Redhawk
Always and never changing
I've taken the great suggestions here to heart and since I still think I need a Prelude....I've done some rewriting to try and get a stronger hook effect. I might be wrong in thinking it needs the Prelude at all. The original story idea of being two parts, first with alternating sections of Past and Present woven together into one book, and now the need to either cut down the first (past) part OR make it stand alone and try to follow up in a separate book with the second present day story is befuddling to me at the least. This baby has a way to go before its birthed, no doubt in my mind at all. 
I appreciate the kind help that's been given and look forward to the honest and good intentions, wisdom and suggestions offered.
Prelude
That which was then…..
The cold harsh wind whipped tears into my eyes while the rain beat down in sheets that plastered the rough clothes stolen for me to my body, and the usually flowing, heavy mane to the neck of my horse. There was little moonlight, what there was of that was covered by the storm clouds. The jagged lighting that split the sky, flickering like a million candles, was the only true light we had to see by.
I needed a dark night, one I could hide within, a night with no brilliant moon dancing upon the water of the moat. A cold night, in which no servants would stray to keep a lover’s trust, and seeing me move in secret amidst the shadows of the moon, would compel them to give word to my father or mother of what they had seen.
I was terrified that I would be caught and also that Nannine would be blamed for not telling anyone of my plans. She was my maid, but even more, my dearest friend. Without her help the plan we had devised, with Ryan, another old and trusted friend, would never have had even a chance of working. My confident of old, Nannine knew the truth better any anyone why I had to run away.
My lady mother now, then and always was my father’s closest and dearest alley. No more would she have given heed or thought to my counsel than she would to one of the wolfhounds that lay nightly at the fireside between her chair and papa’s. In truth, I believe she would have given more thought to the dogs’ musings. After all, if they sounded a warning, who would not listen? My words had fallen on deaf ears and caused only anger, dismay, and heartache.
I swear to you, there was no other clear choice but to make good my escape. While it is true I was often a willful child and could at times be considered to have stronger opinions than a woman should have, I was for the most part an obedient daughter. I had learned to be a lady in keeping with my family name and responsibilities. I learned to sew, to plan for the needs of the Keep; and to prevail against the lazy or dim witted of our servants in a gentle manner to keep them at their tasks in good order. In time I learned to dance, not only as befits a lady upon the dance floor, but also some small part of that dance with which a lady learns to hold court. My parents did their duty by me, I assure you; and it was not with malice that I have committed such disobedience as this! Had the circumstances been different, I would not have gone against my father’s wishes.
I appreciate the kind help that's been given and look forward to the honest and good intentions, wisdom and suggestions offered.
Prelude
That which was then…..
The cold harsh wind whipped tears into my eyes while the rain beat down in sheets that plastered the rough clothes stolen for me to my body, and the usually flowing, heavy mane to the neck of my horse. There was little moonlight, what there was of that was covered by the storm clouds. The jagged lighting that split the sky, flickering like a million candles, was the only true light we had to see by.
I needed a dark night, one I could hide within, a night with no brilliant moon dancing upon the water of the moat. A cold night, in which no servants would stray to keep a lover’s trust, and seeing me move in secret amidst the shadows of the moon, would compel them to give word to my father or mother of what they had seen.
I was terrified that I would be caught and also that Nannine would be blamed for not telling anyone of my plans. She was my maid, but even more, my dearest friend. Without her help the plan we had devised, with Ryan, another old and trusted friend, would never have had even a chance of working. My confident of old, Nannine knew the truth better any anyone why I had to run away.
My lady mother now, then and always was my father’s closest and dearest alley. No more would she have given heed or thought to my counsel than she would to one of the wolfhounds that lay nightly at the fireside between her chair and papa’s. In truth, I believe she would have given more thought to the dogs’ musings. After all, if they sounded a warning, who would not listen? My words had fallen on deaf ears and caused only anger, dismay, and heartache.
I swear to you, there was no other clear choice but to make good my escape. While it is true I was often a willful child and could at times be considered to have stronger opinions than a woman should have, I was for the most part an obedient daughter. I had learned to be a lady in keeping with my family name and responsibilities. I learned to sew, to plan for the needs of the Keep; and to prevail against the lazy or dim witted of our servants in a gentle manner to keep them at their tasks in good order. In time I learned to dance, not only as befits a lady upon the dance floor, but also some small part of that dance with which a lady learns to hold court. My parents did their duty by me, I assure you; and it was not with malice that I have committed such disobedience as this! Had the circumstances been different, I would not have gone against my father’s wishes.
