by Wend Petzler
Too confident, Eiry thought with apprehension. The partiers grew louder and the talented musicians played on. Eiry felt sick to her stomach, forced to watch her friends endure ridicule and food thrown at them. She paled at the atrocious abuse, helpless to come to their aid. When a finger tapped her on the shoulder, Eiry jumped. It was the woman who had sat beside Robert earlier.
"Please, come with me. I am appalled, like you, by what is happening. I am Lady Margaret, Robert's wife.” She smiled weakly at Lucian who rose, towering above them, bowing respectfully to her.
"Thank you. A breath of fresh air would be a pleasant relief.” Eiry swallowed back the bile forming in the back of her throat. Rising, she smiled at Lucian's concern, laying her hand on his chest, reassuring him she would be fine. “We won't be gone long."
Not trusting their host, he signaled two of his men to accompany her. Following the delicate woman with sleek blonde hair, Eiry's brow drew in confusion by Margaret's grace and dignity, differed from the guests her husband dallied amongst. They went out onto a private balcony, away from the disgusting display in the great hall. Margaret braced her hands on the rail, staring at Derbyshire below them. Eiry waited for Margaret to speak.
Casting a rueful smile at Eiry, Margaret commented, seeing the two knights hovering nearby, “I see Lord Lucian keeps you on a short leash."
"He ensures my protection, my lady,” Eiry mumbled, feeling a little better, the cool wind caressed her upturned features.
Envy crossed Margaret's pained features. “I know my husband wants you. I feel I must warn you to be ever vigilant with Robert. He likes ... he likes to hurt people, mostly women. If he gets his hands on you, you'll suffer unimaginable horrors.” Tears glistened in her eyes. “All I ever wanted was the return of my father's estates, never knowing what high price I'd pay in the way of my dignity. I hate Prince John. What I hate even more is having to kiss his wide ass!” she spat, glowering into the night. She turned back to find Eiry staring at her, surprised by what she shared. Margaret's next words were rushed, spoken in an urgent whisper.
"The prisoners are being held in the chamber where you found the girl, Alice. You must run! Get out of here before you are arrested. If they take you into custody, my husband and Prince John will make you suffer in ways unimaginable to one of noble birth such as we. Yea, I know who you are, and I beg of you, run while you can.” Margaret smiled sadly. “Good luck,” she whispered, taking Eiry's hand in hers, preparing to return to the great hall.
The two knights guarding Eiry shouted a warning. They were shoved backward as men swarmed them with swords drawn. Robert grabbed Eiry's arm, twisting it cruelly behind her back, grinning when she cried out, struggling to free her arm.
"Come now, Eiry, be good. You don't want Martine killed trying to protect you, do you?” he hissed in her ear, thrusting her into Louie's arms.
Unexpectedly, Eiry slammed her knee into Louie's privates. The force sent Louie screaming and down to his knees, clutching his groin in agonizing pain. Gasping, unable to catch his breath, he writhed on the floor. William stepped in and grabbed her, quickly binding her wrists behind her back before she tried the defensive tactic on him.
Laughing, Robert left Louie where he lay panting. “Bring her, William. Let us see if we can provoke Martine into a fight."
"I thought the Prince wanted him as his champion?"
"John's wisdom in judging people has little merit. Martine is a risk none of us can afford. I'd rather have him dead than take a chance he might make an oath to John."
"I agree. Like I said before, the man's unpredictable and cannot be trusted."
* * * *
Rage surged through Lucian. Hard pressed to keep his short temper in rein, he watched Robert striding toward him. The man wore a nasty smirk on his face. When he stepped aside, he gave Lucian an unobstructed view of Eiry bound and gagged. Coming to his feet, Lucian cursed his stupidity at not listening to his instincts.
"What is the meaning of this?” he demanded. His men shoved past the soldiers who held their swords pointed nervously at them. They joined rank with Lucian and the others, angry at losing Eiry.
"I have just learned that the serving girl, Eiry, is our mysterious Lady Thief. She is under arrest for multiple crimes against the English Crown. Her punishment has yet to be decided.” Robert waited for Lucian to make a move, frowning when the man relaxed, returning to his seat.
Casually stretching his feet out in front of him, Lucian shook his head, smiling sadly at Eiry. “Well, it seems I've chosen poorly for a bedmate."
"Are you telling us you never knew this woman was the infamous Lady Thief?” Robert demanded, his face flushed with disbelief.
"When she was in my bed, taking care of my personal needs, I was not in the mood for asking her any questions.” When Robert stared at him in confusion, he supplied, “To be quite blunt, I was more interested in her mouth being used for other things than conversation.” Lucian's lazy smile widened. Those around him laughed raucously at his bold comment. “What a shame, she was quite talented."
Robert was at a complete loss on what to do next when the Prince laughed with great gusto at Lucian's answer. In an instant, he knew Prince John would take no refusal, his mind set upon having Martine as his champion.
"Take the girl and chain her alongside her companions. Let her think about her crimes in our dungeons,” he ordered, ignoring Margaret who stormed out of the hall.
* * * *
Eiry stared at Lucian, unable to comprehend what he said without feeling betrayed. Was he acting? Did Lucian have a plan to rescue her or had he decided it time to cut his losses and join the powerful Prince John? The guard dragged her over where the others were held.
William shoved the prisoners forward, grinning at the way she defiantly glared at him, her eyes promising to hurt him if he dared touch her. Knowing she was helpless, he reached a beefy hand and caressed her heaving bosom, laughing until her foot caught him hard in the shin.
Satisfied as William hopped around, cursing her, she glanced back at the man she loved. Her hope sank. Lucian accepted a cup of wine from her enemy, Prince John, who preened, looking very pleased at having obtained the Butcher of Acre. Hope faded.
* * * *
Prince John offered more wine to Lucian who accepted with a lopsided grin, trying his best not to rise to his feet and pummel Brasco into a bloody pulp for touching Eiry. His eyes widened slightly when she kicked the man in the shin, sending William yelping in pain. Another guard interceded before Brasco regained his balance, protecting her before she was hit by the brute. Lucian bid his time, knowing John would share his secrets, thinking he owned the Butcher.
Robert saw William's look of retribution on his brutish features and called out, “William, remain with us. Drink and be merry! We have much to celebrate with our success in capturing Lady Thief."
"My lord, she deserves my tender touch.” William rubbed his fists with barely suppressed glee.
"Leave her for another time.” His tone broke no disobedience, forcing William to obey.
Calming, William curtly jerked his shaggy head in compliance, “Yea, my lord. I believe we deserve to celebrate.” He sought out a wench and proceeded to get drunk, having to wait his turn in making Lady Thief pay for her arrogance.
John propped his feet up on the table. “Well, I do say the evening is turning out to be quite interesting. Have you heard about the outrageous ransom being demanded for my brother's safe release?"
Watching the exchange, Lucian barely recovered. “No, I heard not. Who is responsible for capturing King Richard?” Lucian pretended not to know, giving Prince John the opportunity to gloat over his brother's misfortune.
"Well, not long ago Leopold V had captured Richard who had the audacity to pose as a peasant taking refuge in his castle. Seeking to make Richard pay for insulting him in the Crusade, Leopold threw him in his dungeon. Word spread of his kingly prisoner until it reached the ears of the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI, who p
aid seventy-five thousand marks for Richard to spend some time in his dungeons. My mother, Queen Eleanor, heard the news and unfortunately petitioned the Pope in helping to arrange a ransom for her favorite golden son,” he sneered, obviously hating the woman who bore him into the world but never showed an ounce of love to him. All knew Eleanor hated John as much as his father, Henry, adored him.
"How much does the Emperor want for Richard?"
"More than I wish to spend."
"Will you pay?” Lucian asked, keeping his face void of emotion, watching the jugglers perform.
Shrugging his narrow, hunched shoulders in a non-committal way, John was ambiguous in his answer. “I have to weigh the vast consequences of what paying the ransom of one hundred and fifty thousand silver marks could financially do to England. A few loyal friends have suggested I take the Crown and rule in Richard's stead, saving England a lot of money. If I should embark on my divine destiny, what think you about becoming my champion?"
Lucian lazily glanced over at Robert who was watching him like a hawk. “If I was to accept, what do you offer in return for my services?"
A calculating grin gave Prince John a predatory look. “I can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams, if you swear fealty to me over my brother. With the Butcher as my champion, no one would dare contest my right to claim England. I want you stationed in place of Robert here in Derbyshire where you can protect my interests in the lead mines."
"Why do you need me to protect the mines?"
In a conspiring manner, he motioned Lucian to lean closer. “Richard does not know how I have grown very rich from the lead ore mined here in Derbyshire, which as you know is where our iron comes from. With the wars Richard wages, we are making a killing in profits from making swords and arrow tips. The bonus actually comes when pressure and fire is added, creating silver from the lesser iron. What say you? Want to share in the wealth flowing into our pockets?"
"What about Sanctuary?"
"Lord Brewer wishes to buy the castle and retire in the country. If you were to accept my offer, I have a nice castle with a sizeable holding near Nottingham where you can reside, raking in the profits."
"Why are so many people interested in Sanctuary?"
"Under the lands belonging to Sanctuary, we discovered a huge vein of lead. The samples from it are of the purest quality we have seen in a long time."
Reeling from what was shared, Lucian forced himself to sit back in his chair and sip his wine. “There are many benefits to me accepting your offer. However, I feel I need some time to think it over. What you ask means I must break my oath to Richard and God. May I be granted a day to ponder your offer?” Lucian needed time to gather the rest of his men. Seeing only one way, Lucian knew he must storm Peveril Castle and save Eiry.
"If you feel you need more time, please take it. I must warn you, I offer you my friendship only once. If you do not accept it, I shall consider the matter irrevocable and cannot protect you if others were to take offense,” Prince John advised.
"I understand. Since my companion is occupied as your prisoner, I find myself much to consider and a free evening to do so. You shall have my answer in the morning. Good evening, Your Highness.” Lucian rose to his impressive height, bowing low to the Prince and Robert whose eyes narrowed suspiciously.
* * * *
After Martine had left the great hall, Robert looked at Prince John. “Well, Your Highness, do you think he will accept your offer?"
"What other choice does Martine have? He can either serve me or die like Savoy,” John replied confidently. Rubbing his hands enthusiastically, he searched for a fleshy, rounded woman to spend some quality time with. “I, however, plan to enjoy myself. I suggest you do the same!” He caught a serving maid around the waist and started nibbling on her neck, grinning as she giggled at his amorous attention.
Robert's staff swelled as his thoughts turned to Eiry, envisioning her below, bound and gagged, just waiting for his tender touch. He turned to excuse himself from the party when Louie shoved his way through the dancers, not caring about the outraged stir he caused.
"You promised Eiry to me,” Louie yelled.
Feeling a bit sorry for the lad and the savage blow to his manhood, Robert decided to be generous. “You are quite right, my friend. She will be yours tonight. A small reminder—Eiry owes me as well, so no harming her. Well, not much anyway."
Grateful, Louie gave a quick bow before he left the great hall to seek his revenge.
Robert scouted about for a companion, finding a woman he knew could satisfy the savage hunger he was experiencing. Tomorrow, he would have the immense pleasure of making Eiry Savoy scream.
* * * *
Lucian rode hard, knowing every precious minute it took him to get back to Sanctuary placed Eiry in more danger of being raped at the hands of their enemy. Knowing George and his men had already left Sanctuary, and were on the road, more time would be wasted when he sent a rider to fetch them back. Fear was a constant companion for him as they galloped down the dark road. Lucian knew he loved Eiry and without her, he would sink into his own dark, soulless existence. He had to figure out a way to save her! A cloaked figure stepped out from behind a tree, hailing him to stop. When the unknown person flipped back their hood, he reined his horse to a jolting halt.
"Lady Margaret, what are you doing away from the castle?” he asked, glancing around for a trap. The bright torches they carried reflected the fear in the woman's eyes as she approached him.
"My lord, Lady Eiry is being held in the chamber directly below Peveril Castle. You must hurry! I fear for her. I know my husband, and he is a foul and loathsome bastard."
"My thanks, my lady. Will you be safe?"
"Yea, Robert will not touch for I am King Richard's cousin and am under his protection. God be with you and your company. As it appears, HE is no longer in my old home.” Margaret drew her hood up and walked stiffly back to the castle.
Determined, Lucian urged his horse into a fast gallop. In short time, the dark outline of the small castle could be seen. They rode through the open gates and into the empty courtyard. Hauling back the reins, Lucian swung off his agitated horse. Racing inside the castle, he skidded to a halt, surprised to see Robin sitting in the Lord's chair, sipping a cup of wine with his booted feet propped up on the table.
"What are you doing here?” Lucian demanded, looking around, seeing more of the outlaw's men coming out of the shadows.
Angry, Robin slammed his cup down and swung his feet clear of the table and shot to his feet. “Since you came back alone, I deduce you have lost our dear Eiry. Dammit, man, what were you thinking? Even I knew it was a trap!” Robin snapped in a rare rage. Lucian's head drew back as if he were struck in the face.
"Can you help me save her?” Lucian choked out.
Looking down at the tips of his boots, Robin shifted his gaze to Little John. “What say you, my old friend?"
Stroking his thick, black beard, Little John contemplated the dire situation. His question was aimed at Lucian. “Is Sanctuary abandoned?"
"Aye, the castle is abandoned. Why?"
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Chapter Seventeen
Little John and Robin looked at one another, as if they were reading the other's mind. They nodded in unison. Robin grabbed his bow and took Lucian by the elbow, pulling him outside.
John followed, motioning for the others to go out, too. “Robin, we need to get the livestock out."
"What are you planning?” Lucian demanded, a sinking feeling coming over him at the way Robin stared at him. A cold, hard expression came over the outlaw's usually merry features.
Robin replied, “We are going to burn it all."
Shocked, then resigned, Lucian knew it was the only way. “Thank you for helping me.” It grated hard to admit it, but he was indebted to Robin for his help.
Laughing heartily, Robin clapped him soundly on the back. “I'd just bet that hurt like hell to say!"
Smil
ing sheepishly, Lucian remarked dryly, “More than you will ever know. When I left Peveril Castle, Lady Margaret hailed me and informed me of Eiry's location."
"Lady Margaret is at the castle?” Startled by the news, Robin asked, “Where does she say we'll find Eiry?"
"In the chamber underneath the castle."
"Come with me, my friend. Let us go and rescue Lady Thief! Worry not, Little John knows the cave systems better than anyone. He and others in our band once worked in the mines before becoming outlaws. They can get us to Eiry and safely back out."
Lucian swung up on his horse, watching several men drive the cows and draft horses out the front gate while boys grabbed the chickens from their roosts and disappeared the back way. When his gaze swung back to the small castle, he saw the dark interior broken by sparks of reddish orange. Flames grew, licking the walls of the upper chambers. The fire spread, feeding on wood and material. Moments later, the roof was aflame.
A pang of regret speared his heart at the thought of the beautiful bed Sir Thomas Savoy had built for his beloved wife, the lovingly hand carved wood going up in flames. The very same bed Eiry lay with a crazed beast, calming his fears, helping him dream of love and beauty, far from the bloodshed of war and hate. Where he found he could love again with the help of a feisty young woman who lived her life to the fullest, loving her family beyond her own safety.
The roaring flames reached toward the night sky, a red, glowing beacon in the dark. The thieves set their torches to the stables and new wing. Forcing himself to turn away, Lucian and his men rode hard after Robin and his band charged out the gate. His mind wanted to shut down and become numb, shying away from the many possibilities of what was happening to Eiry at that moment. Determined, Lucian refused to allow his emotions to deaden. Instead, he fed his anger until fury curled his mouth into a silent snarl, baring his teeth as they galloped down the road. He refused to shut his emotions off again, not when Eiry needed him to be there for her completely.