A Witch's Tale (41 page)

The
man was quite put out to find himself at the end of Rohan and his men’s swords
when he arrived there asking questions about her. Nathanial Hines was entrusted
with keeping an eye out for her all those years after her mother’s death. She
was a wealthy woman now, their future secure.

The
death warrant against her in England was overturned the year before. Due in
large part to the tearful testimony in court by her older sister, Lady Mary,
Gaston’s wife these last four years, she was pardoned. The heir to the Duke of
Monteith, Alastair Marlowe, also spoke at her appeal.

Her
husband was still considered an outlaw however; charged with treason for
refusing to comply with the royal demand for her arrest for witchcraft.

Strathmore
and his party never arrived back in London, killed by Scottish rebels along the
roadway that following week after their escape. His widow was found to be
carrying his heir not long after. Strathmore was now under Alastair’s control
through the child. They married soon after. None ever wondered if the child was
Strathmore’s or not, except for Lady Lucinda who remained at court thereafter.

It
was Gavin’s new wife, Jocelyn who discovered the hidden wall at Rivenhahl when
they began to rebuild. The hollowed out secret room which held Gregor de
Mortaine’s fortune hidden behind it came at a time when his son needed it most.
Rivenhahl was now rebuilt and rivaled its former glory. All believed that had
been Strathmore’s goal all along in securing the estate.

The
Viscount of Lunley died a broken, rotting shell like his mother, his remains
burnt and left for the crows. The Scottish people were quite superstitious and
would not have him buried within hallowed ground. His sister Sybilla never
tired of complaining of her half sister’s flight from justice. Her hair had yet
to grow back.

Lady
Mary married Gaston Saint-Pierre and the pair lived at Lunley as Robert had no
heirs. Madeline finally found out what happened to her mother at Lady Agnes’s
hands and forgave her older sister for her part. Lady Mary’s curse was lifted
after warning her of her imminent arrest. She never doubted for a moment what
forgiveness had wrought.

All
the knights were doing well. Henry finally found his nerve and none of the
others dared torment him again. Miles took a wife and had so many children; he
was called The Pied Piper by the others. Jasper went on to win the tournament
year after year after that. That is, until Rohan learned Gavin’s Destrier had a
promising colt from Cyrian. Gavin wasted no time dusting off his lances and
shield once more, rising to his challenge.

Goldwyn
never recovered from the lame foreleg after their jumping onto the ship. It was
Rohan’s one regret to have sacrificed his beloved horse. The beautiful bronze
horse was put out to stud now, making a tidy profit for her husband. Adding
Cyrian’s colt to his stables was a coup he’d not avoid to snatch up.

Alastair
believed if Rohan continued to beat all King James’ champions the man would
relent in time and pardon him. Happily wed to Gavin’s sister, the pair was
frequent visitors to the Chateau. Madeline knew Rohan no longer cared to go
back to England. He’d given up all for her long ago with few regrets. Sometimes
it dismayed her to see how easily he accepted such things. Other times, she was
in awe he loved her enough to find her worth it.

At
one time, Madeline believed magic was the most important thing in her life; and
the sole cause of all her misfortunes. Now, the greatest magic she found was
within her husband’s arms, her only misfortune; the lack of time to stay there
every minute of the day.

The
End