I Promised You - William and Ophelia by Carol Colbert Page B

Gertie told her
sister of her conversation with Julia and how it was Julia’s
husband who was one of the huntsmen, but that a much greater threat
was about to ascend on them. A man known as the Great Evil was
coming to the Palace and it was he who was in charge of the
purification process. He whom was summoned to rid the land of their
kind.

    “I am worried about you, Gertrude. Please be
careful and no….” She paused to look around again just to make sure
no one was within hearing range. “No blue mist, you must promise me
that or I shall never sleep again so full my head will be with
worry!”

    “It looks like you have made a friend in
William, we could use him. Maybe he can help us by bringing you
here or me back near home when we need to talk. Don’t let him take
you to the house, lead him in a different direction and walk the
rest of the way yourself. They already know our names and that we
live in the forest. Julia seems a bit cold, but it might just be
her condition.” Gertie said.

    “My bet would be on that it is because of her
husband. Any guess how long he and the King should be away?”

    “Aye, he looks like he could be a beast, that
one. His tongue is sharp and offensive to anyone within its reach.
One bit of good news at least, I heard him tell his wife that he
and the King should be gone for quite a while. Sounded like he is
not returning until after the child is born.”

    “I shall leave you now, sister. Godspeed.”
Ophelia said when William came around with a wagon. The sisters
embraced and Gertie watched them ride off down the path for a few
minutes before she then walked back through the Palace gates.

Chapter 2

    Ophelia was enjoying her ride back to her
home with William. Still, she was afraid to say too much because
she did not want to put Gertrude or anyone else in harm’s way.

    “Tell me, William, do you enjoy working for
the Crown?”

    “Tis hard to say, we have only just arrived.
I can say that I am happy that the huntsmen and the King have
decided that I am to remain in the Palace when they leave.”

    “And why is that?”

    “I have grown fond of Julia and I worry about
her while she is with child. Her husband, Mathew, is not the sort
of man Julia thought he was when they married.” William said, a
look of disgust on his face.

    “Why do you say that, William? How would you
know what Julia is thinking?”

    “Julia and I have had many talks.”

    “Was this before, or after she married
Mathew?”

    “Tis was right after. I
never found him to be good enough for her. He has a mean tongue and
an eye that seeks out Bawd.”

    I have heard of a Bawdy Basket, is that what
you mean, William?”

    “No, not a peddling woman, I mean women of a
lower class.”

    “Oh, like a prostitute?” Ophelia said.

    “Ophelia, how could you know of such a term?
I am greatly surprised.” William exclaimed, turning his head to
look at the beautiful young lady beside him.

    “Does thou think we are so far removed from
the cities that we have never heard such a term here in the forest?
You would be surprised then to realize that we have all kinds of
people here, just like anywhere else.” Ophelia said.

    “I am sorry if I offend, Ophelia. I only
meant to convey the nature of Mathew which makes him less than a
good husband for Julia.”

    “I understand, William. You can let me off
here, I live just yonder and the walk is a pleasant one.” Ophelia
said,

    “I don’t mind taking you all the way home.”
William offered quickly. He too was enjoying their ride and hated
to see it end. If the King is right, these woods are full of
dangers.” William said.

    “Such as?” Ophelia challenged him.

    “Well, such as witches and sorceries, and
other such evils.” William was quick to supply. “I would be very
troubled if you were to come to harm from one of them on your
travels back to your home.”
    “I see.” Ophelia said and then decided to
tease him a bit. “And pray tell, what