Seeing him rise above the seated crowd, one of the king’s personal guards rushed over. “Master-marshal, you were not at your assigned table. Please follow me.”
Accustomed to being summoned, Paul said, “By all means, lead the way.”
“What do you think that is all about?” Caine spoke the moment they were left alone.
“We are already being looked upon as an oddity, do not bring further attention upon us,” his father chided. “The man is the master-marshal and bound to have many private appointments with the king.”
“I only question the timing of it, Da.” Caine shifted in his seat. “Have you any idea what the king is planning, Albin?”
“Do not look at me.” Albin held his hands up. “Like you, I am completely in the dark. The only man I have ever met who has had an insight into the king’s mind is Fulke.”
†
At that precise moment, Fulke and Talan were being escorted into one of Henry’s private chambers.
“All this exertion has made me weary.” Gesturing for the pair to be seated across from him, Henry lowered himself onto his cushioned oak throne. “Serve us some of the justice’s wine and then leave us.”
Following his order, two liveried servants opened several bottles of wine that had been brought back from the justice’s manor. Pouring the scarlet liquid into heavy silver goblets, they served the men before departing with the king’s guards.
Swirling the bluish-violet liquid in his goblet, Henry inhaled its scent. “Ranulf did have fine taste in wine.”
Talan brought the goblet to his parched lips and drained it without first appreciating the wine’s bouquet.
Fulke, sensing his knight’s emotions were about to come undone by the entire ordeal, braved to change the subject. “Will you be sharing the demise of the justice with the master-marshal, Sire?”
“I know not what you mean by his demise.” Sipping his wine, Henry relaxed. “You were both in my presence when an urgent summons alerted me to the fact Ranulf had a fit and collapsed. It was unfortunate that though I tried, I could not make it to his bedside to bid him fare thee well prior to his departing this world.”
“It was very unfortunate,” Fulke agreed.
“How pleased I am that your second surprise will have a pleasant ending.” Pinning Talan with his gaze, Henry waited.
“Most unfortunate about the justice,” Talan belatedly said.
“I have sent for the master-marshal to discuss the matter,” Henry said. “Let us now turn to your grievous offenses against the laws of the realm, Sir Talan.”
†
The hall fell silent and stood when a page loudly proclaimed the arrival of the king. His daughter Matilda entered first followed by her suitor, Geoffrey Plantagenet the Count of Anjou. Stephen of Blois escorted Henry’s wife Adeliza of Louvain to her place in the center of the dais before occupying the seat on her right. The last to arrive was the king. Curious looks were exchanged at the marked absence of the king’s mistress and lesser retainers.
Once the royal party was settled, Henry remained on his feet solemnly surveying the assembled nobles. “This night, my heart is filled with both sorrow and gladness.” He raised his hand to silence the whispers this statement elicited. “It is with deep, profound sorrow that I announce the untimely passing of my dearest friend and the realm’s most humble Chief Itinerant Justice, Ranulf de Glanville.” Allowing the news to sink in, he went on, “the lord justice collapsed earlier this day at his local residence. Though I tried to reach his side to personally receive his last confession, I was woefully too late. Whilst it is my greatest wish to declare a state of mourning throughout the realm, I know dear Ranulf would scoff at any such displays of mourning. Therefore, he shall be buried in a private ceremony in the presence of the people who loved him.”
The Erlegh knights shared looks of astonishment at the announcement.
Once again, Henry raised his hand to still the whispers. “I now name Master-Marshal Paul de Bounauito as the realm’s Chief Itinerant Justice, his duties to commence immediately. Sheriff Richard of Rochester who has your new chief justice’s endorsement will replace him in the post of master-marshal. The sheriff is to have one of his sons assume his role as sheriff in Rochester.”
Sheriff Richard’s mouth fell open in astonishment. Mylla and his sons quietly leaned in to congratulate him.
“Fulke succeeded,” Albin whispered to Guy who was standing beside him. “Talan’s life has been spared.”
“How do you know?”
“Henry would not execute the son-in-law of a man he just appointed master-marshal.” Albin grinned.
Clearing his throat, Henry said, “It has not escaped my notice that many of you have remarked upon Baron Erlegh’s presence at court. Whilst I would like to go into detail, it is for the security of the realm that I do not. Suffice to say that Baron Erlegh’s absence from court has all been a ruse.” Henry looked pointedly around the hall at the barons. “His job has been to root out any dissention that might exist against the proclamation naming my daughter Matilda as my successor. How pleased I am that he did not uncover any such discord.” Henry shifted to face the door behind the lattice. “Now then, let us all warmly receive Baron Erlegh back to court.”
Forced to obey the king, the entire court applauded the moment Fulke presented himself.
His gaze fixed on Mylla’s profile, Talan used the distraction to slip in the side door closest to the sheriff’s table.
Enclosing Mylla in a tight embrace from behind, it took her a moment to realize who was holding her. “Talan,” she gasped. Turning in his arms, she clung to him.
“All is well, mon coeur,” he spoke for her ears alone, “tis almost over.” Greeting the rest of the table with a look of relief, he drew Mylla beside him when Henry instructed the court to be seated.
Fulke joined the royal party on the dais with a fixed smile.
“One would think you would appear more pleased, Baron Erlegh,” Henry teased, eliciting forced chuckles from the crowd. “Understandably, being separated from his family has left one of my favored barons feeling melancholy,” Henry addressed the audience. “That is why I have taken it upon myself to gift him with something he yearns for most.”
Fulke’s gaze locked on the main doors when they opened. His look of utter joy turned to one of alarm when he recalled Henry’s earlier statement. ‘How pleased I am that your second surprise will have a pleasant ending.’
Holding Raine in her arms, Reina entered the hall wearing a
travel-stained blue velvet kirtle. With her head held high she focused solely on her husband. She was followed by Lady Bronwyn holding her son, and Euric carrying their daughter. It was seeing the last lady enter that had Fulke searching for Albin in the crowd. Lady Lecie walked proudly forward holding a newborn baby cradled in her arms. Leofrick followed directly behind her.
The moment Albin spotted his wife the grating of his chair echoed in the hushed hall as he leapt to his feet.
“It appears Sir Albin is more pleased by my surprise than are you, Baron Erlegh,” Henry observed. “Did you think I would celebrate your triumphant return to court in a less fitting manner?”
“I am merely overwhelmed by your generosity in bringing my family here, Sire.” Fulke regained his composure.
“Loyalty has its rewards,” Henry said as he scanned the enraptured crowd, “disloyalty has its perils.” Returning his attention to Fulke, he flicked a hand. “By all means celebrate your familial reunion.”
Under the scrutiny of the entire court, Albin and Fulke impassively obeyed the king’s command.
Escorted to an empty table set below the dais, Euric held the chairs for the ladies and then took a seat beside Bronwyn.
Taking a seat beside his wife, Albin’s hands slightly shook as he reached to hold his child for the first time.
“You are father to a son,” Lecie whispered with love shining in her eyes.
Swallowing hard, Albin could only nod.
Despite being the center of attention, Fulke affectionately kissed his wife. Lifting Raine into his arms, he took his seat beside Reina.
“I believe everyone is now accounted for,” Henry called. “Since we have concluded the more pressing matters, I will now share the reason for summoning you all here. You well know my daughter, the empress dowager of Rome, will be my successor. I know a few of you have expressed displeasure at my choice. It is with great hope after this night your qualms at having a female sovereign will be put to rest. I am therefore pleased to declare that with an eye to establishing a lasting peace between England, Normandy, and Anjou, my daughter is to wed Geoffrey, Count of Anjou.” Raising his goblet, Henry looked at his scowling daughter. “Let us all now toast the happy couple.”
In compliance goblets were raised in toast.
Satisfied, King Henry took his seat to announce, “Let the feast begin.”
The side doors opened to allow a procession of servants struggling beneath heaping silver platers of roasted meat, seasonal vegetables, and baskets of fresh baked bread. Starting with the dais, they worked their way toward the back of the room.
The minstrels in the balcony began to play, only to be drowned out by the sound of chatter. So much information had been shared the nobility were busy discussing all possible repercussions. The din of the hall soon made it difficult to be heard even by those seated closest to the speaker. An occasional shouted conversation could be heard and it was soon apparent that Baron Erlegh’s return had trumped the wedding announcement.
In stark contrast it was unusually silent at the Erlegh table. Following Fulke’s example, the group focused on their meals. Except for the occasional tender look he bent upon his wife, his aloof expression gave nothing away.
After the feast, the tables were cleared to make room for the evening’s entertainment consisting of jesters, jugglers and acrobats. Spotting Count Stephen weaving through the crowd in his direction, Fulke squeezed Reina’s hand to gain her attention. “Let me put an end to the current mess, my love. I shall return to your side as soon as I am able.”
Catching sight of the king’s nephew, Reina said, “Just tell me we may return to Castell Maen soon.”
“We depart for home on the morrow,” he said. “The king has ordered us to return for the royal wedding to be held in the spring.” With a last loving look, he left her.
“Baron Erlegh, how good to see you returned to us.” Gripping Fulke’s elbow, Stephen guided Fulke to a more private part of the hall. “Care to tell me what Henry’s speech was all about?”
“It was merely to save face, Stephen, naught else,” Fulke assured him.
“So there was no truth to your being the king’s agent?”
“The first I heard of it was when Henry spoke of it.”
Stephen studied Fulke’s features. “My uncle is good at keeping his subjects in line, yet I must admit, the revelation gave me a start. I did not take you for a man who would play me false.”
“He is king for a reason.”
“Indeed,” Stephen agreed. “What really happened to the justice?”
Fulke leaned closer to confide, “Ranulf now rests where the unfortunate Lady Kaylein has been discovered.”
“I thought something similar would occur if your tale proved true.” Stephen looked resigned. “I suppose now we shall be forced to attend a mock burial ceremony owing to the fact that the two were so close.”
“No doubt you will do so while enjoying the justice’s choicest wines.”
“I will do so?” Stephen asked. “Have you intentions of abandoning us so soon after being welcomed back into the fold?”
“We depart for home on the morrow,” Fulke said with a smile.
“You truly are a favorite, Fulke. Now remember your oath to me.” Clasping Fulke’s shoulders, Stephen spoke loudly for the benefit of the crowd surrounding them. “Welcome back to court, Baron Erlegh.”
“Thank you, Count Stephen,” Fulke formally responded. “It is with pleasure that I have returned.”
Forced to accept the salutations of his peers, it took Fulke sometime to cross the hall. He returned to discover Talan, Mylla, Gervase, and Guy, along with the sheriff and his sons had made their way over to his table. Speaking in hushed tones, they were caught up on the events that had led to their reunion.
“Master-Marshal,” Fulke said, “my congratulations on your new appointment.”
Still looking stunned, Richard spoke for Fulke’s ears alone. “On behalf of my eldest son, I most humbly beg your pardon, your lordship.”
“Edmund’s actions have no bearing on your own,” Fulke assured him. “I know you will be an asset to the realm in your new position.”
“Truth to tell, I am a lawman from a minor village.” Sheriff Richard seemed uncertain. “I know naught of the realm’s affairs.”
“You do yourself no credit,” Fulke said. “Lord Justice de Bounauito vouched for you with the king. Would he have done so had he believed you to be unfitting?”
“We had only just met, tis a wonder to me that he would do such a thing.”
“Paul is an astute man. Once King Henry informed him of the vacancy, he put your name forth as an able replacement.” Fulke lowered his voice. “After de Glanville, I would say Paul did himself a favor. You were both fortunate that Henry had not long to dwell on the decision.”
“Then I shall accept the position as a blessing,” Richard said, “and pray my wife shall feel the same.”
The bells of compline sounded by the time Henry stood to retire. His wife already having left and Stephen mixing with the crowd, his daughter and her betrothed stood with him. The minstrels drew to a screeching halt mid song to mark the king’s passing. To the sound of the doors closing behind the king, the minstrels once again began to play.
“Finally, we can take our leave,” Albin said cradling his sleeping son. “Fulke, are we to be guests of Henry, or do we return to the inn?”
“Fortune favored us on that account,” Fulke said. Holding his sleeping daughter, he began leading the way to the doors. Every available chamber has been occupied in anticipation of the king’s announcement. It is the inn for us.”
Relief showed by the group’s quick pace to quit the hall.
Accepting insincere well wishes with a dip of the head, Fulke cleared a path to the palace’s main doors. Half fearing they would be ordered to remain he led the way through the main gates. Stopping on the bridge, Fulke looked lovingly down at his wife. “Are you and Lady Lecie up for a short walk, or shall I return for a carriage?”
“Let us be away afore the king changes his mind,” Reina said. “I know Lecie would feel the same.”
“As always, we are of like mind, my love.”
Arriving at the inn, they were surprised to find the door barred. Responding to Albin’s knock, the innkeeper opened the door with his timid wife hovering close behind him.
Relief flooded Thomas’s featured and he stepped back to admit them.
“Why was the door bolted?” Albin asked him when he ducked through the door.
“I fear we have bad news to impart, Sir Albin,” Thomas said, “tis about the sheriff’s son.”
“Edmund?” Master-Marshal Richard stepped forward to take charge. “What about him? Has he returned here?”
“I was interrupted afore I could finish explaining, Da,” Leofrick said. “We were forced to detain Edmund so he could not alert the justice.”
“He is here?” Richard looked back at Thomas. “I would ask that you turn him over to face judgement. Blood of mine or not, he will answer for his betrayal.”
“That is just the thing,” Thomas said. “Your son duped my wife and managed to escape whilst I was away conducting some business.”
“Forgive me,” Ebba said softly, “I could not think of a way to detain him.”
“He would have headed for the justice’s,” Leofrick said.
“If he did,” Caine said, “it would have done him no good.�
�
“After what he has done,” Frederick said,” he knows better than to return home. I doubt we shall ever see him again.”
“I am relieved to see my son did not hurt you,” Richard said to Ebba.
Holding out a worn velvet pouch, Thomas said, “Afore he left, he ordered that these be returned to his mother.”
Upending the pouch over his open palm, Emmaline’s pearls spilled into Richard’s hand.
“Mother’s pearls,” Mylla said in astonishment.
“I do not understand how they came to be here,” Leofrick said. “I was with Edmund when he sold them to Erwan.”
“He must have used coin given to him by the justice,” Caine said. “There is no other way he would have had such a large sum.”
“My apologies for causing you and your wife such distress,” Fulke said to Thomas. “There was no one else I trusted more in the city.”
“I would not be here had you not saved me from those brigands, your lordship,” Thomas said. “You are welcome to stay whenever and for however long you wish.”
“Barring the king’s fickleness, we have plans to depart after breaking our fast on the morrow.”
“Then a feast shall await you afore you take your leave of us,” Thomas said. “If you will excuse me, I will light tallows so my wife and I can lead you to your chambers.”
“Whatever debt he felt he owed you has been re-payed to us tenfold,” Albin said to Fulke. “He and his wife were extremely good to us.”
“I will show my gratitude when I settle with him.” Shifting Raine higher against his shoulder, Fulke smiled at his oldest friend. “Have you thought of a name?”
Albin looked adoringly at his wife. “We shall settle on one together.”
Ebba and Thomas returned holding lit tallows to lead the group to their chambers.
The sheriff and his sons decided to share a drink in the common room. Their situations had drastically changed and they needed to discuss the future.
Guy and Gervase also chose to share a cup before retiring so the group bid each other goodnight.
Ebba led the couples to their chambers. Euric had a room to share with Bronwyn, and their children. Further down the passage, Albin led Lecie into their chamber. Across from them, Ebba entered Fulke and Reina’s chamber.
Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 Page 28