DanielleofLyonesse

Danielle of Lyonesse

It was only after the disappearance of Danielle, a peasant shepherdess of my Father’s lands, that I learned of the terrible Curse that the Ambrosios had lain upon my soul that prevents me from marriage or even the common romantic dalliance.

I was but a boy then, about 10 years at the time and had not yet come into my title and lands in Valentin. In those days, it was my greatest joy to wander the Lands of my father, exploring the woods and fields and inventing entertainment, and perhaps some youthful mischief for myself.

This was how became acquainted with Danielle. One morning I found her flock in the lands to the west of the castle and I decided to play “wolf” and carry off one of her sheep. She sat in the shade with one of the lambs of a spreading elm tree, while I circled through the hedges to the other side of the field. Once there I waited and, like any good hunter, sighted upon my target a large ewe grazing near the hedges. I waited there until the shepherdess seemed most distracted playing peek-a-boo with the lamb I rushed out to pick up the ewe.

I must admit that in my youthful exuberance, I underestimated both the weight of the ewe and its unwillingness to be carried off. When I attempted to pick it up, it held itself fast to the ground by continuing to bite on the grass of the field and only after it stopped to chew was I able to lift off of the ground. Once I did, it began to bellow like an offended goose and only after much might struggle was I able to pick up the sheep the thrashing, bleating animal and lay it across my shoulders.

Only then did I realize that I had also failed to come up with an escape plan that allowed both me and the sheep to cross the hedge. The hedge was easily enough crossed by a boy, but a boy and a sheep it would not work for. I also saw that Danielle, the shepherdess, had seen me and was running my way.

I spotted the stile, but it was on the far side of the field. Had I dropped my prize or had their been no herd between me and the stile, I might have made it, but in the end, the shepherdess caught up with me and tripped me with her stick.

Even then, I might have escaped her, but as a descendant of the Vesi and holding the true spirit of the hidalgo, faced my punishment as a true man. I was glad that my mother was not in residence at that moment because I would not have been able to face her shame. Instead, Danielle and I were brought to my father’s chambers. He allowed me the privilege to confess, which I took and then he heard the shepherdess’ story. I must admit her version of the events had a sort of endearing contempt to them and I she spoke I could see that she had a fine strong spirit, beautiful eyes and rather impressive physical structure.

At the end of it my father ordered Danielle to beat me with her stick no less than 10 times and no more than 20. He also granted her the privilege of performing a similar beating should I appear in her fields again. Years later, the Duke told me later that ordered the punishment so that it would either discourage immoral behaviour or encourage better stealth skills.

This punishment was carried out later that afternoon in a private courtyard of the palace and later became all the rumour and scandal of castle in the weeks after. As a noble, I was not pillared, but stood as I was beaten. Danielle was a doughty young woman and quite strong for her size but I think that she held back some of her strength that afternoon or perhaps previous beating had inured me for it felt as no more than love taps, for all her yelling as she swung.

Nor did it discourage me from playing wolf or her from chasing me and striking me when I was caught. This went on for several weeks in a similar vein until one fateful day.

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