<div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth felt Wil’s smile warm her heart. Despite the fear that something might happen to him, Elizabeth smiled warmly. If he were to die, she thought to herself, he should have a happy memory of her with him. Controlling herself, she kept her smile and kissed Wil’s lips, maybe for the last time. “Go, my love. I shall wait for your return”, she murmured firmly after their lips parted.<br/><br/>As he drew his sword, Elizabeth took a step back. Her heart was beating hard in her chest, and she felt intensely anxious. Getting her hands together, Elizabeth started praying silently. “Holy Father, I deliver my Wil’s life in thy hands, my Lord. Should he be brought to me alive, Father, our first son shall be given to your service”. After this heartfelt promise, Elizabeth stayed still where she was. Something within her felt that it was the best thing to do. Had she moved and attracted the brigand’s attention, after all, Elizabeth felt that it would be a lot more dangerous for both of them. She would be at risk of getting injured, or even killed. And Wylyam would probably not have enough of a cold blood to watch her being threatened and still plan his actions carefully. Therefore, it was for the best that she stood as far from harm’s way as possible, and this she did.<br/><br/>From her standing point, Elizabeth couldn’t see much, or any, of what was happening. She could only hear the sounds of the clash. The sounds made her cringe, wondering if she would get her Wil back, or a corpse, and praying even harder for his life to be spared. <br/><br/>On the other side, the brigand had been sure that he was going to win. His opponent was just a boy, after all. He didn’t have an armor, and his only weapon was a sword, while he was armored and had a spear. Easier than taking a baby’s blanket. <br/><br/>As it usually happened, it was the man’s overconfidence that spelled his undoing. As he didn’t expect his adversary to stand a chance, the man charged with very little regard for defending himself as he otherwise would. And the result was that he would pay for his arrogance with his life.<br/><br/>When Wil reached the man, he was barely hanging on to life. For some reason - maybe to increase his chances of being sent to Heaven -, the man decided to speak. “Sir… Roger… Hoyt”... he gasped, referring to the nearest neighbors to the Saville family. The man took a few deep breaths before continuing, his voice barely above a whisper. “... lands…”, he murmured, before closing his eyes.<br/><br/>As the man closed his eyes, Elizabeth approached Wil, a relieved sigh escaping her lips. Her Wil was alive. Her relief didn’t last long, though. She was soon dropping to her knees, her hand touched the one Wylyam had over his wound. “You are wounded!”, Elizabeth exclaimed, concern clearly sounding on her voice. “Let me see it, my love”, she requested, trying to move Wil’s hand gently so she could see how serious his wound was.</div>