Dariana started when Leah spoke behind her.
“He will be safe. I just know it.”
“How can you be sure? Some blackguard has already tried to take his life once. How can you know he will not try yet again? William is up against a man without honor, one who attacks from behind, without warning. How can he fight such a scoundrel?” Despair filled Dariana’s voice.
“I know my brother. He is no fool. He has sense to guard his back.”
“I pray God you are right, dear sister.”
“You have come to love him, have you not?”
“’Twas only my pride that kept me from the truth. He did force me into marriage, after all. I had done so much to avoid being forced. It irked me.”
“He is a very determined man.” Leah stated this as if this trait of his had created conflicts in the past. Before Dariana could question her, they were interrupted by one of the maids.
“Pardon, my ladies, but there is a man here to call.”
Leah and Dariana exchanged a glance. “Who is it?” Leah asked, suspicion in her voice.
“I recognize him not, my lady. But he says he’s your brother, Cedric.”
“Cedric?” Leah’s tone was heavy with disappointment. She turned back to Dariana.
“He is our half-brother and a charmer. But not one to be trusted. Never to be trusted. The rumors of his actions tell of a past bathed in blood. He has made it clear he has no love for William.”
“Why would he hate William?”
“He blames all his life’s ills on us. He thinks our father drove his mother to suicide. And he feels cheated, since he cannot inherit.”
“Then may we send him away?” Dariana hesitated, a thought striking her. “He could be William’s attacker.” If that proved to be the case, she was ready to kill this man, relative or not.
“I doubt Cedric would harm William. He just airs his resentments publicly. We have no real cause to deny him a meal or bed for the night. It is just that I rely on him not.”
“Perhaps then he has knowledge of William’s enemies. Mayhap he has brought news.”
“Then we shall greet him immediately with hope,” Leah sighed.
The women hurried to the main hall. Cedric bowed deeply. As he straightened, Dariana could see the family resemblance, but Cedric bore a hardness about his mouth that detracted from his handsomeness. He took a step forward to Dariana, grasped her hand, then brushed his lips against her skin. The touch of his mouth on her hand sent an unpleasant shiver down her spine. Not wishing to appear rude, she controlled the urge to yank her hand away from his too quickly. He then turned to Leah, intending to embrace her, but she took a step back. He smiled at her.
“Dear sister, I only wished to give you a proper greeting. It has been so long since last we passed some time together.” His voice was smooth as silk.
“Why did you come, Cedric?” Leah asked, her tone cold.
“To meet my newest sister, of course. The tales told of her beauty and her adventures were difficult to believe, but seeing her now, I see at least the stories of her loveliness were not exaggerated.”
Normally, such flattery would have made Dariana flush with pleasure, but there was something about his manner that made her skin crawl.
“And where is William? I wish to congratulate him on his choice of a wife.” He smiled at Dariana, but she looked toward Leah.
“He is settling some local disputes. Actually, we expect him soon,” Leah answered.
“Then I shall wait.” Cedric made himself comfortable in a chair near the hearth.
Leah and Dariana exchanged looks of frustration, then reluctantly went to see about their guest’s requirements.
Cedric seemed to enjoy their company immensely. He tried to keep his hostesses entertained with stories of life at court, rumors told, gossip spread. The women had been isolated for so long, they could not help but become interested in the tales Cedric spun. He described so many people, fascinating situations and intrigues, that the women soon found themselves enthralled. When they began to ask questions, it was clear Cedric thought his storytelling abilities had not failed him. He relaxed.
When William did not return that night, Dariana tried to appear unconcerned, not daring to tell Cedric the truth. They feared he would somehow use it to its own advantage. He was shown to a chamber and made comfortable. The women prayed he would tire of waiting for William. Perhaps he would take his leave in the morning to return to the more exciting life he obviously led at court. But the days dragged on and, with Cedric about, Dariana was careful not to show her concern.
What does he want here? Does he not have a home of his own? Leah concurred with Dariana’s response to the man. Dariana was watchful for William’s return. His safety was tantamount, but ridding them of Cedric would be an extra benefit. There was no question that when her husband returned, the man would finally take his leave.
CHAPTER 13
William traveled north and he and his men made excellent time. As they neared Justin’s holdings, they had spread out to search. The fact that Justin and his squire had not arrived ahead of them did not bode well. William had decided to retrace the man’s steps, still retaining the hope of locating his friend. On the fourth day, William had only just determined to move on when one of his knights called out. As he approached the clearing where his men waited, William could tell from the knight’s expression that what he was about to see would not be what he had hoped for. A hand was visible under some dead leaves. It was pale. Justin’s body was hidden in some brush near his squire’s. Both had been struck from behind, with no possible chance to defend themselves.
William and his men uncovered the two corpses. When William saw his lifeless friend, he sank to his knees in grief. There was no reason for this slaughter. Justin was a good man. It was inconceivable that someone would want to end his life. Red rage pushed sorrow aside. This would be avenged. The miscreant would pay in equal measure. William suspected his half-brother was behind this, but he could not fathom the man harbored homicidal hatred. No mater. That blackguard who had done this would rue the day he was born.
The bodies needed to be moved to Justin’s estate for proper burial. They were intent on their gruesome task when suddenly the woods came alive with attackers. Men exited the bushes and trees and set upon them. William, his years of training and his strength serving him well, slashed with his sword. There were ten of them and only six of William’s men, but his knights were valiant. Screams rent the air as men were struck. After an exhausting struggle, all but one of the attackers lay dead, their blood feeding the dark earth. William’s men suffered only light casualties.
They searched the dead men for some clue to their loyalty, but these men were mercenaries, men with fealty only to the man with enough gold coins. It was later, after the injured had been tended to, that Morle, William’s second-in-command, approached, his expression shaded with anger and frustration. William knew the man had more questions than answers.
“We could find nothing more, my lord. Have you any thought as to who might have done this?”
“A knave, a blackguard, a scoundrel. I know not. I am only certain it is one who hates with an unreasoning mind. There was naught to be gained by Justin’s death or that of his squire. And to kill in ambush? It is the deed of a coward.” William didn’t hide the disgust in his voice.
“You have some thoughts on this. Am I correct?”
“This is tied to my attack. I am sure. Who would attack noblemen like this? The only man I know so filled with black hate that he could even conceive this plot would be my half-brother, Cedric. But I cannot reconcile it. Even he, in all his bitterness, could not be so evil as to do this.”
“Some men bear unreasoning resentment and have no cause other than one conceived in their darkest imaginings. If it is indeed your half-brother, he might appeal to the crown to lay claim to your estates if your wife did not bear you a son.”
“A son. Yes, Dariana and I will make a fine
son or two. Such a happy task. The villain of this treachery must be stopped before I deal with more pleasant matters. But I must be sure I am correct before making any accusation.”
“It should not be difficult to prove.”
William raised an eyebrow at this.
“One of the attackers still lives, though not for much longer. We have been convincing him to see his way to heaven by confessing his sins before he dies. It seems he has many, so we are trying to be patient.”
“Then let us hear the truth from the lips of the dying and know for certain the name of our enemy.” William felt hopeful.
The soldier was covered in blood, his chest heaving with each indrawn breath. As he approached, William could not hear what the man was saying. His voice was too low, but it seemed through his misery, his words flowed, the knights above him nodding, fascinated, as the man rambled on. He seemed convinced that confessing his sins would bring him salvation. The men surrounding the wounded man looked up almost in disappointment to see their lord approach. One of William’s men told him the dying soldier had been confessing for what seemed like hours. The exploits in his life were all but unbelievable. He had fought more battles in exotic places and been with more women than seemed possible for one man. As he continued, the men again turned their attention back to him. They hung on every word of their enemy’s adventures. William approached the man, then gazed into his face, distorted with pain. “Will you tell me the name of your master?”
“Gladly,” the man sputtered, his breathing growing more labored. “Provided you pray for my forgiveness and my entry into heaven. I have lived a full life, my lord, and I am hoping to escape the wrath of God for it.”
“I will pray your sins be forgiven. But from the expressions on the faces of my men, I do not know how much that will help.”
“It is enough you will try. As I have no loyalty except to the man who can pay the price, my loyalty is now to you.” The man coughed.
William feared he would expire before unburdening his soul. But the soldier drew in yet another breath.
“Cedric of Beckford was my master before I entered your service, my lord. Now, pray for me and the debt shall be paid.” With that, the soldier exhaled and his life followed the air from his body.
“We must return to the castle at once,” William announced. “But first prepare this soldier for burial. I must say a prayer for him as he is laid to rest.”
“What of your half-brother, my lord?” Morle asked.
“Cedric will answer for his crimes and rue the day he was brought upon this earth. There is also Justin’s widow to address, and I do not savor that unhappy task. Worry not, Morle, my half-brother will regret his actions.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Cedric startled Dariana by coming at her from behind in the stable. When she jumped back, he took hold of her arms, his fingers digging into her flesh.
She tried to jerk away, but he just held her more tightly. “What do you here, Cedric?”
“I came to talk to you. In private.”
“There is nothing you have to say that cannot be said in front of another.”
“Ah, but there is so much.”
He yanked her hard and Dariana toppled against him. She tried to pull away, but he was stronger. His breath was foul. His nearness made her want to scream, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing he intimidated her. “Let me go,” she spat.
Cedric laughed. He cocked his head, listening. There was someone in the stable with them. Soft footsteps were moving toward the back. She ached to cry out, but thought better of it lest it be one of his men. The footsteps stopped, then receded. Her hope for aid went with them.
“Cedric, I have no idea as to your purpose, but I want no part of it.”
He leaned in and tried to kiss her. She jumped away, disgusted, then reached up to slap his face. He caught her wrist in a punishing grasp. How dare he? She was breathing hard, imagining scratching out his eyes.
“Take care, my lady, whom you attack. I am blood to William and his sister, and have history with them. They do not really know you, do they? So when I say you tried to seduce me, who do you think they will believe?”
Dariana was dumbstruck. The anger ebbed away, replaced by disbelief. “What is wrong with you? William and Leah know whom I love. They will never believe you.”
“You forget you are a deceitful wench who flaunts the orders of the king. Everyone knows you are a headstrong baggage. It will come as no surprise you do not feel bound to one man. You flaunted yourself in front of the stableboy. Did you not hear him a moment ago?”
So that was it. He wanted a witness to a supposed tryst. Well, that would be simple to refute. “I find you despicable.”
“How is that possible? I am so like my brother.”
“You are no more like your brother than a viper is like a wolf. Now, unhand me.” She tried to pull away, but he held fast until her hand grew numb.
“I intend to get what is mine, dear sister. Doubt it not. I was born on the wrong side of the blanket and have paid for that all my life. Well, no more. The time has come for retribution. Believe me, I shall see it done.”
Dariana shivered in spite of herself. He released her and strode from the stables, walking with the air of a bully who had been successful. Dariana jumped on Moonshadow’s back. She rode him hard to dispel the anger that raged within her. She was so immersed in her thoughts that when a blond man approached on horseback from the darkness of the wood, she believed him to be her own William returning to her at last. She was filled with joy and relief at the sight. She urged Moonshadow forward only to realize, too late, it was Cedric. He must have planned this. and like an unsuspecting fool she had fallen into the trap. She tried to veer away from the man. Moonshadow jumped sideways but Cedric moved faster. It took only moments for him to reach Dariana. Moonshadow reared, striking out with his hooves. Cedric kicked his horse sideways to avoid the blow and moved against Dariana’s, then grabbed her reins.
Terror turned Dariana’s heart to ice as Cedric dragged her from Moonshadow’s back and onto his own saddle. She was flung across the horse in front of him, though she screamed and flailed like a wild animal. Her hands curved into claws as she sought purchase in his flesh. She spat into his face, but he grabbed her arms, then took hold of her leg and flung it across the saddle. She no longer faced him. He wrapped his legs over hers and held her upper body in a fierce grip. Only her head remained free.
“Struggle will not aid you, my lady. I have you now and there is no escape.”
“You bastard. William will kill you for this, if I do not do it first.”
“Brave, aren’t you? Threats? It appears you are the one at my mercy. Now stop fighting before I tire of your game and kill you instead.”
Before she could respond, hoofbeats rang out across the quiet meadow. Dariana leaned away from Cedric, fearful more of his men were on the way. A rider was galloping towards them. She twisted her head and nearly cheered at seeing it was William’s retainer, Richard. He raced forward, gaining ground.
More movement, this time from the woods in front, caught her eye. Two archers appeared, clearly ready, arrows nocked. She cried out a warning and Richard spun in his saddle. Seeing the ambush, he kicked his horse to the right. The missiles split the air, singing as one found its target. Richard fell, Dariana’s hope falling to the ground with him. Dead. The force with which he hit the ground, the way his body had landed—he had to be dead. A wail of dismay squeezed from her throat.
She was alone. Her only hope of rescue from Cedric’s clutches was gone. She had to get of this horse. She slammed her head back into his and bit his hand. She squirmed and pushed back with everything in her. Cedric struck her hard from behind. Blackness spun her into the void.
As William stepped into the room, he saw Leah was agitated. She paced in front of the solar window, wringing her hands. Something was amiss. Her body communicated it as surely as if she had spoken. She turned to him a
nd drew in a breath, then threw her arms about his neck, her tears wetting the leather of his jerkin.
“What ails you, dear sister?” he asked, trying to maintain control until he could channel his energy in the proper direction. “Where is my wife?” His voice was soft, but he knew he did not fool the one who had known him the longest.
“I know n-not,” she stammered. “Or Richard. Both have been gone for hours.”
William took hold of her shoulders and waited till she looked up, the pain evident in her expression.
“Tell me all,” he demanded.
Before she could respond, a maid flew into the room.
“Moonshadow has returned,” the girl announced to the unasked question, fear evident in her tone. “He is devoted to the lady Dariana. He would never have left her unless something terrible had happened.” The maid was sobbing now.
William did not take time to pose further questions, but hurried out to where a groom held the snorting horse. William approached the gelding as an old friend, speaking softly. The horse seemed to understand and, in a moment, William had jumped on his back and they were thundering out into the countryside, William a passenger as he allowed the horse to retrace his steps. Moonshadow flew across the rolling green until they came toward a secluded meadow. Richard’s horse stood grazing, his master nowhere in evidence.
Before he could react, someone grunted. He jumped from the horse and ran toward the sound. Richard lay in the grass, his doublet stained with blood, trying to sit up. William reached out and eased Richard back onto the soft earth.
“He took her,” Richard choked out. “They went northeast. I grew concerned when I saw her race out. Leah sensed something was amiss, so I followed your lady. Cedric rode from the shadows of the trees and grabbed her. Two with him saw me and shot me. You must hurry.”
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