Lady Thief

by Wend Petzler

  For the first time since her parents’ death, Eiry wanted more than vengeance. It seemed so long ago when she had fanciful dreams of being in love, to possess the love of a man who could accept her as she was. Unsure how to feel about being in the presence of a man like Lucian Martine, she roused from her wandering thoughts as the small, dowdy castle rose before them. Resigned to her fate, she had no choice in matters of love. Her world was her family and friends, to protect them at all cost. Yet, with Martine guarding them, she began to have hope for the first time in months. Sanctuary had a real chance at being safe from Lord Robert and his ambitious goals.

  Disappointed when they entered the courtyard and Lucian drew his horse to a halt, Eiry tried not to let it bother her. A keen sense of loss unexpectedly assaulted her when he dismounted, feeling bereft of his powerful embrace. Reminded of her priorities to Lilia and friends, she appeared cool and indifferent until Lucian reached up and plucked her from the saddle. Suspended in the air, hands braced on his wide shoulders, she stared helplessly into black pools blazing with desire and need. Just as quick, he blinked, releasing Eiry from the potent grip of his hunger. Setting her on her feet, Lucian grabbed the reins of his horse and walked away, leaving her to stare after him in puzzled bewilderment.

  Louie stepped from the shadows, distracting her wayward thoughts. “How was town?"

  Scowling, she whirled about, heading toward the castle. “We were met by Lord Robert and his dear sister, Lady Beatrice. She had a slight accident while in my company."

  "What did you do?” he asked, holding the castle door open for her.

  "She took a wrong step into a fresh pile of cow dung."

  "Damn, Eiry! You have got to be more careful. If you continue provoking Beatrice, Robert just might get curious about our business,” he snapped, upset by her careless actions.

  "We have bigger problems. Prince John is coming to Peveril Castle. A hunt is being held in his honor,” Eiry spoke softly as she doffed her cloak and hung it on the wooden pegs by the door.

  "He's coming to Derbyshire?” Louie gasped out. “This could be our chance at obtaining real wealth. Do you think the barons will be invited? If they are, we can make arrangements to lighten their pockets as well."

  "My thoughts exactly. Tomorrow, get the scouts out in the trees and have them watch the roads. We start hunting richer game.” She smiled at the rare opening at hand, a chance to rob Prince John in front of his peers!

  "I will personally see to it. What will you do with Martine?"

  "Why pay his wages, of course,” she replied.

  Lilia rushed into her arms. Lifting her up, Eiry smiled as the child chatted excitedly about having so many people around the castle again. The warm sunlight captured her silky curls, framing a golden halo about Lilia's head.

  "Eiry, did you get me anything from town?” Lilia wrapped her frail arms around her neck.

  "I'm sorry, little one. I promise the next time we go into town I will make sure to bring back a treat.” Hugging her sister tight, Eiry inhaled the fresh scent of peaches from the child's hair. Their world was more secure than ever. But was it going to last?

  Anne waved at them to come into the kitchen. “Eiry, Louie, I need a word with ye.” She waited while Eiry put Lilia down, shooing her on her way. Lilia scurried off to play with the other children. When it was just the three of them, she spoke in a low tone, “We've got word from the ones hiding out in the caves. They need food supplies."

  Another unforeseen problem, Eiry thought with a grim frown. “Damn, we need to go raiding again. Louie, it looks like we ride tomorrow night. Can you find time to get our men ready?"

  "Aye, I'll find the time. I'd best see what Martine and his men are up to. We don't want any more surprises.” He pointedly looked at her as she shrugged, unashamed at what she'd done to Beatrice.

  After Louie left, Eiry felt Anne's unwavering stare. She arched a fine eyebrow at the way the shorter woman was looking at her. “What?"

  "I saw ye riding with the Butcher. What's going on, Eiry?” Anne asked, stirring a big pot of rabbit stew.

  "I know naught what you mean. The man ordered me to ride with him! It's not like I had a choice in the matter,” Eiry protested indignantly.

  A sly look came into Anne's eyes. “It was just a simple question. Besides, I think Sir Lucian is a fine example of a man—if you were ter ask my opinion."

  Scowling, Eiry shook her head at her friend, leaving the kitchen before she really embarrassed herself. Anne's laughter following her grated on her nerves. Opening the kitchen door, she walked right into the very man they were conversing over. Lucian's strong arms wrapped around her waist and held her steady as she rocked backward, knocked off balance by his unexpectedness. A ghost of an amused smile curved his lips. It appeared as if the stern muscles of his breathtaking features were relaxing, growing use to showing emotions again.

  "What's the rush?” Lucian asked,

  Liking it far too much the way her soft curves fit against the hard lines of his hard body, Eiry stared at him with a blank expression. She blinked, realizing her arms were wrapped around his sturdy neck. Jerking her arms back, Eiry flushed bright red. Stammering about needing to change, she dashed up the stairs. Once in the safety of her chamber, she slammed the door behind her. Leaning against the sturdy frame, she sighed in relief. What was wrong with her? In the privacy of her chambers, Eiry sat down on the cot and groaned in frustration. What was wrong with her? Why of all the men she might find interesting, did the Butcher turn her stomach to butterflies and her bones to butter?

  * * * *

  Derrick entered the hall in time to see Eiry flee from Lucian. “It appears the lass is not as immune to your charms as first presumed."

  Lucian was quite pleased Eiry felt the sexual tension between them. It was not one sided as he had feared. “It appears so. Have you spoken with the peasants about the attack on Sir Thomas and Lady Rowena?"

  With a puckered brow, Derrick poured a cup of ale for himself and one for Lucian. “Getting the peasants to open up was difficult, but once they realized we're on their side, they started talking. Eight months ago a band of mercenary knights appeared, riding the King's Highway, harassing travelers and demanded tolls be paid in pretense of protection from thieves. Having had enough of the new sheriff's inept handling of the rogue knights, Sir Thomas went to Lord Robert and complained, demanding he do something. They heard Thomas issued an ultimatum to Lord Robert. If the sheriff continued to turn a blind eye to what was happening, Thomas was going to write King Richard and tell him of the going-ons. By odd coincidence, Sir Thomas and his wife were attacked on their way home and murdered."

  "Thomas was silenced before he was able to take his complaints to the King who is not on his throne, but whose greedy brother is.” Lucian scowled at the bit of news. “Perhaps we should inquire about this conversation Sir Thomas had with Lord Robert."

  "Are you certain you wish to pursue your investigation? It might prove to be hazardous to your health and ours."

  "Why say you this? What else have you heard?"

  Derrick's brow furrowed deeper as he sipped his ale. “Remember those knights who graciously attacked us in the forest? A couple of the village men hinted they were in the service of the sheriff, his best mercenaries, the very same knights accused of harassing innocent travelers. The peasants believe the mercenaries target Crusaders, killing them before they reached their homes."

  Lucian's eyes narrowed with rage. “Just as we thought—an ambush."

  "If not for Lady Thief and her timely intervention, the ravens would be picking our bones by now. There are powerful people who reside in Derbyshire. I think we should mind our own business. Sanctuary has suffered enough without bringing more pain to these people or ourselves. I must be honest, I'm tired of fighting."

  "I tire of fighting, too, but remember my oath to William. We must find the men responsible for killing Thomas and his wife.” His attention was centered on Eiry as she rushed past th
em. A look of confusion flashed across her sweet features when she glanced at him before she retrieved her cloak and disappeared outside.

  "When will our men arrive?"

  "They should be here in a couple of days or so, if they encounter no problems along the way.” Derrick reflected on their first visit to Derbyshire. “Be careful around the sheriff and his lovely sister, they are snakes, devious and treacherous,” he warned, uncomfortable with the way Lucian was being friendly with the beautiful Lady Beatrice.

  "Lady Beatrice is a comely creature, is she not? Worry not. She is but a vessel of information about the activities her brother keeps."

  "Yea, but I think a monster resides behind that beautiful facade. What she wants is a piece of you!"

  A wicked glint appeared in Lucian's dark eyes. “Lady Beatrice would be a fine toss, but I have my sights on a tall girl who appears to be something she is not."

  Chuckling at Lucian's meaning, “I know what you mean. Eiry does present quite a challenge. Good luck, my friend, in your quest."

  Snorting, Lucian left Derrick to go outside and discreetly follow Eiry. It didn't take him long to find her playing with Lilia and the children. Staying to the shadows of a squat, gnarled oak tree, he watched her without her knowledge. A strange sense of peace overcame him as he watched her play a simple game of tossing rocks with the children. Lilia laughed gleefully, her golden curls bouncing as she jumped up and down when she won.

  Watching the children play made Lucian think how unlike his childhood was so many years passed. His was one devoted to studies and learning to be a proper duke. Becoming a knight had not been his father's ambition, rather the opening into the Royal houses of Normandy and France. His poor mother wept for years, unable to help him as Lucian openly defied his father time after time. Suffering through severe beatings, until one day when he grew stronger and taller than the Duke, he frightened his father when he struck back, defending himself. It was not in his nature to be dictated to by a self-righteous man bent on making him a stud for his breeding program to attain the French Throne. Fostered to Derrick's father, who had decided to keep his own son by his side, Lucian learned what family and honor entailed. At eighteen when he earned his spurs, he renounced his heritage and refused his father's demand to come home.

  During the hard years, he earned his monies through the lists and gained the attention of King Philip and his cousin, Richard. Impressed by Richard's forthright demeanor and his zest for life, he and Derrick joined him in his quest to win back the Holy Lands after Salah al-din's victory. Little did he know what madness followed the Crusades or the loss of life both armies endured, especially those caught in the middle.

  * * * *

  Eiry took a break from playing with the laughing children. Glancing around, she noticed Lucian standing by the oak tree, leaning his shoulder against the sturdy trunk. A dark scowl crossed his handsome features, a distant look in his black eyes. As if suddenly aware she was staring at him, he straightened and made his way towards them. Some of the children gasped fearfully, hiding behind her skirts, except for Lilia who grinned, exposing adorable dimples in her glowing cheeks from the cold air and exertion. She ran to greet him, holding her arms up, blatantly begging to be picked.

  The children stared wide-eyed as the terrifying man with a horrible scar smiled tolerantly at Lilia and effortlessly tossed her in the air. Eiry stared in absolute fascination at the man who was suppose to be so evil the Devil was rumored to have spawned him. Collecting her wits about her, she smiled in greeting.

  "My lord, have you come to join us in the game?” Eiry asked whimsically as he came to stand beside her, releasing a squirming Lilia. She chased after her friends who in turn talked in hush tones, asking her why she wasn't afraid of the Butcher.

  "I think the children are much to frighten of me."

  Without thinking, Eiry asked him the question bothering her most, “My lord, who gave you that scar?” Fire burned briefly in those cold, black orbs when he pinned her with a terrible glare, stunning her.

  When she refused to back down, he sighed in resignation. He had to give it to the girl, she didn't scare easily. “About a year ago, we were ambushed by a band of Saracens. A lucky blade caught me without my helm on. The attacker turned out to be a young boy of fourteen,” he growled.

  Shocked into momentary silence, her eyes flew to his bleak ones. “Why would a boy want to harm you?"

  "The boy and his tribesmen sought me after what I had ordered done at Acre,” he softly replied. His hand trembled as he ran his fingers through the thick mane of his black hair, desperate to block out the blood-soaked images.

  Resting her hand on the hard muscles of his bicep, she knew he was tortured by what he'd issued done to the prisoners. She tried to think of something comforting to say to the tall man, feeling his pain as tangible if it were her own. In a surprising move, his hand covered hers. Eiry trembled at the roughness of his palm, his long, lean fingers wrapped around hers, squeezing tightly before letting go. Appearing to be in control of his feelings, Lucian was once again cold and proud.

  "I must speak with Allen about the wing,” Lucian gruffly commented, embarrassed by his temporary pout of weakness.

  "What happened to the boy?” she asked quietly, her eyes widening when his tanned features paled considerably.

  "I killed him,” was the savage response.

  Eiry stared after Lucian, shaken by his blunt words. Shaken, she rounded up the children, ordering them to wash up. A bigger problem was arising. The ones who were in hiding needed supplies. Food was something far harder to steal than jewels and gold. As she walked back to the castle, an idea formed in her mind when Anne called out from the kitchen windows. Grinning broadly, Eiry felt she had solved one of her many problems.

  Entering the kitchen, Eiry nudged Anne as she took hold of a platter laden with roast mutton and kept it steady as the smaller woman went about cutting thick, juicy slabs. “Anne, can you relay a message to your husband for me?"

  "Aye, I can. Have ye got a plan for the hidden ones?” she whispered back, looking over her shoulder as her workers began moving trays laden with steaming hot, delicious smelling food out to the long tables in the great hall.

  "Oh, yes and it's a good one. Something Lord Robert never dreamed I would dare be capable of pulling off.” Eiry smiled smugly.

  "Oh, damn! It's one of those tricky plans of yours, isn't it?” Anne swallowed, worry in her eyes.

  "Don't worry there's no real danger, although it does require us to stage a raid. Robert is about to suffer humiliation closer to home, actually in his pantry. Tomorrow night."

  Understanding lit Anne's eyes. Giggling at the bold idea, she placed the knife along the side of the platter. “You are a wicked, wicked woman, Eiry Savoy!"

  "I know, just pray Lord Robert never finds out.” She glanced apprehensively out the window. Praying their luck held out, she knew it was a dangerous business tweaking the nose of Prince John's personal lackey right in his own home. Yet, the thrill of making him suffer was just too much to resist.

  * * * *

  Lucian took his seat at the head of the table, frowning when the food was set and all looked at him expectantly. Did they truly expect him to say a prayer over the meal? Why was there no priest at the small holding?

  Eiry saw his look of panic and came to his rescue. “Bow your heads,” she ordered softly. “Lord, bless this hearty meal sweet Anne and her helpers have prepared for us. Please, Father, if you see fit, give us the strength to fight our enemies, and the ghosts who still haunt our paths. With your sweet Grace, help us to find peace with our sins."

  "Let us eat,” Lucian growled softly. Pouring a drought of ale, he drank deeply of the amber brew, quickly refilling it again. He felt his whole world becoming messy. He hated disorder, especially when it came to servants who took too much upon themselves with his personal life.

  He watched Derrick take a seat beside Eiry and tossed Lucian a challenging smile. The evening wore
on, and Lucian grew increasingly jealous of Derrick spending so much time with Eiry. At last the finished meal was cleared. Lilia yawned, exhausted by the full day of playing with friends and the plentiful food. He watched Eiry lift the fragile girl in her arms, bidding everyone a goodnight. His dark gaze never left her as she carried the lass upstairs. A sharp longing rose inside him, a hidden desire of wanting to be part of such a warm, family moment. Swilling down more ale, Lucian hoped a full night's sleep could be achieved tonight, having only received two hours last night. Exhaustion was beginning to wear him down, and he knew not how long he could keep up the pace of running a castle without collapsing.

  Grabbing a full pitcher of wine, Lucian sought out his chambers, hoping to pass out from drink and get some sleep. Excusing himself, Lucian rose, bidding his men a good night. His footsteps heavy, he walked up the stairs. Pausing in front of Lilia's door, he heard the girls talking in soft, hushed tones. What he heard made him furious!

  "Eiry, why did Mama and Da leave us?” Lilia asked between yawns.

  "Lilia, you know Mama and Da had no choice. They were taken from us. We canna look back, only forward can we go.” Eiry tucked the soft blankets securely around the child.

  "Oh, Eiry, before you go, can you tell me something?"

  "What is it?” She paused by the door.

  "Do you like Lucian?” Lilia asked, curling onto her side to better look at her.

  "Yea, Lilia, I like Lucian very much. Now, go to sleep, we have much to do in the morning.” Blowing the sweet child a kiss, she left the chamber.

  Shocked by Eiry's admission, Lucian felt his heart warm with what she said, liking the way she said his name, soft as a soft caress and just as intimate. Before he could move, she was stepping out into the hall. A genuine smile curved his mouth as he waited for Eiry to take note of his presence. She gasped in surprise when she ran into him.

  "How long have you been standing there?” Eiry demanded.

  "Long enough. Excuse me, I would like to bid Lilia goodnight.” He stepped closer to her, forcing her to take an involuntary step back against the door. He knew it was wrong to make her so nervous, but he couldn't help himself, liking the way she smelled of lavender, so enticing and clean.