The Defiant Bride (21 page)

“Not dead?” Cedric pulled his dagger from his belt and thrust the blade into Flores’s chest. The Spaniard grunted and lurched forward. Blood spurted from the hole in his body, spraying the
walls and splattering the floor. Flores’s body sank to the stone ground as Cedric turned back to the soldier. “I believe you are mistaken. He looks dead to me.”

Two of the soldiers dragged Flores away. The others followed. Cedric hesitated at the door and his gaze settled upon Dariana. She felt her face drain of color at the assault and bent over, trying not to retch.

After a moment, she raised her gaze to Cedric. His expression was blank. No remorse, no emotion at all. It chilled her to her very soul. She had recognized his lack of honor, but to take a life in cold blood, feeling nothing, was inconceivable. This was a new kind of monster before her. Dariana felt the hope seep from her. It was all she could do to remain upright until he turned and followed his soldiers.

C
HAPTER
16

W
illiam and his
men were exhausted and covered in filth when the first weak rays of light seeped into the tunnel they’d cleared. The only sound emanating from their work was the occasional groan of stone against stone as debris was moved aside. They were in the heart of the castle. They continued to dig through quietly until the opening was wide enough for a man to pass. Then William motioned them back to the entrance of the tunnel, bidding them sit and rest while they determined their means of attack.

“My lord,” Morle said. “We have no knowledge of their numbers. John could not get an accurate count. There could be ten or twenty or two hundred.”

“True,” William replied. “So we should assume we are outnumbered. I wonder at Cedric’s ability to raise an army, but the man’s capacity for treachery seems endless. What I propose is this. A number of you should storm the gate, making noise
enough to wake the dead. When their attention is drawn to that portal, I and the balance of soldiers shall enter from the tunnel, taking them by surprise. Our advantage will be that they will have no forewarning of our ambush from within. We must pray that is enough.”

More rested now, the men were preparing for the assault when the ground shook with the pounding of hooves. All shot to their feet, ready to confront this new challenge when, suddenly, William recognized the leader. His jaw dropped in disbelief. He walked forward to greet his ally. Dariana’s father, Earl of Linford, led fifty soldiers dressed for battle. The soldiers’ faces were visible. William tried to hold his incredulity as he saw that the youngest among the group had seen at least forty summers. It appeared as though the earl had roused all the ancients of the kingdom to come to the rescue of his daughter. Flanking the earl was Thomas Corley, himself a man of years, and Evan, the keeper of the gate. All three wore the determined expressions of warriors ready to face down any and all attackers.

The earl slowed his horse and greeted William. “I trust my timing is desirous?” The earl smiled.

“Your timing is excellent, sir. But, last I saw you, you were but newly risen from a sick bed. How did you know where to find us?”

“I had arrived to visit you and my daughter when I was told something was amiss. I sent word back to my holdings. You were not difficult to follow. Many soldiers on soft ground leave evidence of their passing by.”

“Are you suited for a battle?” William felt genuine concern for his father-in-law.

“You insult me, William. Pray the Lord I am never too old or infirm to defend a damsel in distress. Indeed, it is what knight was born to do. If he must die, how glorious to do so in the attempt.”

“Aye, ‘tis true. Forgive me. I am most pleased with your aid and that of your men. I see that even your castle retainers have seen fit to accompany you.”

“Though Thomas will grouse he is too old for the excitement, he would not be left behind. Evan said he wanted to see for himself that his lady was safe and would return to pass his gate again. He still feels a bit uneasy about challenging her on her return from the dead. None of us has seen a good battle for many years. It is my daughter threatened here, not just your wife.”

William smiled at the earl. “Then I shall make you privy to my plans and we shall save the lady and the day.”

The earl grunted in satisfaction as William laid out his intent. When he had finished, the earl nodded. “I trust you are no longer outnumbered, but ‘tis always wise never to underestimate one’s adversary. I have but one addition to your thoughts.”

“And what is that?”

“It might be wise if the frontal assault was led by the earl of Dansworth himself.”

William’s ire rose. “That is to be merely a distraction. The men are to make noise, then scatter. I only want Cedric
to believe
I am leading. No! I must see to the safety of my wife, your daughter. If she is harmed, then all is lost. I will enter from the tunnel.”

“And so,” the earl smiled, “you shall. It is the earl of Dansworth I am speaking of.” The earl was obviously pleased by the confusion caused by his suggestion. William’s eyebrows formed into a V.

“I ask permission to wear your colors to ensure that the attention shall be drawn in the proper direction,” the earl explained.

William caught his meaning then and shook his head. “That would make you the target. I will not put you at such risk and have your possible death on my conscience.”

Now it was the earl’s turn to have his anger rise. “Why you arrogant pup,” he sputtered, “I was killing enemies and laying siege to castles before you ever drew your first breath. My men and I may not have the smooth skin of youth, but our experience makes our weapons serve us far better in war.”

“Forgive me. I meant no disrespect. I cannot help but fear for your safety. Our enemy is without honor. He is therefore unpredictable.”

“Then it shall make for an interesting battle, should it not?” the earl returned. “Worry not, for there is no better reason to die than in the service of someone you love. No mater the outcome for me, I am content. For you, though, victory and the safe return of my daughter will be the only acceptable end to this.”

“It shall be as you say.” With that, William pulled of his doublet and handed it to Dariana’s father. The older man struggled with it for a few moments before admitting that he had spent a bit too much time enjoying the fruits of his youth. Stifling
a smile, William withdrew his dagger and slit the sides of the garment. The earl then had no trouble slipping it on. William’s armor followed and all were ready. Ten were to go with William while thirty would assault the front of the keep, led by the earl. When William had assured himself of Dariana’s safety, he would signal the others. They would join them in the tunnel and attack the castle from within.

It was William the warrior who turned toward the keep and the rescue of his wife. His nerves taut, his jaw set, he was prepared to take whatever course necessary to accomplish his task.

Dariana woke and blinked. She did not want to weep again. She breathed in, collecting herself. Her new friend, the cat, appeared. He looked from side to side before pouncing onto her lap. Dariana smiled as the creature hummed his contentment.

“Ah, that I could be this content, my friend,” she whispered. “But this I will tell only you. I am frightened. Unless William finds me, I have no hope. I know not where I am. I have no weapon. I am surrounded by those who desire me for their own purposes. A small part of me fears that my love will believe I have flown from him in order to seek my freedom. How can he know that I have only discovered true freedom when wrapped in his arms?”

The cat seemed to sense her misery. His purring ceased. He opened his eyes wide to stare at her. He rubbed his head against her shoulder, then stroked her cheek with his own. The tension went out of her a little and he settled back on her lap, purring once more. Her hand rested in his fur and she timed her breathing to match that of the cat. Soon, she was dozing again.

She was in the sunshine, riding Moonshadow, the wind lifting her hair about her. They rode past meadows and villages and grass-covered landscapes. Her heart was free. She knew they rode to something wondrous. The horse slowed his pace and entered a familiar grove of trees and Dariana realized she was back in the forest. She slid from the horse’s back and began to walk, Moonshadow following closely behind. She knew she was safe. Her love was near, but she could not see him. She moved to the stream, the cool water singing its sweet melody in the morning air. As Dariana sat beside the water, a shadow came up
behind her. The shadow became flesh, sliding his arms around her waist, holding her, reassuring her with his presence. She held on to him with all her strength, pulling him close, holding him as if her very life depended on it. She inhaled the warm scent of him and entwined her fingers in his hair.

Dariana was caught in the dream, knowing it was not real but reluctant to let it go. There was a sound pulling her awake; someone was with her. She opened her mouth to cry out but instead focused on dark gray eyes.. William was there, with her, holding her. Her eyes widened in realization and she grasped him all the more tightly, savoring his closeness as tears filled her eyes anew and spilled down her cheeks.

“Tears, love?” William questioned. “From the woman who has survived the forest and conquered wild animals?” His voice was like a caress.

“How came you here? Go, before you are seen. No, do not leave me. William, it is Cedric, your brother, and the woman named Melissa. It seems your betrothed blames me for her fate and seeks revenge. There is a fat, ugly Spaniard who says he is to be my husband. No, the Spaniard is dead. Cedric killed him. Richard? They attacked Richard. He was coming to my aid. I saw him fall. Will he recover? Thank you for coming to save me.”

William nearly laughed at her ramblings. “Hush, love. We do not have much time. I came to see you safe. I must go quickly as we begin the siege of his wretched holding. But, first I must know. Have they harmed you?” William’s voice was soft, but the promise of retribution if they had hurt her was evident.

“I am unhurt. But what of Richard? Tell me his fate.”

“He shall recover and we shall celebrate their wedding.”

“So you know he and your sister are in love?”

William shook his head. “Do you think me such a fool that I know not what happens in my own household? You underestimate me. I do wonder if they have realized it as yet.”

Dariana smiled. “Nay, I never doubted you. It was just you said nothing to me about them. Please, take me from here now.”

“Do you trust me, Dariana?”

“With my heart and soul.”

“Then you must stay here and be patient. There is a battle yet to fight. I would have you where I know you to be safe. I am hoping Cedric and his soldiers will be far too occupied to concern
themselves with your fate once the battle is met. When it is done, I shall come for you.”

“But—”

“You vowed you trusted me, so do not question me in this.”

Dariana nodded, fighting back the tears that burned her eyes. William stood and pulled her up with him. He held her tightly as his mouth slashed down on hers in a fervent kiss, which she returned in equal measure. Then he was gone.

Dariana had no opportunity to wonder at William’s appearance or to question as to where he had disappeared, for it seemed only moments had elapsed when she heard Cedric and Melissa shrieking at each other. They were nearby. What were they doing in the dungeon?

She prayed William had made good his escape, then listened as her enemies went at each other.

“You want the slut for yourself.” Melissa’s voice was piercing.

“What I want or do not want is no concern of yours, wench. You shall see your full measure from this bargain.” Cedric’s voice dripped with disgust.

“Ha! I shall never see my full measure. Too much has been stolen for it ever to be made aright. I thought the king would protect me, but he, like you, seems taken with the whore.”

“I would not toss about such names were I you. Word has it William’s wife went to him a virgin. Could you have said as much?”

Dariana heard scuffling and it was clear Melissa had flown at him like a wildcat. A sound of flesh against flesh, and Dariana knew he had struck the woman. Then there was the sound of Melissa whimpering. “How dare you? How could you?” she sobbed. “I but love you, my lord, and you insult me and strike my face.”

Cedric’s laughter came from deep inside his chest. It was an ugly sound, mirthless. “You love nothing but coin, Melissa. And revenge. Hate has turned your soul to black.”

“No blacker than your own.” Her weeping turned to coughing.

“True. We are two of a kind in that. But there is one important difference. You are weak and I am strong. I have the means to exact my revenge and I will be the victor in this.”

“What of me?” she whispered.

“I have not yet decided. Perhaps you shall share my spoils until I tire of you. Or perhaps not.”

“After what we have shared, how can you treat me thusly?”

“We have given each other pleasure in bed. It makes not for a lifelong commitment.” His tone was cold as ice. “Come at me again, woman, and it shall be the last movement of your life.” Before Melissa could respond, the voice of a soldier interrupted.