Cortez’s dark eyes flickered a moment before looking back through the column to the wagons in the middle. As he watched, two small projectiles sailed into the air and out into the field below. The starving people were swarming on whatever it was. Stricken, he pointed to another projectile as it went sailing.
“What in the name of Great Bleeding Jesus is that?” he demanded. “What is she doing?”
Drake watched the man’s irate face. “She is throwing apples to them, I believe,” he said sympathetically. “One of the many bags of apples we have on the provisions wagons.”
“Apples?” Cortez repeated, outraged. “I told her not to feed them. She is deliberately disobeying me.”
Drake put up a hand to stop the man before he went charging back to the wagon, quite possibly to spank his wife. In a small way, perhaps he was saving Cortez’s marriage because, as new as it was, it certainly couldn’t take a husbandly beating.
“My lord, if you please,” he said quickly, “as you know, my mother runs a great charity, one of the biggest in all of England. As a young lad, I was raised in the halls of The House of Hope, so I well understand the conviction and self-sacrifice it takes to impart benefits to the poor. My father often chided my mother about it, but the fact remained that he admired her a great deal for her selfless and compassionate nature. Don’t you see? The world needs people like my mother and Lady de Bretagne, for they see beyond the poverty to the human need beneath. Your wife will not give away all of our food, as you asked, but one bag of apples… to us, it is a small thing, but to those people, it is their life right now. Isn’t this the England you fight for? All people, not just the rich? We are all God’s creatures, after all.”
Cortez gave Drake a rather wry expression before rolling his eyes, perhaps with some defeat. “Who taught you that, de Winter?” he wanted to know. “Your mother? She made a fine sap out of you.”
Drake grinned. “Mayhap she did,” he said. “But I understand the compassion your wife is demonstrating. Mayhap you should try to as well.”
Cortez looked over Drake’s shoulder, watching the last few apples fly into the air, into the hands of those who would look upon it as a gift from God. Much of what Drake said held true. The man was right, in many aspects, and the anger Cortez had been feeling vanished in a puff, much like the mist around them that was disappearing into the air. It vaporized and blew away. De Winter had wisdom about him, no doubt about it. After a moment, Cortez simply shook his head and jabbed a big finger at him.
“No more apples for you for the rest of this journey,” he told him. “You just fed all of those Children of God your share of the fruit.”
Drake fought of a grin. “Gladly, my lord. They were sour, anyway.”
With that, he reined is horse around, leaving Cortez at the head of the column struggling not to smile. Compassionate wife, indeed. He still had much to learn about her, even her rebellious nature, which he frankly found rather charming. The woman had spirit and, in spite of everything, he rather liked it.
When Drake resumed his position next to the provisions wagon, Diamantha was finished throwing apples to the peasants and thanking God that de Winter had left his post and allowed her to dispense of the fruit as best she could. Oblivious to the fact that both Drake and Cortez knew of her own private rebellion, she settled back in the wagon and took her daughter in her arms again, making herself comfortable for the long ride ahead.
She couldn’t do anything for those girls in Gloucester, but for the starving children of Stafford, she was able to contribute just a little and it gave her a satisfying moment in a trip that hadn’t been full of many. In a trip that had been filled with it share of dark and light so far, Diamantha had been able to make a little difference in a few lives.
It wasn’t much, but it was something.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Coven Castle
Five miles northwest of Stafford
De Bretagne’s party arrived at Coven Castle well after sunset, when the land was nearly pitch-black because of the sliver moon.
Diamantha had never seen darkness like this. It was so dark that one could literally not see the hand in front of their face. Diamantha sat in the wagon with Sophie sleeping against her, both of them bundled up against the cold. The night was clear in direct contrast from the misty, wet morning, and there were a million stars strewn across the sky. It was a quiet night, too, the only sounds coming from an occasional night bird as the column made its way down the dark and lonely road.
About an hour into the trek from the point they had taken the western road from Stafford, a faint glow could be seen in the distance, a soft point of light against the inky blackness of night. Weary from the travel and lulled by the rocking of the wagon, Diamantha had placed her head back against the cushions with Sophie snuggled against her chest, and she had fallen asleep to the night sounds around her.
But her slumber soon ended when shouts could be heard, taken up by the soldiers. There were also shouts in the distance, shouts from Coven Castle as Cortez’s party drew near. Cortez had sent two soldiers as messengers on ahead, so his father was expecting them. Men rode out from the castle to greet them, men bearing torches, and soon there were flickers of light everywhere, splashed against the blackness of the night.
Diamantha awoke to the shouts but Sophie did not, and she lay there with her arms around her daughter, listening to the chatter and seeing flickers of torches all around. The wagon picked up pace and soon the road became rather bumpy as she braced herself so she wouldn’t bounce around. The oiled tarp that protected her from the rain also prevented her from seeing much of what was going on around her, but she saw clearly when they entered through a low, dark gatehouse and spilled out into a bailey. There were men all around with torches and as she tried to sit up, the oiled tarp was pulled back and Cortez appeared. He smiled wearily at her.
“We have arrived,” he said, holding out his arms. “Give me Sophie, sweetheart.”
Diamantha did, and Cortez handed her over to the waiting Merlin. Then Cortez reached into the wagon and pulled Diamantha out, holding her steady as she gained her footing after the long ride. Fearful of more hungry peasants, they had never stopped to rest and the nooning meal had been taken as they traveled. Now, they had stopped, and Diamantha was desperate to stretch her numb legs.
“Are you well enough?” Cortez asked her as she rubbed at her stiff legs.
Diamantha nodded. “I am,” she said, sighing wearily as her gazed moved over the torch-lit bailey. “So this is Coven Castle? Is this where you were born?”
Cortez shook his head. “I was born in London at the home of my mother’s uncle,” he said. “Coven Castle is from my father’s side of the family. Andres was born here, however.”
As he tried to move her away from the wagon, she balked until he reached in and collected the cage with the animals in it. Diamantha clutched the cage as they made their way across the dark, rocky bailey towards the great hall on the north side of the complex.
Coven Castle had been built right after the Conquest by Sir Giles de Bretagne, using foundations from an old Roman fort upon which to construct his castle. Since the land around it was very flat for the most part, the Romans had built a mound and planted a watchtower atop it. The mound still remained but instead of a watchtower on the top, there was a box-shaped keep with three floors to it. There was one room on each floor, the top floor being Gorsedd de Bretagne’s chamber.
Massive curtain walls surrounded the mound and keep, with a big gatehouse at the entry. The bailey, a flat piece of land that wasn’t particularly large, housed a great hall and a secondary structure that held apartments on the top floor and a stable beneath it. There were a few outbuildings, too, mostly for horses and trades, and all of it crammed into a rather small space.
It was a very busy space now with Cortez’s party settling down in the bailey. Horses were being tended and the wagons were being taken over to one of the outbuildings to be housed for the night. H
olding the cage in her arms, Diamantha allowed Cortez to escort her towards the great hall but she kept glancing over her shoulder at Merlin, carrying the sleeping Sophie. As they neared the hall, a man in leather and furs emerged, throwing open his arms when he saw Cortez.
“My son!” he roared, moving swiftly for Cortez and throwing the man in a great embrace. He hugged him tightly before kissing his cheek. “Cortez, my shining star. I have missed you so very much.”
Cortez was grinning at his father, a man he resembled a good deal. “Father,” he said, as if reaffirming the man and the bonds. “You’ve not changed, not one bit.”
Gorsedd laughed loudly. “You have,” he said. “You have gotten older and….”
Suddenly, his gaze fell on Diamantha and he stopped himself mid-sentence. His eyes widened and his mouth seemed to pop open in surprise. Cortez, seeing where his father’s attention lie, grasped Diamantha’s hand and pulled her forward.
“Father,” he said with satisfaction in his voice. “This is my wife, Lady Diamantha Edlington de Bretagne. I have brought her to meet you.”
Gorsedd was beside himself. He went to Diamantha, his wide-eyed gaze devouring every line, every curve of her face, as if he could hardly believe what he was seeing.
“Your wife?” he repeated Cortez, just to make sure he had heard correctly. “You remarried and you did not think to send word to me?”
Cortez was grinning broadly as he put his big arm around Diamantha’s shoulders. “We were married not quite two weeks ago,” he said. “I am here to tell you in person. She is beautiful, is she not? I can hardly believe she belongs to me, but she does.”
Gorsedd reached out to take Diamantha’s hand, the one that wasn’t holding the animal cage, and he brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. He appeared genuinely emotional.
“My lady,” he greeted, his voice hoarse. “It is an honor and a privilege to meet you. Long have I prayed for this for my son. Long have I… well, it does not matter. You are his wife now and a part of our family. I am very glad you are here.”
Diamantha smiled at the man, seeing Cortez reflected in the color of the man’s black eyes and in the shape of his face. The resemblance was truly remarkable.
“Thank you,” she said sincerely. “I am very happy to know you.”
Gorsedd looked at Cortez as if surprised. “Not only does she look like an angel, but she speaks like one, too,” he said, returning his attention to Diamantha. He still held her hand. “Dearest lady, will you kindly accompany me into the hall? We assumed Cortez had not yet eaten and have a feast prepared in his honor. Now it is in your honor as well.”
Diamantha resisted slightly. “My lord, I would be more than happy to sup with you,” she said. “But, at the moment, I believe my daughter and I could both use a few moments to rest and refresh ourselves. We have been traveling a very long time.”
Gorsedd was nodding furiously even before the words left her mouth. “Of course,” he said quickly, turning to Cortez. “Take her into the keep. You may both have my chamber. Do you remember where it is, Cortez?”
Cortez nodded. “At the top.”
Gorsedd was still nodding, now gently pushing Diamantha in the direction of the keep. “Go now, my lady,” he urged. “I will send servants with hot water so you may bathe if you wish. And your daughter? What a lovely child. I have another bed I can send up for her to sleep on. She will like her own bed, don’t you think?”
Cortez took hold of Diamantha while his father began barking orders to the servants. A tiny man with a big torch moved in front of them, leading the way through the darkened bailey to the mound and its steep steps. Cortez took the animal cage as Diamantha collected her skirts and took the stairs carefully. Merlin, still behind them bearing Sophie, followed them up the steps and into the big, intimidating keep.
The ground floor was a solar of some kind with a big desk, a table, a roaring fire, and four very big dogs. When they saw the animal cage in Cortez’s hand, he had to hold the thing over his head so the dogs would leave it alone. They smelled the cats. They were very interested in Diamantha, too, and she petted them timidly, but when they got to Merlin, he shoved the dogs out of the way with his feet.
There was a narrow spiral staircase that led to the first floor of the keep, which was used by the servants. It had all manner of chairs, beds propped against the wall, and a big bathtub. It was essentially a storage room and there were more dogs in there as well. Continuing up the stairs to the top of the keep, they found themselves in an extremely cluttered chamber.
An enormous bed was positioned near the hearth, which was spitting embers and smoke into the room. The bed itself was covered with mounds of furs, messily strewn about, and the mattress was lumpy and stained. A small table and leaning chair sat over near the lancet window, the only window in the entire room, and there was a wardrobe in the shadowed darkness with both doors open and piles of possessions spilling forth. There were clothes hanging on the open doors, boots kicked about, old cloaks, and bits of old food all over the floor. It was clear that whoever lived here was not fond of cleanliness or tidiness. It smelled like a sewer.
But Diamantha didn’t say anything about it. Gorsedd had been generous to insist they sleep there, so she wasn’t about to complain. As she tried not to look too horrified at their surroundings, she caught sight of Merlin standing behind her and she motioned him over to the bed.
“Please put Sophie on the bed,” she said softly. “Thank you for carrying her.”
He started to move but Cortez stopped him. “Hold,” he said firmly, glancing apologetically at his wife. “There is no knowing what has been upon that bed. Let me at least send for something clean.”
Diamantha wasn’t going to argue with him. She was greatly relieved that he thought this room every bit as terrible as she did. Nodding gratefully, she took her daughter from Merlin so the man could go about his duties and went to the only chair in the room, easing herself down onto it. Merlin headed for the stairs but he was pushed back as Gorsedd and Andres entered the room. The men were being quite loud, reveling in their reunion and happy to be together again, but Cortez shushed them both harshly.
“Are you a pack of wild animals?” he hissed. “Keep your voices down, for the child is sleeping!”
Gorsedd looked startled, then properly contrite as Andres slapped a hand over his mouth. Neither one of them were used to small children about. They both looked at Diamantha apologetically before returning their attention to Cortez.
“Andres tells me that you are only staying the night,” Gorsedd said, massive disappointment in his tone as he tried to lower the volume of his voice. “Is this true? Why can you not stay longer?”
Cortez had hoped to speak to his father about the shortness of their visit well after pleasantries had been exchanged, but it seemed the subject was rearing itself now. As Merlin slipped from the room, Cortez held up his hands as if to ease his father’s displeasure.
“Let us at least rest a moment before we launch into explanations,” he said. Then he began to herd them both towards the chamber door. “Go to the hall and I will meet you there. I will tell you everything at that time.”
Gorsedd clearly wasn’t happy but he did as his son asked, apologizing once again for being loud around a sleeping child as he and Andres left the chamber. Cortez was about to shut the door when a pair of his soldiers appeared bearing satchels and saddlebags. They set them down just inside the door but Cortez grabbed the pair before they could leave.
“Find a servant and send them to me at once,” he said, eyeing the state of the chaotic room. “Tell them that this room is unacceptable and that we require clean linens and a clean mattress.”
The soldiers nodded swiftly and were gone. Once the room was quiet, Cortez shut the door, turning to his wife, sitting in the darkened corner near the window.
“Come over near the hearth, sweetheart,” he directed. “It is warmer over here.”
Diamantha stood up, allowing him t
o take the chair and move it next to the hearth. She sat down with the glow of heat in her face. It was a wonderful feeling, and one that made her realize just how exhausted she was. The warmer she became, the sleepier she grew, and she stifled a yawn. Cortez moved the animal cage near the hearth so the little animals wouldn’t freeze, crouching down next to Diamantha’s chair as they waited for the servants to appear.
“I am sorry for the state of this room,” he said, looking around. “I shall have it cleaned up shortly.”
Diamantha gazed at him, a faint smile on her face. “I am not worried,” she said quietly. “You have done an excellent job of taking care of us so far. I am sure improving your father’s hellish chamber will be no different.”
Cortez laughed, running a weary hand through his black hair. “He is a good man, even if he does live like a pig,” he said, watching her giggle. “He is very happy to see you in case you were not aware.”
She shrugged. “Mayhap I was, just a bit,” she said teasingly. “He seems very kind.”
“He is,” he replied. “And to him, family means everything. He speaks of his forefathers as if they are still living, breathing men. He holds our family honor dear.”
“How lovely,” Diamantha sighed, turning to the flames, enjoying the warmth on her body. “He seemed rather distraught that we were not planning to stay. What will you tell him?”
Cortez was looking at her, her beautiful profile in the soft light of the fire. “The truth,” he said honestly. “We are on a quest, you and I. We will not be deterred, not even for him.”
With that, he reached out and grasped her left hand, the one with the ring on it. My quest is you. He lifted it, gazing at the ring, before gently kissing it. It was such a tender gesture, and one that foretold of the fiery passion he was so capable of.
Diamantha’s heart began to race as he held her hand, inspecting her fingers, fondling her soft flesh. She’d never known such raw excitement, anticipating every touch, every kiss. When he looked up and saw that she was gazing at him, something wild and exhilarating passed between them and he gently cupped her face, slanting his mouth sweetly over hers. It was a kiss like nothing else, wrought with awakening passion.
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