Campaign

The next day Greta went to the mass to pray, she stayed after everyone that attended left. It was the last Monday of the month, and she was hoping to see Simon. Kneeling with her hands together in prayer. She was praying that Simon was Alexander and he would show up.

“Well, hello there Saint Greta.” Greta turned her head and saw the knight she was praying to see. Pushing against the wood stand in front of her she stood up. Greta couldn’t help but smile, “I’m very happy you came today, Knight Simon.”

Simon couldn’t help but smile back, although she couldn’t tell from his shiny helmet. He thought of her as beautiful and made him think of the woman he used to love before she was poisoned. Maybe it’s the way she carries herself and her smile that reminds me of Tatiana. He thought to himself while looking at her beautiful smile and rosy cheeks.

Placing the tip of his sword on the floor while both hands were covering the handle, he bowed slightly to her. “I came here today to let you know that I will be leaving, Knight Albert will be leaving on a lengthy campaign, and I will be leaving also as his guard.”

“Oh, when exactly is he leaving?” Hopeful that he would never return, maybe she could reach him and explain that she did not want to marry.

“Tomorrow morning, the ship is at the docks waiting now but we will leave tomorrow.” He bowed once again and placed his sword back in its holder. He was sad to not be able to see her anytime soon, enjoying his time with her.

The next day Greta got up early and dressed in street clothes, not bothering to put on her black uniform. Why bother, she doesn’t consider herself a saint anymore since she will be forcefully getting married. Taking her pocketbook with the little bit of money she had and asked for a ride with a maid that was going to the market for vegetables and fruits. Thanking the maid, she was offered a few apples to take with her. Happy to have something to eat even if it was just an apple.

While she was walking the ruffians that were leaving the ships noticed her beauty. Whistling, yelling at her, saying inappropriate suggestive words to her. Two of them started walking towards her. “Hey beautiful!! Can we help you with anything? Directions, or even a quick fuck?” They were greasy and dirty; she could tell they hadn’t had a bath in weeks from being on a ship. Two more started to walk towards her.

“No, I don’t need any help! Don’t come near me!” She yelled as they kept advancing towards her. One ruffian from behind her that she didn’t know was there grabbed her waist and yanked her towards him. She turned so quickly that she slipped, and another hand caught her before she face planted in the dirt.

Trying to get away from their grips, she started to kick and hit the two that had ahold of her. “She’s a spitfire, just the way I like them.” Laughing through his black rotten teeth. His smell alone was making her nauseated. Stomping on their feet as hard as she could they let go for just a second. Long enough for her to turn and run.

She saw Simon standing there, yelling at him trying to catch his attention, she ran as fast she could. Knowing the ruffians could be right behind her.

Simon heard his name being called out. Looking around to see who was yelling for him he saw Greta running towards him and four ruffians running after her. “Greta?” the only word he could get say, shocked at what he was seeing. Watching the ruffians getting closer to Greta he pulled his sword out and charged towards them. “Get being me, Greta!” Grabbing her and pushing her behind. The ruffians stopped seeing a knight with his sword pointed towards them.

“Get the fuck out of the way wannabe knight, she’s ours.” One of them said, pulling out a six-inch bladed knife of his own. Simon started to laugh, “Seriously? Okay if you think that knife will take me out then try it.”

The ruffian jumped towards Simon, as soon as he did Simon plunged his sword into the ruffian’s Upon learning that Albert was about to leave on a campaign, Greta went to the docks to draw

his attention. Her beauty attracted the harassment and pursuit of ruffians. Intentionally, Greta fled towards Alexander to catch his notice. Alexander saved Greta from the ruffians, reminding her of

how in the past life Alexander had also saved her from falling into an icy lake. But Alexander’s demeanor was much gentler back then, which made Greta wonder if his kindness was only because she was his stepmother in that life. The other three watched as the sword exited through his back, Simon pulled it out swiftly and the body slumped to the ground. Looking at the body then up towards the other three.

“Who’s next?” Simon asked.

“you can have her, she wasn’t worth dying over anyway, there’s other whores in this town.” They walked off looking for their next victim. Simon took his sword and wiped it across the dead man’s shirt to clean it, then sheathing it back in its holder.

Simon was getting hot, so he reached up and took off his helmet. Cradling it with his left arm while his right hand swiped through his hair. “So, Greta, tell me why the fuck are you here and why are you in street clothes?” Looking down at her in disgust waiting for answers.

“I can tell you why if you tell me why you told me your name was Simon when I know its Alexander.” I don’t owe you any explanation.

Alexander would have never talked to me like that in my past life. Maybe it was because I was technically his stop-mother? Maybe he felt he needed to show me more respect? Right now, he is talking to me like I was beneath him. Maybe it’s because I don’t have my scapular on. All these thoughts were going through her mind.

Sighing, Alexander looked down at her and shook his head. “Let’s get some food in our stomachs, I must board the ship soon and you need to return. I still want an explanation, Greta.” Sternly saying as he looked towards a tavern to eat at.

“Right, but I want an explanation also, and thank you for saving me.” He just shook his head without saying a word and started to walk to the Tavern, Greta was having a hard time keeping up with him since he was so much taller than her.