by Sherry Ewing
Juliana rushed to her side, followed closely by Emily and Brianna. Katherine also saw the young man Riorden had spoken to join their group as they lowered Katherine to the ground. Juliana worked quickly as she began tearing off strips of her shirt to staunch the flow of blood.
“Ugh, Katie, what have you done?” Brianna said queasily, and she held her hand to her mouth at the sight of Katie’s blood running down her arm. “I think, I’m gonna hurl!”
“Emily, I need your hand sanitizer. Brianna, here’s my Coach purse, and don’t you dare throw up on it! You know how it cost me a small fortune. Find my small sewing kit and get the smallest needle, some thread, and the duct tape,” Juliana ordered as she took command of the situation. The two women busily did as she had asked. Then Juliana’s attention turned to look at the pale faced boy at Riorden’s side. “Are you alright?”
Patrick looked at the woman, as if noticing her for the first time. “He held a blade to a lady. ’Tis against his knightly oath to do so and goes against his vow of chivalry.”
Katherine surmised that Lord de Deveraux had fallen a few notches in the boy’s eyes by his actions this morning, and, from Juliana’s look, she had the same thoughts running through her head. “Yes, well, circumstances are a bit unusual. I am sure the lady will forgive his trespass,” Jewels replied. Katherine held back a smile upon hearing Jewel’s speech. You’d never know listening to her that she wasn’t from the twelfth century.
“Do ye think so?” Patrick whispered.
“You will have to ask the lady herself, once she feels better,” Juliana answered. “May I see her hand, my lord?”
Riorden shook his head, as if coming out of the trancelike state he had been in. Katherine realized he didn’t even know he was holding her arm tightly against his chest. She stared up at him as he reluctantly let go of her arm.
Juliana examined her hand, and Katherine winced in pain. “You’ve broken through the second skin on your index finger. That one will need to be stitched. The other two should be fine, after I bandage them up,” she said confidently. “I have to tell you, Katie, this is going to hurt like hell.”
“You are a healer,” Riorden stated the evident, but frowned at her curse.
Juliana looked up from her administrations to Katherine’s hand. “Um, yes, a healer,” Juliana replied slowly. “Perhaps, you could hold her steady, my lord, since this is going to cause her a great deal of pain.”
Riorden brought Katherine’s back up against his chest and circled his arms around her, holding her firm.
Juliana took the bottle of sanitizer that Emily held out to her, looked up at Riorden, and at his nod, looked down at Katherine and met her gaze. “Ready?” Katherine only nodded and squeezed her eyes shut.
Juliana began spreading the gel onto the injured fingers, and Katherine let out a small scream.
“Holy shit, Jewels,” Katherine cried out.
Juliana ignored her outburst and worked quickly. “Only a couple of stitches, Katie, and you’ll be good to go.”
Katherine blanched, as Brianna handed Juliana needle and thread, and turned her head into Riorden’s chest, knowing she couldn’t watch any longer. The pain piercing her finger was beyond excruciating. She was in so much agony that it took her several minutes before she comprehended she was squeezing the hell out of Riorden’s free hand.
She began to loosen her hold on his fingers, when she had to stop and listen to what she was actually hearing. She couldn’t believe it. Every syllable Riorden murmured softly in her ear caused her to tremble. She supposed he was offering her some form of comfort, but she wouldn’t know, since she couldn’t for the life of her understand a word he was saying. Good Lord above! Is he speaking Norman French?
The breath she had unknowingly been holding came out of her in a loud whoosh when she heard Juliana say, “All done.” She tried to rise, but Riorden continued to hold her within his arms.
“Not as yet, my lady. Let us ensure some color returns to your face, afore you attempt to stand,” he said huskily. “Patrick, go to my chambers and turn down the covers. Lady Katherine must needs her rest.”
Katherine watched in a daze as the young lad scurried off to do Riorden’s bidding. Before his leaving, she could have sworn she heard him say, “The ghostie’s come back from the dead.” She gave a short laugh, knowing the boy would never believe even half the truth of their story. She could hardly believe it herself.
Chapter 12
It’s been said that there is always one identifiable moment in one’s life that shapes the course of where the rest of one’s existence will lead one. For Katherine, this was that moment. Feeling Riorden’s arms wrapped around her, keeping her safe, was the most glorious feeling she had ever experienced in all of her twenty-six years. Sure, she had been thrown back in time and was uncertain of her future and that of her friends’. Sure, the small links of his chainmail under his tabard were digging into her side a little, but she didn’t care! She could stay in this moment for the rest of her life and be contently satisfied. Life was good.
Well...life was good until she felt her fingers begin to throb painfully. She winced as she carefully flexed them to ensure they were still in proper working order. Thankfully, despite the pain, she would still be able to type again…umm…write again. If she had her way, she would never ever leave Riorden’s side, so there went technology, right out the window. It was a sacrifice she would willingly make.
Katherine turned slightly and reached up, placing her uninjured hand upon his shoulder, and prayed he didn’t think her too brazen. A heavy sigh escaped her as she snuggled in as best she could and just held on to him. His arm tightened around her. She heard him again whispering against her ear words she didn’t understand, but it was of no consequence. The deep baritone of his voice reached down to her very soul, filling it with a sense of belonging to someone who would care for her no matter her faults. If only someday he could love her as much as she loved him, life would be so very sweet.
She supposed it would take some time to get to know each other before the true blossom of love could fully flourish into something to last them a lifetime. To fall in love with someone from a dream, was one thing. To be given the chance to love that person in the flesh, was an entirely different matter. She only prayed they would be given such an opportunity. She could not imagine how her life could return back to any semblance of a normal routine, if she was unwillingly ripped back to her own time period. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that it would be like a knife to her heart.
Time passed, as time tends to do, and yet Katherine had no concept of how long she sat there, listening to the ocean waves crashing into the shore; listening to Riorden’s even breathing in time with her own; and listening to her friends while they chattered up a storm, much like a bunch of clucking hens. Their conversation was what broke through her resolve to block out everything with the exception of Riorden.
Lifting her head, she looked into his eyes, and her breath left her. God Almighty, they were so very blue, and they looked down on her with a fair amount of fondness. Surely, this had to be a good sign of wonderful things to come their way.
Riorden stood and held out his hand to her with a bit of arrogance and uncertainty crossing his features. She reached up and placed her hand in his and felt a jolt travel up the extent of her arm. His expression told her he must have felt it too, since he gave her a small smile as he helped her to her feet. Katherine swayed, so he took hold of her elbow for additional support. Although she wished to be held closer, he made it clear by his stance that he’d only touch her as was appropriate. She frowned slightly. But she shouldn’t be complaining about his chivalrous nature and a code he must have adhered to all his life. It was, after all, the twelfth century.
“’Tis you,” Riorden said uneasily. She didn’t miss that his voice shook when he spoke, or the fact that he appeared dumbfounded that she wasn’t a ghost anymore.
“Yes,” Katherine whispered softly. “I can’t b
elieve that I’m really standing here with you.”
“I never meant for you to harm yourself and only mean to keep you safe.”
“Yes, I know. You do know me then? You remember me?” she asked hopefully, as the wind whipped her hood from her head. Her hair became tossed in the breeze and began to have a life of its own.
He watched her ever so intently for several minutes until he at last grabbed one of her errant tresses and rubbed it between his fingers. Finally, as if he no longer trusted himself, he tucked the stray lock behind her ear. “Aye, Katherine, I do know you. I believe we have had this conversation in our dreams afore, have we not?” he inquired, for her ears alone.
“Yes, I know we have. I must remember to thank God for this unbelievable miracle we find ourselves in,” she said quietly as her eyes closed in gratitude.
“I shall pray and thank Him, as well, when I can once more get myself to the chapel. I just do not understand how this is possible? Is it magic?” he asked with an insecure voice.
Katherine only shrugged her shoulders. “I believe we’ve been given the chance at a rare and special gift, don’t you think?”
Riorden looked down upon her and she could tell he was quickly mulling over the probability of this unusual circumstance. “Aye, I suppose ’tis a gift, but also one that could just as easily be taken away.”
“I hope not,” she said warmly.
“I pray ’tis not so, but time will tell, Lady Katherine, what fate has in store for us,” Riorden said affectionately. “I think there is much to discuss between us, cherie.”
Katherine had to lean back just to look up at him, since he was so very tall. Their eyes met. Time itself stood still, as if no one else existed but the two of them, trapped forever in a gaze that spoke more than mere words could ever be whispered aloud. He gave her a roguish grin that just about knocked her legs out from under her as she tried to find something witty to say. Unfortunately, her tongue had become dry, as if a hundred cotton balls had found their way into her mouth. She was speechless…a rarity for sure, or so her mother would have told her.
“Did you see that look?” Briana said, louder than she probably intended. It broke the spell surrounding the couple. “I could die and go to heaven tomorrow if some guy would look at me like that.”
“Shh, Brie,” Juliana warned. “You’re ruining the moment.”
“Too late,” Emily chimed in, as Riorden stepped back a pace or two. “Yup…it’s gone.”
Katherine turned to look at her friends with a sheepish smile. “These are my friends, Juliana, Brianna, and Emily…whom you may remember.”
“Ladies,” Riorden said with a bow.
He stood straight again and raised a brow towards Emily, although he said nothing. Katherine thought perhaps nothing needed to be said, since that look about said it all. It was obvious, he did indeed remember Emily and her bold wink at him. She could only imagine how a twelfth century man would interpret such a gesture.
Further conversations were halted as the sound of running footsteps came closer. Katherine saw Riorden’s squire returning, completely out of breath.
“I told you to go and ready my chamber, Patrick. Why do you return?” Riorden demanded gruffly.
Patrick looked at the group of women in front of him, and Katherine saw how his eyes widened. She saw him noticing their cloaks exposing their modern clothing and cleared her throat to gain her friends’ attention, and they all grabbed their errant wraps.
“I never got that far, my lord,” Patrick wheezed. “’Tis the king. He asks you to join him in his private chambers, immediately. He has also called for Lord de Grey. The king did not look happy, my lord.”
“I see,” Riorden answered, turning back towards Katherine. “Generally, I would accompany you and the ladies so I could ensure you would rest. I must beg your forgiveness for such a lack of protocol. His Majesty, however, waits for no one, so I must answer his call, posthaste.”
“Did you hear that? No one talks like that anymore,” Brianna said with a heavy sigh.
“Shh!” Juliana and Emily scolded, together.
“Can you find my chamber?” he asked quietly.
“Yes, I can find it,” Katherine answered, although curious of where this conversation was leading.
“Then gather whatever belongings you may have and meet me there.”
“Really? In your chamber?” she asked, wondering if he was taking things a bit far, seeing as they had just truly met. “I’m not sure that’s a wise decision.”
“You have my word that no impropriety is intended. You shall only be held in the utmost respect and, as such, I would never take advantage of you, my lady.”
“I’m still not sure, since, technically, we have just become acquainted. I don’t think being shacked up...um...boldly ensconced in your chamber would be proper, even if it isn’t such a big deal in my own time,” she said, wondering what he must think of her to suggest such a thing.
“I assure you, I meant no offense. Besides, your lady friends are welcome to come with you, as well, and would be more than ample chaperones,” he said reassuringly. “Truly, Lady Katherine, again you have my vow, no harm shall befall you whilst under my care.”
There was such sincerity in his gaze that any doubt she may have had vanished. “Then, since I have your word as a gentleman, I’ll be there,” Katherine said with a shy smile, trusting him completely.
“I will come for you as soon as I am able,” Riorden said, then he took her hand and gently placed his lips to the inside of her wrist. “I have your promise you will be there, do I not?”
“Nothing could keep me away, Riorden,” she whispered breathlessly, and noticed some of the tension he may have been holding in check left him with her answer.
He gave her the briefest of nods. “I will do everything in my power to ensure you and the other ladies will be kept safe from harm. You have my word as a knight.”
Katherine watched as he reluctantly turned from her and went to pick up his sword and helmet. He went to the tower door, opened it, and glanced back at her for another stolen moment of uncertainty. With the briefest wave of his hand, he waited until she returned the gesture, and then was gone.
She looked at her friends and was sure her dreamy expression must have been mirrored in their own faces. They spoke no words, for none truly were necessary. They made their way down the tower stairs from the battlement wall and carefully went to where they had hidden their stash of supplies. Once again, they pushed at the hay bale that hid their escape route.
Brianna made it to the sack first, and before any could stop her, she opened the bag and pulled out the lute, strumming a few chords just for good measure. There was a look of sheer happiness on her face as she handled the instrument, and soon a song began to form that was indeed very lovely. Katherine listened for a few minutes until she became suddenly aware of the commotion that was stirring at Brianna’s playing.
“Thief! Thief! They stole my instrument!” someone yelled. “Guards! Come apprehend these thieves!
Katherine and her friends looked up to see a middle aged man pointing frantically in their direction, causing several of the castle guards to come running towards them.
“Damn it,” Emily yelled, panicking. “Let’s get the hell out of here!”
One by one, they squeezed through the opening in the wall and ran as fast as their feet would carry them. Katherine slung the sack over her shoulders, despite its weight, and kept on running. As they reached the forest, she glanced back, as if she could materialize Riorden before her eyes to protect her. But it was no use. The only person she saw was a knight attempting to crawl through the hole, but he was, fortunately, hindered by his armor.
They kept running deeper and deeper into the woods until, at last out of breath, they fell to the ground, side by side. No one knew what to say, particularly Brianna, who pulled herself into Katherine’s arms as she told her over and over again how sorry she was. She cried her heart out, until only a
hiccup or two was heard from the now sleeping girl. The beautiful lute with which she had performed such a pleasing, yet haunting, melody was now all but forgotten as it lay on the ground by her feet.
Katherine looked into Juliana and Emily’s faces as tears of despair coursed down her own cheeks. Her thoughts were now focused on Riorden, and how he would feel when he did not find her in his room after her promise to him. She closed her eyes and willed the man to her side, hoping against hope he would somehow find her. She was unsure how many more chances at finding and keeping true love she would be allowed to have. She only needed one more.
Chapter 13
I am displeased.” King Henry was fuming whilst he looked down upon his two subjects. Riorden prayed they looked contrite enough, but it did not appear as if that alone would lessen their king’s irritation.
“You,” the king called out, pointing to Riorden. “Step forward.”
Riorden advanced as the king began pacing back and forth across the raised dais. He knew where this discussion was heading, and he liked naught what the outcome was sure to be. He only gave the briefest of bows to show reverence.
“Sire…” he said quietly.
King Henry’s eyes raked him in a silent command, afore Riorden finally knelt down on one knee.
“I did not think I must needs spell out my displeasure at finding you in the Earl of Berwyck’s colors. Do you, perchance, have some other purpose in my directives than getting yourself to Warkworth? I would have thought my orders would be clear when I sent you your father’s ring,” King Henry roared, not waiting for Riorden’s answer as he continued. “Well! Speak up Riorden de Deveraux!”
“I will, of course, do my duty, my liege,” Riorden answered bitterly, “I but awaited your arrival to speak with you on such a grave matter as my returning to Warkworth. I prayed that I may serve you in some other capacity, other than returning to a place I despise.”