The air was pierced by the sound of shattering glass followed by a small scream.
A voice called out. “Issie, do you have a minute?"
Issie turned to find her assistant, hands full of glass and herbs. “For pity's sake, what the hell happened?” She placed the wastebasket just under her assistant's hand, lightly brushing the debris from them. “You're damn lucky not to be bleeding all over the place."
"'Tis my doing."
Reynold.
Issie's heart raced, more in fear then in glee. Had he found Courtney lying on the floor? “Don't you have a joust to get ready for?” Her heart raced quicker, warning her of the amulet around his neck. She must keep her wits about her; Reynold was someone who knew how to get confessions from a person in a very unpleasant manner.
He circled the shop, picking up bottles as he went along. She knew he wasn't really reading the labels—he just wanted to get her riled up. And he was succeeding.
"Damn it, Reynold! What do you want?” Issie pulled the latest bottle from his hand, placing it back on the shelf. “There's nothing in this shop that can be of use to you."
Reynold grabbed her arm, and a nervous breath escaped her. “That's where thou art wrong. Where did Lady Courtney go?"
Issie pulled out of his grasp, shaking off the searing pain from his tightened fingers. “How do I know? I'm not a nursemaid and you know it. Maybe she's got the flu or something."
"If her sickness is due to thy magic...” Reynold glared into her eyes, his message all too clear.
He's in love with her! That very realization burned her heart to the core. Pity he'll be mourning that love before the sun rises tomorrow.
Seething, Issie stomped to the front of her potion shop. “Get out of here and don't come back until I ask for you,” she said, pointing toward the stables. “You're not wanted here, yet."
"Heed my warning, Isabel.” Reynold spun on his heel, spilling a few more bottles onto the floor.
Issie smiled, watching after him as he left her establishment and headed back toward the stables. With his untimely appearance, and because he knew Courtney was ill, her time was limited. She'd have to move quickly to get everything in line before the last joust of the day.
* * * *
Darkness crept relentlessly through Courtney, the black void becoming deeper and deeper. Coldness, icy and frigid, slithered from her toes and fingers through her limbs. The warm beating of her heart becoming slower, slower.
With her last remaining vestiges of strength, Courtney struggled to reach a piece of the broken teacup before she slipped into a deathly quiet abyss.
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Chapter 18
Reynold hurried down the path, dodging the crowd on his way to the stable. If Lady Courtney was ill, it was because of Isabel and her blackness. He knew he couldn't break into the shop without causing a stir, but his squire might be able to inquire of her welfare without causing questions.
"Will!” Reynold shouted as he came upon the list railings, his body clammy with fear and anger. “Damn it, Will, where art thee?"
"Aye, m'Lord!” Will shouted as he came running out of the barn.
Reynold stopped, breathing deeply to calm his quacking nerves. He hadn't wanted to lose his temper with Issie, but he had, and nothing could change that. “I need thee to seek out the Lady Courtney. There are whispers she lies ill."
Will shuffled his feet, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of barging in unannounced on the Lady Courtney. “Is the shop closed? I cannot."
"Aye, but that shall not stop thee. Use the back entrance. Ask of her whereabouts and then return to me with the information.” Reynold continued to pace along the stalls, willing his temper to settle down to a soft boil.
Hesitation streaked across Will's face.
"Go! Now!” Reynold ordered, seething, and pushed the young squire out the stable doors. He knew Will didn't want to go, but it didn't matter to Reynold whether he wanted to do it or not. All that mattered to him was Lady Courtney's welfare.
I shall kill the witch if she's harmed m'lady. Reynold paced in circles inside the barn. Every time he passed Abraxas, the horse stretched his neck out to his owner. The Black Knight moved over to stroke his steed.
Abraxas nudged his nose into Reynold's chest.
"Aye, Abraxas. Thou knows something's amiss.” He rubbed the horse between his ears, steadily breathing in and out to calm the fear rising inside him. “Thou always comforts me, and makes me look inside m'self."
Still stroking the horse, he stared off into nowhere. I must take heed of Isabel. She must not be allowed to take me under her spell. If I lose control of my will it shall be all she needs to take advantage. I must not allow that to happen. Reynold knew he must wait for Will to return with news of Lady Courtney. He grabbed a brush and began grooming his horse. It always calmed him and cleared his head of cobwebs.
He had to ready Abraxas and himself for the joust before the trumpets sounded. He couldn't lose to Thomas again, rules or no rules. He mustn't lose the Lady Courtney as he'd lost Catherine so long ago.
Again Isabel hath placed me in an intolerable position. If I continue with the joust, m'Lady Courtney could be in grave danger. If I stay and go against Thomas, both Thomas and Lady Courtney would be at Isabel's mercy. Drat! I know not what to do.
Reynold bent on one knee, the amulet warming in his hand. Be merciful and guide m'actions this day.
"Huh, are you ready to be defeated, old friend?” Laughter edged Thomas’ haunting words.
Fool, he still doth not understand the consequences of this day.
"'Tis not I who shall leave defeated, Thomas. I shall not lose again to protect thy name and honor.” Reynold stood, placing the pad and saddle upon Abraxas’ back, the horse dancing in anticipation. “'Tis my honor which needs saving this day, as well as m'lady's life."
Preparing his own horse, Thomas laughed again. “We shall see. You are not wanted here any longer, Reynold. It's time you realized that and left with as much dignity as possible."
"I shall not quarrel with thee this day, Thomas, for thou hath changed. I fear Isabel hast cast a spell upon thy will.” Reynold adjusted the bridle, than tossed the reins across his horse's black and powerful neck.
"That, my friend, is where you couldn't be more wrong. Issie is no more evil than you or I. It took me a while to realize it.” Thomas opened the stall door, his gray gelding following close behind his shoulder. “It would do you well to realize Issie is a goddess among all women. There is no woman who compares to her."
"Aye, a black light goddess. There be nothing good inside the woman. Nothing of beauty, compassion or goodness.” Reynold heard Thomas’ laughter as he headed out the door toward the list. “Remember that, Thomas, or thou shall perish under her blackness."
He knew that somehow Isabel had woven her web of deceit upon Thomas’ will. Now he must not only save Courtney, but he must look after his blood-brother, before they all perished at Isabel's hand.
Mounting Abraxas, Reynold spurred the horse forward, nearly trampling Will in the process.
"What hast thou learned?” Reynold looked down upon the shaking young man. Being trampled by an Andalusian, especially one as big as Abraxas, would make even the bravest knight pee in his armor.
Will caught his breath, breathing deeply. “Word is she took ill this afternoon. All the doors to her shop are closed and locked. I knocked, but no one answered. Lady Courtney may have retired for the day to her home. I left word with Samuel to check the shop."
"She would not leave her shop. Not without a message to someone trustworthy. You did well, many thanks for thy quick thinking.” Reynold looked past the bleachers and trees. He focused on the dressmaker's shop, his concentration centered on Courtney. The beating of his heart became one with the thumping of the pulse in his neck. The amulet quivered, sending a message of forewarning.
Darkness had laid its hand upon Courtney's heart. The amulet never lied, and neither ha
d his heart.
* * * *
The trumpets sounded the arrival of Queen Victoria's court. Will ran ahead, taking his place nearest the gates to the list. One by one the squires announced their knights, but none was more flamboyant than Will's tale of the Black Knight.
"My Lords and Ladies.” Will bowed to the Queen and her court, then turned back to the modern-day audience. “And good people of the land of Heartsease. I give thee Queen Victoria's only knight in all of Heartsease who rides a horse blacker than midnight—the one knight who fears no man and loves no woman in the land—the only knight to ever carry the colors of Heartsease's royalty! The one and only ... Blaaaaaack Kniiiiight!"
Reynold spurred Abraxas forward into the list. The great black Andalusian thundered around the list before Reynold reined the horse next to Thomas. Reynold pushed aside the roar of the crowed echoing in his mind. Nothing, absolutely nothing, would direct his focus away from what needed to be done today.
Until he heard from Samuel regarding the Lady Courtney, he must remain to do battle against Thomas and the other knights of Heartsease. His disappearance would only cause suspicion and send Issie on a rampage of destruction. Reynold had pledged to protect the good people of Heartsease and he would do so, whether in this time period or in his own.
Each knight, in turn, rode to the section selected to cheer them on. One by one they selected a token from a young lady in the crowd, then returned to the center of the list. Reynold rode along the rail, looking for Courtney, yet knowing in his heart she wouldn't be there. Instead he found Isabel sitting on a bench next to the Queen Victoria's court. His anger rose and the amulet against his chest vibrated slightly, sensing the blackness of Isabel's soul.
He reined Abraxas in along the rail to where Isabel sat. He needed to see her face, to see the evil living within someone who was once a beautiful child before he could destroy her. Isabel stood, smiling as she offered her black-laced ribbon as a token for him to be her champion.
What doth she take me for? I am not such a fool as to take what I do not desire. She'll not get what she wants this time. My heart belongs to another.
Reynold lowered his lance just enough for Isabel to reach out with her offering. “Not this day, Issie.” He backed Abraxas, the lance going inches beyond Isabel's reach. “Thy black magic shall die by day's end."
Side-stepping his horse to the right, Reynold lowered his lance to the faire's Queen Victoria. “My loyalty lies with thee and no other, Your Grace,” he announced, feeling a small light of hope and joy filling his heart. The cheers from the crowd thundered through the air as Queen Victoria waved a white lace ribbon high in the air for her loyal subjects to see.
Rising, the Queen tied her white silk ribbon around the tip of Reynold's lance, just below the cronel. “Sir Knight, thy action is most unusual and I am indeed pleased with thy loyalty. Henceforth, thou represents my Court and kingdom for all time."
Reynold nodded, backed Abraxas, then turned and trotted back into place alongside Thomas in the center of the list.
"If you think for one minute that being in the Queen's graces will save you, it won't. I shall defeat you this day, sending you back in shame to where you came from.” Thomas spoke only to Reynold, always looking straight ahead. Not once did he turn to look Reynold in the eye.
"Issie hast poisoned thy mind. Thou doth not realize the consequences of her incantations.” Reynold's heart fluttered as rage, and pity, flitted into his soul. “We are blood-brothers Thomas. I love thee as if of my blood family. Nothing will change that."
They rode off to their respective corners of the list, staring at each other with pride and determination. Whatever might come this day, Reynold knew he'd always look upon Thomas as his brother.
* * * *
Reynold held the leather reins lightly between his fingers, knowing full well that Abraxas would wait for his signal before moving out. The horse's training was far superior to that of any of the other mounts in the list.
Reynold bent forward, rubbing between the black's ears. “How much more of this must be endured, Abraxas? It hath been three events and still no word of the Lady Courtney. I wish to seek her out—but I dare not, for Isabel will triumph once again and all will surely be lost."
It was time. The crowd cheered, and, his heart heavy with worry, Reynold spurred his horse forward. As he neared the target, he raised his lance, capturing all five of the rings. As in the three events before this, he deposited all of the tokens and ribbons at the Queen's feet.
Nodding her head, Queen Victoria stood, holding up the rings. “Loyal subjects of Heartsease, The Black Knight hast once again won. Sir Black Knight hast won all of the events this day.” Acknowledging the crowd's pleasure for a few seconds, she raised her hands to quiet their merrymaking. “However, good people of Heartsease, there is one more event to be completed before—"
A tall, lanky man ran through the list straight toward the Queen and her court. He bowed, then stood next to the Queen. His actions were animated and he appeared to be anxious as he spoke with her.
Whispered words from Will found their way to Reynold's ears. “'Tis Samuel, Sir Reynold."
His blood ran cold as ice. Every ounce of him wanted to ride forward to hear if there was news of Lady Courtney. If he did, the Queen could very easily dismiss him from her court and sentence him to a life that had hastened his father's death. A life of living in poverty and the threat of disease.
Regaining her stature, the Queen stood, looking directly at Reynold. “Sir Black Knight, please present thyself to me."
Reynold quickly spurred Abraxas forward, reining the horse in at a sliding stop. “Your Majesty.” He bowed his head, impatiently waiting. In the minute that passed, it seemed to him as if a lifetime had slowly gone by.
"The Lady Courtney—you must go to her at once!” Her whispered urgency was meant for him alone. “She lies lifeless. The first aid staff have been called to examine her. I'll divert the crowd for a while."
Reynold stared into the worried eyes of the bookkeeper, Samuel. Not more than a second passed before Reynold pulled Samuel up on the back of Abraxas. Pivoting the giant black horse around, Reynold spurred him forward, jumping the list gate as they galloped off to the dressmaker's shop.
The Queen addressed the crowd. “Good people of Heartsease, it appears the squires of the kingdom's knights would like to perform a comedy for thee. We shall all sit back and enjoy their merriment before the jousting continues."
"Tell me what thou knows,” Reynold yelled back to Samuel, people scattering out of the way of the locomotive sound of thundering hooves.
"She's laying on the floor. Her skin is barely warm and..."
"And what, man!” Reynold shouted, halting his horse at the stoop of the shop.
Samuel slid from behind him, grasping Reynold's leg hard. “I don't believe she's breathing. The Bristol first aid staff is on their way."
"I fear ‘tis not the surgeon she needs.” Reynold dismounted, not caring if Abraxas was tethered or not. He burst through the door shoulder first, leaving splintered wood flying in the air.
Weaving through the hanging dresses, Reynold found Courtney near the back door. She looked as if she was sleeping, nothing more. A tea cup from this morning lay broken, and her fingers curled loosely around a jagged piece. His name was barely scratched into the floor above the cup's jagged edge, so faint as to be almost unreadable.
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Chapter 19
Fear rose in Issie like a squall. Reynold would recognize no medicine in the world would be able to save Courtney Parker. Only magic could bring her back from the depths of the death curse eating away her life—and he had that damn amulet to bring her back.
She had to do something to get the Queen to continue on with the jousting, ending the actions of a few squires jumping foolishly around. If not, then her plan to capture Reynold in her web would be all for nothing. She'd flitter away like the sands on the desert if she failed to
bring him to his knees before her. Her magic would die with her soul, as the witch of Heartsease had told her it would.
She'd have to use her knowledge of this century and her special sweet tea to convince this theatrical queen to continue on as planned. The people of this time are gullible enough to take any kindness offered them with open arms, never suspecting darkness awaits them in an instant.
With care not to spill the tea, Issie moved in behind Queen Victoria. Daring to lean ever so close, she could feel the fear of death come from the Queen's soul.
"My Queen, you cannot mean to halt the competition because of a sick dressmaker.” Issie stood behind the Queen just to her left, pouring the tea mixture into the Queen's empty tankard.
Queen Victoria's back went rigid. “Yes, Ms. Cummings, that's exactly what I'm doing and we'll all sit as the squires entertain. We'll not continue until word of Ms. Parker's welfare arrives. In case you've forgotten, we are all family here. Something I dare say you've not embraced and thus know nothing about."
"Forgive me, for you are correct. I have kept my distance for reasons you may never understand.” Issie sighed. “Because of this heat, I've made a sweet tea and it's just cold enough to quench your thirst. Would you care for some? It'll help ease your worried mind.” She held out the drink.
"Thank you, Issie. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” The Queen took the pewter tankard from Issie's hand. “Now, your patience will be appreciated as well. The entire company's aware of what delaying the jousting event will mean. Reynold has been summoned and it was his duty to go; much as it is ours to wait for word of the welfare of Ms. Parker."
"As you wish."
Issie watched the Queen drink from the tankard, and saw her licking her lips to capture remnants of the magic liquid.
* * * *
Reynold leaned over Courtney's body, slowly moving his hands over her lifeless form. The blood root amulet warmed slightly against his skin. “My sweet lady, what hath Isabel done? Fear not m'lady, for I shall bring thee back from the depths of blackness into the warmth of light."
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