The Act of Forgiveness

....Waking to the pain in her head she tried to rise from the ground only to fall back grabbing her side. Feeling something smooth and wet she gasped in horror at the site of blood, and then it all flashed back. The clashing swords, thundering hooves, and the screams of the wounded knights falling to the ground. She finally scrambled to her feet and limped over the fallen bodies of the brave souls. Seeing the glint of a familiar cape she half limped half ran to the side of her fallen friend. Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees beside him. Taking the sleeve of her dress she wiped the dried blood from his face. Why did it have to happen! She didn't mean for it to end this way. Wind ruffled the edges of the fallen knights cloak, almost as though he still breathed. Her heart would leap at each little gust; but no, it was true. He was gone---there was nothing to be done. Rising to her feet, she clenched her jaw and shook her fist at the horizon where the enemy had disappeared, vowing with everything in her that she would be avenged.  She left the field of horror in a blaze of passion and emotion, swinging herself onto a horse that had escaped and thundered away. The pound of horses hooves had barely died away when a movement on the field betrayed that one had not yet breathed his last. She flew from her horse as she suddenly recognized the the familiar face. It was battle worn and scarred but she would know that face anywhere. She screamed his name as she stumbled to his side. He was breathing heavily, gasping for air. She fell at his side and gently removed the silver helmet from his head and lifted his head onto her lap. Her tears fell in little pools onto his breastplate as she wiped his hair away from his eyes. She didn't know what to say, and didn't even know if she could. Her heart beat in her throat as if trying to suffocate her. Finally she was able to whisper “I'm sorry...I'm sorry” saying it over and over again. The knights eyelids fluttered and she seemed to stop breathing. She said his name and he slowly turned to look at her. Fresh tears spilled from her eyes as she stroked his hair. “I'm sorry...so sorry”. He slowly turned his deep brown eyes up toward her glassy green ones. Lifting his arm painfully he touched her face and whispered “ It's ok.....It's ok....”. “ No it's not! It was all my fault I led you all into a trap!” she sobbed as she closed her eyes to squeeze out the pain she had bee trying to ignore in her side. The knight stroked her long brown curls and again whispered “ It's ok...It was an accident...I forgive you” He stared up at her face with a slight smile touching his lips. Her heart seemed to jump at those last words. Forgiven? Her? After all that she'd done? She stared into his face wondering what to do or say. “Will you help me up? I think I can stand...” the knight said, breaking the silence between them. She stumbled to her feet, cringing at the wound in her side. She helped the gallant knight up and put his arm around her shoulder. They slowly walked to the patient horse and she helped him mount it. It was then that she finally found the words to say, “Why? Why did you forgive me after all of this...” she said with tears still spilling down her face. “Because you have always been here for me, and I know you didn't mean it. You are a true friend my dear Princess, and I will always be loyal to you.” Her heart lurched within her, “Thank you....thank you...”. She climbed behind him on the horse and put her arms around his neck giving him a hug. She had committed a great mistake, yes, and it would take a long time to heal. But she had a friend to help her along the way...a friend that would not leave her...and that she was eternally great full for. Galloping off into the morning sun she left that awful past behind. But before her was a new horizon, waiting to be conquered....