Rose woke up the next morning with a quiet groan. Her body was making it entirely clear that walking and running for hours without food or rest had been a bad idea. Not that it had been her idea in the first place.

She rolled over and managed to push herself up with her bound hands. She looked around and noticed Garrett standing wide-awake, watching her movements. No chance of escaping, then. Rose wiggled uncomfortably until she was sitting upright. She looked down at her bound hands - she could see crusted blood around the rope from where it had chafed her skin. It did not hurt too much if she kept her arms still.

Her dress skirt was destroyed. Dirt covered it, the forest surroundings had torn it so badly that her petticoat was visible in some places. She did not even want to think about the state of her hair. Rose bit her lip.

She looked no better than she had once been as a beggar.

A sudden bout of grief washed over her. Rose fought back the tears, but a few still managed to escape. She was scared; nay, she was terrified. She did not know why these men had taken her, why they wanted her, or what they were going to do to her. She was far, far away from the castle; and she was far, far away from any feelings of safety. Had anyone noticed her missing? Surely someone had come for her.

Then why hadn't they found her yet? The two sides to her thoughts warred within her mind. Her tears dripped onto her wrist and stung her grazes. The pain just made her cry harder. None of this was fair. Her life had not been fair. She had lost everyone she cared for, and now she had been taken from the one person she had learned to love. Where was God in all of this?

Don't you love me, God? If you loved me, why would you let all of this happen to me? Why did you take my parents away from me? Why did you let me become an orphan? Why did you let Beth die? Why do you let evil prevail? Why do you let bad men like these do bad things? I thought you were supposed to be on my side.

The responding silence was so painful that Rose nearly wailed. A whisper of a voice broke through her thoughts, so gentle that she almost missed it.

Am I not a Father?

Rose blinked, her tears suddenly stilled. She was tempted to ignore the thought, presuming it to be her own. But the question refused to disappear, it hung around her like a resting wind.

You are a Father, Rose answered.

Then you are no orphan. You are my Daughter – altogether perfect, altogether loved.

Rose nearly wept.

What Father would hurt his child?

Rose could not answer, for she did not know the response.

No Father who loves his child. So why do you think I would hurt you?

The question stayed with her, hanging in her mind as she fought for the answer. All of a sudden a memory flowed into her thoughts. The hazy image of the woman who had taken Rose into the orphanage – the woman they had all called 'Mother'. Rose was young, she remembered.

The woman was brushing the hair of an older girl and counselling her. She spoke softly, but Rose had caught the words.

"Every person must come to the point in their life where they decide for themselves if God is a good God or not. No one else can make that decision for you, it must be your own. But do not fret, for when you seek the truth, you will find it. And when you cry out for God, He will reveal His love for you. And when you are mad at Him and question who He is, He does not lose His love for you. And if - and how I hope this will be true for you - if you turn to Him and trust Him and decide that He is good; then you will see that you need not be angry with Him. For when you see that He is good, you will see that He will not, and cannot, ever hurt you."

Rose inhaled sharply and opened her eyes. How had she remembered all of that? She must have been so young, probably five or six, when that incident occurred. She could remember no other details.

Perhaps she had been wrong. Perhaps God had not taken her parents away. Perhaps He had not caused the bad things to happen to her.

She was broken out of her thoughts by the sound of Eliad stirring from his sleep. Rose glanced his way. He rolled over and pushed himself up from the ground, dusting off his side. The other twin still stayed sleeping. Eliad walked over to Garrett and nodded his greeting.

"We will reach the new recruits in a day or two," Garrett commented.

"I know. Then we can continue on to the main group. It will be good to return home," Eliad said calmly. The two men glanced briefly at Rose. Rose turned her head away anxiously, frightened that she had been caught eavesdropping. She dug her feet into the dirt and stared blankly at the embers of the fire. The cool dirt helped ease the pain in her feet from walking so long. Eliad and Garrett did not approach her or call her name, so she assumed she was safe from suffering for listening to their conversation.

"Go wake Barrett," Eliad ordered after a moment. Rose stifled a sudden onslaught of laughter. Garrett and Barrett were the names of the twins? Rose forced back a giggle, amused despite her current situation.

The twin called Barrett was nudged awake. He stood up with a groan and stretched. "Morning," he grunted.

"Let's move out," Eliad responded, without replying to his greeting. Rose immediately felt dread. Would Eliad force her to walk again? She winced as she remembered the pain from yesterday. Her feet seemed to burn just a little more at the thought.

The men saddled the horses and brushed dirt over the final embers in the fire.

"What about the girl?" Garrett asked, gesturing his thumb towards Rose. Eliad glanced over his shoulder to exchange a brief glance with Rose.

"She can ride with me," he said with a shrug. "She knows what will happen if she tries to escape or leave a trail again."

Rose understood the warning in his words. If she did not act submissively toward the men, she would be forced to walk again. Rose ducked her head and breathed out a quiet sigh of relief. At least he was showing her some mercy for now.

"Untie her ankles; I do not want her falling from my horse," Eliad told the twins. Barrett walked over to her and dropped down into a squat. He made quick work of the knots in the rope. Rose sighed again at the feeling of having her ankles released from their tight bondage. Barrett helped her stand up.

Her feet screamed in pain. She had not had the courage to examine them, but she was sure her feet were covered in blisters and sores. Rose slowly limped over to the horse where Eliad was waiting. He smirked at her obvious discomfort.

"How are your feet?" He asked innocently. Rose glared at him and wished her hands were free so she could slap him.

"They are fine," she answered, refusing to give him the pleasure of knowing she was hurt.

"I do not believe you," Eliad said in a teasing tone. He whistled casually and pulled himself up onto his saddle. "Okay, pass her to me."

Barrett lifted Rose up by the waist so that she was sitting sideways on the saddle, in front of Eliad. He put his arms around her to hold the reins. Rose squeezed her eyes shut, wishing more than anything that the person she was riding with was Tristan.

"You cannot keep me forever," Rose said as the horses began moving.

"That is for me to decide," Eliad replied calmly.

"The castle will have noticed my missing presence. They will send help for me – they will find you and take you away."

"I would be interested in seeing that happen, considering we covered our tracks until we were deep in the forest. How, then, will they find you if they cannot follow you, Rose?"

Rose was met with dread. Covered tracks? She had not realized. At once she felt terror inside of her. Would she ever be found? Was she even being sought out after? All this time she had thought Tristan would be not far behind her, but now it seemed possible that we would not find her... that she would never see him again. Her stomach lurched at the thought.

Rose swallowed back her tears. She could not show weakness to these men. She had to pretend she was not distressed by Eliad's words.

"They would be the luckiest people on earth if they managed to find us," one of the twins snorted. Rose turned her head to glare at him angrily.

"They do not need luck," she snapped indignantly. "God will help them find me."

The men guffawed raucously, as if her statement was the funniest thing they had ever heard. Eliad released a deep, dangerous chuckle that sent chills down Rose's spine.

"You are not as intelligent as I had hoped," he told her. The twins laughed again and echoed their agreements. Rose glared out into the distance and clenched her teeth together. She would not be baited into arguing with them. Instead, she watched where they were going.

They travelled in a weaving pattern throughout the trees. Rose could see no order to their travels – they seemed to be going in circles rather than in a straight line. But that was not possible, for the scenery continued to be new, nothing was familiar. Rose still could not understand how the men knew where they were going, but she did not bother questioning them for she knew they would either laugh at her or just stay silent.

So, with regretful acceptance, Rose got comfortable on her saddle and prayed with all her strength that God would send a miracle.

~

"It is a miracle!" Samuel exclaimed, staring at the ground in wonder.

"What is?" Tristan asked without smiling. Their horses continued plodding along through the forest.

"It is a miracle that they still have not tried to hide their tracks. It is like they just became lazy and assumed we would not be able to find them."

Tristan grunted his agreement, but he did not comment. He was tired of only seeing trees, he was tired of sitting atop a saddle, and he was tired of being without Rose. They had ridden hard throughout the day, yet they still never seemed to grow closer to her.

"Cheer up, Tristan," Samuel said with a smile. "You will see Rose soon; she cannot be far away now." Tristan tried to muster up a smile in response, but it turned out to be more of a grimace.

"I know. I am sorry for my mood," he said.

"You just need to trust yourself and stop worrying about her so much," Samuel advised. Tristan snorted – stop worrying about Rose? It was the most ridiculously impossible thing he had ever heard.

"Distract me, Sam," Tristan said, using his nickname. "Have you ever been in love? Is there a beautiful woman waiting for you to come home?" Tristan asked him curiously. Tristan and Samuel spent much of their time together, but Samuel was a private person and rarely opened up about his personal life – even to his closest friends. Tristan knew he was not married, but that did not mean Samuel did not fancy a lovely woman back home. Samuel's jaw clenched and he looked down at his fisted hands.

"There is a woman I care for," Samuel admitted hesitantly. Tristan was amazed.

"Does she care for you, too?" Tristan questioned. If this was one of the few times Samuel was going to open up, Tristan was determined to learn as much information as he could.

Samuel snorted indignantly. "I am certain she does not know I even exist."

"Why do you say that?"

"She is above my station in life," Samuel said miserably. Tristan raised his eyebrows – most women would be thrilled to marry a knight.

Tristan knew a moment of humour, and he chuckled quietly. "Is this why you stopped trying to advise me to stay away from Rose? Because you understood what it is like to have two people from different standings care for each other?"

"It is part of the reason," Samuel admitted. "Though in my case, it is only I who cares for her." He was miserable, that much was clear. Tristan wondered how long Samuel had been suffering in silence, too reserved to open up to anyone.

"How can you be sure?"

"She is interested in another – one who could bring far more wealth and surety to her."

"If it is love, she would not care about your wealth," Tristan responded.

"It is no matter. Even if she did care for me, her father would never allow it. No, I am doomed to be without her," Samuel said with a choked up laugh. Tristan was surprised – he had not realised how deeply Samuel cared for this woman. He had not realised Samuel even cared for someone.

"Who is she, Samuel?"

"I dare not say."

"Why not?" Tristan exclaimed.

"I fear you would not approve."

"What does it matter if I approve? It is your heart, not mine. And if you can approve of me and a servant, I can approve of whoever it is you have chosen," Tristan assured him. Samuel looked at him warily. Tristan stared back at him expectantly.

"It is Suzanna," Samuel sighed. Tristan's jaw dropped and he brought Tocker to a halt. Samuel stopped his own horse and appeared to brace himself for whatever Tristan had to say.

"Suzanna? Suzanna as in my sister? My Suzanna?"

"The very one," Samuel mumbled. Tristan blinked as he processed his words. Samuel cared for his sister? He had had no idea. The news made Tristan feel like his mind had just been flipped upside-down.

"But... But she talks so much," Tristan blurted out, saying the first thing he thought of. Samuel raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement shining in his eyes. "I mean; I want her to be happy. And she is a lovely, kind woman, but I cannot imagine being married to her."

"That is a good thing," Samuel said, almost smiling. "I would be deeply concerned if you could imagine marrying your sister," he continued with a quiet chuckle.

"Suzanna," Tristan repeated in amazement, as the horses began walking again. Now he understood Samuel's dilemma. Suzanna was the Princess, and while a knight was a worthy position to hold, it was not a worthy match for a Princess. The King would never allow it – he would want Suzanna married to someone with land and a title, one that could help strength the alliances within the kingdom. Which led to Samuel's other problem – Suzanna fancied the Duke of Adryrwen; she had not tried to hide the fact.

"Are you angry?" Samuel asked quietly. Tristan was surprised and laughed.

"You are my closest friend, Samuel. I am not angry; I know you would treasure Suzanna were you with her."

"But you know it can never be," Samuel finished.

"Hold on to hope, Samuel. If Suzanna loved you, my father would not force her to marry another. Do not give up on her yet."

"What am I meant to do, then?" Samuel asked dismally. Tristan smiled.

"Talk to her, get to know her. Show her who you are. She has probably never thought of you in a romantic way, but she does know who you are, I promise. You have been my friend nearly my whole life, after all. Show her you can be someone special to her."

"So you approve, then?"

"I do. It is a strange thought, my closest friend caring for my sister... but I want you both to be happy. Do not fret, things have a way of sorting themselves out."

The sun was setting, and the forest cast a gloomy shadow over them. Tristan brought Tocker to a halt.

"I think we should stop here," he said.

"As you wish," Samuel agreed. They dismounted and prepared a small campground. Tristan was kneeling over a pile of sticks, lighting a fire, when Samuel spoke. "I am going to try to find us some meat."

Tristan nodded and watched as Samuel walked over to their supplies and picked up his bow and quiver. He swung the quiver of arrows over his shoulder confidently.

"Do not go far, it is easy to become lost in the woods," Tristan warned.

"I will stay close," Samuel promised. He walked through the trees and disappeared into the darkness. Tristan focused on his task, and soon he had a small fire crackling away. Alone, the frustration and fear came back. He threw a few more sticks into the flames half-heartedly. He felt miserable – Rose was so close, yet so far away.

He was content to sit in his misery, when the howl of a wolf echoed nearby.

Tristan's breath hitched and he froze. The howl sounded again. He held his breath and inched towards his sword resting nearby. It was possible the wolf had not caught his scent yet. His heart pounded in his chest forcefully. This was all too similar to the night he had saved Rose. Tristan slowly rose to his feet and searched the darkness.

A deep, slow growl sounded near him.

"Not good," he murmured quietly. He could hear the sound of sniffing near him. The wolves would surely smell him now. There was a short snorting noise and a huff of a deep breath. Tristan clenched the hilt of his sword tightly.

Out of the darkness crept a wolf – its fur a deep, mangled grey. It was hunched close to the ground and watched the fire cautiously. Its ravenous, crazed gaze snapped up and observed Tristan. Behind it followed two more wolves. Both watched Tristan and snarled. Tristan swallowed and braced himself. Another wolf joined the three. Three more were quick to join. Seven in total.

"Samuel!" Tristan shouted as loud as he could. The wolves flinched and growled. He could fight off one wolf, but if they all attacked him he would be overcome. His breath came in quick huffs. He was so close to rescuing Rose, surely his life would not end like this. He swung his sword around dangerously.

The first wolf sprang, its mouth open and prepared to kill. Tristan grunted and drove his sword into its chest. The wolf's mouth snapped a centimetre away from him, before it collapsed to the ground, dead. Tristan pulled his sword out and turned back to the other wolves.

"Come on!" He roared to the predators. They responded immediately.

A wolf pounced suddenly, and Tristan just managed to bring his sword up in time to kill it. Before he could pull his sword from the beast, another wolf was at his side. It snapped at him; Tristan just managed to dodge the fangs of the creature.

An arrow suddenly appeared between the eyes of the creature. It crumpled to the ground – an instant kill. Samuel was here. Tristan sighed in relief. Samuel charged into the area and stood opposite Tristan, reaching for another arrow.

At the same time, two more wolves charged for Tristan. Samuel was not quick enough in firing an arrow. Tristan managed to slice one of the beasts across its stomach, but still it continued snapping, ignoring the cut. The second wolf opened its jaw and clamped it firmly around Tristan's leg. Tristan groaned as he felt the fangs dig into his skin. Adrenaline pumped through him, and he killed the wolf, driving his sword in deep. Samuel dispatched the other one. Tristan felt blood soaking his pants, but he did not look away from the last two wolves. They circled Samuel and Tristan dangerously, growling ferociously. Tristan tried to pull his sword away from the body of the wolf, but it would not move. Desperately, he tugged at his weapon.

"I'm out of arrows," Samuel hissed. They were defenceless.

Suddenly, the loud shouts and roars of men filled the camp. Tristan whipped his head up.

His knights charged into the area on their horses, their swords swinging and eager shouts echoing through the trees. They killed the two remaining wolves within seconds. Tristan gasped and clutched his chest, nearly overwhelmed with relief. His heart was racing. A few seconds later and Tristan and Samuel would have both been killed or badly injured.

The knights cheered and dismounted from their horses. There were eight of them. Eight men that his father had sent. Tristan had never been so relieved in his life.

"You are the luckiest fellows I know," one knight laughed as he nudged the body of a wolf. The men were speaking all at once amongst themselves and to Samuel, but Tristan drowned them out as he focused on the pain in his leg.

He limped over to the fire and pulled his boot off. He pulled the leg of his pants up to reveal a blood-soaked leg. The knights were instantly attentive. Tristan winced as his leg throbbed. He had to disinfect the wound or it could fester.

"Here, Your Highness, allow me," one man said. He was holding a flask. He popped the lid open and Tristan smelled the distinct odour of alcohol. He raised an eyebrow at the man. "It was not for me to drink!" The man instantly defended. "It was for medicinal purposes, in case something like this happened."

The knights chuckled at the flustered man.

"Go ahead," Tristan said with a pained smile. He knew what was coming. The man slowly began pouring the alcohol over his wound. Tristan groaned as fire seemed to burn at his flesh. The alcohol would help with stopping infection, but it burned like hell.

Eventually the man stopped and plugged the flask back up. On observation, Tristan appeared to only have one long gash down his leg - a miracle, no doubt. The knights had brought supplies with them and were quick to retrieve bandages. They wrapped his leg up to stop the bleeding.

"We will have to hope that will be enough," one of the men commented. Tristan pulled his pant leg back over the wound. He grimaced and nodded his thanks. If the alcohol did not stop him from getting an infection, then he would be in trouble.

He refused to think about it, and instead began updating his knights on everything he knew so far.

~~~
Please do consider voting, even though there is no Tristan and Rose time :( 
It really encourages me to keep going when everyone is being so supportive! 

In other news, I have a huge uni assignment that is due in two and a half weeks. My time will be devoted to completing it and getting the best grade I can, so I cannot say when the next update will be. I'll try to give you all at least one update in that time, hopefully two, but I make no promises. 

Thank you all for reading and being such awesome people!