Winter of Solace (The Executioner Knights Book 5)

by Kathryn Le Veque

  But the truth was that there was no surprise in Caius’ statement. That was the conclusion they were all coming to.

  The most rotten thing at Winterhold was its master.

  “I would agree with you to that respect,” he said. “Covington is putrid. While you spent time speaking to Lady Emelisse, I was saddled with that belligerent jackass who kept reminding me of his marriage to Alice de Gras, which I am completely convinced was for one thing only – so Covey would be related to William Marshal. He has no esteem for the woman; he made that very clear. But he was also equally clear at his familial relations to The Marshal. He believes he has complete control of this entire situation because of it.”

  Caius shook his head in irritation. “That poor woman,” he said. “Lady Emelisse, I mean. She was trying hard to be brave throughout the conversation, but you can see what a toll the situation has taken on her.”

  Edward eyed him. “It is going to get worse,” he said. “Covington informed me this afternoon that he sent for his son a few weeks ago when it looked as if the fall of Hawkstone’s gatehouse was imminent. He wanted the man present for that, but he wants him back even more now because Lady Emelisse is his prisoner. He intends to marry his son to the woman, which will put Hawkstone in a bind even more than it already is.”

  Caius lifted his eyebrows at the latest revelation. “Interesting,” he said. “When de Wrenville’s son and I were drinking in London those weeks ago, he mentioned that he had been recalled home but he did not say why. Now, we know.”

  “We do.”

  “But the lady must not know about it, for she said nothing to me,” Caius continued. “She did, however, ask if I could discover what happened to her father’s body. She wants him sent to Whitchurch for burial.”

  Edward rolled his eyes. “They are dragging the moat for it,” he said. “Covington said they tossed it into the moat and I told him to fish it out.”

  Caius stared at him a moment before chuckling bitterly. “When we crossed over the inner moat today, there was a fresh body floating in it,” he said. “I wondered if that was de Thorington.”

  “Probably.”

  As Caius shook his head at the audacity of a man who would harass his neighbor unjustly, kill the man, and then utterly disrespect the man’s remains, Maxton spoke up.

  “Edward, I was in the solar when you and de Wrenville were posturing angrily at each other,” he said, foregoing the proper address because he and Edward had known each other for over twenty years. “This man has ambition beyond measure. It is Hawkstone today, but tomorrow it might be Warstone. Or Dudley Castle, even. What of the de Lara trilateral castles? Those are not far from here, either. He could go after Kevin’s father and his properties. Stephen de Lara has a strong army, but as we have seen, Winterhold does, too. Ambition can eat a man, like a cancer.”

  Kevin, hearing his father mentioned, perked up. “My father has a massive army,” he said. “He has to with the Welsh princes always trying to overrun his lands, so I have little doubt that he could repel any advance by Baron Darliston. There is another locale he could go after, too – Four Crosses Castle is north of my father’s lands and that is Gareth’s father’s property. It is quite formidable also.”

  Gareth, standing next to Kevin, nodded slowly. He was a big man, with shaggy dark hair around his shoulders, and a quiet demeanor about him. He never said much, but when he spoke, it was something of meaning. He was also the product of two warring family bloodlines – his father, Bretton de Llion, had been a horribly brutal warlord years ago before he met Gareth’s mother, who was the daughter of Ajax de Velt, the man all of England had once called The Dark Lord.

  Most still did.

  The things Ajax de Velt did during the course of his warring years still gave men nightmares, and Gareth very much had his grandfather’s big, dark, brooding presence. He also had the supreme de Velt physical trait through his mother – eyes that were two different colors. Both eyes were brown, but his right eye had a big splash of green in it. As a result, he mostly let his hair hang over his right eye to cover the flaw. Oddly enough, he was shy at heart because of that trait, but a monster on the field of battle.

  Gareth de Llion was a complex man.

  “My father is a solid ally of the Marcher lords,” he said in his deep, quiet voice. “He has been for years. But I can promise you that if de Wrenville makes a move for Four Crosses, or any of my father’s or grandfather’s properties, the man will end up impaled on a spike.”

  That was no idle threat. Both Bretton and Ajax, in their primes, used the intimidation method of impaling enemies on poles for all to see. If Covington wanted to push his luck, it might very well cost him dearly, especially with de Llion and de Velt involved. Edward held up his hand as the others started to agree with Gareth’s assessment, perhaps even hoping it would come to that.

  They would be rid of Covington de Wrenville once and for all.

  “We are getting ahead of ourselves,” Edward said, quieting the group. “The immediate problem is Hawkstone, so let us focus on that for now. Cai, you know that Covington is going to ask you for control of The Marshal’s army tonight. The keep of Hawkstone has held against his onslaught and he believes more men will finally bring it down. You should be prepared for that demand.”

  Caius suspected as much and he was pensive as he turned to the shuttered window, opening it just enough to peek outside into the outer bailey. All he could see was white. He stared into the swirling white for a moment as he mulled over how he wanted to handle the situation.

  He knew what he wanted to do.

  “I believe that when The Marshal sent us here, he truly had no idea of the truth of the magnitude of the situation,” he said. “He told me to use my judgment, but he was also concerned what would happen to Alice should I deny de Wrenville use of the army. Edward, did you get any sense that de Wrenville would somehow harm the woman if he does not get his way?”

  They were beyond formalities at that point and, in private, Caius would call Edward by his given name. Edward simply shook his head.

  “It is difficult to say,” he said. “The man has no conscience, so who is to say how he would deal with Alice.”

  Caius turned to look at him. “He only married her for this one purpose,” he said. “If he fails to get what he wants, she is of no use to him.”

  Edward lifted an eyebrow. “You fear he might harm her somehow? Throw her in the moat?”

  Caius shook his head. “If he did, The Marshal would raze Winterhold and de Wrenville knows it,” he said. “But the woman is his wife… he could make life miserable for her.”

  “Then what are you thinking?”

  Caius secured the shutter when the wind shifted and blew snow in his face. Leaning back against the stone wall, he folded his massive arms across his chest in a thoughtful gesture.

  “I am thinking that we brought a great many men here for no reason,” he said. Then, he looked at Peter. “I think you and Kevin should take your father’s men back to Lioncross Abbey. I will not have Christopher de Lohr’s men contributing to this… this travesty. And tell your father why I am returning his men so that he knows. He is not to answer de Wrenville’s call for aid under any circumstances.”

  Peter nodded firmly. “My father will be disgusted by all of this,” he said. “He’s never spoken highly of de Wrenville, but he’s never spoken against him, either. Something like this will change his mind.”

  “If we take the army south, we should stop at Trelystan Castle and tell my father to be on the alert,” Kevin said, looking between Caius and Edward. “It would not be fair not to warn my father about de Wrenville. He can send word to Four Crosses Castle about it so Gareth’s father knows also.”

  Edward couldn’t disagree. The allies along the Marches should be alerted. His focus returned to Caius.

  “So de Lohr’s army returns to Lioncross,” he said. “That leaves the Pembroke army. What do you intend to do?”

  Caius looked at him
. “I want you to take your army home, too,” he said. “By dispersing the armies, I believe de Wrenville will see just how little power he really has. I believe it will also convey to him that we do not support his actions against Hawkstone. I will remain with Pembroke troops and keep Maxton, Morgan, and Gareth here with me.”

  “And do what?” Edward wanted to know. “You will be here with a thousand-man army that you do not intend to use.”

  Caius shrugged. “I will remain here because I was ordered to come,” he said. “But I also remain here in the event of Marius de Wrenville’s return.”

  “Why?”

  Caius didn’t want to say what he really meant. He’d only met Emelisse de Thorington one time, but there was no denying he was attracted to the woman. The first time he saw her, he’d felt something he’d never felt before, something he couldn’t explain. He didn’t know what it was yet, but the idea of her being forced into marriage didn’t sit well with him.

  He would try to explain it to Edward in a way that didn’t make him sound like a fool.

  “Because I took an oath, just like we all did,” he said quietly. “Remember the words of a knight’s oath, Edward – be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death, and safeguard the helpless, the weak, and the innocent. Knowing the situation here, and knowing how de Wrenville is going to force Lady Emelisse and her brother into submission, I feel as if I would be forsaking my oath if I leave. At this moment, Lady Emelisse and her brother are the helpless, the weak, and the innocent. And I cannot walk away knowing that.”

  It was a reminder to all of them of the oath they’d taken, of the good and true life they all tried to live because of it. At least, for the younger knights, that was the creed, but for the knights like Caius and Maxton and even Edward who had spent time in the sands of The Levant, they’d blurred the lines of that oath more than once, all in the name of King Richard.

  But that wasn’t up for debate at the moment. The past was the past, but there wasn’t one man in that room that didn’t respect and agree with what Caius was saying. They were almost ashamed they had to be reminded of it. Standing next to Caius, Morgan clapped him on the shoulder.

  “I will remain with you,” he said. “I have been at your side at Richmond for the past few years. Do not think you can get rid of me now.”

  Caius smiled weakly. “You do not wish to return to Richmond and assume command while I am here? I know you dream of a command of your own someday.”

  Morgan chuckled softly. “Of my own, aye, but not Richmond,” he said. “That belongs to you. Moreover, Rhory is in command while we are away. He is more capable than anyone I know.”

  Caius nodded, thinking of Rhory de Serreaux, a most impressive knight from the powerful Lincolnshire de Serreaux family. “He is,” he said. “In fact, I am thinking on introducing Rhory to William Marshal. I believe he’d make a fine agent. But I digress… Richmond is in good hands and if you wish to remain with me, I am grateful.”

  As Morgan and Caius smiled at one another, Gareth spoke up.

  “And me,” he said. “I would consider it an honor to remain here with The Britannia Viper, if you will have me.”

  Caius looked at the man, big and dark and terrifying. He was also quite young, so that inherent intimidation that came from him would only grow more powerful with age.

  “You do not wish to ride to Four Crosses to tell your father what is happening?” he asked him.

  Gareth shook his head. “As Kevin said, his father can send word,” he said. “I would rather be here where the action is.”

  “As would I, my lord.”

  That was an unfamiliar voice and they all turned to young William, sitting on the bed beside his father. When he saw all of the eyes turning in his direction, he stood up, facing them bravely. He was quite tall for his young age, taller than Kevin easily and nearly as tall as Peter. But he faced Caius with courage beyond his years.

  “My father told me that you offered to let me be your squire while you were here tending to William Marshal’s task,” he said. “I would be honored, my lord. It is a rare opportunity to learn from such a great warrior. I have learned all I can from the master knights of Kenilworth. Will you not consider allowing me to serve you permanently?”

  Caius grinned. “You think you’ve learned all you can from Kenilworth, do you?”

  William shrugged. “I know more than they do sometimes,” he said with the arrogance of youth. “Their tutelage was fine when I was younger, but now… now, I want to learn from a great knight like you. Will you not consider it?”

  Caius had to admire William’s boldness. But it was more than empty boldness; he could see substance behind it. Perhaps even greatness, someday, simply from the way he carried himself. Caius had noticed it from the first.

  In any case, William wasn’t wrong in wanting to learn from one of the best field commanders in England. The master knights of Kenilworth were teachers, molding young men into warriors, but they lacked the knowledge in the things Caius had experienced as The Britannia Viper and as an agent of William Marshal. He recognized that he had something unique to offer a future knight.

  After a moment, he nodded.

  “I am agreeable to keeping you with me provided your father agrees,” he said. “But let us take this slowly. Let us get through this situation with de Wrenville before we decide to commit to each other for life. Agreed?”

  William smiled timidly. “Agreed, my lord. And thank you.”

  Edward was looking proudly at his youngest son. “William is very bright,” he said. “He will do what you tell him to do, all that you tell him to do. Won’t you, lad?”

  William nodded. “Indeed, I will,” he said. “I will not fail.”

  “Of course you won’t,” Caius said. “But if I hear you’ve been arranging gambling games, I will sell you to the Irish and tell your father you ran away.”

  Everyone started laughing at William’s expense, and he grinned, unruffled to be the butt of a threat. “I hear the Irish like to gamble,” he said. “That may not have the results that you hoped for, my lord.”

  That brought on more laughter, mostly from Edward at his clever boy. Grinning, Caius shook his head.

  “You have your hands full with this one, Edward,” he said. “I’ll see if I can tame him a little.”

  Edward, still smiling, patted William on the arm. “I like him just the way he is,” he said. Then, he sobered. “Now, good men, all levity aside, we have a feast to attend. As soon as this snow eases, we will return the armies back where they came from, but until then, we are de Wrenville’s guests. Other than Caius, Maxton, and I, keep your mouths shut and keep to yourselves, and if de Wrenville tries to reach you and coerce you into siding with him, ignore him. I have a feeling he may not be beyond such things.”

  The parameters were set and the men knew what they had to do. Decisions had been made and, soon enough, they would be carried out. As the snow whistled and the storm continued to rage, the men bundled up in their fur cloaks and warm clothing, following the rope all the way up to the warm and noisy great hall.

  An interesting evening was about to begin.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  It was crowded, noisy, and smelly.

  The great hall of Winterhold was filled with most of Covington’s army, eating and drinking. Being that there was a horrible storm outside, everyone was crowded into every corner, every chair.

  Edward entered first, followed by Caius, Maxton, William, and the rest of the knights. Even with such a short walk, from the knights’ quarters to the great hall, they had an inch of snow on their shoulders and heads. Just inside the door, they began to shake it all off, removing cloaks and handing them over to the servants who were waiting at the door.

  Steam was beginning to rise off them as their cold bodies came into contact with the heated air. One hovering servant approached Edward and muttered a few words to him,
pointing to the other end of the hall. Covington was down there and expected his guests to join him, so they began to filter through the gathered men as they made their way to the opposite side of the enormous hall. They passed a gambling game as they went, men huddled over dice, and when William came to a halt to watch with interest, Caius grabbed him by the neck and pulled him after his father. He and Maxton exchanged grins at the twelve-year-old evil genius interested in soldiers’ games.

  Caius was going to have to break him of that habit.

  As they neared the dais with Covington, Caius found himself looking around at the truly impressive hall. Behind the dais was an elaborate wooden screen that shielded an area with the door leading out to the kitchens. There were soaring windows in the hall that were covered with massive wooden shutters and a blazing hearth that several men could have fit in quite comfortably.

  In all, the hall was as impressive as the rest of Winterhold and Caius was coming to the conclusion that Covington de Wrenville was completely unworthy of the place. It could take its place among the great Marcher castles like Lioncross Abbey, Chepstow, Ludlow, Trelystan, Beeston and others, but it was owned by a dangerous fool.

  “My lord?”

  Someone was behind him and he turned to see Hallam. Before he could reply, the man smiled politely.

  “I thought you should know that de Wrenville plans to interrogate you about your discussion with Lady Emelisse,” he said. “He will want to know if you convinced her to speak with her brother about surrendering Hawkstone’s keep.”

  Caius eyed the man. “My discussion with her is private,” he said. “I’ll not tell him a thing.”

  Hallam nodded. “I suspected as much,” he said. “I just wanted you to be forewarned of his intentions.”

  Caius’ eyes narrowed as he looked hard at the man. “Why should you do that?” he asked. “You are his captain. Why should you forewarn me of anything he does?”