The Battle

He was sick and tired of this god forsaken country. The constant rain and muddy terrain playing havoc with his equipment. Even now he sat listening to the rat a tat of of the downpour hitting his armour. Every now and then a rogue drop was forced through the visor in his helm. The biting wind never let up for a second. It was a constant struggle to hold his ground buffeted as he was.

Scotland, why bloody Scotland? What was so special about these Celt's. All he knew was that he had to take this land. Once he had it, he had to hold it until the reinforcements arrived. Ordinarily not a problem but these Celt s were ferocious fighters. They were massed in numbers on the opposite ridge. Covered in their paint, shouting taunts he did not understand.

He looked down the line at the rest of his Knights. As comanding Knight he was expected to lead by example. He steadied his horse as he calmly raised his hand. It was the signal that the advance was to begin very soon. He was proud of his men. The knowledge that they would follow him into that mass knowing they would likely die. He was confident his knights would make a fair account of themselves.

The rest of the infantry where hardy fighters and all battle tested. He was sure they would hold but it would be for him to lead this charge and break the enemy line. He felt his pulse quicken. This was the moment he loved most of all. His troops eerily silent in contrast from the noise opposite. The sound of ringing steel as swords where drawn. He knew how it would feel to the Celt's facing this silent wall. It would leach their confidence at not being able to bait them.

Smiling though no one could see, he let the blood lust rise within. The rage would soon have its day. Lowering the arm he kicked his heels into the flanks of his mount. A slow steady walk at first. No accidents in descending this steep incline. The noise increasing opposite, culminating in one defiant scream of hatred. The thunder of thousands of pairs of feet charging.

Half way down the hill now. Still he held the pace steady and controlled. When would these Celt's learn?. They would be running uphill soon and giving him the advantage of the higher ground. The sound of their cries was deafening and he was glad his padded helm offered him some protection. He again looked along his orderly line. He felt a surge of pride in them as he signalled the charge.

No wasted effort in shouting, the enemy was charging uphill now. He reached the optimum speed and drew his Calvary sabre for this initial contact. Lighter and more manoeuvrable he could cut a bloody swathe through the ranks facing him. His line had formed a fighting V with him at the point. His sword made contact and he felt the thrill as blood sprayed across his visor.

This was life, this was everything. Again and again he swung the sabre until suddenly he was clear. Wheeling the horse around he dismounted and was joined by the remaining knights. Horses would be no use now, another charge would probably kill as many of his men as the enemy. Freeing the larger broad sword he strode to the mass of Celt's. Not immediately aware of their peril he swung the sword in a mighty arc, hamstringing an unfortunate Celt. His screams alerting his comrades to this threat from the rear.

Time ceased to have meaning. He fought on against the endless horde. Arms tiring he refused to feel the fatigue. The only thing that mattered was the land he must take. Fulfilling his sacred duty. He saw a massive figure running at him carrying a huge axe. He leaned back on his left leg waiting. The axe swung back, just as it was starting forward in a murderous arc he jumped forward. Sword pushed forward like a spear. The shocked look on the axe bearers face as the sword is pulled clear.

He turns looking for his next target but the battle is over. The remaining enemy withdrawing from the field. Tiredness washes over him and he feels for the first time the bruises on his ribs where the mace caught him by surprise. He has a cut along his forearm where he had his armour cut from him by a broadsword. He removes his helm, grateful for once the rain pelting his face invigorates him. He takes a moment as he surveys the battlefield to enjoy the quiet and stillness. All to soon his captains will be needing their orders and he would have plans to make.

Liebster Blog Award

I have read a few of these now and have always been dubious about taking part. I mean who would be interested in finding out more about me? I am just a guy that likes to write stories. Well I guess there is one way to find out....

I guess I should start at the beginning with an invite from a great new friend Taylor Fulks:

http://www.taylorfulks.com/

Author of: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16109612-my-prison-without-bars-the-journey-of-a-damaged-woman-to-someplace-norma

'I wrote this novel in first person, from the mind, body, and heart of a child. I didn't want to shock or be grotesque...I wanted people to truly know the permanent damage that is inflicted, to know the depths of fear and self-loathing, and to really feel through the experiences of an abused child.'

What exactly is the Liebster Blog you may well ask, so let me enlighten you:

The purpose of the Liebster Blog Award is to recognize blogs with fewer than 200 followers that deserve a look. My assignment is to:

(a) List 11 random facts about me.

(b) Answer 11 questions Alice has sent me.

(c) Come up with 11 questions to ask other authors.

(d) Nominate and tag 11 other authors for this award (how cool is that?).

To my nominated friends—it means doing the same thing that I am doing…

(a) Post a blog linking back here to me with 11 random facts about you

(b) Answer my 11 questions

(c) Nominate 11 new bloggers to answer 11 questions you have set for them

(d) If the thought of rounding up 11 other bloggers is daunting and just a bit much with your busy schedule, just write 11 random facts about yourself and answer my questions…Come on—it’ll be fun!

OK—so here goes…

11 random facts about me

1. When I was very young I wanted to be an accountant. I always used to love numbers and still do to a certain degree.

2. I have started but not yet finished my first Novel.

3. I have foolishly signed up to run a half marathon in June..... there is only one problem.... I have not started my training yet!!! Gulp!!

4. I have two tattoo's that I love. One from when I was 18 and then another as a present to myself when I was 30.

5. I only started publishing my writing on Facebook as recently as October last year. The premise is that I take two random words and a genre and turn them into a story. Www.facebo

The Job

Angry, that was a pale imitation of what he was feeling. There was nothing torpid about him as he paced the room. They had gotten rid of him, he had been disgraced. Now it suited them and they needed him all was forgiven?. He felt he could scream but held it all inside, a silent rage.

He had been the very best in the business. No one since had been able to fill the void he had left. He knew it and they knew it. The problem was they would not admit it to him. So he festered and paced. Finally he was summoned again and asked his decision. The smug faces opposite said they knew the answer. He agreed to do the job but decided now was a good time to change the rules.

He took great pleasure watching the smug grins slip from their faces. Knowing they had not seen this coming was immensely satisfying. The rage came under control and he was himself again. There was a lot of babbling now and he sat down and watched. Finally order was restored and they agreed to his demand. A full apology in writing would be his along with his special request.

With everything sorted out he set off to his destination. Entering the five star hotel he checked in to his room. He ordered some room service and watched T.V. Killing time was a part of his job. Patience was his friend and ally. It would soon be time to make his move. Standing in the middle of the room he worked through some stretches. Muscles loosened, he went to the window.

The window was not designed to be fully opened but that did not stop him. Soon he was stood on the ledge and looking down to the street below. He could see the headlights as they cut through the night. He wondered what lives those people led. He knew he would never be one of them, could never be one of them. Turning he jumped up. Hanging from the balcony above he forgot about the fall. Pulling himself up he climbed up. Repeating the manoeuvre again he was now two floors up. The wind was stronger here and he imagined it as avenging souls coming to carry him to his death. Laughing to himself he took out his picks and gained entry to the room.

Asleep in the bed was the target and his wife. The room was as silent as the grave. He made his way across the room. A change in breathing and he stopped dead, one foot in the air. Slowly he lowered it to the carpet and waited. His heart was pounding, god he loved his job. The adrenalin was a kick in the gut. He rode out the rush and waited. Patience was his ally and friend. Deep sleep resumed and he moved forward.

Taking the vial from his pocket he dipped the needle into the clear toxin. Holding the needle over the targets lips he waited. The tiny drop of toxin hung on to the end on the needle. If it had fingers then only the tips had purchase. No longer able to hold on the droplet fell to the lips below. He imagined it as a person falling in slow motion, screaming all the way down. The involuntary action of licking his lips killed the target. Such a simple act but deadly.

He stoppered the vial and moved back to the balcony. He heard the gasping gurgle of the death rattle as he closed the door behind him. He lowered himself to the balcony below. As he repeated the act the avenging wind buffeted him and he slipped. Falling through the air he flung out his hand. Making contact with the ledge outside his room. His fall arrested as his arm pulls taut. Agony ripped through him as tendons stretch to their limits. Hanging one armed from a ledge was not how he imagined this ending.

Feeling strength ebb from him he knows he must act and fast. Ignoring the protests of his aching body he reaches up with his other hand. The pressure eases and he pulls himself up and over. Hitting the carpet as he falls into his room, he is breathing hard. He lays there resting and lets the pain subside. He has never come that close to death before and has never felt so alive.

Need directions

Where were they going?. This was the question on the lips of the captain. He licked his lips to keep them moist and looked back at the plan. He had been promoted through the ranks more by luck than judgement. He scratched the top of his head as he stared completely bemused at the paper in front of him. He knew that if he was to get out of this pickle he would need a miracle. It had been so easy. Follow the lorry ahead they had told him. Well he had followed the bloody thing. The only problem was that it was the wrong lorry.

Now staring at plans the lines all merged into a big mess. He screwed it into a ball and threw it over his shoulder. He heard the startled yelp and spun around. His apology dying in his throat. He felt his face flush as he took in the vision of loveliness. She was pulling the screwed up ball out of her cleavage. He tried to help but she smacked his hand out of the way, a scandalised look on her face.

He finally stammered out an apology but could not take his eyes from her significant assets. She cleared her throat and his eyes snapped up to meet hers. She handed him the ball of paper. Hand shaking he took it and looking sheepish tossed it into the cab. She asked him what was he playing at and stood there hands on hips waiting for answer.

He tried to explain but the way she was stood caused her cleavage to rise and fall almost out of her top. He found himself getting tongue tied and blurting out he was lost.

“I was trying to find my way to the border but the lorry I was following was the wrong one!”

“Oh I see” she said.

An idea formed in his head, maybe if he asked this lady the way. He was sure that soon he would be back on the right path. He found the confidence returning, he was strong and confident and deserving of rank. Squaring his shoulders he faced her head on. He refused to be intimidated by her attractiveness. She looked at him expectantly as if she knew the next words out of his mouth would be powerful and commanding.

He took a deep breath. Feeling the air flow into his lungs, filling them. Hope fully renewed and sure now that this was no chance meeting. He asked his question of her. He was startled to find himself on the floor and his jaw stinging. He shook his head to clear it and thought back over the last moments trying to piece it all together.

He saw again her fist being pulled back and then being unleashed with such power. She was shaking her hand trying to get rid of the pain of hitting him. He thought further back and played again the question through his mind and then he got it....

“I know its a little chilly and there is a definate nipple in the air. I was chest wondering if you could show me the breast? way to the border”

Terror Night

Holding his arm protectively around Anne. They were huddled together in the corner of the now dark bedroom. It was a far cry from earlier. Then there was nothing protective about them being together. They had been on the bed and having sex when the lights went out. The lights did not stop them but the sound of breaking glass did.

He could hardly hear Anne's shallow breathing. The only other sound was of the rain hitting the roof above them. They were both trying to keep as quiet as possible. He knew that it would not be enough. How could they have been so careless to be caught? how had they been followed? pointless questions really. The only one that mattered was how was he going to get them both out of there?. He whispered in Anne's ear that he was going to to take a look.

Anne held on to him tightly but he unhooked her fingers. Standing he pulled on his jeans and immediately felt less vulnerable. Not quite armour but better than being naked. He edged around the bed towards the door. A sound from downstairs causing him to halt. Holding his breath he waited. No further sounds came and he continued to the door. Opening it he peered through the narrow gap but could not see any movement.

He moved out into the hallway. The sound had come from downstairs so he crept towards the end of the landing. Alert but no further noises carried to his ears. He stood there silent for what seemed forever. He was about to take the first step down when he felt the breeze against his back. He shivered in the cold air feeling the goose bumps ripple along his skin. Caused partly by the chill and partly by the realisation that there were no windows open.

He turned and went back to the bedroom and saw Anne still huddled in the corner. He went over to tell her that they needed to move, to get out while they could. Anne grasped his arm tight. Her fingers slipped as she whispered something to him. He could not hear and tried to urge her to get up. Her grip was insistent and she pulled him close. She struggled to say something and finally he paid attention. Blood bubbling up into her mouth causing her to cough and shudder in pain. Anne gasped the word "run" as she gave in to deaths embrace.

Standing, he turned and ran to the door flinging it open rushed into the hallway. He bounded down the stairs and reaching the front door tried to pull it open. Although he had not done it, the door was locked. He raced through the house to the kitchen. It was no good the back door was also locked tight. His breathing coming in ragged gasps he pulled a knife from the block on the counter.

Soft laughter from behind made him whirl around. He felt a fool brandishing the knife in front of him. In the murky light he could see nothing. Edging backwards until he was against the wall. From the other side of the room soft laughter mocked him. He ran through to the living room pulling the door shut behind him. Soft laughter from the other side of the room now. This was impossible how could he move so fast?. The stairs were blocked off now and he had one choice left to him.

Running flat out he threw himself at the window. Glass shattering with a loud crash drowning out the drumming of the rain. Lying outside on the porch floor covered in glass he groaned as the pain washed over him. Pushing himself to his feet he ignored the stab of the glass cutting into him. He staggered out into the rain, limping as he made his way out onto the lawn.

He found himself on his knees. He tried to stand. Realising instead his face was resting against the cool grass.

A pressure on his back as his head is pulled up. The last thing he hears is that soft laughter in his ear as the blade slides across his throat.

Romance for Maria - Contains adult content.

Maria was looking forward to the show. She had taken the day off from her Job as a Technical Analyst, she loved her job but it was always nice to have time off. Maria was with a group of her close girlfriends and this day out had been planned for some time. After the show they were going out for a Pizza. This though was her favourite part. Milling around in the foyer listening to the muted sounds of conversation. There was a sense of excitement and anticipation that hung in the air that affected everyone.

It was busy and the press of people was making it a challenge to get to the confectionery stand. She was distracted by a hand on her arm pulling her through an opening it the mass. She was stood now only a couple of people back from the counter. Someone jostled into her back hard enough to make her stagger. Maria turned round to give the person a peace of her mind but the words died in her mouth.

Stood there was a breathtakingly handsome man. He too was turning from behind, seeing Maria looking an apologetic expression appeared on his face. He explained that he too had been shoved. Maria found herself drawn to the deep timbre of his voice, the meaning of the words almost lost. Looking into the deep blue of his eyes she felt herself wishing she could dive into their depths. His wavy brown hair framed his perfect face. What was happening to her? it was ridiculous the affect he was having. Maria felt her face heating as her heart pounded in her ears. He had stopped speaking now and was starting to look concerned. Maria knew he was waiting for a response but could not remember what he said. Blushing more than ever she was saved as her friend dragged her forcibly to the counter. Gathering her thoughts as she chose some candy to eat during the show she felt her equilibrium return. Handing over her payment she turned to speak to this man and apologise for ignoring him.

Looking around she could not see him anywhere and was surprised to feel a little disappointed. The crowd was thinning now as people moved on to find their seats and Maria moved across the room to join her friends at the base of the stairs. When they were all together they went to find their seats. Maria went first into the row until she found the end of their allocation. Shrugging out of her coat she mad herself comfortable.

She chatted to her friend and flicked through the programme. It was only a couple of minutes now until curtain up, there was very little talking now as people settled down. There were sounds coming from the pit in front of the stage as musicians fine tuned their instruments. Maria was aware of disruption at the end of her row as one by one her friends stood up. There was always one person that had to take forever to take their seat. Sighing Maria stood up as the intruder reached her.

It was him, why did it have to be him?. She was so aware of him as he squeezed past her. He was invading her personal space and their eyes locked. Time seemed to move in slow motion, the booming thump of her heart, so loud surely he could hear that?. She breathed in the smell of his crisp clean aftershave. Those eyes again causing her to lose herself. Ruthlessly she tore her eyes away and down to his mouth. Maria watched as he formed words, but was now mesmerised by the fullness of his lips. He was past her now and moving past the next person. A cleared throat from the row behind snapped her attention back to reality. Maria took her seat as the lights dimmed.

The show was everything Maria had hoped it would be but part of her was waiting for the interval. Would she see this stranger again?. Looking down the row had not helped, the lighting was down too low. Maria allowed herself to relax and follow the story unfolding on the stage. It was a love story and that appealed to the writer in her. She had always enjoyed romance and had a flare for the erotic. The story was a traditional format of a poor boy who was really a prince. The show reached the natural dramatic point for the interlude. The curtain fell as the lights came up.

Maria looked down the row and felt a jolt in her chest as her eyes met his. The air between them almost crackled with electricity. The moment was lost as people between them climbed to their feet. Maria was distracted by her friend who wanted to discuss what they had seen so far. When she was able to glance across again he was gone. Now the lights were up she realised he was sitting close to the other end of the row. Feeling a little sad that he would not be squeezing past her again she waited for the show to begin again.

He took his seat just before the lights dimmed again but Maria did not miss the glance he sent her way. Flushed she was glad to be safely shrouded in darkness. The music began and the magic of the theatre took her back to another world. The traditional happy ending was the order of the day. The cast made their way onto the stage to take a bow to rapturous applause. The the lights came up, glancing to he left Maria’s heart sank. His chair was empty and there was no sign of this man who had entered her life.

The party made its way to the restaurant, soon with good food and plenty of beer to wash it down they were having a fantastic time. Conversation and laughter filled the room and as the evening wore on Maria found herself a little tipsy. As the night came to a close she gathered her coat and said goodbye to her friends. They all tried to get her to stay but Maria was feeling the effects of the beers and had to work tomorrow. Stepping into the night she stumbled. She felt herself caught as she fell and looked up into deep blue eyes....

He helped her up but did not step back or remove his hands. He towered over her but was not intimidating at all. In fact she felt safe here and made no move to put any distance between them. He did not say anything and she was glad, instead he moved closer to her pulling her into a kiss. The heat of the passion set her soul alight, she pulled him tighter against her body.

Maria had never felt such a connection before to a stranger. Stood in the street, locked in an embrace her body ached for his. She felt a little breathless as they finally stepped back from each other. There was no need for words, taking hold of her hand in his. Maria let herself be led. Walking streets she knew well she was surprised when he led her to her own apartment building. How did this man know where she lived?. She was about to speak when he pulled a key to the front door from his pocket.

Again taking her hand he led her to his apartment. Maria could not believe this was happening, it was like serendipity. His apartment was below hers and when he opened the doors she saw boxes stacked neatly. He had obviously just moved in. Taking her through to the bedroom she did not resist. This was not like her but it felt so right with this man. The bed was neatly made and there were only a couple of boxes awaiting attention.

She fell once more into his arms, the kiss was long. It hinted at the passion yet to come and fuelled the desire Maria was feeling. Their clothes seemed to melt away and soon they were stood in just underwear. The same hunger in his eyes as he looked at her must have been mirrored in hers. Stood there almost shaking with the pent up tension Maria new the release would be intense. Almost reverently he reached out to stroke her skin. Goosebumps sprang up along her arms.

His touch feather light as stepping closer he ran his hands around her sides to her back. Tracing his fingers up her spine as he held his lips close to hers. Teasing her with the promise of a kiss as his fingers worked the clasp of her bra. Finally his lips met hers and he slid the straps over her shoulders. Now her breasts were bare the kiss deepened. Maria moaned in pleasure as his fingers squeezed her nipple, tongues entwined he lifted her and carried her to the bed.

His hand moving between her legs as he touched her through the fabric of her sheer knickers. Following his lead she took hold of his hardness. He let out a small sound of pleasure as she touched him. He kicked his boxers off allowing her fingers to fully encircle his member. Sliding her hand along his shaft she elicited more cries of pleasure from him. As he became more aroused the intensity of his touch increased.

Maria found herself moaning in pleasure as he stimulated her. An orgasm took her almost by surprise and he skilfully drew out the moment for her. Muscles contracting as waves of pleasure continued to ripple through her. She wanted him and wanted him now!. Maria pulled him on top of her, not waiting to remove her panties he just pulled them to one side. This was it, the tip of his throbbing shaft pushing against her wet opening. He pushed into her but only the tip of his shaft. He teased her like this for a little while but Maria wanted him deep inside her.

She locked her legs around him and pulled him deeper. Something snapped in his restraint at her wanton behaviour. Suddenly he was pounding into her. Hands pinned to the bead beside her head she cried out in joy as he let the heat of the moment fuel his passion. She could see in his eyes that his own orgasm was approaching and raising her head she invited his kiss. This was too much for him. He buried himself deep inside her and she felt as his orgasm flowed into her.

Exhausted they collapsed in a heap on the bed. It was the start of a long night as they explored each other fully, there was no need for talking. The sun creeping through the window found them asleep still wrapped in each others arms. The gentle warmth on Maria's skin woke her and as she moved in his arms his eyes slowly opened. Making love slowly in the morning light the act culminating in release for both of them. Finally she was able to talk in his presence. Over a makeshift breakfast of cereal and fruit juice they conversed. Maria felt a connection to this man Steve whom it turned out she had so much in common with. It was like one of the stories she wrote so well and she knew that her future would be with him.  

Office Romance

Her warm breath misted as it hit the frigid cold air. Winter was well under way and snow was starting to fall. She watched the flakes as they twisted and turned on their slow inevitable journey to the ground. Holding her hand out in front of her she caught one. She watched it turn gradually from white to clear, revealing the colour of her red gloves as the warmth caused it to melt.

More flakes joined it as the shower intensified around her. She was glad she had her ear muffs to help ward against this cold night. The street lamps were just coming on. They cast pools of light through which the snow continued to dance. Picking up her pace again as she did not want to be late. He had told her he would wait outside the Chinese restaurant. This new restaurant was to be the setting for their first official date.

Meeting at work when he had transferred in from head office a few weeks ago. They had seemed to hit it off straight away both enjoying a similar sense of humour. Given a project to do together had meant staying late a few nights and long hours working together. Although it had been just work she had started to feel some real chemistry between them.

Surprisingly she had even begun looking forward to going in each day. This was something that had not happened in quite some time. She had started to try and make him smile just because it was so damn cute. She the way his eyes twinkled with genuine good humour. He occupied more of her thoughts outside of work than she really wanted to admit. She found herself living for those fleeting touches when her fingers brushed his. Each touch made her want more and she had started to become more tactile with him. Better yet she noted that he was more so with her too.

Finally the day came when the project was finished and needed to be presented to the management team. It had gone very well and she hoped that it would lead to more projects with him. She was not so lucky and her next assignment was with someone different. She remembered feeling fed up the next day in the office but then he had come to find her.

The whole time they were talking he kept shifting his feet and looked uncomfortable. She could not make sense of it, having been in his company before. Who was this man? he was like a completely different person. Instead of a twinkle in his eyes there was something akin to panic and it was getting worse.

He had stopped speaking and was obviously waiting for her to say something. Casting her mind back she frantically tried to bring back to the words he had been saying. Realising that he had just asked her out for a date. The moment she had said yes he had relaxed. He became again the person she knew and plans were made for the coming weekend.

She turned the corner and was now on the right street. The heavy snow was making it difficult to see the restaurant. The wind was coming straight at her now, the snow being driven into her face. She pulled her coat tighter to herself to keep warm. Only a little way to go and she would finally be there.

If he was standing outside in this he would be glad to finally get inside too. A brief break in the wind allowed her to finally look. Sure enough there he was standing next to the stone panda like he had said. Wrapped up in a long winter coat and scarf he cut a fine figure.

He was blowing on hands cupped to his face and stomping his feet against the cold. He looked up and saw her, he raised his hand to wave. She could see the smile that lit his face and felt her own in return. She closed the distance to him quickly now. He bent to kiss her hello. Although she was sure it was meant to be a little peck on the lips it lingered just a fraction longer. He took her hand and guided her to the door.