The Lady of Fairhaven

by Lee Scott

  “Well, of course, I was wondering how you clean the tapestries and where you find your herbs for the great hall?”

  Gillian answered all her questions in turn. Most were common sense and seemed a pointless waste of her time. As Gillian finished her tea and a biscuit she felt oddly relaxed, almost to the point of drowsy. It was not a feeling Katherine’s presence would normally evoke and it was very unsettling.

  Too late, Gillian asked, “What have you done?” she asked of Katherine.

  “Only what you deserve, you stupid girl,” Katherine snapped. “You didn’t really believe I would be interested in how you do anything?”

  “What have I done to make you hate me so?” Gillian asked. Her mind was having trouble focusing. She took one staggering step forward then clung to the wall for stability.

  “You have what I want. And now you shall disappear.”

  Gillian straightened up and tried to make it to the door. Each step responded unevenly, faltering and tilting as she moved closer to freedom. Her cup fell to the floor and shattered. Startled by the sound, the chatelaine turned and stared overlong at the mess on the floor before collapsing on top of shards of the porcelain cup.

  “Clumsy oaf” was the last thing Gillian remembered hearing.

  At the end of the day, Luke and Simon had killed three deer and five pheasants. There would be plenty of meat for their stay at Fairhaven and their trip home. The group gathered together and made their way back toward the manor.

  Late afternoon shadows drew the villeins back to their homes from the manor. Most ignored Lord Oliver or avoided him on purpose. Regard for the man was absent in gazes of the servants, knights, or villagers. Those that dared either were ominous or looked away entirely. It was such a different reception from the one Lady Gillian had received upon her return to the estate. It was a development that would need to be reported to his father. The villeins had no respect for the man, but his father would be pleased that his bride was highly esteemed.

  As the group approached the manor, Dog sprinted ahead and disappeared inside the portcullis. In the dim light, Luke noticed the unusual buzzing around the entrance. People scampering in and out was most unusual at this time of day. Most villeins were safely found in their own homes in front of a cozy fire. Luke’s intuition told him something was very wrong.

  The hunting party dismounted and squires jostled around the horses to remove the meat. “It appears that dinner is about to be served. Alice has prepared water for us to cleanse the grime of the hunt from our hands. We will meet in the dining room as soon as we have cleaned up,” Oliver announced.

  The great hall was quiet as a tomb. The few people in attendance were silent, avoiding contact with the knights. Meanwhile, Luke had rushed to clean up his appearance. He had been looking forward to talking with Gillian, and now felt highly impatient. He waited for her to make an entrance.

  Oliver and Katherine entered together and sat near the dais. “We shall begin our meal.” Katherine announced.

  “Should we not wait for Lady Gillian?” Luke asked impatiently.

  “Lady Gillian is indisposed. She will not be joining us at our meal,” Katherine said.

  “What ails her?” Luke inquired. He was surprised at her absence. She was on the mend and would be getting better not worse.

  Oliver sneered, and then said, “Who knows what affects such silly girls? She is probably worrying over her wedding night.”

  Katherine allowed herself a small snicker and then said, “Whatever her reason, she remains in her room and does not grace our table with her presence.” Alice gasped and Luke turned his head to look at her.

  Whatever was going on, he didn’t like it.

  As soon as the meal concluded, Luke sought out Alice. He found her outside the banquet hall, sobbing. “Get a grip on yourself madam,” he said. “How is the Lady Gillian tonight. Getting only crying for a response, Luke gently took Alice by the arm and led her to a corner. Quietly, he said, “It is my responsibility now to see to her welfare. Where is her guard? I would know how she fares.”

  Alice only continued her hysterics. “If you can’t help then tell me where I can find the maid Anne or her guard.”

  Beginning to gain some control of her emotions, Alice said, “Anne was sent to the village by Lady Gillian some days ago. I thought you knew. She intended to protect her maid. She was afraid for her.”

  “But why?” Luke asked. His mood darkened as he impatiently waited for some sort of reply. “Tell me woman!” Luke demanded. “Why would the Lady Gillian be afraid?”

  From inside the banquet room, Sir Giles entered the hallway. From his manner, it was obvious he had been listening to at least part of Luke and Alice’s conversation. “Let us away from here,” he said. “It is not safe to talk within the great hall.” Luke grabbed Alice’s elbow and urged her to join them outside.

  Sir Giles looked hesitant at the prospect of confiding in Sir Luke. He drew a deep breath and began talking. “Gillian has not trusted her uncle for some time. There have been incidents like this before, here at the manor.”

  “What type of incidents?” Luke asked. He had some inkling of the atrocities but he needed to have his fears confirmed.

  “Beatings,” Sir Giles said. “Lady Gillian has been struck. And once, before she left to go to her aunt, she was severely beaten. We feared she might not survive it.”

  “Was the lady beaten today, Alice?” Luke asked. “Is that why she is indisposed?”

  “No, Sir. I fear worse.” Alice said, crying. “She is gone. No one has seen her since this morning.”

  “Tell me all of it.” Luke ordered. “Why wasn’t I informed immediately?”

  “Well, it seems that Gillian was in many different areas of the castle during the early morning. Finding out where she was to be was another matter. No one seemed to know. And we would have told you straight away.” Alice paused for a moment, then whispered. “If Sir Oliver were to see us talking now he would punish us severely.

  “Enough of this. If Sir Oliver so much as raises a hand against anyone associated with the welfare of Fairhaven’s true and rightful chatelaine, I shall personally inflict punishment of like kind by tenfold. Now speak to me of what you know.”

  “I saw her with Lady Katherine coming from the herb storage room. She was gathering the herbs she would take with her.” Another sob broke loose, but the immediate fear from Luke’s angry look calmed her. She said, “Lady Gillian told us she would be back to finish the task. She never came back.”

  “Perhaps she took the opportunity to run away,” Giles suggested.

  “No, My Lord. She was not unhappy with the prospect of leaving here.” Alice explained.

  “How do you know this?” Luke asked.

  Alice blushed. “I’m not sure she would be pleased if I shared her feelings.”

  “This is not the time to hold back,” Luke barked impatiently. “Tell me everything. Her life could rely on your open reply.”

  “Well, Sir, she said if your father was but half the man you are, she would be content all the rest of her days,” As Alice spoke, her hands worked nervously. .

  “Very well then,” Luke said with a nod. “Mayhap she did not run away, which leaves the worse of the two alternatives. Tell me all of the happenings of the manor today. Leave out nothing.”

  “Everything was routine. New rushes were set out in the great hall. The warriors practiced their art. The only things I can think of that could be out of the ordinary was Lady Gillian having tea with Lady Katherine, and the removal of some tapestries to be repaired.”

  “Speak more of these things,” Luke ordered. “Why were these out of the ordinary? Do they not fall into the general upkeep of the castle?”

  “Aye, but the tapestries were not in need of repair. We have treated them with herbs the moths do not like. They have no holes. It was wrong of the Lady Katherine to so suggest.”

  “How many were removed?” Luke prodded. “Was it Lady Katherine or Lady Gill
ian who ordered the tapestries removed?”

  “At least three, maybe more. It was Lady Katherine who supervised the task,” the servant replied.

  “I am going to look around in Lord Oliver’s room,” Luke announced.

  “There is no need. It was cleaned at mid-day by Cecily”

  “Bring her to me. I want to hear her tale,” Luke said.

  It was ten minutes before Cecily appeared outside.

  “Good eve, My Lord. Do you have need of me?” she said. A delicate blush spread over her face and shoulders. “I could wait in your room if you like.”

  “I want to hear about your cleaning chores in Lady Katherine’s room today. What did you find?”

  A little disappointed, but willing to speak, Cecily, said, “Not so much out of the usual. She did break a tea cup on the floor today and methinks she cut her hand upon it as there were drops of blood around the pieces.”

  Luke’s blood chilled. He knew that any hope of finding Gillian in the manor was probably lost. He ordered Giles and Simon to summon some men but to be very careful whom they asked and meet him in the great hall. Whatever had happened was going to be revealed even if he had to break his knightly honor to get the answers.

  Chapter Nine

  It was one of the longest nights of Luke’s life. His mind raged back and forth from fury to lust. Wanting Gillian as he did sent his blood straight to his loins. He was hard as a rock and there was no relief in sight. How could another satisfy him when he lusted for Gillian? No doubt, his first duty was to protect her from himself. He had taken on this duty, and he had already failed once.

  She needed a man of honor to keep her safe. His father would certainly do that. But the thought of sharing his life with her as his mother nearly unmanned him. The impure thoughts that flashed before him scared him as nothing else had been able to do during his 25 years. If he failed to cleanse the lust and longing from his thoughts, how could he ever find a happy life?

  Luke splashed water on his face. Never had he enjoyed waiting and this night was sure to become the longest of his life. He had been prepared to ride out long before he would be able to see his path. It was impossible to rush the rhythm of nature and yet if it were possible, he would make dawn respond to his command.

  If her uncle were responsible for this cowardly act, he would find it out and make him defend his honor. There was no place in a knight’s world for cowardice such as this.

  The three knights and two soldiers stormed into the library where Katherine and Oliver sat reading. Both were relaxed and enjoying their quiet time together.

  “Oh there you are. We wondered.” Oliver continued looking into the leather bound book.

  “Where is the Lady Gillian?” Luke asked.

  “I know not of what you speak. I was informed she was indisposed.” Oliver replied. His eyes flashed questioningly toward Katherine. Her expression was flat and unreadable.

  “In truth, she is missing,” Luke growled. He walked closer to Katherine who was shifting nervously in her chair. “It is believed she was last seen with you Lady Katherine.”

  “I do not keep track of the silly chit,” Katherine answered defiantly. “She does not confide in me, nor does she inform me of her intentions. What she hopes to accomplish in her day is entirely within her own counsel.”

  “Do not speak of her thus in my presence. I do believe you know where she is and you must tell me. Her life could be in danger.”

  “More than likely she ran away to escape marriage to a man her father’s age. It wouldn’t be the first time, you know.”

  “It is not the case at present. She was abducted, and I believe it happened with your sanction. Tell me what you know or I will place a complaint against you with the king.” Luke threatened. “You dropped a cup in your room. Tell me of that.”

  “Dropped cups are not so unusual as to warrant this intense questioning.”

  “What do you know of this matter?” Oliver growled. He looked at Katherine as though she had three heads. “If you have done anything to jeopardize the union between my niece and Phillip Thornburgh you will be very sorry.”

  “I had no intention of ruining the match.” Katherine immediately realized she had spoken too much.

  Luke started for her with murder on his mind. Simon caught his arm. “Nay, Sir,” Simon warned. “Do not do this thing. It will not help the Lady Gillian. We need information so we can retrieve her from the brigands who abducted her.”

  Luke took a deep breath and released it. “You are right.”

  But before Katherine could gloat at her near escape, Sir Oliver reached back then struck her hard on the cheek. She fell to the ground with a thud. Angrily, he shouted, “Did she leave with anyone?”

  “Aye,” Katherine answered. “She was wrapped inside some tapestries.”

  “Which direction did they travel?”

  “I do not know for certain.”

  “What were they going to do with her?” Luke asked, then held his breath, awaiting a reply. “They could ki… They were going to hold her ransom. I cared not what they did to her, but they felt they could get double their money. Sir Phillip would certainly buy back his bride. Gillian’s estate is worth more than some ransom demand. Phillip would pay.”

  Without looking first, Oliver again struck Katherine across the mouth with the back of his hand. She landed hard on the floor and slid a short distance. A trickle of blood from a split lip marked the point of impact. “You are a stupid woman. You could have well ruined everything for me.” Turning to Luke, Oliver said, “Sir Luke, please let me accompany you on your search. It would add to your abilities if you allow me to join you.”

  Too angry to speak, Luke merely shook his head and walked away.

  Speaking to Sir Giles, Luke said, “If I could but start now.” Then he sighed and said, “It will do naught to start out this eve. We have no way of tracking their path in the dark. Meet me at dawn with five of our best trackers and fighters.” As he turned toward his room, Luke shouted over his shoulder, “Lady Gillian will be returned to Fairhaven.

  All evening, he paced his room like a caged tiger. The two who injured Gillian would be easy to deal with. He would work with them on the practice field and mete out some justice. But those who organized the kidnapping, they would have to meet with sterner measures. Katherine had admitted her involvement. But Luke wasn’t sure about Oliver.

  A bone chilling cold seeped into Lady Gillian’s thoughts. It felt strange to feel anything but the blackness of sleep. Her shaking started from the inside out. Then her brain registered that she wasn’t in bed or inside a dwelling.

  Had she died? There was nothing around her. No sound, no light, no smell of any kind. She panicked for a moment. Where was she?

  Then the worn off drugs caused what seemed like flashes of blinding light. Nausea swept over her. Her chest and stomach ached terribly. The difficulty she had once experienced breathing had returned. A few small bloodstains marred the beauty of her gown. She could feel the stinging reminder of the broken cup. It was nearly impossible to draw a full breath. No! Death would not hurt like this. But yes, it could be the torments of hell for not following instructions as she might have.

  She was alone, wasn’t she? So many thoughts assailed her, but most of them frightened her witless. She felt around but could barely move. Her senses were beginning to recover. Her hands and feet were bound and as she moved she felt a blanket slide off her shoulders. Immediately, she began to shiver from the cold. Her hands also were able to feel the cold, damp ground.

  She fought against the overpowering urge to cry. She had been in so much pain of late and so desperate for well being that tears had come much too easily. It was time for her to be strong and fight the fear that was invading her mind. But after awhile, ideas began flooding into her head. She heard no man, nor beast. And that was best. The presence of either might insure sudden death.

  Gillian could vaguely remember sitting with Katherine. But it was enough to convin
ce her that the leman had anything to do with her present condition. Certainly, Katherine had no qualms to do away with her if it would serve her purpose. Whether she would arrange her death was another matter entirely. But now her main concern was where had her captor’s had gone?

  Small scraps of light gray peeked between large patches of intense black. Gillian guessed it was the coming dawn. If she could wait just a while longer without detection, she might untie her bindings and escape.

  Gillian’s captors had used thin strips of leather to tie both her hands and feet. Almost immediately, they had begun to cut deep gouges in her skin. Despite the pain, Gillian tugged at the leather. Every pull hurt but she knew it would also stretch the leather. Her hands were so tightly bound that she feared the leather thongs would cut off the circulation to her hands. There would be no easy escape from that bond. After what felt like an eternity, Gillian managed to slide one of the loops over her foot. The rest followed easily. By the time she had freed her feet the sky had lightened enough for her to make her way through the forest. She had no idea which way to travel, but she had to go somewhere. When her captors returned, she had to be far away.

  Clutching at the blankets, Gillian struggled to wrap them around her shoulders and stumbled in the direction she thought was north. Although she somehow knew they had traveled north when they left Fairhaven, Gillian still needed to continue that direction to reach her aunt.

  Once again the effort of walking caused pain in her chest. Squinting her eyes against the rising sun. She wondered how many days she could survive alone without any food or water.

  “Dog,” she shouted out of complete frustration. If only she had Dog to hunt for her. No, her pet would still be hunting with Luke. Without him she was in serious danger of starving.

  She didn’t want to die out here alone and lost, but the prospect of finding her way out seemed hopeless. Still she held back the pointless tears that threatened to fall. Making the best of this miserable situation was her one and only chance.