Time to Take a Bride

The Strange & Unusual Universe of Silver Moon Unicorn

(An old tale about the elves before the humans came. We were quite a rough lot. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Maenwolf’s father was proud of his son. Maenwolf had become a fierce warrior. He had earned his right to be the heir and next lord of the realm. He worked hard and learned all he could to reach this point to have his father’s approval. Yet, something was missing in his life. He couldn’t put a finger on it.

“Son, it’s time for you to choose a bride so you can have an heir.” He paused. “Do you have a young elf maiden in mind? Or should my guards just give you anyone at all?”

Maenwolf looked at his father. He thought about it and one person came to mind. His childhood friend he hadn’t seen in ages. He wondered what she had been up to while he had to learn to be a warrior. “Jaena. I’ll take Jaena as my bride and mother of my heir.”

His father smiled. “Very well, it shall be done. In the meantime, rest. You’ll see your bride soon.”

*****

Jaena was worried about Maenwolf. She hadn’t seen him in so long and there were rumors that he had become a fierce warrior to please his father. She knew the father and lord of the realm was wicked and had no respect for any woman. Rumor also said he killed his wife when Maenwolf no longer needed a nurse maid. She shook her head and went back to her gardening. During the friends’ separation she had been busy learning all about plants. She knew how to grow them and how to identify them in the garden and in the wild. Her teachers were quite proud of her.

No one had any warning. The guards came into the house demanding to know where Jaena was. The healers were stunned to see the guards and refused to say anything. The guards drew their swords and killed both the women. Then they searched the house.

Jaena looked up towards the house and saw the guards. She could see the blood on their drawn swords. She knew they were coming for her. She stood up. She held her head high.

“Oh, you must be Jaena!”

“I am. What do you want?”

“You are being summoned to the castle.”

“Why?”

“You’re to be married soon.”

“No.”

“You don’t have a choice, missy. Our lord says it’s your turn to be a bride. Now come along with us.”

Jaena struggled. She fought the men. It was no use. They were armed and she didn’t know how to fight. They quickly tied her up and carried her to the castle. Her clothing was torn. She was angry and sad. She didn’t feel decent enough to see anyone, yet everyone could see her. The guards carried her past some villages who looked on her with sad eyes. All looked down when they saw the guards.

Finally, the guards set her down on the floor of the great hall. Maenwolf was standing to the right of his father. He looked at Jaena and the guards. He could see her torn clothing and her upset face. “What have you do to her?”

The guards answered, “She wouldn’t cooperate with us. She’s not permanently damaged.”

“What? Not permanently damaged? How dare you!”

Maenwolf’s father raised a hand to stop his son from pouncing. “Son, it’s okay. She’s just to carry your heir. She doesn’t have to live beyond that.”

Maenwolf’s breathing was a loud angry hiss. Without thinking, he drew his sword and cut his father’s hand off. He quickly turned and stabbed his father in the heart. He spun back around and slew both guards. Then he stood still. He lowered his sword and put it away. He looked down and saw Jaena still tied up on the floor. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was gaping. He drew his knife and bent down to cut her bonds.

“What? Why?” As soon as she was free of her bonds, she spun around to face him. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know they would harm you. My father just asked me yesterday who I wanted for my bride and mother of my heir.”

She stared at him. “Why did you kill them all?”

“They hurt you. I’m sorry, milady. I wish they weren’t rough with you. It pains me to see you hurt.”

She slapped him. He put his hand to his cheek. “I’m sorry, milady. What would you have me do to make it up to you?”

“Bring me some decent clothes!”

“Yes, milady. This way.” He stood up and waited for her to stand up. Then he led her to his mother’s room and showed her the clothes hanging in the wardrobe. She selected a dress that looked to be a good fit.

She walked over to the partition and went behind it. “No peaking!”

“Okay. I’ll stay right here.”

She wasted no time putting the dress on. It was a little big, but it would do. She walked out from behind the partition and stared at him. “I don’t think we can stay here. I wouldn’t be surprised if more guards show up and decided to kill me or you as well.”

“We can leave right now. I promise to protect you. I’ll be your armsman.”

“Very well. Let’s go.”