemed in more of a tither than usual.

 

"Have you seen your sister?" He asked not looking up.

 

"As far as I know she's in her chamber."

 

"Good... good." Matt replied sighing as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. "There's been trouble," He said finally turning to face his brother.

 

"Oh?"

 

"Our prisoner has escaped."

 

Jeff lowered his eyes reaching out for the glass of wine a servant had just put down in front of him, draining it of it's contents in one swallow as his brother continued.

 

"Knowing that Lita is in her room and not out on one of her flights of fancy that she and you have been privy to do brings me much relief. Who knows what that man would do if he happened upon her or any other woman under my roof?"

 

His brother’s comment only heightened Jeff's resolve to protect his sister no matter the cost. "So he got away then?" He asked still not able to meet his brother’s eyes.

 

"Yes, little brother. He got away."

 

Just then the doors burst open and Goldberg strode through the open doors, an army of soldiers following in his wake.

 

"We have captured the one who assisted in the escape."

 

Jeff's eyes widened as he saw the bound hands of the servant they had ran into in the dungeon hallways and quietly prayed that she hadn't recognised him.

 

Matt rose to circle the hooded figure still held captive by the guards.

"Remove the cape." He ordered, "Let my eyes fall upon the one in my household who would dare to betray me. Who would dare help to bring back in full force the Helmsley clan to wage war upon our lands." His face paled as the hood was removed and he got his first glimpse of the red tresses that fell around the face of his sister. "Lita."

 

"No!" Jeff stood with such force that he knocked the chair he had been sitting on down behind him. "She is innocent!"

 

"We found her in the dungeon hallway she had this wrapped around her face." Goldberg said chucking the piece of cloth down on the table in front of them. "And this is not the first time I have seen her in the dungeon. She was there last night as well."

 

Lita's eyes sought and found Jeff's, her eyes pleading with him to remain silent. Matt would be lenient with her but if Jeff were found out he would be exiled, sent abroad to serve in the Queen's army and no matter how Matt decided to punish her... she couldn't bare the thought of Jeff being so far away. Even if Matt chose to send her away she knew her older brother would never send her abroad... this she knew was her only option.

 

"Lita," Matt began gently lifting her chin with his finger so that her eyes looked only at him. "Tell me this is not true."

 

She lifted her chin, the tears that had threatened to fall before held in check, her resolve firmly in place as she stared back at her brother voicing the two words that would not only bring shame upon her but also isolate her from her family and clan.

 

"I cannot."

 

**

 

Part Five

 

**

 

"Lita?"

 

Jeff watched as Lita turned her tear filled eyes towards him, his heart breaking at the sight of her sitting upon the window sill looking over the roving hills and green pastures, the tiny crofts that littered the country side... the small embankment which held her secret pool.

 

"He's sending me away..." She whispered softly once she sensed his nearness. "To the nunnery in Sorcha..."

 

"I know." Jeff whispered his eyes following her gaze out the window.

"I also know you didn't do it."

 

Lita looked at him then as he shuffled from foot to foot beside her, his eyes lowered. She reached out to gently lift his chin up forcing him to look at her.

 

"Its better this way," She whispered.

 

"Li, I-"

 

"I know Jeff," She cut in turning her palm up to cradle the side of his cheek in her hand. "And I implore you not to say anymore... I want you to know that whatever your reasons were... I don’t blame you."

 

Jeff fell to his knees before her burying his head in the folds of her skirts. "Forgive me, Li,"

 

"Shhh..." She whispered leaning forward to kiss the top of his head as she felt the wetness on her legs where his tears soaked through.

"There's nothing to forgive, Jeff."

 

"It should be me,"

 

"Shhh... let it be please. You need to be here for Matt if all this talk of war reigns true."

 

"But it won’t."

 

"How can you be sure?"

 

"He gave me his word."

 

"You trust this man's word?"

 

"For what I have sacrificed..." He lifted his head clasping both her hands in his. "I have no choice but to trust."

 

**

 

Matt sat alone in his chamber, for the first time since the death of their parents he hadn't sought the rough and rowdy atmosphere that spewed forth among his men who gathered in the great hall. For the first time in along time allowing his mind to ponder over where he had gone wrong with Lita.

 

It was no secret he had pretty much let her do whatever she wanted, her and Jeff both... maybe there in lay his mistake... too much freedom and no real parental figure, Matt being only a few years older than his siblings.

 

He just couldn't fathom why?

 

Surely she must have known the consequences of such an act. The cry of his people who had perished in the recent raids called out for justice... in his dreams the women who were left without husbands, children left without parents... they all cried out to him as their leader, their protector... their hope for the future.

 

As much as he cared for their clan and the lands governed them by his ancestors... he hated the title and position decreed to him by birth for what it called at him to do now, but more importantly he hated himself... for having to do it to his own sister.

 

**

 

Inside castle Helmsley...

 

"He's probably found him a woman or two and is now shacked up in some cosy little croft somewhere."

 

That comment drew forth a few laughs from the men seated around a table in the main hall.

 

"Yeah but now? While clan Hardy have started the feud again?" Shawn spoke clearly directing his comment at his brother Kevin more then the other men seated with them. "It doesn’t make sense."

 

"Makes a lot of sense if you ask me..." Kevin grumbled not liking it when his younger brother contradicted him, it was bad enough he had to take orders from Hunter without having to take this crap in front of the other men.

 

"You mean something actually ticks in that head of yours cousin?"

 

"Hunter!" Shawn exclaimed rising out of his chair to offer it to him.

"You've been gone two days... no one knew where you were... and... and you are in dire need of a bath..." He added waving his hand in front of his face.

 

Hunter laughed outright at his younger cousin trying to buy time as he thought of an excuse for his absence. "Shawn... I've just been out enjoying the fruits of these highlands."

 

"Hah! What did I tell you?" Kevin roared slamming his fist down on the table top. "He was shacked up with some wench!" He laughed along with the other men bringing his goblet up to his mouth, the red liquid running down his chin as he drained the cup's contents.

 

Shawn raised his eyebrows. "I don’t believe it."

 

Hunter shrugged this was as good an excuse as any. "What can I say... I'm a man." His face wrinkled as he looked down at himself. "A man who needs a tub of hot water... lots and lots of hot water." He added as thoughts of the Hardy's dungeon filled his mind as he left the main hall.

 

**

 

Lita stood for the last time at the foot of the stone steps that led up to the castle she knew as home, until she had fulfilled her allocated time with the nun's of Sorcha this would be the last time she would see her home, the last she would see any of them.

 

Jeff walked beside her as the coach that would carry her on her journey stopped a few feet away from them.

 

"I'll come as soon as Matt will allow it." He said bringing the hands of his sister to his lips.

 

"And I will cherish your visit that is if the nun's will allow you entry." She replied the smile on her face belying her saddened heart that was weeping inside.

 

"I-"

 

"Don’t Jeff... please... let’s part happy."

 

He watched the play of emotions cross her face and knew that this wall of strength he was looking at now was threatening to break as her chin started to wobble.

 

"I love you, Li... god speed you home."

 

"I love you too Jeff..." She leaned up to kiss his cheek before climbing up into the coach and the door was closed by the footman as Jeff stepped back.

 

Matt looked down from his window at the coach that carried his sister as the driver spurred the horses on down the gravelled path and out of the castle gates. "Forgive me." He whispered keeping his eyes on the coach until it had disappeared on the horizon.

 

**

 

"Do we raid tonight?"

 

Hunter turned to face his cousin, eyebrows raised. "Why would we raid tonight?"

 

"Well cousin... in your absence clan Hardy lifted 200 head of cattle and burned at least a dozen crofts."

 

Hunter frowned as he thought back to the young man who had aided in his escape, he had given his word that he wouldn't wage war on the Hardy clan and he wouldn't... but no word was given on taking revenge for a wrong done to them, a wrong that couldn't be left without punishment.

 

He looked up at Kevin, "Tell the men to rest, we raid at dawn."

 

"Shawn?" He said as his younger cousin made to leave the room as well. "I have something I want you to do."

 

"What?"

 

Hunter picked a coin pouch and a piece of parchment up off the table and held them out to the other man.

 

"What's this?"

 

"You will ride to Sorcha. That you hold in your hands is a list of the cattle lost and the funds needed to redeem them."

 

"You knew about the raid?"

 

"I wouldn’t be leader if I didn't keep my eyes and ears open." Hunter said.

 

Shawn looked confused. "You want me to buy more cattle? What about the raid?"

 

"The coming raid is just to appease your brother’s thirst for revenge... as well as that of the people who lost their homes... but I don’t plan on bringing anything back." he waved the still confused Shawn out of his room before walking towards the window to look down on the people that tended to his lands as they went about their business. "For the sake of my people and the sake of my word given to one of my enemy... I must find a way to end this feud once and for all."

 

**

 

Part Six

 

**

 

Shawn was bored.

 

Because he was the youngest he always got the boring jobs. "Go to

Sorcha Shawn... get more cattle Shawn..." He mimicked in his most haughty voice.

 

He had been in Sorcha two days and all he'd done in that time was look at cattle, at this rate he would be dreaming cattle in his sleep. He scowled as images of a bull’s teeth, hooves and butt entered his mind. 'Not the thing a young man ought to be dreaming about.' He thought.

 

He passed a group of children playing by a fountain, their laughter alone drawing him closer to watch the amusement play across their faces.

 

His brows creasing as he heard a soft feminine giggle amongst the

Children’s laughter, intrigued he slid down off his horse and moved closer as glimpses of long red hair moving in between the bed sheets that were hung out to dry in the breeze tempted his gaze.

 

Her laughter intoxicating as she chased them in and out between the sheets, there play coming to a halt as Shawn stepped in front of her.

 

Startled she stepped back protectively gathering the children in closer to her as she stared back at him.

 

She had the most amazing eyes he mused... and right now her gaze was trained on him.

 

He smiled.

 

She scowled.

 

He had no idea what was wrong with his vocal cords, his mind in disarray as he stared at her... a blush creeping up his neck when he noticed the corners of her mouth turning up in amusement.

 

'She was laughing at him,' He thought, not the usual thing a servant girl would do whilst in the presence of nobility. Yet here she was with the beginnings of a grin appearing on her features. Yes indeed she was a beauty.

 

"Step aside, Sir."

 

Her voice was as beautiful as her face and Shawn could quite easily confess himself in love. He bowed low before doing as she requested and stepping aside.

 

"Come along children." She said ushering the children away without a second glance in his direction.

 

He slowly followed along behind not wanting to lose sight of this beauty just yet... and who knows her owner may relieve her of her duty to him, if the price were right. He smiled to himself at that thought. Hunter would skin him alive if he arrived back to the castle with a girl instead of cattle. Yet somehow he was tempted to risk his cousin’s wrath.

 

He watched as they stopped outside of an orphanage and smiled as she crouched down to kiss each child goodbye, waving them inside before she continued on her way.

 

Quickening his pace he came up alongside her. "Good day."

 

"It was."

 

He chuckled, "Are you always this abrupt with the gentry or is it just me."

 

"Just you," She informed him causing him to grin when he saw the amusement in her eyes. "Bye." she called over her shoulder as she ran ahead of him.

 

"But I don’t even know you’re..." He began the words dying on his lips when he saw what was on the other side of the gates she had passed through. "A nunnery..." He said quietly to himself. He started to laugh. "A NUNNERY!" He yelled joyfully jumping in the air before running back towards his horse. "Did you see that boy..." He whispered pulling himself into the saddle before smoothing the beast’s mane with his hand. "She lives at a nunnery, which means... she has no master."

 

With a smile on his face he spurred his horse on towards the tavern he was staying at, a plan already forming in his mind.

 

**

 

Castle Hardy…

 

"How much did they get?" Matt asked when Goldberg had come to inform him of the raid on his lands the previous night by clan Helmsley.

 

"Nothing... everything is accounted for."

 

Jeff smiled inwardly as he thought of the promise Hunter had made to him as they had parted once Jeff had gotten him outside the castle.

 

"Doesn’t make sense... why raid and not lift anything."

 

"Maybe he wants to in force the truce." Jeff suggested.

 

"In force a truce he broke little brother?" Matt exclaimed. "If that were the case then that would defeat the purpose of him breaking it in the first place."

 

"The man can’t have a change of heart?"

 

"Your clutching at straws young Jeff," Goldberg stated. "You and your sister have always had your head in the clouds ready to see good in anybody-"

 

"Don’t you dare speak of my sister!"

 

"Jeff," Matt interrupted laying a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder knowing Jeff despised Goldberg for his rough treatment of Lita when she had been caught in the dungeon hallways. "You were out of line, Goldberg."

 

Goldberg's nostrils flared but he humbly took a step back. "Forgive me."

 

"Like that will ever happen." Jeff mumbled shrugging off his brothers hand before walking out of the room.

 

Matt sighed as he watched Jeff go.

 

"Shall I ready the men to raid tonight?"

 

"No."

 

"No?"

 

"That’s what I said." Matt replied dismissing Goldberg with a wave of his hand.

 

Goldberg fumed as he left the hall. 'Young stupid fool,' He thought.

'If he is too gutless to perform his duty as Clan leader... then I will do it for him.'

 

**

 

Castle Helmsley…

 

Hunter paced in front of the fire in the main hall debating over wether or not he should double the guards tonight. Wanting to believe in what the younger Hardy had said about his clan not breaking the truce but when the livelihood of his people were at stake there was just no way around it. He had to double the guards.

 

"Have you seen, Shawn?"

 

Hunter turned as his cousin entered the hall. "I sent him into Sorcha on business."

 

"Oh?"

 

"Something wrong?"

 

"No... just brotherly concern at not having seen my younger sibling for a few days. I thought maybe he had decided to join us men and found himself a woman."

 

"That’s your answer for everything," Hunter chuckled only now realising Shawn had been gone for quite a few days.

 

"Only because it's the most logical answer. You never know..." His cousin replied rasing his goblet to his lips.

 

Hunter leaned against the hearth and smiled thinking of all the ways he could tease Shawn upon his return.

 

**

 

Lita whistled to herself as she waved goodbye to the nuns heading off to the orphanage where she helped out during the day.

 

She was in a marvellous mood today, the sun was shining with the end of winter upon them and the birds were chirping... how could anyone not be in a good mood this morning.

 

"Lita! Lita!" The children cried as she made her way up the steps towards them.

 

"Morning children, who's going to come help me today hmmm?" She asked looking the children up and down as they stood to attention with hopeful looks on their little faces. "I think you can... and you... and with that smile you definitely have to come." She said touching her finger to the end of a wee girl’s nose. "You can all come."

 

The children cheered along with her, the woman who ran the orphanage sending her a smile of thanks as they headed down the steps towards the fountain, each carrying a small basket of laundry.

 

Once they reached the fountain Lita issued out little tasks for the children to keep them occupied while she and another girl, the oldest one of the orphans did the laundry.

 

"Hello again."

 

Lita looked up from where she was kneeled at the edge of the fountain to see the young man from yesterday and she smiled back at him. "Hello."

 

"Beautiful day today."

 

"Yes it is." She replied turning back to her task at hand.

 

"Much too nice a day to be doing laundry... come for a walk with me." The look she sent him made him feel like he had two heads.

 

"No."

 

"Please?"

 

"No."

 

"Oh." He heard laughter behind him and turned to see a little girl disappear between the bed sheets that were already hanging out to dry. 'Of course the children,' He thought. "How about you come for a walk with me after the laundry?"

 

"No."

 

"Not even a little walk?"

 

Lita smiled at his persistence, he reminded her very much of Jeff and her eyes teared up, she lowered her head so he wouldn't see and only when she had control over her emotions again did she raise her head to his gaze. "I'm sorry but my answer would still be no."

 

He felt deflated, downtrodden, his heart slowly breaking as he walked back towards his horse. 'This would never have happened to Hunter or Kevin,' He thought absently kicking at a lone rock on the dirt road. "No... They would have just taken her. Just gone right up to her and taken her kicking and screaming...' his eyes became cloudy as the thought entered his mind. 'He couldn't... it wasn't in his nature...' But one more look at the beauty kneeled by the fountain and his mind was made up. Almost as if he had no control over his body he walked over to the young girl and lifted her up and over his shoulder.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

"Taking you."

 

"Put me down, now!"

 

"No."

 

"The children-"

 

He had completely forgotten about the children. Turning back he threw a money pouch at the speechless girl who had been helping with the laundry. "Get yourselves home girl."

 

"You can’t do this!" Lita shrieked.

 

Shawn merely laughed. "Men have been doing exactly this for centuries."

 

He threw her up onto his horse and quickly followed her spurring his horse into gallop as he rode through the town with Lita kicking and screaming in his arms.

 

**

 

Part Seven

 

**

 

Shawn looked up at the sun and saw that it had passed its noon peak and would soon disappear on the horizon, he was starting to worry about the girl he held in his arms. She had struggled for the first hour of there journey, twisting and turning in his grasp. He hadn't wanted to be rough with her but after she had nearly broken through his grip and not for the first time... his arms had banded around her just under her breasts causing her lithe form to come into close contact with his chest, something he had no qualms with. She on the other hand had stiffened almost immediately, her back straightening as the motion of their ride brought her even closer with each movement made by the horse... and she hadn't moved since.

 

"Aww lass do not be mad with me... I am a mere man with manly urges."

 

Lita remained silent.

 

"You will not want for nothing it's a good life I am taking you too... you will never have to do laundry again."

 

"I didn't mind the laundry." She whispered. "Where I come from-" She stopped herself from continuing her eyes widening as she realised she was about to go into a spiel of how in her life before the nunnery doing an everyday chore such as laundry was considered beneath her... where as with the nuns she hadn't seen it as a chore but as a way to help those less needy and that in itself made her stay away from Hardy Castle and her brothers easier to bare.

 

"Go on..." He urged but she quickly shook her head realising that whilst she had been occupied in her thoughts her body had grown limp and that she was now leaning back willingly against this stranger. He chuckled as she shot up again to resume her vertical position in front of him.

 

"My name is Shawn," He said trying to spur her into conversation.

"May I know yours?"

 

"Lita."

 

He smiled at her response deciding to keep to a safe subject so he spoke of his family. "I have one brother, one cousin and an aunt who are still living... I have a good relationship with my cousin and my aunt but my brother can be a bit of an ass at times, sometimes it feels like I am the elder."

 

"I have two brothers..." She mused glad he couldn't see the tears that sprang to her eyes.

 

"Where are they now?"

 

"Back home..."

 

"Where is home?"

 

A little laugh escaped her. "A life time away..."

 

His brows creased but he didn't question her answer realising straight away that this was a subject which caused her pain.

 

"I'm sorry..." He had nothing else to say.

 

He now felt shame at what he had done. He had taken her away from a world she was use to, a world she seemed content with... and by her previous words he guessed this hadn't been the first time.

 

The first time he saw her he had wanted her solely to possess her as a man would a thing of beauty. But looking down on her lowered head and limp shoulders he now felt only brotherly concern.

 

'God, what had he done?'

 

**

 

Castle Helmsley...

 

Gong! Gong! Gong!

 

"Hunter!" Kevin cried from the doorway of his cousin’s chamber. "Raid!"

 

Hunter shot up out of bed slipping his boots on as he rushed out the door his servant standing at the ready with his sword and pistol, chancing a look out the window he saw many crofts already alight with fire, his fury growing as the screams of his people reached his ears.

 

He rushed down the stone stairway and out the door not waiting for the stable boy to saddle his horse as he grabbed onto the beasts mane and pulled himself up barely pausing as he rode out of the castle gates.

 

The fires turned the night into an hazy orange hue, the smoke burned their eyes, blackening their faces and hair... Hunter found himself stopping at the first croft he came to sliding off his horse to pull the farmer back as he beat at the flames with a wet blanket for all he was worth to try and save his home while his wife and two small children looked on screaming.

 

"Take your family up to the castle!" He yelled pushing the man towards his family. "See that they get there!" He ordered one of the guards who had pulled his horse up beside him.

 

He heard crying and ran towards the next croft, kicking the door down his eyes settling on a small form crouched in a corner. "Come on!" He yelled but the figure remained where it was. "This croft is going to burn and fall in around your ears, now come or so help me..." His words died on his lips as the figure rose and launched at him sending him back out of the tiny croft and onto the dusty ground outside.

 

He felt the fear in her as her arms wrapped around his neck. "It's okay... you’re safe..." He whispered handing her over to another guard. "Take her back to the castle." He ordered turning to see Kevin running up to him, the sight of his cousin all covered in soot made him look down at his own person taking in his appearance for the first time. 'No wonder the girl crouched inside that croft had been too scared to come to him...' He thought, 'He looked like a monster.'

 

"The raiders have fled cousin."

 

Hunter looked out at the still burning crofts. "Was anyone hurt?"

 

"Not this time."

 

"What did they take?"

 

"Nothing... but I think you better come see this for yourself."

 

Hunter’s brows creased as he watched his cousin walk down to the corral stopping a few feet away as his cousin pointed to what lay inside. Every head of cattle that had been put their for the night lay slaughtered in a pool of it's own blood.

 

"It seems just raiding the cattle is not enough for Matt Hardy." He heard his cousin say from behind him.

 

"This isn't the Hardy style-"

 

"This is exactly the Hardy style!" His cousin roared, "When are you going to wake up to yourself. Matt Hardy is just as devious and vicious as all the Hardy's before him. You were here Hunter. You heard the Hardy war cry ring through the air."

 

"Anyone can copy a war cry." His thoughts went back to the promise he made to the younger hardy brother. "I need proof."

 

Kevin said nothing merely motioned for one of the guards to come forward, taking a piece of cloth from him to throw it down at Hunter's feet. "Here's your proof!"

 

Hunter looked down to see the green, gold and red colours woven into a piece of cloth which had served as a banner, the unmistakable colours of the Hardy clan.

 

**

 

Part Eight

 

**

 

"Has anyone seen my confounded brother?" Kevin bellowed when he entered the main hall the following night. "His horse is in the stables but I haven’t seen hide or hair of him."

 

Muffled laughter could be heard around the table till Kevin sent them all into silence with a glare before his look turned suspicious. "What have you sorry lot got to laugh about?" His expression turning deadly noting the sudden flinch in Orton’s seat as Flair made it a point of kicking the younger man under the table causing the latter to howl in pain instead of answering his question.

 

The men at the table all turned to Flair who seemed to shrink under the big man's gaze and with reason as Kevin yanked on the man's hair bringing Flair's head back his mouth close to his ear. "Is there something I should know Flair?"

 

"What's going on in here?"

 

All eyes turned to Hunter as he entered the hall his eyes on his cousin as he took his place at the head of the table.

 

"Minor disagreement is all." His cousin replied the look he gave Flair telling the older man they would take this up later.

 

"Glad to hear it... now sit we have a raid to plan." Hunter ordered not looking up from the goblet he now held in his hands.

 

"Did I hear the words, plan a raid?" Shawn asked walking into the room with a happy smile for all his brethren. "Looks like I chose a good time to return home." He took a seat beside Hunter oblivious to the fact that he was the only man in the room with a smile on his face. "So..." He added looking around at the men seated at the table. "Which clan are we raiding then?"

 

Kevin smirked. "Do you even have to ask?"

 

"Well brother of mine, seeing as you have been without my dashing self of late I would say... yes."

 

"We raid clan Hardy tonight." Hunter proclaimed not wanting to listen to his two cousins argue.

 

Kevin brightened at that immensely, "About time, I've had some idea's starting with the crofts lining the back of the castle... there's this embankment that's perfect for shifting the cattle. We can move right under there nose's."

 

Hunter zoned out at the word 'embankment' his mine going back to his own personal encounter with said embankment. To the tiny pool which held the vision of the woman who still haunted his dreams at night as well a good portion of his waking thoughts.

 

"Hunter... did you hear me?"

 

He lifted his eyes towards his cousin. "The embankment stays untouched. We raid from the front... like it has always been."

 

"But they wouldn't be expecting-"

 

"I don’t care what they expect or don’t expect!" Hunter snapped. "Clan Helmsley will not attack an enemy via a back door. It is a cowardly act that will bring dishonour upon the heads of our fore fathers."

 

He watched the rage simmer on the brink of boiling over in his cousins eyes before the man turned on his heel and exited the room. Loud audible sighs resounded amongst the men before Hunter once again addressed the room.

 

"Five crofts were destroyed last night and three hundred head of cattle. Tonight we take back what we lost and no more." He eyed all the men who sat in his command making sure they heeded his word. "An eye for an eye."

 

The men cheered raising there glasses in blessings as they all anticipated the coming raid.

 

**

 

Shawn left the main hall a short time after, leaving the men to there sport chuckling at how they could find amusement without the need for ail and wine, the forth coming raid putting a stop to that flow of refreshment.

 

He stopped by the kitchen, grabbing an empty flour sack he started to fill it with food. A loaf of bread, some salted pork, cheese and a small flask of apple cider. 'Lita will surely be famished.' He thought thinking of how she had practically collapsed onto the bed when he had led her into the castle under a cloak of darkness. Silently praying they wouldn't be discovered, he had yet to think up an excuse for her presence in the castle. Forgoing on the obvious excuse which he knew his brother would buy but Hunter knew Shawn better then his older brother did... and hiding a girl in his chambers was not something Shawn would do... and he had the sinking feeling that Lita would not be impressed by him telling everyone she was his wench. So for now keeping her hidden was his only option.

 

He unlocked his chamber door slipping the key back inside of his cloak before gingerly opening it shedding light in the dark room.

 

Once his eyes adjusted to the darkness he looked towards the bed to see it empty. "Lita?" He hurriedly closed the door bolting it behind him before reaching for the candle that he always kept on a table beside the door. The tiny flame sparking to life illuminating Lita's form as she sat in a chair in the corner of the room.

 

He sighed gratefully. "There you are..."

 

"Well, where else would I be other there here, in a locked room with only these four walls to talk too."

 

"I'm sorry, Lita... I did not mean to be gone for so long... I brought you some food." He smiled as he approached her with the bag full of goodies held out in front of him for her to see.

 

"Thankyou, but I am not hungry." She replied tartly turning her head away from him.

 

His brows rose as he looked at her, the more he was in her company she acted less and less like the servant he thought her to be. Then he would take in her simple hand me down dress and shoes... not to mention the fact that she lived at a nunnery and as far as he new she had two brothers. What kind of a man would let his sister live unprotected serving in a nunnery? Unless she had been exiled...

 

"How long do you plan to keep me here?" The sound of her voice broke into his thoughts.

 

He flopped down on the bed knowing if he were to participate in the coming raid he would need his rest. But he couldn't resist replying to her question as he leaned up on his elbows and gave her a wink.

 

"Why... forever."

 

**

 

Part Nine

 

**

 

Shawn awoke sometime later to find Lita asleep in the same chair she had been in when he had entered the room and the guilt at her having to spend the night in such an uncomfortable position brought him to her side. The light from the still burning candle flickered enchantingly across her face and he couldn't help but smile at how young and innocent she looked.

 

He noticed the bag of food he had brought for her still sat on the table and he reached out for it opening it to see if the contents had been touched... a look of approval crossing his features when he saw part of the food had gone. Thankful that at least she wouldn't starve to death while in his care.

 

"Shawn?"

 

He turned back to her and watched mesmerized as she lazily stretched out her muscles and he knew he better leave her presence soon or else he'd never leave his room.

 

"I'm sorry, Lita... I did not mean to wake you."

 

"Tis okay... I've awoken earlier."

 

"I'm also sorry you had to sleep there... why didn't you sleep on the bed there’s room enough for two people-"

 

"Shawn you took me from a nunnery not a brothel." She cut in pertly.

 

"I didn't mean... I would never..." His words trailed off under her stare and he shrugged. "I do not mean you harm, Lita."

 

"I know you don’t." To his amazement she smiled, "but that don’t mean I'm going to share a bed with you either."

 

He smiled at the teasing light that entered her eyes and he couldn't help himself as he reached out to grasp her hand and pull her to her feet.

 

"What are you doing?" She asked when he didn't stop there instead his arm went to the back of her legs to whisk her up into his arms.

 

"Something I should've done last night." He replied carrying her over to the bed and throwing her dead centre in a heap of flailing arms and legs. "Now rest. I will send someone up to prepare a bath for you and bring you anything else you need."

 

She looked up at him from where she now sat crossed legged beneath the covers and watched as he sat himself down in the chair she had spent the night in and pulled his boots on.

 

"Why can’t I leave the room?"

 

Shawn lowered his eyes not wanting her to see how uneasy her question made him. It wasn't like he could just let her wonder around the castle at her leisure... his cousin would no doubt find out and demand to know who she was. Not to mention the ribbing he would get from the other men, said cousin included. Besides, she'd be safer here till he found the right time not to mention the balls to tell his cousin that he had taken a girl from Sorcha against her will and now had her locked away in his room.

 

"It would just be safer if you stayed in here till I return." He mumbled hastily. "Please Lita..."

 

He reminded her so much of Jeff it just wasn't funny, she found herself actually wanting to be his friend even though he was her abductor. The same pleading look in his eyes Jeff got, like he knew he had done something wrong and that his fate were in her hands to keep the wrath of their older brother at bay that she found herself inadvertently replying... "I will keep to this room."

 

He grinned widely at her answer. "Thankyou sweet Lita, wish me luck in the raid this morn."

 

"Raid?"

 

"Yes," He stopped when he reached the door turning back to look at her. "Whilst enjoying the beauty Sorcha had to offer, crofts and cattle were destroyed. Today we will take our revenge."

 

"Revenge?"

 

Lita swallowed the lump that formed in her throat knowing that her brothers might still be embroiled within a battle with the clan Helmsley and she suddenly realised that if anything should happen to her brothers no one would know where to look for her.

 

She was truly alone.

 

Tears welled up in her eyes as grief set in. She was as lost to her brothers and clan as they were to her.

 

Shawn mistook the sadness in her eyes for concern for his safety and rushed over to comfort the girl in his bed. "Shhh, Li... you need not worry."

 

She smiled half heartedly up at him through her tears and felt his lips in her hair before he rose off the bed once again making his way to the door.

 

"Shawn?"

 

"Yes, Li?"

 

"Whose clan do you raid?"

 

His expression became serious as he thought again of there enemy and the broken truce, totally lost in his thoughts he missed the ashen look that came over her face as he replied, "Clan Hardy."

 

**

 

Castle Hardy...

 

"But why? It has been nearly... no, well over a month already... aren’t you the slightest bit concerned for your own sister!"

 

Matt glared back at his brother. "Of course I am concerned! Why do you think I sent her there in the first place."

 

His words seemed to get through to his brother though, as Jeff's whole expression changed. "Why did you send her there?"

 

The two brothers were amongst the few still left awake in the great hall, many of the men foregoing on traipsing off to their beds instead just sleeping where they sat.

 

"Matt?" Jeff persisted his expression turning from realisation to confusion then to anger at his brothers continued silence, not one to be left in the dark about anything concerning their sister.

 

"I sent her to Sorcha for protection, under the guise of a peasant girl. No one knows her there if indeed the Hardy clan and the Helmsley clan come to war." He rubbed at his eyes and when he opened them again he could see the dawn approaching through the windows. "I just want her to be safe... especially from a man like Hunter Hurst Helmsley."

 

Jeff laid his hand on his brothers shoulder in understanding knowing that if he were to make that choice he would have done exactly the same thing.

 

Matt's gaze was again drawn to the window, his brows creasing as he saw an orange hue now starting to brighten the dawn sky.

 

"What is it?" Jeff asked his own eyes following his brother’s line of sight. "Oh god..." He breathed as he to saw the patches of flickering lights that littered the south side of the castle. "Fire."

 

He saw his brother rousing the men with a swift kick to the legs as the alarm was sounded.

 

"Get up! Get up you fools! Raid!"

 

**

 

Part Ten

 

**

 

Lita walked to the window, turned and then walked back to the door. She tried sitting in one of the hard backed chairs that was placed beside the table where a tray of food had been left untouched.

 

Ever since Shawn had left she'd been in a tither unable to do anything that involved keeping still. After a maid had arrived announcing that a bath was ready in the next room for her, thoughts of escape sprang up in her mind only to have her hopes dashed as the maid pointed to a door strategically placed behind a thick red and gold velvet wall hanging before promptly exiting the room, the sound of metal clunking into metal reaching her ears as the maid locked the door.

 

Pulling on the door handle to the door behind the wall hanging she found a huge silver tub situated in the middle of the floor, rose petals floated on the surface of the water filling the room with there scent. 

 

She stripped and thankfully slipped into the tub hoping the heat of the water would take her mind off her thoughts but she couldn't enjoy the indulgence knowing that maybe the lives of her brother's might end today if a battle ensued during the raid.

 

After her bath she returned to Shawn's room wrapped in a crisp clean cotton bed sheet not wanting to feel the rough texture of the coarse woollen gown and shift she had been given at the nunnery.

 

She found the bed had been made and a red gown with a square bodice and a white shift lay on top. They were beautiful and she couldn't help but slip into them and admire herself in the mirror. Matt had never allowed her to wear a gown with a square bodice before and now as she looked at herself she understood why. She was quite positive that if she leaned forward she would fall out of the gown!

 

Her admiration was short lived though as her gaze again went to the window and to her brothers.

 

She wished she knew which of there enemies held her captive and planned to ask Shawn as soon as he arrived back. Once they knew who she was they would no doubt wish to ransom her back to her clan, the more she thought about that idea the more she longed for Shawn to return.

 

Maybe... just maybe all wasn't completely lost.

 

**

 

Castle Hardy...

 

The men of Clan Hardy that trudged tiredly back into the great hall were met with dallying servants at the ready to rush to tell family members of a loved ones demise.

 

Matt heaved a relieved sigh when all men were accounted for and he wearily reached out to ruffle his brothers head as it lay face down on the table top in front of them.

 

"We came out unscathed... this time."

 

Jeff kept his head down thinking maybe he should have upped the stakes with the Helmsley man and asked he not wage war against his clan or his clans cattle. They had massacred all the cattle that had been let out to graze in the paddocks lining the eastside of the castle. What good was saving his clan from war when they would now die of starvation?

 

"All will be well, Jeff."

 

Jeff's only response was to cover his brothers hand in his and thank his judgement in sending Lita away saving her from having to live under these conditions.

 

Goldberg entered then the look on his face murderous as he stood before the brother's. "We should strike now while there men are worn after the raid, the hard ride back to the highlands alone would take a lot out of them."

 

"Are you saying the hard ride would not take alot out of our men? Look around you... everyone here gave a hundred and ten percent of themselves to save their home and all your worried about is retaliation."

 

"They will strike again!"

 

"Enough!" Matt growled menacingly, knocking his chair over in his wake as he stood to his full height. "I will not send my men on a death mission!"

 

"Your father-"

 

"My father is no longer in command here, Goldberg! I suggest you take that to heart."

 

"Or what?"

 

"Or you'll be stripped of all rank."

 

Murmurs were heard throughout the room as both men faced each other neither wanting to give in. Jeff stood then and moved to his brothers side showing Goldberg where his loyalties lay, that spurring on the other men as one by one they all got up to join the two brothers.

 

"You'll all die under command of this... boy!" Goldberg tore the clan colours from his vest and threw it at Matt's feet before turning on his heel and walking purposely out of the room.

 

"Let him go." Matt said as two officers made to follow Goldberg. "There has been enough hostility today." He sat back down in his chair and waved for the servants to carry on attending his men.

 

Alot of wine flowed that day but for once the men of Clan Hardy found little pleasure in it.

 

**

 

Castle Helmsley...

 

Hunter returned to the castle alone and soaking wet having left his men down at the river to wash away there tiredness in the crisp cool mountain stream. Shawn had offered to ride back with him but he had declined leaving Shawn in charge of the men and in so doing stilled all his protests.

 

He knew that would appeal more to Shawn's tastes then riding back to the castle with him. Hunter had wanted to be alone anyhow, the chill of the water reminding him of the image of a red headed water nymp who refused to leave his memory.

 

Handing his horses reins over to the waiting stable boy he made his way into the castle towards the huge kitchen to tell the cook to prepare ample food for the returning men.

 

Hunter turned a corner and had to reach out to catch the tray before it fell out of the servants nimble fingers as they collided. Quickly lowering her eyes as she saw who she had walked into, she hastily mumbled her apologies before hurrying down the hallway and out of sight.

 

"I didn't know anyone was sick in the castle?" He inquired as he entered the kitchen, the robust cook turning to smile at him whilst she stood at the open fire stirring a huge pot.

 

"My lord?"

 

"The maid that just left here, she was carrying a tray of food."

 

"Oh, that my lord is for the young woman master Shawn has up in his room."

 

Hunter's brows creased, Shawn hadn't told him he had a visitor... and a female visitor at that. "Oh?"

 

"Yes, my lord. I'm under strict instructions to cook whatever she wants."

 

He turned and strode back to the door and then it dawned on him why he had come down to the kitchens in the first place and he turned back to face the cook.

 

"The men will be returning soon, I want as much food and wine laid out to fill there bellies for a month."

 

"Yes, my lord."

 

'So, Shawn had someone in his room...' He turned towards the stairway that would take him to Shawn's bed chamber then thought better of it. 'Let the young man have his fun,'

 

He was about to make his way to his chamber to change out of his wet clothes when he heard the sound of something hitting a wall followed by a door slamming. Mumbled words floated down to him about a red headed witch and he looked up to see the same servant he had collided with coming down the stairway, and judging from her face she was not happy. He doubted she even saw him standing there as she continued on her path back towards the kitchens.

 

Now curious beyond measure he took the stairs two at a time and stopped outside Shawn's chamber door. He stuck his ear to the door and the sound of soft sniffles came back to him through the door.

 

He wondered why she would be crying, most women would give anything to be in her place, to have Shawn's affections... but then he tried to open the door and found it locked and it all fell into place.

 

His cousin had a woman locked away in his chamber and from the quiet sniffles that still streamed through the door she was obviously being held against her will.

 

Cursing his cousin's lack of good sense and angry at himself for something like this happening in his own castle, he stepped back before lifting his foot, and in one swift motion he had kicked the door down.

 

**

 

Part Eleven

 

**

 

Hunter was greeted with a dark still room and he began to think that maybe he had imagined the soft feminine whimpers from inside when he saw a figure moving across the room as if trying to find the darkest part of the room to hide in.

 

"Why do you sit in the dark?"

 

He waited for her to answer not wanting to scare her anymore then she already must be, god only knew what was going through her mind right now and Shawn had a hell of a lot of explaining to do when he got back.

 

"I asked you a question, girl... why do you not answer?"

 

"There is naught for me to do here that would require light." Her words were stiff, no trace of fear in her reply.

 

"How did you get here?"

 

"On horse back."

 

He stifled the chuckle that rose in his throat at her words. "From?"

 

"Aberdeen."

 

"How long have you been here?"

 

"I know not." Her voice broke on the last word and Hunter felt his anger towards his younger cousin grow.

 

"Do you mind if I light a candle?"

 

"It's not my place to object now is it."

 

He grinned as he walked to the table and struck a coal stick against the stone wall igniting the spark before holding it to the candles wick.

 

Lita got her first good look at the man who had forced his way into Shawn's room as the flickering light from the candles bounced off his features. His profile struck her first, his strong brow and prominent nose and the way he carried himself spoke of someone in charge.

 

She wondered wether his station rose above that of Shawn's and if so wether she could use that to her advantage as a way of securing her release.

 

"May I know where I am?"

 

"Of course-" His words stuck in his throat as his gaze fell on her. 'It couldn't be...' He thought, 'The god's couldn't be this cruel.'

 

He reached up to rub at his eyes before focusing back on the girl still standing in the corner. "You..." His voice sounded far away to his ears and he had to grip the back of the chair to keep himself was rushing to her side to feel for himself that she was not just another vision.

 

Hunter took a few calming breaths before straightening his shoulders. 'This was not the way for a clan leader to act.' He thought bringing his hands up away from the chair to rest just behind his back.

 

She watched his obviously agitated response to her question and thought maybe they already knew who she was and had no intention of offering a ransom, knowing that keeping her here to serve them would bring more shame upon her clan then any amount of ransom.

 

"Please, sir, where am I?"

 

"My castle." He stated still in a daze unable to believe his water sprite was standing right in front of him.

 

"Which castle would that be?"

 

"Castle Helmsley."

 

He watched as her whole demeanour changed after he had uttered those two words. Her face visibly paled and her shoulders drooped as the fire left her haughty stance.

 

Lita's mind whirled. 'Castle Helmsley... Clan Helmsley... His castle... that would mean he was... he was..." She didn't have to feel the fear that entered her bones as she looked up at the man in the room with her, a man who's reputation put fear into the women of the lowlands and without realising it she had scrurried across the bed putting it between them as she faced him. Her hand inadvertantly latching onto the first thing she could find to use as a weapon.

 

"What are you doing in here?"

 

Both looked towards the door to see Shawn standing in the doorway, his anger at having the other man in his bed chamber apparent in his expression.

 

Hunter watched as his water sprite dashed across the room towards the door and into the arms of his cousin.

 

"I would like to know why she is here!" He roared back, his tightly controlled anger towards his cousin coming full force as his eyes locked onto the younger man.

 

"You’re scaring her, Hunter!"

 

'Hunter...' She thought burying her head into Shawn's shoulder. 'It is him! It's really him!'

 

Hunter felt his jealousy outweigh the anger he now felt towards his cousin and he turned on his heel not wanting to see the woman who haunted his mind in the arms of his cousin.

 

"Hunter,"

 

"Not now Shawn." He replied not liking how she seemed to shrink back as he sidled passed them. "Tonight, we dine in the hall."

 

At his cousin's nod, Hunter carried on through the door and down the hall with no idea why she seemed so scared of him. She didn't seem to mind talking to him when he had first entered the room... 'She had even talked down to me for god's sake!'

 

He groaned loudly in the empty hallway and stomped angrily down the steps towards the main hall. For once he was at an utter lost at to how the mind of woman worked.

 

**

 

Part Twelve

 

**

 

Hunter forced himself to sit still at the head of the table. His hand absently toyed with his fork, poking at his food like a little boy would his vegetables. Most of the men had already left the table, some having retired for the night but most he knew would be laughing and joking in the main hall over there wine filled cups. Yet he stubbornly stayed telling himself that soon Shawn would bring her down, 'He had better bring her down.' He silently spat his eyes once again moving to the door.

 

Motioning a servant forward he idly tapped his finger against his empty cup then watched as the servant rushed to fill it. He nodded his thanks his eyes coming to rest on the dark mahogany furniture that scattered the room, the cold stone walls donned with maroon wall hanging, each in there own telling the story of a great event or battle that had taken effect through the ages and felt a sense of pride take hold of him, all at once proud of how this room looked and all it stood for. He was so lost in his musing he missed his cousin's entrance, only noticing he wasn't alone in the room when he heard a startled cry, looking past his cousin to see the lovely Lita peeking out from behind him.

 

"Hunter, what are you doing here?"

 

"I told you we would talk, that time his now." Hunter laid his hands out to the chairs across from him, his jaw clenching when Lita pulled her hand from Shawn's grasp when his cousin had tried to pull her forward with him to sit at the table. Instead she seated herself with her back to him as far from his table as she could get and began to partake of the food left there by his men.

 

Shawn placed a hand on his cousin’s shoulders as if to calm the fury that had to be simmering beneath. "Please, Hunter. I had a hell of a time getting her to actually come down here. She is quite a handful."

 

Hunter didn't have a doubt in his mind about how much of a handful she could be, his few minutes alone with her in his cousin's chamber confirmed that. Then just like a the lash of a whip flying through the air she changed from high and mighty to scared little mouse, but that wasn't the worst of it, the worst came when his cousin arrived on the scene and she had scampered across the room right into her cousins arms.

 

"Hunter?"

 

He tore his gaze away from her to lift his eyes to meet his cousins. "Where did she come from?"

 

"I found her in Sorcha-"

 

"Sorcha, she told me Aberdeen."

 

"Let me finish cousin." At Hunter's nod he continued. "When I first saw her she was in Sorcha doing laundry at a fountain. I followed her home and she entered the gates of the nunnery on the borders of Sorcha and Aberdeen."

 

Hunter nodded. "Laundry, she's a servant?"

 

"She was," Shawn took a seat across from Hunter and lowered his voice even though Lita was all the way across the room. "Look at her, Hunter, the way she carries herself, her mannerisms. She wasn't meant for a life of servitude."

 

'No,' Hunter silently agreed, 'She was meant to frolic and play with the fairies, as free a spirit as the wind.' "What of her family?"

 

"She has mentioned having two brothers though that is all she has mentioned." Shawn cringed under his cousin’s stare, already knowing what was going through Hunter's mind. "She lived at the nunnery. Did laundry for an orphanage." His tone was clipped and he kept turning to make sure Lita still remained at the far table. "I took one look at her and I knew... a servant's life is not for her. If these brothers she speaks of thought anything for her welfare then where are they now? Why are they not taking care of her instead of leaving her in the care of the nuns. Hunter, you cannot have me take her back. I will not."

 

"Settle down, Shawn. I plan no such thing... unless of course it's what she wants."

 

Shawn lowered his eyes sheepishly.

 

"Shawn... is it what she wants?"

 

"Let's just say if I raised the front gate right now she would be walking out of it."

 

A nerve twitched in Hunter's cheek as in he took in Shawn's words. "Bring her to me."

 

"Now?"

 

"Now."

 

"You’re not going to yell at her or anything are you?"

 

"Shawn..."

 

"Okay, okay... I'm going. Just... smile please."

 

Hunter watched him go, mentally chastising himself when his hand inadvertent reached to push the corners off his mouth up. 'She's just a girl, she's just a girl.' He told himself catching how she shook her head and tried to tug her hand away from Shawn's grasp. 'A very scared girl...'

 

He forced himself to smile as they approached although jealousy overflowed within him at how she clutched to Shawn's arm and he suddenly felt very weary.

 

"My cousin tell's me you are a ward of the nunnery in Sorcha."

 

"I am." The tone of her voice denied the fear that showed on the outside and he found himself wondering how far he could go before she bit his head off.

 

"And that you have two brothers."

 

"I do."

 

"Do you wish to return to them?" He smiled inwardly holding a hand up to still his cousin's protest. "Do you wish to return to them."

 

"Y-yes, I do." She couldn't believe he was asking if she wanted to go home. 'Of course I do!' Her mind screamed.

 

"Right, then all I ask is for the names of your brother's so I can send a messenger on to tell them of your whereabouts."

 

"My brothers?" Her heart leapt to her throat and her legs trembled so much she feared she would fall if not for Shawn's arm at her back.

 

"Yes, tell me there name's and I will see to your safe return."

 

Lita's mind raced for something to say knowing from all she had heard about him that he wasn't a patient man, who knew what he would do to her if she kept him silent. "I... I do not wish to return to my brother's. The nunnery will be fine."

 

Hunter's brow knotted as he met the gaze of his cousin who merely shrugged at her request so Hunter decided to approach the matter from another angle. "Why do you wish to leave?"

 

"I thought being locked in a room sufficient enough."

 

He smiled at how her fear gave way to anger wondering if she noticed how she had taken a step closer to him and now stood with her hands folded across her chest. 'She was a sight to behold indeed.'

 

"So, you want to leave here, not to return to your brother's where you will be kept under their protection but instead you wish to return to a life of servitude at a nunnery where as my cousin so aptly demonstrated, anyone can just pick you up and carry you off?"

 

When put like that she had her doubts, what if someone less friendly carried her off? She frowned, 'Did I just call a man who only this morning left to raid her clan... friendly?'

 

Shoving all thoughts from her mind, her expression void she straightened her shoulder's knowing she would rather die then betray her brothers. "It is what I wish."

 

"I see." Was his only reply.

 

He tapped his fingers on the table for what seemed too long for her liking and she so wished he would not look at her like that! Like he was looking deep down into her soul... and liking what he saw there.

 

Hunter stood and walked around the table coming to a stop in front of her, her fear of him having come back tenfold as she latched onto Shawn's arm. Fearing his reaction to the way she clung to his cousin he moved passed them and left the dining hall, not caring that they both still waited on his answer. At the moment he had no answer to give.

 

Lita's shoulder's drooped and she all but fell into the chair Shawn held open for her.

 

"He will take me back, yes?"

 

Shawn smiled, he couldn't help himself even though he knew it aggravated her right now.

 

"Shawn answer me."

 

"No, Lita...” He began. “He will not."

 

**

 

Castle Hardy...

 

Matt paced the main hall now devoid of all life as the men tired and weary from mending and cleaning after the raid sought their beds as the sky grew dark. Yet he remained, the weight of his clan baring down on his shoulder's knowing they would all follow him to their deaths if he so chose, a thought that kept his sleeping mind at bay and his demons alive.

 

He looked down again at the letter he held in his hands and he swore, savagely striking out with his fist, hearing the crack of bone meeting wood.

 

He had thought sending her away the best thing, knowing that the nunnery was sanctioned a safe haven for weary travellers, nobody in the lowlands would dare cross a rule governed by the church. But here in this letter he was indeed proved wrong.

 

She had been missing for two days, in the letter it mentioned a man speaking to her and the children at the laundry fountain, that being the last place she was seen.

 

'Maybe Goldberg was right,' He thought. 'Maybe he still had a lot to learn when it came to being clan leader.' Not only were his clan skirting the edge of poverty... but he may have sent his own sister to a life worst then death. Who knew what trials she may be suffering at the hand of this man nobody knew. It angered him to think of the man forcing himself upon her, marring her skin continually knowing they'd be no one to save her.

 

Picking up a chair he hurled it through the air, the sound of it smashing against the wall bringing no relief for the anger that burned inside.

 

He screwed the letter up in his hand and sat down on the floor with his back against the wall, his gaze moving out the window where the first lights of the coming dawn brought with it the sounds of birds and insects all waking up to greet the new day.

 

Jeff would be down soon and he prepared himself for his brothers anger knowing it would be just as volatile and gut wrenching as his own and yes, he had no one to blame but himself.

 

**

 

Part Thirteen

 

**

 

Castle Hardy...

 

"Gone? What do you mean gone?"

 

Jeff Hardy's voice was close to a high pitch squeal as he followed his brother throughout the halls of castle Hardy, the letter bearing the fate of his most beloved sister in his hands.

 

"As it says Jeff, nobody has seen her for nearly a week."

 

"And you trust the authenticity of this letter?" He rallied on waving the letter high above his head.

 

"I have already had young Shannon Moore ride to Aberdeen. He arrived back early this morning." He breathed deeply trying to still the temptation to put his fist through the first non stone barrier that barred his way. "It's true."

 

Matt's brows furrowed as he watched his younger brother sink to the floor before him. He had expected anger from Jeff and then the tears, had been more then willing to let his brother take out his frustrations on him, after all it was what he deserved. But he didn't expect the self blame he knew that shone from his own eyes mirrored in his brothers.

 

"This is all my fault." Jeff's tone was barely above a whisper but Matt heard it nonetheless.

 

"No, Jeff. It was my decision to send her away-"

 

"I let him go." Jeff admitted looking his brother straight in the eye. "I let the prisoner go."

 

"What? Jeff-"

 

"I know, I know... but he saw her Matt, he was caught off guard because he was 'there' waiting for her to bathe in her secret pool."

 

Matt eyes darkened in realisation, "The same pool I forbid her to bath in?" He always knew his younger sibling’s lack of obedience would lead them into trouble but as the seriousness of his brother's admission dawned on him, he soon forgot all about the pool. "He can’t have her..."

 

"But what if he does? I let him go to keep him from finding her yet mayhaps in some twist of fate-"

 

"You forget he is a highlander," Matt cut in trying to find logic amongst all the chaos that was his mind. "Aberdeen is not part of the highland... he wouldn't even need to pass through it to get back to his clan. It just doesn’t make sense."

 

"But we can’t rule it out altogether." Jeff persisted following Matt into the main hall where servants were bustling around readying this and clearing that.

 

"I don’t plan on ruling it out, Jeff, but we have to peruse all avenues open to us... and pray that Castle Helmsley be the last place she be."

 

Jeff heard his brother's words yet in his gutt he felt that that's exactly where they would find her, but the downside to her being within the walls of castle Helmsley was that they had neither the men power nor the money to get their sister back.

 

**

 

Castle Helmsley...

 

"Where are you going?"

 

Lita watched as Shawn moved about the room gathering certain items before shoving them inside a small satchel.

 

"I've been ordered by my much older and much bulgier older cousin to allow you some semblance of privacy," He paused in his ministrations to smile at her. "So I'm graciously allowing you to have my chambers whilst I bunk down somewhere else."

 

"Oh." She chewed her bottom lip as her mind went over all the possibly reason's why Shawn had been 'ordered' to leave her. She didn't want him to leave, she felt safe in his presence, he was so much like Jeff it wasn't funny... and he was a grown man! "Do you have to leave?"

 

Shawn raised an eyebrow at that. "Is that a proposition? Cause you know, I do have my reputation to think of, what girl of noble descent would marry a highland rogue..." His verbal spiel was cut short as a pillow hit his face.

 

"Your insane." She cried not able to keep the laughter from her voice.

 

"That's what I keep telling him."

 

Lita's smile died at the sound of Helmsley's voice and she tried not to show her fear as he stepped into the room coming to a stop a few feet away from her.

 

"Fire has been started in the hearth in the next chamber and Molly is preparing a bath."

 

"Why thankyou Hunter," Shawn sent Lita a wink bringing the smile back to her face. "I didn't know you cared."

 

"It's not for you, you ass," Hunter replied, amusement shining in his eyes as he shook his head at his cousin's playfulness. "It is for our guest."

 

"Thankyou." Lita replied not realising she had moved behind Shawn until Hunter's eyes darkened with something akin to... jealousy? 'Surely she had misread his expression.' She thought shaking her head as if to scatter her wayward thoughts.

 

"I trust everything is to your liking?"

 

Shawn's eyes slanted at his cousin’s polite manner, what was Hunter up to? Coming here to inform Lita of a bath he had had drawn up for her, asking if everything was to her liking? Did he intend to woo Lita himself because if he did, judging by the way Lita acted whenever he was around Shawn knew his cousin would be sorely disappointed.

 

"Everything is fine, thankyou... except..."

 

"Yes?"

 

"Why did you order Shawn to move to a different room?"

 

Shawn hid his amusement behind his hand as Hunter's mouth fell open. "I thought you would prefer the privacy." He answered with a shrug and Shawn had to give him credit for not stumbling over his words.

 

"Shawn is a welcome intrusion into my privacy, I would think we have developed a relationship somewhat to that of a brother and sister."

 

It was Hunter's turn to chuckle at Shawn's downtrodden look at being referred to in the sense of a brother by the lovely Lita.

 

"Well, who am I to argue with that." Hunter said making his way to the door. "If that be your wish, so be it." He paused just beyond the doorjamb to poke his head back in the room. "Oh, and Shawn?" Both Shawn and Lita stood facing him. "Since your presence is required in Aberdeen tonight, I will take good care of your newly acquired sister."

 

His thoughts lost on why Hunter would want him to journey to Aberdeen, Shawn missed the flash of defiance that flashed within Lita's eye's or her hand as it reached down and grasped a small blade from off the bed beside Shawn's belongings and hid it within the folds of her skirt. The smell of freedom so thick around her she thought she might choke on it.

 

**

 

Part Fourteen

 

**

 

Lita hurried from the dining hall after a long supper with Shawn and Hunter, it seemed no matter how late she arrived to the table Shawn and Hunter would still be there amongst the left overs, awaiting her presence.

 

She knew Shawn would be leaving for Aberdeen with a small band of men as soon as the sun set so she sat there and picked at her food, feigning an upset stomach and begging to be excused from the table.

 

Shawn's look was full of concern while Hunter regarded her in his hooded manner and she felt her anger rise as he merely waved his arm as if to excuse her like she were some servant.

 

"I pray you will be well upon the morrow."

 

"I'm sure I will." She replied curtly before turning her eye's to Shawn. "Godspeed, good knight."

 

"Be good in my absence, sweet Lita." Shawn rose and bowed low over her hand touching his lips to her knuckles in the briefest of kisses both oblivious to the roll of Hunter's eye's as he sat at the head of the table.

 

"She's up to something." Hunter remarked as soon as the door had been closed behind her.

 

Shawn quirked his eyebrow. "You think?"

 

"I know."

 

"Did it never occur to you that mayhap she just wishes to be out of your company?"

 

Hunter chuckled. "Never," He replied heartily bringing a smile to his young cousin’s face.

 

"I think you may have met your match in this lass."

 

"Something tells me she's not as ad versed to my presence as she makes out." Hunter said more to himself then to the man seated across from him.

 

"What are you up to?"

 

Hunter knew it was a fair enough question, hell given the way Shawn fluttered after the girl it was plain to see how he felt about her, yet in his mind, Lita was already his. Their fate had been sealed the day he saw her bathing in her little pool.

 

He met Shawn's eyes and held them steadfast. "I won’t lie to you Shawn, we are of the same blood and in matters of the heart I wish not to quarrel with you but... in all honesty, I plan to make Lita my own."

 

**

 

'God, what was taking them so long.'

 

Lita stood at the end of the stables huddled behind a barrel of oats as she lay in wait for Shawn and his men to depart the castle and ride in the direction of Aberdeen. She had changed her dress of deep green and white lace in favour of a pair of riding breeches, a well worn shirt made from spun wool, a pair of worn in boots that had to have belonged to Shawn when he was a boy which now fit her perfectly and a long riding cloak with matching cap finished off the outfit she had found while exploring Shawn's room.

 

The sound of horse's hooves approaching sent her heart racing and it wasn't long before Shawn's form came into view followed by five other men all dressed to the hilt in their clan garb. 'All very regal.' She thought slipping out from her hiding place to trail slowly behind the cart that followed up the rear of the men and with one swift movement she had launched herself onto the back of the cart and under the oil skinned covering so fast she would have made Matt proud.

 

**

 

Hunter paced the floor of his chambers willing himself to stay put and not check up on their little guest, something didn't seem right to him. She had been pleasant at best throughout supper, even making an effort to be cordial towards him showing some of the fire he had seen in her the first time he had found her in Shawn's room.

 

He longed to see her in all her glory and now that he had been upfront with Shawn about his intentions he could start planning to win this firey pixy over.

 

Shawn's reaction had been what he had expected, anger laced with the hint of a challenge something Hunter was sure would be the young man's downfall. Wooing Lita was not something one should look upon as a challenge, and where was the challenge if he himself were destined to come out the winner?

 

He stopped beside the window and looked down to see Shawn and his men riding towards the gates and the draw bridge being lowered. No matter how hard he tried he still couldn't squash the feeling all was not as it should be and he was about to give in to the tiny voice in his mind telling him to go check on Lita when out of the corner of his eye he saw a shadow appear at the end of the stable. His brows met in a stern vee as he watched the lithe form clamour up the back of the cart and disappear under the cover.

 

His face set in cold determination Hunter stormed out of the room and down one of the many stairway's that would lead him outside the castle.

 

'Strike one, my sweet.' He thought waving a stable hand away while he prepared to saddle his horse and within minutes he was seen riding out of the stable and through the castle gates as if the devil himself were after him.

 

**

 

Part Fifteen

 

**

 

Lita's body bumped against the side of the cart but thoughts of being free of Castle Helmsley and its domineering leader heightened her resolve, fuelling her desire to keep her brothers and her clan safe. The sound of an approaching rider caused her back to stiffen and she froze as the cart came to a stop. Then another rider could be heard approaching and then another, muffled words soon turned into angry insults before gun fire resounded around her.

 

'What the hell was going on out there?' She thought tentatively sticking her eye against the oil skin covering to peek through a tiny hole. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Shawn hauled off his horse and thrown down beside one of his men who lay lifeless on the ground with his head turned towards her, his eyes open and glassy as they stared back at her.

 

"Raiders," She whispered silently to her herself, no doubt come to claim the goods that weighed the cart down.

 

Shawn's muttered curse brought her attention back to them, his expression deadly through the blood now marring his face where he had being hit. Shawn maybe her enemy but in the time she had spent in his company he had also become a friend. Lita knew she couldn't watch and not do anything to help.

 

Craning her neck to see under the cover her eyes caught sight of the still glowing lights of Castle Helmsley off in the distance. If she could make it back there and alert someone of Shawn's peril, then hopefully Shawn and his men would not end up like their friend lying still on the ground.

 

Her chance of escape would be gone, not to mention the loss of trust, but even if she stayed hidden it wouldn't be long before they found her anyway and who knows what these men would do with her, to her. There was no other choice. Slipping out from behind the cart she backed away into the tree's her eyes focused on the men with the guns.

 

She gave a start as a hand clamped over her mouth and a strong arm banded around her waist pulling her up against a hard wall of muscle.

 

"I knew you were up to something."

 

Her shoulders seemed to droop in recognition to the voice but at the same time she felt relieved that he was here.

 

"Hunter?" She whispered once his hand had strayed from her mouth.

 

"Shhh…" He whispered beside her ear, his eyes trained on what was happening on the other side of the cart swearing softly before backing them both into the cover of the trees.

 

"You can’t just leave them there." She whispered heatedly when he pushed her up onto his horse before jumping up after her.

 

"Don’t worry Shawn knows what to do in that situation." As if on cue more shots were heard and Lita turned to look over Hunters shoulder to see that Shawn had indeed turned the tables on the raiders. The cart being set alight as a warning to others who hid and watched in waiting that Clan Helmsley wasn't one to be trifled with. "As you can see, it's 'you' I had to get out of there."

 

Lita couldn't believe what she was seeing. "It was all a ruse, a silly game to warn off your enemies."

 

"Yes," He admitted, his voice sounding stiff to his ears as the feel of her breasts strained against his chest as she watched the happenings behind them. "Only it seems this particular enemy just doesn't know when to stop."

 

"Oh?" Intrigued she waited patiently for him to go on.

 

"Yes, oh." He replied inhaling deeply letting the scent of her hair permeate his senses and sighed as he continued. "Clan Hardy, of the Lowlands. Do you know of them?"

 

"N... no. How could I?" She stammered, having to will herself to relax at the sound of her clan’s name on his lips and found herself hating this man even more for jumping to the conclusion that the men who had tried to raid Shawn and his men were from her clan! "I think you are too quick to point the blame."

 

His eyebrow quirked at her words and he had the oddest temptation to turn her in her seat so he could see the expression in her eyes, something told him it would be a look worth dying for. "It's easy to point the blame when the riders bare the Hardy armour and clan colours."

 

Lita's brow furrowed in thought and she kicked herself for not taking more notice of the raiders, yet in her heart she knew that those riders hadn't been from her clan. She lapsed into silence so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed Hunter had steered his horse away from the castle, only noticing when the well worn trail beneath his horse’s hooves gave way to thick lush green grass.

 

"Where are we going?" She asked in a panic, every horrible thing she had ever heard about him suddenly coming back to her tenfold.

 

"Don't fret, Red. I have a surprise for you."

 

Lita gulped, her mind going rampant with all the things he would do to her body before leaving it disfigured and unidentifiable. A sob rose up her throat and escaped through her lips.

 

"Lita?"

 

"Don’t hurt me please," She whispered lowering her head from his gaze as he tried to hook her chin up with his finger. "All I wanted was to go back to Aberdeen."

 

"Hurt you?" Hunter was truly confused now. "Why would you think I want to hurt you?"

 

"Because I tried to escape,"

 

He brought his horse to a stop, this time giving in to his impulse to turn her in her seat, smiling inwardly when she didn't shy away from his touch. "Lita, I didn't bring you here to punish you for something I, myself would do if faced with your situation." He told her, thoughts of his stay in the Hardy dungeon coming first and foremost to his mind.

 

"Then why?" she asked, her voice shakey.

 

In response he merely motioned with his hand for her to turn around and as she did so her eyes brightened almost instantly at the little watering hole that was almost unseeable, hidden by a wall made of stone.

 

"It's beautiful!" She gushed, the fear that shone on her face moments before gone replaced by utter excitement at the prospect of diving beneath it's cool surface.

 

Hunter beamed. "I knew you would like it."

 

"Like it! I love it!" She made to slide off the horse but Hunter's hand around her waist kept her seated atop his horse with him.

 

"Another time Lita, for now, my presence is needed back at the castle." he watched as she physically deflated right before his eyes and he was quick to offer an alternative. "But, if you will allow me to escort you, I promise I will be bring you back here tomorrow."

 

Her smile was certainly a sight to behold, but to have that smile directed at him with the knowledge that he had helped put it there was like a ray of sunshine chasing the chill from his body. He turned his horse away from the pool and grinned as he dreamed of all the ways he could put a different kind of smile on the lovely Lita's face.

 

**

 

Part Sixteen

 

**

 

"Lita was in the cart!"

 

If Hunter had of known Shawn would be this upset about Lita stowing away on the cart meant to attract would be raiders out from amongst the cover of the tree's surrounding Castle Helmsley, he would never have mentioned it.

 

"My god Hunter, if you hadn't seen her steal away... I would have killed her!" He exclaimed letting his head fall into his hands.

 

"But you didn't Shawn. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Like I said, Lita was in the process of fleeing back to the castle when I happened upon her." Hunter said trying to ease his cousin's worried mind. "She was returning to alert the guards. Something you and I both know she didn't have to do considering we both know she would rather be free of these castle walls."

 

Shawn's brows furrowed and he pinned his cousin with a curious stare. "And she returned willingly with you... even after she found out it was all a ruse?"

 

Hunter couldn't help the mischievous grin that spread across his face as thoughts of a smiling redhead flashed through his mind. A smile nonetheless that was directed at him in gratitude, yet directed at him it was and he was a selfish man, he would take whatever he got.

 

"Yes, Shawn, she returned willingly." He drawled lazily a teasing glint lighting his eyes. "Some would even say she returned with a smile."

 

"Even for you cousin that is below the belt," Shawn feigned indignation but the amusement was there in his eyes proving Hunter's previous thoughts that the younger man thought more of Lita's affections as a trophy to be gained at the end of a game rather then something to be treasured. "Does that mean the sweet Lita has succumbed to your charms already?"

 

Hunter laughed. "If only that were true, but alas succumb she has not."

 

"Good." Shawn remarked, his cousin's words lightening his mood immensely.

 

"So..." Hunter began. "What of the raiders?"

 

"You saw there colours as clear as I did." Shawn said without batting an eyelid. "Are we to retaliate?"

 

Hunter paced the floor space in front of the fire, a well worn path matted beneath his feet marking a place he had often paced whilst in thought. "No."

 

"No? But we have every right-"

 

"I said no, Shawn."

 

Shawn sighed knowing it was no use trying to change Hunter's mind once he was set on something. "May I ask why?"

 

Again Hunter paced. "For the first time since the raids began someone other then myself thought it quick to pass judgement on the Hardy Clan."

 

"Let me guess, Lita?"

 

Hunter nodded.

 

Shawn frowned. "What is it?"

 

"I've never told anyone this before, but I have seen Lita before."

 

"Where?"

 

"On Hardy land. After our first retaliation after they started up the feud again." He explained turning away choosing his words carefully, the last thing he needed was for word to spread that he had spent time in the Hardy dungeon. His conversation with Jeff Hardy coming first and foremost to his mind, he hadn't noticed it before but the young Hardy boy had been proud that his clan had captured the fierce some Hunter Hurst Helmsley, had even secretly sought him out to satisfy his boyish curiosity and that it wasn't until he had mentioned seeing the vision of the girl bathing in her secret pool that the boy's attitude had changed, his pride fast turning to fear.

 

He paced some more.

 

What if Jeff Hardy had been trying to protect the girl, just like the boy had been protecting his vision by sitting up on the embankment to keep watch? He hadn't had time to question the boys fear then, but the more he thought about it now the more his thoughts leaned towards the possibility that the girl the younger Hardy had tried to protect and the girl they knew as Lita, were one and the same.

 

Shawn was dumbfounded. "You think she's a spy?"

 

"No."

 

"Traitor?"

 

"No."

 

"What then?"

 

"I think she's a Hardy."

 

**

 

Part Seventeen

 

**

 

Lita lay on top of her bed and went over in her head all the things that could have happened today, but didn't.

 

Firstly - A ruse. A bloody ruse that not only fooled the men hiding in the trees but also fooled her! A ruse that had Hunter not come along when he did, she would not be lying here now. She would have been burnt to a crisp and Shawn would have been none the wiser.

 

Secondly - Hunter doing the exact opposite of what she had grown up to believe he would do when she had tried to runaway. She expected him to beat her within an inch of her life, use her body as a plaything then leave her hurt and broken in an out of the way place that no one new about to die a slow, painful death.

 

She shook her head, shaking her morbid thoughts from her mind.

 

He had done none of that. He hadn't so much as raised his hand to her, instead he had taken her to the most beautiful little water hole she had seen in life. It wasn't like her one at home which was murky and black from the mud bottom. It was clear and clean, so clean she could see the rocky bottom. 'The water falls straight from the snowy mountain peak.' He had told her.

 

Her prior thoughts of doom and death had been erased and in it's place a calmness as calm as the water he had brought her too flowed through her, the soothing waters calling to her to go delve in there all too tempting depths.

 

She knew her face mirrored her thoughts and she turned around to thank him, but the hunger she saw in his eyes barred that thankyou from finding its way up her windpipe. His blue eyes now dark with something else, something she didn't even want to think about and for a minute she thought maybe she had been mad to let the effects of the water push everything she had ever been told about this man to the back of her mind. And yet, at the same time the look in his eyes had quickened her heart beat and caused goose bumps to break out all up her arms.

 

Her brain had scattered and in the next moment she had felt his arm around her steadying her and his breath on her ear as he whispered softly into her ear. She nodded and smiled in response, somewhere in the back of her mind it registered that he was promising to bring her back and her smile had grown into a grin.

 

Now as she lay on her bed a frown marred her brow.

 

Why did she suddenly feel like she was never going to leave this place?

 

**

 

"A Hardy?"

 

"A Hardy."

 

"You’re sure about this?"

 

Hunter shrugged. "It makes perfect sense."

 

"Maybe in your mind…" Shawn scoffed. "…but a Hardy?"

 

"Keep your voice down," Hunter cautioned, "Our clan lost a lot of good men in the past raids, a lot of people are angry and hurt. They would not stop at hurting Lita if they learned of my suspicions."

 

Shawn eyed his cousin thoughtfully. "What are you going to do?"

 

Hunter walked around the room a couple times before coming to a stop in front of his cousin. He sighed. "I think it's time Clan Hardy and

Clan Helmsley met face to face." He watched for Shawn's reaction to his words but his cousin merely nodded proving that, like always, whatever Hunter decided, he would back him one hundred percent. He walked around the table and filled two goblets with wine, holding one out to Shawn from across the table.

 

"To the future." He said raising his goblet.

 

"To the future." Shawn repeated raising his own.

 

They both drained the cups in true clansmen fashion before bringing them down with a loud bang on the table top.

 

Hunter wiped his mouth and chin while Shawn stood waiting for instructions. He didn't have to wait long.

 

"Wake Flair, I have a message for him to deliver."

 

**

 

AN: I own nothing but the story idea which is a work of fiction.

Everything WWE-ish belongs to Vince McMahon. This disclaimer goes for all previous parts of 'Enemies From Within' archived in the above mentioned yahoo groups.

 

Part Eighteen

 

**

 

Castle Hardy...

 

"Jeff?"

 

Jeff mumbled a sleepy reply.

 

"Jeff, wake up."

 

Still no response.

 

Matt kicked the foot of his brother's bed. "Jeff, wake up!"

 

"What? Huh?" He sprung up from the bed letting the covers fall to his waist.

 

"Get dressed and come down to the main hall." His brother replied turning to make his way out of Jeff's room.

 

"Matt, what is it?" He said fumbling with the covers as he tried to get to his feet.

 

Matt stopped in the doorway, but he didn't turn around. "Come to the main hall, Jeff." he repeated.

 

"Does this have something to do with Lita?" Jeff was right behind his brother now. "Matt, tell me."

 

"I received word this morning." he admitted turning to look his brother right in the eye. "They have Lita."

 

Jeff frowned already knowing the answer to the question that was forming in his mind, but he still had to ask. "Who has Lita?"

 

Matt's voice was hard but with one word he confirmed all Jeff's suspicions.

 

"Helmsley."

 

**

 

The main hall was crowded.

 

It wasn't often that all the men loyal to the Hardy Clan joined in one big room. Servants weaved there way around the men with trays laden with wine and food, while the men chatted amongst themselves as they awaited there leader.

 

Both Matt and Jeff strode in soon after and the room quieted as the two men made there way to the head of the table.

 

"Is it true?" A man to Matt's right asked before he even had a chance to open his mouth.

 

"Do they have Lita?" Another continued.

 

Matt silenced them all with a raised hand. "It's true."

 

A rumble of voices exploded throughout the room and Matt jumped up on the table and began walking the length of it as he yelled out replies to heated questions from around the room.

 

"We haven't got the men power to get her back." Shane pointed out.

 

"Even joined with neighbouring clans, Clan Helmsley still out weigh us in numbers." Shannon added.

 

"How much is the ransom?" Another asked.

 

Matt let out a deep breath in a slow steady stream. "That's the strange thing, there was no ransom." More murmurs abounded through the room. "The message stated a meeting between clans."

 

"Yeah…" A man from the back stepped forward. "…a meeting where we will be lead to our deaths!" The group he had been a part of joined in on his comment causing minor chaos amongst the men.

 

"I don’t think it's a trap!" Matt shouted so he could be heard above there chatter. "He asks nothing more then a meeting to talk about the futures of both clans."

 

"It's a trap I tell you!"

 

Matt turned to the man and levelled him with a glare. "That’s my sister he's got! Trap or not I have no choice."

 

The man backed up, but Matt knew it could very well be a trap and he could be leading them all to their deaths.

 

"Listen." He said jumping down from the table. "I am not going to force you to come. You are free to go if that is your wish. Like I said I have no choice but to go."

 

A couple of the men shifted uncomfortably, but none left the room.

 

"It's settled then," Matt said once again taking his place at the head of the table. "Prepare yourselves men, we leave within the hour."

 

**

 

Part Nineteen

 

**

 

Castle Helmsley...

 

Lita couldn't sleep.

 

By what she could see of the sky outside it had to be nearing daybreak. The sounds of footsteps running down the hallway outside her chamber door brought her up with a start, granted it wasn't uncommon for servants to be out and about at this time of the morning but for some reason she found herself moving off the bed to press her ear against the cool wood of her chamber door.

 

She could hear the muffled voice of a servant and soon after the deep firm voice of Helmsley himself.

 

"Forgive me," The servant gasped, "But on my life I swear every male

Hardy alive is outside our gate!"

 

Lita blanched, swallowing quickly before she broke into a choking fit and alerted them of her presence. Her kin? Here? All of them outside the castle?

 

A sharp knock sounded on the door bringing forth a startled cry of alarm from her throat as the door was unceremoniously wrenched open. She blushed at having been caught eaves dropping but by the look on Hunter's face, that was the least of his worries.

 

"So, this is how you settle it, Hunter. It's a bit under handed if you ask me." Shawn's disapproving voice broke through Lita's panic as he strode with a purpose down the hall towards them. His meaning wasn't quite clear until she saw the self satisfied smile of her host.

 

'He couldn't know,' She thought. 'He couldn't.' Yet every fibre of her being was screaming just that. He cocked his eyebrow at her and she knew then and there that there was no point in pretending any longer. "How long have you known?"

 

"Not long, my dear," Hunter replied easily. "Not long at all."

 

"But you have never seen... how could you know?" She demanded.

 

"We can discuss that later." Hunter's smile deepened, "I just thought

I'd come here and give you a chance to say 'yes' willingly."

 

Her brow furrowed and he knew of no woman who looked more beautiful in her confusion and he bristled as he heard Shawn catch his breath, obviously just as affected as he had been by her small action.

 

"Yes, to what?"

 

"To becoming my wife."

 

Her face turned ashen and the fact that her knee's gave out and she had to grip the open door to keep from toppling over exactly the reaction he had been expecting. And so was her reply.

 

"N-no... NO!"

 

His face darkened and he had to fight the urge he had to reach out and pull her to his side where she belonged. "Then you leave me no choice. If you'll excuse me, I don’t want to keep your brother waiting." He said in parting as he turned away from her and started back down the hallway.

 

"Hunter!"

 

He smiled at hearing his name pass through her lips but when he turned and saw the fear in her eyes he immediately retraced his steps to take her face in his hands.

 

"Don’t fret so, I'm sure your brother and I will meet on amiable terms.' He whispered not caring that Shawn and one of the upstairs servants still stood watching, he leaned down and did what he'd been longing to do since he saw her. He captured her lips in a slow, tantalising kiss that dripped of all the delicious things to come.

 

When he drew back he turned to the servant. "Make sure her lady stay's here, I don’t want her leaving this room for any reason. Do you understand?"

 

The servant nodded obediently and with one last look in her direction, Lita watched as he walked away with Shawn following close behind him.

 

All manner of horrible visions flashed through her mind... but memories of his lips on hers soon drove all other thoughts from her mind.

 

**

 

Hunter looked over the parapet, getting the best view of all the horses at his gate, some burdened with two, even three men. It did indeed look as if every male Hardy alive was at Castle Helmsley. He saw Matt Hardy moving to the front, the younger lad beside him.

 

"Hunter Hurst Helmsley!"

 

"I'm here, boy!" Hunter called down, leaning over the battlement so

Matt could see him. "So, our paths cross again. I must say I like this meeting better than our last."

 

Matt glared up at him and Hunter chuckled. Then Shawn spoke from behind him. "So, you've met him before. How?"

 

Not in the mood to retell of his time spent in the Hardy dungeon,

Hunter waved Shawn's question aside. "Don’t ask me questions now,

Shawn. I've my life to settle here."

 

"And I hope she makes it a bitter life indeed." Shawn rasped.

 

"I didn't expect you to be a poor loser," Hunter replied, still talking over his shoulder. "You knew I meant to have her. You gave no objections then."

 

"I thought you would be leaving it up to her and respecting her wishes, not bring in outside interference. You’re forcing her and you know it."

 

"To marry me, Shawn, that's what this is about." Hunter explained.

"A marriage between our clans would forever end this feud that has plagued both our families for generations."

 

A flicker of surprise crossed Shawn's face. "And that's your only reason for wanting this marriage?"

 

Hunter opened his mouth to reply but no words flowed forth and he sighed as he watched Shawn turn and walk away. His cousin had managed to prick his conscience and he was very near to having second thoughts. He knew Lita felt something for him, he was sure of it. That wasn't something a man could be mistaken about. The only thing holding her back was the fact that he was her enemy and if all went well today he was almost confident her most deepest fears would be conquered. If he weren’t so sure he would never have done this. He regretted his cousin’s disappointment, but he was not going to let that deter him from what he wanted.

 

"So," He called down to the leader of clan Hardy. "Will you come inside so we don’t have to be shouting at each other all day?"

 

"And have you take me prisoner, as well?"

 

"I have the only prisoner I want." Hunter replied. "She's worth more to me then you are, you have my word on that."

 

"And who's to say this is not a trap, Helmsley?"

 

"I am. I could kill you now if that were my intention." More then a dozen weapons poked over the wall at Hunter's signal, and the gate opened. He was no longer asking Matt Hardy to come inside. He was leaving the younger man no choice.

 

**

 

"I'm coming with you."

 

"And let him have all that is dear to me at his mercy? No, Jeff, you will remain outside his walls."

 

"He has Lita in there!" Jeff said angrily.

 

"And I'll be getting her back!" Matt growled. "Don’t argue, I swear your getting just as bad as Lita."

 

Matt rode through the gate, anger giving him courage to enter the enemy camp. Hunter had already left the wall and now waited in the courtyard. Matt rode to him and dismounted. There were no guards near by, if Matt wanted to he could have drawn his sword, but that wouldn't have been honourable.

 

"Come into the hall," Hunter offered. "A mug of ale will make bargaining easier."

 

Matt followed Hunter and still no guards came near them. The two men sat at the main table, Matt beginning to think he may not have walked into a trap after all.

 

"I must welcome you, your first time here." Hunter said congenially after the ale was served and they were alone again.

 

"I never thought to set foot in this castle."

 

"You wasted no time in getting here however."

 

"Did you think I would? That's my sister you have." Matt's eyes narrowed. "How much Helmsley?"

 

Hunter sat back and looked thoughtful. "I can safely say you can’t meet the price I would set for her."

 

"So, this is a trap!" Matt rose, furious.

 

"Sit down, Hardy, and hear me out. This is your sisters honour you are bargaining for."

 

Red faced Matt took his seat. "I want to see, Lita."

 

"You will, after we have settled her future."

 

"So what is it you want?"

 

"I want Lita." Hunter replied simply.

 

Matt's face turned redder and his eyes blazed. "You cannot have her!"

 

"Ah, well, but you see, I do have her," Hunter said calmly.

 

Matt seemed to crumble. It was true. He looked away. "Did you... have you... harmed her?"

 

"She has not been harmed or dishonoured here. If she's not a maiden, it wasn't of my doing."

 

"Lita isn't like that!"

 

"That is in need of debating," Hunter replied coldly. "Before she came to be here she was left without protection in Aberdeen, you cannot know how she has conducted herself in that time."

 

"No. But I do know my sister and she is not like that. Why have you brought me here? You have Lita at your mercy. Was this just to torment me? Will you be telling me now all the ways you plan to make her suffer?"

 

Hunter chuckled. "You'll have to forgive me, Hardy. I suppose I have been a bit vindictive in not telling you before now that I want Lita for my wife."

 

It took a moment to sink in. "You're wife?" Matt sat back, stunned.

An alliance between their clans would end the feud and save the lives of the people still loyal to the Hardy name. Yet what sort of life would he be subjecting Lita too if he agreed? Matt stared hard at Hunter, trying desperately to see the truth in the other man's words.

"Does she want to marry you?"

 

"She does not."

 

"Then how can you make her happy?"

 

"Her objection is that we are enemies." He paused in his speech as

Shawn broke into a fit of coughing a few feet away from them. "Like I was saying, her objection is that we are enemies." he repeated, a little louder this time. "If we were wed that would no longer be the case, now will it?"

 

"Of course not." Matt agreed.

 

"Although she does fear me a bit, but that is only natural after all the exaggerated tales she has heard of me-" Again he was interrupted by his cousin as another bout of coughing shook his frame and he didn't try to mask the glare he sent in Shawn's direction. "She will get over her fears quickly enough.'

 

"So I am here to order her to marry you?"

 

"Ask, order, plead, whatever it takes."

 

"And if she still doesn't agree?"

 

"You have a stubborn sister in Lita, Hardy. But I mean to have her and I will one way or the other. I am a determined man. The only way Lita will leave this castle is as my wife."

 

**

 

Part Twenty

 

**

 

The moment Matt stepped into Lita's room she knew by the look on his face that he wasn't here to take her home. She had been so happy to see him enter but now as she watched him pace the room, saw the way his shoulders were set and the worry lines that marred his forehead and she knew how much of a strain all this put on him.

 

Unlike her and Jeff, he hadn't had a chance to experience the carefree life of adolescence, having been thrust into the role of leader before his nineteenth year. She saw how hard a decision this was for him, his sister or his clan and before she could let her mind talk her out of it she had risen from where she sat on the bed and moved to stand before him.

 

"I will do it."

 

He looked up at her then and she reached up to cup his cheek with her hand as she continued.

 

"The feud will be over, our kin will be safe."

 

**

 

They were married in the late afternoon on that very day. In the presence of her clan and his, she became wife to Hunter Hurst Helmsley.

 

The clans also were bound by the marriage. The Hardy's were delighted it was a day for celebration - a marriage and an end to a bitter feud. For 'most' it was a day to be happy.

 

There were those amongst the Helmsley clan who still haboured bad will towards the Hardy's, those who had lost loved ones in the raids for instance but Hunter had quelled there reservations by pointing out that this was for the good of the clan on a whole. But by far, as he saw, Lita was the most miserable.

 

He got up, startling her, and walked away from the tables where a splendid feast was laid out and as he turned back to look at his new bride he saw her reach out for the first time that night towards the food laid before her. Inwardly glad that she was finally tempted to eat something but equally saddened that it had taken him leaving the table for her to take the step.

 

Lita watched both her brothers enjoy themselves. Jeff had approached her as soon as the ceremony was over and they had held each other and cried for the longest time, tears of joy as well as tears of despair.

 

Her attention was drawn to the food on the table and she couldn't believe how much there was. Hot and cold meats, steaming hot soups and vegetables and the sweets! Cakes and puddings! She picked up one of the iced covered sweets and stuffed it whole inside her mouth, her taste buds going into overdrive as it melted on her tongue before she reached out to grab another one. She would get fat, that's what she would do. He wouldn't want her if she was grotesquely fat!

 

But Hunter didn't go too far and Lita didn't fill her plate.

 

He returned to her side a few minutes later and took her hand, forcing her to rise. She looked at him questioningly but his face revealed nothing. He tugged at her hand expecting her to follow, but she held back.

 

"Where are we going?" Her tone was obstinate.

 

He gave her hand another sharp tug. "So, you'll be giving me trouble already?"

 

"If you will just give me a reason why you are taking me away from our guests..."

 

He smiled inwardly at her usage of the words 'our' guests, but when he looked down on her no trace of his feelings showed on his face. "I do not need a reason, wife. You are my wife?" The question sounded cold, even to his own ears. "You do agree you are my wife, Lita? Say it."

 

She looked away from him. "I agree."

 

"I didn't hear you."

 

"I agree!"

 

"Then you'll also agree I need no reason to want you to follow me."

 

Her head snapped up. "So it's to be like that, is it? Now you got what you want you have no thought to my feelings? But then again, you never did."

 

Before her eyes Hunter changed, the stiffness left him and his expression softened. He even grinned before hanging his head in shame.

 

"I'm sorry Lita, there’s no excuse for my acting this way. It's just I've waited... wanted..." He expelled a deep breath. "Never mind just please Lita, come with me."

 

Wether it was the plea she heard in his voice or her own traitorous body that made her get to her feet and follow him she would never know.

 

He led her out of the dining hall, up the stairwell and to a door, where he stopped.

 

"Our chambers," Hunter said softly as he held the door open, letting go of her at last.

 

Lita walked in slowly. It was a large room with a huge bed, linen sheets pulled down and large fluffed pillows. There was no doubt in her mind as to 'why' he had brought her here, and as she heard the door close softly behind her,  no way out of it.

 

"Will you have some wine, Lita?"

 

She jumped at the sound of his voice directly behind her and glanced sideways at him. She nodded hesitantly and watched as he poured the deep red liquid into a goblet before bringing it to her. She took the heavy container in her hands and drank it down without pausing to breathe.

 

Hunter's amusement showed in his eyes and as he watched her standing nervously before him that amusement soon turned to something else.

 

She must have read the desire in his gaze when in the next minute she stuck her arm out to him, goblet in hand. "I'll have some more wine please."

 

He obediently refilled her glass and stood back to watch as she downed that one just as fast.

 

"You have no need to fear me Lita surely you must know that by now."

 

She turned her back on him and just stood with her head bowed and shoulders slumped. He moved to her then, gently taking her by the shoulders as he pulled her against him. She could feel his chest against her back and his thumbs rubbed against the curve of her neck.

 

His lips followed soon after and she was unable to dwell on the discovery of what sensations his lips on her skin evoked. "I'll never hurt you, Lita. I swear you'll learn to love me, you'll not regret being my wife." His fingers and lips continued on their path and when her gown and strap pings met in a pile at her feet, she was lost.

 

**

 

Part Twenty-One

 

**

 

Hunter closed the door to their chamber and then pulled Lita to his side, his hand going possessively around her waist. Lita couldn't believe how happy she was and Hunter was strutting around like a rooster just coming in from the hen shed. They approached the main hall but Hunter slowed and Lita looked up to see him frowning.

 

"Hunter-" She started to ask but he shushed her.

 

Confusion mounted when they entered the hall, most of the people were standing and there was a solemn look on every face. All eyes turned to them standing in the door way and the noise started all at once, the accusations, the denials and it only got louder and louder.

 

"What is this madness!" Hunter roared.

 

"Ask your man there see if he dares tell the truth." Matt's finger pointed at Kevin and Hunter eyed his cousin with considerable surprise before falling on the fallen man with his cousin’s knife protruding from his chest. "You stabbed the man?"

 

"I did."

 

"An accident?"

 

"No."

 

Hunter took a deep breath holding himself in check. "Your reason?"

 

"The man rose to attack me, it's not my fault my knife found him first."

 

"I have known Michael Cole since I was a child." Lita said taking a step forward. "He would never have attacked you. He's not a fighter."

 

Hunter sent Lita a sharp look, a look she was learning to know by heart. A look that said she was not to interfere. "Who else can tell me what happened here?" He demanded looking around.

 

"You doubt my word, Hunter?" Kevin asked.

 

He eyed him steadily. "In this case I will hear both sides."

 

"I can tell you what happened." Came a voice from the back, the crowd parted and Lita recognised the man who stepped forward as Tazz, Michael's friend and neighbour. "No sooner had your man there, seated himself next to Michael, he started boasting of all the raids the Helmsley clan had over the Hardy’s, laughing he was over how many of my kin he had killed. Michael Cole and most of us seated there were disgusted, Michael rose to leave rather then listen to your man's prattle, not to attack."

 

Silence reigned once again and Lita was appalled, believing her clansmen immediately.

 

Hunter on the other hand was in a quandary. What was he to do?

Take the word of a man he didn't know over the word of his cousin? His blood?

 

He sighed. His decision would not go well with Lita's clan. "What we have here is an error in judgement that can only be seen as an unfortunate accident."

 

Matt stood to his feet. "I beg to differ, it's plain to see who's word you favour."

 

Lita couldn't believe what she was hearing.

 

"Favouritism had nothing to do with my decision. It was an accident."

 

"We'll be leaving here, Helmsley, and Lita with us, before there are anymore 'accidents.'"

 

"Lita does not leave this castle." Hunter's voice was deceptively soft.

 

"By your own words you said that she would not be forced to stay here."

 

"She can leave - when I say. For now she stays here."

 

Lita held her breath, her brother and her husband stared at each other for so long a battle was sure to ensue if she didn't do something.

 

"Matt," She spoke quietly her eyes pleading with his. "Go, I will be alright here." Another eternity of silence seemed to pass before Matt turned on his heel and left without another word. Lita was forced to watch as one by one her clan left, not even Jeff glanced in her direction as he made his way out of the hall after making sure Michael was carried out. Lita moved to follow him they had to at least have a few words together before he left but Hunters hand on her shoulder kept her by his side. Deep down inside she wondered if she would ever see them again.

 

Her heart ached and she would have cried if not for Hunters hand on her shoulder. She couldn't cry here, not when she was in the midst of the hated Helmsley’s. She would not let her enemy see her cry.

 

"Lita?"

 

Hunter’s voice was soft reminding her of his earlier tenderness, but what had just transpired ruined any tenderness the time alone in their chambers had evoked. Did he think everything would just go on as normal?

 

She lifted his hand and shoved it away from her. "Do not touch me again Hunter - Ever." She whispered brokenly, all her pain in her voice.

 

All he could do was watch as Lita turned and left the way they had come.

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Two

 

**

 

When Hunter entered their chamber, Lita was asleep in a chair by the fire, still fully clothed, her hair flowing over the side of the chair to form a red pool on the floor. Had she fallen asleep there or was she making a deliberate point by not sleeping in the bed? Somehow he knew it'd be the latter.

 

He knelt down beside her she looked so peaceful in her slumber, without the glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes that reflected the pain she felt inside. But how was he to make it right with her?

 

'There wedding day,' He thought picking up the tresses that lay on the floor and fanning them through his fingers. 'What a fiasco!'

 

He wasn't going to wake her and hear more accusations, Shawn had already had his say calling him ten kinds of a fool and then ten kinds more for not going after Lita to make things right. The older of his cousins had shown no remorse over what had happened enjoying himself on Hunter's wedding day though Hunter could not.

 

Lita woke to see him sitting on the floor next to her, her hair entwined in his fingers.

 

He turned to her and when he saw how much anger there was in her gaze he wondered again if he could ever make things right with her.

 

"I only waited here to tell you I will not be sharing this room with you."

 

"You will indeed share this room." He counted adamantly.

 

She glared at him.

 

"Do not force it, Lita." He warned her. "You are my wife."

 

"You'll sleep on the floor then."

 

"I will sleep on the bed."

 

"Then I'll-" She gasped as he rose off the floor bringing her with him before unceremoniously tossing her onto the centre of the bed. "You'll sleep there too." Not paying mind to the death glares she sent his way he lay down on the bed. "Go to sleep, Lita." He sensed rather then saw the stiffness in her back and shoulders and he sighed as he stared up at the ceiling. "I don’t want this."

 

"Well, I didn't want this either but no ‘Mr Clan Leader’ goes against what I want, what my kin want by swaying my brother with talk of peace to get me to marry you!"

 

He sighed again. "I'm not talking about our marriage... or the lengths I went to get this marriage." He turned to her then, his thumb hooking under her chin forcing her to look at him. "I want this marriage, Lita. I wish to god I didn't for all our sakes, but I do. I do."

 

Lita felt her anger slipping away and she made herself think of the events that happened earlier, willing her anger to reappear. It didn't.

 

"It is done I cannot take it back now."

 

"You could take it back, but you won’t."

 

"It wouldn't make any difference to change my mind."

 

"I can only see that my brother will never forgive you," Her voice broke, "He will never forgive me."

 

He brought her too him then, forcing her to take comfort in his arms as he pushed her head down to his chest, his hand rubbing soothing circles at her hip. "We will make it right, Lita. We will go visit them and make it right. You have nothing to worry about, the feud is over it ended when I made you my wife. In time, old grudges will be forgotten." She seemed to settle in his arms after that and he sighed thinking he had finally gotten through to her. And then he opened his mouth again. "This feud would never have started up again if your brother hadn't of started the raids."

 

"What!" She gasped. "We didn't start the raids. You did!"

 

"Oh Lita. No more lies." Hunter watched the play of emotions cross her face, from hurt to amazement to anger, and there it stayed. Her green eyes flashed dangerously and she began to speak but he stopped her. "Enough, Lita, please."

 

"Enough? Yes, enough!" she cried swinging her legs off the bed. "It is I who have had enough of you!"

 

He reached for her but anger gave her strength to jerk from his hold, he reached for her again and her temper exploded! The resounding echo of the slap she planted on his cheek shocking not only her but him as well. Her face drained of colour as she saw him raise his hand, everything she had ever been told about him filling her mind, images of his first wife dangling from a bed sheet floated before her and she wondered if that would be her fate as well. She closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable, but it never came.

 

"Do it," She demanded, although her mind screamed 'What the hell are you doing!' She had no idea where her words were coming from. "I do not fear you anymore, Hunter, you cannot hurt me more then you have already."

 

His hand shook as he lowered it. "I can’t."

 

"Why not?"

 

He turned away from her then and got up to walk towards the door, only stopping to turn back to her when he had opened it. His parting words hanging in the air as the door closed behind him. "Because I think it would hurt me more than it would you."

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Three

 

**

 

Hunter had meant to leave their chambers, but as he opened the door he came face to face with his cousin.

 

"I didn't want to disturb you but it is necessary."

 

"What's wrong?" Hunter prompted at Shawn's hesitation.

 

"There's been a raid. Jericho and Christian were wounded it doesn't look like Jericho will survive."

 

Hunter's face turned to stone. "How many livestock lifted?"

 

"None. All were killed and crofts burned."

 

Lita drew her breath in sharply as Hunters eyes found hers. She knew what conclusion he had drawn.

 

"No!" She cried shaking her head. "He wouldn't have done that."

 

"But he did." Hunter said. "And I let it happen. I wanted to believe that he wanted an end to this feud as much as I so I posted no extra guards." He turned back to Shawn dismissing her. "How many in the attack?"

 

"Lance swears to at least a dozen."

 

"Did he get a good look at them?"

 

There was a lengthy silence before Shawn replied. "Well enough."

 

"Then tell my wife if you will what colours they wore."

 

Her eyes pleaded with Shawn but he could not lie. "I'm sorry, Lita.

But the colours were indeed those of your kin. I wish I could tell you different."

 

"Leave us and ready my horse." Hunter commanded Shawn.

 

"You can’t do this Hunter." She said desperately. "You can’t ride against my clan. My brother wanted no more of this feud."

 

He offered no reply.

 

"If he still wanted to continue the feud then why did he give me to you as a wife!"

 

"Because I forced him to it!"

 

"I want you to know that he didn’t force me to do anything. I agreed before he had a chance to open his mouth. I now wish to god I hadn’t!”

 

The hurt that entered his heart at hearing her words stayed hidden and it was his anger that now rose to the surface as he walked angrily to the door. "I'm beginning to wish you hadn’t too!"

 

**

 

Lita woke the next morning to find herself alone. She pulled herself up into a sitting position, but she didn't have the will to do anymore than that. She had cried herself to sleep after he had left and now her eyes were sore and swollen. A pointless thing crying. It didn't change a thing and it certainly didn't make her feel better. She stared out the window at the bright blue sky that that should have brought a newly married woman joy and happiness, yet to her the morning sky looked dismal and haunting... because Hunter had not returned.

 

A horrible image of a bloody battle came to mind, and she shook her head against it but the images would not go away and she began to hear screams and cries of pain and loss as well. Her brother's cries. She couldn't stand not knowing what was happening back at Castle Hardy and if the agony of not knowing wasn't enough she would have to watch as Hunter came back, his hands stained with the blood of her kin.

 

A knock sounded at the door and a servant entered. "You’re presence is required in the dining hall, my lady." She said already starting to pull back the covers that lay haphazardly over Lita's legs.  The old servant muttered to herself as she went around the room straightening what needed to be straightened, picking up Lita's gown that lay wrinkled on the floor and shaking it out before draping it over a chair. "Come on now child, everyone is waiting."

 

"E-everyone?"

 

"That's what I said, girl." She replied not offering any other explanation. It was obvious this servant didn't like having to wait on her.

 

"Who is everyone?" She asked, her curiosity far surpassing the animosity she felt directed at her from the old woman.

 

"Just neighbouring clans come to meet Sir Helmsley's new bride." The old woman replied, "the master has been entertaining them all morning but now it seems even he cannot wait!"

 

"He's here?"

 

The old woman looked at her as if she had two heads and replied simply. "Where else would he be, lass?"

 

Lita couldn't explain the feeling she got at the old woman’s words.

 

'He hadn't left castle to go after her clan. They were safe.'

 

**

 

Hunter took a swig of ale, bracing himself at the turn of conversation to his right. It seemed that sometime during the festivities the topic of his stay in the Hardy dungeon had been breached and without him knowing more of his kin than he cared to mention had tuned in.

 

He scowled when Shawn burst out laughing. As if enough wasn't going wrong with his life, he now had to put up with his cousin's humour.

 

"Well, Hunter? What do you have to say for yourself?"

 

"There is nothing to tell, Shawn. I met with Hardy hospitality isall."

 

"But in there dungeon?" Shawn grinned. "And needing a lass to help you escape."

 

Hunter shrugged there was no need in admitting that Lita hadn't been the one who had helped him, 'Let them think what they will.' He thought. "It was only fitting she aid me, since it was her fault I was there to begin with."

 

"But to end up in the Hardy dungeon, Hunter?" Shawn shook his head mockingly. "You must have been badly smitten even then to play the fool so well."

 

Across the hall Lita was being lead toward them, a picture of elegance and beauty, her hair swept back, the long tresses curling to her waist and Hunter felt his chest puff with pride.

 

Unlike Hunter, who sighed wistfully on Lita's approach, Shawn gritted his teeth. He had yet to talk to Lita alone since the wedding.

His heart went out to her as he gazed into her eyes, there green depths full of the misery. He had no doubt that Hunter truly loved this girl, and vice versa, but with all the history that they had behind them, would love be enough? It was painful taking sides. The soft spot he felt for Lita and the love and loyalty he had for his cousin were tearing him apart. He was angry, but his anger was directed at the man responsible for ending whatever chance Lita had for happiness here with them at Castle Helmsley.

 

Shawn put all the blame on his brother, Kevin, and he was furious that Hunter had not. The wedding, meant to end the feud had only fuelled it and the worst was not over yet. There was still the chance that Hunter might seek retribution for the raid and in doing so, Lita's clan would be held responsible.

 

**

 

Lita stopped in front of her husband, his friends and his family surrounding him and she felt utterly despised and alone. She feared these people but she would not let them see it. Her eyes locked with

Hunter's as he rose to greet her, but she stood stiffly away from him and he made no move to extend his hand to her.

 

A pretty blonde woman came over then and drew Lita away from him, leading her over to the fire where a group of woman sat.

 

Hunter was thankful of Christian's wife, Trish at that moment but as

Lita was introduced to the other women his gaze grew wary. He didn't like the idea of Lita being alone with them, there was no saying what she would tell them... or them her.

 

He kept glancing there way apprehensively and soon he saw

Lita laughing, apparently at ease and enjoying herself. The sight infuriated him! How dare she sit there and laugh... when he was in such turmoil and suffering!

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Four

 

**

 

Lita couldn't believe she was actually enjoying herself. She found she liked these women, especially the petite blonde called Trish. She was one not to mince words and told everything as it was. At the moment they were sitting side by side, Trish had her arm threaded through the crook of hers as they giggled and leaned conspiratorially closer to hear something Ivory was telling them before the three of them looked up, startled by the door opening with a loud bang!

 

"Ah, my Show has finally arrived!" Ivory grinned and Lita's eyes widened in surprise as a big brutish man walked through the doorway and though the door frame was already extremely high, he still had to duck to get through it.

 

Lita knew she was staring but she couldn't seem to turn her gaze away. "That's your husband?"

 

Ivory grinned good naturally, use to peoples reaction to her husband. "Aw well, we can’t all have handsome devils for a husband."

 

Lita blushed. "I didn't mean... it's just he's so big and your so..."

 

"Small?" Trish finished for her, both women laughing as Lita blushed some more.

 

"Mine's not so bad," Ivory continued. "At least his temper doesn't run amok, as Hunter's is known to do."

 

Trish glared at the older woman when Lita paled at her words. "It's true, Hunter does have a temper when riled but otherwise he's a great big teddy bear."

 

Lita smiled then, she had to agree Hunter did have a tender side and it was that side she had seen more then his temper. Her gaze drifted towards the door again as someone else entered. Kevin. His face was more darkly set then Hunter's, if that were possible. She left the women by the fire and hurried to Hunter's side without considering that she might be rebuffed. She pulled him away from his conversation, away from the tables and away from any eavesdroppers. When she turned to face him, Hunter didn't look at all pleased. Undaunted, she let her anger spew forth. "Are you aware Kevin is here?"

 

"Is he?"

 

Lita couldn't believe how indifferently he replied, almost as if he didn't care. "Hunter, if not for him..."

 

She hesitated, and he glared at her and demanded. "What?"

 

This was not the man she had come to know, not the man Trish spoke so highly of, standing before her now was the man she had been raised to fear. She took a step back and he cringed at the fear he saw in her eyes. "Lita-"

 

"Hunter!" Shawn called out to him from the table. "There is news."

 

"What's happened?" He called back turning to face the other men.

 

"Jericho has succumbed to his wounds. He is dead."

 

"Are you sure?" He asked simply.

 

Kevin nodded. "The question is what will you be doing about it?"

 

It took great daring to demand that of Hunter, Kevin either had to be beyond all caution or a fool. It was Shawn who shoved his brother’s question aside angrily. "Is that all you can think of when a kinsman has died? Can we not bury him first?"

 

"If Hunter had been thinking of his clan instead of his new bride we would not be burying anyone!"

 

Quite slowly Hunter returned to the table and only came to a stop when his face was inches from Kevin's. "You take a lot upon yourself cousin." Hunter said smoothly. "Are you forgetting it was your dagger that pierced that man while they were all under my roof and protection." Kevin lost some of his bluster as Hunter continued.

"Have a care, Kevin, you would do well to leave my presence while

I am still inclined to let you."

 

"She's bewitched you Hunter you've not seen things in perspective since she's been her. Retaliation is called for, yet you let ‘her’ sway you." A look of disgust crossed his features as he turned and strode towards the door, pausing before he crossed the threshold. "She's turned you soft. I see it, and soon everyone else will too. I only hope it's before somebody else dies."

 

**

 

It was the middle of the night when Hunter finally came up to their chamber one look at his face told her what he had decided. "So you've let him goad you into it."

 

Hunter wouldn't look at her. "I've delayed it long enough, it must be done."

 

She felt lifeless, dead, except for the pain that wouldn't stop. "I'll not be here when you return."

 

Hunter swung around his eyes blazing. "You'll be here Lita, or you'll be wishing you were dead when I find you. And find you I will."

 

She caught her breath on top of everything else here he was threatening her life! Anger rushed through her as a flame would dry straw and she flew off the chair she had sat in for hours waiting for him. "I wish I were dead now! Instead of married to you!"

 

"Careful, Lita-"

 

"Or what?" She shouted. "You'll kill me? Better me then my kin!"

 

Hunter turned away. He had no intention of killing her kin. He'd meant only to talk to her brother, but he was too angry right now to tell her so. Instead he gathered the last of his things and walked out of the room.

 

**

 

The next morning Lita sat in the hall by the great hearth, seeing nothing of what went on around her. Tortured figures were all she could see, bloodied images of her kin.

 

It was nearing noon when a voice broke through to her, a voice she despised. "Did you say something?" She asked civilly.

 

"I asked if you were ready to leave yet?"

 

"Did you?" Lita sat back. "Why should I? Do I not have everything I could ever want here, a fine home, a handsome…" She swallowed. "…husband."

 

"I would think your Hardy pride would not keep you where you were not wanted."

 

"And who doesn't want me here?" Lita inquired sweetly. "Hunter certainly does, very much so."

"But no one else does," Kevin said tightly. "They may not admit it, but it's in there thoughts. You've changed Hunter, he's no longer the man he was and you are resented for it."

 

"Liar!"

 

"He speaks the truth."

 

She looked behind her to see Scott, Kevin's right hand man standing behind her and she felt cornered between them, suffocated.

 

"Hunter doesn't care yet," Scott continued his tone vicious. "The newness hasn't worn off yet but when it does he will hate you for what you've done, and it'll be too late by then. His kin would be set against him and all because of you. But that's what you really want isn't it, after all you are a Hardy. You want him torn between you and his family."

 

Lita couldn't think of a quick answer, but they didn't wait for one.

Both of them walked away abruptly, leaving her alone to ponder their vicious lies, only, were they really lies? She was a Hardy, the enemy. And look at what had happened since her wedding. It had been obvious from the start that Kevin blamed her for the feud starting up again and no doubt everyone else would to.

 

She sat there in a daze for several minutes then got up and slowly left the hall. She walked down the hallway that would lead her to the courtyard, where she was given as horse as soon as she asked for one. She had no problem at the gatehouse either, the gatekeeper simply waving her through.

 

'It was really too easy.' She thought as she guided her horse away from the castle. If she had known how easy it would be she'd have left the other day!

 

Lita rode blindly, her mind in a jumble. She found herself on a small plot of land in the middle of a recently harvested field. And then she found she was looking down into the face of a crofter.

 

"You do not look well, miss," The man said with genuine concern.

 

"I'm fine, really." Lita assured him although she felt anything but fine.

 

"Your Helmsley's new bride,"

 

'Why deny it?' she thought with a shrug. "I am."

 

The man nodded. "He'll be back before long. Off to be meeting him then are you?"

 

"I... I..."

 

"Here now," He began reaching up for the horse's reins. "You don’t look well at all, come inside and rest. My Nidi will look you."

 

Lita smiled thankfully as he led her horse over to the croft. He helped her down and ushered her inside. The croft was dark and there were heavy cloth over the windows and a fire was glowing in the centre of the single room. The wicker door closed and she was enveloped in a friendly warmth.

 

Nidi, a petit woman with long curly hair quickly set aside the meal she was preparing and came forward. "Oh, Sir Helmsley's new bride!"

 

"She's out of sorts, Nidi." The crofter explained as he led her to a stool by the fire.

 

"Oh you poor thing." Nidi sympathized putting a cup of warm cider in Lita's hand as she took over from her husband.

 

Lita lifted the cup to her mouth and heartily drank down the liquid. "Thankyou." She said handing Nidi back the cup. She looked around the room while Nidi moved to the fire to refill her cup the croft was scantily furnished with only two stools and a table in one corner while a pile of blankets folded neatly over a pile of hay lay in another. A barren existence yet the young couple had made her feel at home for the first time since Shawn had carried her off from Aberdeen. Even feeling how she did she couldn't help her doubts from surfacing. "Why are you being nice to me?"

 

The man looked truly surprised. "And what else would we be?"

 

"But, I'm a Hardy. You must hate me. Others do."

 

"I do not know about others, miss. All I know is I judge every person on their own merits. Why should I hold your birth against you?"

 

"Your one of us now, Miss." His wife added laying her hand on Lita's shoulder. "Don’t you feel that way yet?"

 

'No.' Lita whispered inwardly, no, she didn't feel like that or believe she ever would.

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Five

 

**

 

No sooner had Hunter rode through the castle gates, dismounted and handed his horse over to the stable boy that Scott Steiner ran up to him, blocking his path. He was in no mood for anything other then sleep after riding to the lowlands without stopping, then riding the long trek home, again without stopping.

 

It had been a waste of a hard ride. He didn't know what he's expected to accomplish by talking to the Hardy brothers. He had been received grudgingly, had listened to the elder Hardy storm and bluster, yet still had come away without any resolutions. Hunter didn't doubt Matt's anger apparently Michael had died on the long trek home just as Lita had feared. Hunter might even have accepted Matt's word that his clan hadn't raided the Helmsley's lands that night if it wasn't for the tall, boarish man that stood just behind the two brothers. The man had exuded an air of gloating satisfaction when Hunter had mentioned the raid.

 

Hunter did receive one promise though, confirming Lita's belief's that her brother's would not attack his lands whilst Lita was in Hunter's hands. All in all, Hunter was no better settled on what he should do.

 

"The lady, she is gone." Scott said simply.

 

A number of emotions crossed Hunter's face before he turned and called for the stable boy to bring him a fresh horse, swinging onto it's back in one fluid motion before spurring it into a gallop.

 

"You’re wasting your time looking for her!" Scott called after him. "I'm not the only one who saw your precious Lita leave!"

 

Scott stomped back into the castle. He would have to tell Kevin he had failed. Hunter was going after his foolish wife after all!

 

**

 

Lita was ready to mount her horse again and return to the castle, the hospitality and friendliness of the two crofters having shown her that even though she thought herself alone, she really wasn't. But as she was saying her goodbyes to her new found friends, Hunter galloped furiously toward her, only pulling his horse in a few feet from where they all stood.

 

"Stopped to add insult to injury on your way home, did you?" Hunter said his voice harsh and accusing. Of course, he couldn't know that she had changed her mind about leaving. "It's well I found you before you left Helmsley land."

 

"Well for whom?" She dared ask.

 

Hunter's frown deepened, his eyes smouldering dangerously. "You didn't listen to my warning, and now you are impudent as well?"

 

"Hunter I-"

 

"You mock me, defy me, and you think nothing will come of it?" He raged, his anger robbing him of control.

 

"Hunter-"

 

"No!" He moved his horse closer and caught her arm, pulling her. He wanted to shake her violently, but he only held her, his fingers biting into her upper arm. Seeing her wince didn't lesson his anger or make him feel any better. "You misuse the feeling I have for you, Lita. I am lenient with you so you're thinking you can do as you please," He shouted. "You are my wife! There is no excuse that will appease me this time!"

 

Lita yanked her arm away and her chin went up stubbornly. "Then I'll not give you one!" She shouted back.

 

She would have liked to explain, she would have told him she had changed her mind. She had wanted to tell him but his tirade had made it impossible, and now she refused to try. A girl still had her pride.

 

"I'll not be taken back," She stated adamantly. "I'll not live with such an arrogant ass of a man."

 

Hunter glowered at her for what seemed like an eternity, his fists clenching and unclenching. An ominous gleam entered his eyes, and some of the steam went out of her then. He was fighting for control and she knew it.

 

When he finally spoke his voice was quiet, too quiet. "I'm not here to bring you back, Lita."

 

Confusion took over. "I don’t understand."

 

"You are my wife, that hasn't changed, but I'll not be shamed by you again. You've abused me for the last time, Lita. I do not want you back." His mouth was a grim line. "That should make you happy. I certainly have failed in that."

 

She felt a tightness in her chest, and her vision blurred. "You... you're letting me leave?"

 

"No, Lita." His voice was overly tight, as if it were all he could do to keep it under control. "I forbid that, you’re a Helmsley now and you'll live on Helmsley land. I'll have a dwelling built for you, you can live there... alone."

 

She was incredulous. "Hunter, you cannot mean this."

 

"I did not think I would ever say such a thing to you, but you've said from the beginning that you wanted nothing to do with me. Finally, I believe you."

 

Lita fought to keep back both tears and fury. How could he? "You want to keep me as wife but mean to deny me what that entails?" She stormed. "You think you can?"

 

"I know I can."

 

"I refuse! You cannot treat me this way!" She cried. "I'll go back to my brother's."

 

"You'll stay!" He thundered. "You go home to your brothers and I'll tear their home down brick by brick until I find you." Hunter had said all he was going to say on the matter, grabbing hold of her horses reins he turned and rode off at a furious pace. Her mare following helplessly behind him. His retreating form became a blur as Lita's tears came.

 

"Oh, honey, there's no need for that." Nidi said wrapping her arm around Lita's waist and leading her back inside the tiny croft. "Master Helmsley will be relenting soon. His temper is overpowering his sense, it will not last, you'll see."

 

Lita didn't answer. She was devastated. She tried to tell herself that the ache she felt was only because of Hunter's anger, and because she wanted to go home and he was stopping her. But that wasn't the whole truth and she knew it.

 

Nidi and Jamie tried to soothe her as best they could and insisted she stay with them till Hunter came to his senses, but all she could think about was that Hunter had left her, he had ridden off and left her.

 

**

 

Lita curled up by the fire wrapped in a blanket Nidi had given her.

It wasn't terribly windy outside but a draft still blew along the floor where she lay nestled on a pile of straw. 'At least she wasn't sleeping on a cold dirt floor.' She kept reminding herself.

 

To the right of her she could see a narrow strip of plank, a covering, Jamie had later explained, to a store room. Nidi wanted extra storage space for the preserves and salted meats she cured for winter so she had made him dig out a tiny room underneath their croft. Lita had been surprised, having never seen a store inside a croft before. She had to admit it was an excellent idea.

 

She was glad to have a some what soft surface to lie on, even if sleep eluded her. Jamie and Nidi were long since fast asleep in the far corner. They had been so kind to her, assuring her that Hunter wasn't as terrible as he seemed and that everything would work out for them.

 

She squinted her eyes in the darkness as she stared up at the ceiling, either her mind was playing tricks on her or the ceiling was moving. She sat up to get a better look and it was then that she saw the first swirls of smoke. They seeped in through the roof and she was staring right at them without comprehending. Impossible. Yet she had to believe it as the flames appeared, eating a hole in the roof.

 

Her first instinct was to flee but outside would be doubly dangerous, the men who started the blaze probably waited for them to come out so they could butcher them to death.

 

A torch fell through the roof and Lita smothered it with her blanket.

 

Nidi screamed having woken up to a nightmare and Lita turned to see Jamie grabbing his weapons. She couldn't bear the thought of kind Jamie going out there to meet his death. Yet they would all die if something wasn't done quickly.

 

She ran to the window praying that the raiders had moved on, but outside, in the glow from the fire she saw five mounted men. They were just sitting there waiting. Waiting until everyone inside had been burned alive.

 

At first the faces were a blur. All she could see was the colours they wore across there chest. Her clan's colours. Her mind would not accept what she saw but then she saw there faces a little more clearly. Kevin! That was Kevin's face! And beside him sitting atop one of her kin's finest horseflesh was Goldberg!

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Six

 

**

 

Hunter raced blindly down the mountainside.

 

When he'd been told of the fire and whose croft was being consumed, he didn't believe it. He still couldn't believe it, even when he saw it for himself. The flames had lessoned a bit but were still lapping at anything that hadn't yet been destroyed. Hunter charged in like a man gone wild. He brushed aside burning wood and debris, praying all the while that he would find Lita alive.

 

"Maybe now we'll get our leader back.”

 

Kevin's voice though quiet penetrated Hunter's crazed state of mind. "If you’re not here to help, then get the hell out." He hissed just as quietly.

 

Kevin stumbled outside running into Shawn who had just arrived.

"He's lost his senses, Shawn. Try to get him out of there before the walls cave in and we lose him too."

 

Shawn ignored his brother, ordering the men he'd brought with him to help with the search.

 

Every piece of rubble and scarred wood was moved. The search was for bodies now, for nothing could have lived through that fire. Hunter was nearly out of his mind, but the tiny bit of sanity he struggled to hold on to demanded proof. He would not believe she was dead until he saw proof of that with his own eyes.

 

When nothing was gained with there efforts it was a broken man that came out of the croft, only to fall to his knees, an animalistic cry erupted from his lips as he hammered his fists into the ground. Every man felt the loss as they watched there leader crumble but none more so than Shawn. 'The god's couldn't be this cruel to take Lita away from them.' He thought his eyes resting on what was left of the croft. 'They had to have missed something.' With a new found hope Shawn turned on his heel and marched back into the charred ruins.

 

Kicking and clawing, his own tears staining his cheeks Shawn searched again. He kicked aside anything in his way with a vengeance, needing to alleviate his own rage and sorrow.

 

Then through his tears he saw it. A strip of plank lay wedged into the dirt floor. His brows furrowed, the whole croft had been consumed with fire, there was nothing left, yet that one plank lay untouched by the flames. He wasted no time, a few short strides and he was kneeling over the plank, his fingers digging into the earth to pry the plank up out of the floor.

 

There was great excitement when Shawn's almost maniacal cry came from inside the croft, but it was all it took for Hunter to be up on his feet again and charging back towards the door. In his haste he threw men aside to get to his cousins side and then he saw it. Three bodies piled on top of one another in a small opening under the floor, cloths covering their faces, their bodies unmoving. Unmoving! Hunter couldn't move. He couldn't breathe. Then one of the bodies coughed, a small sound but it was all he needed and he couldn't move fast enough.

 

He lifted Nidia out and handed her to Shawn, then took Lita in his arms and carried her outside, leaving the others to see to Jamie. Tears coursed down his face as he set her down in the cool fresh air away from the house. No one came near him. Those watching turned away as Hunter knelt by his wife and began shaking her, slapping her, all the while shouting out prayers and curses in quick succession, one after the other.

 

The first thought Lita had when feeling returned was that she must be on fire because her lungs were burning, Suddenly she was racked by coughing so violent she thought she would pass out before she could draw enough air into her and then the little air she did manage to get in felt so cooling to her raw throat and lungs. Then she was crushed in someone’s mighty arms and couldn't breathe again!

 

Shawn approached so relieved he felt giddy. He could well imagine what his cousin was feeling.

 

"Jamie and Nidia are alive," He informed Hunter. "From the looks of things only this croft was attacked. Lita, Jaime and Nidia would be dead right now without that tiny hole to hide in. Do you know that?"

 

"I know."

 

"What possessed you to leave her here unprotected I'd like to know?"

 

Hunter looked at Shawn over the top of Lita's head. "I wanted her to admit she needed me as much as I need her."

 

"And you thought leaving her out here would get that kind of a confession out of her? Are you forgetting how you first came upon Lita? She does what she wants and is very stubborn about it." Shawn ranted angrily. "You know as well as I do that Lita would have rather stuck it out here then admit that she needed you." Shawn knew his words were hurting his cousin but right now he didn't care. Lita nearly died because she and Hunter couldn't own up to being in love. No, instead they argued and bickered and made one another miserable. "God, I hope I never fall in love!"

 

"There is no excuse for my actions, I let my temper take charge and for that I will never forgive myself."

 

Shawn shook his head. "Then may I hope you'll make an effort to control your fool temper next time?"

 

"There won’t be a next time." Hunter said quietly.

 

Shawn sighed, his cousins small admission was like a bucket of cold water doused over the flames of his rage. "We will be going after them, I take it." He said his tone quiet.

 

"Yes." Hunter agreed, there was no way he would let them get away this time. He had no choice but to ride against Lita's kin and after what had happened he didn't think he could stop himself even if he wanted to. "As soon as I take Lita back to the castle."

 

There was nothing wrong with Lita's hearing. She pushed Hunter away from her. "You have not asked if I want to be taken back to your castle." Her voice was only a whisper and she rubbed at her burning eyes.

 

"No, I haven’t, nor do I intend to."

 

Shawn rolled his eyes. "Why do I even bother?" He said to himself before he turned and walked away.

 

Hunter hooked his thumb under her chin to bring her gaze to his, "Lita, forgive me. You have no idea how I hate myself right now. Can you not see how sorry I am?"

 

"I see it." Lita replied trying hard to keep her tears at bay. "But it doesn't help." her tears started to fall then and she hid her face in her hands. "You didn't have to leave me here."

 

Hunter gathered her to him again. "Shhhh, Lita..." He started to rock back and forth as if comforting a small child. "Do you think I really wanted to leave you? The things I said to you before, I meant none of them. I was hurt. Do you understand Lita? I'm not use to having my life controlled by another. But you control me you do. You have the power to give me pain or joy and when its pain I react badly. But no more sweetheart. I swear I'll never put you from me again."

 

He was terrified, afraid his words were not what she wanted to hear. What if she really wanted to hear that he would let her go? He could never do that, not even to make amends for what he had done. Lita was apart of him, wether she accepted it all not and he couldn't let her go.

 

But Hunter's worries were all for naught as Lita leaned into him, the fight having gone out of her either from his declaration or from exhaustion. She put her arms around him and he nearly burst with joy.

 

"I'll take you home now." He said gently. He carried her to his horse and held her ahead of him as they rode back to the castle.

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Seven

 

**

 

At the castle Hunter dismounted and helped Lita down, but he was not going to stay, he was anxious to be off before she started pleading with him not to retaliate for what had happened, to spare her kin. He waved a servant over as soon as he'd carried Lita inside the castle and began barking out orders, wanting to make sure she was well cared for while he was gone.

 

Lita waited expecting Hunter to escort her to her room but she soon realised that wasn't going to happen when his men joined him, all armed with weapons and she suddenly understood that he meant to go after the raiders, he and his men. She paled. He didn't know who the real raiders were yet! He still blamed her brother!

 

"Hunter-"

 

"Don’t say it, Lita," He said firmly. "I have no choice this time. You can’t stop me."

 

"But I don’t want to stop you."

 

To say he was shocked would have been an understatement. He was totally taken aback! "Why?" He asked. "Your kin wouldn't have known you were in that croft when they set it alight."

 

"It wasn't my kin, that is, not all of them."

 

Hunter's frown deepened. "This has obviously been too much for you, the strain is starting to show-"

 

"Hunter, will you listen to me!" She exclaimed stepping so close to him he could feel the tips of her breasts push up against his chest, a tiny smile flickered into his eyes but it soon died when he saw how serious she was. "I saw them, Hunter." she whispered forcefully, her insides screaming her thanks when awareness finally flooded his eyes. "I saw them."

 

**

 

No one saw Kevin move stealthily at the far wall of the hall, or noticed when he slipped out of the room to walk purposely out of the castle. His excitement of a raid on Hardy land now tainted not only with the knowledge that that bitch was still alive, but also upon hearing she had identified them.

 

There was no turning back now, Hunter would soon realise the absence of him and his men and no doubt in due time the same would be said for his ally inside castle Hardy.

 

If only that bitch had of burned to death like they planned! But no, the little twit was alive and well, currently singing like a song bird all she had seen during the fire.

 

He spurred his horse on as he passed through the castle gates. After tonight there would be no place for him beside his cousin, or for that matter beside his brother.

 

**

 

Shawn collapsed into the nearest chair upon hearing what Lita had seen. He couldn't believe it. Kevin. His brother. Aligning himself with a Hardy to wreak havoc by starting up the feud again? Why? What was he to gain by it other then to bring war and death upon there clan?

 

Hunter was just as confused by all this as Shawn was. Sure Kevin had his faults they all did, but to turn against his clan? Against his family?

 

"And the man he was allied with?" Hunter asked needing to say something to break the silence that had enveloped the room.

 

"Goldberg," Lita said the name like it was a bad taste inside her mouth. "The leader of my brother's guards. He's the one who identified me as helping you to escape our dungeon."

 

Hunter swore.

 

"He had always tried to talk Matt into avenging the deaths of our fore fathers, deaths brought on by your fore fathers, but Matt always refused knowing as we all did that after that final battle our clan did not fair to well. We lost a lot and Matt, having taken his position as clan leader upon my father's death, vowed never to let his hatred sway him into a bloody battle where the only thing he would accomplish was the demise of his family, his clan and his heritage. Goldberg despised my brother for that, calling him a coward. But Matt only wanted an end to the feud and then when we... we..." Her voiced trailed off and suddenly she felt the weight of her next words lodging themselves inside her throat.

 

"And then when we married," Hunter continued for her. "That marriage bond immediately over riding the because of our union." His face darkened. "So they decided to bring an end to that union by killing you."

 

"That's why only Jamie's croft was put to fire." Shawn held his face in his hands. "They knew Lita was inside."

 

"But why would Kevin want to start the feud again? He's had no dealings with the Hardy's on a personal level and he was away fighting the king's war when our fathers faced there final battle against the Hardy's. It doesn't make sense."

 

"What you say is true, Hunter, but I can think of a reason for him wanting a war to ensue." Shawn said expelling a long breath before lifting his head to look his cousin in the eye.

 

"And that would be?"

 

"You."

 

"Me?"

 

"Kevin's always been jealous of your position, hell Kevin's always been jealous of you. When we were growing up it was alway's Kevin, Hunter and Shawn. Wether we were being praised or censured, it was always Kevin, Hunter and Shawn. Then when you took your place as leader it became Hunter, Kevin, Shawn."

 

"But to start a war over social rank?"

 

"I think that would have been the start of it." Shawn said leaning back in his chair as he faced his cousin.

 

Hunter's brow furrowed as he took in what his cousin was saying not with his words but with his eyes and it dawned on him why Kevin had gone to such drastic measures to start the war again.

 

"Stephanie."

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Eight

 

**

 

"Stephanie? Who's Stephanie?"

 

"My first wife." Hunter replied softly. "She... she was found hanging out our chamber window at the end of a noose."

 

Lita's eyes widened. She remembered hearing the story concerning his first wife, had grown up surrounded by tales of the Helmsley's and how they made women suffer, yet somehow having come to know Hunter as she did, she now found all the old stories about him, his clan and his fore fathers hard to believe.

 

Hunter caught her gaze and held it. "I know what your thinking." He said simply.

 

"You do?"

 

He nodded. "I too have heard the stories surrounding Stephanie's death."

 

"Oh..."

 

"Most have been changed as the years went on to suit the storyteller so let me be the first to enlighten you as too why my first wife chose to jump out our chamber window."

 

Shawn chose that moment to make his leave, mumbling something about seeing to the men before he left his cousin alone with his wife.

 

"Stephanie was the only daughter of Vincent K McMahon of the Colonies. He and my father met at a meeting held for the Kings army, a bond was formed almost immediately and the two became inseparable. Until of course it was time for Vince to go back to the Colonies and my father of course to return to the highlands." Hunter took her hand in his as he continued. "Being good friends as they were a pact was made. A pact that would unite our families forever. The two kept in contact via letter's and it was in those letters that my father and Vincent K McMahon pledged the lives of there offspring."

 

"An arranged marriage."

 

"Yes-"

 

"Just like ours."

 

Hunter's shoulders drooped, his hand moving up to rub at his eyes. "No, Lita, not like ours." He brought his hand away from his eyes and looked pointedly at her, willing her to believe his words. "I wanted you before I knew who you were and that 'wanting' is still as strong as ever, never doubt that." His thumb started to stroke the inside of her hand and she had to force herself to concentrate on his words and not his actions.  "Our fathers thought it best for us to grow up together, so half the year Stephanie would spend here and the other half I would go there. She became like a sister to me and as we grew with years so did that bond. She never saw me as anything more then the son of her father's dearest comrade and her best friend."

 

"She didn't want the union."

 

"No, nor did I, but our fathers pressed it and a week later we were wed. She cried the whole time and wouldn't look her father or even me in the eye." His eyes wandered to the ground where his foot kicked up a cloud of dust with the stub of his toe. "She was in love with someone else. I knew it, Shawn knew it, even our fathers knew it, but in their eyes her union to me was set in stone."

 

"I was always told that-"

 

"Yes, I can imagine what you've been told" He cut in, "But like I said the stories about me, about my clan have been grossly exaggerated as they have been passed from storyteller to storyteller. When in truth she did the only thing she saw as a way out rather then to live in a house day in and day out with a man she didn't love while the man she did love stood at her husbands side and looked on."

 

"Kevin?"

 

"Yes."

 

Sadness clouded Lita's eyes. "Poor, poor, Kevin."

 

Hunter was amazed at the show of feeling Lita showed to his cousin despite what he had done to harm both their clans.

 

"All this time living day after day with that much grief." She continued, slowly allowing her hands to cover her face as her tears came. "Poor, Stephanie..."

 

"He blamed me for her death and after her burial he left. We never heard anything from him in years until a messenger was sent from England with news of a man lying on his death bed who wore the Helmsley plaid. Shawn and I left straight away and a week later had brought a very sick Kevin home." He chuckled derisively before continuing. "He steadily got better with time but as for our relationship, it remained the same. I guess deep down I always knew it would never be the same."

 

She gasped as his hands tightened on hers and when he again lifted his eyes to hers they were filled with such a look of pain that it brought tears to her eyes. "Tonight, when I arrived to see the burning croft, knowing that you were inside... I wanted to die... and when the flames had died down and still you had not been found, I knew that I was already dead..." He lifted her hand and placed it over his heart. "...Here. Do you understand Lita? You are the one thing that keeps me alive and if I were to lose you..." His voice trailed off and he breathed in deeply as if forcing himself to go on. "A part of Kevin died when Stephanie did, I know that now, and even though he has caused so much blood shed between our families... I cannot blame him for doing something that I would do if I ever lost you." He cupped her face with his hands and leaned forward till his forehead touched her's. "I love you, Lita. More then life itself."

 

There lips met and Lita felt something inside her explode at his words. 'He loved her! Hunter loved her!' She felt his surprise as she took charge and deepened the kiss, her tongue forcing its way between his lips.

 

"Ah-hem..."

 

Both Hunter and Lita looked up at Shawn with dazed expressions, and he immediately felt bad about interrupting what was obviously a tender moment.

 

"The men are ready, Hunter. Do we ride?"

 

Hunter pressed his lips to Lita's mouth once more before getting to his feet. "Will you be here when I return, Lita?"

 

She reached her hand up to him and he reached back pulling her up against him. "I will be here." He held her gaze a moment more before turning to follow Shawn. "I will be here." She repeated as she watched them ride away.

 

**

 

Part Twenty-Nine

 

**

 

On the borders of Hardy land...

 

Goldberg sat atop his horse and stared up at the castle he had called home for most of his life. Gone was all the boyhood memories he had of running amok in the stables with the other boys, most of whom had stayed loyal to him all these years and now share his concerns of the leadership title falling into the hands of a boy years shy of becoming a man. Gone was the love he had held for his former leader, gone was his loyalty, and all that was left was a deep seated bitterness for what should have fallen on him. He had been the highest ranking officer amongst the Hardy men back then the title should have fallen on him to govern the lands until Matt had reached his manhood.

 

But did that happen? No. Had his position been elevated in the years

Matt had been clan leader? No. He had devoted his life to the Hardy family, yet when time came for him to step in when the old man had died in battle, he had been pushed to the side, demoted even to bow and take his orders from a boy. A boy who had yet to learn the ways of the world, a boy who had yet to learn the ways of a man.

 

'Well, now they will all bow down to me,' He thought, a vengeful grin spread across his face. 'Or die where they stand.'

 

Movement out the corner of his eye had the hair on the back of his neck stand on end and although he didn't turn around he could tell by the heavy footfalls of the new comers horse that this rider was no lowlander.

 

"What new's have you." He said not bothering to turn around.

 

"She lives."

 

Goldberg's hold tighten on the reigns he held and his horse whined in protest. "Dammit! We stayed there till the whole croft was ablaze. How could she survive?"

 

"There was a small room dug into the earth inside the croft."

 

"And your cousin? What does he know of what went on last night?"

 

Kevin held his head high, no sign of remorse at what they had done on his face. "He knows."

 

Goldberg quirked an eyebrow. "Everything?"

 

"Everything." Kevin confirmed.

 

"Well, then," Goldberg said motioning with a wave of his hand for his men to come out of hiding. "No need to hide behind someone else's colours anymore." He said ripping the Helmsley plaid from where it was tied to his saddle. Kevin watched as the other's mirrored there leader's actions. "Will you be joining us?"

 

It was Kevin's turn to motion for his men to come out of hiding. Scott Steiner leading them through the thicket. "We have nothing left to lose." Kevin replied leading his horse forward towards the Castle that jutted out among what seemed to be endless fields of colours and shapes. 'I have nothing.'

 

**

 

"Do you see them?"

 

Matt shook his head as his eyes met the men approaching on the horizon. "I don’t understand it. They come in full view this time because he knows I have naught the men to defend the castle gates."

 

"Matt, they are still too far away from the castle to see what plaid they are carrying." Jeff said trying to reason with his brother. "I doubt Helmsley would forge an attack so soon after promising peace between our clans."

 

"You forget, Jeff that he only made that promise before he married our sister."

 

"We have to trust him-"

 

"Don’t you think I keep telling myself that!" He exploded turning furious eyes on his brother. "I am trying with everything that is in me to trust him, despite all the history that has passed. But when the evidence stands plainly before us..." He motioned with a nod of his head towards the men who were nearly upon the first thatch of crofts that surrounded the castle. "...How can I?" Distant screams floated in to them through the window and Matt wasted no time picking up his sword. "The time for talk has ended. It is time to protect what’s ours... or die trying."

 

**

 

The Hardy brothers rode side by side across the plains that would bring them upon the smoke that was rising in a black and grey spiral towards the sky. Matt reined his horse in, lifting a hand to still the men that rode behind them. He leaned forward in his saddle and pointed towards a man sitting stiffly on his horse watching as a croft, the walls totally consumed by fire crumbled to the ground.

 

"Are you still so unwilling to believe, brother?" He said turning to Jeff.

"Right there is the proof we need." He continued as the man who had callously stabbed there kinsmen Michael Cole in the chest at Lita's bridal feast rode on towards the next croft. "He is a blood relative to Helmsley. Why would he be here unless sent by Hemsley himself."

 

When Jeff made no comment, Matt turned to the men behind him. Then with a cry born of the clan leader, he propelled his horse forward, riding passed the burning croft and straight into the chaos.

 

**

 

"The Hardy's have arrived!"

 

The shrill cry broke through Goldberg’s frenzied glare as he slowly pulled his sword out of the chest of a man he had once fought side by side.

 

He looked up to see Kevin staring down at him with a strange look in his eyes. Straightening to his full height he moved unflinchingly towards the other man. "Now you get your chance to prove your worth," Goldberg said glaring up at him. "Just remember one thing, the Hardy brothers are mine."

 

**

 

Part Thirty

 

**

 

Matt couldn't believe the carnage that was laid out before him. On the outside looking in, it just looked like one huge cloud had descended to blanket the plain's surrounding the south side of the castle, but once you got into the thick of it, the light caused from the burning croft's lit up the inside and all around you hovered a wall of swirling black smoke.

 

His hearing picked up on a small sound carried to him through the cackling sound's the flame's made as the fire lapped consumed anything in it's path. He strained his hearing for the noise, expelling a rush of air as the sound came again. A small childlike whimper.

 

He gingerly made his way towards the sound, his head moving up to shield his face from the flow of ash and ember's as a gust of wind broke through the wall of smoke. His hand swiped across his face uncaring of the still burning ash that singed his facial hair and he saw it. A small childlike form huddled inside a shallow well. The water and the rock wall the only thing keeping the flame's at bay. Matt inched closer, knowing if the smoke didn't kill the child, the water would.

 

The heat inside the cloud of smoke was so stifling it'd heat that shallow well like a giant cauldron and the child would slowly cook to death.

 

He wasn't prepared for the fight the child put up as he reached inside the well to pluck the child out. The child weighed less to nothing but long limb's flailing every which way had Matt stumbling back and with his arm's full he had no choice but to follow through as his body tilted back ward's.

 

He tried to gulp in what air he could before the child landed on top of him, forcing the air back out of his body.

 

Matt's arm's wrapped around the child, keeping him close to his chest so the child wouldn't bolt blindlessly in an attempt to save himself.

 

He needn't have bothered he soon found out, when instead the child burrowed his head further into Matt's chest.

 

Matt surveyed the area and saw a clear path they could take through the ash and he quickly stood to his feet, picking the child up in his arms as he made his way through the smoke.

 

The sound of sword's clashing and the cries of men in the midst of a battle floated to him as he made his way through the smoke, mindless of everything but the small burden in his arms. All he had to do was get the child through the rage and anger that went on within there smokey cage so he could instruct the child to flee for help from there neighbour's, if they weren't there already. Surely there closest neighbour's would now be able to see the smoke that rose and billeted out into the morning sky.

 

Breaking through the smoke he was glad to see the castle was still untouched, but it wouldn't be long before the raiders reached the castle wall's. Placing the child down he was again surprised by the height of this child, and even more surprised by the long scaggerly lock's that now slipped from the hood held tightly at the neck of the child by shaking fingers.

 

His eyes met that of the young child and Matt reared back at the maturity those brown's eye's held. This was no child but a young woman.

 

Pointing north he mouthed the word's 'get help', waiting till he saw a look of understanding in her expression before she turned to go, but his hold on her arm tightened as she tried to pull herself free and before he could stop himself he had pulled the young woman towards him. His lip's brushing hers in a warm lasting kiss before he released her and disappeared back into smoke.

 

Once inside, he headed back towards the sound's of battle, a new thirst to see everyone of the raider's brought down by a Hardy sword filling his mind as a pair of brown eye's danced around inside his head. This fight would continue he knew till only one clan was left standing. His clan.

 

At least, that had been the plan, had not a big hulking mass of human flesh not jumped into his line of sight a few metre's ahead of him.

 

"Goldberg?" He croaked, the heat and smoke now so thick his eye's started to burn.

 

"It's me." The big man replied drawing his sword. "I've waited along time for this." He said swinging his sword in front of him a few time's before aiming it towards Matt.

 

Matt could only stare. "It was you all this time?" He asked disbelief lacing his words.

 

"Yes, it was me." He all but spat at the younger man. "What was I supposed to do. Let you run over me just like your father? All this," He said waving his free arm around. "The land's, the title, the power. It should have all come to me. I was the next in command. It should have come to me, but no, they made a mere boy leader of men. Men I trained, men I commanded. I waited knowing my time would come," He continued, his eye's darting around as if he expected someone to pop out of the haze that surrounded them at any minute. "And you took that away from me."

 

Matt's hand latched onto the hilt of the sword at his side as the big man started to advance. Goldberg's word's reaching him a second before their sword's clashed.

 

"Now, it's time for me to take something away from you."

 

**

 

Part Thirty-One

 

**

 

'My god...'

 

Hunter stared across at the rising black cloud that completely smothered the Hardy castle as he and his men skill fully rode their horses across the river onto Hardy land. Shawn had already briefed the men on what was going on and who was responsible and all were under orders not to kill, unless their life was threatened, but no matter which way Hunter tried to look at it, he knew this would be a sad day of reckoning for them all.

 

As they drew closer Hunter soon lost sight of what was going on amidst the smoke and billowing flames other then just being able to see his own hand in front of his face. Knowing the danger of having rode his horse into the thick of it, he swiftly slid down and with a hearty smack to his horse's rear end, the animal galloped off to safety.

 

He found the air more thinner now he was closer to the ground and he deftly sent up a call into the wall alerting his men to his actions, and then a few minutes later was rewarded as his men called back in response. The sound of hooves beating against the hard earth heavy and loud, blocking out everything else before slowly dying out to nothing.

 

"Hunter! Hunter!"

 

"Here."

 

"From what I can see they have already reached the castle, we may be too late."

 

'No!' His mind screamed. 'We can’t be. It can’t end like this for the Hardy's.'

 

"Hunter?" Shawn cried pulling his plaid up so that it covered his mouth. "If we ride to the castle, these people will lose everything"

 

"But, if we don’t Lita will lose her family."

 

Seeing the look in Hunter's eyes Shawn knew what his cousin had decided. "Wait, I will dispatch some men to stay and help out the crofter's..." But his words trailed off as Hunter disappeared into the black smoke.

 

**

 

"I have known you all my life! I have looked up to you since I was a boy! How can you turn your back on your kin?"

 

"You talk of me turning my back?" Goldberg scoffed. "What of our kin turning there backs on me when your father died! Does that not count?" He rallied advancing on Matt with his sword raised.

 

"I don’t want to fight you." Matt pleaded blocking all Goldberg's strikes but not retaliating with any of his own.

 

Goldberg shook his head in disgust. "Then you will die." He said lifting his sword and bringing it down, the might of all his strength in his swing.

 

Matt lifted his hand to block the advancing sword but the power behind the blow sent him reeling back, his hand vibrating at the contact of steel on steel, the impact sending a painful spasm through his wrist. The cry of pain that fell from his lips seeming to echo in the midst of battle, the sound of his own sword hitting the ground reaching up to his ears. He fell to his knees and waited for the final blow to descend but it never came and when Matt lifted his head he saw his rescuer.

 

"Come on, boy,"

 

He felt someone pull him to his feet, his sword forgotten as he was lead away from the new battle that had begun between Goldberg and Hunter. Matt looked up and met the intense blue eye's of Hunter's cousin.

 

"Lita," He whispered the pain in his wrist forgotten.

 

"She's safe."

 

"All this time, it was someone within my own wall's who brought so much death and destruction to both our families."

 

Shawn lowered his eyes. "Your kin are not to bare to full extent of blame," He confessed. "Your man had help from my brother."

 

"Your brother?" Matt repeated with a frown. "Why?"

 

"That my friend is not my story to tell." He replied, nodding towards Hunter. "He's a good man, my cousin, and he loves your sister more then anything in this world. That is all we need to think on."

 

Seeing the logic behind this man's words, Matt wisely nodded in agreement.

 

**

 

"This is not your fight, Helmsley."

 

"The Hardy's are now my kin, you threaten them, you threaten me." Hunter growled not taking his eye's off the other man as Goldberg circled him slowly.

 

"How can a century long feud leave your mind so easily? The Hardy's are responsible for the deaths of many of your fore fathers. How can you forget that?"

 

"I have not forgotten," Hunter replied, not allowing this man to goad him with his talk of the past. "But what you speak of should be forgotten. We are not living in the past. We don’t have to end up like our fore fathers."

 

"You are weak," Goldberg sneered. "Just like Matt, the only real person with any balls was Lita, maybe I should have paid more attention to her, I'm thinking she has to be a real whirlwind in bed-" That was all he got out as Hunter charged him with his sword raised. Goldberg's spine chilling laugh filled the air and Hunter realised that was exactly the reaction the other man had been hoping for. "As you wish then, Helmsley," He continued raising his sword. "Let's see if you scream as much as your father did."

 

**

 

Part Thirty-Two

 

**

 

Smoke curled up around Hunter's knees, the heat from the embers impregnated the hard dirt ground to scorch through the tough leather soles of his shoe's and the stench of burning flesh was so strong in the air he could taste it. Sweat dripped from his brow, his breathing came in shallow indrawn gasps as he sucked what oxygen he could out of the atmosphere.

 

A merciless chuckle came from above him as he fell to one knee. "You disappoint me Helmsley, I thought you would have been a just and worthy opponent, but it seems you are as weak as the rest."

 

Hunter struggled to rise to his feet, but the feel of Goldberg's boot in his side sent him sprawling back down to the hard earth. He clawed his way to his hands and knee's, his finger nails digging into the dirt, giving testimony to the hatred that boiled inside for the man who stood over him.

 

"Yes," Goldberg sneered, "Crawl on your hands and knee's like the dog you are, beg and plead with me to spare your life, just like your father did."

 

Hunter's nostril's flared as Goldberg's fingers fisted in his hair, forcing him to look up. "But you wanna know what's going to make my day?" He taunted, pulling Hunter's head back more, releasing his sword to produce a small dagger, which he promptly ran down Hunter's jaw. The blade coming to rest just under his adams apple.

 

"What I'm going to enjoy more then sticking this here dagger deep into your belly is the look on your new brides face when I tell her exactly what you looked like as I buried my dagger here," he poked Hunter in the rib's, "And here," He continued, the cold steel slicing at the other man's side. "And lastly... here." Hunter didn't flinch as the blade made its way but up to his throat.

 

"I'm gonna slice you up so bad even that little Hardy whore wont recognise you. And then, my friend, the only sound echoing through Castle Helmsley will be her screams as I bury myself between her legs."

 

An extreme rush of adrenaline forced its way through his body at the thought of Lita being left to this man's mercy, a low guttural growl escaping his lips as his hands latched onto Goldberg's plaid, bringing the larger man down to the ground in front of him.

 

"I will die before I allow you to touch what's mine." Hunter muttered darkly.

 

Goldberg scrambled to his feet and merely smiled, tossing his dagger from one hand to the next. "As you wish."

 

**

 

Kevin sunk to the ground as the bile that had been churning inside his belly suddenly spewed forth. An image of a boy's small body twitching and convulsing in the throes of pre-death, only coming to a stop when the sword of the man who held him up by the scruff of his neck plunged  deep into the boy's side.

 

His body heaved again, emptying what it could as he cried out for the poor boy's soul.

 

He didn't mean for it to come to this. How could he let his love for Stephanie be tainted with all these wrong doing's. How could he let the raids get so out of control that they were now resorted to slaughtering small children and helpless women.

 

"Nay!" He cried. He would not take the blame for that no matter how much the sight had sickened him.

 

Goldberg and his followers were to blame for the carnage he now saw around him. Goldberg had sent Kevin and his men into trap set up by his own guards, Kevin's friends and allies hadn't known what was waiting for them and none of them had survived.

 

It was only him they had left alive to look on as they herded the crofter's into a corral before raping their wives and children on the ground in front of them.

 

Tears coursed down his face as another scream tore through his body.

Another ear pitching wail that sounded anything but manly as it left his lips. The sound ringing in his ears long after it had died down around him, until all that was left was the sound of his own soft whimpers echoing out amidst the slight tap, tap, tap of those still partaking of the battle.

 

'Will it never stop?' His mind asked, his head keeping busy when all his body wanted to do was lie down in the dirt and die.

 

A scuffle behind him brought his head up and instinct had him reaching for a sword that had long been discarded. Recognition lighting his gaze as his eye's fell on that of his cousin's form sprawled out on his back while Goldberg hovered above him, dagger in hand.

 

Goldberg.

 

Kevin's eye's filled with hatred for the man who had proved to be more obsessed with destroying not only his own clan, but the Helmsley clan as well.

 

He looked to the sky and he almost swore he could see Stephanie's sweet face shining down on him through the smoke and he knew, he knew he had one chance to make his peace with god.

 

**

 

Hunter cringed as he again felt the hard earth beneath his back. He struggled to right himself but deep down he knew he was fighting a losing battle. Too much had been taken out of him already and his lungs burned from lack of oxygen.

 

The air in the highlands was always so crisp and fresh, even during fire season, but here in the lowlands marred with the smoke and flying ash of the burning villages it was a struggle just to breathe.

 

His eyes slanted to narrow slit's as Goldberg's form appeared above him, his dagger raised and thoughts of Lita filled his head. Her beauty, no one faired more beautiful then his lovely water sprite. Her smile... which he saw rarely, her scowl... which he saw often, her passion for her family, her independence, her loyalty, her resolve... but most of all the way she had looked at him as he had left the castle that last time.

 

'I'll be here.' She had said.

 

Her face had shone with love as she stood at the doorway of their bedchamber and bid him safe journey, love for him. Something he had wanted for the longest time... and now, as he watched Goldberg's dagger descend, he smiled. Goldberg may take his life, but he will never take his Lita.

 

Hunter prepared himself for the burning sensation that would follow once the dagger had found its mark, but it never came, instead what little air he had in his lungs was forced out of him as Goldberg's huge form toppled onto him.

 

Striving for air he shoved the now inert form of Goldberg aside, sucking in dirt and dust in his attempt to breathe and when he felt his lung's start to fill again he fell back down to the ground, and opened his eye's to see the sorrowful face of his cousin peering down at him.

 

"Kevin," Hunter croaked, immediately feeling his cousin's fingers on his lips as he halted his words.

 

"I'm sorr-" He began, but his words were cut off and his eyes rolled back into his sockets. Kevin's body fell to the ground beside Hunter, his eyes remained open, staring sightlessly back at him.

 

Hunter turned to where Goldberg lay, a smile on his face as his hand slipped free of the dagger that protruded from Kevin's back.

 

**

 

Hunter emerged from the black cloud with his cousin in his arms.

 

Tear's fell unheeded down his cheek's as Shawn approached, his own forlorn expression writing its way upon his face as he saw who it was Hunter carried.

 

Together they laid Kevin across the saddle of his horse, Shawn taking up the reigns as Hunter was helped up onto his own horse.

 

"I'm sorry for your loss."

 

Hunter turned at the voice to see Matt Hardy sitting atop the horse next to him, his hand cradled to his chest.

 

"He is with whom he should be." He replied softly.

 

"Thank you for coming."

 

Hunter breathed deeply before slowly letting his breath flow back out between his lips.

 

"Lita is my wife, everything that's apart of her is now a part of me."

 

And that's how they were seen arriving back at Castle Helmsley. Shawn up the front leading the horse that carried his brother while Hunter and Matt followed slowly behind... side by side.

 

**

 

AN: All previous parts can be found in the files section at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wwe_ats_btvs

 

**

 

Epilogue

 

**

 

The kitchen in castle Helmsley was a bust with both clan Helmsley and clan Hardy kitchen staff, who had been busy since the break of dawn preparing the best food both clan's had to offer for the great feast to celebrate the end of an era and the start of a new.

 

Pork, beef and poultry roasted over an open fire. Soups, sauces and vegetables simmered in huge pots and freshly made breads and pastries baked to perfection lay cooling on a table by the windows.

 

And beyond the kitchen, servants ran this way and that, chimneys were swept and wood boxes filled. Dust was beaten from rugs and drapes and spiders scurried to find new dwellings as every room on the main floor was swept from top to bottom.

 

In the dining hall the best cloth was laid upon the tables, followed by the best silver. Old candles were replaced with new and the scent of fresh flowers and fruit filled every person's nostrils.

 

Yet behind the thick heavy doors of there leader's bed chamber all this went unnoticed as Lita lay in Hunter's arms.

 

"I love you." She whispered sleepily.

 

"I love you." He whispered back, kissing the top of her head.

 

"I wish everyone could know happiness as we do."

 

"'Everyone' meaning your brother's?"

 

"'Everyone' meaning my brother's and your cousin."

 

Hunter remained silent, a frown finding its way upon his brow at the mention of his cousin’s name.

 

"Kevin's death is still fresh in Shawn's mind," He whispered after a while. "In time he will mourn no more."

 

She sighed. "I guess I just miss the old Shawn."

 

She felt Hunter's lips in her hair again and snuggled closer to his chest.

 

"How's Matt going with his quest?"

 

He felt her shrug in his arms. "To be honest, I think he inhaled a little too much smoke and it's affecting his brain."

 

Her head bounced on Hunter's chest as he laughed.

 

"He still claims he came upon a young girl crouched in one of the wells and that he sent her off on his horse to get help." She continued, her finger drawing little pictures on his bare chest.

 

"Well, m... maybe he did," Hunter replied trying to stay focused on their conversation.

 

"Or maybe Matt has finally lost it."

 

"I dunno," Hunter protested feeling the need to defend the elder Hardy. "Remember, I thought 'I' had lost it the first time I saw you."

 

Lita blushed hiding her face in his side. She still couldn't believe he had seen her swimming naked in her little pool.

 

"Okay, point taken." She replied after a moment, her finger going back to drawing pictures on his chest.

 

"Jeff seems to be enjoying his new found freedom." He mused causing Lita to giggle. "What could I have been thinking allowing him to visit here any time he chose."

 

"He certainly is a rogue among men when it comes to the lovely young courtesans within the walls of castle Helmsley."

 

Hunter chuckled. "So, I've heard, quite a few of the young ladies already believe themselves in love."

 

"Oh dear, maybe I should have a word with him."

 

"Maybe you better, before he finds himself at the mercy of an irate father with a pistol at 10 paces."

 

Lita paled and Hunter was immediately contrite. "Lita, baby, I was

kidding." He pulled her closer, his lips finding hers. "Jeff is young, he's testing the waters that’s all. Every man goes through it."

 

"Did you?"

 

"Especially me. I was considered quite the rake when I was younger."

 

Lita couldn't help but giggle. "I have no doubt."

 

"Oh?" Hunter raised a brow. "You sound disbelieving, maybe a demonstration of my manliness is called for."

 

Her eye's darkened at his innuendo and she blushed.

 

He leaned down till there foreheads touched. "I'll take that as a yes." He whispered his lips on hers.

 

Lita sighed in happiness. How her life had changed since that night so long ago, when the prisoner everyone claimed was the Helmsley lord himself, was caught on Hardy land.

 

She had travelled a long road indeed and through hardship, misconception and fear she had found at the end of it friendship, trust and love.

 

But the best part of all was that it had found her first.

 

**

 

End - Enemies From Within

 

**

 

AN: As you may have noticed, I have left 3 possible paths for a sequel to follow. Now it's up to you to let me know which one you want me to take. Please send your preferred choice to toukalah@hotmail.com as there will 'NOT' be a poll.

 

Choices are as follows: Matt Hardy, Jeff hardy or Shawn Michaels.

 

To be paired with either: Stacey Keibler, Torrie Wilson, Trish Stratus (as her man got killed off in EFW), Dawn Marie, Victoria, Molly Holly,Gail Kim or Jackie Gayda.

 

Please note if the sequel goes ahead, I will not be posting it to HLA, simply because its main focus will not be Hunter and Lita. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share with me there thoughts.

 

PaulenaK

 

**

 

NB: For those wanting to read on: 'Child of Fortune' is the continuance.

Status: W I P

 

 

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