Lyssa: Light or Darkness Part 5

As they entered the keep, the gate closed behind them. Dixon turned towards the gate and back. Vincent grinned. “It has taken a while to get used to her abilities, however, she is tuned in all the time.”

Tobias was lying in front of the fire. There was food and wine on the side board. Vincent motioned for the men to help themselves. He scanned the next room and turned his attention to Tobias. The wolf’s ears stood up. “She is on the bailey wall. She is concerned.”
“Thank you Tobias,” Vincent stated.
Dixon looked at Vincent. “You are thanking the wolf?”
Vincent smiled. “He is Lyssa’s constant companion mentally and for the most part physically.”
Dixon was in awe, “And he speaks?”
“Mostly to Lyssa but I can communicate with him as well as my wife.” Dixon continued to eat. Vincent sat down. Solomon and the men were talking. Lyssa’s thoughts invaded Vincent’s mind. “Why did you touch me after I asked you not to?”
Vincent grinned. “If you want to have a conversation, come inside. We will speak to each other when we are physically in the same room.” She didn’t respond. Vincent went back to his conversation with Dixon. “The men that ran away, do you know who they were?”
Dixon shook his head. “We have not seen them before. Maybe they were from your village?”
Vincent rubbed his head. “I would hope not. There was a pledge or promise to stay off of her land, just as we promised not to go to the village.”
Suddenly, the men went silent. Lyssa had entered the room. Vincent stood and offered her his chair. She took his hand and quivered. He felt her tremble. “Lyssa this is Dixon; Dixon, my wife Lyssa.”
Dixon bowed his head. “I’m honored that you have joined us. I apologize for attacking without stating our cause.”
She shook her head, “No it is I that should apologize. I feared that you were here to kill us. I have been threatened before by men from the village.”
Vincent squeezed Lyssa’s hand. “I promised to protect you.” He kissed the back of her hand. Dixon smiled. “I can see that you love each other. I should have come before now to claim you as my wife. I would be lucky to have your heart.”
Lyssa just looked at Dixon. Did she truly care for Vincent? Did she love him? Tobias rolled to his side and sighed. “Lyssa it would not be a bad thing for you to love Vincent.” Lyssa took a drink and closed her eyes. She could still feel Vincent’s lips against the back of her hand, and wondered what his lips would feel like against hers, the kind of kiss that a husband and wife exchanged.
Tobias made a low growl, and Lyssa looked at him. “What is it Tobias?”
“I hear voices outside the keep.”
Vincent stood. He had heard Tobias as well. “Dixon, all of your men are here inside, yes?” Dixon nodded. “Yes.”
“Lyssa stay inside this room. I will go to the bailey wall to see what they need.” She grabbed his arm. “Let me go with you.” He kissed her gently on the forehead, “No my love. I will be fine,” and he was gone.

Vincent climbed the steps to the bailey wall. He could see five men but could not tell if there were more. “Why are you men here on this land?” The leader, Vincent recognized. It was Thomas.
“We want rights to hunt in this forest.”
Vincent placed his hands on his hips. “This is private property. I’ve marked the lines plainly for all to see. There is plenty of forest area north and east of the village.” William another man stepped forward. “The animals are growing scarce with the winter months approaching.” Vincent called out. “You should have been gathering for winter and placing in the store houses.”
Thomas took a step closer. “We have but there isn’t enough to carry the village through the winter. The witch should help us. She has plenty of deer, hogs and turkey on this land.”
Anger filled Vincent’s very being. “Thomas I am still magistrate of this region. You will show respect for my wife. Return to the lines of the property and do not return to hunt. Go catch fish and rabbits. Dig up the last of the vegetables and put them in the store houses.”

The men started to murmur amongst them. Thomas looked back at Vincent. “We have every right to hunt for food for the village. We will be back.” Vincent glared at Thomas. “Then you will face the consequences for that decision should you make it.” And he left the wall.

Lyssa: Light or Darkness Part 4

Vincent ran inside, “Lyssa! Lyssa! Where are you?”
Tobias started towards the kitchen area and stopped. “What is it?” Tobias sat down. “She has left Vincent and I cannot hear her thoughts.”
Vincent ran towards the kitchen. There was not a sound, not anywhere within the keep. He looked at Tobias. “I need to go find her. Can you track her?”
Tobias stood. “If she is walking, I can. If she is floating, I’m not sure.”
They headed out. Just as they cleared the keep, Solomon came out of the clearing. He waved.
“Vincent! I heard shouting.” Vincent walked to meet him.
“Did you see Lyssa? She has disappeared.” Solomon looked worried when he saw Tobias.
“Why isn’t Tobias with her?”
Vincent rubbed his neck, “Over the last few months, Lyssa’s powers have grown and developed. She can keep Tobias from reading her thoughts and I can now hear Tobias. Lyssa’s control is beyond anything I’ve ever seen or imagined. She can almost control the elements.”
Solomon just stood staring, disbelief in his eyes. “What?”
“And she can float through the air.” Solomon sat on a nearby boulder. “My God in heaven! Why would you increase her power?”
Vincent looked at him. “They are growing on their own. Its almost as if she just thinks of something and it happens.” Solomon sat shaking his head. “We need to find her.”
“I know. Tobias and I were just about to go after her.” They headed into the forest.

Lyssa could see what was happening, but if was as if she was faraway. The air that surrounded her was so thick and full of energy. Anger filled her body completely and swept her through the forest. Finally she landed on a outcropping of rocks. It was high enough she could see a distance in to the forest. An arrow flew just past her ear; a force field surrounded her immediately. A second arrow hit just in front of her and a log was quickly engulfed in flames.

Tobias ran ahead of Vincent and Solomon. He called to Lyssa. “Lyssa I’m on my way.” Vincent heard his call. He waited to see if Lyssa would answer. Finally after what seemed like an hour but was only minutes, she answered, “No. Tobias it is too dangerous. Protect Vincent.”
Vincent screamed mentally. “Lyssa return to the keep. You are in too much danger.” They continued after Tobias. “Vincent do not come into the forest!”
There was an explosion. Solomon and Vincent ran towards the smoke. Just as they entered the clearing, they saw Lyssa standing on the rocks. Arrows were flying towards her head and easily deflected away. Tobias and Vincent ran to the rocks and began to climb. The arrows changed direction and began to fly towards them. Lyssa threw a bolt of lightening towards the men and another tree blew up. Men flew in different directions from the blast, screaming. Slowly Lyssa lifted Tobias, Vincent and Solomon to the rocks and enveloped them behind her force field. Vincent reached towards Lyssa and she said, “Don’t husband. I will lose my concentration and we will all be killed.”
He stopped short. “You need to stop this. It will just make issues worse.” She gritted her teeth and anger seethed through her body. “I didn’t start this! They did. I’ve not left this keep except to be on my property since the day I became your wife.”
He stepped up beside her and called out, “Cease fire! Show yourselves! You will not be harmed.” Lyssa kept the force field up and in place. She waited to see if more arrows would be shot. After a few minutes, a man came out of the trees. He raised his hand towards Vincent. “We have come for the witch.”
Lyssa gasped and heat began to build. Vincent glanced at her and turned back towards the man. “She is not a witch. Why do you seek her? She has done nothing to you.”
The man stepped closer. “My name is Dixon. We come from a village on the coast. Many years ago a couple arrived in our village with a young girl. They helped us defeat an enemy and in return they were given land here. This very land; a small keep was already here. In return for their promise not to use their powers against us, the child was pledged to one of the men’s son.” Lyssa gasped again. “I have a husband which I didn’t want, and I surely do not want another.” Vincent grinned. “I can only assume you are that young man?”
Dixon shook his head, “Yes. We will discuss this with her parents. They will remember.” The heat that emanated from Lyssa increased 10 fold. The young man took a step back. Please can you alert the couple that we are here?” The wave of heat pushed him back. Vincent looked at Lyssa. Her eyes were solid red. Vincent reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist. Her powers lost some of their intensity, but the force field remained. “My parents were killed. No doubt from your people.” Dixon took a step closer.
“Not from my village.” Vincent said, “Dixon why did you fire your weapons at us?” He shook his head. “It wasn’t us. We walked upon a group of men. They ran when they saw us and at about the same time a lightening bolt hit the tree over there.”
Concern filled Vincent. “Lyssa lower the force filed and lets go to the keep. We will invite them to join us.” She looked at Vincent. “I will do as you ask, but they will be the death of us.” He just looked at her wondering if she had some power to give her knowledge into the future. The force field disappeared. All of the men came forward. Vincent motioned for them to follow them. Lyssa lowered Vincent, Solomon and Tobias. “I will meet you at the keep,” and she lifted in to the air before Vincent could say anything. Tobias took off at a run. Dixon shook Vincent’s hand. “Thank you. We would not hold the girl to the betrothal since there is a marriage.”
“Come to the keep. We will break bread and have some wine.”

Lyssa: Light or Darkness Part 3

Vincent awoke to the feel of warmth against him. He smiled remembering the day before. His wife was curled next to him. He opened his eyes expecting to see red, flaming curls; instead he saw only white fur. He laughed. The big fur ball had gotten into their bed. A low growl escaped from Tobias. Vincent ruffled the fur. “Sorry Tobias you weren’t who I was expecting to see.” The big fur ball nuzzled Vincent’s hand as if he understood. Vincent looked in awe. “Maybe you can understand me whether I understand you or not.”

Vincent rose from the bed. The fire was lit and their appeared to be clean clothes at the end of the bed. Lyssa had blushed tomato red when he had stripped last night. He had quickly slipped beneath the covers to cause her less embarrassment. She had changed behind a screen into a gown. She stepped out and the firelight outlined her body. She climbed beneath the covers careful not to get too close. Vincent had turned his back to her and tried to sleep. Her beauty had awakened his desires, and it took all his will power to keep his promise. He surveyed the room. Lyssa was no where to be found. He quickly dressed. “Come on Tobias, let’s find Lyssa.” The big wolf jumped from the bed and headed down the hall.

As they drew close to the kitchen, Vincent could smell something delicious. He entered the kitchen and Lyssa was removing meat from the grill. There were eggs, bread, potatoes and fruit. He cleared his throat. “Good morning wife.” She jumped startled from his voice. “Good morning Vincent. Tobias?” He walked towards her. She tossed a chicken and again Tobias caught it with little effort. He trotted off and Lyssa smiled. “I thought perhaps we could just sit in here this morning.”

Vincent sat down. “That is fine. I’m not much on big dining tables and fancy meals. I like life pretty simple.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’ve been alone since I was six. I don’t know what is proper when it comes to preparing meals and having guest.” He looked at the meal she prepared. “This is more than a proper meal. You have done fine.” She sat and began to eat.

After the meal, Vincent helped Lyssa clear away the dishes. He touched Lyssa’s arm. “I was thinking that maybe we could test your powers.”

She seemed nervous. “I’m not sure what kind of control I can maintain.” He moved her hair; His fingers lingering on one of the fiery curls. “It’s fine. We will find out together.” She nodded. “I will wait in the courtyard for you.” She left the keep.

The weeks flew by and Lyssa’s powers became stronger and controlled. Lyssa and Vincent had also grown closer. Vincent sat, leaning against the wall and watched Lyssa. She was balancing boulders, levitating and spinning lightning bolts from her fingertips. He laughed. She spun around to look at him.

“Are you laughing at me husband?” It had become a joke calling each other husband or wife. He stood. “No wife. I was not laughing at you; just laughing because I am truly happy.” He started towards her. She slowed the air and slowly her husband climbed the air as if he was climbing a staircase. When he reached her, she sped the air back up. Vincent reached towards her and she held her hand out and passed a lightening ball to her husband. She giggled as it danced into Vincent’s hand. They had just started doing this in the last couple of days. “Well done wife. I think we have practiced enough with your powers today. Let’s go practice your people skills.”

Lyssa’s concentration fluttered and the boulders began to drop. “Sorry Vincent. People make me nervous.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “Concentrate. Lower us to the ground and still the air.” She closed her eyes. She liked the feel of Vincent’s arms around her. Slowly they floated down. As her toes touched the ground, Vincent lightly kissed her lips. She relaxed in his arms. Vincent raised and smiled at her. “I enjoy your kisses Lyssa.”
“And I enjoy your kisses and your arms about me.” He stepped back. “Let me know when you are ready to learn more of those particular people skills.”

Tobias bound towards Vincent and landed against Vincent’s chest. “Lyssa laughed. “Tobias!” Vincent scuffed his fur. “What is it boy?”

“There is a man trying to find a way into the fortress.” Vincent had heard him as plain as day. “Show me where.” Tobias ran. Lyssa concentrated and floated up on the air and towards the high wall. Vincent watched her fly up and onto the wall. Tobias ran to the wall and growled. Vincent waited for a door to appear, but none did. Vincent covered his eyes from the sun. “Lyssa put me on the wall.”
“No I might drop you.” Vincent shouted. “It will be fine. Just raise me up.”
She concentrated and Vincent slowly rose in the air. Just as he reached the edge, an arrow flew pass Lyssa and she dropped Vincent. His reflexes were quick and he caught the edge and pulled himself up. Lyssa called out.
“Vincent they are shooting arrows. Get down!” She watched as Vincent ducked and several arrows whizzed over head. “Vincent!” All at once Lyssa was beside him. Fire flew from her fingers and toward the rocks on the side of the fortress. A man ran out, “Please! Don’t kill me!” Lyssa drew back her hand and a fireball formed. Vincent grabbed her hand. “No Lyssa. Wait!” She immediately lost her concentration from his touch. “Vincent! They tried to kill us.” An arrow passed between them from a new direction. Tobias let out a growl and half howl. Lyssa threw a fireball in the direction of the arrows path and a tree broke in half. The man jumped and ran, hiding in the brush. A piercing whistle filled the air. You could here scrambling all around. Lyssa rose into the air, lightening began to form around her. Vincent caught her ankle. “No Lyssa. Let them go.” She floated back down. She turned to face him. “Keep your hands off of me.” She walked towards the bailey, floated to the ground, and walked into the keep.
Vincent looked at the tree that she had blown to pieces. He looked at the door that lead into the keep. He walked the narrow wall to the bailey and jumped into the hay piled high against the wall, and rolled to the ground. Tobias ran towards Vincent. “Vincent, I can hear Lyssa’s thoughts. She is going to leave the safety of the keep."

Lyssa: Light or Darkness - Part II

Lyssa paced back and forth in front of the dark fireplace. The embers glowed and the heat warmed her chilled bones. Solomon watched her; even he did not know the full extent of her abilities.

Tobias was lying in front of the fireplace. He could read her thoughts and sometimes she could read his. She stopped and leaned her head against the cold, marble mantle. She closed her eyes. “Tobias what are we going to do?”
His eyes shifted towards Lyssa. “Lyssa we could go deep into the woods. There are many caves we can live in away from people.” She looked at him, shocked that she had heard him so clearly.

“We could be running from the rest of our lives Tobias. I don’t want a husband or to be locked away. Why do people fear what they don’t understand?”

Solomon noticed the look passing between Tobias and Lyssa. “Lyssa, can you talk to Tobias?” She looked at Solomon. “Yes for a while now but never as clearly as today. Solomon, I don’t want a husband or to be chained up. I would never intentionally hurt anyone. That hunter picked up his gun and pointed it at Tobias. I had to protect him.”

He smiled remembering the day he brought Tobias to Lyssa. The wolf cub had been lying next to the body of his mother. His mother had been shot. “I know Lyssa. Everything will be fine. Do you know the full extent of your abilities?”

She walked to a nearby chair and said, “My abilities are changing daily. I thought maybe if I demonstrated to the townspeople, that they would reconsider.”

Solomon moved to the opposite side of the table. “I’m not sure they would. Why don’t you give me a little demonstration and I’ll decide.”

Lyssa stood a moment and then the air began to move. The desk floated into the air. The chair came off the ground, and then Lyssa rose into the air. The small items around the room began to swim around Solomon. As Lyssa smiled, the things began to spin more. Solomon cleared his throat. Lyssa looked at him. “Sorry.” Slowly, everything floated back to the ground.

“Lyssa do you have powers that might be considered dangerous?” She looked at Solomon. A ball of blue light appeared in front of her and it started to spin. An electrical current flew out and blew up the chair. As she concentrated the ball grew in size and changed in colors. It became a ball of fire. Solomon watched and realized that Lyssa’s powers had grown beyond what he was aware of. “Lyssa have you ever lost control of this particular power?” She closed her eyes and the ball disappeared.

“Just once. I was deep in the forest and I blew up a boulder.” Solomon couldn’t contain the look of surprise. Lyssa began to try to explain why and what had happened. Solomon put his hand on her shoulder. “Quiet, Lyssa. Don’t tell anyone of that incident. I’m afraid they would not understand.” Lyssa realized that no one would understand her or her powers. A tear silently slipped down her face.

“Solomon I won’t survive being chained nor will Tobias. Maybe if we promise to leave the region and go high into the mountain forest, the townspeople will let us go.”

Solomon knew she was right. She and Tobias would die in captivity. “Lyssa you could take their choice of a husband. You would still be free to roam your land with Tobias.”

“I will be no man’s chattel.”

“It may not be like that Lyssa. Wait and see who it is that they have chosen. You don’t want to die alone in this dwelling.”

“I would rather die alone then become the property of some man’s desires.”

“Lyssa just hear Vincent out. See who the choice is, you might be surprised and you never know you maybe able to state your conditions for the marriage.”

“Tobias and I will go hear the verdict but I will not just stand by and accept the situation without some conditions of mine being considered. If I’m the least bit dismissed, Tobias and I will disappear.” Solomon nodded and silently wondered if she was being literal.

Vincent and the council stood around the fire pit. Lyssa, Solomon and Tobias walked within the light of the flames. Vincent could see by Lyssa’s face that the decision had been extremely tough. He shook Solomon’s hand. “I am glad you have returned on your own. I was afraid we would have to enforce the decision of the council.”

Solomon shook his head. “Lyssa is willing to listen to you Vincent, but if she does agree to take a husband she has some conditions she would like to be considered.”

Vincent smiled. “I expected as much. Please let me hear your conditions.”

Lyssa swept her hair back over her shoulders. Vincent gazed at her beauty and smiled at her. She had no idea how long he had been watching her. He had seen her a few years ago, playing with the wolf in the forest. Hair that glowed like red, hot embers, eyes that flashed green with mischief, had caught his attention. Vincent was not scared of her powers or the wolf. He had been about to approach Solomon about Lyssa when he had been summoned by the council. He realized that acquiring Lyssa as his wife by demand of the council was not exactly what he had planned but it didn’t hurt. She cleared her throat and Vincent snapped by to the present.

“I wish to be a wife in name only. I wish to be no man’s property or be subjected to any duties demanded by marriage vows.” Vincent chuckled.

“I see. What if your new husband agrees to these conditions and you later change your mind?”

Disdain shot like lightening bolts from her eyes. “I will not change my mind. Tobias and I belong to no one now or ever. If these conditions cannot be met, we will disappear, never to be found or return.”

The look of disgust and disdain on her face took Vincent aback. He realized that she had never been taught how to love or to be loved. Vincent nodded. “Agreed, it will be a marriage in name only until such time as you wish it otherwise.” Solomon breathed a sigh of relief. Lyssa however stood tensed and looked at Vincent.

“Who is to be my jailer?” He reached out and took her hand. “I am your jailer Lyssa. I go happily to be your guardian, protector, jailer and husband, to live out my life with you and Tobias in your forest home.”
She gasped at the tingle that passed between them. No man other than Solomon had ever touched her. Vincent felt her tremble maybe there was a chance. He turned towards the town’s people. “As regional magistrate, I pronounce Lyssa and me husband and wife. As promised she will not leave her property without me at her side, nor will anyone step foot on to her property. The lines will be clearly marked. All in agreement say Aye.” The voices could be heard in unison. “Anyone opposed say Nay.” There was not one “Nay” uttered. Lyssa’s shoulders slumped with defeat. She had no friends but lots of enemies.
Vincent turned to face her. “Lyssa, I would be honored if you would show me the way home.” Numbly she began to walk. Tobias pushed her hand.

“Lyssa he seems to be a harmless man. I don’t think we have anything to fear.” Lyssa roughed his head. “We shall see. I will not live caged and I’m afraid that will happen.”



Vincent followed along in silence. He watched Tobias and Lyssa. Solomon was following. Vincent slowed letting Solomon catch up with him. Vincent smiled at Solomon. “I have watched Lyssa for months, maybe years. I was just about to come see you about her.”

Solomon was surprised by Vincent’s declaration. “Really, I had no idea that anyone knew she existed until the hunting incident yesterday.”

“I have always been very careful. Do you know how she got her powers? Did her parents have the same abilities?”

Solomon shrugged. “I found Lyssa when she was six. Her parents were dead and she was sitting just staring at the flames of the house. She wouldn’t talk for weeks. It wasn’t until I brought Tobias home that she actually talked, and I saw her smile for the first time. She has always been by herself or with Tobias.”

They walked a little while and Vincent said, “Do you think I can get her to fall in love?”

Solomon smiled. “I don’t know. She is afraid to love anyone for fear of losing them.” Vincent nodded.

Lyssa stopped at the vine covered the wall. Tobias sat down beside her. Vincent watched as Lyssa stretched her arm towards the wall. The vines slowly lifted and revealed the door. Vincent looked surprised. “I would never have thought there was a door behind the vines.”

Solomon patted him on the back. “That is exactly the point.” They followed Lyssa and Tobias through the door way. Lyssa turned and waved her hand and the door literally disappeared. Vincent made a mental note of that particular power. He also knew of the power to hold some one, lift them off the ground. Mentally he wondered what else she was capable of. Could she take a life? Would she? Vincent hoped that she would give him time so that they could get to know each other. He wanted them to be friends, husband and wife, and eventually lovers. A smile touched his lips. Lyssa caught the smile. It was very pleasant. It sort of made her feel good. She called Tobias. “Will you stay inside tonight?” He nuzzled her hand. “Yes Lyssa, just to calm your fears.”

They entered the keep. Lyssa walked by the fireplace and stoked the fire with a snap of her fingers. Vincent looked at Solomon. “She is amazing. To what extent are her powers?”

Solomon shrugged. “We are not completely sure. She has yet to test them completely. She did give me a small demonstration earlier today.” Vincent called to Lyssa.

“Can I have a demonstration of your powers as you gave Solomon today?” Lyssa looked at Solomon, fear registering on her face.

“He is your husband Lyssa. Do as he requests. You no longer need approval from me.” Tobias yawned and stretched out in front of the fireplace. Vincent removed his jacket and sat on the table since there was no chair. Lyssa moved to the center of the room. She sighed. Her fingertips extended her hands at her sides. The air began to move around them. Lyssa slowly rose into the air, the small blue lights appeared and lightening flowed from her finger tips. Solomon watched. She was controlling things much better this evening. Soon the table that Vincent rested on rose off the floor. He laughed. The noise broke her concentration and everything stopped and then dropped. Vincent, the table and Lyssa all hit the floor. Lyssa waited to see if he was going to be angry. He was laughing so hard he couldn’t speak. Tobias sat up, ears perked to attention. Lyssa sat up and crawled towards him. “Vincent, are you okay? I didn’t mean to drop you.”

He could see the concern in her expression and tried to calm his laughter. “Lyssa… Lyssa, I’m fine.” She sat back on her heels, her feelings of fear fading. Tobias walked over and licked Vincent. Vincent laughed again. Tobias sat down and said, “Lyssa I like him. He is not going to cause us any harm or fear I believe.” She looked at Tobias. “I think you might be right, but I have not known him long enough yet to be sure.” Vincent realized that she and Tobias were communicating. “You can talk to Tobias? Can you teach me to communicate with him as well?”

Shock registered on her face. She stammered. “I can communicate but that just recently started. I’m not sure I can teach you how. It just sort of happened.”
Solomon watched Lyssa and Vincent. She would be okay. He reached to help Vincent up. Lyssa stood. “I really am sorry. I did not mean to drop you. Your laughter caught me off guard.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “It is fine. I’m not angry. I will never be upset with you for using your powers.” She half smiled at him. “Thank you. If you will let me go, I’ll see about some food for us all.” She waited. Vincent dropped his hands. Solomon looked at her. “I’ll be going. I will come by again.” Vincent shook his hand. “Thank you. I promise no harm will come to her.” Solomon nodded. “Good night.” He left.

Lyssa started out of the room. “Lyssa how will Solomon leave the compound?” She smiled. “The door appears on this side when some one approaches. It is just outside the wall that no one can see.” Vincent moved to follow her and Tobias rose to follow Vincent. “But I watched it disappear completely.” She smiled. “I will show you tomorrow. You are not a prisoner and there are other exits and entries.” Her smile had faded. “Please don’t stop smiling. I did not think of it as being a prisoner. I don’t want you to be afraid of me. I have watched you in the forest for months, maybe years.” They walked into the kitchen. Lyssa again started the fire in the fireplace. She pulled out some cheese, bread and wine. Vincent observed their surroundings. Although it was an old keep, it had been some what modernized. There was a refrigerator unit, lights and a gas grill of sorts, running water and he assumed bathrooms. From the looks of things, the battle that had separated a lot of people had hardly touched this keep. Lyssa’s clothing was partly historical and partly modern. She wore pants, leather looking; boots lined with fur and her shirt was big and belted at the waist. He still wore the leather uniforms of the warriors. He carried a knife and a firearm. Although he knew Lyssa could protect herself, he wanted her to feel safe with him. She turned towards Vincent. “I have some venison stew that was made earlier today, if that will work.” Vincent smiled. “Perfect. Should I sit the table?” She nodded. “That will be fine.” Lyssa continued preparing food. While she was cooking she pulled some raw meat from the refrigeration unit and threw it towards Tobias, who seemingly caught it with no effort. She poured the wine and carried it out to Vincent. He took the glass. “Thank you.” He caught her hand and kissed her fingertips. She drew her hand back. “Please Vincent. I would prefer that you not do that.” He released her hand. “Lyssa I would never harm you or ask something from you that you would not willingly give. I would like for us to be friends.” She turned to get their food. “The only friends I have are Solomon and Tobias. They do not ask anything from me except to love them, protect them and care for them when needed. If you seek more from our friendship, then I cannot be your friend.” Vincent replied softly, “I would expect no more of you then Tobias or Solomon.” She nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

They sat talking after the meal. Finally, Lyssa yawned. “Please excuse me. It has been a long day. If you will come with me, I will show you where you can sleep.” He quietly followed her through the fortress. They climbed some stairs and continued down a hall. Lyssa stopped and opened a large door. “You can have this room and arrange it anyway you like. If you require additional furniture, there is some down in the underground storage of the keep.” He nodded. “And where is your sleeping quarters Lyssa?” She looked at him, her smile fading. “I sleep on the top floor in the Master bedroom. Why do you ask?” He took her hands in his. “Because I would share you room as your husband.” Lyssa tried to pull her hand free, swallowing. Vincent continued, “I will keep my word Lyssa. I will not force you to be my wife in anything other than name, until you are ready.”
She quieted. “Yet you wish to sleep in my room, my bed.” He nodded and released her hands. “Then you will not object to Tobias being in our, my room?” He reached for the open door, closing it. “Absolutely not and I would not force Tobias out of your room, just as I would hope he would not come between us.” Tobias watched and said, “He is right Lyssa. He should share your room. Now that people know of you and that you have special abilities, they may try to harm you.” Lyssa suddenly realized she could actually be in danger. “Follow me Vincent. However, I do expect you to keep your promise.”
“Until you invite me into your bed as your husband, I will keep my word.”

The Alphabet Ladies - Lyssa: Light or Darkness - Part 1

The ground began to shake and rumble as she stood staring at the crowd of villagers. Murmurs could be heard as all eyes turned in her direction.
“Sorry.” She said.

The older gentleman beside her laid his hand on her back. “Calm down. Getting upset with them is not going to help matters.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m trying. It’s just that this meeting wouldn’t be necessary if that hunter had not been trespassing on my land.”

Solomon nodded. “I know Lyssa. No one even knew you existed until that day.”

Lyssa smiled but it quickly faded; if these people only knew the extent of her power. At the age of 15 she had discovered she could move things with just a thought. Her powers had grown and she had learned to control it. Her emotions could cause havoc however, and so had been the case that fateful day.

Lyssa and Tobias had been walking in the woods on her property when the gun had fired. Tobias had jumped and knocked Lyssa out of the way. It had grazed his coat. Tobias was her protector. He was half wolf and half German shepherd, but about twice the size of a normal mix. Just his size scared people.

The gasps of several people caused her to snap back to the present and she felt Tobias’ nose under her hand. Solomon raised his hands. “Please he will not harm you.” Solomon turned towards Lyssa. “Did you call him?”

She smiled. “Not on purpose. I was just thinking.”

Solomon nodded. “Please ask him to lie down at your feet.”

It was just seconds and Tobias sat, and then sprawled beside Lyssa. “Thank you.” Tobias let out a little sigh.

The crowd began to reform to face Lyssa and Solomon. Lyssa tensed and the hair on Tobias’ neck stood up. Vincent, the spokesman for the town along with Thomas, the man that had been hunting walked towards them. Vincent smiled at Lyssa as he shook Solomon’s hand. “Solomon, Lyssa, the town is a little upset that you have been living here all this time and no one knew you existed and to find out you possess powers or abilities that no one has ever seen or only heard of in books, is beyond their understanding or trust.”

Solomon nodded. “We understand Vincent. Lyssa has been alone since she was five. I’ve raised her and when we realized she possessed these talents, we decided it was best if she stayed out of town, especially until we knew the extent of her talents.”

Tobias stood and sat in front of Lyssa. The crowd stepped back as did Thomas, the hunter. Lyssa smiled and held up her hand. “Please Tobias will not hurt anyone. He reacts to my feelings and I’m a little anxious.”

The townspeople whispered amongst themselves. Vincent turned back to Solomon. “As you can see, they are as anxious as you. The unknown causes fear as well as curiosity. Lyssa how old are you?”

She shifted. “I am 20 years old.”

Vincent looked at her. “The townspeople feel that you should have a guardian or protector around the clock. They have suggested that you have a husband.”

Anger immediately filled her very being. Tobias stood; hackles raised. “I do not need a husband nor do I want one.” She turned back towards the forest and started to walk away.

Vincent said, “Lyssa please do not walk away. The options here are limited. Tobias did attack Thomas yesterday and although he did no damage, the townspeople want him caged.”

She whirled around. The air around her filled with white and blue lights, looking like electrical currents. The wind began to blow and dark clouds began to gather above the crowd. Solomon realized that things were about to explode. “Lyssa! Calm yourself.” The sharpness in his voice caused her to lose focus and the atmosphere calmed. Solomon looked at Vincent. “I will post signs around the perimeter of her property. Tobias will be with one of us at all times. There is no need to do anything else. You can keep the town folk away and Lyssa will stay away from town.”

Vincent sighed. He was the magistrate for the region. A formal complaint had been filed. “I’m sorry Solomon. As Magistrate and because of the demonstration of her emotions here today, I have no choice. A formal complaint was filed. They feel that a husband would have more control. It is either that or they want her taken into custody. The other issue is that she is not allowed to come to town either. “

Lyssa walked back to Vincent. “I have no need of this town or a husband. I grow my food or catch it. All of which I have no help. Solomon comes by to make sure that we are okay and to make sure that there is fire wood. Tobias attacked Thomas because he fired a gun in my direction. The damage done yesterday was to Tobias.”

Vincent reached for Lyssa. She backed away and Tobias moved between them. “Lyssa, what exactly did you do once Tobias knocked Thomas to the ground?”

She shifted her stance. “I picked him up from the ground.”

Thomas pointed towards her, “Yes but you never touched me with your hands and I couldn’t move or breathe until that man walked up and called your name.”
She hung her head. He spoke the truth. Her anger had been a problem all her life; her temper.

Vincent looked at Solomon and Lyssa. “You have until dark to make your decision. If you choose a husband, I will make the choice for you.”

Lyssa was even more taken aback. Not only must she submit to the rule of a husband but she would not even be allowed to make her own choice. She turned away. Tears filled her eyes. Tobias nuzzled her hand. Solomon looked towards Vincent. “You will have an answer by dark.” They walked away.


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