by Wend Petzler
The outlaws paused when they heard the sound of thundering hooves galloping down the road. When Eiry saw Lucian in the forefront, his silks streaming behind, fear shot through her. “The Butcher,” Eiry cried out, ducking into the forest with Robin fast on her heels. What the hell was Lucian doing?
* * * *
Prince John swore up a blue streak as one of his knights struggled to help him rise to his feet. Waving at the enormous knight approaching, he was heartened when the stranger rode alongside him. When the man lifted his helm, revealing cold, black eyes and white scar did John realize he was being rescued by the Butcher of Acre.
"The thieves have taken everything! Go after them, and I shall reward you with riches beyond your wildest dreams!"
When Lucian Martine and his men just stared at him, John realized the outlaws were long gone. Shaking, John ranted and raved in frustration at being boldly robbed in broad daylight. He finally accepted the helping hands of his servants to climb up onto his wildly snorting horse. “I want to leave for Peveril Castle. The Lord Sheriff has a lot to answer for. Escort me,” he commanded Martine who intently scanned the densely treed forest.
"Yea, Your Highness, we shall personally see you to Peveril Castle.” Martine absently replied, watching the forest with a suspicious scowl.
* * * *
A lone rider barreled up the road leading to Peveril Castle, alerting Robert something was terribly wrong. A small regiment of knights rode into view, and he felt his stomach drop when he recognized Prince John's silks alongside Lucian Martine's. Oh, no! Please don't let the outlaws have attacked the Prince of England? The flushed page hauled back on the reins and the lathered horse skidded to a halt beside him. William ran past him, pulling on his gauntlets, ordering his men onto their horses.
"My Lord Sheriff, we were attacked about ten miles from here. Prince John demands you ride out and find his stolen carts since he has a more than adequate armed protection with Sir Lucian Martine,” the young man gasped out.
Fearful at the severe repercussions to come, Robert waved at William to ride out, knowing it'd be futile to search for the lost riches. The thieves would be long gone by the time his men reached the location where Prince John was robbed. He seethed in helpless frustration.
Beatrice stepped outside and asked nervously, “Has Lady Thief struck again?"
"Yea and this time she has robbed Prince John.” He was about to add more when a hair-raising shriek from the kitchen alerted the siblings of another problem. Running into the house, Robert headed for the kitchen where the cook was stomping about, shouting hysterically at his servants.
* * * *
"What the hell is going on?” he demanded of the red-faced man.
"It's all gone!"
"What's gone?” Robert demanded in exasperation.
"The food! All of the supplies, wine, and ale barrels, not to mention everything we prepared for Prince John arrival. It's all gone!” The man continued wailing and walking around his empty kitchen, utterly brokenhearted.
Robert could only stand there, dumbfounded. What of the girl? He grabbed the cook by the shoulders, shaking him violently. “Where is the girl? Is she gone?"
"Y—es, they took her, too."
Stunned, he relaxed his brutal grip, allowing the cook to scurry away. Beatrice cautiously approached him. Breathing hard, he frantically looked around the kitchen, lost what to do next.
"Brother, what is wrong?"
"Lady Thief has sweet Alice in her possession. The girl saw everything the night Sir Thomas and his wife were killed,” Robert whispered. Whipping around to pace back and forth in a panic, his mind reeled at what to do. Alice was the only living witness to the deed he ordered done, and who shot the arrow deep within Thomas’ heart.
Anger and fear flared in Beatrice's bright blue eyes. “I told you to kill the wench! I knew keeping her alive proved a liability to our cause,” she shouted, afraid for their very lives.
If the truth got out what Robert had done, Prince John would deny any knowledge and order them executed for murdering a fellow nobleman. Robert shoved his ranting sister out of the way, heading outside to get some fresh air when he saw the riders coming up the narrow road to Peveril Castle. There was no food to offer Prince John! He was stripped bare of even wine and ale. He began to laugh uncontrollably at what hell Lady Thief had wrought upon him with the deed she'd done.
* * * *
Lucian tried unsuccessfully to block out the Prince's nonstop whining. Prince John was near to foaming when they finally reached the castle. The entire day was shot to hell by the thieves’ boldness and the unsuccessful search for Eiry. Glancing at Lord Robert, he frowned when the nobleman flushed a darker shade when he drew his warhorse to a halt beside them. Robert hurried past him to aid the Prince's clumsy descent off his horse.
"My Lord Sheriff, I suppose you have no explanation of what happened to me, do you?” Prince John snapped, leaning heavily against his valet.
"I apologize, Your Highness. I have sent my men hunting for your possessions."
Grunting, John lifted a hand at Lucian who remained on his horse. “My many thanks for coming to my rescue, Sir Lucian. It would please me if you would join us in a cup of wine."
Prince John's nasally tone broke no disobedience. Lucian knew he could not afford to make him an enemy. Seething inside, he had no other choice than to do as Prince John bid. Dismounting, he handed the reins over to one of his men. Lucian doffed his helm and shook out his damp hair. Scanning the grounds, he noticed the look of terror on the servants as they rushed toward several hitched wagons and drove the horses down the road at a fast pace. Curious by the oddness, he did not have time to ask when Lady Beatrice burst from the double doors, beaming brilliantly despite the tension. She approached them at a more sedate pace, appearing regal in a tight fitting gown of red velvet with flowing sleeves.
"Lucian! You accepted my offer and came. I am ecstatic. A woman could not ask more with entertaining a great knight as you and our dear, beloved Prince John.” Beatrice curtsied, a beguiling smile made her beauteous features almost angelic, except for the lustful gleam in her eyes.
Prince John chuckled at the reddening of Lucian's tanned features when the woman attached herself firmly to his side. “Lady Beatrice, I have forgotten what pleasure you bring with your beauty and grace. Bring Sir Lucian along. We shall share a toast with my savior.” He gave Robert a quelling look when the man was about to protest the invitation. “Come, Robert, I am tired and need the rejuvenation of a cup of wine."
"Yea, Your Highness, come right this way.” Robert offered his arm and Prince John wearily accepted.
Made uncomfortable by Beatrice's undivided attention, Lucian offered her a lame smile and escorted her after Robert and the Prince inside the castle. Lucian felt like a trapped rabbit before a cunning fox. He decided the time was good as any to ask the woman questions. “Lady Beatrice, why are the servants in such a panic?"
Slowing her stride, she turned a worried glance at her occupied brother. “We, ourselves, were robbed last night. Lady Thief stole everything our cook prepared to welcome Prince John to Peveril Castle."
Stunned by her admission, Lucian reflected on last night and the late hour which Eiry opened her door, checking on Lilia. Was she involved with the woman thief and her band of outlaws? “Was anyone harmed?"
A look of dark anger flashed and was gone when she turned a bright smile at him. “None, except our cook's pride. He must once again prepare another feast."
John noted the pair were lingering in the hall and waved impatiently for them to join him. “Come, come, do not dally about. I have many questions for you, Sir Lucian, and the castle recently entrusted into your care."
"Yea, Highness, what would you like to know?” Accepting the gold cup from Beatrice, he took a sip.
"Who gave you the lands of Castle Sanctuary?"
"The Duke of Pembroke drew up the contract, entrusting me to protect his god child, Lilia Savoy, and the
lands of Sanctuary."
Surprised, John flicked an annoyed glance at Robert. “Well, congratulations on becoming a lord. Robert, I am famished. Lucian, will you join us for an early lunch?"
"I find I must regretfully decline your kind invitation, Your Highness. I have pressing business to attend. Fair thee well.” Lucian bowed to Prince John and to a confused Lady Beatrice. Setting his cup on the waiting servant's tray, he left the surprised group and strode outside. Swinging a leg up over the broad back of the snorting stallion, he placed his helm back on and slammed the visor down. Kneeing his horse to whirl around, he cantered away with his men following.
* * * *
Robert watched Martine ride away, unable to stifle the growing respect he had for the man who fearlessly stood up to Prince John, something he'd never be able to do. “Dear sister, will you be so kind and see to our Prince's lunch personally?” He knew she wanted Martine, but the man was a danger to their way of life. He'd not permit her to throw hers away on lust. Beatrice looked as if she wanted to protest, then her expression changed as if she decided it best be said later, at a more private setting.
"Yea, my brother. Your Highness.” She curtsied low and left with a skillful sweep of her long skirts.
When Beatrice was out of hearing, Robert turned to the Prince. “My sincerest apologizes, Your Highness, in your unfortunate misadventure this morn. Did you actually meet Lady Thief?” Robert inquired, taking a seat opposite of Prince John when the man waved him to do so.
John frowned, looking askance at Lord Robert. “Actually, I was approached by a man wearing a dark hood. He was the one giving orders. The one who dared touch me was a woman who interrogated me about the medallion you gave me, the one with the emerald in the center. Where by chance did you get the trinket?"
Robert felt the blood drain from his face at the mention of the gold medallion. “Your Highness, by chance, did the woman take it from you?” he was able to squeak out.
"The bitch tore it right off my neck! She demanded who gave it to me and was going to carve me up when the leader stepped in and hauled her off me. This has something to do with Sir Thomas, does it not? She has evidence in her possession of you ordering him murdered, doesn't she?” Prince John leapt to his feet, throwing his cup in a fit of rage, sending its contents spraying across the whitewashed wall.
The red wine ran down the wall like blood droplets, giving Robert a sinking feeling of his fate.
Cursing at the dangerous predicament they were all in, Prince John halted and a crafty look came into his dull, muddy-brown eyes. “Martine has legal guardianship over the child, Lilia Savoy, correct?” At Robert's hesitant nod, he continued. “If he wants to keep his new home, he has to work with us. I need the Butcher's reputation to keep the skittish barons coming today from bolting. Tomorrow, we have a talk with the Butcher of Acre. I have it on good authority he does not like or approve of my brother, especially Richard's barbaric ways of handling prisoners. By the way, did I mention King Richard is missing? None of his loyal subjects can find him. Quite a tempting position I find myself in, isn't it?” John chuckled evilly, obviously relishing the delicious thought of his proud, golden-haired brother sitting in some infidel's filthy dungeon, starving to death.
Hope returned to Robert. If they convinced Martine to side with them against Richard, the evidence in Lady Thief's hands would be worthless! A servant entered the chamber and gave a short bow.
"Highness, your chambers are readied for you. Shall I send a serving girl to assist you with your bath?” He knew a good romp in bed would sooth the prince's ruffled feathers.
A lusty glow came into John's eyes. “Is she a rather plump and playful wench?"
"I have just the girl for you, Your Highness."
Clapping his hands gleefully, he grinned. “Perfect! Oh, by the way, Lord Sheriff, I want you to find those thieves. They took the wealth I was to use in persuading the barons to side with me against Richard. I want it all back,” John ordered in a soft, deadly voice.
Fear pooled in the pit of his stomach. Robert bowed low at the waist. Prince John followed the servant upstairs as William entered the study. Robert motioned for his captain to follow him outside.
Checking to make sure none were listening, he turned to William. “Tell our spy I'll pay him whatever he wants, if he gives me names of the thieves he rides with. It's time I use him, instead of the other way around. The time for the outlaws is over. Prince John wants heads, we'll give him many. The location of the gold, jewels, whatever was taken from the prince will be an additional bonus, including a full pardon, an estate, possibly a title, if I am pleased with what he brings me."
A bemused frown drew William's pock-marked visage into an ugly scowl. “Do you have the authority to give the items you promise?"
"Does it matter as long as we get what we want?” Robert remarked with a cruel, vengeful smile.
Laughing, William bowed and left in search of their spy.
Things will work out, Robert thought with more assurance than he felt, confident in the greedy nature of their spy. Lady Thief would be in his custody within a few days. Maybe less.
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Chapter Ten
Striving to keep her mind focused on the uneven ground she ran over, Eiry's mind went numb, shying away from the choking pain. She clutched her father's pendant tight in her gloved hand. She wanted to get home, desperate to flee from the treachery soaked in innocent blood by those who easily committed murder for their own personal gain.
Pain burst like a fireball in her heart. She could not draw a breath, the agony of seeing Lucian tore right into her soul. Why did Lucian ride to Prince John's aid? How could he betray her? Reason stepped in. Of course he hadn't betrayed her, he knew nothing about her. She'd seen to that with her guarded secrets.
She stumbled to halt when she reached her horse. Tears blinded her sight. Snatching off the blasted hood, she knew her men were staring at her with deep concern. A hand touched her shoulder tentatively. Glaring at the offender, Eiry realized it was Robin gazing down at her with a look of sympathy and compassion.
"Robin, do you have room for more men?” Eiry bluntly asked the surprised outlaw. Before he answered, a shout came from down the path. A man with a bloodied nose helped another who was dazed and bruised.
"Sorry, Robin, the lad was like a maddened beast. He got out of his ropes and punched me after he conked poor Abe on the head, then he rode off.” The shaggy haired man wore a look of anger and fear on his face, as did her men. Louie endangered them all with his need for revenge.
Eiry felt if anyone could help at this point, it was Robin. “Can you take my men?"
Sighing at the rotten turn of events, he finally nodded. Facing Eiry's men, he asked, “Can you follow me after doing so with a brave a lass as Lady Thief, here?"
Many of the younger men wore expressions of resignation and defeat. One of the oldest stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Eiry's slumped shoulders. “It will be difficult, but I think we can manage. Go home, Eiry. We can still tweak the sheriff's nose under Robin's leadership.” The men mumbled their agreement, knowing she had made a difficult decision. With Louie acting strangely, they knew Lilia needed her to stay alive and not dance at the end of a hangman's noose.
Robin strode over to one of the heavily laden carts and withdrew four large bags of gold coins. He tied them to Eiry's saddle, throwing a cloak over the bulky items. “Go with God and be safe. My men will escort you through Sherwood Forest and around the Peake to Castle Sanctuary. It will take longer, but it's safer than the roads, especially with the Butcher searching for us. Keep an eye on Louie. What with a hefty bounty of a thousand gold pieces on your head, you will be expendable to the greedy chap."
Swallowing back the raw, searing pain of repressing her tears, Eiry slung the long bow over her shoulder and swung up on her waiting horse. An emotion so great and painful welled inside her. Eiry realized she was desperate to see Lucian. Could she confess
who she was and plead with him to protect her and her sister? They were in greater danger if Louie went to the sheriff than of Lucian's anger.
"Robin, thank you. I'll not forget your kindness. If you should have need of a good bowman, send word."
With flourished weep of his hand to his waist, Robin bowed to her. “Lady Thief, I consider you to be among my closest circle of friends and am honored to know you."
Wistful, Eiry smiled sadly at her men. “Fair thee well. I pray our cause is stronger than the evil which plagues our beloved land.” She urged her mare into a canter, a desperate need to get home overwhelming. What was Louie going to do?
The sun was low in the darkening sky when Sanctuary came into view. Thanking the men who guided her way, she rode on alone to the secret door. Swinging off her mare, she opened it and led Angel to the back entrance of the stables. To her dismay, she found Lucian's stallion and the majority of his men's horses were gone, too.
He must be with Prince John at Peveril Castle, she thought gloomily. Weary, she unhooked the heavy sacks of gold and set them down on the ground. Unsaddling her tired horse, she rubbed down the mare with a burlap sack and groomed her until her coat gleamed a dark mahogany in the faint light of the oil lamp. Feeding Angel a goodly ration of oats and hay, Eiry allowed herself the anger burning deep at the thought of him in the silken arms of Beatrice. Disgusted by her jealousy, she grabbed her saddle and bridle, setting the items on the saddle rack. She glanced over her shoulder when Derrick entered the stables.
"I do believe, young lady, you are in a great deal of trouble,” he remarked casually, his eyes widening when she slung the beautifully made bow over her shoulder. Recognizing the weapon from the day Lady Thief and her band of outlaws came to their rescue, Derrick cocked his head to the side, grinning. “I should have known it would be you. So, what is your plans, Lady Thief?"
"Sir Derrick, I am Eiry Savoy.” She tossed two of the heavy sacks, one by one, to Derrick who barely had time to catch them. “Consider it the rest of your payment for coming to Sanctuary. I trust you will keep secret who actually paid you. Just tell Martine a messenger came while he was gone. Later, I will write up an agreement, giving him Sanctuary legally with my own signature. It will ensure he has total control of Sanctuary.” Taking the two on the ground, she strode from the stables and headed inside the castle.