Forbidden Magic (23 page)

"Unhand me, coward . .. abuser of women," she demanded, her struggles easily stilled by the tighter grip of her captor.

"Coward? Abuser of women?" he mocked. "I simply give a damsel all that she longs for and have yet to find one who does not respond." His grin widened. "Even you, little one. As for being a coward—"

"The same!" she snapped, her temper flaring. "Only a coward would seek out the weaker foe. And a coward runs away."

"Tis not I who runs," he said with a laugh.

Amber eyes darkened with her accusing glare. "Then what finds you here? Why hast thou fled Wellington and taken a woman if not to hide behind her skirts should your half brother come too close?"

Jewel instantly regretted her foolish words when she saw the gleam in his eye disappear and felt the muscles of his body grow rigid with his anger. Her own body trembled in fear and she worried that a blow would strike her momentarily as Amery bolted to his feet, bringing her with him. But much to her relief, be simply led them from the stall to where Conan stood and without comment roughly lifted her to the destrier's back. In quiet observation, she watched him gather his armor from a second stall and with brisk movements don it without a glance her way. And once he tossed the thick fur mantle around his shoulders, Jewel suddenly realized why her escape had been short-lived. From all appearance, Amery had slept in the stable and had probably viewed her clumsy attempt at saddling his charger from the protective shadows of the small building. One corner of her mouth crimped irritably. Would she ever be able to best him?

With Conan's reins held firmly in his hand, Amery led them out into the warm sunshine, but the crisp breeze that stirred the grasses and treetops sent a numbing chill up Jewel's spine and she quickly surveyed the ground for the blanket that had fallen from her shoulders. If they were to travel any distance this day, she would need its protection around her, for the thin gunna she wore offered little warmth. The fine arch of her brows lowered. And she most assuredly would not accept Amery's arms about her in its stead. But when the discovery of its whereabouts failed to arise, she sighed resignedly and turned back to plead Amery's understanding of its necessity, only to smile happily when she saw Gunther walking toward them. The mantle she had left behind when she had made her escape from the hut was draped over one arm, and once Amery had guided his horse close enough for her to lean down and take the garment Gunther held out to her, Jewel smiled her appreciation for the man's thoughtfulness.

"If thou wilt allow me a moment to saddle my horse, Amery..." he said absently, for his attention centered on the sprinkling of straw in Jewel's hair as she whirled the cloak around her shoulders. Surely his friend had not.... Frowning curiously, Gunther slowly turned to look at his companion, a smile parting his lips once he saw the same yellow stalks clinging to Amery's clothing. He straightened sharply, however, when he discovered that Amery was glaring at him, and he cleared his throat to ease the tense moment, intending to explain. But when he opened his mouth to void his harmless interest, he snapped it shut just as quickly, for he had noticed how his friend's eyes had darkened. Turning, he bowed slightly to Jewel and hurriedly led his horse back to the stable.

Amery watched the man's departure until Gunther had disappeared within the darkened opening of the barn, then turned to mount his steed. But as he lifted a foot to the stirrup, he discovered the cause of his friend's merriment. Almost angrily, he plucked the straw from his tunic, glanced back at the empty doorway, then hoisted himself up behind Jewel, jerking Conan around toward the spot where they would wait.

Ahead lay the seemingly endless terrain of rolling hillsides covered with a thick abundance of trees and shrubs, and winding its way through the landscape the narrow road could be seen for miles until it faded into a thin line that disappeared over the horizon. A spattering of clouds dotted the pastel blue of the sky and mingled with the gray funnels of smoke coming from the chimneys of small farmhouses along the way. A quiet peace enveloped the countryside and Amery found the solitude comforting. He had always favored the winter months above the rest; their clean, crisp air was invigorating. Yet as he studied the splendor spread out before him, a new emotion began to surface and he frowned, not wanting to admit that somewhere deep inside him he felt incomplete, alone. But wasn't that as he had always wanted it? To be a man who answered only to himself? What had brought about such a revelation?

Amery shook his head, blinking repeatedly when he realized he was staring, and suddenly he became aware of the soft fragrance that engulfed him and the fragile beauty sitting stiffly before him in the saddle. His troubled features relaxed and he smiled once he noticed the pieces of straw mixed in the auburn hair. Lifting a wide hand, he gently removed them one by one.

" 'Tis not a lack of courage but Wisdom for a man to turn his steed upon the road when he knows the foe outnumber him, little one," he said quietly, toying with a bright curl wrapped around his fingertips. Thy reasoning has been twisted by lies or thou wouldst see the logic."

Round amber eyes glanced up at him in surprise. Had this callous knight truly sought to justify his actions to her? Why? What had caused his heart to soften a mite that he felt compelled to explain? And of what lies did he speak? Could it mean that he was denying Radolf' s claim? A vague frown crossed her smooth brow. Or was he only playing with her?

"If 'tis truth you speak, Sir Amery," she submitted, "wouldst thou tell me the purpose that finds me thus? I carry no sword and pose no threat to your health."

Amery raised a brow, his amusement shining in his eyes. "Your words are sharp enough, fair one, and I have little doubt that if a dagger appeared in your slender hand, it would find a place in my back."

"You misjudge me, sir," she smiled sardonically. "I. would seek out your heart so that you would know who pierced it."

Amery threw back his head and laughed. "Yea, of that I am certain."

"Then tell me, why have you taken me?"

The humor faded from his lips as he studied the lovely face staring back at him, and he remained thoughtfully quiet for a long while, as if searching for the answer. At last he smiled again, a smile that touched only the corners of his mouth and was not reflected in his eyes. "What better way to catch the fox than to dangle its prey just out of reach?"

"He will not come alone."

Amery's expression hardened and he turned his eyes toward the road. "Most assuredly, little one. He needs many to boost his courage."

"And you will seek an equal number?" she asked sweetly, her meaning clear.

Lowering his chin, he looked directly at her. "Twould please you if I told you nay. You, more than any, would see my blood upon the soil." He cast out his gaze across the land again and spoke more to himself as he continued quietly. "My only quest, Lady Jewel, is to find justice and 'tis why I seek the shadows for a time. The truth will be difficult to prove and with only Gunther at my side, 'twill take some thinking to sway the rest. Nay," he sighed, glancing back at the stable for his companion and friend to appear, "we shall find our comfort far from here where my half brother will never contemplate our being."

Jewel could only stare at him, his subtle declaration of innocence surprising her. "Then you deny the charges brought against you?" she pressed, her voice barely above a whisper, and she cringed when he swung around to look at her, a smile on his handsome face.

"Wouldst thou believe me if I told thee yea?" He laughed sarcastically. "I think not. Your simple lot in life is to serve a man, not ponder over matters too great for you to understand or lowly enough for your consideration. 'Twould be beyond your genius to untangle right from wrong and its significance worthless to my cause. To foresee anything else would be foolish. I took you from your home to warn Radolf of my cunning and to warm my bed at night. Nothing more will be expected of you, nor will it be tolerated."

Jewel recoiled at his abusive and contemptuous accusations, her chest heaving, and she stuttered in rage, unable to recite the flood of hateful words that whirled in her head. Instead she lifted a hand to strike his face and found it painfully entrapped within his larger one when he quickly read her thoughts and foiled her intent.

"Nothing more," he ground out through clenched teeth.

"Then set me from the horse," she demanded with a sob, "for I will not play the frightened wench and warm your bed."

"Ahh, but you will," he growled, eyes narrowed, "either by your consent or at my insistence. But know this. I will turn you from me when I tire of you and seek another in your place, a fact as certain as the dawning of a day. Only then will you be allowed to return to Radolf. Will he want you then, knowing his half brother has already trod where he longs to venture?"

" 'Tis only to your strength that I yield," she retorted, cringing from the pain he caused, for with each word he spoke his grip tightened. "Doth it pleasure you to win such an ignoble battle?"

"Winning has never stirred my blood as much as the battle itself," he whispered, pulling her close, his breath falling warm against her lips. "Nor any woman. Yield all, my little one, but never thy heart to me, for 'tis certain you will be the one to lose."

Releasing her abruptly, Amery gathered the destrier's reins in his hands and spun the animal around. Calling out for Gunther to hasten, he kicked the charger's ribs and in a dark mood set off down the road.

S
unset cast its golden halo about the earth, setting it aglow in fiery splendor. Warm sea breezes drifted inland and chased away the chill. Torches had been lit, the fires banked against the approaching cold night air, and from the watchtower a shout rang out to warn of the presence of visitors, though it was barely heard above the roar of crashing waves as they exploded against the cliffs and showered a fine mist over the rocks. Nestled high above the coastline and amidst the bluffs, a magnificent castle guarded all within its keep and stood watch over its lands, a silent sentinel against invading forces.

Jewel viewed its imposing strength and majestic beauty from the aft section of the galley as the vessel slowly glided toward the cove where they would disembark! With each stroke of the oar that brought them closer, her hopes faded, for any chance she might have had to escape diminished as the distance between this isle and the mainland widened, a length too far for her to swim even if she had had the talent.

They had traveled the stretch from the small farmhouse where they had spent the night to the Isle of Wight in silence, stopping only a short time to rest the horses and eat the meager portion of food Gunther's friends had given them. But as they had neared the coast and the smell of salt air had reached them, Gunther's excitement had mounted and he had chattered on about his wife, Lady Anne, and their two sons, Anson and Edric, and how it had been three years since he had seen any of them. Jewel had realized almost immediately that Gunther loved his family very deeply. He had spoken tenderly of his wife and his pride had shone clearly on his face whenever he bind mentioned his sons, and her own thoughts had turned to the family she had lost, the ones she would never see again. A lump had formed in her throat with her memories and she had forced herself to study the horizon, missing the somewhat sympathetic green eyes watching her.

Once they had reached the shoreline, Gunther had guided them to a monastery cloistered among the high bluffs where they had left their horses and enough silver marks to see to their care and feeding. With the monks' promise that no one would learn of the knights' whereabouts from them, the trio had boarded the galley that would take them to Burchard Castle on an island five miles out from the mainland, a place where they would be safe and-could afford the time to rest while Amery and Gunther contemplated what course should be their next. But for Jewel it would mean imprisonment with little prospect of a successful escape.

As the vessel smoothly skimmed the water's surface and drifted into the cove, Jewel realized with some dismay that the odds of ever returning home unless Amery permitted it greatly decreased the closer she came to the castle. Even if she were to manage to flee the confines of fortress, elude the guards in the tower, and somehow cross the drawbridge unseen, the challenge would have only just begun. Without the aid of someone who took pity on her, she would never find a way off the island. Hugging her mantle beneath her chin, she looked up at Gunther's smiling face as his gaze hungrily took in the sight of his home, and she wondered again if she could sway his thoughts about coming to her rescue. Or perchance Lady Anne's, she reflected, smiling secretively.

"'Twould prove difficult."

Jewel stared at the deep voice that intruded upon her musings and glanced back over her shoulder to find Amery standing casually near the galley's railing, arms folded over his wide chest, the coif pushed back from his head, and a smile curling his lips. At her questioning look, he straightened and came to stand next to her, his gaze slowly surveying the landscape.

"Gunther has talked of nothing else since we returned from the Crusades," he stated simply. "You will find all at Burchard loyal to their lord."

Jewel could almost feel the blood drain from her face. How could he have known what thoughts lingered in her head? What made this knight different from the rest? She had always managed to fool her father, gently persuade him to her bidding with masterful illusion, and gave credit for the feat to the mere fact that more important matters clouded his mind than the simple yearnings of a maiden.

Afraid Amery would see the surprise on her face and know his assumption had been correct, she cast her gaze to the narrow wooden dock jutting out from the rocky strand where the galley would be tied off and its passengers go ashore. He only guessed, she told herself, yet deciding that from now on she would have to be very careful. And maybe those who lived under Sir Gunther's rule were indeed loyal, but Jewel was aware of the special kindred that few women could deny. Jewel took comfort in the thought that, given the chance to speak with Lady Anne alone, she could convince Gunther's wife to help.

Gunther was the first to step from the vessel once it had been moored to the gray, weather-beaten pier, and with bemused interest Jewel watched the welcoming he received from the group of men who had hurried down the narrow path to greet them. Shouts of joy rose above the thunderous crashing of waves against the rocks, heartfelt handshakes and good-natured bantering was shared among them, and Jewel instantly felt the bond of friendship each unknowingly expressed. A tinge of worry surfaced in her own mind, for they did indeed seem loyal. Would there be one among them who might sympathize with her enough to help?

"Come, good friends," Gunther's voice interrupted, "and meet another."

Turning toward the vessel, they waited as Amery bent, took Jewel's arm, and guided them both from the galley.

"Rickward, Stafford, Hadwin," Gunther recited proudly, "'tis Amery of Wellington who stands before you, trusted friend and knight to the king. Bid him welcome into our home and see to his comforts as you would mine, for I would call him brother though our blood is not the same."

"Your name is well known to us," the tallest of the three replied, offering his hand. "As is your plight. I am known as Rickward and extend my aid in righting the wrong brought against you." Turning to the man at his side, who bore him a striking resemblance, he added, "And this is my brother, Stafford, and the one who stands with his mouth hanging open is our cousin, Hadwin."

The one mentioned quickly snapped to attention, a light blush rising in his fair face and easily drawing a hearty round of guffaws from his companions. Younger than the rest, his callowness had forbade his execution of politeness where the male visitor was concerned, for his eyes had been drawn immediately to the beautiful woman standing at Amery's side. Knowing the heat of embarrassment scorched his cheeks, he looked to his feet and absently kicked at a loose board with the toe of his boot.

"Pray forgive me, Sir Amery, but ofttimes he wanders about with his head in the clouds." Rickward laughed, reaching over to squeeze the young man's shoulder. Then his gaze settled on Jewel. "Yet I sometimes wonder if he is not more observant than us all. Had I his youth, I too would stare."

"Then let all be warned," Gunther cut in, smiling warmly at the young woman who had grown uneasy under the men's attentive regard, "for this is Lady Jewel of Harcourt and betrothed to Amery." Stepping forward to gently take her arm in his, Gunther purposely ignored the lowering of brows Amery gave him and missed the disappointed look on Hadwin's narrow face. "She will honor my humble dwelling with her presence and cause many envious eyes to turn her way to gaze upon her beauty." Chuckling lightly, he bent so only she would hear. "Pray Lady Anne does not learn that another has caught my eye. Though my heart is loyal, she will wonder if I watch the sway of skirts that are not hers."

His gaiety eased the moment and Jewel smiled in return at his compliment. "Then rest assured, Sir Gunther, that Lady Anne will not hear the words from me. Yet I do not worry overmuch, for she must be exceptional to have won your heart, and methinks it is truly you who must always be on guard against another stealing her away."

Gunther laughed cheerfully. "Yea, 'tis true and why I left these good friends to watch over my possessions in my absence. If her heart has been stolen, 'tis theirs that my blade will pierce." He straightened suddenly and drew her toward the path that snaked between the rocks and trees. "But come, 'tis cold and we can talk inside by the fire. And," he added with a sigh, "I grow impatient. I long to feast my eyes on the vision I have carried these past three years."

With Jewel and Gunther leading, the group wound its way upward from the dock until they came upon a clearing and several horses that awaited them. Gunther helped Jewel to mount, paused only long enough to see the others astride, then hurriedly continued on, and Jewel secretly took the time to study their surroundings, taking note of where the path disappeared into the thick brush. If all else failed her, she would have to depend upon her memory to see her to the dock. From there she could only pray someone would take pity and aid her, accepting her promise of money once she returned home.

The distance to the castle spread out for nearly a mile and with each step the horses took, Jewel's spirits sank. No road guided their journey as they traveled through the dense forest and she quickly realized her only hope of finding her way back would be with someone's direction. But determined not to allow this minor hindrance to bother her, she squared her shoulders, lifted her chin, and studied the trail Gunther had chosen for them.

"'Twould be easy to lose oneself here and wander about until the cold had stilled one's feet."

Jewel's head snapped around to stare in muted surprise as Amery reined in his steed next to hers.

"'Tis why few soldiers have stormed the castle," he continued without looking at her. "The woods are full of their decaying carcasses."

"'Tis a shame yours is not among them," she retorted, looking away and missing the amused smile that lightened his face.

"I but seek to warn thee, Lady Jewel," he added. "'Twould not sit well with me to have the wolves and foxes nibbling at your flesh."

"What is one more beast?" she asked sardonically, then caste him a questioning look from the corner of her eye.

"Ahh, but a beast will give no pleasure where a man can easily succeed. Surely you have known the difference."

"Nay, I have not," she challenged. "Only the beast who calls himself a man has trespassed where no honorable knight would even dare to imagine. I compare him to the fox, and I the frightened rabbit caught in a snare. Dost thou truly believe pleasure could have come from such a meeting?"

"Thy wit is well honed, little one," he admitted with a grin, "but you hide the truth. 'Twas no frightened rabbit that clawed my back last eventide."

Jewel's color deepened and she quickly glanced about them for any who might have heard. "Tis bad enough that I must bear the shame, but wouldst thou have them all know of it?" she whispered frantically.

A moment passed and when he did not answer, Jewel looked up at him pleadingly and saw him shrug as if unaffected.

"What you feel matters naught to me," he answered apathetically in a sudden change of mood and turned to view the countryside.

Jewel's temper flared with his callousness. "Thou art hardhearted, Amery of Wellington, and I shall bend my knee in a prayer of thanksgiving this eve that God had enlightened my ignorance, for marriage to you would have been no marriage at all but a living damnation."

His green eyes found hers. "For both of us," he replied with a lift of one tawny brow, then with cold dismissal he nudged his horse away to ride beside Gunther.

She had meant to rebuff him, pierce his arrogance, to make it known that not all young women found their hearts aflutter with his nearness, but she discovered instead that her own ached. How could her father ever have thought that a union of this kind would bring her happiness? Choking back a sob, she raised her chin and studied the dark silhouette of the monstrous castle that loomed skyward against the fading sunset.

The travelers hastened onward at Gunther's urging and paused only briefly to await the raising of the portcullis. For Jewel it seemed as if the arms of hell had opened up, ready to envelope her within their evil clutches, and she hesitated, glancing furtively toward the path that had brought them there. Twould be of little use to flee, she told herself. She would only become lost in the forest or worse yet, Amery would run her down. And she could only guess at the depths of his rage.

"Lady Anne is a very honorable dame."

Startled by the voice, Jewel quickly looked up to find the one called Hadwin smiling at her. Round, blue eyes sparkled sincerely and his thin face was haloed in a mass of blond curls.

"She will welcome you into her home as she would kin," he offered encouragingly, then glanced over at Amery. "Or is that not the cause of the worry I see mirrored in your eyes?"

Jewel forced a laugh. "Yea, only that," she replied and spurred her horse on when the others started through the gate, for she feared Hadwin would suspect the truth if she answered differently. She guessed him to be only one or two years older than her own ten and seven, too young, she thought, to understand the dangers that he might encounter should he know the whole of it and challenge Amery. Yet she took comfort in the thought that Hadwin might be the ally she needed.

The courtyard had filled with serfs and knights alike by the time the group had filtered in, and a deafening cheer went up to mark the return of their lord. The crowd gathered closely around them, and Jewel sensed the happiness these people felt, her own sorrow heightening anew when she recalled the similar manner in which the servants of Harcourt had honored her father. Eyes lowered, she failed to see the one who moved to help her dismount.

"'Twould pleasure me, my lady . .."

There before her stood Hadwin, hands extended, a sweet smile on his young face, and Jewel nodded happily in return, though both were unaware of the one who watched warily.

"I sense an unhappiness in your manner, Lady Jewel," Hadwin stated cautiously once he had lifted her to the ground. "And I offer my aid—"

"Nay, good Hadwin," Jewel interrupted, covertly surveying those standing near as she smoothed the wrinkles from her gunna with short, nervous strokes, "thou dost not know me well enough to assume my thoughts." She looked up and smiled warmly. "But I thank you for your kindness."