by Kara Griffin
A gutted sound came from Dillon when he ran full force at him. Rhyder waited as long as he could, and a moment before Dillon’s sword struck out, he thrust his.
He released his sword handle and Dillon fell. His sword stuck in his torso. Rhyder knelt next to him. His breath labored but not due to exertion, because the attack sent his blood rushing through him in anticipation of ending the man.
Dillon lay still. “Those…men. They would…give us…away.” He closed his eyes and his chest didn’t move with his breath.
Rhyder was glad his foe was dead, but he sympathized at his plight. Dillon wanted vengeance for his mother’s death. But Dillon’s retribution was wrongful and acted upon those who were innocent. The man responsible for his wrath was long gone.
Rhyder gripped Hugh’s hand when he threw it down to help him gain his feet. “We need to find my wife and Sawyer.”
Llywelyn said, “I found most of our soldiers on the field outside the walls. They were bid to train since this morn by Dillon and told not to leave the field until sunset. They come.” He waved a hand at the crowd assembling.
All within the walls gathered in the lanes of the hamlet. Rhyder shouted so all heard. “I need as many men as possible to help search for my wife and Sawyer. They might be near the cliffs.” He eyed his sword but decided it was best to leave it in Dillon, a reminder to all who ruled the kingdom and what seeking retribution cost.
He gazed at the sky. Another hour or two and it would be too dark to search for them. Rhyder left the gatehouse with the elder’s sons following. Snow fell heavy, and he prayed they’d find them before the night grew too cold.
“Your Grace,” Hugh called, “Robert and I will seek Olor’s guidance. Maybe he can tell us where they are.”
He nodded but continued on and with hasty steps, searched along the palisade wall that led to the cliffs. Darkness prevailed even though the ground lightened. Rhyder shouted for Katy and stood still, hoping to hear her call out. Only the sound of the wind from the sea came.
After searching for hours near the cliffs, he lingered and his hope waned. A shout came, and he trotted toward the palisade wall.
Garth rasped with unabated breath. “Your Grace, there is no sign of Milady hereabout. Let us search the woods. Mayhap they’re hiding within.”
“If Dillon attacked them, they might not be able to leave their position.”
Rhyder trotted alongside Garth, careful not to trip on roots and smaller shrubs. At the edge of the woods, he stopped and scoped the tree line. Several men came and began the search. He walked through the woods with light steps and kept his ears peeled for noise, but only the scurry of animals came. Snow began to thicken on the ground and all sound abated.
He walked toward the large rock formation near the firth where he’d taken Katy in the spring. Rhyder shouted for her repeatedly until his voice became hoarse.
Katy appeared from behind the boulder a ways off. She limped toward him and threw herself in his arms. She wept and made no sense as she tried to tell him what happened.
“Sweet lass, you had me worried. Are you harmed? Let me help you.”
She couldn’t speak for sobs overtook her. He tried to comfort her with his embrace. When she calmed enough, she released him.
“We need to get Sawyer to safety. He needs a healer.” She retreated around the rock and he followed.
His friend lay on the ground, leaning against the base of the stone. Sawyer made no sound or movement. Rhyder knelt next to him. His friend’s tunic soaked with blood.
“Dillon stabbed him in the chest and he’s lost a good amount of blood. I tried to stop it. He speaks nonsense when he comes to. I did my best to keep him alive.” Katy wiped at her eyes.
“Let us get him home.” Rhyder lifted Sawyer and hefted him over his shoulder. His friend heavy and along the way, he stopped to rest.
Katy through tears and barely audible words recounted her ordeal. Their pace slowed as she had difficulty walking and every few steps she bent over. He wanted to keep his anger in control, but the more she told him, the angrier he got.
At the gate, two men ran forward and helped carry Sawyer the rest of the way. He settled his arm around Katy’s waist and assisted her into the house. Inside, Rhyder cleared the table of its trenchers and bowls and the men set Sawyer in the center.
“I’ll find out what’s keeping Olor,” Garth said.
Sawyer groaned. He muttered a string of incoherent words, but not enough to understand.
Katy swayed on her feet. He lifted her and carried her to their bedchamber. “You need to be seen as well. You’re hurt.”
She nodded slightly. “Perhaps, but oh, I forgot about Wynn. Dillon kicked him. I don’t deem he survived.”
Rhyder grimaced. He placed a light kiss on her cheek. “I’m sorry, love, that I wasn’t here to protect you and Wynn. Let me get you settled and I’ll have Luella come and tend you.” He set her upon the bedding and pulled the covering over her. “Rest and I will return.”
Katy gasped. “I…cannot bear…the pain.”
He helped her disrobe of her cloak and assessed her for injury but saw none. “Where are you hurt?”
She panted and drew deep breaths. “I fought Dillon and fell from his horse. Actually, he pulled me from it. My head aches and my side…” Katy held her waist and huffed.
He pressed his hand on her cheek. “Luella will help you. I must see to our protection. Will you be all right until my return?”
She nodded and thrashed side to side. Anguish entrenched his heart seeing her in such distress. When he reentered the main hall, he sent Luella to her.
Merrion took his arm. “You need to rest.”
“There is no time for that now. See to my wife. She needs you both. Katy is in pain.”
The women disappeared and he approached Sawyer. He and Robert removed his tunic and the dried blood covered piece of fabric, his wife’s torn garment. Seeing it almost did him in and his knees nearly buckled. What she must’ve gone through.
Sawyer opened his eyes and groaned. He grabbed his arm to stop him from prodding the injury. “Let me die in peace.”
Rhyder motioned to Robert. “Find out what’s keeping Olor.”
Left alone with Sawyer, he continued to assess the wound. It was deep, but not enough to threaten his life. “You’re wound is naught but bluster.”
Sawyer grimaced. “Aye? Then why does it pain me so?”
“You’re fortunate that it’s mostly a flesh wound. If he’d struck the other side of your chest you’d already be dead. Once we get you patched up, you’ll be on your feet in no time.”
“Nay, Milady said it was perilous. She knows these things.”
“I tell you the wound is paltry. Cease being a damned babe.” He wanted to laugh at Sawyer’s inanity.
“If I don’t die from this wound, you might want to retrieve your sword.”
“Why would I want to get my sword? What have you done?”
Sawyer stared long and hard at him. His eyes darkened from pain. “It is best to confess one’s sins when death lingers near.”
Rhyder ignored him and took a cloth and wiped his chest. “The cut of the blade only an inch or so wide already began to clot and ceased bleeding.”
Sawyer stopped him and shoved his hand away from his chest. “I am in love, aye, besotted. What fool am I?”
He chuckled. “Aye? With whom because we know you don’t care for Careen. Did you send the lass away or were you jesting?” Rhyder narrowed his eyes in disbelief. “Oh, tell me you don’t love Merrion because I fear her heart was given to another and she’s still mourning the loss—”
Sawyer gripped his tunic and pulled him close. “Katy. I love Katy. Retrieve your sword, Rhyder, for I should be put out of my misery.”
Rhyder sobered at his friend’s admittance. As much as he wanted to refute his declaration, he suspected his friend was ridden with pain of the mind and heart. “My sword is occupied at the moment and where it belongs. B
esides, no sword is needed. Rest and be not concerned.”
“Why does my heart torment me? You should hold disdain—”
“We’ll discuss this later. Rest easy, my friend. Loss of blood has weakened you, and you’re speaking foolishly. Olor will have you well in no time.”
Sawyer grunted and closed his eyes. “I am weak and that’s what I fear. I don’t want to be well. I want to exist no more. If I cannot have…”
His friend succumbed to his exhaustion and his breathing settled into slumber. Rhyder paced alongside the table and took a glance back at his friend. “I’ll be damned. All this time you’ve professed your dislike of Katy when all the time you’ve cared for her?” He didn’t know what to make of Sawyer’s avowal, but he admitted that he loved Katy, too.
Rhyder didn’t like hearing his friend blatant love for his wife, and he damned well didn’t know what he was going to do about it.
Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT
Katriona stood by the lone window in their chamber and glanced at the oak tree newly planted just outside the house. After a fortnight recovering from the loss of her babe, she refused to be bedridden any longer. She wanted to get back to life, to put behind her the terrible ordeal. Yet her heart still mourned. The loss of Lloyd, Wynn, and her babe, was too much to bear. Each day, the heartache lessened a tiny bit, and even though she was saddened, she had to find strength.
Merrion entered and smiled merrily. “You’re up early this morn. It’s a chilly day, and it snowed heavily during the night. Be sure to wear a warm overdress if you intend to go outside.”
“I may do so. Is Rhyder here?”
“No, he is meeting with the elders. They’re settling on the new leaders for the young soldiers and they’ll be placed this day.”
“So is it true, Sawyer is leaving.”
Merrion made herself busy tidying up the chamber. “He says so, but doesn’t bespeak why.” She took a dress from the chest and shook it. “This overdress would do well for this day and you look lovely in it.”
The gown was the one she’d worn on the day she arrived. Katriona finished washing, and she set the drying cloth aside. Merrion helped her into the gown. She took a comb and fashioned her hair in a coif and secured it with a ribbon.
“There, you look quite beautiful and ready to face the day.”
“I’m not sure I’m brave enough.”
“You, not brave?” Merrion scoffed. “Many in the hamlet ask after your well-being. Several women came by and dropped off foodstuff and the like. Luella prepared a delicious pottage and made sweetened bread, your favorites.”
“I am hungry.” She left the chamber and sat at the table. Luella set before her more food than she could eat. “Everything smells delicious.”
Rhyder strolled in. He knelt next to her and placed his hand on her leg. “It is good you’re up and about. Are you feeling well enough?”
She nodded and squeezed his fingers. “Have you settled on Sawyer’s replacement?”
He gazed up at her with woe in his eyes. “I have. We selected Llywelyn for he’s one of the elder’s sons and actually volunteered. I am disheartened that Sawyer won’t listen to reason.”
She reached out and caressed his face. “We won’t be able to dissuade him if he is intent to leave us. I’m just pleased he’s recovered from the wound. I would like to see Olor. Is it possible to have him fetched?”
Rhyder took a seat next to her and nodded. “We can visit him if you wish. The gates are open. There is no danger now.”
She was happy to hear that. Merrion and Luella left the main hall. Katriona pushed around the pottage with her spoon and set the utensil aside.
Rhyder took her hand and smiled. “There is sadness in your eyes and I detest seeing it. You don’t blame yourself, do you? We will have other babes.”
She nodded and pushed her bowl away. “I don’t blame myself, but it will take time to accept. Is it cold out? Merrion said it snowed. I wish to be outside this day.”
“You’ll need your cloak, but it isn’t too cold. I have freed myself of all duty today and will spend it with you. Sawyer is leaving soon. You might wish to say farewell.”
Katriona rushed to her chamber and retrieved her cloak. She couldn’t believe Sawyer was leaving. There had to be a way to convince him to stay.
Rhyder opened the door for her and she stepped outside. She regarded the business of the hamlet’s people. Many attended to chores, and some stood about in discussion. Children played in the snow and their laughter lightened her. Several men worked on widening their hamlet and built an outlying wall. The ruckus of their work was loud enough to evoke the Gods from their slumber.
She was entirely focused on the building of the wall that she didn’t notice Father Matthew behind her. He cleared his throat, calling her attention. “Milady Pendragon, Your Grace.” He swept an arm at Rhyder.
Katriona stifled a gasp when she turned to see who was behind her. “Oh, Father Matthew…”
“I’ve been trying to have a word with you since you arrived, but it appears you’ve been avoiding me. I finally caught up to you.” The man smiled slightly and pulled at the nape of his white hair, nearly as light as the snow.
She glanced at Rhyder and then back at the father. “Not avoiding, Father, believe me, it’s been quite unintentional. I, ah, it’s been a trying time. What did you wish to speak of?”
He dipped his head and addressed her husband. “I wanted to first offer my condolences on the death of your soldiers, Your Grace.” The Father pulled at his neck collar when he addressed her, “And secondly, I wanted to welcome you to our kingdom, Milady. I understand some accused you… Well, be that as they say…water under the bridge… You are invited to join mass and confession when you wish.”
“You are kind, Father. I shall join you for services when my husband does.” She hid her smile and laugh. Her husband glared at her.
“Then I shall see you at mass on the morrow. Service begins at dawn, don’t be late.” Father Matthew hurried away before they might put him off.
Katriona turned and laughed until her eyes watered. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
“You realize, sweet lass, that you just lied to a priest? Damnation, you know what this means?”
Her eyes shone with gaiety. “Aye, we’ll be attending mass on the morrow?”
“I suppose we will.” Rhyder set an arm around her waist and guided her toward Sawyer’s cottage. “You might want to ask for forgiveness for lying to Father Matthew during confession. I believe you have many things to confess…” He bellowed a laugh when she elbowed his side. “As do I.”
She didn’t agree or disagree. As they meandered on the lane, she looked back and noticed the row of oak saplings planted along the house. She hadn’t known more than one was planted for she only saw the one outside her window.
“Oh, they’re lovely. It was kind of you to plant them for me. However did you get them in the ground? I would’ve thought it too hard to dig.”
Rhyder stopped in his tracks. “I didn’t plant them. Sawyer did.”
She sighed happily. “That was thoughtful of him.”
“He said that’s what you were about to do when…when the attack came.”
Katriona set her arms over her stomach and walked along. “Aye, that’s where I was headed that day. I will cherish them.”
“Our babes will sit beneath them.”
“I certainly hope so.”
When they reached the cottage, Sawyer vacated before they knocked. He carried a satchel and his horse tethered to a nearby pole.
He bowed to her. “Milady, it is good to see you. You’re well?”
“I am. Rhyder tells me you’re intent on leaving us.”
“I am. All is ready.” His face flushed from what she could see of it for his beard nearly took up most of his cheeks.
She approached and held his hand. There was nothing to fear now in touching him. She was privy to his feelings for he’d confessed more than he sh
ould have. Besides, her awen had yet to return, and she got no inkling of his emotions.
Sawyer unclasped his hand and his lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but he closed his mouth. His eyes softened as he regarded her.
“There is nothing we can do to change your mind?” Katriona blocked him from leaving. Her heart tensed at the thought they wouldn’t see him again.
“I must go, Milady. You know why.”
Katriona grimaced. “You were delirious with pain. I don’t hold you in contempt for your words or confession. Surely you didn’t mean what you said. We can forget that night altogether and go on as we have.”
He shot a glance at Rhyder before returning his attention to her. “But I did speak those words. I meant each and every sentiment. There are several reasons why I should leave and I should be honest with you both… I don’t want there to be discomfort between us. Rhyder is my comrade and his happiness is important to me. I know how much he cares for you. Yet, if I stay, it will only cause my own displeasure and perhaps discord… This is the only way—”
“I never meant to bring you pain.”
He took her hand again and bowed. “I know that, Milady. You’re tenderhearted and caring. Be a good wife to my friend for he deserves such a woman as you.”
She tilted her head and released his hand. “I shall let you go, but only if you promise to return to us so we know how you fare.”
“I may visit.” He murmured the retort as if he didn’t intend to visit at all.
She read the falsity in his eyes. He wasn’t going to return. “Be safe and well then.”
Sawyer approached Rhyder and pounded his back in farewell. “I will send word from time to time. If you ever need me—”
“I need you now, but I understand why you need to leave.” Rhyder clasped his arm, their usual greeting, but now it would offer his farewell. “God go with you, my friend.”