Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03

by A Knight of Valour

  “Good morningtide to you, Sir Talan.”

  Talan acknowledged the tapster’s jovial greeting with a slight nod.

  “Mister Leofrick was here asking after you yester-eve,” William said cleaning a cup with a linen rag. “My wife informed him that you needed to rest. I hope Winifred did not overstep her bounds.”

  “I would never hold your good wife accountable for caring about me.” Having given in to a rare instance of self-pity the previous night, he would not have been fit company for Leofrick.

  “Can I get you a cup of ale to quench your thirst?”

  “Aye, if you would be so kind.”

  Sensing Talan’s brooding mood, William filled an earthenware cup to the brim with foaming ale. Stocky with red-hair and blue eyes, he had replaced the former tapster who had been caught siphoning money from the till. Before Hamon could be brought to justice for his thievery, he had managed to coerce Lecie to cover for him by threatening the lives of her younger siblings. After nearly killing Albin in a roadside ambush, Hamon later returned to the inn in order to finish the job. It was then that Lecie killed him in defense of her husband. Seeing a way to retaliate against Fulke for the public disgrace of his longtime acquaintance, Baron Reynold, Justice de Glanville promptly charged her with murder and presided over a hasty trial. Lecie’s acquittal thanks to Fulke’s timely appearance had further infuriated the justice. Setting the cup in front of Talan, William said, “Let me know should you have need of anything else.”

  Winifred approached from the scullery to serve the morning fare with a welcoming smile. Wearing one of Lecie’s donated brown woolen kirtles, she wore her gray hair braided into a coil and secured at the crown of her head. “Good morn to you, Sir Talan. We have a tasty pork pottage this day, I shall bring you some.”

  “Thanks all the same,” Talan said, “but I am not at all hungry.”

  “Nonetheless, you need to eat something. I shall be but a moment.”

  Talan watched the elder woman weave through the tables with a grudging smile. Winifred had come into her own since arriving at The Wounded Stag. Former itinerant workers drawn to Rochester for the tower construction, Albin had offered a permanent place to a trio of hardworking couples.

  After Winifred served Talan a steaming pork pottage served in a crusty bread bowl, she left him alone to brood. Choking down a few mouthfuls to please her, he pushed the uneaten portion away. He signaled William for another cup of ale and was on his third when the outer door opened.

  “I was hoping to find you up and about.” Not making mention of the previous night, Leofrick pulled out a chair to take a seat beside Talan.

  “Has the justice arrived earlier than expected?” Talan caught William’s eye then gestured to Leofrick.

  “A messenger arrived early this morn with word from his clerk,” Leofrick said. “We have been ordered to prepare our finest chamber for his master’s impending visit. The pompous ass must think we reside in a palace.”

  “The justice cares little of what anyone thinks.”

  “My mother has everyone busy preparing the manor to please him.” Leofrick shook his head in disgust. “I managed to slip away in-between tasks.”

  “It is probably for the best that he boards with your family.” Talan absently began fingering the sharp edge of his dinner blade. “After his attempt to have Lecie hanged, he would not find a warm welcome here. Winifred would most likely taint his food with poison.”

  Leofrick lowered his voice. “She would be doing us all a favor if she did. Even my father believes the justice has overstepped his bounds by demanding the master chamber. He and my mother will share mine for the duration of the justice’s visit, and I shall bed down here.” Accepting a cup of ale from William, Leofrick smiled his thanks before taking a long swallow. “I am sure I do not have to tell you how much the man vexes me.”

  “He vexes us both,” Talan said. “When is he expected?”

  “The messenger said the justice shall arrive between sext and nones two days hence. His clerk is to arrive ahead of him to insure all is in readiness.” Leofrick set his cup down with a sad look. “Look, Talan. I came here last night to apologize. Had I not introduced

  you—”

  “Had you not introduced me to Mylla, I would have never known what it is like to be in love.” Talan paused. “Or to know a woman’s love in return.”

  “I am left without words.”

  “You do not have to say anything,” Talan said. “Just know I am grateful to you.”

  “When are you planning to depart?”

  “That depends on the wedding ceremony.”

  “De Glanville has instructed us to be prepared for the nuptials upon his arrival. The ceremony itself will likely take place afore vespers. He and Mylla are to depart for London directly thereafter. I cannot tell you how distressed my mother is by it all. Mylla is not even to have a wedding supper to celebrate the event with her family.”

  “I do not believe Mylla would wish to celebrate.”

  “She is not alone on that account.” Leofrick looked grim. “Even Edmund was unusually silent on the topic this morn.”

  “That is indeed surprising,” Talan said sarcastically.

  “Talan, you are not planning on attending the ceremony, are you?” Leofrick shifted uncomfortably. “My father would never ban you...”

  “Whyever would you think such a thing? I cannot stomach the thought of the deed much less wish to witness it.”

  “I was hoping you would say that.” Leofrick visibly relaxed. “Were Mylla to see you, I doubt she would find the will to go through with it... and… I know how hard this must be for you as well.”

  “You need not worry about my causing trouble,” Talan said. “Yet know you this, were it only my fate on the line, we would not be here now having this discussion.”

  “Forgive me for bringing it up.” Looking for distraction, Leofrick signaled to William for more ale.

  “Besides, the man travels often enough,” Talan went on. “God knows he has acquired scores of enemies. He may meet with foul play or have an accident on the road.”

  Leofrick hastily glanced at the diners closest to them. “Are you mad to speak so in such a public place?” he hissed. “I am a man sworn to uphold the law.”

  “You act as if I spoke of murder. I merely mentioned the dangers such a despicable man faces while traversing the realm.”

  “Come now, Talan,” Leofrick said. “Do not take me for a fool.”

  “Then leave me with some slight hope.”

  “Apart from my mother and sister, I have yet to love a woman to such an extent.” Leofrick leaned back in his seat. “If this is what love does to a man, I shall forever forgo the pleasure.”

  “If you ever meet the woman you are destined to be with, you would have no choice.” Talan raised his cup. “I propose a toast to true love. It is far more fickle than fate, and ever the more painful.”

  Leofrick hesitated, unsure if he should raise his glass. Thinking better of it, he downed the rest of his ale.

  By late afternoon the pair had consumed more ale than all of the other tavern patrons combined.

  Nearly missing the planked table, Talan focused on gingerly setting his cup down. “Do you know who annoys me more than Justice Ranulf de Glanville?”

  “King Henry?” Leofrick drunkenly guessed. He took another swallow of ale leaving a line of foam in his blond mustache.

  “No, no, no.” Talan waved a hand in dismissal. “Tis your brother Edmund I am thinking of. He is such a disagreeable sot.”

  “He can be, and we brothers often disagree,” Leofrick slurred. “Is it not the same with your fellow knights?”

  “Gervase is often a bumble headed dolt, Guy’s head is in the clouds, Albin’s jesting grates on my nerves, Osbert is green, and young Warin has a lot to learn.” Talan pointed a finger in Leofrick’s general direction. “Yet I would lay down my life for any one of them.”

  “Then we are in accord since I woul
d do the same for my brothers.”

  “Can I get you something to eat?” Winifred gained their attention with a disapproving look. “You have been drinking so long we are now serving supper.”

  “Why did you not say so prior to now?” Leofrick lurched unsteadily to his feet. “Ma would have my head were I to miss one of the last family meals.”

  “If you do not mind my saying, she may still have your head,” Winifred said.

  “Let us hope her mind is on other matters.” Leofrick turned too fast and lost his balance. Falling hard against the table, he slowly righted himself. “Did I mention that I need to let a room, Winifred?”

  “You must have overlooked it.” Winifred clasped his arm to steady him. “I shall have Mary prepare one for you.”

  “Will you join me to sup?” Leofrick attempted to focus on Talan. “Under the circumstances even Edmund is not like to refuse.”

  Lunging to his feet, Talan slowly shook his head. “I would never present myself to your family in such a state.”

  “That is very wise of you, my friend,” Leofrick fell back into his seat. “Mayhap I should stay with you.”

  Taking charge, Winifred signaled for her husband. “It appears Mister Leofrick needs an escort home.”

  Assisted to his feet, Leofrick drunkenly wrapped his arm around William’s shoulder. “Good man you are.” On their way out, he called back, “Talan, I would have liked to be your brother. Do not get so soused that you will be unable to bid Mylla farewell on the morrow. It would break her heart.”

  Winifred cleared her throat. “Why do not I get you a bowl of stew, Sir Talan? You will make yourself ill by carrying on in this way.”

  “Stew is the last thing I need.” Dropping back into his seat, he resumed drinking.

  “Pardon my saying, I think it is exactly what you need right now,” Winifred persisted.

  “Fine, if you insist. Get me some stew whilst you refill my cup. I am just going to rest my eyes a moment.” Laying his head down on the table, Talan passed out.

  It was not until Winifred roughly shook him hours later that he finally stirred. “Sir Talan, we are near to closing. Why do you not seek your bed?”

  “Did I miss Leofrick?” Talan glanced around with red-rimmed eyes.

  “He has not yet returned,” Winifred said. “I would wager his mother has taken him to task for the condition he arrived home in.”

  “No doubt she has come to believe that I am a bad influence on him.”

  “I find that unlikely.” Winifred’s expression softened. “I will ask William to leave the door unbolted for him.”

  “Then I shall see you both in the morn.” Stumbling up the steps, Talan passed his chamber to enter the communal bathing room at the end of the long narrow wood paneled passageway. Doing nothing to alleviate his throbbing head, the cold water bath briefly revived him.

  Dressed only in his braies, he entered his chamber to fall heavily onto the bed. The cool wind beyond his window moaned eerily through the blossoming fruit trees as he drifted off into a fitful doze.

  Calling out in his sleep, he jerked awake in the dawn’s early light. Drenched in sweat the vestiges of a disturbing dream still weighed heavily on his mind. He lay still willing his racing heart to slow listening to the inn slowly come to life.

  Dark shadows beneath Talan’s eyes attested to his restless night. Strapping on his bawdryk, he slid his sword into its sheath. His hand briefly rested on the hilt when he envisioned the justice’s smug countenance. The loathsome man would take everything he had ever wanted for himself, and he was powerless to stop him.

  Different scenarios played out in his mind to halt the wedding, yet all ended the same way. Shame and disgrace for Mylla, her family’s downfall, and his death. He briefly toyed with the idea of asking his liege to intercede on his behalf by speaking to King Henry. In truth, his liege was out of favor at court. Still even the king could not forget how Fulke had saved his life at the Battle of Bremule in Normandy. It was the day Fulke had earned his knighthood. A glimmer of hope filled Talan before he recalled his own personal encounter with King Henry. Having escorted Lady Reina to court, he stood as her voice when she had a private audience with the king. Recalling King Henry’s instant dislike toward him, he lowered his head in defeat. The king may have a soft spot for Fulke, but it did not extend to his men. For the first time in his life he would be forced to break his word.

  Determined to put on a brave face for Mylla, he withdrew his dagger from its sheath and headed to the bathing chamber to shave.

  †

  Mylla woke to the sound of her mother opening the slatted shutters. She blinked against the early spring sunshine pouring into her chamber. Tired after a sleepless night, she rolled over to bury her head beneath her reed and feather stuffed pillow.

  Emmaline perched on the edge of the bed to pull the pillow away. “It is time to rise and face the day, daughter.”

  Mylla reluctantly sat up. “Better this day than the morrow. At least today I shall get to see Talan.”

  “La-La.” Emmaline used Mylla’s childhood nickname. “That is what I have come to speak to you about.”

  Mylla’s heart sank when she noticed her mother’s tear-swollen eyes. “Father believed Edmund, did he not? He has forbidden me to say adieu to Talan.”

  “La-La...”

  “Tell me I am wrong.” Tears filled Mylla’s eyes.

  “Your father has set no store in Edmund’s hasty words,” Emmaline assured her. “It is only that the clerk will be arriving today after lauds to prepare us for the justice’s arrival on the morrow. Since you and Talan cannot conceal your feelings for one another, he believes it would be taking a risk were the clerk to witness you in Sir Talan’s presence.”

  “So not only are we denied one another, we are now forbidden a final farewell.”

  “You must under—”

  “I understand all too well.” Mylla leapt from the bed nearly tripping on the hem of her cream linen nightgown. “I understand that my heart will break the moment I am married to the justice.” Tears flowed unchecked down Mylla’s cheeks. “It is not fair.”

  “La-La.” Emmaline stood to wrap her arms around her daughter. “Life is often unfair, especially for women.”

  “I shall never see Talan again,” Mylla wept. “How can father be so cruel?”

  “Your father is a man of great responsibilities,” Emmaline soothed. “The situation weighs heavily upon him.”

  “I wish I had been born a man,” Mylla sniffed.

  “Then blame me for the fact that you were not. After so many sons, I prayed to God for a daughter such as you.” Emmaline patted Mylla’s back. “If I could bear the heartache for you, I would.”

  Surrendering to her feelings of despair, Mylla’s hands snaked around her mother’s slender waist.

  †

  Displeased by Leofrick’s drunken state on his arrival home the night before, Sheriff Richard ordered him to bed without supper. Having passed out at the base of the ladder leading to the loft, he woke in the morning with a splitting headache and an urgent need to urinate. On his way to apologize to his parents, he paused when he heard Mylla speaking to their mother. His jaw tensed as he fought the urge to put a fist through the wood paneling at the unfairness of it all. The sheriff’s livelihood was not the only thing dependent on the realm. Were they to displease the king or his powerful connections, the family would find themselves without a home.

  Leofrick stormed past the dining chamber where his father sat breaking his fast with Frederick, Caine, and Edmund. Ignoring his father’s call to join them, he stormed outside. Headed to the inn, his angry strides swallowed up the cobbles. The task had inadvertently fallen to him to break the latest bit of unpleasant news to Talan.

  At a loss for words to lessen Talan’s pain, he stood outside The Wounded Stag with his gaze fixed on the wood tavern sign depicting a bleeding stag with an arrow shot through its haunch.

  “Can I be of assist to you, Mi
ster Leofrick?”

  Shaken from his musings, Leofrick swung around to find the inn’s young stable boy, Joseph. “Is Sir Talan within, lad?”

  “I believe so.” Joseph gestured with a grubby hand to the stables he tended across the road. “His horse is still within the marshalsea.”

  “My thanks.” Tossing the grateful boy a coin, he straightened his shoulders with firm resolve and entered the inn.

  “Sir Talan has yet to break his fast this morn, and I do not expect him anytime soon.” Winifred approached from the back of the tavern. “In truth, I am amazed to see you here.”

  “I would rather be anywhere than here right now, Winifred.” Leofrick glanced at the steps leading to the upper level.

  “Lady Lecie made mention of your sister’s impending troubles.” Winifred lowered her voice. “I had so hoped Sir Talan would see the matter favorably resolved.”

  “There is very little Sir Talan can do. For that matter, I am afraid there is very little anyone can do.”

  “I am aggrieved to hear it. I shall keep them both in my prayers.”

  “Thank you.” Leofrick looked resigned. “I had better have a word with my friend.”

  Taking the steps two at a time, Leofrick paused in front of Talan’s chamber door. He took a deep breath for courage prior to knocking.

  Talan looked resigned when he eventually answered the knock.

  Leofrick’s eyes widened at the sight of his friend. “You shaved off your beard.”

  “If I cannot act the man, I may as well not play the part of one.” Fingering his clean-shaven jaw, Talan stepped back to allow Leofrick to enter. “No longer shall I be considered a virile man amongst my peers, not that Fulke ever gave credence to such nonsense.”

  “Surely you jest?”

  “In this instance, aye, I do jest.” Talan shrugged. “It sounded better than the truth.”

  “Which is?”

  “My hand was less than steady with the blade this morn so I had no choice.” Talan crossed his arms. “It appears you have more on your mind than my appearance. Has the justice arrived earlier than expected?”