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."