Windsong

by Allison Knight

  Garrett and Alwyn returned not long after the supper tables were disassembled. Garrett went immediately to his wife, who sat before the hearth, Gwendolyn in her arms. Alwyn sought Milisent out.

  “We leave early in the morn.”

  With those words, her world disintegrated. She wanted to scream at him. He needed to know what her fate at de Bain’s hand would be, but her fear was so great she knew any words she uttered would make no sense. Mayhap she could plead with Rhianna to be allowed to stay at Knockin as a servant. Anything was better than what awaited her at Throlse.

  “Rhianna will not be happy with this but Garrett is much more important to Edward than I am.”

  “Garrett?” she managed to whisper. “Wh-what has he to do with our return to Throlse?”

  “Nay, you misunderstand.” Alwyn reached out and lifted her chin with a finger. Milisent closed her eyes trying to hide the fear she knew was there.

  “Garrett and I will travel to Throsle with a troop of his soldiers,” Alwyn whispered. “You will remain here with Rhianna and Ella.”

  When she opened her eyes he gave her an encouraging smile. “I will leave Rhys with you so that Ella will not complain overmuch. Then he can come for me if you need me. I leave at first light.”

  “I do not have to return to de Bain?” Her voice sounded odd, light, without substance.

  He patted her cheek and brushed his fingertips over her lips. “I told you I would keep you from him. You must trust me. You are not for a man such as he.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze and nodded toward Garrett. “Now, I must leave you and speak with my brother by marriage. We have plans to make. But he will also want to ask what more you know of this de Bain and if you have any knowledge of the men at his command. Will you talk to him?”

  “Aye, but I doubt there is little I can tell. I will think on it now.”

  She sat on one of the benches along the wall, grateful for the support for her legs had wobbled when she thought she would be given into de Bain’s hand. Now she needed to rest and pull her tattered feelings into order. She could only pray de Bain realized Garrett de Shay was much more powerful than de Bain or Gilbert and therefore the Baron should give up his pursuit of marriage to her. She had to hang on to Alwyn’s words, “I told you I would keep you from him.”

  A thought crashed into her head. If Alwyn refused to give her to him, what if de Bain insisted on a duel to the death ? Alwyn might have to

  sacrifice his life to save hers.

  Another thought struck with sickening certainty. If it was his life or her surrender, she would have to take de Bain to husband. She could not be responsible for Alwyn’s death.

  He was a good man. He had risked his life to rescue her from the boar. He had not punished her for putting his men at risk. With the exception of the time when Sybil ordered his household, he had been considerate of her. Aye, in fact, he had done all he could to see to her comfort. She fingered the gown she now wore. Had he not provided her with clothing and given her a task to keep her happy?

  When she had taken a chill on the way to his home, he had waited until she was again well enough to travel.

  She had seen herself how much he cared for his people; he had even seen to Sybil’s happiness when he ordered her wed, giving the woman a man who would care for her.

  Nay, she could not allow him to sacrifice his life for hers. If need be she would have to wed de Bain.

  ELEVEN

  Milisent stood at Rhianna’s side as the two men and their soldiers rode away from Knockin. She had little to say because guilt lay heavily against her heart. This woman’s husband was being dragged into a possible battle because of her and that did not set well although Garrett and Alwyn did seem in good spirits as they left. Still, Milisent was frightened.

  With what little was said, she doubted neither Garrett nor Alwyn understood how depraved de Bain was. Her feelings for the baron did not count but she knew he would never fight honestly if a battle ensued. The night before, she talked to Garrett about the man, but he appeared to already have some knowledge of de Bain’s deeds. Obviously men in his position would have heard about other barons in Edward’s debt.

  Still, she was surprised at how little concern he showed when she told him what the soldier said about the baron’s first wife. All she recalled by way of Garrett’s acknowledgment was a nodding of his head. It occurred to her when she retired, she should have asked what he knew of her brother.

  It was at times like this when Gilbert’s restricting her to his castle ground mattered, for she had no knowledge of court and the people who lived outside the limits of her brother’s land. Her scant knowledge of men explained her surprise at Alwyn, his brother, Arvel and now Garrett de Shay. None of the men who visited her own brother were anything like these three. Could it be some men, despite their successes, were gentle men and dealt honestly with others?

  She had watched Garrett and the way he regarded his wife. The attraction between the two was obvious, but he also treated her with as much respect as he afforded Rhianna. She considered Ella and Rhys. Although the man held no special status, he seemed intent on taking care of her companion. Aye, her opinion of men must have been affected by the kind of nobles with whom Gilbert was acquainted.

  Another thought intruded. If de Bain knew where she was, had he told Gilbert? It was unthinkable that Alwyn would face her brother along with de Bain, but Gilbert was friendly with de Bain and Gilbert was the one insisting she marry the baron. Her hands grew moist with perspiration as she thought of Gilbert demanding satisfaction from Alwyn in a contest to the death.

  Such thoughts stirred her emotions into nausea. Nay, Gilbert was in London, and she knew from comments de Bain made that he did not travel to London, for he did not feel welcome in Edward’s court. Nay, de Bain could not have told Gilbert he had discovered her kidnappers.

  She swallowed against her torment and concentrated on the departing army as the men left Knockin. Once the dust faded with the dawn, Milisent turned to Rhianna. “What would you have me do today? I feel as if I have no use sitting with nothing to occupy myself.”

  Rhianna laughed. “Do not worry, we have a great deal to do, even with the men gone from here. Have no worries, for my husband and Alwyn are great fighters. They will accomplish this task. Do not fear.”

  Milisent knew the gentle smile Rhianna offered was meant to soothe, but she could not help but worry. No matter how great a warrior either man was, they could not survive trickery. What man could?

  De Bain had deceived her more than once. He thought nothing of forcing another to his will using any methods available. Aye, it would not be a fair fight if the three men crossed swords.

  The day wound slowly to a conclusion. Milisent was tired but more content than she had been in weeks. She had never liked idleness and after they broke their fast, Rhianna was true to her word, for there was much to do. Milisent volunteered to oversee the meals and the children when Rhianna caught up on her record keeping.

  The children were a joy. With the old woman, Pernith and Mildred, Rhianna’s maid, to offer assistance, the time passed quickly. Milisent met Pernith’s son, a man who was slow, but one of the happiest persons she’d ever met. He seemed to adore the children and helped entertain Lily through the morning hours. After their supper, Rhianna brought forth a harp.

  The hall quieted so fast, Milisent was stunned. When Rhianna began to sing, she understood why, for Rhianna had a wonderful voice. With Ella’s coaching Milisent played while Rhianna sang. Aye, this day had been a satisfying day.

  The next several days passed just as quickly. Milisent retired each night, exhausted. Of course Alwyn never left her thoughts. When no word came Rhianna said that was a good sign. Milisent was not convinced.

  What if there had been a battle and Alwyn and Garrett had been killed or worse—captured? She shivered imagining what the baron could do to them. Those thoughts kept her awake long into the night.

  Rhianna seemed to sense her disquiet. “They
will be fine. Do not worry. Garrett is skilled but I have seen my brother in battle. Garrett also knows of this de Bain, so have no fear.”

  “I do not think de Bain is an honorable man. At least not with women. And, his own men fear him,” she tried to explain.

  Rhianna smiled. “Aye, Garrett told me of him. He will be prepared for the baron’s tricks.”

  Milisent still could not feel confident.

  By the end of the sixth day, she was certain something horrible had occurred. She paced the great hall after the supper meal had been served and the tables cleared. The blare of the trumpet startled her and she raced for the courtyard with most of the servants.

  Garrett led the procession through the gates, Alwyn at his side. Milisent breathed a sigh of relief. Then she noticed a litter carried between several of the men. Rhianna appeared out of nowhere and hurried to Garrett’s side.

  “We had best send for Arvel,” he said.

  “Who has been hurt?” she asked.

  Milisent tensed and guilt surged. Surely they could not have brought an injured de Bain back to this castle.

  “Owain ab Madoc, Alwyn’s man.”

  “How badly is he injured? Can I not see to his wounds?”

  “Nay, for he will need the skills of Arvel.” Alwyn from his horse as he jumped into the conversation.

  “Milisent?”

  Rhianna pointed toward her.

  As he directed a tense look her way, Milisent wondered if he was afraid she had left Knockin in his absence. Was he that concerned for her?

  She hurried down the steps toward him. “Is Owain badly hurt? How did this happen?”

  “Later, I must see to the men while Rhianna settles Owain. He has a chance for full recovery.” Then he added quietly, “If the wound does not become putrid.”

  “Ella is skilled. Can she not help?” Milisent looked for Ella among the servants.

  “Aye, but for now we must get him into a bed, then she can tend him.” He started toward the litter then turned back. “Word has been sent to Arvel.”

  Milisent glanced toward the crowd. Already Ella was beside the injured man with Rhys at her side. She hid her smile. Alwyn did not understand the compassion Ella had for anyone who suffered pain. She remembered when Ella’s understanding had helped her. The one time Milisent had fought de Bain’s attempts at seduction, he had struck her so hard and so often, she had suffered greatly. Ella had tended her bruises and offered the sympathy she needed. They both had agreed is would be best for Milisent’s sake if she endured his manhandling.

  Milisent pushed the memories away. But she needed to know what had happened. A glance at the returning soldiers gave no hint. Several bore minor injuries and they all had a look of weariness. Obviously, with Owain sustaining a serious wound there must have been some kind of battle, but what? And more important, what had been the outcome?

  She followed Rhianna, Ella and the men carrying Owain into the dwelling. As much as she needed to stay with Alwyn, she knew he would not want her at his side at this time. After he had taken care of his men she would seek him out and determine whether de Bain lived or had been injured.

  Inside the great hall, Milisent ordered the servants to prepare food for the returning warriors. It kept her busy for a time. As the servants worked, Milisent paced. Mayhap her brother had also been involved. A shiver raced down her spine. What if Gilbert had been injured, or worse—killed. What would she do then if de Bain insisted she wed him? She would sooner die herself.

  As the men returned to the hall, Milisent waited, the temptation to rush forward and demand answers churning inside her. Finally, when she feared she could wait no longer, Alwyn approached and she sighed with relief. “You must tell me what happened. De Bain?”

  Alwyn’s smile was grim. “The coward ran. He and two of his men escaped. Garrett said he was not surprised.”

  “He ran?”

  “Aye. As we approached Throsle, he had just begun a second assault. That was when Owain took the arrow. In no time we had them surrounded; most of de Bain’s men threw down their weapons.”

  “Was any other baron, with him?”

  “Your brother was not with him, Milisent, if that is your worry.”

  She nodded. “I would not wish Gilbert harm.”

  “Even if he is worthy of it?”

  She stared at him. Why did Gilbert merit punishment? What crime had her brother committed against this man?

  “Why do you wish him harm?”

  “I must see to Owain’s care.” With that he walked away.

  ~ * ~

  Alwyn climbed the stairs to the chamber where Rhianna had placed Owain. He did not want to think on Milisent’s question. Instead he planned to see the extent of Owain’s injury and find out what happened before he and Garrett attacked. Three of the soldiers he had left at the house had apparently been killed with the first assault. A few of his servants hid in the stable, while most fled into the forest before the battle began, knowing if the enemy won their lives would be forfeit. The few who returned with his arrival claimed to know nothing.

  He could not hold them to task for their fear, for few of them knew him well enough to trust him with their lives. Owain was the only one with answers. His friend had been barely conscious for most of the journey to Knockin. Mayhap he had succumbed to his wounds by now.

  Ella and Rhianna were hovering over Owain when Alwyn came into

  the room. He groaned; surely such treatment could not help the man.

  Ella turned as he stepped forward.

  “How is he? Can I talk to him?”

  “Aye, for now. His wound is not as bad as I thought. However, the arrowhead is still embedded in his thigh. I will wait for Arvel and let him decide if it should be cut out or pushed through.”

  Alwyn grinned when Owain swore in the Welsh tongue, forgetting Rhianna could understand every word he said.

  “Owain!” she scolded.

  For a second Ella looked confused then she smiled.

  Alwyn stepped next to the bed. “We must speak.”

  “Aye, and if you want to send me to the stable, ‘tis where I belong. This should not have happened.”

  “What did happen?” Alwyn leaned down to inspect the wound himself.

  Owain groaned. “Not you too.”

  “You should live. Six men died, and I want to know how this came to be.”

  “Two of them were traitors. I was told of their betrayal just before the baron struck. They had already accepted his coins for information about the women at Throsle. Your men were not forgiving. They took the traitors to task.” He gritted his teeth before he continued. “They died along with one of your men even before the baron arrived. I had only three men to stop the attack, which came when I refused to give the women to de Bain. The other three who died were only some of de Bain’s worthless leavenings. Your arrival stopped a rout.”

  Alwyn muttered a Welsh expletive and watched Owain try to smile.

  “Friend,” Alwyn said, “once again you have earned my thanks.”

  “Best you take the women back,” Owain whispered.

  “I cannot. I will offer for Milisent, although, I must also admit defeat with my plans for revenge. I can only hope there is no damage to my family for my actions.” He patted Owain’s good leg and started for the door. He paused and turned around. “One more question: was de Bain the only baron involved?”

  “Aye. It was a small group of mercenaries. They were not well trained. When those three fell and the rest realized you were arriving with an army the rest ran. Cowards!” Owain hissed.

  Alwyn nodded to the two women and left the room hiding his smile. Owain had no use for men who would not stand and fight. He frowned as he made his way to the great hall. De Bain knew Milisent’s location now and would relay the information to Chelse. It was imperative he seek an audience with Edward. He would have to convince his liege he had taken Milisent to his bed. He could only hope he did not have to admit he was interested in reveng
e, but he would tell Edward he had no knowledge she was related to

  Chelse. But would Edward accept his word?

  Then he must approach Chelse. He gritted his teeth. How could anyone have known she was his sister, not his mistress? Another thought struck. Did Edward know Chelse had a sister? Was the king aware Milisent’s father had given her the right to chose her own husband? Alwyn had grave doubts for if even Garrett was shocked by the information then Alwyn was certain few knew of her existence.

  Before he approached Edward, he had to return to Throsle. There were tasks that must be seen to before he could travel to London. And he wanted Milisent with him. He grimaced. Especially since Rhianna had placed Milisent in a chamber far from the one he had to occupy.

  He would also have to ask Garrett if some of his men could accompany him to Throsle in case de Bain tried again to take Milisent. When he had all things in readiness at Throsle he and Milisent would return here to Knockin. Mayhap he would talk Garrett into accompanying him to London.

  At that thought he smiled. Rhianna would not be happy about her husband leaving again. Nay, he would not involve Garrett. ‘Twas a task he had to see to by himself. At least if Milisent was here at Knockin she would be safe from de Bain and her brother.

  He heaved a heavy sigh. Of a certain, he had managed to get himself into a tangled mess. Now he understood what his brothers meant when they insisted life got complicated once a woman was involved.

  ~ * ~

  Arvel arrived after supper and spent an hour with Owain who did a great deal of swearing between his angry shouts. Milisent paced, the guilt she felt churning in her stomach until she knew she would be sick if she didn’t get out into fresh air. When she started for the door, Alwyn followed.

  “He yells because he thinks it helps the pain,” Alwyn said.

  “‘Tis my fault that Owain is hurt, the men died, my fault.” She swallowed against tears she learned long ago were a waste of her energy.