Enemy of My Enemy

by Carm Nicosi

  Enemy of My Enemy

  By Carm Nicosi

  Copyright © 2012 by Carm Nicosi

  This work is a novel. Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

  Chapter 1

  Avery cautiously moved toward the postern gate, grateful for the full moon to light the way. Yet, at the same time, he was concerned that the light increased the risk of being found out, by the lookouts. When he was within a few feet of the door, it opened to allow him entrance. The brazen Lady pulled him against her, as she used her body, to push the door closed. He tolerated the long, intimate kiss she gave him, before turning to pull her toward the living quarters, and her bedchamber.

  Peggy was really, just a stupid slut, but she could be entertaining in bed. Unfortunately, he was not really interested in her charms anymore. Still, a few years past, she had no qualms about betraying Lord Eric, her estranged husband, to Avery.

  Many years ago, Avery's sire had raided some of Lord Eric's properties, starting a half-hearted war between the families. Although, Lady Peggy had a daughter with Eric, the lady felt no genuine loyalty to her husband. At one and eight, Peggy had been half Eric's age, when they wed. She had slipped Avery into her husband's stronghold for a tryst, as well as telling him all she overheard of Eric's plans. Unfortunately, that came to an end, when Eric found out that Peg had been unfaithful. Eric was away for nearly six months. When he returned to discover Peggy with child, he knew the babe was not his. So Peggy was sent to one of her husband's remote Castles, until the child was born. After that, she was banished, with the babe, to her dower property.

  The girl Hannah, was obviously Avery's child, though he would never claim her. He had enough bastards to deal with. Not long ago, Avery had paid a goodly sum, to a low born man, to marry a maid who claimed Avery, had sired her babe. Still, Hannah gave him an excuse to seek out her mother. Two years past, Lady Peggy had gained valuable information about Eric's plans, during a visit with her oldest daughter, Esme. That information had allowed Avery to ambush Lord Eric, and release him from his earthly existence.

  Unfortunately, Esme's half-brother became Lord, then. That warmonger turned the series of skirmishes between the families, into an all out war. Lord Brant set about avenging his father's death, by attacking Shandley Keep. Avery's father was mortally wounded in the keep's defense, and died from his injuries, several days later. Although they did ultimately prevail at holding the fief, the vigorous defense took a huge toll on his family’s resources. The keep was a prime property. It was very important, as it consisted of several tenants paying money rents, as well as orchards that produced most of the fruits and wines, for all of Avery's holdings. There was also grazing for a large herd of cows that were needed to make dried meats for army rations, and hides for the tanner to produce belts, saddles, and the like. They had no choice but to defend it, at all costs, Avery thought.

  Avery absently ran his hand over Peggy's stomach, and breasts, as she worked to untie the laces on his chausses. While at the same time, he recalled how he had petitioned for peace with Brant. The blackguard had demanded one of Avery's properties, as a good will gesture. Brant claimed that Avery's father had started the war, by stealing from Brant's family lands. His demands were unacceptable to Avery, as it would leave him with less than three quarters, of his father's original holdings. Brant had already taken enough of Avery's lands, he would not be getting more, without a fight.

  Peggy had freed him from his chausses, so he pushed her down on to the bed. Twas important that the Lady was happy with him right now, to gain her cooperation. He let his mind wander to thoughts of Isabel, with her glorious chestnut hair falling loosely to her waist. He pictured her greenish-hazel eyes, flashing with fury, as she spit in the Duke's face. The image stirred his desire to barely controllable levels. Then, he did what he had to do, to keep Peggy happy so she would help him.

  Afterward, Avery held her in his arms, and lied to her about how much he wished he could see her openly. He reminded her, that if Peggy's stepson knew about them, Brant would see that their relationship did not continue.

  "You know he captured another one of my Castles, recently. Unfortunately, he has attacked with such a large force, that I am always on defense, so there has been no chance to kill the blackguard," Avery lamented.

  "Twould be wonderful if he were dead, so we did not have to sneak around anymore," Peggy said.

  "Mon cheri, I have a plan that would put me on offense, but it would require your help. Mayhap, you would object, as it involves your daughter," Avery said.

  "I am for anything that would let us be together. I love you, and want to shout it to the world," Peggy assured him. "First, I was trapped wed to Eric, as he would not agree to set our marriage aside. Then, if Brant knew about us, he would never let me see my daughter. If either one of them found out about us, they might have sent me back to that dreadful castle, where I was sent to have our Hannah. That place is nothing more than a comfortable prison."

  "You know Brant only allows you to see Esme a few weeks every year. Furthermore, she will only inherit about a fifth of her father's holdings. With him dead, you could see her all the time, and she would inherit all of her father's holdings," Avery reminded Peggy, to make his case.

  "Aye, with him gone, I could live with my very rich daughter, all the time," Peggy agreed.

  "Peggy, what I was thinking, is that I would be able to draw him out, without a large force, if he were trying to pay a ransom, for his sister. Tell me, if you do not like the idea. You see, if you have her come here for one of the few visits he allows, I could take the girl. You trust me, do you not? You know I would not let any harm come to your child, right? I would never want to see you hurt, mon cheri," Avery pleaded, reassuringly.

  "Well, of course I trust you. I just wonder if you are sure you can finish him off. If he survived, and knew I helped you, I might never see Esme, again. If anything went wrong..." Peggy's voice trailed off.

  "Nay, mon cheri, it would be set up, just like the ambush on their father. Forces he believes are on his side, will meet him en route to pay her ransom. When my group approaches, they will join me against him. The fact that he has been double-crossed, will be his last revelation. As soon as he is no more, I will return Esme to you. I assure you, at no time, will the girl be in any danger. If I thought there was any risk to your daughter, I would find another way," he said, as earnestly as he could.

  All he really cared about, was getting rid of Brant. However, Avery knew it would be best, to try to keep the girl safe for a while, to allay suspicion.

  "Aye, then I will help you," Peggy said. "I will beg for her to be allowed to visit, and let you know, as soon as I know, when she will arrive. You had better make sure nothing happens to her, and that Brant is dead, though."

  To keep the Lady happy, and believing she was about to get everything she desired, he began to kiss her. Avery rained caresses over Peggy until he judged, she was once again ready. Then once more, he indulged himself in fantasizing about the Lady Isabel, whom he could not have. Even if their fathers had not been cousins, he would need the Lady for a strategic alliance, if he failed to kill his enemy by treachery.

  Lady Isabel sat near the hearth in the hall, perusing the flickering flames. She would be ten and seven, in just slightly more than a fortnight. Isabel had spent a good portion of her life right here, in the residential structure of Kellanhym Castle, her father's stronghold. The main floor consisted of the large hall, a small sitting room, and her father's study. Several high back chairs and benches, allowed for seating in front of the large hearth, where there was almost always, a roaring fire going. Even in the warmer months, the hearth was used for some portion of the cooking.

  The lower lev
el of the building was partially below ground, and consisted of a kitchen, where many of the serfs ate, and storage, for food and grains. The second floor held the Lord’s private chambers, plus the bed chambers for other family, and guests, arranged along either side, of a central passageway. On the top floor, there were a few more bed chambers, as well as the weaving and sewing rooms. Those work rooms, were where most of the castle serfs slept on mats, on the floor, at night.

  Tears sprang to her eyes, as her mind drifted over the past six months. How could she know, when her cousin Avery came to ask for her father's assistance, that her world was about to be turned upside down? Avery was in a war with the Lord of Rothstam Castle, which had already led to the deaths, of both their fathers. Her father, Lord Edmund, had refused to aid Avery. He said Avery's father got only what he deserved, for stealing from Eric's fiefs. He was not about to lend assistance, to protect Avery, from his father's thievery. Three months later, Edmund, and five of his vassals, who were riding with him, were murdered in a supposed robbery.

  Within a sennight of Edmond’s death, Avery arrived to claim ward ship of Isabel, and her lands, as her closest male relative. She was her father's only living heir. He had then encouraged her mother, to go to one of her father's other properties. While Avery had made no direct threat, he implied that Isabel, and her mother, would be fine, as long as they did not, cause Avery any problems.

  Lady Isabel was startled from her morose by Sir Richard, one of her father's oldest, and most trusted friends. He had insisted that Avery allow him to see to her safety, and fortunately, Avery had agreed, probably, just to allay suspicion.

  "Three riders approach, My Lady,” Richard said. "Hopefully, they have word of your cousin."

  Isabel left the hall to await the messengers, or in other words, her and Richard’s spies, on the stairs outside. Isabel had been carefully schooled by Edmund, that Avery and his father, though relatives, were not to be trusted. The messengers who were let inside the castle walls, also quickly confirmed the treachery, of Isabel's cousin.

  Avery, even with some of Isabel's forces, had once again, been outmanned by his enemy. So, he had cooked up a scheme to kidnap the half-sister of his enemy, to demand a ransom. When the Lord was drawn out to pay the ransom, Avery intended to kill him in ambush. This Avery felt, would allow for the Lady Esme, who would be the sole remaining heir to Rothstam, at only one and four years old, to become the ward of someone friendly to him. It would also bring the property, and resources, of Avery's enemy, over to his side by deceit, thereby ending the war. While Avery had offered no details about how this kidnapping was to be accomplished, he had seemed confident of success. This information from the messenger, though vague, was sufficient to confirm to Richard, what Isabel had claimed she overheard. She had been present, when Avery was talking of the same general plan, with a very disgusting man that Avery claimed was a Duke.

  Isabel was finding her cousins' murderous bend, rather appalling. Her father had been a good and honorable man. His properties and people had thrived under his control, and he had carefully instructed Isabel, in dealing honorably with people. Edmund's cousin, on the other hand, according to her father, had mismanaged his lands, and mistreated his people, reducing his wealth. This in turn, had lead to thievery, from Eric's more prosperous lands. Still, murder seemed a big leap, from incompetence and theft. She could not help but wonder, if this long standing animosity with Lord Eric, and now his son, had not driven Avery a little mad.

  After the messengers left, Lady Isabel turned to Richard, and said, "Kidnapping sounds like a pretty good idea. Do you have some competent men available?"

  "What do you have in mind?" Richard asked, eying her uncertainly.

  Lady Isabel laid out her idea, explaining how it could prevent, a good deal of bloodshed. She watched as Richard's expression changed from mildly disapproving, to considering, and finally to resigned acceptance. He offered Isabel a weak smile, as he questioned her conviction. She assured him, if he could make it so, she saw her part as her last, best hope. Convinced of her resolve, Richard nodded in agreement, before turning to leave the hall, to make the arrangements.

  Chapter 2

  Brant rode east on his destry, with his long time friend, Sir Robert, and his squire, on either side of him. Robert's squire, and another vassal, rode behind them.

  "We have traveled for nie on two hours, without one mention of the Lady Katherine, Robert. Does your love for the fair maiden wane?" Brant teased his friend.

  Brant had only seen the Lady once, but she was quite lovely. Robert talked about her all the time, leaving no doubt, that he was hopelessly enamored with the maiden.

  "Most certainly not," Robert retorted. "If anything, it grows stronger with each passing day."

  Brant laughed at the other man's plight. Although he was from a wealthy family, as a younger son, Robert was a landless knight. Claiming inheritance, required paying the Crown for the privilege, so in most instances, the entire estate passed to the eldest son. Therefore, the Lady Katherine's father opposed a match between her and Robert. She would have a sizable dower property, so Robert was in no way, the Lady's equal. Katherine was approaching ten and eight, and would likely, soon be pressured to make a suitable marriage, though she purportedly desired to wed Sir Robert.

  As the five riders rounded a curve, three men, approaching on horseback, came into view. Brant cautiously surveyed the tree line along the road, for any indication of others, who might lay in wait to ambush them in the waning twilight.

  "Do you recognize the crest on the destry?" Brant asked Robert.

  "I believe it to be Sir Richard's," Robert answered. "He also has issue with Avery. Or, so he claimed, when last we spoke."

  "I do not recall ever meeting the knight, myself. You are sure, he is a friend?" Brant asked.

  "Aye, he is a friend to me," Robert answered, as the three riders drew near.

  "What brings you out here this evening, Richard, business, or pleasure?" Robert questioned the leader of the new arrivals.

  "I fear it is business, Robert," Richard replied.

  Brant, who's caution had begun to relax, suddenly felt his mount's reigns jerked from his hands, and his dagger pulled from its sheath. A similar fate had befallen his squire, who was struggling against two vassals, as they tied his hands behind him.

  "Aye, Sir Richard is friend to me. You Brant, are someone whom I greatly admire, and respect. As such, I have no desire to see injury come to your person. To achieve this end, all you need do is cooperate, and tis likely, you will live, to see if you can someday forgive me, my friend," Robert said, smiling at him warmly, as if he viewed this turn of events, some great lark.

  His squire’s mount was moved, to where Brant could see a dagger was being held against the youth’s throat.

  "Will you cooperate, and place your hands behind your back?" Richard queried.

  Brant, seeing greater danger in resisting at this point, complied. Placing his hands behind his back, he felt his wrists being bound, with a strong strip of leather, leaving little hope of him breaking free.

  "You are truly a wise man, Brant," Robert said, as he bound his friend's wrists.

  Moving around to face him, Robert patted Brant's cheek, giving him another broad grin. Brant in turn, drew his head away, giving Robert a frosty glare.

  "And is an explanation for your current course of action, forthcoming, or am I to be kept guessing?" Brant questioned in irritation, at Robert's apparent amusement over what was for him, a distressing situation.

  The group of riders moved up the road a short distance, leading the two bound captives, before leaving the road on a path, that took them to a clearing in the woods. A wagon waited there, with what appeared to be a couple of peasants.

  Here, Brant and his squire, were assisted off their mounts, and forced into a sitting position, in the wagon. As the captives feet were bound, Brant observed that Robert still wore an ear to ear grin, as though this were some great lark.


  He glared at the knave, and gritted out, "I believe I will have to kill you for this, Robert."

  Robert replied, still smiling, "Aye, my friend, when you fully understand, the situation you now find yourself in, you are likely to desire my demise. Yet, I do hope in time, you will realize that the situation is quite dire. And that this course of action, seems to be warranted."

  As he finished speaking, he grasped Brant's head, tipping it back firmly, against the top of the wagon. The peasant woman took a wine skin, and poured a small amount of bitter tasting wine into his mouth, as his "friend" forced him to swallow most of it. To his side, he noted that his squire was enduring a similar fate. Brant's rage at his friend's seeming betrayal, exploded into a string of vile aspersions, that were silenced by a gag, placed between his lips.

  "Rest well this night, my friend," Robert said, as he pushed Brant to lay down in the wagon.

  He could see that his squire was quickly losing consciousness. He closed his eyes, as a similar drowsiness engulfed him. Yet, before he was full asleep, Brant was sure he heard someone say, "Let's get moving. The Lady awaits her groom."

  Brant's head hurt as he struggled to wake up. He wondered if he had over indulged in drink, last night. Slowly, his memory returned. His mind drifted through the details of being kidnapped, bound, and drugged. Several times, he recalled being jostled about in a wagon, as he fought for consciousness, only to have some vile tasting liquid, poured down his throat. How long had he been kept drugged?

  Although he was no longer bound, he resisted moving, or giving indication of waking. Cautious now, he opened one eye slightly, to assess his surroundings. While the bed he lay on was comfortable, the wall that faced him, had the look of a dungeon. He listened intently, to discern if someone might be nearby, watching for him to wake. A scuffling sound indicated that that was probably the case.