Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 (11 page)

“Your clerk was laid to rest after you retired last night.” The sheriff changed the subject. “Father Bartolomeo delivered final rites to the lad. To avoid suspicion, I thought it best to burn his clothing afterward.”

“Tis a pity, yet I suppose the garments were too damaged for reuse.” Tearing a large chunk from a crusty loaf of bread, the justice took a bite. “I have decided to ride on horse-back to Castell Maen. My carriage and driver will remain in the village should your daughter return. Four of my men will be joining us on the journey. The other two have been instructed to carry messages to London and Westminster. Within a sennight, the entire kingdom will be searching for your wayward daughter.”

“Then we most assuredly will find her.” Pouring the justice a cup of ale, Richard passed it over to him.

“Undoubtedly, we will,” the justice said. “I find it necessary to inform you that owing to present circumstances the terms of the betrothal agreement have changed.”

“Even if there is a harmless explanation for my daughter’s sudden absence, I completely understand if you no longer wish to wed her,” the sheriff said. “For my part, I release you from all betrothal obligations, lord justice.”

“I am glad to hear you say that since your daughter is no longer worthy of becoming my wife.” Swallowing a swig of ale, the justice wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I would have the agreed upon dowaire for the trouble she has caused me.”

Leofrick gripped his cup with white knuckles. It had taken the family years to set aside a worthy dowaire for Mylla. The same dowaire his father had tossed from the window and Leofrick had handed off to Talan. How they were going to come up with a matching sum to appease the justice was one more problem added to the family’s growing burden.

“You shall have it, lord justice,” the sheriff said.

“There is no doubt she has already spread her legs for Erlegh’s man.” The justice went on as if the sheriff had not spoken. “Every last one of the baron’s knights has a reputation at court for whore-mongering. In fact, I would not be at all surprised if they shared their wives amongst themselves.”

His hands splayed on the table, Caine glared his anger at the justice. “Mylla is not—”

“Caine,” the sheriff interrupted his son.

“Forgive me for speaking out of turn.” Having lost his appetite, Caine shoved his half-full trencher away from him.

“I must declare that I do not understand your intent, lord justice,” Sheriff Richard resumed the conversation. “If you no longer wish to wed my daughter, why do you intend to command such an extensive force to search for her?”

“Come now.” The justice pointed his blade at the sheriff. “You are an intelligent man. If I were to do nothing, people would incorrectly assume that I have gone soft. An example must be made of Erlegh’s knight, one which will be remembered for generations to come.”

“Then you intend to slay Sir Talan?”

“I advise you to revise your terminology lest I begin to think you are on the knave’s side, sheriff. To slay him gives the impression that he is the victim in this situation,” the justice said. “He is naught but a vile scoundrel deserving of death.”

“So you will publicly execute him.” There was a slight tremor in Sheriff Richard’s hand when he reached for his cup.

Unaccustomed to seeing his father in such a state, Edmund also lost his appetite. 

“Not just executed.” The justice began waving his dinner blade to emphasize his point. “Like I said, he will be made an example of first. He will be stripped of his arms, publically hung, drawn, and quartered. All in the presence of your fallen daughter, I might add. After which, I will personally present her with his head. ”

“And what is to become of my daughter?” the sheriff asked. “After you have publically shamed her, what else do you intend to do?”

“Your daughter’s actions have blackened my once honorable intentions where she is concerned,” the justice said. “She will be dealt with like the whore she has become. I shall take her to my London residence and set her up as my mistress until I tire of her. After that, you can accept her back into your home, or leave her to ply her trade in the gutters of the city. Whichever fate you choose for her, I care naught.”

Leofrick’s chair hit the wall when he lunged to his feet.

The justice’s hand tightened on the handle of his blade while he calmly waited to see what the enraged man would do.

With his fists clenched, Leofrick waged an inner battle. To challenge the man in defense of Mylla, or heed his father’s pleading look to back down. Frederick’s hand on his forearm decided for him. Gaining control of his temper, he jerked his head in deference to the justice. “If you will excuse me, I must retrieve the horses from the marshalsea.”

“So be it.” Flicking his hand in dismissal, the justice casually resumed his meal.

“Afore you retrieve the horses, Leofrick, I have been pondering the journey.” Edmund shifted in his seat to face their father. “The taxes are due to be collected from the villagers within the next fortnight. If we were all to ride to Castell Maen, we are bound to be delayed in submitting the levy to the king’s treasurer.”

“What exactly are you proposing?” The justice leveled a suspicious eye on Edmund.

“With your permission, lord justice, I would stay behind to lend assist to my father in carrying out our sworn duty to the king.”

“Were it any other of this assembly proposing such an action, I would be hesitant in approving the request. Fortunate for you, your past astuteness has favorably gained my notice.” The justice’s gaze skimmed over Caine and Frederick to rest on Leofrick. “The rest of you are to be prepared to depart once I have finished eating. Do not keep me waiting. If you have not yet ascertained, I am not a patient man.”

“Thank you, lord justice.” Edmund stood along with his brothers. “I will assist Leofrick with the horses so you can all be on your way.”

Taking a long swallow of ale, the justice belched loudly. “Be gone already. I have had my fill of this family’s ceaseless prattle.”

Following Edmund outside, Leofrick pulled the door closed. The four members of the justice’s personal guard were waiting beside their saddled horses. Dipping their heads to the men in greeting, the two brothers headed to the public stables.

Suspicious of his brother’s intentions, Leofrick waited until they were out of earshot to turn on Edmund. “What game do you play at?”

“I play no game.” Edmund glanced back the way they had come. “Where did Sir Talan take Mylla?”

“Why?” Leofrick arched a blond brow. “It was agreed for the safety of all involved that I would keep the knowledge to myself. That way, should the justice decide to torture us for information, Mylla and Talan would remain safe.”

“Spare me your heroic nature,” Edmund said. “Where is she, Leo?”

“Know you this, brother.” Leofrick slowed his pace. “If you play the family false, I shall see you pay dearly for your betrayal.”

“Do not play the fool,” Edmund scoffed, hazarding a glance back at the house. “I should be insulted you would even think such a thing. My intention is to keep our sister safe, same as you.”

Still suspicious of Edmund’s intentions, Leofrick narrowed his eyes. “First tell me why you have had such a change of heart.”

“Is it not obvious? The justice is mad,” Edmund lowered his voice, “Sir Talan needs to know what kind of man he is up against.”

“Talan is fully aware of the justice’s character.”

“Then I will lend my sword and escort them to safety,” Edmund said. “I know my past actions may have spoken differently, yet I now see how wrong I have been. It is the reason why I have requested to remain behind in Rochester. If I depart on your heels, and ride hard, there is a chance I can reach Talan. After all, how fast can he go with Mylla by his side?”             

Approaching the marshalsea, the brothers went inside. Leofrick led his brown palfrey out while Edmund led Caine and Frederick’s.

Leofrick briefly greeted an acquaintance prior to resuming the conversation on their way back to the house. “Talan is taking Mylla to live in Wales.”

“Wales?” Relief crossed Edmund’s features. “I would not have guessed he would take her so far. Where in Wales will they settle?” 

“He did not confide their final destination, and I did not ask,” Leofrick said. “They should have reached Reading by now. Talan said he would send word to Winifred whenever he could. Afore you ride out, check with her to see if a messenger has arrived. She does not trust you so tell her it was I who sent you.”

“Am I as bad as all that then?”

“You have been worse.” Leofrick cracked a smile. “If Talan and Mylla are not in Reading, ride for Avebury. It is their next planned destination. Make sure you are not followed on the road. You were right about one thing the justice is a shrewd man. I doubt he fully trusts anyone.”

“Do you think he has doubts about our story?”

“If we stand together it will not matter what he believes so long as he cannot furnish any evidence against us. All I know is that we have to be careful.”

“You were the one who almost lost it this morning,” Edmund said, “not I.”

“Almost, does not count.” Leofrick slanted an irritated look at his brother. “I was speaking about the fact that we were all made witness to Chaucey’s murder. Father says we are not to speak of it again.”

“I am still in shock over the incident.” Edmund shook his head. “The justice slayed his man as if it were second nature to him.”

“Likely he believed the poor lad to be disposable.” Leofrick’s attention was diverted by Cristine running toward them. “What the…?”

“Did he harm my mother?” Edmund demanded before Cristine came to a complete stop before them.

“She is well, Mister Edmund.” Out of breath, Cristine held out a worn velvet pouch. “These are your mother’s precious pearls. You are to sell them to the jeweler to make up for Mistress Mylla’s missing dowaire.”

“Will this nightmare ever end?” Taking the pouch, Edmund passed the reins to Leofrick. “Wait here until I return. It will look conspicuous if you arrive home without me.” Shifting his gaze to Cristine, he said, “You look too distraught to be seen by the justice. Enter through the back of the house and inform my mother it will be done.” Without waiting for a response, he set off for the jeweler at a run.

Leofrick half expected the justice’s men to come in search of them by the time he spotted Edmund returning. “Saints bones,” he swore. “What took you so bloody long?”

“You well know Erwan,” Edmund said. “I bloody well had to haggle with him for the best price. I still had to add several deniers of my own to equal the amount of Mylla’s dowaire. Father was very generous.”

“Never mind about that now,” Leofrick said. “Mother has been forced to part with something she holds most dear.”

“Mayhap father can one day purchase back the necklace,” Edmund said.

“I was speaking about our sister.” Leofrick shook his head in exasperation. “When the justice asks what delayed us, inform him one of the horses had to be reshod.”

“Let us hope he does not send a guard to confirm the story.” Spotting the justice’s men in the road up ahead watching their approach, Edmund bowed his head. “Have a care, brother. Be ever on your guard.”

“You have a care as well,” Leofrick spoke softly. “Give my love to our sister.”

On their approach the justice exited the house with a look of irritation. “What took you so long? Never mind, prepare to depart.” Presenting his back to the others, he faced Edmund. “Walk with me a ways. If you are to assist your father, I would have you know what I expect from you.”

Edmund passed Frederick and Caine the reins to their horses. “Go with God. I shall see you both upon your return.”

By the time the brothers strapped their packs on the horses, the justice returned to speak to his guards.

Leofrick gripped Edmund’s forearm when he rejoined them. “Is all well with you, brother?”

“Why would it not be?” Moving to stand beside his father, Edmund covertly passed him the pouch. 

“My lord justice,” the sheriff called holding out the pouch, “I almost neglected to gift you with my daughter’s dowaire.”

Snatching the pouch the justice stowed it in his cloak. “I will not insult you by counting it, sheriff.”

“You have my assurance there is a full accounting.”

“So you know, my requesting it was a test,” the justice said. “Had you not been in possession of it, I would have assumed you colluded with your daughter and the knave by financing their flight. You will be pleased to hear I am now of a mind to believe your version of events.”

“Thank you, lord justice.”

Calling for his horse, the justice walked off.

Sheriff Richard stood alone watching his sons with a worried look. “Send word to us when you can.”

“We shall, Da,” Caine spoke on behalf of his brothers.

Following his sons gazes to the upper level of the house the sheriff used his hand to shield his eyes from the glaring sun. Emmaline stood in the window watching them with a somber expression. Even from a distance, it was obvious that she had been crying.

Each of her sons briefly fisted their hands over their hearts in a salute to her. Reining around, they spurred their horses into a gallop.