Alwyn only nodded. Milisent was more vocal. “I would see my brother punished for what he has done. Mind you, I do not wish his death.”
Garrett did not look surprised, but his expression was grim as he said, “But ‘tis likely your brother will not survive the battle to come. My men are well trained, and with your husband’s brothers and their friends, Chelse and even de Bain will be outnumbered.”
“So be it,” she whispered. “He brought this upon himself.”
Alwyn squeezed her hand and she gave him a watery smile.
In the morning, as they prepared to leave, two score of men joined their group. Garrett informed them a number of his friends had come to their aid. They would be escorted to Knockin with enough soldiers to stop any attempt on them before they reached the safety of Garrett’s castle.
“Are you well enough to mount a steed?” Garrett asked as they assembled in the courtyard.
“Mayhap, but I will not be able to ride for long.”
“Aye, ‘tis as I feared. The message I received from Arvel told of a period of recovery of at least a year.”
Milisent gasped. “A year?” she repeated. “Nay, surely not, for he has improved greatly.”
“‘Tis a concern but Arvel has proven he knows of what he speaks. Also I sent word to Edward telling him of the harm done to his knight, and for what reason. It will take time for the missive to reach the king, but I fear it will do little good, for Chelse is fighting for his future.”
They traveled slowly. When Alwyn tired, they stopped. He spent most of the time on the litter. Milisent hovered until he finally told her she was making him feel worse.
~*~
She mounted her horse and glared at him. Mayhap he did not feel for her the way she felt for him. She happened to glance in Garrett’s direction and his smirk stirred her ire. “Men,” she muttered.
The journey to Knockin took four days. There was no attempt to waylay the group. Of course, Chelse could have followed and been intimidated by the number of soldiers.
They were still some distance from Knockin when Arvel and Alwyn’s other two brothers met them. Milisent had yet to meet Alwan and Angor. There was no question these men were kin to her husband.
“Arthur waits with Rhianna at Knockin,” Arvel said as he dismounted. “She wanted to come, but she is heavy with child now and I knew you would not approve. Now, I would see this brother of mine who was tortured with lack of food.”
He handed the reins to one of the soldiers accompanying them and approached the litter.
All the times she had been with this brother, she had never seen him without a grin on his face and his warm brown eyes twinkling with laughter. Nay, this time he was as serious, almost as grim as the other two men with him.
The oldest was talking to Garrett and Milisent was conflicted. Should she approach Garrett or stay with Alwyn as Arvel talked to him? The decision was taken from her.
“Milisent,” Garrett said. “You must meet Alwyn’s brothers.” As she approached, he added, “Angor needs information about your brother’s friends. We must know on whom he will call to aid him in battle.”
She gave a quick glance in Arvel’s direction, sighed and dismounted. If Alwyn was to be protected, then she must tell Angor what she knew, which to her mind was not much.
~ * ~
Rhianna waited in the courtyard for them and Milisent ran to her. As much as she wanted to stay at Alwyn’s side, Arvel had ridden beside the litter for the remaining furlong. At least he would be safe for a time. And now that they were at Knockin Alwyn would have a chance to recover.
The next day, Milisent sneaked out of the hall and climbed to the curtain wall. Even though a storm was brewing, she had to find a quiet place for herself. She was so tired of being watched. There were so many people milling around both in the hall and the bailey she felt smothered. Never before had she been around so many soldiers. There were Angor’s men, Alwan’s men, friends of Garrett, and even a handful of men from Throsle, nor could she dismiss all of Garrett’s men. Just too many men in one place. The curtain wall, at least for the moment was empty of all but the two men patrolling.
Even Alwyn had gotten on her nerves, for although he was up and moving around, he was not yet strong enough to join the training going on in the courtyard. Confined to the hall or their chamber he snarled at everyone, even her. When Garrett and Arvel had told him he would be forced to stay in the keep when the battle was enjoined he said a number of words she had never heard before. Even Rhianna, who had flown into the room at his outburst, scolded him for his language.
Below, a scuffle between soldiers drew her from her thoughts. She ignored the rising wind and watched with interest because something about it reminded her of the time she had watched Alwyn and Arvel battle in the courtyard of Throsle. She shuddered for she could never understand why men took such pleasure in drubbing one another.
When she bent forward, trying to discern who was involved, something, or someone, grabbed her from behind. Just then a fork of lightning split the sky and the following thunder covered her screams. Even though she yelled with all that was in her, she knew with the noise from the men below and the thunder above her cries would go unnoticed.
Milisent raised her fist to strike at the man holding her, when another grabbed her from the front. A quick glance told her these were the men who had been patrolling the curtain wall. She twisted trying to free herself when the one standing before her lifted a meaty fist as if to strike her.
“Nay,” the other man snarled. “We can not hurt her.”
Who were these men and how had they gained entrance into Knockin? She knew at once who was behind this attempt. Her brother would not admit defeat. ‘Twas his plan to see her stolen from this place.
“You will both be killed if you do not let me go and leave Knockin now.”
As the rain began to fall, she struggled to free herself. Before she could hit out again, her hands, now wet and slippery, were tied and more ropes were slipped around her. She tried to go limp to keep the ropes from securing her, but they must have sensed her thoughts, for one held her close, too close.
The smell of his unwashed body made her gag, and she remembered when Alwyn had first carried her from Fenton. He had a clean odor, one of freshness that this one did not possess. She shouted her distress, praying someone would notice.
Still screaming, and angrier than she thought possible, the bigger of the two hoisted her over his shoulder and started toward the edge of the wall. Were they going to drop her to her death? It would be better than what she knew waited for her on the other side.
Nay! They would not do this to her. She would not let her brother win. They neared the edge of the merlon, probably to avoid detection. With her bound hands before her, she grabbed for one of the shutter supports but the second man wrenched her hands free. As wet as everything was becoming his task was simple.
Milisent cried out in frustration and kicked, slipping on the wet surface as she threw herself away from them. As suddenly as they attacked her, they dropped at her feet. She glanced up from her prone position into Arvel’s furious face.
“What are you doing here?”
He did not ask if she was hurt, if she knew the men, or even if she was frightened. Nay, he wanted to know why she was on the curtain wall. Despite her relief at seeing her brother by marriage, her temper rose. She paid little attention to the soldiers with Arvel, who were busy binding and dragging her attackers away.
“I needed some peace. You Brynn Ffrydds tax my ears.”
“We what?” Arvel did not look pleased with her response.
“You make too much noise. Everyone watches me,” she yelled. She lifted her bound hands and gestured to the courtyard. “None could even hear my cries over the yells of those fighting below and the thunder. Do not blame me for needing a bit of quiet.”
He shook his head then seemed to realize her hands were bound. “I would tell you to go spend time with your husband. He sen
t me to find you, fearing the crowd here might bother you.”
“Alwyn knows me well. But, I do thank you for coming to my aid. However, I will not be blamed for needing a bit of peace.”
He reached for her and released the ropes around her hands. “They intended to take you from this place. Do you know them?”
“Nay. They might be soldiers under my brother’s command.”
“‘Tis obvious the battle will soon be enjoined. This storm will be a perfect shield for their attack. Seek your husband and stay there.” He turned and rushed from the wall, letting two of Garrett’s men lead her into the castle.
The fight did begin in less than an hour. Even sitting beside Alwyn in their chamber, she heard the rushing of feet and the shouts of men taking positions at the arrow holes along the walls. Rhianna hurried into the room asking if she suffered any harm in the attempt to steal her away.
“Aye, they did no harm. Truth be known, I was not even that frightened, only angry.” That surprised her more than the attack. Mayhap she was no longer a coward.
Alwyn had been incensed when he was told what had occurred. “Not at you, but at your brother for trying such a trick. Garrett is furious that they were able to enter Knockin without someone questioning their appearance.”
“You do understand I only sought a moment of peace? There are so
many men here,” she murmured.
He patted her hand. And tried to smile. His lips here still cracked from his lack of nourishment. She smiled back.
“I know. My brothers and their soldiers can be overmuch to some with little experience of war.”
She sighed. “I have none.”
“It is my desire that you never do.”
Milisent gazed at him and knew he cared for her, just by the look they shared. For such a long time she feared she would never see him again. Even then she had wanted to tell him how she felt. They were alone here. She had no doubt Garrett and his supporters would win over Gilbert, but there was always a chance something would go wrong.
She needed courage to tell him of her love, but she reasoned she had at least proved to herself that she was no longer a coward. Taking a deep breath she picked up his hand and placed it against her cheek.
“Do you know how I feel about you?”
“Nay,” he whispered. Then looked deep in her eyes. “Aye, I think I might.”
“I knew when we wed,” she swallowed and struggled to continue. Why was admitting he was now her world so difficult?
“I knew you would be good to me, and I enjoyed our bed games, but when you left to see Edward, the more I thought on you, the more I missed you. I have come to realize I have fallen in love with you.”
He leaned toward her, his lips brushing hers. When he groaned she wondered if he had caused himself more pain with his split lips.
“Thank you,” he muttered. “You do not love alone. I knew when Chelse had me confined that you were the other half of my being. My soul mate, the one who will remain at my side of all eternity.”
She bent toward him, wanting to get as close as she could. That seemed to please him for he whispered, “Soon, we will enjoy those bed games you mention. But for now, let me hold you.”
They sat thus for another few minutes. The noise of the battle abated before they separated. Alwyn dropped his arms and after he struggled to his feet he stared for the door. Garrett appeared before Alwyn could leave the room.
“So, you have won?” Alwyn asked.
“Nay, but worry not for we will. In the meantime, Chelse is asking to see his sister.”
“Nay,” Alwyn shouted, his voice stronger than she had heard since they freed him from the hole below the chapel. “He does not need to see her. You know he can not be trusted.”
“He is in the courtyard now, under guard, and has only two of his men with him. Milisent will be well protected.”
“Nay, she will not go below.”
“Alwyn,” she murmured. “He is my brother. I will stay beside Garrett but I would tell Gilbert what is in my heart. I will say my goodbyes and return here to you.”
Milisent smiled at first Alwyn and then Garrett.
“I will keep her safe,” Garrett said.
The rain and the wind had lessened, but Milisent grabbed her cloak.
“Wait,” Alwyn said. “I would accompany you.”
Garrett looked startled. “You are strong enough? You will keep a cool head?”
Alwyn gave a smile the likes of which Milisent had never before seen. “Are you certain?” she asked.
He nodded and all three of them left the keep to travel to the courtyard.
When Milisent passed through the gate, Gilbert leaped forward, but was restrained by a dozen men.
“I would see my sister,” he whined.
“At a distance,” the one named Angor snapped.
Alwan stepped next to the men holding swords at the ready before Gilbert. “She is now our sister, also,” he said.
The man with Gilbert wore a robe and hood, his face hidden from view. Milisent stared at him for a moment and gasped. She tugged on Garrett’s arm, but before she could say a word, the robed man lunged at Milisent, a knife clenched in his fist.
“If I can not have her, you will not.”
“De Bain,” Milisent cried and took a step back.
Gilbert rushed the soldier, reaching de Bain before the knife could begin its downward motion.
“Nay, you will not kill her,” Gilbert shouted.
In that instant chaos reigned. Angor who was closest to de Bain thrust his sword at the man’s chest. But not in time. At Gilbert’s shout, de Bain turned toward Gilbert. His knife pierced the man’s chest.
At that same moment Angor’s sword slashed de Bain’s neck and shoulder. The blow opened a gaping hole across his upper body. He fell to the ground, his life’s blood gushing from the wound.
Milisent shoved at the arms holding her. When they released her, she dashed to her brother, who staggered to his knees, the knife protruding from his chest.
“Forgive me, Sister,” he said as he fell forward.
“I forgive you,” she whispered. “And I will pray for your soul.”
Alwyn drew her close and she rested her head on his chest. His breathing was as labored as her own.
~ * ~
Six Months later
Milisent stood between Alwyn and Arvel. The weather was crisp, even though the air held a promise of the spring and new growth. The two men had been asked to stand as godfathers to Rhianna’s new babe, a boy. Arvel had accompanied Alwyn and Milisent from Throsle the week before so they could enjoy the celebrations marking the beginnings of life at Knockin.
Milisent glanced at her husband, now almost completely recovered from his ordeal, and smiled.
He held the babe as if he were a piece of glass. Even though Alwyn appeared ill-at-ease holding the boy, he looked so good to her.
She thought back over the events of the last months. Both Garrett and Alwyn had sought to inform their monarch of what had happened on the fateful day. Edward, who would soon return from France, had responded with sympathy to Milisent, congratulations to Garrett and wishes for a quick recovery to Alwyn.
In his message to the king, Alwyn told him what he had learned under the chapel and how he had come to hear those words. Of course, Edward was not one to let something like a castle slip from his hands. He demanded the castle be given to him acknowledging some of the income would remain with Alwyn.
Milisent could hardly wait for today’s ceremony to be concluded for she had her own surprise for Alwyn. She gazed at the family assembled and smiled at each in turn. Rhianna had been churched and stood beside her husband. Angor and Alwan had arrived only two days earlier, and Arthur, soon to be knighted, arrived the day before. He now stood beside his older sister, a look of pure boredom gracing his young face. Milisent almost laughed, for Arthur had much to learn of life.
Finally, the christening complete, family and friends gather
ed inside the great hall. Milisent pulled Alwyn to one side.
“M’Lord,” she said. “We have never spoken of a family of our own. I would know if you desire a son as well.”
Garrett had been bragging to all about his newborn heir. It had seemed Rhianna held no part in the happening.
“Aye. I would love a child of my own. Milisent, are you trying to tell my something.”
She grinned. “Aye, I am. I have conferred with Ella and she agrees. Before the winds of winter arrive, and with grace, you will be a father too.”
Alwyn grabbed her and went to hoist her in the air. He stopped. “Verily? By winter?”
“Aye. By winter. Are you pleased?”
No answer was necessary as he joined his lips with hers in a pledge of eternal love.
About Allison
Allison Knight began her writing career like many authors when she read a book she didn't like. Her children scoffed when she said she was going to write a book but after lots of rewrite and the support of her husband who acted as her agent, she garnered a three book contract for her first historical romances.
Today, with her husband's continued support and to the delight of her children, she writes the genre she loves and eagerly praises the growing digital market on blogs and by speaking at writing conferences.
Visit our website for our growing catalogue of quality books.
www.champagnebooks.com
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