Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 (14 page)

“Why do I not believe you, Baron Erlegh?” Picking up his dagger, the justice began to pick his teeth with it.

“While I shall strive to assist you in any way I can, only you can answer that particular question,” Fulke said. “If I had to guess, I would say your convivial relationship with Baron Reynold may have something to do with it.”

“Where else would your man go, if not here? He has no living family.”

“He has us,” Albin said.

“For the last time, I know not where Talan has gone,” Fulke said. “Yet I do know he would not have taken such a risk without just cause.”

“For your sake, you better pray my men do not find him on your land,” the justice sneered.

“Every courtesy has been extended to you.” Fulke dropped all pretenses. “I suggest you do not overstay your welcome.”

“When I find him,” the justice said, “and I will find him, I will be sure to extend you an invitation to his public execution. I shall even have a feast planned to celebrate the day.”

“Then it is my greatest hope you do not find him,” Fulke replied unperturbed.

“Have a chamber prepared for me.” With a scowl, Justice de Glanville stood. “I am weary and will retire after speaking to my men.”

“My castellan will see you settled.” Catching Rowan’s eye from across the hall, Fulke motioned him forward. “If your good wife has not already seen to it, please ask Hylda to prepare a chamber for the justice. His men are to bed down in the stables.”

“A chamber has already been prepared for your guest, your lordship. Since my wife is busy elsewhere, I shall escort him whenever it pleases you.”

What Rowan did not say is that if Hylda were to escort the justice, she would likely give the man a piece of her mind. She was quite fond of Talan and had heard about the justice’s cruel treatment of Lecie. Since Fulke had purchased the loyal maidservant’s freedom from Reina’s father, she was often outspoken when it came to the people she loved.

“Locate my men and send them to me,” the justice spoke to no one in particular. “You,” he said snapping his fingers at Rowan, “take me to my chamber, and then retrieve my saddlebags. I shall want a heated bath afore I retire.”

With his narrowed gaze fixed on the justice’s departing back, Fulke addressed his men. “Seek out the justice’s guards to respond to his summons. Once he has finished giving them directions, see that they are made comfortable in the stables.”

The Erlegh men stood as one to comply with Fulke’s request. Excusing themselves to the ladies present, they divided to search for the justice’s men.

“Your lordship, with your permission,” Leofrick kept his voice low, “I have important information to impart to you. Caine and Frederick will warn us should the justice or his men leave their quarters.”

Hope lit Fulke’s cool blue eyes. “You know where Talan is?”

Dipping his head, Leofrick smiled. “I do, your lordship.”

“Are they safe?”

“They are together and on their way to safety as we speak.”

A light rap on the next table had Fulke meeting his wife’s relieved gaze. While Leofrick spoke for Fulke’s ears alone, Reina had read his lips.
“The sheriff’s son knows where Talan is?”

“It appears that way,” Fulke mouthed.

“We have to help them.”

“We will, my love. Have no fear.”

Tears shimmered in Reina’s brilliant blue eyes as she nodded. Talan had become a close friend to her during their time together at King Henry’s court. She could not bear to see harm befall him, or the woman he had come to love.

Warin located two of the justice’s men. Searching the round tower of the falconry, the birds of prey housed within had loudly protested the night intrusion. Piercing calls and shrill chwirk noises rent the air disturbing the birds on their high perches.

Leading the pair into the hall, Warin failed to keep the humor from his tone. “The justice’s guards seem to have run afoul of your preferred hunting hawks, my liege. It appears they shall have a few scars to remember their visit by.”

“Ask Hylda to tend the wounds, Warin.”

“Aye, my liege.” Warin turned to address the two guards. “If you will follow me, you can report to your master after your wounds are seen to.” 

“The justice is not our master.” Nursing a bloody gash on his forearm one of the guards corrected Warin. “We are sworn protectors of the office he holds.”

“I stand corrected.” Warin smirked.

“Where are my men?” The justice’s raised voice echoed along the upper corridor.

“We will see to our own wounds,” the second guard uttered, heading for the steps at a brisk pace.

Locating them in the village, Osbert led the two remaining guards in. Upon hearing the justice’s raised voice, the men rushed to join their counterparts on the upper level.

The occupants in the hall remained silent listening to the justice’s blistering tirade directed at his men. Blaming them for failing to locate Talan, the justice yelled himself hoarse.

When they were finally ordered to retire for the night the guards returned to the hall silent and red-faced.

Taking pity on the men, Fulke stood. “My squire will deliver a keg of ale after he sees you settled in the stables.”

“Come with me.” Warin led the way to the door.

“Thank you, your lordship,” one of the men mumbled on his way out.

Leofrick looked over at Frederick. “I shall come for you after we finish our discussion.”

Frederick took leave of the women prior to slipping out the front door to spy on the justice’s guards.

Following Leofrick’s direction, Caine slipped up the steps to guard the justice’s door.

Hylda came from the scullery to escort the children to bed. Taking a sleeping Raine from Reina’s arms the elder woman looked worried. “I should have known we would not know peace for very long.”

Kissing her daughter’s rosy cheek, Reina straightened to kiss Hylda’s. After Reina’s mother died from the same illness that had left Reina deaf, Hylda had taken on the role of servant, mother, and loyal friend.
“Fear you not, all will be well again.”

Tears filled the elder woman’s kind blue eyes. “I exchanged many a barb with the lad in the past, yet I have always been fond of him for his treatment of you.”

“Then have faith.” Overhearing Hylda, Fulke bent to kiss his daughter’s forehead. “Talan is not yet lost to us.”

“If anyone can save the lad, it would be you, your lordship.” Gesturing for the older children to precede her, Hylda could be heard sniffling on her way out of the hall. 

Warin was the last of the men to return. Hazarding a glance toward the upper level, he resumed his seat. “The men are settled and drinking with a guard at the door, my liege.”

Fulke moved to sit beside Reina so she would be able to read Leofrick’s lips. “So where are they, Leofrick?” 

“You know where Talan is?” Gervase blurted, only to be nudged into silence by Guy.

“Aye,” Leofrick said, “I know where he is and I know where he is taking my sister.”

“Is Mylla well, Leo?” Lecie could not stop herself from asking.

“Under the present circumstances, she is as well as can be.”

“Tell us all,” Fulke said. “We will hold our questions until after you finish.”

It took some time for Leofrick to bring everyone up to date on all that had happened leading up to Chaucey’s murder. By the end of his story the women were not the only ones who looked stunned.

“You witnessed the justice slay his clerk?” Fulke was the first to speak.

“My father and brothers were also forced to witness the foul deed.” Leofrick angrily shook his head. “The justice sprang so quickly, we were taken off guard. I am ashamed to say we did nothing to prevent the attack on the poor man.”

“Forgive me if I am out of place for I mean no offense,” Lecie said, “but I must ask. Why did not your father place him under arrest, Leo? Regardless of his station, is not outright murder against the laws of the realm?” 

“The situation is complicated, Lecie. Had my father attempted to arrest the justice and he resisted, his guards would have become involved. It could have led to further bloodshed.” Leofrick lowered his head. “I believe my father’s actions were to protect our family.”

“There is no shame in protecting one’s family,” Fulke said, “regardless of what is required.”

“Your father made the right choice,” Albin reassured Leofrick. “He knows what the justice is capable of.”

“I thought I did as well,” Leofrick said. “Truth be told, I feel responsible for Chaucey’s death. It was my idea to press him for information pertaining to the justice. I wanted to know what kind of man my sister was being forced to wed. Had I not done so, the justice would have had no cause to slay him.”

“It appears your misgivings about the man were correct.” Euric entered the conversation. Tall and leaner than the Erlegh men, he had a boyish charm. His dirty blond hair reached to the collar of his brown woolen tunic. His emerald eyes and dark lashes were his most striking feature. Kind and attentive, he sought to ease Leofrick’s guilt.

“I believe we are all in accord that the justice believes himself to be above the law,” Albin said. “I am more concerned about my friend. Where exactly are they headed, Leofrick?”

“Talan is taking Mylla to live in Wales, where exactly I know not. He kept their final destination secret in the event I am arrested. I do know that by now they should have reached Reading. Talan insisted on a brief stay there to allow Mylla a rest prior to beginning the more strenuous part of their journey. My brother Edmund has already set out to catch them afore they cross the border.”

“Edmund intends to stop them?” Lecie rose halfway out of her seat.

“Be at ease, Lecie. After seeing Chaucey slain, my eldest brother has had a change of heart. Edmund has set out to escort Talan and Mylla to safety after convincing the justice our father needed assist in collecting the king’s levies.”

Reina clasped Fulke’s forearm to get his attention.
“What can we do to help them?”

“Forgive me, your lordship.” Since only Fulke spoke, Leofrick followed the one-sided exchange with a look of wonder. “Did the baroness have a question for me?”

“My wife is insistent that we aid in their escape.”

“You have my gratitude, your ladyship.” Leofrick faced Reina so she could more easily read his lips. “You heard for yourself what the justice intends for Sir Talan, what you do not yet know is what he plans for my sister. He intends to make Mylla his mistress. Once he tires of her, she will be cast out.”

“My liege,” Guy said, “I ask for permission to escort Talan into Wales.”

“As do I, my liege,” Gervase spoke up. “If we depart now and ride hard, we have a chance of catching up to them.” 

Fulke smiled at the loyalty displayed by his two knights. Regardless of how small the matter, Guy was always willing to right a wrong. With his dark curly mane and flashing blue eyes, he was considered the romantic of the group. Those that knew him best also knew he and Talan were the most introverted of the group. Forgoing speech when it came to wooing the fairer sex, he shared his innermost thoughts through the sonnets he composed.

Gervase on the other hand often acted and spoke without thinking. His appealing looks often made up for his lack of common sense. Tall and powerfully built like his comrades, his piercing blue eyes had more than one noblewoman seeking his favors. He had a close-cropped beard and mustache, and wore his collar-length wavy sun-streaked bronze hair parted down the middle in keeping with the fashion of the day.

“What you both propose is noble, yet your requests are denied. While I have total confidence in your abilities, the justice has the full contingent of the realm at his disposal. I will not sacrifice my men so easily.”

“My liege…” Gervase slowly shook his head.

“Is not Talan one of your men, my liege?” Warin leaned past Osbert so that his sister could see his lips. Once tall and gangly, Reina’s brown haired younger brother had grown into a man under Fulke’s tutelage. Hard training had added muscle and definition to his growing frame, yet his face held a hint of the boy he had once been. Serious at the moment, his light hazel eyes appeared darker than normal.

“Are we then to do nothing for him?” Guy looked at Leofrick for support.

Reina sat confidently beside Fulke waiting for him to speak while the others added their own opinions to the mix.

Holding up his hand, Fulke waited for the table to settle down. “Leofrick, you mentioned the justice concealed the body of his third wife beneath his London residence. Do you have reason to believe she still rests there?”

“I believe Chaucey would have said if she did not, your lordship.”

Fulke stood to look at each of his men. “I have no intention of losing Talan. I also have no intention of losing any of you. There is only one way to save our brother now. After the justice departs on the morrow, we ride for London.”

Chapter Twelve

“London?” Those gathered chorused in unison.

“London,” Fulke affirmed. “If we are to save Talan, we must corner the beast in its den.”

“I take it since you said beast in lieu of lion, you are referring to de Glanville?” Albin asked.

“You would be correct,” Fulke said. “There is only one person who can put an end to the justice. King Henry.”

“That is all well and good, but I see a minor problem with your plan,” Albin said. “Have you forgotten you are no longer in favor with our good king? He has banished the lot of us from court.”

“Even if that were not the case…” Recalling Fulke’s presence, Leofrick lowered his eyes. “Forgive me for speaking out of turn, your lordship.”

“Feel free to speak your mind, Leofrick. We do not stand on ceremony here, and please call me, Fulke. I grow weary of all the ‘your lordship’ nonsense. It took me years to grow accustomed to hearing my liege every time one of my men opened their mouths.”

“My liege,” Gervase ventured.

“See what I mean?” Fulke splayed his hands out.

Leofrick visibly relaxed. “I was about to say that I do not believe the king’s involvement would matter to the justice. The man is likely to execute Sir Talan, and claim thereafter the king’s order reached him too late.” 

“Leofrick makes a good point,” Albin said. “The justice will have every available man at his disposal searching for our wayward friend. Given the time it will take us to ride to London to petition an audience with Henry the odds do not favor us.”

“I am aware of the difficulties we will face.”  Fulke returned his attention to Leofrick. “You said one of your brothers rode out to intercept the couple?”

“Aye, your… Fulke,” Leofrick said clearly flustered. “My brother Edmund set out shortly after we departed Rochester.”

“Given good weather, he should have reached them by now,” Fulke said thoughtfully. “Nonetheless, we shall have to assume he did. Leofrick, once the justice and his men depart, ask your brothers to ride hard for Reading. I would have them intercept the trio to ride escort the rest of the journey. Guards will be searching for a couple on the road so it should give them all some slight protection. In any event, I would have Talan and Mylla safely away should things go awry in London.”   

“It sounds like you have devised a plan.” Albin refilled his cup from a jug of ale. “I should have known better than to think otherwise.”

“I suppose you are looking forward to a spot of adventure in your otherwise dull life?” Lecie spoke from beside her husband.

“Most assuredly not,” Albin hastened to reassure her, “I am merely pleased by the idea of aiding our friends.”

“Sure you are.” Crossing her arms over her swollen belly, Lecie turned away from him.

Snickers from the younger men had Albin bristling. “Just you wait until it happens to the lot of you.”

“What exactly is this happening you are referring to, husband?” Lecie peered over her shoulder.

Chuckles spread further along the table at the light banter.

Wrapping his arm around Lecie’s shoulders, Albin dipped her in his arms for a long passionate kiss.

Silence fell at the unusual display of public affection from Albin. The eldest of the knights, he was also the wisest. Known for his quick-wit, he often traded barbs with the younger men. He reluctantly ended the kiss when Lecie sought to deepen it. Regaining his rattled composure, he looked over at the younger men who were staring open-mouthed at the romantic display. “I am referring to how fortunate I am to have found a woman capable of turning my heart as well as my head, my dearest.”

“Well spoken.” Appeased, Lecie nuzzled against him.

“And well done, Albin.” Fulke grinned. “I think you have managed to render the lads speechless for once.”

“Mayhap it will last until we can resolve some things.” Taking a long swallow of ale, Albin gestured to Fulke with his cup. “You were saying?”

“Like Albin assumed, I have come up with a plan.” He glanced around the table. “Most of you know that the king’s nephew, Stephen of Blois, has an eye on the throne. While I pledged my allegiance to the king’s daughter, Matilda, to inherit after Henry’s death, things change. Matilda’s surly disposition has left her with little support from the barons who were coerced into swearing fealty to her. Stephen will be looking to use the strife this occasion has elicited to his advantage.”

“You intend to ask Stephen for assist?” Euric glanced over at his wife. “I think that is a good idea.”

Fulke reached for Reina’s hand. “There was a time when I lived by the creed for God, King, and Country. I have come to find that there is something more important than king and country, and that is family. If anyone is capable of persuading the king to meet with us, it would be Stephen.”  

“I completely concur with you,” Leofrick said. “Family is everything. I only wonder if Stephen can be trusted. If he would turn against his blood cousin so easily, do you not think there is a possibility he could turn against you to gain further advantage with the king?”

“There is always that possibility,” Fulke acknowledged. “Still, for the most part, I trust Stephen. He and I fought in the Battle of Bremule together. We were also witness to the drowning death of Prince William after The White Ship struck the rocks of Barfleur off the Normandy coast. Since that dreadful event, we have a well-established camaraderie of sorts. He has already sought my support for his claim to the throne, and that is what I will now use to our advantage.”

“Do you know if Stephen’s mother Adela has a close relationship with her brother?” Bronwyn asked. “If she is more loyal to the king than her son, she could dissuade Stephen of his lofty ambitions.”

“For a woman, you seem to be well versed,” Leofrick said clearly impressed.

“My wife knows much about history, I mean court happenings,” Euric said. “We would be wise to listen to her.”

“To answer your question,” Fulke resumed, “the majority of nobles hold no fondness for Empress Matilda since they consider her to be a foreigner. The king’s negotiations to wed his daughter to Geoffrey le Bel of Anjou will further isolate her from her future subjects. Adela may be loyal to her brother but she is no fool. She is bound to support the ambitions of her son.”

“There is always so much intrigue involved in the court,” Bronwyn said. “Tis a wonder it still exists.”

Fulke briefly looked puzzled by her statement. “I think most would agree that the palace survives on intrigue.”

“I believe your proposal to be sound,” Euric said to Fulke. “Let us hope Count Stephen can be relied upon.”

“I have been thinking, my liege,” Gervase said.

“That would be a first.” Albin’s chuckle was cut short when Lecie nudged him.

“Speak your mind, lad,” Fulke said.

“Should not Talan remove his coat, my liege?” Gervase asked.

“He is bound to have already done so yet your suggestion shows merit,” Fulke said approvingly. “Well done.”

“I shall make mention of it to my brothers in the unlikely event Sir Talan has overlooked doing so,” Leofrick said. 

Reina gripped Fulke’s forearm.
“I wish to go to London with you.”

“I cannot allow it, my love.” Fulke slowly shook his head. “The last time you were at court I came close to losing you. Do not ask me to take such a risk again.”

“If I were not so heavy with child, I would demand to go,” Lecie said catching the gist of the exchange.

“Then I am relieved to have done my husbandly duty by you,” Albin said without jest. “I shall have enough to worry about whilst there.”

“I want to go as well, and if Lecie did not have need of me, I would.” Bronwyn reached for Euric’s hand. “King Henry is far too fickle for my peace of mind.” 

“In that case, I am also relieved that Albin has done his husbandly duty.” To soften the impact of his words, Euric raised his wife’s hand to his lips.

“Begging your pardon, my liege,” Guy said. “I have been doing some calculating. If Frederick and Caine were to wait until after the justice departs in the morn, chances are they will not catch Talan’s group prior to them crossing into Wales. Since we do not know their final destination, it could be a costly delay should we be fortunate to locate them at all.”

“What if my brothers were to leave tonight?” Leofrick shifted in his seat to face Guy. “Would they then be able to reach them in time?”

“That is what I was going to suggest,” Guy said. “Talan will likely insist upon stopping each day at dusk for Mylla’s benefit. If your brothers were to ride with only brief rests, they will run across the trio sometime afore they reach Avebury.” 

“I see an immediate problem with your plan,” Albin said. “The brothers rode here with the justice. What makes you think he will not expect them to depart with him?” 

“We have no choice, Fulke said. “If Talan is to be overtaken, we must follow Guy and Leofrick’s suggestion. Frederick and Caine must depart within the hour.” Fulke signaled to Rowan to attend him. “Anyone have any ideas on what to tell the justice when he remarks upon their absence?”

“The brothers could come down with a sudden fever,” Gervase said feeling confident. “Impatient as he appears to be, I doubt the justice would await their recovery.”

“I believe that to be a sound idea,” Leofrick agreed. “I can attest to the fact that the justice detests illness of any kind.”

“What if he notices their horses are missing from the stables?” Lecie glanced around. “Nothing escapes the man.” 

“My liege,” Guy said, “If you were to loan the brothers a pair of chargers, theirs would not be missing.”

“It could even be to our advantage,” Leofrick said. “The horses we rode here on were no match for the ones used by the justice and his men.”

“That is all quite good.” Fulke nodded thoughtfully. “What if the justice demands to see the brothers? What do we tell him?”

“Why not have two men of like size take the place of the brothers,” Bronwyn suggested. “Have them lay in a chamber beneath a pile of coverlets. If the justice were to open the door, they could begin to make retching noises.”

“We could even say the men are contagious,” Gervase added.

“I like the way you all think,” Fulke said before addressing Leofrick directly. “If you will, inform your brothers of the plan, and apologize to them on my behalf. I fear they will be getting very little rest this night. Rowan here will see to it that they have plenty of food and coin for the journey. When you are ready to retire, seek him out and he will see you settled.”

Rowan dipped his head in acknowledgement of Fulke’s orders.

“My thanks, Yo… um… Fulke.” Leofrick stood. “On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you.”

“No thanks are necessary,” Fulke said. “We are all family now.” He glanced up and down the length of the table. “Anyone else have any concerns?” When no one spoke, he stood. “So be it. I suggest everyone get some rest now. The justice is sure to wake with the cock’s crow.”

The couples held onto one another a little tighter when they made their way to the sleeping chambers that night.

†

Sealing their union with a symbolic kiss, Talan and Mylla clung to one another. Regardless of what the future held for them they would face it together as man and wife.

Reality intruded upon the couple far too soon when Edmund cleared his throat to speak. “Now that the deed is done, we need to speak, Talan.”

“Edmund, please do not treat my wedding so lightly.” Mylla smiled up at her husband. “I have looked forward to this day for quite some time.”

“If it were to occur under a different set of circumstances perhaps I would feel more festive, sister.”

“In this particular instance, I must agree with Edmund, mon coeur. We shall have to forego our wedding revelry for a later time.” Easing away from Mylla, Talan kept his arm protectively wrapped around her shoulders. “Shall we return to the inn?”

“That will not do.” Father Godfrey shook his head. “That will not do at all. There are far too many prying eyes and listening ears about in public inns. Come with me.” He gestured toward the back of the chapel. “I have separate quarters for myself in the back. We shall have a small wedding feast to celebrate your union whilst you talk, thus making everyone present merry.”

“No disrespect intended, Father,” Edmund said. “What I have to say is not for the ears of my sister.”

“Mylla is now more than your sister,” Talan said, “she is a lady, and my wife. Whatever you have to say to me, concerns her as well.”

“Wife or not, you would involve a woman in the affairs of men?” Edmund could not conceal his surprise.

“Aye, I would.”

After a lengthy pause, Edmund dipped his head. “If that if your wish. Father Godfrey, will you lead the way to your chamber?”

“I shall do so most gladly, my son. All of this furtive rushing about has left me nigh famished.” Holding aloft a rush light, the priest led the trio through a narrow archway to the back of the altar. Shuffling along a wood-paneled passageway with closed doors on either side the floorboards creaked beneath his weight. “Our quarters will be much finer once the abbey is complete, not much mind you. We are expected to live a humble existence,” he finished with a mumbled, “and most of us do.”