Chapter One

            The wind savagely whipped her hair as she rushed down the lonesome cobblestone road, a basket of fresh bread resting heavily in her arms. The street was almost entirely deserted, save for a lone chicken rustling through a pile of hay beside an abandoned hut, undoubtedly looking for a morsel of something to eat.

            Another particularly strong gust of wind raged through the air, and Jane clutched the basket tightly to her chest. Gathering her old, tattered skirts in one hand, and heaving the basket underneath her opposite arm, she hurried down the road as fast as was manageable. 

            A thick fog had begun to set in, and Jane's body grew hot and sweaty as her heart pounded rapidly in fear. It was dangerous to be out unaccompanied at this hour, especially during these ruthless times. Ever since the war had begun, entire villages had been ransacked and pillaged, some burned to the ground, others left for dead. There had been rumors lately, of an assembly of knights that had formed to protect the people of England, although not a soul could say they had seen them with their own eyes.

            Even still, Jane was not about to take the chance that they would suddenly materialize out of the heavy fog, to protect the people of this village. Her worn shoes brushed softly against the cobblestone street, like the hushed voices of the townspeople, as she quickened her pace. Her employer's house was not far up the road, and if she didn't return with the fresh bread as she had promised, she would be punished, no matter the circumstances.

            She had been staring so intently at her feet, trying desperately not to trip on anything and harm the goods in her arms, and thus failed to notice the obscure shadow emerging from the depths of the mist.

            Glancing up to make sure she was still heading in the right direction, Jane stopped short as she came face-to-face with the long muzzle of a massive black stallion. Her breath caught in her throat as the magnificent beast snorted haughtily through its large nostrils, filling the space around her face with visible clouds of breath as it exhaled the chilly autumn air.

            Jane's eyes slowly shifted upward, and she took a cautious step backwards from the intimidating steed. A man gazed down at her, sitting arrogantly atop his immense horse. Jane squinted her round blue eyes, attempting to catch a glimpse of the stranger's face through the thickening fog. However, a silver helmet glinted back at her, a small slit around the eyes too diminutive for her to see through.

            He raised his arm steadily, and Jane braced herself for the worst - a blade to her head. But he merely raised the visor of his metal headdress and peered back at her, as if contemplating his next move.

            "Good eve, milady." His voice was muffled, but his words were spoken with authority. She shivered under his intense stare. She curtsied in reply, best she could with the bulky basket in her arms. His grey eyes were that of stone, cold and foreboding. "Would this be the town of Little Wenham?" he inquired bluntly.

            "Yes sir... It be." Jane struggled to disguise her voice, for fear this outsider would inquire about her in the future. Unfortunately, her thick English accent was not easily disguised.

            "Might you be able to direct me to the residence of the Earl, Walter De Bolbec?" It was not a question asked, but rather information demanded. Jane narrowed her eyes, uncomfortable giving this pompous man particulars about her employer.

            "I am afraid I am not familiar with the name," she responded quietly, bowing her head in fear he would see the lie hiding in the wake of her shameful eyes.

            It was the stranger's turn to raise a skeptical eyebrow. "You reside here, and yet you have not heard of the town Earl?" The suspicion was evident in his voice.

            "I am not an inhabitant of this settlement. I have come merely to visit my sister, Countess Isolde." Pushing aside her terror, she kept her voice unwavering and firm.

            Dismounting from his coal-black stallion, he observed her curiously. " 'Tis dangerous for such a young maiden to wander the streets alone at this hour of day. Why haven't you ordered a servant to fetch your provisions for you?"

            "I am not a lazy woman... and I fear nothing," Jane retorted fiercely. She prayed he could not see her common clothing through the swirling haze.

            He sighed and removed his helmet. Golden waves swayed as he shook his hair from his captivating eyes. His chiseled jaw complemented his strong cheekbones, and his complexion was so smooth she may as well have been looking into the face of a babe.

            Before she could restrain herself, a tiny gasp escaped through her chapped lips. 

            He smiled, and though the fog was thick, she could make out the adorable curve of his mouth, and the blatant dimples in his cheeks. "Do I take thy breath away, milady?" he teased, winking at her.

            Her jaw tightened in defiance, and she spat on the ground before him. "How dare you suggest such a thing! Now if you please, Sir, I must be on my way." Before he had time to protest, she pushed past him and carried herself swiftly down the darkening road.

Author's Note

My first stab at historical fiction - be nice! ;)

This story takes place in the 1450's, during the War of the Roses. It was actually named by Shakespeare, who portrayed the war as two sides plucking roses from the garden symbolizing their mutual hatred. It was basically a series of wars in England over who gets to be King.
Hope that clears things up a little!

Reviews

[Beth]

For being your 'first stab' at historical fiction, I have to say 'this was begun very well'! You kept your descriptions spot on, not overdoing them, and I loved the interaction between the knight and the maid. I wonder if he did, indeed, see her common clothes, and what will happen when he makes his visit to the Earl and finds out that she works for him.

I also like how you didn't try to cram a bunch of action into the first chapter, but left lots of room for questions and possibilities.

[nostal]

Well-written. Great job.

[Andromeda]

oooooh, intriguing! also, very well-written and very descriptive!

[Shadows of Sight]

Is shall read on, as this first chapter has caught my attention in it's well rounded discription and smooth intoxicating pace!

I loved how you have already presented the scene with such clarity!
Great Job! I shall read on!

[Brie]

This is really good, being historical fiction. You describe the events and characters so well I feel like I'm there! You're doing great!
-Brie

[Tania Leigh]

This is very well written....it held my attention straight through, and the imagery is excellent.
I sense it will be a great story :-)

[smiggle wiggle]

great job at your first time! Going off to read the second part!! ^_^

[T.B. Odin]

I agree with ZoeJane. This is great for your first stab. Love the introduction, the characters, and the descriptions. Very nicely done. What a hook, you stirred the readers imagination and lured them into wondering what would transpire....Excellent job for an opening act.

I like the subtleness of the first chapter and the indication of multiple possibilities. Very enchanting...