Promised to the Crusader (5 page)

‘Come this way, sir,’ she invited. ‘I shall care of her this night.’

‘She is but exhausted,’ Zander said. ‘I pushed her too hard, but I feared Newark still hunted for her.’

‘He is not a good man,’ Anne Stornway said, a thin smile on her lips. ‘He asked for my hand when I was but thirteen, but my uncle and brother sent him away. I am five and twenty now and past the age of marriage, but if the earl asked me a thousand times I would not take him.’

Zander nodded grimly, carrying Elaine into the comfortable chamber that Anne led them to. The tester bed was hung with silk damask and the covers were fine Frankish velvet, woven in Rheims. Her pillows were of linen cases stuffed with goose feathers; it was the finest linen to be found in all Christendom, as were the sheets she pulled back so that he could place his precious burden down. For a moment he stood looking at Elaine as her eyelids fluttered and she cried out his name.

‘You are betrothed?’ Anne asked and Elaine heard their voices as from a distance.

‘We were once betrothed,’ Zander said and threw back his hood. ‘How can I ask a gentle lady to look at this every day of her life?’

‘If she loved you, she would seek only to ease your pain. I have unguents that would ease you. I shall give you some. Your servant may treat you, for the wound is healing, but needs something to ease it. I should be glad to offer you my cure, Sir Knight.’

‘You are kind, lady,’ Zander said. ‘I have lived with the pain for months. I can bear it—at least until I have time to rest.’

Anne bowed her head and turned away. Unlike Elaine, she knew better than to argue with a man of his ilk; she had learned as a young
girl that it was better to appease than quarrel, though he hadn’t noticed there was a tiny flame of anger in her eyes.

Elaine moved her head on the pillows and her eyelids flickered. Zander looked at her and moved away from the bed.

‘I shall leave you to tend her,’ he said to Anne, walked away and left, closing the door behind him.

Anne gazed after him a moment and then shook her head. Men were such fools. There was no understanding them. And this one roused such feelings in her that she had difficulty maintaining her air of calm, but she must—she must for otherwise she would betray herself.

She moved back to the bed just as Elaine started up in fear. Again she called Zander’s name and looked about her, tears on her cheeks.

‘I dreamed he came to me…’ she said. ‘I dreamed he came back—but he was not the same.’

Anne sat on the edge of the bed. She reached out to touch the younger girl’s face. Anne could feel only pity for this young woman.

‘Hush, lady. Lord Zander is not far away. He is anxious for your safety—but he is a man.
They do not understand us or our needs. No man is worth a woman’s tears, believe me.’

Elaine blinked the tears away. She pushed herself up against the pillows, looking at her curiously, for there had been bitterness in her voice. ‘Who are you, lady? I have not seen you before.’

‘I am sister to Philip, Lord of Stornway. In King Richard’s absence he is Marshal here and tries to keep the peace between the warring barons, but ’tis a thankless task. Most are too stubborn and too proud. My brother is sorely troubled by their lawless behaviour. I wish that the King would return and bring some order to this land.’

‘You speak truly,’ Elaine said and this time the tears would not be stopped. ‘The Earl of Newark gained my uncle’s trust and then tricked him. He took all that was my uncle’s—and would have had me, too, had I not run away.’

Anne listened to her tale to the end and then nodded. ‘So Lord Zander came to your rescue, but it hurts you because he is not as he was?’ Elaine nodded, noticing the odd look in Anne’s eyes. ‘He has suffered things you could not even imagine, lady. My brother has spoken to returning knights before this. He has told me some
of what he heard, but some he hid from me—though I guessed what he would not say. Lord Zander needs time to recover, to heal inside as well as out. One day he will be himself again. He should allow me to help him cure the wound to his cheek, but he is too proud.’

‘I fear that you are right and I hope that he will find peace one day.’

‘Only God can heal what ails him. My brother finds comfort in the Good Lord and so must we all.’ Anne crossed herself piously, but her eyes avoided Elaine’s, as though she would hide her innermost thoughts.

‘Amen to that,’ Elaine said. ‘My faith never wavered. I always believed that God would bring him back to me—but now…’

‘Now your love must be stronger,’ Anne said. ‘You must fight not only for his love, but for his soul. Restore him to his faith and he will be the man you love again. His physical scars may remain, but they will fade and are as nothing to the loss of his soul.’

‘How wise you are,’ Elaine said and smiled at her. ‘I must wait and see what time will do.’

‘As we all must. Now I must go, for my brother needs me to order his house when we have guests. A servant will come to bring food and drink.’

‘I am simply tired,’ Elaine said. ‘I shall sleep well this night, for I know we are safe. Even the Earl of Newark dare not attack the King’s Marshal.’

‘Not here in this stronghold for we are too well protected, but he might if he found us unprotected—that man is more evil than you know. I think there is little he would not dare.’

‘I know well of his misdeeds,’ Elaine said. ‘My serving woman had a sister and she was sent to serve the Earl of Newark’s first wife. When that gentle lady died at her vile husband’s hands, because she gave him a daughter and not the son he craved, she ran away. I found a place for her with my aunt so that she could be close to her sister—but I do not know what happened to her when my uncle was tricked into surrendering the keep.’

‘Then you must take great care—Newark is a vengeful man. Sleep now, lady, and I shall wake you in the morning to break your fast in good time, though your journey should be safer now, for my brother will send an escort with you. If Newark defies them, he will bring the King’s wrath on himself.’

‘Thank you.’ Elaine sighed as Anne went out and lay down, closing her eyes.

‘Zander,’ she whispered, tears upon her cheeks as she drifted into sleep. ‘Zander, please come back to me…’

Z
ander stood in the shadows of the room. The slitted window allowed little light into the lady’s chamber, but his eyes were accustomed to the gloom and what light there was fell across her pale face. He had risen before cockcrow to prepare for the next day of their journey and Anne Stornway was already about her business, ordering her servants. She’d told him that Elaine was sleeping and advised leaving her to rest until the last moment.

‘She has suffered a terrible shock and it is as much grief as the strain of riding so far that made her give way last night, sir. You should be gentle with her.’

‘I am but a rough knight, not a courtier,’ Zander
said. ‘You do not need to tell me that I am unworthy of her.’

‘What do court manners matter where love is?’ Anne asked, her head up. ‘I do not boast when I say that more nobles than you may imagine have courted me. Only one hath touched my heart, but he died. If I had found another man I counted as true and honourable, I would have wed him, but I have not.’

‘I am sorry for your loss, lady. You would make any man a fine wife, but I dare say your brother could not spare you.’

‘He would be pleased to see me happy,’ she said. ‘I’ve hoped that he would fall in love and bring his bride here to bear me company, but he is as hard to please as his sister.’

Zander laughed. ‘I think Philip hath too much comfort for his own good, lady. Why should he wed when he has you?’

‘I have my uses,’ she said. ‘Once again I offer my cure. It would ease your pain and the redness.’ There was something almost urgent in her tone, as if she wished to force acceptance from him.

‘I thank you, but I prefer to leave such things to my servant.’

‘Very well. Leave your lady to sleep a little longer.’ Anne turned aside, but he caught
the flicker of resentment in her eyes and wondered at it.

Zander inclined his head as she went about her work, but he had not been able to resist coming to Elaine’s chamber to look at her. Now that her lovely hair was spread upon the pillows she looked more like the girl he’d loved, though her skin still bore traces of the stain she’d used to disguise herself. She was so beautiful that his heart caught and he longed to sweep her into his arms and kiss her, to feel her soft skin against his and to make her his own—but that could never happen now.

It would be unfair to her. He was not the man she’d loved. War had hardened him, made him bitter. He would hurt her and she might be left a widow before she was hardly a wife. Zander could never break the vow he’d made to avenge his father. In his heart he knew that the enemy he faced was treacherous and so powerful that even he might not survive the fierce fight that must ensue.

Zander was determined to challenge his enemy to single-handed combat, but first he must regain his strength. Janvier had made him more of the cure with the herbs Elaine had given them and, again, Zander felt an improvement. He was not so easily tired and yet still
he could not swing his great broadsword with the strength he would need for battle. Much as he wanted to destroy his enemy, he was not yet ready.

Elaine was stirring. He was torn between leaving her and yet he stayed, wanting to see her wake. Her eyelids flickered and he noticed how dark her lashes were despite the fairness of her hair, then her eyes opened and she looked at him. the smile of wonder and joy that spread from her eyes over her face cut Zander to the heart; it was the smile he recalled so well, the smile that had helped him through the pain-racked nights, drawing him back from the very mouth of hell. It was her smile that had kept him hanging on by a thread, his spirit almost done, the pain so terrible that his body craved the peace of death—and yet he had lived. He had lived because she lived, and now he would live to serve her if he could.

‘Zander…’ The note of wonder in her voice made him frown. ‘I dreamed of you…but you are here…’

‘I am real, but not as you knew me.’

Elaine sighed and his heart caught with pain as he saw the joy and the wonder drain from her, leaving only sadness and uncertainty.

‘I am sorry to wake you, lady,’ he said. ‘But
we should be leaving soon. I have sent scouts on ahead to see if Newark hath taken your manor and lies in wait, hoping to draw you into a trap.’

‘And if he has?’ Elaine was fully awake now, modestly drawing the sheet to her chest as she sat up. ‘I do not know where else to go.’

‘I have little to offer you. I think my father’s manor may be almost a ruin—but Anne would take you back here until I could find somewhere suitable for you to live.’

‘My lands are all I have.’

‘I brought a fortune home, as I promised you, Elaine. If my father’s manor lies in ruin, I shall buy a house worthy of you. One that hath stout walls, a moat and a gate that can be drawn up.’

‘But…’ Elaine blushed. ‘I should not wish to be a burden to you if…’

‘You could never be that,’ he said. ‘I shall leave you to dress, but I pray you come down to the courtyard swiftly, for I would be away.’

He turned and left her, his mind in turmoil. If Newark had stolen all Elaine had, it might be that his only course was to wed her. He knew her pride would forbid her to live on his charity. In that eventuality, she might be left penniless and vulnerable, forced to work as a servant for her bread. Marriage to Zander would then be the better alternative. He would honour and
protect her while he lived—and if he died his fortune would be hers. To protect her he would appoint Philip of Stornway as her guardian.

Zander’s heart thudded against his ribs as he went down the twisted stair to the great hall, which was a scene of activity as men prepared to leave with him. Armour and supplies had been loaded onto the packhorses, and knights were already wearing their coats of chainmail beneath their tabards.

Zander saw his squire talking with Lady Anne. She was laughing and talking animatedly, her face alight with interest as she listened to Janvier’s words. Janvier turned his head and saw him; he bowed to the lady and walked towards Zander.

Zander caught the look of annoyance on the lady’s face before it was swiftly hidden and once again he wondered. Why should Anne be angry and yet try to hide it?

He knew that the Saracen’s family was noble, but he was penniless, stripped of his land and much he’d had by marauding knights. What little was left he had given to his mother and sister—all that was left of a once-proud family. He’d refused Zander’s offer of gold for saving his life in favour of becoming his servant, but he was a proud and clever man. By birth and
intellect he was the equal of Anne of Stornway, but the colour of his skin and his lack of wealth made him a pauper in a strange land—and not a man her brother would consider fit to be her husband.

What nonsense was he at now? He must have a touch of fever to even think of such things. If the lady could guess at what was in his mind, she would no doubt think herself insulted. Zander smiled sadly. How unfair was life? Would that respect and love were all, but in the world Zander knew pride and prejudice ruled the heart and marriages were made for land, not love.

‘Are you ready to leave, my lord?’

‘We but await my lady,’ Zander said and then something warned him and he turned to look at the stone steps that led to the solar. Elaine had taken him at his word and she was dressed, seemingly ready to continue.

‘You feel able to continue?’ Zander asked as she came towards him.

‘Yes, my lord. I am fully rested. I think we have not so far to go now.’

‘It is but a few hours’ ride from here,’ he said and offered her his hand. Even as she took it, Anne came up with them.

‘If you wished, Lady Elaine could stay until you are sure that rogue has not taken her lands.
I should be glad of her company.’ Anne said, smiling at them, no trace now of the resentment he’d glimpsed earlier. ‘You know that you may trust my brother to guard her for you.’

‘I must go with Zander,’ Elaine said, an odd little shiver at her nape. Something told her not to stay here, though these people were clearly Zander’s friends. ‘My people will not be certain they can trust him unless I am there. If they have barred the gates against Newark, they will only open to me.’

‘The offer remains if you need it,’ Anne said. She smiled, but Zander noticed that her eyes were cold.

‘We thank you for the offer,’ Zander said and kissed the hand she offered. ‘Should my lady need sanctuary, I shall bring her to you until I can find somewhere for her to live.’

‘So you will marry her,’ Anne said, taking his vow for proof of his intention. ‘She will need a strong man to protect her, sir. She is the rightful heir not only to her mother’s dower lands, but also those of Howarth Manor. My brother will petition the king as soon as he returns to England and then Newark must make reparation or suffer the consequences of treason.’

‘Does his Majesty return?’ Zander asked. ‘I
had not heard he was released from his imprisonment.’

‘Though most do not know it the ransom has been paid,’ Anne replied. ‘You will keep this to yourself, sir, for there are those who might seek to prevent Richard from returning to take back what is his by right.’

‘No word of this shall pass my lips,’ he said and bowed his head. ‘We thank you for your hospitality, lady.’

‘Return and you will be welcome. If you are settled at Sweetbriars, I shall hope to visit with you and you will visit with me sometimes.’

‘I shall be glad to have a friend,’ Elaine said. ‘Mayhap once Newark’s wings have been clipped I shall be able to ride out without fear of abduction.’

‘You need a husband to protect you,’ Anne said, smiled strangely and then turned away to her steward.

As they went out into the courtyard, Zander saw Philip standing with the escort he had offered. They carried his standard and a warrant demanding that the manor be handed over to Elaine, should the earl have sent men to occupy it. Lord Philip smiled and came up to them, bowing over the hand Elaine offered as she thanked him for his kindness.

‘It was an honour and a pleasure, Lady Elaine. If ever you are in need of my services, you need only send word. I shall make it known in the area that your manor is under my protection. The greedy barons may still try to make war on you, but draw up your bridge and send a servant to me and we shall relieve you within hours.’

‘You are very kind,’ she said and her cheeks flushed, perhaps because his look was so obviously admiring.

For a moment Zander frowned, then he offered his mailed fist to his friend. ‘You have my gratitude. You know I am committed to avenge my father, but if I live and you have need of my service in the future…’

‘I need only ask.’

The two men clasped hands. Zander brought forwards a beautiful white palfrey, which Elaine would ride side-saddle. The saddle itself was wrought of leather chased with silver and padded with red velvet, and the reins had fine silver tassles. The horse and tackle were expensive, much more so than those Elaine had left behind at Howarth. She imagined they belonged to the Lord of Stornway and thanked him.

‘Would that they were mine to give,’ Philip told her. ‘Zander had these things sent here
some days ago, I presume as a gift for you. It is he you should thank.’

‘A gift…’ Elaine’s throat caught and her eyes opened in wonder. Her startled gaze went to Zander. Surely such a gift was meant as a wedding present? ‘I do not know how to thank you, for such a lovely gift. By what name is this beautiful creature called?’

‘Moonstone Lady,’ he said and laughed. ‘I see she pleases you, Elaine, and so is worth the king’s ransom I paid to a greedy Caliph who knew how much I wanted her. She came to England with us from the land of the Turks and is pure Arab.’

‘She must be worth a great deal.’ Her voice was breathy and something in his look at that moment made her heart race.

‘Some would say she is beyond price.’ Zander’s eyes made her wonder whether he spoke of the mare or her.

Elaine had thought he no longer loved her, that love had been burned away by bitterness and sorrow, but the look he gave her made her heart race. No man would give a gift like this if he were truly indifferent—would he?

‘It is the most precious thing anyone has ever given me,’ she said huskily. Gazing into his eyes, which looked dark and bottomless this
morning, she felt a spasm of desire. Her mouth felt dry, her tongue moving over her lips as she tried to control the sudden leap of excitement. For one precious moment she had seen something in his eyes—something that reminded her of the youth that had left her to fight for his ideals.

She felt light-headed and almost swayed towards him. It seemed to her that his mouth softened and she longed to kiss him, to be held in those strong arms, as she’d been held so many years ago—but she had been a child then and now the woman she had become longed for more. His courtship had been gentle, never sullying her innocence, but she was a woman and ready for marriage now.

‘We must go,’ he said and gave her his hand. A feeling of intense pleasure shot through her at his touch, but she managed to control her emotions and not give herself away as he helped her up to the saddle, though her knees felt weak and her stomach clenched. He turned to his friend. ‘Farewell, Philip. You will hear from me—and if the lady needs you, I shall return her to you with your escort.’

They rode together over the drawbridge, the horses’ hooves clattering on the wood-and-iron bridge. Stornway was a stout fortress, one unlikely
to be breached by anything less than a large army. It was a symbol of power held by the King’s Marshal, Lord Stornway, enforcer of the King’s justice in this area.

Elaine glanced at Zander as she accustomed herself to the palfrey’s ways. Although spirited and perhaps a little skittish in her excitement at being ridden for the first time in days, she was well trained to a lady’s touch.

‘You are pleased with her?’ he asked. ‘She was meant for an Eastern princess, but I thought she would be perfect for you, Elaine.’

‘Nothing could have pleased me better.’

‘I have other gifts. They are stored in chests and left with Lord Stornway until the time is right. Once you are settled at your home I shall have them sent to you.’