Angry he hadn’t at least had the pleasure of killing the failed assassin himself, he turned and headed for Aurora Castle, whipping his horse into a deadly run.
That bastard Dominick had escaped death and cheated him out of Godwin for a second time. Fantasies filled his head with all manner of ways to kill the King’s ally, and all were slow and painful.
Crossing the drawbridge, he leapt off his horse and stormed into the castle, shouting for wine. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, fueled by his fury.
"Move!” he shouted at a servant who stood in his way. When the servant didn’t move fast enough for his liking, McPhearson shoved him to the ground and kicked him. “That son of a bitch!”
He kicked the man until he heard the snapping of bone. His anger satiated by his victim, he turned away and sat calmly at the table in the great hall. He smirked as he watched the servant crawl away.
Another minion returned with the wine. As McPhearson sipped his wine, he asked, “Has my brother arrived?”
“Aye, my lord. Only just this morning.”
“Send him to me--now.”
“Yes, my lord.” The man nearly ran as he backed away.
Downing the first cup of wine in one gulp, Robert immediately poured himself another. “I will have Godwin, I swear it,” he said out loud.
“You summoned, my dear brother?” Liam strutted in. Envy swept over Robert McPhearson. Liam was at least a head taller than he. Unlike Robert’s lighter build and paunchy stomach, Liam had bulging tight muscles stretched over his large frame. Robes of fur made him look wild and dangerous. His long blond tresses hung to the middle of his back, and his steely gray eyes seemed to look into a man’s soul.
Women flocked around Liam, while Robert had to buy or take a woman’s affections. Oh, how he hated his brother. Often he imagined Liam being mangled from a fall off his horse, or disfigured in a sword fight, but Robert was sure that would never happen. His brother was too good a horseman and the best swordsman among all his soldiers.
Robert smothered his envy with difficulty. He needed his brother’s help. Pouring a goblet of wine, he placed it before Liam. “The siege failed. Godwin is not yet mine.”
Liam’s mouth lifted into a wry smile. “And you’re surprised?”
Robert wanted to throttle his brother, but he stilled his hand. “I don’t need your sarcasm now. I need your advice.”
“My advice.” Liam shook his head. “Since when would you consider taking my advice?”
“Since everything I have tried has failed.”
“You have failed, Robert, because you have allowed your ambition to cloud your judgment.”
In no mood for a lecture, Robert gritted his teeth. “Be that as it may. I need your help.”
Liam chuckled as he sipped the wine. “My help? That is unlike you, Robert.”
No longer able to tolerate his brother’s smugness, Robert slammed his hand on the table. Dishes and pottery rattled. “Can you help me or not? Or have wine and wenching addled your brain?”
Liam showed no reaction to this outburst. Slowly he took another sip. “What have you tried so far?”
Robert sat back in his seat. Now he was finally getting through, but anger once again boiled up. “Last year I solicited a marriage with Lady Eleanor from her father, while he was in his usual drunken state. Once I had the contract signed, I had him killed. Poisoned. But it looked like he drank himself to death.” Liam looked down into his goblet. The older McPhearson knew what he was thinking. “Don’t worry, brother, it’s nothing more than wine.”
“That is comforting.”
“When I sent a messenger informing the lady of our contract, she refused to honor it and locked the gates to the castle. I laid siege to Godwin, burning its fields and stables, hoping to soften her resolve by starving her out. But she managed to get a message to King William. He sent one of his vassals and hundreds of men. There were too many for us to continue our siege, and we had to retreat.”
“Who did William send?”
“The one they call the Immortal.”
Liam nearly choked on his wine. “Dominick! Dominick the Immortal?”
Robert didn’t like Liam’s expression. “Yes.”
“Oh, brother, you have no understanding of who you’re dealing with.”
Robert felt his face burn with the heat of his fury. “He is mortal, Liam. Just like you and me. He bleeds. I don’t believe in those fairy tales. The man has just been fortunate.”
“He may be mortal, but let me remind you he has rarely known defeat. That is why he is the king’s champion, and why William sent him to Godwin. The man is a brilliant strategist.”
“You sound as though you admire him.”
“I admire the man’s talent. Who he aligns himself with is another matter.”
“It’s good your views on King William have not changed.”
“It’s true I have no love for the King.”
Robert leaned forward. “Then you will help me?”
Liam paused. “You cannot take from Dominick what he is not willing to give. You must consider a different approach. Find something of value to him and use it to force him to relinquish Godwin.”
Pounding his fist on the table, Robert shouted, “If only my incompetent spy had done what he was supposed to, Dominick would be dead by now.”
“Dead. How?”
“Poison.”
Liam’s eyes narrowed. “Remind me, Brother, never to drink with you again.” He paused a moment. “Did you really believe that if you killed Dominick you could walk right in and take his castle?”
“Why not?”
“You forget one critical factor. His brother, Randolf, The Black Knight.” When Robert sniffed in disbelief, Liam added, “Randolf would no more hand over Godwin than Dominick would. Like his brother, The Black Knight has also never been defeated. Dominick and his brother, along with the support of the crown cannot be compromised.”
“How would you know such things?”
“I travel, Robert, and I listen. I have seen these men myself in tournaments. They are not to be trifled with.”
“You give them too much credit.”
“I say you don’t give them enough. Be careful that you don’t find yourself at the wrong end of their sword.”
Robert ignored him. “What could we use to force Dominick to give up Godwin?”
“Eleanor. Lady Eleanor is his bride. Take her as hostage and three things may happen." Liam counted them off on his fingers. "He may give up everything for her, or he may be indifferent to her capture and you will never have Godwin. But the other side of that sword is that he may turn his fury on you and Aurora and bring down the wrath of Hell on your head.”
Once Robert heard take Eleanor as hostage he barely heard anything more Liam said. He wasn’t concerned about Dominick coming to Aurora. Once she was inside his castle it would be impossible for Dominick to rescue her. Aurora was impenetrable.
Insidious pleasure grew inside him. The thought of Eleanor within his castle was exciting, but he would not reveal that to Liam. “How do we take her?”
Liam took another deep drink. “There will be a time when she’s unguarded,” he said thoughtfully. “Or lightly guarded. One or two men can easily be overtaken. Capture her and bring her here.”
“I like this plan. I will send spies to keep a watchful eye.”
“You had better send tradesmen. Dominick’s men will question everyone that comes to the gates of the castle, and there are probably guards on patrol in the woods.”
“You’re right. I will send in people to Godwin right away.” As he stood up to make preparations, he turned to his brother and said, "Stay here at the castle, for I may need further assistance.”
Liam raised one eyebrow. “Is that an order?”
“No. It’s a request-for now.”
Chapter Thirteen
A splitting headache woke Eleanor out of a deep sleep. The morning light that seeped through the shutters felt
like daggers shooting through her eyes. She laid as still as possible with her forearms covering her face. The memories of the night before came flooding back and sorrow again washed over her.
She would never forget the terrible look in Dominick’s eyes when he executed that man. Had her father looked like that when he killed her mother? She knew when he drew his sword that he was protecting her from McPhearson’s men, but how did she reconcile the murder of another human being?
Why had Mother never come to her? For the first time, Eleanor realized just how angry she had been at her mother for taking her own life. And now to find out she was murdered made her sick inside. How could she have believed her mother capable of such an act? Never had she felt such guilt and helpless fury. She filled her lungs with hate. Her father was a murderer. Was Dominick really different from other men, from her father? Just hours after she watched him thrust a sword into a man’s heart, he cradled her in his arms, whispering words of comfort.
Throughout the night, she had awakened with terrifying nightmares. He had been there to hold her close and whisper words of reassurance until she fell back to sleep.
The room was stifling, and her headache persisted. She needed fresh air. Dressing quickly, she left her chamber and turned toward the great hall. Looking down from the top of the stairs, she was relieved to see that all traces of the execution had been washed away. The hall looked as though nothing had happened the night before.
Her head pounded harder, and the thought of breaking her fast turned her stomach. She left the castle and went out through the east gate to the cliffs only a short distance away. Ocean spray rose up as waves crashed on rocks below. Licking her lips, she tasted the salty mist. Soft winds caressed her skin, and the bright sunshine bathed her face in warmth. The tension eased from her shoulders, soothing the pounding in her head.
Looking toward the horizon, the sparkling water stretched out before her. Imagining herself alone on this earth, she heard no sound other than the roar of the surf below.
She thought of her mother. “Can you see this beauty, Mother?” she found herself asking. “Will it bring you peace? I suppose not. All you saw was the darkness of pain and despair. How I wish you were here. I miss you so very much.” Eleanor pulled on the memory of her mother’s face. The vision hadn’t faded with time. She could still see the clear green eyes, and the soft pink lips around a mouth that rarely smiled. She pushed away the sadness and swallowed the tightness in her throat.
“Eleanor?” The sound of her name was so unexpected she nearly fell over the edge. An arm came around her waist to steady her.
“Randolf, you nearly frightened me to death.”
“Literally, my lady,” he said, still holding her with one arm. “It would be a comfort to me if you would take a few steps back from the edge.”
He didn’t release her until she complied.
With her hand on her chest, she tried to still the furious beating of her heart. “I . . . I’m sorry, I was just engrossed in the view.”
“It’s beautiful, but the edge can be a bit precarious. Rocks are often loose and the ground soft. You must take care.”
“I promise, I will.”
Randolf gave her his most brilliant smile. She couldn’t help smiling back. His handsome face held the most striking pair of blue eyes. Friendly eyes. They rivaled the color of an ice-blue lake. This man’s dashing good looks and easy smile must have broken the hearts of many a maid.
“Would you care to sit with me, so we could enjoy the view together?” he asked, holding out his hand.
She nodded and sat down on the cloak he spread on the ground. They sat in easy silence for a while before he spoke again. “We had some excitement last night, didn’t we?”
Eleanor stiffened. “Yes, quite.”
“Good thing Dominick knocked the cup out of your hand when he did.”
He gave her a sideways glance, and she knew what direction he was leading the conversation.
She looked out toward the horizon. “Did he tell you how he knew?”
“Yes.” He pulled on a blade of grass and tossed it into the wind.
“Has he always had the ability to see spirits?”
“For as long as I can remember. When we were children he told me stories of the dead that visited him in the night. For the longest time I refused to believe him, but as we grew older, things would happen. He received warnings from spirits, and they kept him safe.”
She thought of the scars that crossed Dominick’s back. “They must not have always kept him safe. They allowed him to be taken prisoner.”
“That was not due to lack of warning.” The shadows of anger crossed Randolf’s face. “Dominick’s superior ordered him into that ambush. Then the coward ran while my brother and his men were taken.”
“So the superior managed to escape?”
“Not exactly. When King William found out what happened, he had the man hanged for treason.” Randolf stretched out and leaned back on one elbow. “In prison Dominick saw so much horror--tormented souls that couldn’t find their way out of this world. It was then he put up the wall in his mind and refused any further contact with the spirit world.”
“Then how did he see my mother?”
Randolf shrugged his shoulders. “It’s a mystery. Since the prison, he hasn't seen anything. Until she appeared to him.” He sat up straight and looked Eleanor directly in the eyes. “He and I have a thought, though. We believe her love for you is strong enough to break through Dominick’s barrier.”
A tear ran down her cheek. “My father had me believing she abandoned me.”
Randolf wiped the tear away. “Now you know she didn’t. Even though your mother suffered greatly while she lived, she never left you by choice. Not even her death could keep you apart. Always know that she is with you and will never abandon you.
Eleanor felt raw and vulnerable. “It gives me little comfort. I want her to move on.” Together they stared out at the horizon. Then she admitted, “I have never seen a man who showed any kindness, but over these last few weeks I saw it in Dominick. Then, when he killed that spy, all of those memories came flooding back.”
Randolf looked surprised. “My brother has never raised a hand to a maid—ever. Hurting a woman would be unthinkable.”
“But I saw his eyes, and it frightened me to the core”
He turned to face her, pulling her shoulders around to capture her full attention. “What you saw, Eleanor was a man protecting his home and his family. Protecting you, his wife. Believe me when I say he would never hurt you. Believe in him. He wouldn’t do anything to harm the ones he cares about, and he cares about you.”
“I’m beginning to believe that. Every day I see more and more of his kindness, but last night’s violence brought back the memories of McPhearson’s siege, and my blood ran cold with fear that my people would have to deal with another monster.”
“My brother would never do anything against your people.”
“I know that now.” It will take some time for me to understand my husband, but I know eventually I will.”
He touched her cheek lightly. “Do you feel better now?”
“Thank you. I do."
“Good, shall we go back?” He stood and held his hand out to her.
She took it easily. The two of them walked arm in arm toward the castle. Once inside the gate, he bid her good day and headed toward the stables.
The sun was at its zenith, and she needed to talk to Dominick. He was out in the field. Gathering food and water, she sought him out.
Young maids lingered at the edge of the field, gawking at their half-naked lord, sighing great sighs as his muscles bulged while pulling on the reins of the oxen. Shaking her head, Eleanor shooed them away, reminding them there was work that needed to be done. When she turned back toward Dominick, she resisted that same urge to sigh when his muscles flexed. She rolled her eyes.
“Eleanor, you see him night after night, naked as the day he was born. You sho
uld be used to it by now,” she chided herself. But her heart still slammed against her chest every time she saw his naked body, and she wondered when she would ever get over it.
Picking her way through the field, she managed to catch his attention, and he pulled his oxen to a stop. “You must be hungry. I brought some food and water.”
He tied the reins to the plow and walked with her to a shady tree near the edge of the field. “Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, thank you.” She unfolded the fabric that held their food and handed him a flask filled with water. He drank heartily, then tore off a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth.
After some time he spoke, looking out into the field. “I’m sorry you saw what happened last night.”
Eleanor held up her hand to stop him. “Let’s not talk about that. I would like to put it behind us. I came here to explain my reluctance for our marriage, and maybe it will make things easier to understand.” He sat quietly waiting for her to speak. “This is something that will take time for me.” She picked at her bread. “As you already know, my father was a drunkard. He abused my mother daily, and he kept other women.” She took a deep breath, pushing back the tears that threatened to surface.
“After my mother was gone and no longer my father’s victim, his abuse turned on me.” Dominick’s back stiffened. “When his friends came to visit, the wine and ale would flow and the situation would become very dangerous for me. One night, my father passed out and McPhearson cornered me in one of the chambers near the hall.” Eleanor wasn’t sure she could continue. Her skin crawled with the memory. Dominick placed his hand over hers. “I thought I was about to suffer what my mother had endured, until Zenon came in and clubbed McPhearson on the back of the head, rendering him unconscious. I have never forgotten that fear.
“Zenon and Martha hid me in a cellar until McPhearson left. The next day I told my father what had happened. He blamed me for the attack, and accused me of being a whore just like my mother. I couldn’t walk for two days after his beating.”
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