Yuku free message boards

Sure...but I'm warning everyone: this bit is RATED PG-13.
        Yes, mlord, the overseer was holding the cudgel behind is back and was staring at the ground like at scolded child.
        Carry on, the baron said graciously. He pulled Cal to his feet with immense care.
As they walked toward the carriage, the overseer shouted, Get back t work, louts! to the other serfs and slapping the cudgel against his leg.
        The baron lifted him into carriage. Hed never been in one before, but hed often ran along side of them with the other boys to try to get a glimpse of what was inside. Some times hed caught a flash of velvet and leather seats or fine wood work polished to a glow.
However, the inside of the barons carriage was more sumptuous than hed ever glimpsed. The two benches across from one another were covered in plush red velvet. The walls were decorated with rich carvings of leaves, vines, and weapons. Delicate gold filigree curled along the ceiling.
Sit, boy, sit, the baron said, delicately guiding Cal to one of the benches. He sat down at the very edge of it, staring at the polished wood floor. The baron sat down across from him and the carriage started to move. Cal continued to stare at the floor until he became hypnotized by the way the light gleamed off of it.
The baron put a hand on Cals knee, startling him out of his trance. Boy, the baron said, How do I look to you?
Cal risked a quick glance up and then back down on the floor again. I think you look very grand, mlord.
        Very grand, mmm the baron mused. Why do you not look at me?
        Ma always taught me it was bad manners to look at someone above your station.
        Well, the baron leaned forward and cupped a hand around the back of Cals next, using his thumb to lift Cals chin. You may look at me all you like, the baron finished. Then he leaned forward and gave Cal a kiss.
        It was not a fatherly kiss. Cal knew that right awayit was on his lips and the baron was forcing his tongue into his mouth. It was like having a giant slug push its way down your throat. Cal gagged and tried to pull away, but the baron held fast to his neck.
        Cal began to struggle. The baron put a firm hand on his upper thigh to force him to stillness. The baron tore Cals worn leggings off as he held him, sending Cal squirming again. The baron gripped his shoulder this time, so hard it pinched. The carriage jerked and Cals shirt ripped. The baron now had his hands under the shirt, rubbing Cals hairless chest and slowly drifting down to between his legs.
        He never made it though. Just as his hands were on Cals belly, the carriage stopped so fast they were both thrown forward, the baron on top of Cal. The baron licked Cals shoulder and said, Excuse me. Then he pulled away and shouted, Why have we stopped?!
        There was no answer from outside. Muttering under his breath, the baron opened the carriage and stepped out.
        Cal curled up in a little ball. He felt like vomiting, but didnt dare. He knew he should run, but his legs were made of straw and didnt want to obey him. Where could he go, in any case? Everything here was owned by the baronhe would never get away.
        Who are you? the baron was demanding, just outside the open carriage door. There was the snort of horses, jingle of harness, and the stomp of impatient hooves, but no answer. Why do you come to challenge me?
        Come on, legs, Cal thought. Move.
        I am not here for a challenge, a new voice spoke. It was pitched higher than the barons at a rich, full alto. I am here for an execution. There was the faint sound of metal sliding against metal, like a sword sliding out of sheath.
        Come on, come on, Cal thought, putting all of that thought power he usually put behind woolgathering into his legs. We can get away. It wont matter where we go. His legs ignored him.
        Shoot him, the baron murmured to the driver. There was some shuffling as the driver looked for his bow. It was normally under the seat for easy reach in the event of an ambush of outlaws.
        I cant, mlord, Cal heard the driver whisper; my bows been stolen.
        How cannevermind. The baron put one foot on the carriages step. Run him over then.
        Suddenly, Cals legs kicked into motion. They hit the ground and he was running, hindered only a little by the latch on the carriage door. He felt the barons fingers brush his back as he attempted to grab him. But then Cal was outside and running across the dry, cracked earth and it wasnt important.
        Get that, boy! the baron snarled at the driver. The man leaped off the seat and chased after Cal. He caught him easily; each of his strides equaling three of Cals.
        As Cal squirmed in the drivers grasp, he heard the crunch of splintering wood. A knight was riding from behind the carriage and coming around to the front. He was dressed in loose chainmail and had a shield bearing the emblem of a pink rose on a gray field. There was a sword with thorns around it sticking through the flower. The shield was edged in rose, as was the knights tunic, which also bore the sword-and-rose emblem. He was also riding the ugliest horse Cal had ever laid eyes on.
        Then the driver turned around and marched back to the carriage, Cal thrown over his shoulder. He dumped Cal on the ground as the baron came back out of the carriage, a bow in his hand. He looked at Cal with a stare that suggested that what Cal had run from would have been far more pleasant than what was going to happen to him. Cal cowered, wishing his could just shrink into the ground and disappear.
        The baron strode past the trembling boy to the knight, who was sitting serenely on his horse before the carriages team. The driver gave Cal a kick and pulled him to his feet, holding his arm so tightly it hurt.
        I know not who you are, the baron said, drawing his bow back. But you are a coward for attacking an unarmed man.
        I can assure you I did not mean to attack. I only meant to kill you. Cal stared in amazement at the knight. He looked so unconcerned, even though the barons aim with his bow was legendary and now that legendary aim had targeted him. I missed.
        I dont, the baron said and let the arrow fly.

*sigh* Okay, but I expect something more constructive after this entry for criticism.

Cal snapped his eyes closed, expecting to hear a thud and a clatter as the knight died and fell from his horse. Instead, there was only a heavy thunk.
        He risked a peek at the knight. The barons arrow was stuck high in his shield, having not even pierced his arm. The baron and the driver were both staring, slack jawed, at the knight.
The drivers grip on Cals arm had loosened. Cal took advantage of that to pull away. He crawled under the carriage, the driver cursing and trying to go after him. He caught the boys ankle. Then there was a thunder of hooves and a wet chop.
The baron fell and the barons head, a surprised look on its face, rolled a little to the side of the road. Blood was pouring all over the dirt road like milk from a spilled pitcher.
The driver ducked out from under the carriage. Murderer, he shrieked, voice high as a banshees. He grabbed his late lords bow and an arrow, but hooves thundered by again and he fell as well, a silver-hilted sword through his chest.
Syns thumbs, the knight muttered. The carriage team was going wild from the smell of blood, stamping their feet and rolled their eyes, unsure of whether to bolt and risk their masters anger, or stay in this place that reeked of death and danger. There was the sound of someone chopping through leather and the carriage lurched. Cal pressed himself flat to the ground, hoping that if they ran and took the carriage with them, it wouldnt run him over. More sounds of chopping and the pounding of hooves as the team ran off, free of their burden.
The only horse now was the knights and it didnt seem to care about blood. Cal watched its legsone was completely black, the other three white with gray and orange spatter, like moldy bread. It snorted as chainmailed legs landed on the packed earth. I know, Percy, I know. Well leave in a minute, he murmured, patting the creature. Boy, he said loudly. Are you hurt?
Cal didnt answer. He curled up and hoped the knight went away. The barons anger had been frightening in its own way, but this man had faced that like it was a summer breeze. And now hed just killed the baron without a word of challenge or fair fight. And the driver too, before the man had even notched the arrow. Cal knew there was nothing to keep him from killing him too.
The knight pulled his sword from the driver and cleaned it. Zanaphear is going to have my head for that, he sounded rather grim. Boy, he said again. Come out. Im not going to hurt you.
Cal knew that had to be a lie.
Come out, please, the knight said again. I cant just leave you there.
That cinched itthe knight was going to kill him. Unthinkingly, Cal bolted for the far side of the carriage and tried to sprint across the field.
Unfortunately, he ran straight into the horse, who had, for some reason, moved right in front of him.
He heard the sound of chink of mail that said the knight was approaching. Cal curled back into a ball and blubbered: Please, dont kill me! I wont tell anyone what happened, I swear! He started to cry. He couldnt help it. He was so scared.
Im not going to kill you. The knight said, crouching down. Stop groveling.
It took a minute before what the knight said had registered. Youre not? Cals head popped up from the ground. He sniffled back a few remaining tears. I meanthank you, he bowed his head.
Youre groveling again. Cals head popped up a second time. Get up, the knight ordered. What were you doing in that carriage?
II Cal felt tears slipping down his cheeks again. He didnt know what the baron had been trying to do to him, but hadnt felt right. He let the sentence die and stared at the ground, guiltily.
Its not your fault, boy, the knight said gently, placing a hand on the Cal shoulder. Cal nodded mutely. Do you understand that?
Yes, Cal squeaked.
Good, the knight gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder. Cal sniffed and dried his eyes on his sleeve. There was a long, awkward silence.
Cal looked up at the knight, who was examining the horizon in a manner that suggested he was embarrassed by, the whole situation possibly. He stood with his arms crossed and his legs apart, favoring one leg more than the other, giving a rather crooked appearance. His long and lanky body had a kind of tenseness in itthat of a stranger in unfriendly territory. His face was rather delicate, almost feminine, but it had a hard look to it that Cal had never seen on a womans face. And his gray eyes seemed very old, as if they belonged to someone who had seen years and years of horrible things.
        He was wearing a conical helmet with a sliver nose-guard and leather chinstrap, which he unbuckled and pulled off. The hair underneath was brown and flat, cut in a neat bowl-cut. You have any family, boy?
        Huh? Cal thought that was an odd question. Why would a knight care if a serf had any family? NoMaMa died of the plague when I was little. My pafatherI never met him.
        Syns thumbs, thats the first good news Ive heard all day, the knight muttered.
        Cal was offended. He didnt think that lacking a family was good news at all.
        The knight saw the look on his face. That means I dont have to hunt down anyone to say Im taking you with me.
        Youretaking me with you? Why? Things were happening way too fast for Cal.
        Because the alternative is leaving you here to take the blame for the murders of these two men, the knight strapped his helmet to the horses side. He glanced at Cals stunned face. Unless youd rather hang, of course.
        Uh it took Cal a minute to process what the knight meant. No, I think Ill come with you.
        Good, the knight said again. Up you go then, he grabbed him under the arms and boosted him on to the horses saddle. Ooof, youre heavier than you look.
        Er Cal didnt know how to respond to that. The knight swung up behind him. Since wereuhgoing somewhere Cal let the sentence die.
        There was a moment of silence as the horse wandered off the road and across a winter prepared field. Finish your sentence, boy, the knight said.
        Cal took a deep breath. Since were traveling togethercan I knowthat iswhats your name? I mean, what are you knight of?
        I am Sir Lexius of Rosenthorn Vale, knight of Magic Master and Crown Prince Zanaphear, Mage of the Mountains and the Lord of Rosenthorn. The knight shook his head as though he disapproved of the titles. Im not one for long winded addresses though, so you can call me Sir Lex, or just Lex. Most others do.
        YYYoure the crown princes knight? Cals eyes had gone round with amazement. That was like being a grandchild to royalty.
        Dont get so amazed, Sir Lex said deprecatingly. It an empty title; the king is still young and as soon as he shires an heir the title will be passed to him. And my master will be gratefulhe hates being the crown prince.
        Why?
        Sir Lex looked down at Cals upturned face, one eyebrow raised. You ask a good deal of questions. Who are you?
        Cal was instantly embarrassed again. He let his curiosity get the better of him. It happened all too often. My names Cal. Ma always said it was short for Calander. But most people, the other serfs and the overseer, call me he frowned at the hated memory, Runt.
        Hmm, the knight didnt seem to notice the nickname. Calanderwere you named for your father?
        Oh, I dont know that. Cal looked at the horses gray speckled mane. Ma might have told me, but I dont remember. He picked a bit of straw from the horses hair.
They passed through the barons empty fields, by the full barns where serfs were putting the last of the grain in bundles, and over the stone bridge that cross the creek where Cal had spent so many hours playing in on High Day, when no one worked.
They returned to the road and traveled until the sky was streaked with pink and orange. The fields around them had turned to lightly forested meadows. Sir Lex steered the horse off the path and into a downhill meadow of long grass, dotted with a few late asters. There was a small, emerald pond at the base of the hill, just before another cluster of trees. Cal, who had been dozing lightly, woke with a start. Where are we?
The County of Ethe, I believe, Sir Lex said, swinging down to the grass. He pulled Cal off the saddle, staggering a little under his weight.
Cal decided he would do his own mounting and dismounting from now on.
Sir Lex took off his bags and the saddle and set them in the knee-high grass; then gave the horse a slap on the rump. Go on, Percy. The horse trotted toward the water.
His name is Percy? Cal asked. Why?
You can speak without asking a question or sputtering, am I right? Sir Lex said. He sounded annoyed.
Im sorry, Cal said sincerely, looking like a puppy thatd been kicked.
        Or apologizing. Or groveling. Sir Lex shook his head, as if the lecture was pointless. Nevermind, forget I said anything. What were you asking? While speaking, he put the helmet on his head, picked up a bag and the saddle, and headed in the direction a large tree at the meadows edge. Cal was quick to grab a bag and follow. He didnt want the knight to think he was useless as well as stupid.
        Oh, um Cal thought better of repeating his question. The bag was awkward in a large way and the grass was tangling around his feet, making it hard for him to keep up. I was wondering where we were going.
        At the moment, nowherewere camping here tonight. Sir Lex dropped the saddle and the bags on the trees twisted, protruding roots. In the morning, he shrugged, making his mail chink, Im not sure. North, he turned to get the other packs, to Rosenthorn, though I doubt Ill make it all the way there before Zanaphear wants me to do something else for him.
        Cal stumbled behind Sir Lex. Whats going to happen to me?
        I dont know. Sir Lex swung two square packs on his back, one over each shoulder. Where do you want to go?
        Cal hurried over and picked up a long, cylindrical bundle just before Sir Lex grabbed it. The knight retracted his hand and said nothing as Cal staggered under its unexpected weight. Oh, I dont know, Cal said, trying to find a good way to carry the bundle. He finally settled on putting both arms under it and curling them close to his chest. Im just a serf. Ive never been anywhere except town a few timesthe one around the castle. I dont know its name. He did his best to keep up with Sir Lex, who saw this and shortened his stride. Suddenly an idea occurred to Cal, Can I go with you to Rosenthorn?
        What? Sir Lex stopped and look at Cal, eyebrows raised. Why would you want to go there? Zanaphear doesnt like visitors and might not even let you in. And Im pretty sure some of the tower staff used to eat children. The blood drained from Cals face and he shuttered. Sir Lex grinned. Besides, thered be nothing for you to do.
        Cal gulped. He was pretty sure that Sir Lex had been kidding about the tower staff. That doesnt scare me, he lied. And Ill find something to do. I couldI could be your squire.
        Squire? Sir Lex shook his head and started forward again. I dont need a squire.
        Well, maybe not, Cal reasoned, running to catch up with Sir Lex. But I could be helpfulI could take care of your horse and help you put on your armor or help you carry things Cal tripped over a tangle of grass and fell flat on his face.
        Sir Lex shook his head again, picked up the bundle from Cals outstretched arms and hefted on to his shoulder. When I cant put on my own chainmail in the morning, Ill let you know. He carried the packs to the tree as Cal scrambled to his feet and chased after him.
       

Thank you. I never catch these little things.

I never thought about the relation between Calender and Calander. I don't think it will be too much of a problem because he's usually called Cal, but I will keep it in mind.

More story will be on the way soon.