The Return of Her Lost Knight

by Melissa Oliver

  ‘Indeed.’ The Earl of Hereford turned to the young King, who had been listening to the proceedings. ‘How can we believe the words of this charlatan, Sire?’

  ‘This man can certainly prove that he is, in fact, Ralph de Kinnerton, Sire,’ Hugh said, lending his support.

  ‘Indeed, I can also affirm the truth of that statement for all the reasons given.’ Will nodded. ‘My wife, Lady Isabel de Clancey, can also attest to helping Sir Ralph after he was ambushed and brutally attacked in Aquitaine, leaving him with the scars you are now witness to.’

  ‘All very interesting, yet this does not prove that you knew Ralph de Kinnerton before, when he lived in his ancestral home, to affirm that the man we now see before us and that boy are one and the same.’

  Ralph exhaled through his teeth, realising the truth of Hereford’s observation. After all, it was his word against his cousin’s.

  ‘But mayhap I can, my lord.’ Gwen’s soft yet determined voice suddenly burst through from the back of the hall.

  Ralph turned, his jaw dropping as he watched in awe as she strode gracefully but with purpose, her head held high, with her maid following behind her.

  His heart soared as he pondered the marvel that was Gwenllian ferch Hywel.

  God, could this woman be any more magnificent as she was here in the hall. Once again acting on his behalf.

  The Earl of Hereford stood and stepped down the dais. ‘Lady Gwenllian, how fortuitous for your arrival in the hall at this very moment, but this is a privy council, which prohibits women from attending, as you well know.’

  Gwen made a deep curtsy as she addressed the men who sat on the dais.

  ‘I do know, my lord, and I apologise profusely for disturbing the proceedings here, but believed that since I am someone who knew Sir Ralph de Kinnerton for over ten years, my evidence might be welcomed, under the circumstances. That is, if you would grant me the opportunity to speak at this council?’ she said.

  ‘I am afraid not, my lady. We would not be in need of your testimony here.’

  ‘No, my lord, wait.’ The young King Henry stood and walked down the dais to approach Gwen, who swept into a low, graceful curtsy as the young monarch made a bow in return. He extended his arm and ushered her further into the hall, by the foot of the dais. ‘I would like to hear this evidence. Please continue, Lady Gwenllian.’

  ‘My eternal thanks, Sire, my lords.’ She dipped her head deferentially. ‘As you may know, I was the ward of Lord Walter de Kinnerton and went to live in Kinnerton Castle after the death of my beloved father, Hywel ap Rhys of Clwyd, as a young girl. Here I came to know my betrothed, Ralph de Kinnerton. We grew up together and would have married had the disastrous circumstances of six years ago not intervened.’ She paused and straightened her back. ‘But I can tell you, as God is my witness, that this man before you and the boy I knew are one and the same. He is, indeed, Ralph de Kinnerton.’

  ‘So the man before you had revealed his true identity before doing so to us?’

  ‘Yes, Sire, he did, but only because I became suspicious of who he was. I will say that although he has altered physically, this man is nevertheless who he claims to be.’

  Ralph caught Gwen’s eye briefly and smiled faintly.

  ‘Thank you, Lady Gwenllian, for your affirmation in support of this young man, who does indeed look like his father the more I look upon him,’ the Earl of Chester agreed, lending his support. ‘Subject to confirming the evidence that this man, or should I say Sir Ralph, has stated, I think we can all stand in agreement, can we not, Sire?’

  Ralph found that he was holding his breath, waiting for what seemed like an age before King Henry finally nodded. ‘Yes. We believe that you are indeed Sir Ralph de Kinnerton, but you will need to vouchsafe your claim.’

  ‘I would happily do that, Sire.’

  ‘Good. Very well, I think we can surmise everything by what you have declared and upon presenting your father’s ring and personal belongings and recounting tales of Kinnerton to the scribe.’

  ‘But, Sire...my liege! This is most irregular. You cannot accept the testimony of...a woman,’ Stephen ground out, but was silenced by the young King holding his hand out.

  ‘And yet we have, Sir Stephen. Your objection has been duly noted, but know this...’ The Earl of Chester pushed forward, addressing his cousin. ‘If we find out that your grievance stems from a stance to discredit Sir Ralph for pernicious and dishonourable reasons, then charges shall be brought against you.’

  ‘Sir Stephen le Gros understands that, do you not?’ the Earl of Hereford said between clenched teeth. ‘However, Sire, there still remains the unresolved issue of the way in which Sir Ralph brought this tournament into disrepute.’

  ‘Hardly that,’ Chester countered. ‘And he explained the reasons for that, did he not?’

  ‘Yes, I believe he did.’ King Henry nodded.

  ‘I thank you, Sire.’ Ralph stepped forward and knelt before the young King and bent his head. ‘If I may also ask about settling the matter of Kinnerton Castle and its environs as well.’

  ‘You have some nerve, young man,’ Hereford blustered.

  ‘I hope you can appreciate, my lord, that Kinnerton is my ancestral home and I have finally raised the silver scutage hanging over it. I can now, with your approval, reclaim it.’

  This was not quite true as Ralph still had much of the difference to make up, but he would raise the feudal relief somehow. Having the attention of King Henry and the most powerful Marcher Lords in England was far too good an opportunity to pass by.

  ‘Must it be settled? Surely the castle can stay part of the Crown’s estates.’

  ‘Sire, that would not do.’ The Earl of Chester turned to the King. ‘Llewelyn of Wales grows stronger by the day. We need stability and security in the marcher borders, held together by powerful lords who can lead cohesively in this province.’

  ‘Which is why the right candidate is Sir Stephen le Gros, who also has the support of his men and the Kinnerton guards,’ Hereford argued.

  ‘Even with so many voices of dissent about the hardships at Kinnerton, eh?’ the Earl of Chester asked of Hereford, who looked away. ‘Oh, yes, I have heard much about it.’

  ‘Besides, would that not be unlawful, Sire?’ Ralph made sure that this question was addressed directly to King Henry. ‘Since I am the rightful heir of Kinnerton.’

  ‘As his father before him had always wanted?’ Gwen added.

  It seemed that Gwen was of the same mind as him, appealing to King Henry. This was, after all, something the young monarch might share in common with Ralph, coming into his reign at such a young age with so many still doubting his ability.

  They waited a while as King Henry rubbed his chin, his mood pensive before he got up and walked down the dais to stand in front of Gwen, who curtsied once more.

  ‘You are quite right, my Lady Gwenllian, my father King John did everything he could to secure the smooth succession of the throne.’ King Henry raised her back to her feet and dipped his head over her hand. ‘That is despite all the problems of the Barons’ conflict in his own reign, so I do understand.’

  He then ambled back on the dais and stood directly in front of Ralph. ‘The only way to settle this, Sir Ralph, so that it can be resolved once and for all, pending the return of the silver owed to Crown is...’ he took a deep breath ‘...for you and your cousin to engage in one-to-one hand combat and bring about an end to this tournament.’

  There was an audible gasp.

  ‘That is an inspired idea, my liege,’ said Chester, nodding at the King.

  Hell’s teeth! Was this some kind of game to King Henry, who was, after all, many years younger than himself and who still probably craved the spectacle of the tournament? Yet the idea did have merit. Combat with Stephen would give Ralph an opportunity to show his prowess and give anyone who still doubted
him a chance to prove himself.

  ‘I accept the challenge, Sire, my lords.’

  ‘As do I.’ Stephen stepped forward, but making sure he was as far away as possible from Ralph.

  ‘Very good. Then it is settled for tomorrow noon,’ the King declared as the hall began to cheer.

  ‘If I may, Sire?’ the Earl of Hereford interjected. ‘Surely we cannot allow Sir Ralph to leave this hall without a penalty for abusing the terms of this tournament, otherwise we would be inviting nothing but shame and ridicule?’

  God, but the man was an obsequious ass.

  ‘Ten silver marks should surely cover that, Hereford.’ Chester frowned.

  ‘He already owes silver to the Crown. No, what would suffice would need to be something far more appropriate.’

  Ralph stepped forward. ‘Then I would suggest that I provide alms for the monastery of your choosing, Sire, and spend a night in the dungeons here. Would that suffice, my Lord Hereford?’

  ‘Yes,’ the Earl sneered. ‘I suppose that would.’

  Chapter Nineteen

  Ralph exhaled as he looked around the small, dark, dank, foul-smelling dungeon in the underbelly of Pulverbatch Castle. He kicked up the dirty rushes on the ground as he heard the rattling of chains, turning to find a guard coming through the narrow passage beyond the arched doorway inserted with thick metal bars, carrying a lit torch. Then Ralph saw her behind the man... Gwen.

  She was here in this awful place to see him. His chest tightened just as she finally came into view, on the other side of the metal bars.

  ‘Gwen? What are you doing here, my lady? This is no place for you.’

  She stepped forward and nodded at the guard who passed her the torch. ‘You can have only a moment, Lady Gwenllian,’ the guard said, before moving to walk outside the narrow hallway.

  Gwen turned back to face Ralph on the other side of the metal bars. ‘I had to see you, Ralph. To make sure that you were well.’

  ‘I am better for seeing you.’ Ralph slipped his fingers through the gap and smiled. ‘Thank you for coming to the hall earlier today. Without your testimony, I very much doubt that I would have convinced those men of my true identity.’

  ‘It was the least I could do to lend my support in my own small way.’ She reached out and laced her fingers with his.

  He shook his head. ‘You must know that it was far, far more than that, Gwen. I am once again indebted to you.’

  ‘No, you are not.’ Her lips curled upwards faintly. ‘But I did come here to say that I am so proud of you, Ralph de Kinnerton. You handled the situation with a lot of courage in front of King Henry and the Marcher Earls.’

  ‘I am not so sure about that.’ He shrugged. ‘But I shall need all the courage I can muster tomorrow with Stephen.’

  Her brows furrowed in the middle. ‘And must you fight him?’

  ‘I’m afraid there is no other way to prove my worth to those men.’

  ‘But this is Stephen le Gros we are discussing,’ she hissed. ‘The man has no honour and would stoop to any lengths to gain advantage.’

  ‘Trust me, I shall be ready for him.’ He smiled briefly, touched at her concern. ‘There is really no need to worry, Gwen.’

  ‘That is going to be difficult to do under the circumstances.’ She sank her teeth into her lower lip. ‘I have something for you—a token that I hope will bring you luck tomorrow.’

  Gwen pulled out the length of material from her drawstring pouch, which she draped over her arm, the richness in the embroidery gleaming in the dappled light from the torch. Ralph could see that it was the token Gwen had given him before the mêlée à pied.

  ‘Where did you find it?’ he said in surprise, gliding his fingers across the length that she held out. ‘I believed that I had lost it after the disastrous mêlée à cheval.’

  ‘I confess that it had not been easy to find as it had been embedded into the mud after the mêlée. But Brida and I found it after a thorough search of the area.’

  ‘And then laundered and brought it back to its former beautiful state, from what I can see.’

  ‘With an extra addition down the centre, if you take a closer look.’

  Ralph blinked, running a finger down the centre, and realised there had been an additional piece of fabric that had been carefully stitched on. He knew instantly where the material had come from.

  It was the first token Ralph had ever received from Gwen. It was the only item in his possession that he knew held some significance when he woke after being ambushed in St Jean de Cole. So much so that he wore it constantly around his wrist until it had become worn and weatherbeaten. It was the blue and purple strip of material he had churlishly returned back to her that first time he had spotted her, after years apart, on the eve of the tournament sitting in the royal spectator area.

  ‘I cannot believe you kept it.’

  His fingers grazed over the softly textured material. ‘It’s strange, but those first few days after I woke from the ambush in St Jean de Cole, it was this piece of fabric that kept me going, in the midst of my confused mind. I somehow knew it was a link to the past. To you.’

  She swallowed as she nodded. ‘Well, I hope now that the new and old pieces have come together, it would also serve as a token for tomorrow. And also the future. Your future.’

  ‘It shall.’ He squeezed her fingers gently, taking her beautiful token. ‘I thank you for your kindness, my lady. It means a great deal.’

  ‘It is nothing, I assure you.’

  ‘Yet, for me, I am assured that it’s everything and more.’ He smiled softly, looking over the token. ‘I’m glad that you did not throw away the original token you gifted me.’

  ‘I very nearly did, when I believed you to be dead and with your friend Sir Thomas seemingly presenting it back to me. But then I realised that I could not do that, Ralph.’

  ‘After the way in which it was returned, I would not have blamed you if you had.’

  ‘How could I?’ She sighed. ‘For me, it was also a link back to you.’

  He lifted her hand through the bars and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. ‘Forgive my initial reaction, Gwen. I was frustrated, angry and carried a lot of hurt from that time.’

  ‘Due to my decision not to run away with you six years ago?’

  He nodded. ‘Indeed. You deliberately wanted me to think the worst of you.’

  She swallowed uncomfortably. ‘I suppose I’m quite persuasive, when I have to be.’

  ‘True, and it certainly worked—I believed that about you, all those intervening years. Yet in reality you did what you did to help me get away.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘To protect me by giving me more time to do so?’

  ‘Indeed.’ Gwen untangled her hand from his and took a step back. ‘It’s getting late. I must be going.’

  ‘Wait, a moment longer, Gwen.’ Ralph ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Please do not go yet. However painful it is, I hope you know that you can tell me anything. Let us not have what happened six years ago still stand between us.’

  ‘This is hardly the time.’ She turned her back on him. ‘Can we not discuss this after your combat with Stephen tomorrow?’

  ‘I may not have another chance. Besides, do you not believe that I have waited long enough to know what happened between you and Stephen? Ever since I’ve been reunited with you, this has gone round and round in my head, as I pondered on the nature of the promises you were forced to make to him back then.’

  ‘This is not what I wish to discuss, rather something I prefer to forget, Ralph.’

  ‘I can imagine, sweetheart.’ He walked to the bars, studying her and noting the stiffness to her body. ‘I realise that your decisions back then were not only difficult, but what you believed to be right.’

  ‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘It was the on
ly way I could assure your safety, otherwise, he would have hunted you down, as I explained before.’

  He realised then the stark reality of what Gwen had believed to be true and his heart twisted in anguish for the decisions she had had to make.

  ‘And as I said, I am grateful for what you did, Gwen. You are truly a remarkable woman.’ Ralph exhaled. ‘However, there is one thing I would like to know. I need to know what you had to do for that assurance.’

  Ralph wondered whether she would actually tell him and, just when he believed that her silence would not break, she finally spoke.

  ‘The first thing I did was to convince you, Ralph, of my indifference to you, which was actually much harder than I initially believed. However, the expediency for you to get away played its part and eventually you were forced to leave Kinnerton without me.’ She took in a deep, shaky breath before continuing. ‘In truth, I was relieved that you left, otherwise Stephen claimed that he would have killed you in front of me which I believed he would have. However, as always with Stephen there was so much more that he sought.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘Must I, Ralph?’

  ‘I would like to know what happened so that I can understand the past better. So that I can understand you.’ And the hard choices Gwen had made.

  Ralph hated having to ask her of this, knowing how difficult Gwen found talking about that awful time in their shared past, but he had to know exactly what happened. Only then could he be of any help to her.

  ‘He...he brought shame on me, Ralph, insisting that I would soon have to marry him, anyway, so he...oh, Lord, this is so difficult to say. He touched me. He despoiled me and he would have done more had we not been interrupted. Had he not been called away with the need to quash certain factions of Kinnerton men who still supported your father...or rather you.’

  He drew breath slowly through his teeth as he grappled with what she was finally telling him, but there was more as she continued.

  ‘Then he marked me, here at the base of my neck.’ Her voice was filled with a slight tremor, as she turned her head and swept her veil and the hair beneath on to one shoulder, exposing the back of her neck. She rubbed her fingers down from her hairline. ‘It’s quite faint now, but he...he used a dagger to mark his initial into my skin, in the hope that I would never forget to whom I belonged—as he reminded me,’ she said sadly.