Knights of Honor Books 1-10: A Medieval Romance Series Bundle

by Alexa Aston

  The horses in front of her began to slow and veer off the road. Elysande looked around and saw they headed into a wood. Soon, they reached a clearing which she assumed had been found and inspected by the rider Geoffrey sent out. Knights began to dismount. Her uncle lifted his wife down and then helped Elysande from the saddle.

  “We’ll make camp here,” he told her. “Merryn may need some help with the children. My men will take care of the rest.”

  Elysande looked around and saw wood already being chopped. Two knights came and gathered the horses, hobbling some and leading a few others away to the stream she heard in the distance.

  Hal came barreling her way. Michael was close behind him in mock pursuit as the boy squealed. Elysande scooped Hal up.

  “Stay away, Sir Michael,” she warned. “I am Hal’s protector. I’ll keep all monsters from him.”

  Michael dropped his arms. He looked at Hal. “I’m afraid she’s put a spell upon me, Hal. I can’t lift my arms.” He pretended to try and raise them, groaning as if in pain. “Nay, I can’t capture you, thanks to your cousin’s special magic.”

  Elysande set Hal back onto the ground. “You are under my protection, little one. I’ll keep this brute away from you.”

  Hal grinned and took off running again. Alys caught his hand and led him away.

  “You’re very good with him,” Elysande said. “I watched as he rode with you all day. He didn’t wiggle or protest. And he loves to talk to you.”

  Michael pushed a hand through his dark hair. “He’s a fine lad. I enjoy his company.”

  She gave him a shy smile. “I must thank you again for convincing me that Morningstar and Happy should remain behind. I’d forgotten how difficult the roads can be. ’Twas best they stay where they’re safe. And Avelyn promised to look in on them each day and take them both a treat.”

  “The groom I spoke with will also keep an eye on them. He guaranteed me no harm would come to either horse.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure you did something to convince him. He’s never been pleasant to me or gone out of his way to help me when I’ve been in the stables.”

  Michael frowned. “I’m sorry I didn’t know that. Suffice it to say, he will do his task as promised. If he doesn’t, he’ll answer to me.”

  Elysande heard the sound of hooves approaching.

  “Ah, it sounds as if our dinner has arrived,” he said. “You might wish to help Merryn set out the bread and cheese that your lady mother provided for our return trip.”

  Elysande watched Michael head toward the other soldiers that had returned. Ancel held a hand up in greeting. He jumped from his horse.

  “We caught three rabbits!” the boy exclaimed. “You’re the best at skinning, Michael. Mayhap I can watch you prepare them for dinner?”

  Elysande went over to Merryn and offered to help. They removed the food her mother had sent along and poured wine from flasks. By the time that task had been accomplished, Michael had the rabbits skinned, skewered, and resting over the fire. Soon, Elysande’s mouth watered at the smell of roasting meat.

  The entire party gathered in a circle around the fire and ate their fill. Alys entertained them with some stories and songs she had heard at court. Ancel added in a few jokes that he and the other pages fostering at the Earl of Winterbourne’s had invented. The meal finally ended and Elysande and Merryn took some of the dishes to the stream to clean them.

  By the time they returned, the camp had been readied for sleep. Pallets awaited them and everyone found a place to bed down. Geoffrey appointed two men to stand guard for the first shift. Elysande noted Michael was one of them. She lay down, Alys on one side of her and Ancel on the other. Merryn gathered a weary Hal into her arms and curled her body around him. Geoffrey then wrapped his arm around the two of them.

  A quiet descended. It had been a lengthy day of travel. Before long, Elysande heard the snores—some subtle, a few men rattling noisily—but she had trouble falling asleep. Her mind swirled with the events of the past few days. After a good while, she heard murmured voices and saw the guards change shift. She watched as Michael came near her. He added a few pieces of wood to the fire and then bedded down on the other side of Ancel.

  Having him near helped Elysande to relax. She closed her eyes and felt the darkness swallow her up.

  *

  Michael awoke, his body taut, as if ready to pounce. He opened his eyes. As his eyes accustomed themselves to the dark, he could see no guards on duty. Then he realized the fire had gone out.

  It shouldn’t have.

  The last thing he’d done before going to sleep was place more wood onto the fire. Not much. Just enough to keep it burning low throughout the night.

  Someone had extinguished it.

  As his hand went to his sword’s hilt, he sensed a nearby presence. He leapt to his feet and drew his weapon as he heard a muffled cry. He could see the outline of a man.

  The stranger hauled a struggling Elysande to her feet.

  His warning cry pierced the night, alerting the de Montfort knights. Within seconds, men sprang awake. The sound of steel swords unsheathing came in unison.

  Michael already strode the few steps to Elysande. He could see a man’s hand across her mouth, preventing her from crying out. His other arm had her about the waist as she kicked. Though Michael couldn’t be certain, he doubted the man had a weapon out. He trusted his gut and quickly lifted his sword.

  The attacker shouted an obscenity and released her. Elysande scrambled away as Michael’s sword arced downward in a swift, fatal blow. The man fell to his knees and then face down into what had been the fire.

  Michael heard shouts and saw a blur of figures ahead of him. He looked back and found the de Montfort family. Geoffrey had pushed Merryn behind him and held his sword high. Hal wiggled sleepily in his mother’s arms. Alys sprang behind her father and crouched next to her mother. Ancel had his small sword in hand, ready to protect his loved ones. Michael thrust a hand out to Elysande. She latched on to it and he pulled her to her feet.

  “’Tis over! We’ve killed the bastards!”

  Michael kept her hand firm in his. Elysande took the few steps to him. He wrapped his arms about her trembling body.

  Within minutes, torches were lit. Soldiers scoured the area around the camp. Michael tried to join them, but Elysande had a death grip on him. Geoffrey caught his eye and waved him over.

  “Stay with them,” he ordered, indicating his family.

  Michael did, one arm about Elysande, the other holding his sword, as he maneuvered her closer to Merryn and the children.

  After some minutes, Geoffrey gathered everyone round. His words were blunt.

  “Our two guards are dead. Their throats cut. Both intruders are also dead. Does anyone recognize them?”

  Several of his men nodded.

  “They were both at Hopeston, but not part of Lord Holger’s company of men,” one offered. “I saw them in Lord Ingram’s colors, but neither bears those now.”

  Michael sensed Elysande go still and tightened his arm about her.

  Geoffrey looked to his niece. “Is that blood? Are you hurt?”

  She shook her head. “Nay, my lord.”

  Michael looked at her and saw that blood trickled down her chin—but no wound was visible. He brushed his hand against it, trying to wipe it away.

  Elysande glanced at his hand and shuddered. “When that . . . man . . . tried to take me, I . . . bit him. As hard as I could.”

  “Then it’s his blood,” Geoffrey told her. “Did he speak to you?” he asked gently.

  “No, Uncle. One minute I slept and the next I found myself jerked to my feet.”

  “You fought him bravely,” Michael said softly. “I saw you kicking at him. You slowed him down enough to alert us, my lady. ’Twas swift thinking on your part.”

  Elysande’s mouth trembled. No words came from her.

  Geoffrey came to stand before her. “I suspect Lord Ingram is not pleased at how matt
ers ended at Hopeston. He does not wait to see how the king answers his missive. He would take what he wants. And that is you, Niece.” He looked around “Break camp at once. It’s almost dawn. We shall hasten to Kinwick.”

  The men immediately sprang into action. Geoffrey ordered the bodies of the two de Montfort soldiers be secured so they could receive a proper burial at Kinwick.

  “And Lord Ingram’s men?” Michael asked.

  Geoffrey’s eyes grew hard as he looked at the bodies on the ground. “Leave them to rot.”

  Minutes later, the supplies and horses had been readied. Geoffrey insisted each of his family members ride with a trusted knight and not on their own horses. He signaled Michael over.

  “Lady Elysande will ride with you. If we come under attack, see that she reaches Kinwick safely. I and the others will tend to my family.” Geoffrey gazed steadily at him. “I’m entrusting her well-being to you, Michael.”

  “I won’t let you down, my lord.”

  “Good.” The nobleman strode away, pairing up his children with different knights before he placed his wife upon Mystery, his own horse.

  Michael looked to Elysande. He held a hand out to her. “Come, my lady. You’re to ride with me.”

  She gave him a slight nod. He lifted her to Tempest and then seated himself behind her.

  Michael hated the circumstances that had led to them sitting so closely together, but he relished her nearness. He wrapped his arms about her, pulling her against his chest as he took up his reins. The subtle smell of violets wafted about him.

  “You’ll be safe, Elysande,” he murmured softly into her ear. “Trust in me.”

  She looked over her shoulder, her amethyst eyes large. “I do, Michael. Despite what has happened this night, I’ve never felt more protected.”

  Michael spurred Tempest on with watchful eyes.

  Chapter 11

  Elysande awoke to a feeling of peace that washed over her. She’d only been at Kinwick a week, but already she felt part of the de Montfort family. Geoffrey’s mother, Elia, had been especially kind to her. Elysande also found the people who worked at the castle and on the surrounding lands both friendly and industrious. They welcomed her without hesitation. It had been far different when she had arrived at Hopeston. From the servants inside the keep and beyond, she and Avelyn believed everyone spied upon them. Her mother laughed at the thought, but Elysande had never been comfortable under her stepfather’s roof.

  She rose and dressed for the day, deciding on a tawny cotehardie and a scarlet sideless surcoat. She wove a scarlet ribbon through her hair, hoping that Michael would notice it.

  Her thoughts never strayed far from the handsome knight—in part because he had become her shadow since her arrival at Kinwick. She guessed that her uncle had charged Michael with her care and he took those orders quite seriously.

  Elysande dreamily thought back on the ride to Kinwick after Lord Ingram’s men had breached their camp. Michael had placed her on his horse and enfolded her in his arms. Though only minutes before she had nearly been kidnapped, she relaxed knowing Michael watched over her. The feel of his armor at her back was like a solid wall of stone that protected her from the world. His arms skimmed her sides. His hands that held Tempest’s reins sat firm against her belly, securing her to him. Michael’s very nearness caused her head to swim and her breath to rise giddily as she inhaled his masculine scent.

  Yet, once they arrived at Kinwick, he hadn’t touched her. He kept their conversations to a minimum as he followed her about the castle grounds while she interacted with others.

  But his eyes told a different story.

  Elysande sensed them on her wherever she went. Often, she would meet them. The blue, heated stare caused her insides to wiggle about in a most delightful way. Sometimes, she would give him a smile and turn back to her task. Other times, their eyes locked for minutes, speaking volumes.

  Michael wanted her. Of that she was certain.

  And she wanted him.

  As each day passed, that became more obvious to her. Elysande observed the happy family that her uncle had and knew she wanted the same for herself. The de Montforts interacted constantly with one another, with everything from encouragement to love. Elysande wanted children just like her cousins, ones that were polite and sweet, who loved to express themselves and were curious about the world. She would miss Ancel, who, after tonight, would return to Winterbourne, the estate next to Kinwick, where he fostered with the earl. She would have more time with Alys, thanks to the royal court’s summer progress. Alys and the other younger girls had been excused and would not rejoin the court until it return to London in early September.

  Most of all, Elysande had come to adore little Hal. Almost halfway between one and two years of age, the tyke fell into more mischief than most children. But one look at those large, round eyes gave him license to run wild. Even when scolded, his sweet disposition caused him to reward a person with a huge smile and hug and then take off again in search of trouble.

  Elysande finished dressing and made her way to the chapel for morning mass. As was his habit, Michael awaited her at the door and escorted her inside. Even within the walls of the castle, he kept a watchful eye upon her.

  After mass, they went into the great hall to break their fast. Michael joined a table of soldiers while Elysande went to sit on the dais with the family. She greeted Geoffrey and then became engaged in conversation with Ancel, who was eager to return to his duties as a page. He told her everything he liked to do for the earl and countess, and Elysande became caught up in his enthusiasm.

  Once they completed the small meal, Ancel excused himself to go to the training yard.

  Alys asked, “Would you like to go to the meadow and into the woods to gather herbs with me?”

  “I’d be delighted. You must promise me that you’ll tell me all about what we gather and what you will do with it.”

  “Of course. I learn more every day from Mother.” Alys looked around and frowned. “I haven’t seen her this morning. I wonder where she could be.”

  Elysande remembered that Merryn had looked somewhat pale the night before and that Geoffrey had encouraged her to retire early. “Mayhap she slept a bit later since she was feeling poorly last night.”

  A determined look crossed Alys’ face. “I hope she can come with us. If not, I’ll fix whatever ails her. For now, I’ll go and gather baskets for us to collect our herbs.” She thought a moment. “I’ll even speak to Cook about taking something to eat and drink with us. Many times we’re gone several hours, so we might miss the midday meal.”

  “Then I’ll check on Merryn while you accomplish your tasks,” Elysande offered. “We can meet back here.”

  Alys skipped away happily.

  “And what might you do today, my lady?”

  She turned and found Michael at her elbow. “Alys and I have plans to go to the meadow and beyond. She wishes to replenish the store of herbs and she’s going to teach me a bit about their medicinal nature.”

  He nodded. “Young Alys is already a healer in her own right. Lady Merryn has taught her well. ’Twill be an interesting day for you.”

  “So you’ll accompany us to the meadow?”

  “Aye. When do you leave?”

  “Not for a while. Alys has gone to gather her things. I’m to find Lady Merryn and see if she wishes to go with us. Have you seen her this morning?”

  “Nay.”

  “Then I’ll check the solar and meet you back here.”

  “As you wish.”

  Elysande left, feeling Michael’s eyes following her the length of the great hall. She arrived at the solar and paused before the closed door. As she lifted her hand to knock, she heard an awful retching sound. Concerned, she pushed open the door.

  Merryn sat in a chair next to the table, a small pail in her lap. She glanced up and gave a weary smile before she bent over the pail again.

  Elysande rushed in. “What ails you, Merryn? Should I fetch Uncle
Geoffrey or Tilda?”

  Merryn lifted her head and swallowed hard. After pausing a moment, she took the pail and rested it on the floor, pushing it under her chair with her foot. She looked very pale as she dabbed a linen cloth to her mouth.

  “No, thank you, Elysande. ’Tis Geoffrey’s fault to begin with.”

  “Why would you—” She stopped, realizing what Merryn meant. “You’re with child?”

  “I am.” Merryn leaned back in the chair, a tiny smile crossing her lips. “With the twins, I was sick every morning for the first few months. Then I felt absolutely glorious. I had more energy than ever before. I got more done in a day than most women did in a week. But by the last two months, I barely left my bed.”

  “Were you sick again?”

  Merryn laughed. “Nay. I became as round as a turret. It was too much effort to waddle about. And the twins warred within my womb, kicking away, fighting for space. I worried day and night that they would come out as mortal enemies, but I was proven wrong. They were as thick as thieves from the beginning and always looked after one another.”

  “They do seem very close.”

  “They spoke another language known only to them the first few years. And when they finally abandoned it, it seemed as if they could speak to each other without using words. Even now, I catch them glancing at one another and I know I’m missing an entire conversation going on between them.” She sighed. “But come. Sit with me.”

  Elysande took a seat. “Were you that ill with Hal?”

  Merryn laughed. “I was a mess with Hal. I was never sick a single morning, but every evening before bed? I couldn’t stop retching and was miserable up till the very day I delivered him. Frankly, I couldn’t wait for him to leave my womb. I thought once he arrived, the difficult part would be behind me.” She gave Elysande a knowing look. “Little did I know Hal would cause as much trouble outside my womb as he did within.”

  “What about this time?” she asked, her curiosity growing.

  “It’s proven to be different than the first two times being with child. I seemed my usual self. Only slightly more tired the first two months. ’Twas only since we’ve returned to Kinwick that I am puny in the mornings. But I think the worst of it has passed for today.” She looked to the table. “Would you pour me some of the weak ale? That seems to help. If I keep it down, I can try a little of the bread that Tilda brought me.”