Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03

by A Knight of Valour

  “Never before,” he breathed against her lips, “but ever after it shall be.”

  “Do not stop… never stop, Talan.” Gripping his thrusting buttocks, she now knew what to expect. “I think I am going to…” Throwing her head back, the force of Mylla’s climax left her speechless.

  Not wanting it to end, Talan held himself back until she raked her fingernails along his back. Seeing her lose herself in the throes of passion and knowing it was he who brought her there carried him to the edge. Thrusting into her a few more times his climax left him crying out in triumph. He rested on his elbows while he caught his breath. Kissing her lightly, he pulled her with him as he rolled onto his side. “Je t’aime.”

  “I love you too.” Content, she cuddled into his side.

  They lay quiet listening to a serenade of early birdsong.

  Reluctantly rising with the first rays of the sun, Talan pulled on his braies. “We must go. I will stoke the fire to drive the chill away so you can dress. Tonight if it can be arranged, we shall sleep in a bed.”

  Mylla observed his lithe movements with longing. “So long as you are with me, I do not care where we sleep.”

  “Until we reach the safety of Wales, I would prefer to have four walls and a roof over our heads. It is far easier to protect you that way.” With the fire stoked, he finished dressing.

  “Talan, what do you think the justice would do if he were to find us?” Wrapping herself in her cloak, Mylla sat up. “Would he put me on trial like he did to Lecie?”

  “The man will do you no harm,” Talan said matter-of-factly. “I would slay him first.”

  “You mistake me. I am wise enough to have figured that your life is sure to be forfeit if we are caught. I would like to know what would happen to me because I could not bear to live without you.”

  “And I would not have you think such thoughts.” Drawing Mylla to her feet, Talan held her close. “It gives them power over how we think.”

  “Tis true though,” she said. “If you are lost to me—”

  “You are not going to lose me,” Talan gently interrupted.

  “Then you believe we will be safe in Reading?”

  “I do, for a short time anyway. The justice is likely to search Castell Maen first giving us plenty of time to reach safety in Wales.” Reluctantly releasing her, he began to gather their belongings. “The new abbey in Reading has already been sanctified. Should we be captured, you will be safe from the justice by claiming sanctuary. It has been a royal legislative command carried on from Roman times. Even King Henry would not dare go against the church were you to claim its protection.”

  “I will be safe?” Retrieving her chemise and kirtle, Mylla dropped her cloak to dress. “Is that why you chose Reading?”

  “Aye, it is the closest abbey on the route to Wales.” Having banked the fire, Talan stepped back. “I have taken every precaution to protect you.”

  “What about you?” Mylla blocked his path to the horses when he was about to tend them. “Have you given no thought at all to your own safety?”

  Talan clasped her shoulder. “My duty is to see you safe.”

  “Your duty.” Mylla shrugged off his hand. “Is that all I am to you? Someone you are honor bound to protect? Have you even given a moment’s thought to how I would feel were harm to befall you? Nay, you did not.” Snatching up the coverlet, she shook it out. “Your honor means more to you than I do. Afore I join you in the nether, I shall be sure to have ‘A Knight of Valour’ chiseled on your grave stone.” To conceal her tears, she kept her back to him.

  “Mylla.” Wrapping his arms around her from behind, Talan buried his face in the nape of her neck. “Nothing in this life means more to me than you do, but I cannot change who I am. I will always put the needs of others above my own, yours most of all.”

  “I know.” Turning into his chest, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Only I would have you protect yourself as well.”

  “Unlike a few of my fellow knights, I am not known to be reckless with my person.” Easing away from her, he smiled. “I vow to place my safety after your own so that we may live a long, happy life together. Does that ease your mind ever so slightly?”

  “I know you are not reckless.” Mylla eased back to look up at him. “Please forgive me for being so foolish. I do not know what comes over me.”

  “Of all the things that come to mind when I think of you, foolish is not one of them.” He hesitantly released her. “Now we must be off. I would like to reach town afore there are too many people about to notice our arrival.”

  Giving Mylla a few moments of privacy to tend to her personal needs, Talan returned with the horses. He frowned to see her flinch when he assisted her into the mare’s saddle. “Are you too tender to ride this morn?”

  “Please stop worrying so much about me.” Mylla shifted to adjust her skirts. “The slight discomfort I feel now is well worth the pleasure I received last night.”

  “I am glad to hear it. Were we further away, I would have you ride with me.” Talan mounted with a pleased smile. “I was, however, referring to your backside.”

  “My backside would be grateful if I were allowed to ride astride.”

  “Astride?” Talan nudged his mount closer to hers. “Did you learn to ride astride?”

  “Do not look so scandalized.” Mylla giggled. “Until yesterday it was the only way I knew how to ride.”

  “Who instructed you?” Talan still looked stunned.

  “Leofrick taught me. I wore an old pair of his breeches beneath my skirts so my honor remained completely intact.”

  “I have little doubt your honor was ever at stake,” Talan said. “I only wish you would have informed me sooner. It would have quickened our pace considerably and saved you much of the discomfort you are feeling now.”

  Now it was Mylla’s turn to look stunned. “You would allow me to ride astride like a man?”

  “Of course I would, Mylla. We would have plenty of warning were we to come upon someone.” Talan spurred his horse into a brisk trot. “I shall see about purchasing you a proper saddle in Reading.”

  Following after him, Mylla beamed.

  The road leading into the town widened once they approached the main thoroughfare. Waking at first light, tenant farmers carrying spades and shovels chatted amongst themselves on their way to spend a long day in the fields. Empty market stalls set in the square stood waiting for vendors to fill them with fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, flour, grain, fish, meat, and poultry. The wealthy merchants who owned shops lining high street were busy removing shutters or sweeping the cobbles beyond their front doors. Set on a rise well beyond the town square rested the massive stone foundation of the abbey currently under construction. Scaffolding consisting of wood branches tied together with flax rope reached high into the sky waiting for stonemasons to begin the day’s work. Founded in 1121 by King Henry, the abbey had been dedicated to the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist for the Cluniac Order. Situated between the rivers Thames to the north of it, and Kennet to the south, King Henry colonized it with monks from Lewes and Cluny. Rising well before lauds, monks wearing brown woolen albs could be seen in the outer courtyard hastily preparing for the hour of prime.

  Trotting past the smithy, Talan spotted the local public inn and tavern, The Prince and Maiden. “I shall see about securing us a chamber. After we break our fast, I will hire a messenger to carry word to your family that we have arrived. I think it best if you were to remain inside until I make a thorough sweep of the town.”

  “Will you be gone long?”

  “I will be back afore you can even miss me.” Talan grinned to lessen her worry.

  “That is highly unlikely.” Despite her misgivings, Mylla smiled. “If it will have you return to me all the sooner, I shall leave you with an image.”

  “Pray tell,” Talan said. “It sounds enticing.”

  “Imagine me reclining unclothed in the comfort of a bed, eagerly awaiting your return.”


  Talan’s mouth dropped open at the thought.

  †

  The church bells announcing prime were tolling when the sheriff and his sons heard the justice’s booted steps forcefully approaching the dining chamber. Abruptly ending their conversation, the men focused on their meals.

  “Where is your wife this morning?” Justice de Glanville demanded when he joined them.

  “She is unwell, lord justice.” Sheriff Richard slid an empty trencher across the table for his guest. “Her servant is tending her.”

  “Nothing contagious I hope,” the justice said perusing the modest fare.

  “I am sure my wife will be feeling more herself after some much needed rest.”

  “Women are always falling ill for one reason or another.” The justice speared a slice of cold pork with the same dagger he used to slay Chaucey. “I find it most irksome.”

  “Your clerk was laid to rest after you retired last night.” The sheriff changed the subject. “Father Bartolomeo delivered final rites to the lad. To avoid suspicion, I thought it best to burn his clothing afterward.”

  “Tis a pity, yet I suppose the garments were too damaged for reuse.” Tearing a large chunk from a crusty loaf of bread, the justice took a bite. “I have decided to ride on horse-back to Castell Maen. My carriage and driver will remain in the village should your daughter return. Four of my men will be joining us on the journey. The other two have been instructed to carry messages to London and Westminster. Within a sennight, the entire kingdom will be searching for your wayward daughter.”

  “Then we most assuredly will find her.” Pouring the justice a cup of ale, Richard passed it over to him.

  “Undoubtedly, we will,” the justice said. “I find it necessary to inform you that owing to present circumstances the terms of the betrothal agreement have changed.”

  “Even if there is a harmless explanation for my daughter’s sudden absence, I completely understand if you no longer wish to wed her,” the sheriff said. “For my part, I release you from all betrothal obligations, lord justice.”

  “I am glad to hear you say that since your daughter is no longer worthy of becoming my wife.” Swallowing a swig of ale, the justice wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I would have the agreed upon dowaire for the trouble she has caused me.”

  Leofrick gripped his cup with white knuckles. It had taken the family years to set aside a worthy dowaire for Mylla. The same dowaire his father had tossed from the window and Leofrick had handed off to Talan. How they were going to come up with a matching sum to appease the justice was one more problem added to the family’s growing burden.

  “You shall have it, lord justice,” the sheriff said.

  “There is no doubt she has already spread her legs for Erlegh’s man.” The justice went on as if the sheriff had not spoken. “Every last one of the baron’s knights has a reputation at court for whore-mongering. In fact, I would not be at all surprised if they shared their wives amongst themselves.”

  His hands splayed on the table, Caine glared his anger at the justice. “Mylla is not—”

  “Caine,” the sheriff interrupted his son.

  “Forgive me for speaking out of turn.” Having lost his appetite, Caine shoved his half-full trencher away from him.

  “I must declare that I do not understand your intent, lord justice,” Sheriff Richard resumed the conversation. “If you no longer wish to wed my daughter, why do you intend to command such an extensive force to search for her?”

  “Come now.” The justice pointed his blade at the sheriff. “You are an intelligent man. If I were to do nothing, people would incorrectly assume that I have gone soft. An example must be made of Erlegh’s knight, one which will be remembered for generations to come.”

  “Then you intend to slay Sir Talan?”

  “I advise you to revise your terminology lest I begin to think you are on the knave’s side, sheriff. To slay him gives the impression that he is the victim in this situation,” the justice said. “He is naught but a vile scoundrel deserving of death.”

  “So you will publicly execute him.” There was a slight tremor in Sheriff Richard’s hand when he reached for his cup.

  Unaccustomed to seeing his father in such a state, Edmund also lost his appetite.

  “Not just executed.” The justice began waving his dinner blade to emphasize his point. “Like I said, he will be made an example of first. He will be stripped of his arms, publically hung, drawn, and quartered. All in the presence of your fallen daughter, I might add. After which, I will personally present her with his head. ”

  “And what is to become of my daughter?” the sheriff asked. “After you have publically shamed her, what else do you intend to do?”

  “Your daughter’s actions have blackened my once honorable intentions where she is concerned,” the justice said. “She will be dealt with like the whore she has become. I shall take her to my London residence and set her up as my mistress until I tire of her. After that, you can accept her back into your home, or leave her to ply her trade in the gutters of the city. Whichever fate you choose for her, I care naught.”

  Leofrick’s chair hit the wall when he lunged to his feet.

  The justice’s hand tightened on the handle of his blade while he calmly waited to see what the enraged man would do.

  With his fists clenched, Leofrick waged an inner battle. To challenge the man in defense of Mylla, or heed his father’s pleading look to back down. Frederick’s hand on his forearm decided for him. Gaining control of his temper, he jerked his head in deference to the justice. “If you will excuse me, I must retrieve the horses from the marshalsea.”

  “So be it.” Flicking his hand in dismissal, the justice casually resumed his meal.

  “Afore you retrieve the horses, Leofrick, I have been pondering the journey.” Edmund shifted in his seat to face their father. “The taxes are due to be collected from the villagers within the next fortnight. If we were all to ride to Castell Maen, we are bound to be delayed in submitting the levy to the king’s treasurer.”

  “What exactly are you proposing?” The justice leveled a suspicious eye on Edmund.

  “With your permission, lord justice, I would stay behind to lend assist to my father in carrying out our sworn duty to the king.”

  “Were it any other of this assembly proposing such an action, I would be hesitant in approving the request. Fortunate for you, your past astuteness has favorably gained my notice.” The justice’s gaze skimmed over Caine and Frederick to rest on Leofrick. “The rest of you are to be prepared to depart once I have finished eating. Do not keep me waiting. If you have not yet ascertained, I am not a patient man.”

  “Thank you, lord justice.” Edmund stood along with his brothers. “I will assist Leofrick with the horses so you can all be on your way.”

  Taking a long swallow of ale, the justice belched loudly. “Be gone already. I have had my fill of this family’s ceaseless prattle.”

  Following Edmund outside, Leofrick pulled the door closed. The four members of the justice’s personal guard were waiting beside their saddled horses. Dipping their heads to the men in greeting, the two brothers headed to the public stables.

  Suspicious of his brother’s intentions, Leofrick waited until they were out of earshot to turn on Edmund. “What game do you play at?”

  “I play no game.” Edmund glanced back the way they had come. “Where did Sir Talan take Mylla?”

  “Why?” Leofrick arched a blond brow. “It was agreed for the safety of all involved that I would keep the knowledge to myself. That way, should the justice decide to torture us for information, Mylla and Talan would remain safe.”

  “Spare me your heroic nature,” Edmund said. “Where is she, Leo?”

  “Know you this, brother.” Leofrick slowed his pace. “If you play the family false, I shall see you pay dearly for your betrayal.”

  “Do not play the fool,” Edmund scoffed, hazarding a glance back at the ho
use. “I should be insulted you would even think such a thing. My intention is to keep our sister safe, same as you.”

  Still suspicious of Edmund’s intentions, Leofrick narrowed his eyes. “First tell me why you have had such a change of heart.”

  “Is it not obvious? The justice is mad,” Edmund lowered his voice, “Sir Talan needs to know what kind of man he is up against.”

  “Talan is fully aware of the justice’s character.”

  “Then I will lend my sword and escort them to safety,” Edmund said. “I know my past actions may have spoken differently, yet I now see how wrong I have been. It is the reason why I have requested to remain behind in Rochester. If I depart on your heels, and ride hard, there is a chance I can reach Talan. After all, how fast can he go with Mylla by his side?”

  Approaching the marshalsea, the brothers went inside. Leofrick led his brown palfrey out while Edmund led Caine and Frederick’s.

  Leofrick briefly greeted an acquaintance prior to resuming the conversation on their way back to the house. “Talan is taking Mylla to live in Wales.”

  “Wales?” Relief crossed Edmund’s features. “I would not have guessed he would take her so far. Where in Wales will they settle?”

  “He did not confide their final destination, and I did not ask,” Leofrick said. “They should have reached Reading by now. Talan said he would send word to Winifred whenever he could. Afore you ride out, check with her to see if a messenger has arrived. She does not trust you so tell her it was I who sent you.”

  “Am I as bad as all that then?”

  “You have been worse.” Leofrick cracked a smile. “If Talan and Mylla are not in Reading, ride for Avebury. It is their next planned destination. Make sure you are not followed on the road. You were right about one thing the justice is a shrewd man. I doubt he fully trusts anyone.”

  “Do you think he has doubts about our story?”

  “If we stand together it will not matter what he believes so long as he cannot furnish any evidence against us. All I know is that we have to be careful.”

  “You were the one who almost lost it this morning,” Edmund said, “not I.”