Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 (3 page)

“Enough.” Sheriff Richard pounded his fist on the table. “I apologize the meal has ended in such a way, Sir Talan. Aside from the unwarranted insults, I am regretful to say that to a certain extent I must agree with Edmund.”

“Da,” Mylla breathed.

“I must speak my mind, Mylla,” the sheriff said. “You are betrothed to Justice de Glanville, and he is expected to arrive soon. On the morrow you must bid a final adieu to Sir Talan.” He shoved his chair back to stand. “Sir Talan, I cannot force you to depart Rochester. All I can do is hope for your understanding as to why I feel it necessary for you to do so.”

“I do understand, sheriff.” Talan stood to address Emmaline. “Thank you for your unwavering kindness and hospitality, ma’am.”

Rising from her seat, Emmaline reached up to lightly kiss Talan’s dark bearded jaw. “I pray God goes with you, Sir Talan.”

“Please look after her the best you can for me,” he whispered for Emmaline’s ears alone.

“Mylla, why do you not see our guest to the door?” Sheriff Richard spoke as he resumed his seat. Lightly clearing his throat for her attention, he passed his wife a napkin to dry the tears slipping down her cheeks.

“Save a seat for me at the tavern,” Leofrick called to Talan’s back. “I shall meet up with you later this eve for a pint.” 

Struggling to remain composed, Mylla led the way outside. “I do not think I can bid you a final farewell.”

“Then do not,” Talan replied. “We shall simply say adieu.”

“When will you return to Castell Maen?”

“The day I know you are lost to me.”

“Why, Talan?” Reaching up, she cradled his face regardless of any onlookers. “Do you think it will make my lot easier knowing you are still so close, yet so very far beyond my reach?”

Covering her hands with his, Talan closed his eyes. “It will only be at that moment I shall give up all hope.”

Chapter Three

After a sleepless night, Talan lay in his chamber at The Wounded Stag Tavern and Inn. Staring blankly at the russet canopy above his head he could find no hope in his current situation. If only he could share his feelings with Fulke. Even Albin could help him sort through the emotional mess he found himself in. At the very least he would make a good listener. He sat up to swing his long legs over the edge of the bed. Dressed in only a pair of black breeches, he stretched his arms above his head to ease the tenseness from his muscular frame.

Throwing the shutters open a cold breeze swept through the chamber. Perched on the sill of the window, he gazed at the lightening sky fondly recalling memories of his mother. He was just a boy when she had passed yet he could still clearly recall her image. Mylla reminded him of her in so many ways. Both were fair and too gentle for the harsh world they found themselves in. Talan’s mother had died of a broken heart shortly after the death of his father. He had helplessly watched her fade away in both mind and spirit. One night she simply slipped away in her sleep. Talan discovered her the following morning with a smile on her face, still clutching her husband’s worn tunic.

The death of Talan’s father had broken his mother. He feared what marriage to Ranulf de Glanville would do to his gentle Mylla.

It was a long time later that he made his way to the common room.

Spotting the Erlegh coat-of-arms, three embroidered silver shells on a field of red, on his black, wool surcoat, a group of travelers dipped their heads in wary greeting before resuming their conversation in lower tones.

Word of the unpleasant incident at court involving Fulke and Baron Reynold had quickly spread from village to village. Over time, troubadours had embellished the truth until most believed that in defense of Reina, Fulke had drawn his sword in open court to threaten the king’s life. Nearing fabled proportions, the Erlegh knights were now easily recognized throughout the realm.    

“Good morningtide to you, Sir Talan.”

Talan acknowledged the tapster’s jovial greeting with a slight nod.

“Mister Leofrick was here asking after you yester-eve,” William said cleaning a cup with a linen rag. “My wife informed him that you needed to rest. I hope Winifred did not overstep her bounds.”

“I would never hold your good wife accountable for caring about me.” Having given in to a rare instance of self-pity the previous night, he would not have been fit company for Leofrick.

“Can I get you a cup of ale to quench your thirst?”

“Aye, if you would be so kind.”

Sensing Talan’s brooding mood, William filled an earthenware cup to the brim with foaming ale. Stocky with red-hair and blue eyes, he had replaced the former tapster who had been caught siphoning money from the till. Before Hamon could be brought to justice for his thievery, he had managed to coerce Lecie to cover for him by threatening the lives of her younger siblings. After nearly killing Albin in a roadside ambush, Hamon later returned to the inn in order to finish the job. It was then that Lecie killed him in defense of her husband. Seeing a way to retaliate against Fulke for the public disgrace of his longtime acquaintance, Baron Reynold, Justice de Glanville promptly charged her with murder and presided over a hasty trial. Lecie’s acquittal thanks to Fulke’s timely appearance had further infuriated the justice. Setting the cup in front of Talan, William said, “Let me know should you have need of anything else.”

Winifred approached from the scullery to serve the morning fare with a welcoming smile. Wearing one of Lecie’s donated brown woolen kirtles, she wore her gray hair braided into a coil and secured at the crown of her head. “Good morn to you, Sir Talan. We have a tasty pork pottage this day, I shall bring you some.”

“Thanks all the same,” Talan said, “but I am not at all hungry.”

“Nonetheless, you need to eat something. I shall be but a moment.”

Talan watched the elder woman weave through the tables with a grudging smile. Winifred had come into her own since arriving at The Wounded Stag. Former itinerant workers drawn to Rochester for the tower construction, Albin had offered a permanent place to a trio of hardworking couples.

After Winifred served Talan a steaming pork pottage served in a crusty bread bowl, she left him alone to brood. Choking down a few mouthfuls to please her, he pushed the uneaten portion away.  He signaled William for another cup of ale and was on his third when the outer door opened.  

“I was hoping to find you up and about.” Not making mention of the previous night, Leofrick pulled out a chair to take a seat beside Talan.

“Has the justice arrived earlier than expected?” Talan caught William’s eye then gestured to Leofrick.

“A messenger arrived early this morn with word from his clerk,” Leofrick said. “We have been ordered to prepare our finest chamber for his master’s impending visit. The pompous ass must think we reside in a palace.”

“The justice cares little of what anyone thinks.”

“My mother has everyone busy preparing the manor to please him.” Leofrick shook his head in disgust. “I managed to slip away in-between tasks.”

“It is probably for the best that he boards with your family.” Talan absently began fingering the sharp edge of his dinner blade. “After his attempt to have Lecie hanged, he would not find a warm welcome here. Winifred would most likely taint his food with poison.”

Leofrick lowered his voice. “She would be doing us all a favor if she did. Even my father believes the justice has overstepped his bounds by demanding the master chamber. He and my mother will share mine for the duration of the justice’s visit, and I shall bed down here.” Accepting a cup of ale from William, Leofrick smiled his thanks before taking a long swallow. “I am sure I do not have to tell you how much the man vexes me.”

“He vexes us both,” Talan said. “When is he expected?”

“The messenger said the justice shall arrive between sext and nones two days hence. His clerk is to arrive ahead of him to insure all is in readiness.” Leofrick set his cup down with a sad look. “Look, Talan. I came here last night to apologize. Had I not introduced

you—”

“Had you not introduced me to Mylla, I would have never known what it is like to be in love.” Talan paused. “Or to know a woman’s love in return.”

“I am left without words.”

“You do not have to say anything,” Talan said. “Just know I am grateful to you.”

“When are you planning to depart?”

“That depends on the wedding ceremony.”

“De Glanville has instructed us to be prepared for the nuptials upon his arrival. The ceremony itself will likely take place afore vespers. He and Mylla are to depart for London directly thereafter. I cannot tell you how distressed my mother is by it all. Mylla is not even to have a wedding supper to celebrate the event with her family.”

“I do not believe Mylla would wish to celebrate.”

“She is not alone on that account.” Leofrick looked grim. “Even Edmund was unusually silent on the topic this morn.”  

“That is indeed surprising,” Talan said sarcastically.

“Talan, you are not planning on attending the ceremony, are you?” Leofrick shifted uncomfortably. “My father would never ban you...”

“Whyever would you think such a thing? I cannot stomach the thought of the deed much less wish to witness it.”

“I was hoping you would say that.” Leofrick visibly relaxed. “Were Mylla to see you, I doubt she would find the will to go through with it... and… I know how hard this must be for you as well.”

“You need not worry about my causing trouble,” Talan said. “Yet know you this, were it only my fate on the line, we would not be here now having this discussion.”

“Forgive me for bringing it up.” Looking for distraction, Leofrick signaled to William for more ale.

“Besides, the man travels often enough,” Talan went on. “God knows he has acquired scores of enemies. He may meet with foul play or have an accident on the road.”

Leofrick hastily glanced at the diners closest to them. “Are you mad to speak so in such a public place?” he hissed. “I am a man sworn to uphold the law.”

“You act as if I spoke of murder. I merely mentioned the dangers such a despicable man faces while traversing the realm.”

“Come now, Talan,” Leofrick said. “Do not take me for a fool.”

“Then leave me with some slight hope.”

“Apart from my mother and sister, I have yet to love a woman to such an extent.” Leofrick leaned back in his seat. “If this is what love does to a man, I shall forever forgo the pleasure.”

“If you ever meet the woman you are destined to be with, you would have no choice.” Talan raised his cup. “I propose a toast to true love. It is far more fickle than fate, and ever the more painful.” 

Leofrick hesitated, unsure if he should raise his glass. Thinking better of it, he downed the rest of his ale.

By late afternoon the pair had consumed more ale than all of the other tavern patrons combined.

Nearly missing the planked table, Talan focused on gingerly setting his cup down. “Do you know who annoys me more than Justice Ranulf de Glanville?”

“King Henry?” Leofrick drunkenly guessed. He took another swallow of ale leaving a line of foam in his blond mustache.

“No, no, no.” Talan waved a hand in dismissal. “Tis your brother Edmund I am thinking of. He is such a disagreeable sot.”

“He can be, and we brothers often disagree,” Leofrick slurred. “Is it not the same with your fellow knights?”

“Gervase is often a bumble headed dolt, Guy’s head is in the clouds, Albin’s jesting grates on my nerves, Osbert is green, and young Warin has a lot to learn.” Talan pointed a finger in Leofrick’s general direction. “Yet I would lay down my life for any one of them.”

“Then we are in accord since I would do the same for my brothers.”

“Can I get you something to eat?” Winifred gained their attention with a disapproving look. “You have been drinking so long we are now serving supper.”

“Why did you not say so prior to now?” Leofrick lurched unsteadily to his feet. “Ma would have my head were I to miss one of the last family meals.”

“If you do not mind my saying, she may still have your head,” Winifred said.

“Let us hope her mind is on other matters.” Leofrick turned too fast and lost his balance. Falling hard against the table, he slowly righted himself. “Did I mention that I need to let a room, Winifred?”

“You must have overlooked it.” Winifred clasped his arm to steady him. “I shall have Mary prepare one for you.”

“Will you join me to sup?” Leofrick attempted to focus on Talan. “Under the circumstances even Edmund is not like to refuse.”  

Lunging to his feet, Talan slowly shook his head. “I would never present myself to your family in such a state.”

“That is very wise of you, my friend,” Leofrick fell back into his seat. “Mayhap I should stay with you.”

Taking charge, Winifred signaled for her husband. “It appears Mister Leofrick needs an escort home.”

Assisted to his feet, Leofrick drunkenly wrapped his arm around William’s shoulder. “Good man you are.” On their way out, he called back, “Talan, I would have liked to be your brother. Do not get so soused that you will be unable to bid Mylla farewell on the morrow. It would break her heart.”

Winifred cleared her throat. “Why do not I get you a bowl of stew, Sir Talan? You will make yourself ill by carrying on in this way.”

“Stew is the last thing I need.” Dropping back into his seat, he resumed drinking.

“Pardon my saying, I think it is exactly what you need right now,” Winifred persisted.

“Fine, if you insist. Get me some stew whilst you refill my cup. I am just going to rest my eyes a moment.” Laying his head down on the table, Talan passed out.

It was not until Winifred roughly shook him hours later that he finally stirred. “Sir Talan, we are near to closing. Why do you not seek your bed?”

“Did I miss Leofrick?” Talan glanced around with red-rimmed eyes.

“He has not yet returned,” Winifred said. “I would wager his mother has taken him to task for the condition he arrived home in.”

“No doubt she has come to believe that I am a bad influence on him.”

“I find that unlikely.” Winifred’s expression softened. “I will ask William to leave the door unbolted for him.”

“Then I shall see you both in the morn.” Stumbling up the steps, Talan passed his chamber to enter the communal bathing room at the end of the long narrow wood paneled passageway. Doing nothing to alleviate his throbbing head, the cold water bath briefly revived him.

Dressed only in his braies, he entered his chamber to fall heavily onto the bed. The cool wind beyond his window moaned eerily through the blossoming fruit trees as he drifted off into a fitful doze.

Calling out in his sleep, he jerked awake in the dawn’s early light. Drenched in sweat the vestiges of a disturbing dream still weighed heavily on his mind. He lay still willing his racing heart to slow listening to the inn slowly come to life.

Dark shadows beneath Talan’s eyes attested to his restless night. Strapping on his bawdryk, he slid his sword into its sheath. His hand briefly rested on the hilt when he envisioned the justice’s smug countenance. The loathsome man would take everything he had ever wanted for himself, and he was powerless to stop him.