The Story That Never Ends

(Ditto! :) )

(Gr8 job! you solved so many mysteries in that post! :) )

(Thanks, all! I tried to answer a couple of unanswered questions in that addition. :) )

(Yeah!:))

(Hi, all! I like the plot twist you gave the story. :) I think, though, that there are a couple of important questions that still haven't been answered. First, how did Sir Caston and Sir Bradley find them so quickly? It appears that they found them even before Sir Elviron, the Baron DuBatz, and his party arrived. Seeing as they started first, it would only be logical that they arrived far earlier than Sir Caston and Sir Bradley(this can be solved by inserting a post that have these knights arrive, tell Lady Arwen about the stolen dispatch, and then have the thief revealed later). Second, Lord Arsoth stated that it was a peasant that they forced to tell the location of the king, rather than a traitor. I think we need to decide definitively who it was who told (I am fine with altering my post and making it a traitor if that is what you all want :) ). Third, the Council's army, as I understand, surrounded them long before anyone knew of the danger. If Sir Caston and Sir Bradley knew before they were surrounded (or else, how could they escape?), it would be logical that he would warn the king first, rather than run away. Fourth, it is mentioned that the Council sent an army to capture the king. That they did, but this is a different army, I believe. :) If you all remember, Lord Arsoth's mission was to capture Lord Traius. It was Lord Melkior who was tasked to find the king (at the time, they had no idea where he was). Fifth, if Sir Myles really stole the boot, he would have to have left Lady Arwen's party for over a day. Lady Makennah was far separated from Lady Arwen and Sir Quinn's party when the boot was stolen, so it might not make much sense that it was he who stole the boot. Finally… I think it would be best to explain a little more why Sir Myles confessed so completely. If I were he, I wouldn't give up so much information, regardless of my precarious position. Just a thought…

PLEASE, do not think that I am saying this idea is bad. :) I just think that we need to explain a little bit more exactly how and why the events happened. We should all brainstorm together to see if we can make this awesome traitor idea as believable as it is interesting. :) Great work once again, everyone! :) )

(I really like the traitor idea! I think though, that we should probably stretch it out longer, and maybe have someone Sir Myles makes out to be the traitor {I think something sort of like this was mentioned earlier} to cover himself…(lol, if I were him, I wouldn't have confessed either:P) And maybe we could have it that he is secretly passing messages to the Council and their men, which would be easier to explain than if he himself stole the dispatch…We could also make him a bigger character in the story, and maybe slightly suspicious…just a few ideas. Can't wait to see what everyone else thinks:)

(Honestly, I like all your ideas! :) This is going great! :) Can't wait to see what happens. @jimmy - yes, we probably would need to fix that…@Emily - ditto! :))

(Okay, I think I've got some answers to all your objections. :) I'll take them one by one.

1. I think you suggested the best answer to this problem; when we edit the story, we simply add in the fact that Sir Elviron, the Baron DuBatz, etc., have already arrived and informed Lady Arwen and her party about the stolen dispatch before Bradley and Caston arrive.

2. I meant to make a note at the end of my addition, saying that it would probably be best to edit Lord Arsoth's "speech" to fit with what I wrote–that they received a message from a traitor to the Nobles of Alavaria telling the location of the king. But… I forgot. :} I hope you don't mind that I changed that. :)

3. This is a harder objection to answer. Perhaps I should edit my addition to make it more plain that Sir Bradley and Sir Caston were far away from the cave, and didn't realize that the soldiers were approaching from a different direction until it was too late. Maybe they tried to get back to the king, but realized that the cave was already surrounded.

4. I only had Sir Myles say this because he did not know that the soldiers that surrounded the king had been sent out earlier on a different mission. From his perspective, it only made sense to assume that the army had been sent out by the Count of Omb for the sole purpose of capturing the king; he knows nothing about Lord Traius's rebellion at the moment.

5. This is a tricky one. I hoped to make it seem like Sir Myles had stolen the Duke of Assen's boot just after the Duke was killed (just after Lady Makennah and her group arrived after being summoned by the… uh… communicator :P). So really, the boot had not been stolen during the night as Sir Doran had thought, but it was already missing by the time they started out on their journey to Assen.

6. This was probably my hardest dilemma in writing the addition. I knew I needed Sir Myles to confess, but I couldn't come up with a reason for why he did. This will certainly require a little more brainstorming.

So, hopefully that will suffice to answer your objections. Thank you for bringing those up; I'm sure they could be a little confusing to the reader, so we certainly need to clear a couple of things up during the editing process. :)

One thing more. I'm very sorry to say it, but I think I will have to start spending a lot less time on this story. I GREATLY enjoy doing it, believe me, but I really need to use my time better. I will probably come on every once in a while to post some short additions, but I likely won't be posting anything of length during the rest of the summer. So, it's been a lot of fun, but… it's time for me to stop for now. :) )

( :'( how can we ever manage without you?????? :'()

(Aw, you'll do just fine. We've still got, like, five or six writers, even without me! You don't really need me all that much. :P)

(Jimmy, Biblebee junior, and you are like our main 3 writers and editors. You will be missed :))

(And what about you? You can write very well! You just need to do it more often. ;D)

(Thx :) I'll try and pick it up a little more in your absence. :) lol
after all you had the task of thinking up the unthinkable. :) LOL)

(Wow! Great answers. Thanks for getting back so quickly. :) I like your ideas. I will be brainstorming how to fix the last few minor issues. :)
I am sorry you will be spending less time on here. You are a fantastic writer! :) )

Sir Myles had by this time drawn his sword. It glistened in the light, like some fantastic jewel, and all the nobles present could not help but feel uneasy. In spite of their rage, they well knew that Sir Myles was the best swordsman present, and one of the best in the land. They had inwardly questioned Sir Myles' ready tongue, wondering why he had chosen to reveal so much information. They now saw with horror that Sir Myles didn't intend for the information ever to leave them and warn the other nobles. From the look in his eyes, they saw that he meant their deaths to seal his story forever.

They quickly grasped their situation. Having not suspected treachery from within, they had encamped within a small hallow of ground that dug into a cliff. Surrounded on three sides by sheer walls of rock, with a narrow opening large enough to fit only one rider or two nobles at a time. Sir Myles, throughout the course of his interrogation, had artfully edged himself around so that he was now standing at the opening, ready and willing to kill any who endeavored to escape. Moreover, he stood on rising ground, making it easy for him to kill any who dared approach, even were they mounted on horseback.

"Lady Arwen," said Sir Caston with a brave expression on his face, "Let us cut down this traitor – this fiend who dared to call us his comrades, and ride to save our lord and king!"

Lady Arwen sighed. She watched as Sir Myles brandished his sword and made ready for battle. It seemed like it was just one tragedy after another – battles and deaths falling far too frequently one each other's heels.

"Sir Myles," she said, "Please, do not do this wicked thing! If you persist, it is likely that you and many of these knights will perish. Repent of your deed, or at the least, let us go in peace."

Sir Myles laughed at them. "You couldn't possibly take this ground. If you all charge, only two can take me at once, and I shall be more than a match for them. You ask me to repent. Here is my answer. A life of evil, accompanied by comfort, is far better than the life of suffering you nobles lead. I'd infinitely rather live a life of power than a life of submission. The Council offers power; the Order offers death – a death that you all will soon realize!"

The knights sadly resigned themselves to a conflict they knew must come. As a last effort, Sir Bradley stepped forward. "Lady Arwen, this man has done evil and won't back down. We don't have to fight, though. We should simply wait until he falls asleep. He certainly can't stay standing forever. When he falls, we shall be able to escape."

William, who had until then remained in the rear of the party, then spoke up. "I am afraid, my lord, that that simply will not do. While Sir Myles was speaking a few minutes ago, a small shadow came within view – the shadow of, I thought, a child. That child was almost certainly one of Sir Myles' messengers, for it walked secretly and carefully, as though it did not want to be caught. During Sir Myles' explanation, I saw it pause, and then run swiftly away, no doubt to warn nearby followers of the Council. If this is the case, we cannot afford to wait any longer."

The other knights agreed. Sir Myles still stood, laughing at the party, when Lady Arwen uttered the words, "Nobles, I give you permission to attack. For the Order, for the King, and for the Almighty!"

(Great addition, Jimmy! I can't wait to see what happens next)

(Wow, great post!)

(Good post jimmy :)! Who is it time to go to next?)

(Idk, can we cut to the king now? If you all think it's too soon, we can move this to sometime later…
Sense you all just finished killing off poor Sir Quinn {I'm still in shock, lol}, it's okay for the king to be delivered, right?!? If this is too crazy, please tell me and I'll change it, or someone else can write it:):) Oh, and please tell me if I have my geography messed up, which I probably do :P)

Lord Arsoth was giddy with excitement. As he bound the true kings hands and feet, he laughed at muttered to himself, an evil grin overspreading his countenance.

"Oh, bless this day, the happiest day of my life!" He exclaimed shrilly. "You!" he said, pointing at one of his men, "You, bind his comrade there in the same fashion." Turning to the king he said in a condescending voice, "We certainly would not want our friends here to escape, now would we?"
The king did not reply. He suffered it bravely, quietly. Praying the whole time for God to strengthen him for what lay ahead.

At the sound of the piercing cry, which, from the cave's mouth, was heard behind the invading army, Lord Arsoth's smile faded. A look to deep concern covered his face, the evil gleam in his eye turned into a look of panic.
"Who could that be?" he asked anxiously, giving the forest behind him a searching glance, scrutinizing it for any clues as to where that noise could be coming from.

"It sounds like a battle cry!" The soldier who had been ordered to tie Sir Walter replied.
"That indeed it does" the terrified Arsoth said, breathing heavily.

At that moment a huge fire began blazing not far in front and to the left of them, and the sound of many feet running was heard heading to their right.
Alarm spread through the troops. Each turned and looked about him, not sure in which direction to flee.

Lord Arsoth violently pushed King Archen against the cave wall, and turned about, himself just as confused as his band of soldiers. Trying desperately to regain his lordly calm, he shouted,

"Men! Let us go forward together to the clearing we discovered on out march hither, there we will be better prepared to face any onslaught that may occur.
"Although, I have not the faintest doubt that all we now witness is only caused by our own guard who have successfully captured the enemy trying to evade their just rewards.
"For I am certain" he continued, laughing harshly as he kicked King Archen who lay motionless on the ground, feet and hands tied together behind his back, "that these dogs have not even enough followers to surround us so. We shall come back for these two just as soon as we discover the cause for such commotion."

But as he descended toward the clearing at the head of his troops, moving more of a run than a march, it was obvious that he himself did not believe what he had been saying.

---

As soon as the enemy had gone some distance, Sir Walter began cutting himself free as best he could, rubbing his cords against a rock.

"My lord the king!" he cried, "Are you alright?"

"I am well," laughed the king, "Except for the fact that I'm not as young as I once was and being twisted up like this is not the most agreeable position."

"Praise be to the Lord!" Sir Walter sighed and closed his eyes in silent thanksgiving. "In a moment I shall be free and will come untie you. We must hurry before they return. Whatever do you think is causing all that noise? What do you think has become of our friends?"

(Great addition!)

(Exactly what Danielle said! We'll miss you!!! I'm not that great with everything except Britton/Kathryn cuts and even that is going to be difficult. I have to say that I won't be on as often either because my mom says I spend too much time on the computer and the kids complain that I get more time than they do. So, sadly, I won't be on near as often either. But don't get me wrong, I still want this story to continue! Just maybe at a little slower pace…Should we cut back to Rowan now?)

(Wonderful additions, Emily & Jimmy! END OF CHAPTER 11? We've reached our mark! :))

(That would be great! I think it would be a good idea to return to Rowan now. Great idea! I will start brainstorming. :) )

The voices Rowan heard were both those of young boys. Even before they came into view, Rowan could make out some of their rapid conversation.

"–would greatly help my family. Lord Drakin, though cruel at times, pays well, and I am sure that my information would please him greatly."

"I suppose. This tunnel is incredible! We have been walking for quite sometime. I wonder how long it took to build… how did you come across it again?"

"Sir Myles told me about it yesterday. He said it was the quickest way to inform Lord Drakin of the latest developments. Although he said some rocks would be in the way, he believed I would be able to uncover the opening. That is why I brought you."

"I am glad you did. This is amazing!"

Rowan sat back in astonishment. These children were messengers for Sir Myles, and in league with Lord Drakin? That would mean that Sir Myles, a knight whom Rowan had befriended during his time with the other nobles, was nothing less than a traitor! Anger began swelling up in his breast, and he began to have evil thoughts toward Sir Myles. However, he remembered a conversation he had with Sir Quinn a long time ago.

He had been angry when a young boy about his age named Britton had gone up to him, laughed in his face, and called him "an ordinary orphan," even though he was a Count. He was tempted to respond with violence towards the boy, for his lack of knowledge regarding his parents had always been a sore spot in his heart. Sir Quinn, however, had wisely intervened. "Do not get angry, my lad, at what others do to you. They may not follow the Almighty, and if that be the case, how can we expect them to want the faith we have. That young lad insulted you and falsely called you an orphan, a story I cannot tell you now. It may be God's plan that showing kindness to him can win him to God." Although he had not fully understood his words, Rowan responded with kindness towards Britton, even though it was unpleasant. Eventually, through continued kindness, he had actually become quite good friends with Britton and they knew each other almost as brothers. Britton also came to know the Lord through the way Rowan treated him.

Count Rowan smiled at this recollection. He resolved that, through the strength of God, he would not bear enmity toward Sir Myles if ever he should meet him. He then turned and waited until the young boys came into view.

(WOW!!! GReat addition! I can feel the suspense! :) )

(Me too. :-D I've been trying not to read the story too much so that if it gets published I can save all the suspense for then, but today I decided to read some of it.)

Rowan could hear that the boys were very close. Their footsteps echoed throughout the tunnel.

"I think the opening is right around this corner, Asher." Rowan could plainly hear all they said.

They came around the turn, and to their astonishment, they saw a dark eyed, handsome young man, despite the fact that he was a bit unkempt.

(@All: I edited my addition and added on a bit. What do you think of it? :) )

(Oh no! Sorry! I will try to incorporate my edited addition around yours, Rachel. Sorry about that! :) )

(Oops! I'll delete my addition)

The boys themselves were fair-haired, like most of the people of that part of the country, and had well-rounded figures. They were not much more than twelve years old, and there was a look of excitement in their eyes, a look that very often comes into the eyes of young boys who are upon an adventure.

With a cry they jumped back into the tunnel. Rowan realized that he could learn quite a bit about what the Council knew from the information held by the two boys. He called after them. "Wait! Please come back!"

The two boys replied,"You are a convict! We dare not. Come on, let's leave."

"I am no convict," Rowan said again. "I am a free man." Rowan considered adding "now" to the end of his statement, but he thought better of it. The two boys inched nearer to the light, still showing doubt on your faces.

"See, I have no chains, and the door is wide open."

The boys noticed this and their uneasiness gradually disappeared at the sight of Rowan cheerful face.

"What are your names?"

"I am Isaac, and this is Asher," said the taller of the two boys.

"What are you doing here?," asked Rowan.

The boys thought for a minute and conversed among themselves, then said, "We are trying to warn the commander of a dreadful combat that is about to take place, if it has not already. We are trying to aid one of Lord Drakin's most trusted soldiers, Sir Myles, to destroy a great party of rebels. You won't tell anyone, will you?"

"I will try not to, but please, tell me more about this battle."

"I cannot say any more, for I don't know much else, other than the location of the fight, which is very near the town on the other side of this tunnel. I did hear that Sir Bradley is among the rebels, though. Anyway, I think it is time we went to see Lord Drakin."

With an outward smile but with inward agony, Rowan watched as the two boys left his cell and went off towards the dungeon entrance. Quickly realizing that he would need speed to help his comrades, he carefully picked up the body of Sir Quinn, which fortunately Asher and Isaac had not noticed, and ran into the tunnel.

(Ooh! Thank you for adding that! whew Now I'm not going to be in suspense the rest of today…wait, yes I am. sigh But that's awesome!)

(NOOOO!!!!! I like it! :) I changed mine, so please don't delete yours!)

(Oh, okay! :) Thank you! That was nice of you to change yours to fit mine! I like your last addition, BTW! :) )

(You're welcome! :)

@All: By the way, I did some calculations and, as of right now, the story is approximately 91.5 pages long (at the industry standard 250 words per page)! We have written 22,869 words and are well on the way to having this be a true full-length book!!!
Also, my sister said that a great way to get a book out (and cheaply) is to sell it as an e-book. By converting the story to an e-book, and not having to spend millions on publishers :), we can sell it on amazon for around ten dollars (if that is what we want) and not have to spend almost anything :) ). Then, if we actually make anything out of it, we could consider selling it in published form! Just a thought… :) )

(Wow! :D )

(Wow! That's a cool idea! :D)

(Whoa!
Gr8 job everyone! :))

(I know! Everyone is doing fantastic! Just think of how long it will be when we actually finish and expand what we have written so far! :) How many people have participated throughout the course of the story?)

(That is awesome!!!¡!!!!!!¡!!!!!! Ill type moret later I'm on a kindle so I'm not typing much but it is so so awesome @jimmy - great calculations. Will u start an email to us editors? Thanks. Gonna go play skip bo with a pro…hope I'm not humiliated beyond recuperation — lol. ;))

Rowan knew he did not have much time before the Council’s soldiers exited the castle when they heard the news brought by those boys. They might notice him. He ran down the tunnel as silently as he could. After a time, he could finally see daylight in the distance. He stopped in his tracks. He thought he heard the moan of a man. Voices. Rowan knew that if this was the soldiers of the Council….no, not now, not as he was approaching freedom?!?! He suddenly stood erect as he heard what he thought to be familiar voices. He approached nearer.

“We desperately need supplies. I thought you said, Sir Elviron, that a town full of provisions was here? It is of no fault of your own, of course, that it is destroyed, but I think it would have been better had we found a halting place not so close to Carivia and better suited to treating the Count’s leg.”

“You are quite right. However, you well know that Carivia is not so dangerous as may seem. We have a refuge there.”

“I am afraid that the dispatch probably revealed that refuge. Lady Arwen and Sir Quinn, if they escaped, would be near here. That is the main reason I brought us to this place.”

Rowan’s eyes lit up with joy, friends were right out side the cave! Friends. Rowan started running, but not before he reverently placed Sir Quinn’s body at the cave’s entrance.

“What was that?” Exclaimed the Baron DuBatz in a warning tone as he caught the sound of footsteps.

“It’s me, Baron!” Then in a quieter tone, “Rowan.”

Rowan emerged from behind a large charred tree.

“Rowan! It’s certainly good to see you here. Where are Sir Quinn and Lady Arwen?”

“Sir Quinn…has fallen. I do not know the whereabouts of Lady Arwen.”

All three of the men gasped at the death of their friend, who they knew has an honest, chivalrous, and brave knight.

“That is indeed a tragedy.” Said the Count of Terema, with a sadden look of his face.

Suddenly Rowan remembered Isaac and Asher and their story. “Baron, I believe some of our friends are in danger.” He then explained to them the whole story of the boys and the part about Sir Myles being one of Sir Drakin’s most trusted soldiers.

“This is serious. We must see to this matter.”

As the four men went slowly onward, careful to avoid further injury to the Count of Terema’s broken leg,

“Count, What has happened to your leg? Is it badly injured?”

At this statement all three knights burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Asked Rowan inquisitively.

“It is rather a humorous. I was riding my horse and sudde-“

Suddenly, they stopped short, as they heard the sound of clashing metal, and they as they came to the entrance of a three walled cavern and saw Sir Bradly, Sir Caston, fighting in mortal combat against Sir Myles. At that moment, Sir Elviron stated with surprise,

“Well, at least we found th-“

As they all looked on, they gasped in horror as Sir Myles dealt a mortal blow to Sir Bradly.

(Wow! Incredible! :) )

(Wow! Gr8 writing Hannah!! The suspense is killing me! :))

(@Danielle: Don't let the suspense kill you or you won't be able to read what happens!!!)

(LOL! :))

(I know this is random, but I thought of a few(a lot :)) alternate names for Lady Arwen. Here they are:

Lady Charlotte
Lady Amelia
Lady Elise
Lady Sophia
Lady Susana
Lady Ava
Lady Louisa
Lady Clarissa
Lady Avina
Lady Avortte
Lady Tressa
Lady Cassandra
Lady Gwendolyn
Lady Gwena

What do you think? Just brainstorming here :)……….)

(Incredible addition, Hannah! Very well done! But… Sir Bradley is going to die?!?! :( :(

Those are some good names! Maybe we could use one of them for Lady Arwen. Or possibly have another character come up who has one of those names. :) )

(@Hannah - great addition and great names! Great additions, all! :))
~~~~~~~
"Kathryn, I know this is hard for you, but we're going to have to wait." Britton said, trying to deny what he knew he had to do.

"Britton, I can't! Gradlem has a family! William, me, his wife, and his children! We can't let him die!" Tears began to trickle down Kathryn's cheeks as she tried to run towards the battle.

"No! Wait." Britton took a deep breath and stepped in front of her. "I will go. You must continue on the mission that Lady Arwen sent you on. I will go to find Gradlem." He pulled his sword out of his scabbard and saluted. "I go to fulfill your request, Lady Kathryn!"

Kathryn didn't smile. "Be careful, Britton." She turned away towards the dungeon, then turned back. "Please, Britton. Don't die!"

With those words, Kathryn turned and ran towards the dungeon.

"Dear God," Britton prayed as he watched her leave. "Please protect us both."

With those words, Britton turned on his heel and headed for the high wall.

(Whew! Gr8 edition. So suspenseful!!!!!!)

(Excellent addition! Good job! :) )