Chapter 3 Chapter two

england under king john Eager to hide from the enemy, the boy wrapped the old rope he found in the corner of the stall twice around the uneven boulder, tied it in a knot using the method Uncle Erni taught him, and then wrapped it with the rope without thinking With the left arm, slide down the canyon with the belly against the rock wall.Wrong, he remembered regretfully, that he should have wrapped the rope around his waist and slid down with his feet against the rock. Eager to climb up and start over, the boy didn't care about the sharp rocks scraping the delicate skin on his chest and abdomen red, swollen and bleeding.He was sure those wounds would leave the scars that made him a warrior.The scar was a remarkable achievement for a boy his age, and he only wished it didn't hurt so much.

But he swore not to cry no matter how painful it was.The bloodstains on the rock walls frightened him as much as the danger.If Dad sees him like this, he will definitely ask him if he is crazy, and even shake his head in disappointment, but he will definitely save him from danger.How he wished his father was here.He wanted to come home and sit on his mother's lap and let her fuss and pamper him.Thinking of his parents made his nose sour, and tears came out of his eyes. He knew that he was about to forget his vows and cried like a baby. Sliding down the canyon was harder than he'd imagined, but panic kept him going despite the pain, because he had to escape before the demons found him missing.He dared not look down, for fear of slipping and falling into the abyss.He pretended that he was climbing an old tree in his hometown, because even his father said that he climbed trees more vigorously than his brother.

Exhausted, he stopped to rest.He looked up, had no idea he had climbed that far, and was proud of his achievement when he saw the ropes start to snap.Pride turned to horror, and he couldn't help crying.He was pretty sure he would never see his parents again. Liane was panting and her chest was on fire when she caught up with the boy.She ran desperately in his footsteps, through the dense forest to the cliff.The boy's cries brought her to her knees in relief.Thank goodness he's still alive. But the joy only lasted a few seconds, because when she reached out to pull him up, she saw that the unthreaded rope was about to snap.She didn't even dare to touch the rope, for fear that pulling would make the rope wear off the rock faster.

Shouting for him not to move, she lay down and looked out of the edge of the cliff.The bottomless canyon made her dizzy.How could she rescue him?Going back to find a strong rope would take too much time, and would likely be seen by Ever's men.There were jagged rocks protruding from the cliff, and she knew that experienced people might be able to climb down the rock, but she had neither experience nor quick hands and feet. Time was running out, and the rope would break at any moment, causing the boy to fall off the cliff and die.She had no choice but to ask God to give her courage.Don't look down, she turned around silently, and carefully slid down the cliff on the ground.Don't look down.

Liane pretended she was descending the stairs, and every time her foot hit a ledge it made her cry out in delight.When she finally came to the same plane as the boy, she leaned her forehead against the cold rock, closed her eyes and thanked God for not breaking her neck.She turned slowly to the boy.He was only five or six years old at most, and he was trying his best to pretend to be brave and bold.He held the rope tightly in one hand and the dagger in the other. His round eyes were full of fear and tears, which made Lian feel very distressed. She is his only hope of survival, but he stubbornly dare not trust her.He would not look at her or speak to her, and every time she tried to grab him, he stabbed her in the arm with a dagger.But she didn't want to give up, even if it would make her bleed to death.

Stop messing around and let me help you.she ordered.Can't you see that the rope is about to snap? Her stern tone jolted the boy out of his fear.He stared at the blood dripping from her fingertips, suddenly realized what he had done to her, and hurriedly threw the dagger away. sorry miss!he yelled in Gaelic.Sorry, I shouldn't hurt girls. He spoke so fast and with a harsh accent that she could barely guess what he meant.let me help youShe hoped he understood because she only knew basic Gaelic and wasn't even sure if she was using the right words.Don't twist and turn like that, you'll break the rope.let me catch you.

Come on, miss.He whispered, this time in English. She leaned over slowly, stretched out her arms to hug his waist, and just pulled him to the ledge beside her, the rope broke.If the boy hadn't had one foot firmly on the ledge, both of them would have fallen backwards.She hugged him tightly and sighed loudly in relief. so close.He untied the rope wrapped around his wrist and threw it to the bottom of the cliff.He wanted to see the rope fall, but when he tried to turn around, she tightened her arms and told him not to move. Well, the hard part is just beginning.she whispered. He could hear the tremor in her voice.Are you afraid, miss?

Afraid.Now I want to let you go, stick to the rock wall and don't move around.I'm going to start climbing and try to pull you up. But we are going down, not up. don't bark.she says.It was impossible for us to climb down, there was not enough foothold.Don't you see how smooth the rock walls are? There's a big ledge below that we can jump to.Believe it or not, the ledge is not far from us. I don't want to look down.She clutched the thin rock crack above her head with both hands, trying in vain to prop herself up. Do you not have the strength to climb up?The boy observed.

Let me take a break and try again.She pretended to be calm and said, but in fact she was terribly scared. You can't climb because I stabbed you.There's blood all over your clothes.Sorry, but I'm freaking out. He sounded like he was about to cry, she quickly reassured him and said: It's okay.She tried again, but couldn't exert any strength in her arm.With a groan of frustration, she finally gave up.I think you're right, we have to go down. She turned slowly on the narrow ledge and sat down with her back against the cliff.The boy looked at her, then turned around abruptly, and sat down beside her.His sudden movement made her grab his arm in a heartbeat.

can we dancehe asked eagerly. No, you can't use jumping ones.We're going to slide down slowly, hold on to my hand. But you have blood on your hands. She quickly wiped the blood off her skirt, then took his hand.They looked down together.Liane had to make sure the ledge was wide enough.She prayed silently, held her breath and jumped off the ledge.The distance was not far, but the impact of the landing still made her shake a bit.The boy lost his balance when he landed, but she caught him just in time.He threw himself into her arms, shaking with shock. I almost fell. Yes, but it's fine now.

Shall we not go on? No, we're staying here. They hugged for a few minutes, but the boy quickly recovered from his shock and climbed past her to the wider ledge, sheltered by the overhanging rocks above.He sat down on his knees with a proud face, gesturing for her to come over. She shook her head.I'm fine here. It's going to rain and you're going to get wet.It's easy, just don't look down. As if to emphasize his prediction, thunder rumbled in the distance.She moved towards him slowly with her heart beating like a drum, she was so frightened that she was about to throw up.Boys seem to be braver than she is.He climbed forward to the edge of the ledge, trying to poke his head out to look at the bottom of the valley.She hastily grabbed his ankles and dragged him back. Sit down and let me figure out what to do. Why don't you like to look down?Does looking down scare you? I don't know why, but looking down from a height makes me dizzy. Are all British girls like you? I think not. Uncle Ernie told me that most girls are weak.he said assertively. He was wrong, most girls are not weak.What boys can do, girls can do. The boy must have thought her words funny, for his shoulders shook from laughing.When she was wondering how such a young boy could be so arrogant, he asked again.Miss, what's your name? Lianne. He waited for her to ask his name, but she never asked.Don't you want to know my name? I already know, I heard the soldiers say you are Lord Lacey's brother Michael. The boy shook his head desperately.No, Mike is not my real name.He leaned against her and took her hand.We were playing a game of mischief when the soldiers came to arrest me, and they put a sack around me. You must be freaking out.By the way, why didn't you listen to me and wait for me in the stall?You know I'm your friend.I unlocked the door for you, didn't I?if you believe me I can't trust the British. Uncle Erni told you again? No, Uncle Birdy told me.But I already knew. Do you believe me or not? Probably believe it.he answered.I didn't mean to stab you, does it hurt? It hurts to death, but she won't admit it, so as not to add to the boy's worries.Nothing, but I figured I'd try to stop the bleeding. She tore off a piece of her petticoat and used it as a bandage around her arm.He tied the cloth strips around her wrists for her, and she pulled down her sleeves to cover the bandages. I was hurt too.The boy pulled up his clothes with a smile on his face, exposing his chest and belly.They leave scars. I don't think so.She said, but his frustrated expression made her change her words.But it might as well.Do you really want scars? He nods. Why? All warriors have scars, and scars are a mark of courage. His seriousness prevented her from laughing.The wound must be painful.She pulled down his clothes to cover his stomach.When we're brought back to the castle, I'll have a servant apply the medicine for you.There are older women who remember me and will help us. We can't go back!he exclaimed excitedly. His sudden transformation took her by surprise.Don't be vexatious.We're stuck on this ledge with nowhere to go. I don't want to go back, I want to go home.he said tearfully. She nodded sympathetically.I know.I promise you, I will try to help you get home. He didn't seem convinced, but leaned against her and yawned loudly.Uncle Ernie said that the British do not keep their promises. I really have to meet this uncle of yours some other day to clear up his misunderstanding. He snorted.He won't talk to you.Liane, I knew I was supposed to wait for you at the barn, but then that man came in and I ran away because I was scared. Do you mean the Baron? An ugly monster with a red beard. Yes, that is the Baron.did he see you? I don't think so.I saw him leave with two others when I was hiding in the woods, maybe they never came back. Oh, they will definitely be back.She told the truth and did not want to let the boy have false hopes.Even if you don't come back tomorrow, you will come back the day after tomorrow. The boy frowned, that over-age expression made her feel sad.Such a small child should be running and playing with friends outside, but he was kidnapped and became Baron Ever's pawn.He must have felt like he was in a nightmare. how old are you?she asked. Almost seven years old. almost? Soon to be seven. you are very brave. I know.He said matter-of-factly.Why did those people kidnap me from the ceremony?Did I do something bad? No, she assured him.This matter has nothing to do with you.The baron has a plan for me, but he hasn't told me what it is. You are just innocently involved. I miss my parents so much.He wept silently. They must be looking around anxiously for you. No, they thought I was dead. How could they think that way? I heard the Baron tell his friends that my kidnappers made it look like I hit my head on a rock, fell into a waterfall and drowned. What else did they say?She asked in a chatty tone, so that the boy would not be alarmed and troubled by the seriousness of the situation. I hear every word they say.The Baron thought I didn't understand, because I hadn't spoken in their presence, not even in Gaelic. You are really smart.She saw her compliment make him grin happily.He was a handsome little boy with dark curly hair, gray eyes, and freckles on his nose and cheeks.Tell me what you heard.Speak slowly so as not to miss something. The Baron lost a box a long time ago, but now he thinks he knows where it is.A man told him. who?Did the Baron say what the man's name was? No, the man told him when he was dying.That box had a strange name, but I couldn't remember it at the moment. She suddenly felt nauseous, and now she understood why Ever made her go back to Denhamshire.anna.she whispered.He called it the Anna Box, right? right.he said excitedly.how do you know? She didn't answer, and countless questions swirled in her heart.God, did Ever find Li Ting? How do you speak Gaelic? Because my sister Litine lives in the Scottish Highlands He interrupted her.Where in the highlands? Not sure, but when I find out her whereabouts, I'm going to see her.I wish I could talk to her in Gaelic. Why does she live in the Highlands and you don't? Because I am captured.she answered.Long ago, when I was a little girl, the Baron and his men took Denhamshire.My father tried to get my sister and me to safety, but Litine and I got separated in the chaos. Did she get lost? No, she was taken to the Lowlands by my father's cronies.My Uncle Morken tried his best to find out her whereabouts, but her whereabouts after entering the highlands were a mystery.I don't know where she is now, but I hope to find her someday. After a few minutes of silence, the boy said, "It's getting dark, are you as afraid of the dark as you are afraid of heights?" No, I'm not afraid of the dark. He wanted her to put an arm around his shoulder, but to his dismay, she didn't seem to understand his cue, so he took her arm and put it on his shoulder.You smell like my mom, I miss her so much.He began to cry as he spoke. She brushed the curls out of his eyes and kissed his forehead.Don't cry, I promise I will try to get you home. But you are just a girl.he whimpered. His sobbing broke her heart, but not knowing how to comfort him, she blurted out in desperation.Do you know what a protector is? That's the defender.He answered sobbing, sitting up and wiping away tears with his fist.Every child in our clan is born with a protector.My protector was originally Unger, but recently changed because Unger died.Baba thought long and hard about whom to pick, because he wanted my defenders to be as strong and tenacious as my brother Gohan's protectors. Who did your dad choose for you? his friends.He is a fierce warrior and an important lord.Best of all, he's downright vicious.He can split a tree in half with just a blink of an eye, Uncle Ernie told me.He was only fierce when he had to be. Isn't Uncle Erni your protector? no.He's too benevolent to be a protector. Wouldn't it be nice to have a benevolent protector?she asked with a smile. Not good, because you must be cruel to your enemies and not be kind.That's why Dad asked Uncle Birdy to be my new protector.Uncle Birdie might be really mad now because he told Papa not to let me go to the festival, but Papa couldn't get Mama to let me come. Did your Uncle Birdy join the festivities? No, he never went because there were too many British people at the festival.I bet he doesn't think I'm dead.He is the new lord of the Bu's family, and everyone knows how stubborn the Bu's are.Maybe he'll come here and find me before Dad does. Maybe.she said perfunctorily.Why don't you sleep on my lap? You won't leave while I'm asleep, will you? Where can I go? He smiled when he realized how silly his worries were.I'd be terrified when you had to leave.I heard the Baron tell his friend that you must go and get your sister, and he must be very angry to find you don't know where she is. Why didn't you tell me this just now? I forgot. What else did he say?she pressed. He says your king is looking for that box too, but the Baron must find it before him.I do not know why.I can only remember so much.Suddenly he sobbed again.I wish dad would come and pick me up right now. don't cry.she begged, wrapping him in her arms.A little boy with three protectors should laugh, not cry. But I have only one protector. No, you have three.The first is your dad, the second is Birdie, and the third is me.I will protect you until you get home safely. But girls cannot be protectors. sure. He nodded after thinking for a moment.All right, but you have to give me something of yours as a token. Did your Uncle Birdie give you a token? Yes, he gave me his best dagger.His family crest is on the hilt of the dagger.Pa made a leather sheath for me to bring the dagger to the ceremony, but the dagger was taken by the Baron's soldiers.I saw him throw it on the cabinet in the hall. We'll find a way to get it back. But what token are you going to give me?he asked. She holds out her hand.Did you see this ring I'm wearing?It was left by my grandmother and given to me by my Uncle Moken for my birthday last year.I'll wear it with a ribbon around your neck, and you'll have to hide it under your coat, out of the baron's sight. can i keep it forever no.After I have kept my word and sent you home safely, you will have to return the ring to me.OK, now close your eyes.You can think about how happy your parents will be to see you again.She stroked his back and put him to sleep. Mom will cry with joy, but Dad will be mad when he learns about the games Michael and I played. Your friend is also named Michael? Mike is my friend.The Baron is stupid because he thought I was Michael. Her hand on his back suddenly stood still.Are you not Michael? He sat up and faced her.I'm not, my friend is Michael.The stupid Baron thought I was Lord Lacey's brother, but I wasn't, Michael was.That's the game we're playing.We exchanged cloaks, planning to return to Michael's tent when it got dark and he to mine.We wanted to see how long it would take for someone to find out. God!She gasped in surprise.The innocent boy had no idea of ​​the seriousness of the situation.Sooner or later, Ever would discover that he had caught the wrong man, and the boy's life would be doomed. She grabbed his shoulders and pulled him closer.Promise me one thing, she whispered eagerly.Don't tell anyone what you just told me.She studied his face in the dim light.who are you? Alex. She let go of his shoulders.Alex, did your friend see the Baron's soldiers take you? He bit his lower lip as he recalled what had happened.No.Michael was going back to his tent to get his bow and arrows when the men came for me.do you know?I don't think those men were the Baron's soldiers because they wore plaid capes. How many are they? Don't know maybe three. If those people were Highlanders, they were traitors who conspired with the Baron.She ran her fingers through her hair in distress.God!The situation is really complicated. The Baron must be pissed when he finds out he's got the wrong guy, won't he?He might tell the traitors to go back and get Michael. We have to try to warn Michael's family.she says.Alex, if you swap clothes with Michael, his people will find out.Then he'll tell you what game you're playing. Maybe he won't tell the truth for fear of his brother's anger, or take my cloak off before anyone finds out.He didn't want to play this game because he was afraid of getting into trouble.It's all my fault, I forced him. No one will blame you, stop worrying.Come, lie on my lap and rest quietly. He yawned loudly and put his head on her lap.Michael belongs to Lacey.He reminded her as if she was afraid she would forget. What about you, Alex? I am Maien's son.he said proudly.