by C. C. Wiley
“Never fear, love,” he whispered. “We shall be safe for a while longer. But I think it will soon be time for us to make our move.”
Sabine curled her body closer to his, gathering strength from his warmth. She burrowed deeper, head nestled in his lap, she felt secure, knowing he was there to watch over her.
His touch penetrated the chill and brought her body singing to life. She reveled in his caresses, carrying a heated message to her thoughts. It held desire, sensuous anticipation that would fill her mind and body. Goose flesh pebbled her skin where his touch had set it on fire. Her senses heightened, her body demanded more.
Darrick stroked the base of her neck. Eager for his caresses, she turned, pressing against his hands. Waves of longing surged through her body. Leaning down to cup her breast, he ran his thumb across her nipple. Her body arched toward him. He caught her mouth with his and tugged at her lips as he devoured her kisses.
A soft crying pulled at the back of Sabine’s mind. Reality settled, registering that the baby needed her. Shutting the door on the hunger that was clawing to get out, Sabine sat up, dazed from the desire sizzling between them. After rearranging the bodice of her gown, she made a mental note that should she ever marry she would be sure the children had their own rooms.
“Why did he do it?” Darrick asked.
“Who?” she asked, confused at his strange question.
“Your father. How did Sir William know to create an elaborate tunnel system like this?”
Patting the baby’s back, she gazed back at Darrick, weighing the mystery of it all. “I never really thought much about it. These tunnels have been around for hundreds of years. He always said the ancients built them.”
“I remember it drove my brother mad when father chose to build onto the tunnels. Taron wanted the outer walls updated and fortified with stone. Father would not hear of it. Said the secret to our survival was in the tunnels. Would you believe that there are catacombs in here?”
The babe once again fed and content, she returned him to the cradle. She wrapped her arms across her chest, cupping her elbows. “Father had my mother’s tomb buried beneath the castle walls. As a child, I never wanted to come down here.”
“How were you able to carry so many supplies down here without anyone noticing? What of your servants? Could you trust them to keep it secret?”
Sabine shook her head. “Before Father disappeared, he felt the need to bring most of the larger furniture down. Using a winch that hung from his private tower, he lowered the items down by himself. Of course, the servants never felt they could voice their opinion but ’tis certain they questioned what was happening to our furnishings. He was always working on something in his tower. His library was above the main storage room and below his private chambers so it was quite easy for him to keep his secrets.”
Sabine played with the edges of her sleeve. “The few weeks before Father disappeared, he had been irascible. He had sent for Taron, requesting his immediate return to Clearmorrow. On the night Father left, he received a message that he was needed.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know. I don’t believe he meant to be gone for any length of time. He must have felt that it was imperative to leave without delay.”
“Why is that?”
“All of his experiments were left out on his workbench. Some of his books were open to the pages where he stopped. My father was very meticulous in his work. He loved those leather tomes. He would not have been so careless unless there had been an emergency.”
“Were there no men-at-arms? No battalion to ride by his side?”
“No, he rode as you, with little desire to be slowed down by others.”
“My men took another path. They will not betray me.”
“Perhaps. But they’ll no doubt be stopped by DePierce’s men should they be spotted.”
“What of Taron? Did he not see fit to return as your father requested?”
“I received word that Taron was returning. But, after a fortnight, I began to question if something had gone awry. After a few more weeks, I started storing all the supplies I could carry. The last things I stored were my father’s beloved books. If Father had felt there was danger, then I wanted to be sure to save what I could and protect our home.
“Soon after, I received a missive from Taron. His instructions were for me to find DePierce in Balforth should I feel threatened in any way. I thought it odd at the time. No one, except I, knew father was missing, and yet Taron knew to arrange for help.”
Sabine waited for the criticism she knew would be forthcoming. Yet, Darrick sat in silence. She glanced up. He met her with a reassuring smile and a silent nod to continue.
“Looking back on it, I realize I was ten times a fool.” Sabine picked up one of her father’s books and turned the pages. “The missive was a forgery. It had to be. At one time, I was furious with Taron for disregarding our family’s need. Then, what few guards we had left disappeared the night of the attack on the castle. If truth were known, I was angry with all men.”
Sabine returned the book to the leaning stack. “The only other man, who has helped me for help’s sake, was Rhys. Funny thing, is it not? First, he helps me escape and then poor Elizabeth, and now you. ’Tis a wonder how he knows to be in the right place. I’ll never fathom how he does it.”
Darrick sat still, the weary lines on his face tightened. “Tell me again how you know him. The first time was at Balforth?”
Sabine twisted her fingers together, aware that his mood had changed. “Once, I believed so, but now that I have returned to Clearmorrow, the memories flood back. I remember when I was a little girl, seeing someone that looked much like him. The stranger would come to visit and Father would go away with him for days, sometimes weeks at a time. Nandra would become agitated when Father left for long periods. Perhaps my father’s disappearance is what drove Nandra to the brink of madness. Given what she said, I suspect that they once shared a love.”
Darrick rose and grasped her arms. His gray eyes bore into hers. “I need you to be certain. Are you positive that Sir William knew Rhys?”
“I was a little girl and when he did visit I saw him from a distance. You must admit, his physical appearance is not that of the average caller.”
“Sabine, questions have plagued me ever since my arrival to these lands. What was Rhys’s real purpose at Balforth? Why should he dare help you and risk DePierce’s wrath? Why was he willing to risk it all?” Stilling her protests, he pressed his fingers to her lips and continued. “Hear me out on this final question. How could he have known to send a goat with you?”
She pulled away from his hand. “Heaven help me, I do not know. Maybe he simply likes goats. Darrick, he sent your sister to me! He sent you to help us!”
“Exactly! Why would he do such a thing? He and DePierce’s men knew where to find you. How convenient. I admit that I am leery of any more of his friendly help.”
“If you suspect Rhys, than you must also suspect Nathan. Perhaps he set us up for destruction and now rests his head comfortably at Balforth.”
“I’ve told you, Nathan would never betray me. But this Rhys—”
She shook her head. “But what purpose would Rhys or Nathan have in destroying my family? Or yours? No, our enemy is DePierce and no one else. He wants our lands and is willing to forfeit all to do so.” Sabine pointed out the obvious. “’Tis simply that we are in the way.”
Darrick rubbed his temples while he paced the floor. “How do you know this to be true?”
They froze at the sound of scraping coming from overhead. He held his hand up, motioning for silence. Thunder jumped up, his low growl rumbled through the tunnel.
Darrick moved soundlessly, up the winding stairway, alert to the danger of another ambush. Standing at the entrance, he listened, straining to discover who surrounded their hiding place. Sabine stood nearby, having t
aken the baby from the cradle and now holding him protectively in her arms. Thunder pressed his sleek body against her leg.
Voices carried through the trapdoor. Were they DePierce’s men? They called out over the noise of hoofs and creaking leather. The racket of setting up camp was almost deafening.
Darrick gestured for Sabine to place the child in the cradle. Puzzled, she hastened to do as he bid her. Satisfied that Thunder stood guard over the baby, she tied the goat to the handle of a heavy chest. She drifted over to the warmth offered by Darrick’s protective arm. Excitement glittered in his gray eyes.
He bestowed her with a lingering kiss that drove all thought and worry from her mind. His hands roamed up her arms until they stopped to knead the base of her neck.
Kissing the corner of her mouth he whispered cheerfully, “’Tis all right, my love. My men-at-arms are here. You and my nephew will find safety at the convent. And I’ll set off to get our family back from that devil, DePierce.”
His finger brushed her sensitive lips. Tracing her mouth, he sighed under his breath. “I have enjoyed our time together. Perhaps, once peace is settled, we’ll make arrangements to explore what could be.”
Giving her arm a squeeze, he quietly pushed on the center stone over the doorway and left Sabine standing against the wall. Alone.
She crushed the folds of her gown in her fists. If she could have reached him, she would have dug her nails into his devilish eyes. Thoughts and fears resurfaced from the dark corner of her heart.
She could not believe it, again, she was ten times the fool. A convent? For the briefest moment, she had actually enjoyed his touch. Even with the strangers standing outside, she had trusted him. Doubt burrowed into her thoughts, reminding her that there were strangers nearby. Men who she did not know. Men who could not be trusted. Trying to force the dark thoughts away, she was left wondering about his half-hearted promise. Never!
She shoved the unease back. He had another surprise coming if he believed she would hide and wait for his return. No matter what they thought, she would not wait for him to bring her brother back. She would be there by Darrick’s side, whether he liked it or not.
Chapter 19
Darrick felt Sabine bolt outside before she made contact with his back. Controlling the desire to throttle her, he put his arm around her waist. Instinctively, he pressed her against his hip. He had hoped she would heed his command and wait. He wanted to secure the grounds with his most trusted men before he brought Sabine and his nephew up from the tunnel.
“Your desire for me exceeds your wisdom,” he said dryly. His gaze drifted over the troops, searching for the crow-eyed man.
She stood by his side. Tension radiated from her body. He knew he had made a grave mistake. He should have tied her down. The simple task of accepting an order to stay put would never sit well with Sabine.
Well, no matter, he shrugged, what was done, was done. They stood, unprotected, in front of friend and foe alike.
He observed the reaction of his men. Most of them were surprised to see that he traveled with a female companion. Some gave him sly winks and a few sniggers. Those who had rode by his side while serving King Henry ignored the woman. Instead, they voiced their own concerns regarding Sir Nathan’s absence. Threats to the dread DePierce echoed against the charred walls.
Sabine pulled away. “Chance…will need me.” She turned to slip through the little doorway.
Darrick nodded, relieved that she was making a docile exit. With her retreat, his woman-hungry men would no longer be able to devour Sabine’s beauty with their eyes.
His attention returned to the world that he knew best. Staring intently, he determined the ratio of his men and the numbers that he would need to lay siege to Balforth Castle. The oldest member of his army stood off to the side, waiting to give his report in private.
Darrick walked over, calling out to the gray-headed sergeant-of-arms. “So Krell, some of our men gave up on my return?”
“No, Sir Darrick,” he grumbled. “They be riding with that straggling caravan.”
“What?” Darrick turned in the direction Krell pointed. A caravan of gaily-painted wagons wobbled up the rutted path. “Hounds of hell. Is that who I think it is?”
Krell chuckled. “’Tis a fine thing to see this bit of news shake your fabled nerves of steel. Yes, Sir Darrick, it does my heart good.” He rubbed his battle-scarred hands together. “Where is that scamp, Sir Nathan? Not like him to hide from work. Could use an extra hand in setting up camp.”
“He has been abducted and taken to Balforth.”
Scratching his chin, Krell looked up from under his bushy gray eyebrows. “It’s sorry I am, for taking so long in catching up with you. Had we not made the detour we might have been there to keep Sir Nathan out of trouble. Do they think to ransom him?”
Losing his grip on his patience, Darrick ground out. “What runs through DePierce’s mind? That, we will not know until we send men on a scouting mission.”
Belying the tension building in his neck, he nonchalantly leaned against the tree. He sucked in a breath as he eased his tender ribcage against the bark. He hated to admit Sabine was in the right, after all. No matter how bad the stench, he should have left the smelly salve on his wounds. He ran a hand over his aching ribs and made certain the bandages did not show.
Wearily resting his head against the rough bark of the spruce tree, he asked Krell, “What detour?”
Scrutinizing the seasoned soldier, he waited patiently for Krell to spill his surprise. He had known Krell for far too long for him not to notice a devilish gleam in his crinkled old watery eyes.
Folding his arms over his weathered jerkin, Krell heeded Darrick’s stony gaze. Nodding his head in the direction behind them, he pointed to the thin line that wound its way through the trees. “Had a devilish time getting here. First, that man, Rhys, and his strange ways. He makes some of the men downright nervous when he’s around. Then, there’s the lady. Begging your pardon, but she’s been in tears most of the trip. Worrying and fretting, crying and twisting that scarf. Makes a grown man want his own mother.”
Darrick swung around to stare at the train of wagons snaking through the valley. He had to squint against the glare of the morning sun. With its gilded trim, the wagon shone brilliantly in the morning sunrise. He jumped when Sabine touched his arm.
“What fools travel without a care who sees them?”
Forcing a smile at her upturned face, he placed his hand on hers and wrapped his other arm around her waist.
Turning to his sergeant-of-arms, he delivered a long cold stare, “I believe Sergeant Krell would normally agree with you.”
His man looked uncomfortable, standing in front of the fair maiden. Even in her plain woolen dress, she stood with a regal bearing. ’Twas not the normal doxy clinging to a soldier’s backside. Darrick lifted the corner of his mouth in a half smile. “My Lady Sabine, if I’m not mistaken, you were to go where ’tis safe.”
A second later and he realized he should have known she would stand fast to the spot by his side. Obstinate woman. His jaw muscles jerking, he ground his teeth together and worked to discipline his impatience. “Till we find out who or what travels this way, I order you to go into the tunnel.”
“Krell,” he growled. “I pray your reasoning has not left you completely. When I return from escorting the Lady Sabine to safety, you’ll explain this mess you have gotten into.”
Grim faced, Sabine dug her heels into the soft ground. She swatted at Darrick’s hands. “I’m not leaving until you tell me who rides in those wagons.”
Krell chuckled under his breath. “Granted, my lady, ’tis a very serious thing to have my traveling companions rolling through the valley. They are a determined bunch and plan to call attention to all who watch their approach. I’ll be relieved to wash my hands of the whole lot of them.”
Ignoring the
old sergeant and Sabine’s protests, Darrick swung her over his shoulder like a sack of grain and carried her to the entrance by the well. He set her on her feet and stepped back before she could direct her pointed foot at his shins.
“Love,” he said. “I will not lie to you. I do not know who or what is coming. Remember, no matter what happens, my nephew needs you. If you allow me, I’ll do everything in my power to protect the both of you. But you must do as I tell you.”
Something in his grim countenance penetrated her anger. He’d give a year’s wages to know what he did right. He might need to do it again.
Nodding meekly she turned towards the entrance, then paused. “You won’t betray me?”
“You can trust me.”
“Please…be careful, Darrick.”
“I promise to return for you when it is safe.”
Darrick cast his attention on the sergeant and silently impaled him with a glare. Bracing his legs, he waited in stony silence for Krell’s report.
The old man pointed to the wagons, his eyes grim, he said, “The odd one. The one they call Rhys. Says you will need the lady’s help. Says you have a babe traveling with you.” Krell’s gray brows arched as he stared at him with a jaundiced eye. “Also heard tell you traveled with an old hermit. Yon mistress does not fit the description. What mischief have you gotten yourself into?”
Darrick bunched the old man’s leather jerkin in his large hands. “You go too far, Krell. They draw near and I grow weary.”
Krell tapped the angry fists that bunched his tunic. “’Tis Lady Camilla. Your mother.”
“Camilla? I am well aware of the woman who birthed me.” Mindful to cover the shock that threatened to flood his face, he asked through hardened lips. “Why is she here?”
Krell shifted from one foot to the next. “The baby,” he repeated. “Rhys said there was a baby requiring her care.”
Darrick could see his discomfort but decided not to go easy on his old friend. The sharp-edged bite of danger sang through his veins. “How did he know?” he ground out between clenched teeth.