Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 (16 page)

“You did, and since it is shortly after prime, it appears you are,” Fulke said. “Had you preferred to depart sooner, I assure you I would not have felt slighted had you done so.”

“Do you treat all visitors thusly?” the justice snapped. “It is customary to send guests off with a meal. Your wife insisted I wait.”

“I would think you to be pleased at how well I have trained her to wait upon me, lord justice.”

“You are intentionally being obtuse and I will not stand for it.” The justice pounded his fist on the table. “Why do you attempt to delay my departure?”

“Why do you think?” Fulke turned a cold gaze on the justice.

“It will do him no good,” the justice sneered. “He will be begging for death by the time I am done with him.” 

Fulke lunged to his feet before the justice could register surprise. “I suggest you eat your fill and leave afore you find yourself on the wrong end of my sword.” Acceding to Reina’s gentle tug on his sleeve, he reseated himself.

“If your man comes here, you are beholden to the crown to detain him.” Regaining his composure, the justice once again looked bored.

“I am well aware of my duty to the crown,” Fulke said. “I do not need an overbear—”

Reina clasped Fulke’s forearm to gain his attention.
“He is baiting you. Do not give him what he seeks, my love.”

“Thank you for reminding me,” he mouthed. Ignoring the justice altogether, Fulke focused on his men. “Gervase, you and Guy are to ride to the village once you have finished eating. Helewys and Thea need the door to their cottage replaced.”

“You send knights to do a serf’s work?” His mouth full of bread, crumbs fell from Justice de Glanville’s gaping mouth.

“They assist the villagers on a daily basis,” Fulke lied. “Since I have been banished from court there is little need to further waste time on training.”

“I can see I was wrong to assume you would still be a formidable obstacle.” Wiping his mouth on his sleeve the justice stood. “I will send word when your knight is found. That way you can find a replacement to muck-out your stables.”

Fulke’s blazing eyes belied his smile. “I cannot wish you well on your quest, lord justice. I am sure you understand.”

“I will be sure to inform the king of your reluctant cooperation.”

“Whilst you are doing that, please extend to him my warmest regards. He will always have my unwavering loyalty.”

“So you say.” Justice de Glanville’s gaze briefly rested on Reina. Ignoring the rest of the company gathered he left them.

Hearing the justice’s boots fade along the upper corridor, Gervase leaned to catch Fulke’s notice. “Do you really want us to go to the village, my liege? I thought we were riding for Reading after the justice departs.”

Seated beside Gervase, Guy closed his eyes in exasperation.

“Dolt,” Albin said. “Just when we thought you were starting to have some sense about you.”

“It was pretense for the justice’s benefit,” Lecie said, taking pity on Gervase.

“So he will not suspect our true intent.” Gervase nodded. “Tis a sound plan.”

“Gervase, why do not you inform the justice’s men of their imminent departure? The justice is unlikely to give them much time to prepare themselves,” Fulke said. “Once they depart, Warin and Osbert will assist you in saddling the horses.”

“Aye, my liege.”

Fulke had finished eating by the time Justice de Glanville returned to the hall. “Have one of your knights retrieve the satchel from my chamber, Baron Erlegh.” Pulling on his leather riding gloves, he addressed Leofrick, “Seek out your brothers. I will tarry here no longer.”

“Frederick and Caine are feeling unwell this morning, lord justice. From one end to the other, they have been up all night hovering over chamber-pots.”

“Why was I not informed of this earlier?”

“Concerned by their continued absence, I just found out myself,” Leofrick said. “If you would like, I will take you to them.”

The justice looked over at Fulke. “Is this another ploy to delay my departure?”

“If it were, it would be a lame one at best,” Fulke said. “Do not you think?”

“Then it must have been something they ate.” The justice turned back to Leofrick. “Inform them we are leaving. They can vomit from the saddle.”

“I beg your humble pardon, lord justice.” Hylda kept her eyes lowered when she meekly stepped forward. “I have been tending to your men since they fell ill in the early morning hours. Fevers do not come from tainted food.”

“They are fevered?” A touch of fear filled the justice’s dark eyes.

“I had the children sent to the village lest your men spread their contagion throughout the castle.”

“They are not my men.” The justice hesitated. “Did you say contagion?”

“I did, lord justice.” Hylda bobbed her head. “This past winter we lost two crofters to a passing illness. Though I cannot be certain, your men appear to have the same symptoms.”

“Again, they are not my men.” Backing away from Hylda, the justice’s face turned a mottled red. “Why was I not alerted to the sickness upon my arrival here, Baron Erlegh?”

“With all due respect, lord justice,” Fulke said, “Would you have believed me?”

“Should I still roust my brothers, lord justice?” Leofrick approached to ask.

“Stay away from me,” the justice ordered. “You and your brothers will not be continuing the journey.”

“Then what would you have us do?” Leofrick feigned confusion.

“Return to Rochester when you are able,” the justice said. “I will send word to your father after I locate your sister.”

“Very well, lord justice.” Leofrick dipped his head.

“It goes without saying that should you discover your sister’s whereabouts in the meantime, I am to be alerted immediately.”

“How will we send word to you?”

“Send word to the palace,” the justice called on his way out. “The king’s appointment steward will know how to reach me.”

“He is naught but a vicious coward,” Leofrick said the moment the justice was out of earshot.

“He is at that,” Fulke agreed.

“Whilst I am relieved to be shut of him,” Leofrick said, “for a moment there I feared he would demand to see my brothers.”

“Hylda would not have allowed that to happen.” Fulke glanced fondly at the elder woman.

“You have that right, your lordship.” Hylda chuckled. “If contagion had not worked, oozing pustules would have come next.”

Lecie struggled to her feet with a slight grimace. “All I can say is that I truly loathe the man. He treated Mylla in such a covetous way I know for a fact he will not stop searching until he finds her.”

“I believe we are all in accord on that account.” Fulke held his hand out to Reina. “That is why we must put an end to him.”

Chapter Thirteen

The rising sun shot streaks of light across the two entwined lovers. Mylla snuggled closer into Talan’s side for warmth when he began to stir. Kissing her gently on the cheek, he said, “We have overslept, mon coeur.”

Her eyes flying open, Mylla sat up. “Edmund will think something is amiss.”

“I will go and inform him of what has happened.” Grabbing his clothes, Talan began to dress. “How much time do you need to prepare yourself?”

“I shall be ready by the time you return for me.” Mylla reached for her satchel. “Talan?”

Perched on the edge of the bed to pull on his boots, Talan looked over at her.

“What you said about telling Edmund what happened…”

Rising, Talan pulled her into his arms. “I meant about our oversleeping.”

Mylla smiled sheepishly. “I should have known that.”

“You are my wife.” Talan grinned as a thought occurred to him. “You know, I quite like the sound of that.”

“And you are my beloved husband.” Mylla caressed his stubbled jaw.

“What I was going to say is that it does not matter what I tell your brother,” Talan said. “I am sure he has already guessed what is keeping us.”

Mylla’s cheeks colored. “I suppose he has.”

“I almost forgot.” Retrieving a cloth wrapped bundle he picked up from the draper’s, he held it out to her. “I had something made for you.”

Untying the twine, Mylla held up the padded piece of clothing. “You had a pair of breeches made for me?”

Talan chuckled at her response. “I shall purchase a proper wedding gift for you when I am able. At the moment I am only concerned with your comfort. They are to be worn beneath your skirts.”

“Thank you.” Mylla held them against her as if he had gifted her with something precious.

“I thought you would be more comfortable riding astride once we are clear of the town,” Talan said. “I have also purchased a heavier quilt should the nights grow cold.”

“You are so good to me,” Mylla said. “I would so like to ride astride, only I do not think Edmund will approve.”

“Edmund no longer has a say in what you do.” Kissing her breathless, Talan reluctantly released her. “We really must be off. I shall return for you soon.”

Once he left her, Mylla pulled on the padded breeches and tightened the lacings around her waist. Quickly dressing in her green kirtle and cream chemise, she sat on the bed to pull on her boots. Combing her hair, she braided it into a thick plait and secured it with a silk ribbon. She was packing the rest of their things when Talan returned.

“The Archbishop’s men have yet to make an appearance below,” he said. “Unless you are famished, we can break our fast along the way.”

“I can wait,” Mylla assured him. “Let us go.” 

After shouldering their packs, Talan led the way. He did not speak again until they were a safe distance from the inn. “Father Godfrey will depart for Castell Maen after he conducts the public prayer at terce. He is preparing for mass so has asked me to convey his parting blessing unto you.”

“I hope one day we will see him again,” Mylla said. “I have grown quite fond of him in so short a time.”

“He feels likewise,” Talan assured her with a smile.

“How do you know?”

“Father Godfrey tends to ramble when he is among friends.” His eyes scanning the path, Talan kept a quick pace.

“Is there something you are not telling me?” Clasping her cloak to combat the early morning chill, Mylla struggled to keep up with her husband’s long stride.

Talan slowed to wrap his arm around her shoulders. “Father Godfrey informed me this morning a messenger arrived during the night. Archbishop Corbeil is arriving sooner than expected. He travels with an extended retinue so there is a slight chance of my being recognized.”

“Are you worried we will come across his retinue on the road?”

“It is a certainty that we shall not. The archbishop travels to Reading from Coventry which is to the west of us. We are headed south.” Talan caressed her shoulder. “Do not let my concern cause you to worry, I am simply being cautious. I will feel better once we are well away from this place.”

“I must confess I will as well.” Spotting Edmund waiting beside the horses, Mylla approached him. Her welcoming smile faded when she noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes. “Edmund, did you not get enough rest last night?”

“Let us just say that Father’s Godfrey’s snoring could put all three of our brothers to shame.” Edmund said. “I trust you slept well, sister?”

“Father Godfrey must be a loud snorer indeed.” Mylla fidgeted with her skirts, pretending she did not hear the last part.

Vaulting into his horse’s saddle, Talan watched the siblings’ exchange.

“Mylla, did you hear me?” Edmund lightly persisted.

Her cheeks flushed, Mylla glanced up. “What little sleep I had was restful enough. Thank you for inquiring.”

Talan’s amused chuckle had her smiling at her newfound boldness.

“Never mind my lame attempt at jesting,” Edmund said, “I am new to it.” He led her horse forward. “You will have to ride with your husband until we are well away from town. Otherwise it would draw too much unwanted attention to our departure.”

Noticing for the first time the sidesaddle had been removed from her mare, Mylla visibly relaxed. “Not only do my nether regions look forward to it, we are bound to make better time.”

“Then let us depart.” Clasping Mylla’s waist, Edmund lifted her up to sit in the cradle of Talan’s legs.

Talan waited for her to settle herself before spurring his horse into an easy trot.

Following behind, Edmund led the mare.

The trio could hear the tolling of terce on the far outskirts of the town and a look of relief passed amongst them. They were one step closer to reaching safety.

†

Fulke stood on the castle steps alongside his men watching the justice prepare to depart with his guards.

Being assisted onto his horse the justice situated himself with a grimace of pain. “For your hospitality, I would like to offer you a gift, Baron Erlegh.”

“I assure you, lord justice, your visit to my humble abode was gift enough.”

“Nevertheless, you deserve a token of my gratitude,” the justice said. “If you would like a part of your man for a memento to remember him by, I will see that you receive it. His head, however, is reserved.”

Gervase was about to speak when Guy elbowed him in the side. Warin and Osbert looked at Fulke to see how he would react, Euric stiffened, and Albin clenched his fists.

“On behalf of all those who know and love Talan, I must respectfully decline your macabre offer.” Refusing to take the bait, Fulke’s demeanor gave nothing away. “We shall make do with memories of better days.”

“Soft like a woman,” the justice sneered, scanning the assembled group with one last look of contempt. “To the hunt we go.”

Fulke waited until the departing men had cleared the drawbridge before leading his men to the stables.

The women were gathered on the steps with worried expressions when Fulke, Albin, Gervase, Guy, Leofrick, and Euric rode into the courtyard for a final farewell. Aside from Leofrick and Euric, the men were dressed in their formal surcoats bearing the Erlegh coat-of-arms. Fierce determination and a casual confidence exuded from the knights. The years of training together displayed in their fluid movements as they drew to a halt at the base of the steps.

Unhappy to be left behind, Warin and Osbert began to argue with one another.

“What seems to be the trouble?” Fulke called to the pair.

With a last look of anger directed at Osbert, Warin faced Fulke. “Osbert is grousing about being left behind to protect the women, my liege.”

“Is that so, Osbert?”

“Aye, my liege.” Osbert lowered his gaze.

“You feel it is a punishment to be left behind?”

“I am a knight now,” Osbert said. “My place is by your side.”

“You are a knight I trust with my life. That is why I am entrusting you with my most prized possessions.” Fulke allowed that to sink in for a moment. “You are now in command of the castle’s defenses. Do not let me down.”

Puffing up with pride, Osbert smiled. “I will make you proud, my liege.”

“See that you do.” Slanting a grin at Warin, Fulke reined his horse around to ride up to the base of the steps so Reina could see him better. Noting the worry in her brilliant blue eyes, he mouthed his words. “God willing we shall return with Talan and Mylla, my love. Take care of yourself until we are once again together.”

Reina lightly ran her hand along her flat abdomen.
“We shall pray for your return every day we are apart.”
Determined to set an example for the other women, she smiled through her tears.

Anxious to be off, the knights’ destriers whinnied and stomped their hooves in the cool morning air. 

“I will send word to you whenever I can.” Shifting his gaze to Lecie, he spoke aloud. “If we are not back in time, I pray to meet your and Albin’s child upon our return.” Fulke’s gaze flicked to Bronwyn. “We leave you in capable hands, My Lady.”

“Have you a care with yourself, wife,” Albin said, riding up beside Fulke. “I will not cease to worry about you until I return to assure myself all is well.”

“Do not worry so about me, Alby. You must focus on the task at hand.” Lecie cradled the large swell of her abdomen. “Bring them all back safely, your lordship.” 

“I avow afore God to do my best.”

Euric gazed up at Bronwyn with a tender smile. Their eyes spoke volumes without uttering a word aloud. Fisting his hand over his heart, Euric dipped his head in a final farewell.

With one last long look at Reina, Fulke reined his horse around. “To London,” he shouted, spurring his horse.

“To London,” the remaining knights chorused in unison. Forming a single line, the sound of hooves rumbling across wood filled the air as the men rode across the drawbridge.

The knights approached the village keeping in formation. Villagers who were not already in the fields rushed out to watch them depart. Elder men and women bowed their heads in respect while the young children waved.

Clearing the village and forest beyond, the knights paired off. Guy rode with Gervase, Leofrick with Euric, and Albin spurred his horse toward the front to ride with Fulke. “Did you miss me?”

“You are never gone long enough for me to miss you.” Fulke grinned. “Alby.”

“I knew that particular term of affection would not escape your notice,” Albin grumbled.

“Very little does,” Fulke said. “Like the fact that your concern for your wife weighs heavily upon you.”

“After Reina’s troubles in childbirth, I cannot help but worry.”

“I did offer you the opportunity to remain behind...”

“And leave your back unprotected in London? Not bloody likely,” Albin scoffed. “While the matter preys on me, I know I leave Lecie in capable hands. If anything, I should feel relief at her condition. There is no way she would stay put if she were not heavy with child.”

“Yet you do not feel relief,” Fulke observed. “I would not have your mind here whilst we are elsewhere. There are others capable of protecting my back. I would think no less of you for remaining behind with your lady wife.”

“You know me better than to even suggest a thing twice,” Albin said. “The unknown resides with our mission, and Lecie knows it. She did not even question my going.”

“It appears that you have indeed found your other half, and I am glad for it.”

“As am I,” Albin said. “I would see this matter with Talan settled so I can return to her and our babe.”

“I wish to return no less than you. Reina recently informed me that she is once again with child.”

Albin shifted in surprise. “Why did you not tell me sooner?”

“Worry for her and what she went through with Raine held my tongue,” Fulke said. “She already made me promise that I would behave better this time around.”

“I have never been as drunk as I was on that day,” Albin admitted. “I feared if something were to happen to your lady… I would lose you as well.”

“I was willing to make a vow of celibacy on that day,” Fulke said to lighten the mood. “You can see how well that worked out.”

“Not well at all.” Albin chuckled.

“Anyway, we are blessed to have someone as skilled as Bronwyn to tend to our wives.”

“She is indeed a skilled healer,” Albin agreed. “Euric is a fortunate man.”

“Aye, he is.” Fulke glanced back at the man in question. Satisfied Euric remained out of earshot, he once again faced forward. “I do not know if I have ever told you, but I met Bronwyn some years ago at Baron de Wrotham’s keep in Cornwall.

“Fulke, you did not..?”

“Of course, I did not.” Fulke looked offended. “My whoremongering past did not involve chaste women.”

“With your past exploits, one never knows.”

“Thank you for that slight against my character,” Fulke said. “I was there at King Henry’s bidding. He had begun to press me to take a wife and I believe he had the baron’s daughter in mind.”