by Kara Griffin
“Then it’s settled,” Rhyder explained his suspicions of a spy within their hamlet and with the recent murders, they were being set upon. The time to act was now. “I would like to keep this mission secret and ask that your sons come with me. No others are to know of our plan. If anyone asks… I’ve gone hunting.” Rhyder took each of their hands and thanked them for their advisement.
The elders agreed and left to have their sons meet him by the horse pen. Rhyder sheathed his sword and tucked several daggers within his garments and boots. The journey would be perilous and with few men traveling with him, he wanted to have more than enough weapons at hand. Before he sought his brethren, he went to meet with Sawyer, but Lloyd stopped him by the entrance to the great hall.
“Milady is within, Your Grace, and awaits you.” Lloyd stepped back.
Rhyder entered and stood transfixed by his beautiful wife. She sat next to his sister, and they laughed merrily. He was pleased to see them getting along. When she spotted him, she quickly vacated her seat. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the antechamber and kissed her with as much passion as he possessed.
She leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “That is a wonderful way to greet me, husband. I would that you do so every morning.”
He grinned at the thought of doing so. “I promised to take you to the waters this day but… Don’t be irked, sweet lass, but I must leave. I’m to an important meeting and might be a few days. When I return, we will go to the sea and spend the day there.” He touched her face and grinned at the shine in her eyes.
“I understand you have important matters to attend to. I shall go with Lloyd. Vow you’ll return to me safely.”
“I will. You are not to go to the waters without me.” He spoke loud enough for Lloyd to hear. Until he figured out what plagued his dragon, he didn’t want Katy near the beaches. Shrisy often lurked there and ate her full of the fat fish by the shoreline. “Now I must leave. Until I return,” he said and kissed her again. Rhyder didn’t want to release her or cease kissing her, and if he continued, he certainly would’ve reconsidered his mission. Others awaited him and he pulled away from her.
On his way to the training field, he ran into Dillon and Gwill. “How goes the training?” he asked them as he headed on. He should’ve known better than to ask them any question. The brothers rambled on and persisted to outdo each other.
The brothers stood by, both talking at once. He wasn’t sure who said what:
“The younger lads are doing well with the daggers and spears.”
“We’re having cabers made for strengthening and will get started on that this afternoon. Aye, they’re weaklings all of them.”
“We’ve had to punish some older lads for they been lazy, Your Grace.”
“Aye, but the younger lads, they’re energetic and engrossed in learning and follow our lead.”
“Good. Carry on and be sure the men further their skill with the sword.” Rhyder was about to traipse away when Dillon stopped him.
“Why the intense training, Your Grace? Are we to war?” He smiled as if such a though pleased him, but all his soldiers liked to fight.
“He would’ve said so if we were. Why ye asking such a stupid question,” Gwill said and swatted his brother’s arm.
“For one thing, we must always be ready to defend our kingdom. And for another, you never know what to expect from our neighbors. Best be ready to face any threat.”
“Aye, sound reasoning, Your Grace,” Dillon said.
“That’s why he’s the king,” Gwill said.
Rhyder dismissed the men and continued on. He found Sawyer on the field sparring with some of the older men. Sawyer approached and lowered his lance.
“Are you going somewhere?”
“Aye, I’m off to do a bit of hunting.”
“I’ll come with. Let me find Gwill, he’ll take over for me.”
Rhyder blocked him from leaving the field. “Nay, I’d rather you continue with the training. I won’t be long. Our stores need a wee bit of replenishing and I could use the solitude. I’ll return soon.”
“You need my protection. I should come with you. Is there a reason you’re avoiding me?”
Rhyder shook his head. “I’ve been busy and you’re needed here. Where were you this morn? You never came to receive the morning orders.”
“I was detained.”
He scowled at his commander’s elusive answer but dismissed him. Others awaited him and he had no time to bring Sawyer to task for his absence. “For now you’re in charge.”
Sawyer bowed his head and returned to the men standing on the field.
Rhyder made haste and met up with the elder’s sons. As he drew near the horse pen, he regarded Robert, Llywelyn, Hugh, and Garth. The men were seasoned warriors, and each tended nearby farmsteads. They spent little time in the hamlet which made them the idea men to take on the journey. Their discretion was assured since they rarely spent time with the soldiers in the barracks.
“Before we leave, I want your vow to keep this mission secret.”
Each man inclined their head and said aye.
Robert handed him the reins of his horse. “Our das explained. You have our complete fealty, Your Grace, and we will protect you on this trek.”
They set out and Rhyder led the group toward the east where they’d turn north toward Cenwahl’s land. Near the hillier incline of the western lands, Rhyder regarded the far off acreage and its diminished forests. Wulfar’s people nearly decapitated the land of its trees. Barren hills met him and it had been many a year since he’d ridden close to Merica’s land.
They headed north and rode for several hours before Rhyder indicated a spot where they might rest during the night. The men made camp and lit a small fire. Normally, he wouldn’t advise to light a fire so close to enemy territory, but they were closer to Cenwahl’s land than Wulfar’s. After heating the meat they’d brought and drinking a cask of mead, they settled down to rest.
During the night, Rhyder kept alert and listened for noises within the nearby forests. The surrounding land was dense with many trees, and by the sound of it, animals living within the woodland abode. Toward morning, he closed his eyes and must’ve dozed. He was shaken awake with a boot on his shoulder.
Before opening his eyes, he grabbed for his sword, but it wasn’t where he’d left it. He scowled at the brute standing a foot from him. The warlord wore his hair twisted and in long light locks the same shade as his short beard. His eyes, light in color, peered at him, but his eyes bespoke no anger. Wulfar.
Surrounded by about thirty men-at-arms, Rhyder stood his ground. His comrades hung back, but they had no choice with swords pointed at their backs.
“Pendragon, I suspected you wouldn’t take my messages to heed. You’re on your way to Cenwahl, eh?”
“You outnumber us, Wulfar. Kill us if that is your will. Aye, like you murdered my parents.”
Wulfar waved a hand and his men who forced Rhyder’s comrades further into the trees. Now alone with his enemy, Rhyder waited for the moment to strike. Cold metal inside his boot taunted him to take retribution.
“You’re going to assume me guilty of a crime I didn’t commit? What proof have you that I killed your ma and da?”
Rhyder asserted his view by nodding. “They were found on your land, slaughtered whilst they camped during the night. That is proof enough. Admit your guilt.”
“I admit no such guilt for I’m not responsible for your parents’ murders. They were found on my land, aye, but none of my people had a hand in their killing.”
Rhyder’s nose flared with anger, recalling the way his family was killed. The accounting by his father’s advisors nearly buckled his knees at the time. “Why would someone murder them and leave them on your land?”
“That’s a good question, Pendragon, and one ye might want to look into. I seek peace for my people and reached out to Baldach. He says he’s in an alliance with you and cannot covet such with me withou
t your agreement. You recently wed?” Wulfar chortled. “Katriona Baldach is a beautiful woman. You’re fortunate.”
Rhyder smirked. “I will not have you speak of my wife.” To assert his seriousness, he sidled next to him and fisted his hands.
Wulfar chuckled. “Easy there, comrade. Those are words spoken by a man in love. Worry not, Pendragon, for the lass never interested me. Her sister, och, now she is truly a beauty to behold.”
He wanted to land a fist on his rival’s face but held back. “Dare you insult my wife and her family?”
“I do no such thing. I compliment, aye. Be not tempered for I mean no insult. Katy is a good woman, and I’d take her if she was offered. Obviously, Baldach made a worthy alliance with you. It is right that I concern myself with those who border my lands.”
“You have a mighty following, Wulfar, and need not worry that your neighbors will take up arms against you.”
Wulfar scoffed a deriding laugh. “Aye, but if my neighbors want to overtake us, together you would far outnumber us. There are many kingdoms hereabout against me.”
Rhyder raised a brow. “If you didn’t raid their lands and enslave their people, you might not be faced with this issue.”
Wulfar sneered. “Progression is the key and outweighs all now. We seek peace and to trade with our neighbors. Besides, it is not my neighbors who worry me. It is those to the east and to the north. What will it take to convince you?”
“Why don’t you begin by calling off your infiltrator? Evidently, you have sent a spy to my lands. How else would you know that I intended to meet with Cenwahl?” Rhyder set his closed fists on his hips in wait of his denial.
“I have no need of a spy when my men encamp in yonder woods and take note of who comes and who travels where. I take advantage of my position, bordered at my enemy’s lands.”
“How did you find out I would make a treaty with Cenwahl if you’ve no spy?”
Wulfar approached the fire and held out his hands to warm them. “You think me the villain, but I do what’s best for my people. We saw those of your clan trekking to Cenwahl’s land. Three small groups in the last fortnight rode through. It was obvious you were planning to meet him, especially when his messengers started a campaign to your land as well.”
“Then who is killing my soldiers if it’s not your spy?” Rhyder stepped toward the fire. As much as he wanted to discredit his enemy, he found himself believing him. He hadn’t sent an emissary in the last fortnight to Cenwahl. Who in his clan traveled without his permission?
“Why would I kill your soldiers? I wish for us to join forces and need your soldiers if we will prevail against any attacks from those beyond our island. Our kingdoms should remain intact unless a threat forces us to unite. Mayhap Cenwahl is behind your murders for he covets an association and what better way to gain your accord than by decreasing your numbers?”
What Wulfar said made sense. Rhyder tensed at the realization that Cenwahl’s call for an alliance was nothing but a ruse and a means to overtake his clan. “I need to consider this development before I agree to meet with Cenwahl. I will put him off until I gain the answers I seek. Expect to see my messengers delaying him. They’ll carry a white banner so you’ll know who the envoy is. You’ve my permission to apprehend any that don’t carry my banner.”
“You’ll find the truth, Pendragon, and when you’re ready to meet, we’ll discuss the treaty. The union will join all our kingdoms and peace will reign in our lands. We must be prepared for any invasions. Many withdraw from the eastern lands and boatloads have been seen in the channel. Have we not learned by our mistakes with the Romans? We will not be overtaken by outsiders again.”
“I have to first find out who my traitor is.” Rhyder turned and called to his men.
Wulfar rode with them until they reached the pass that led west. Rhyder reflected on their conversation during the journey home. If Wulfar wasn’t responsible for killing his parents, then who was? And if he likewise wasn’t the traitor killing his men, then who was? Many questions plagued him on the ride home. He pondered who journeyed to Cenwahl’s without his leave and what was their purpose? Why his soldiers were killed? Was Cenwahl his enemy?
He trusted none. Anger coursed through him because his quest to answer those questions would bring endangerment to his land.
Chapter TWELVE
If she only had a hint of how unruly her day would be, Katriona might have stayed in bed. With spring warmth in the air, it was the perfect day to get outside. She considered doing so in the afternoon after she attended her chores.
She joined Merrion and finished the morning meal. Her newfound friend was miserable for it shown in her eyes. Rhyder’s sister was much younger than him, likely around the same as she was. Katriona took her hand and tuned into her aura. Great despair lurked in her heart. Since their friendship kindled, her friend sunk further into melancholy.
“What’s wrong, Merrion?” she asked, sensing the fear, sadness, excitement, and…love. Was her friend’s heart afflicted by a man? “You can always talk to me. We’re sisters now and I vow to keep your confidence.”
“My brother…he has never taken time to know me or spend time with me. Soon he will send me away and I don’t wish to leave.”
She understood Merrion’s plight for Katriona wished to spend time with her husband. “He rules the kingdom and many people count on his guidance. We must forgive his inattentiveness.”
“I haven’t spoken to him about the betrothal. What if he means to wed me to a man in another kingdom? I don’t wish to leave here, leave you.”
“You need to speak with him. What if you suggested someone here? Is there a man…” Katriona trailed off when Merrion’s face brightened. “There is someone. I presumed your heart was plagued.”
“Aye, but he doesn’t realize I exist and I cannot tell my brother of him for he would never agree to betroth us.”
“How is it possible this man doesn’t know you exist? You’re the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. He’s noticed you alright.” Katriona patted her hand sympathetically.
Merrion’s face brightened further. “I won’t suggest anyone unless he returns the sentiment.”
“What if there was a way to find out his feelings?”
Her friend vehemently shook her head. “I won’t dare ask him.”
Katriona had to consider revealing her gift to Merrion, especially if it helped with her situation. She needed to think on the matter before she did so. “I must go. Thank you for helping me with the gown. It’s going to be beautiful when it’s finished. I shall wear it at the Beltaine festival, I mean the May feast.” She took up the fabrics and hurried to her chamber before Merrion might question her blunder.
The festival was only a sennight away and much needed to get done before all celebrated the fertility rites. Bonfires would light the skies and many would sleep in the bushes. Many a babe would be born early in the new year. If Rhyder returned, she’d likely be expecting her first babe in February.
With Rhyder gone, she decided to go to the sea by herself. Well, not by herself, but with Lloyd in tow. She grabbed her cloak and placed it over her arm. She didn’t need it for the trek since the day warmed. By evening it would cool and she’d planned to spend most of the day near the water.
“Come, Wynn.” Her dog shook when he jumped from the bed and followed. She met Lloyd in the hallway. He stood in his usual spot, leaning against the wall, watchful, and waiting for any that didn’t belong on the upper floor. “I wish to go to the sea.”
“Milady, His Grace said nay. I cannot disobey him.”
Katriona didn’t want to be devious, but he gave her no choice. “Well then, good day to you.”
“Wait, Milady, where are you going?” He scrambled after her.
“To the sea. I’m capable of going on my own.”
“But you cannot go alone and His Grace forbids it.”
She smiled and patted his arm. “No need to worry, Lloyd, I’ll have Wynn with me.
He’ll protect me. It’s too fine a day and I long to be outside.”
“But His Grace said—”
“He’s not here and I’ll be back long before he returns. Either you come with me or you stay here. Surely you wish to be out of the house.” She strolled slowly until he caught up to her. Being devious didn’t sit well, but she really wanted to go to the sea.
“If anything happens or if His Grace finds out—”
“Oh, cease your worry, Lloyd. He’s not going to find out unless you tell him. And if he does find out, I shall take the blame. It’s too beautiful a day to stay inside and I long to spend it by the water. Is there a way to get closer? I don’t want to view it from the cliff.”
“There’s a trail that leads to the sand. It’s dangerous and steep—”
“Good. Let us stop and get food for the midday meal at your mother’s.”
Outside, she stepped to the lane and was about to head toward Luella’s when Father Matthew shouted for her to stop. She grabbed Lloyd’s arm and made him run along with her. Behind the house, she veered around it until she lost the clergyman.
“Why are you hiding from Father Matthew?” Lloyd asked.
“He means to reprimand me and I…well, that is…I won’t be forced to take his penance.” Katriona detested lying to Lloyd, but there was no other way around it. She couldn’t admit that the Father likely wanted to question her about her beliefs.
“I wouldn’t worry so over that, Milady. I don’t make my confession to him.”
She gasped at Lloyd’s admission. “You don’t?”
“Nay, I only confess my sins to God. I make my own penance. There are many here who don’t partake in the Father’s sermons either.”
“Come, I deem we’ve lost him.” Katriona reached Luella’s cottage and was given a basketful of foodstuff for supper. She continued on and enjoyed the warm breeze whipping her skirts. Warmth heated her face, and she rejoiced at the feeling of it. The closer she got to the sea the more she relaxed.