Joust In Time

by Debbie Fritter

  "Is she dead?” Samuel's voice came lightly from somewhere in the shop, worry edging the words he dared to ask.

  Reynold lifted Courtney, gently holding her in his arms. “She's in a deep death sleep."

  "What the hell's a ‘death sleep'? That sounds like she's ... dead!” Samuel stood near the cash register, his shadow falling lightly over Courtney's body.

  "Black magic hath made its mark on her soul."

  The hems of hanging dresses whispered across Courtney's limp body as Reynold passed by Samuel. He had no time to waste in explaining to the man what had happened, not when there was so little time left to turn back the spell.

  "Black magic!” Samuel moved in front of Reynold, blocking his way out of the shop. “Black magic? You've got to put her down and wait for the first aid staff! You don't know what you're saying right now. There's no such thing as the practice of magic on the grounds—it's ridiculous to suggest it!"

  "Open thine eyes, Samuel. Magic, black or white, is very strong in thy world. Thy people have not embraced it and thus refuse to believe it exists."

  Reynold stood his ground, controlling his urge to push Samuel aside. As he adjusted the weight of Courtney's body in his arms, his patience ran thin. “Now allow me to pass and undo what hath been done. I'll not lose m'love again to one as evil as Isabel Cummings."

  Samuel hesitated, then stepped aside, allowing Reynold to pass without further objection. “What has Issie to do with this? She's been at the jousting arena all day. Even though she's not well liked, you can't go around accusing someone without cause or proof of treachery."

  Reynold gently laid Courtney on the front stoop of her shop. She looked every bit an angel, her skin as rich as fine china and her lashes as thick as a flower in full bloom. The peaceful sleep enveloping her would fool anyone. If not for the amulet, Reynold wouldn't have known something was amiss.

  Reaching around to the back of his neck, Reynold untied the leather securing the amulet. He opened the pouch and pulled some of the root from its confinement.

  "Samuel, do you have a way to make fire? I must burn this blood root to turn back the spell which hast been cast upon the Lady Courtney."

  Reynold waited for Samuel to strike the sulfur to make the fire. Samuel stared at him for a moment, then rushed outside. He returned moments later with a handful of twigs. He bunched up the twigs on the sink drainer and Reynold watched as Samuel reached into his pants, removing a small box from its hiding place. He opened it and produced a tiny stick, then struck it along the side of the box.

  Soon the room filled with acrid smoke. Once the fire was burned down a little, Reynold placed the piece of blood root in the nest of orange-blue embers until the smoke from the root took hold. Then he laid the root next to the Lady Courtney, waiting for the spell to turn back and for his lady love to return from the depths of darkness.

  * * * *

  Through the shadows of sleep, the sound of trumpets and merry-making seeped their way into Courtney's senses. The smell of human waste and mildewed hay assaulted her nose.

  Horses neighed under the commands of their riders. Hooves pounded on the hardness of the ground. The clash of steel against steel echoed through her mind.

  The eerie melody of Issie Cumming's voice floated around her. “Ruin him, Sir Thomas!"

  Issie—what's she doing? She's not the queen of this faire. She has no power here.

  The vision became clearer. She sat at the jousting arena, waiting for the final joust of the day. Everyone around her was dressed in 15th Century clothing; there wasn't a modern outfit amongst them. She looked down; her own clothing was of the finest fabric.

  In the middle of the arena, the Black Knight and Sir Thomas sat side-by-side on their horses. She knew who they were even though their backs were turned to her.

  Thomas’ voice echoed through the arena. “On this day, I refuse to take the Black Knight's life to ease thy pride and bruised heart.” His words produced a look of warning on Issie's face at the refused order. The expression made her face unpleasing and unbecoming of a queen. As Courtney watched, Isabel signaled to a man standing just outside the stage, animatedly giving him orders of some kind.

  The man stepped forward and made an announcement. “If the Black Knight loses, he will remove the coat of arms signifying his alliance with Heartsease and be banished from these lands for all time. If he should be the victor, then Sir Thomas will be stripped of knighthood and work the land as his father before him. In addition, the Black Knight shall do the Queen's bidding day and night as Queen Isabel so chooses."

  Courtney watched as Reynold and Thomas rode around the arena, until Reynold stopped, just inches from her.

  "How can I help but not fail, Catherine?” he whispered to the lovely, but plainly-dressed maiden sitting next to Courtney.

  Catherine?

  Courtney leaned toward the woman next to her, but couldn't hear the words the maiden said as she tied a ribbon around Reynold's lance. When the dark-haired woman leaned back in her seat, a tear slipped from the corner of her eye. Something about her was familiar and sad. Is this the Catherine who held Reynold's heart so tightly? Is this the woman I was hundreds of years ago? Or is this just a dream my mind's conjured up from long hours of reading about Heartsease?

  A cacophony of cries pulled Courtney's attention back to the arena. Reynold spurred Abraxas around and charged his life-long friend. The two passed and Thomas lifted his lance, missing Reynold by inches. Reynold fell sideways, his booted foot caught in the stirrup, his body being dragged to the west end of the arena.

  No, it's just as the book and Thomas’ journal was written. Everything Reynold's been trying to tell us is true. How could I be such a fool not to believe my heart?

  "Reynold!” she cried out, enveloped in warmth as she left the cold blackness behind.

  "I'm here m'lady."

  Reynold's sultry voice lifted her further toward the safety of the light.

  "Samuel, stay with her. I must confront Issie with this matter."

  Courtney felt her body being lifted slightly. The warmth of lips touching hers sent a rush through her body. Her heart radiated with love as she was lowered back to the ground.

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  Chapter 20

  A renewed sense of life filled Reynold's heart knowing he'd arrived in time and the Lady Courtney had risen from the depths of Issie's magic. His heart pumped hot blood through his veins, fueling his desire to punish Issie for her meddling ways. The woman who owned his heart would live, and hopefully so would he.

  Leaving Abraxas behind, Reynold raced down the hill on foot, full throttle toward the list. He'd a score to settle with Isabel before the day ended. First he had to reach Thomas and reason with him before the last joust began.

  Reaching the list gates, Reynold pushed open the heavy wooden entry. He owed much to this new and strange Queen of Heartsease, more than he could ever repay. He owed nothing to his former queen and childhood friend, Isabel Trenowyth.

  Once her father had died, Isabel had gone too far in her jealousy and evil desire to possess him. Her father had left her to rule a kingdom, and she had no passion for its people. It had to end—and this day would be as good as any other.

  Reynold jogged across the list grounds, catching his breath as he approached Queen Victoria. Issie stood only inches from the Queen's side, looking like a bird circling its prey. Reynold paused. Taking a deep breath to calm the rage beginning to build, he got down on one knee and bowed his head. “M'Queen, the Lady Courtney is recovering from a spell. She shall be able to return to her duties in the morrow."

  Queen Victoria leaned closer to the railing of the royal podium. “'Tis good news. However, thou seems to have lost thy mount. How dost thee propose to win the tournament?"

  Reynold looked from Issie to the Queen, choosing his words carefully. “If it would please Your Majesty, hand combat would truly show the strength and loyalty of thy knights."

  "Thou's brilliant
! Go and prepare thyself.” The Queen rose, calling out to her royal subjects.

  "The Black Knight has returned and the tournament shall continue! All squires shall return to their knights and do their bidding."

  Reynold stood, his stare never leaving the laughing eyes of Issie. He knew there would be more evil to be dealt with before this day came to an end.

  * * * *

  Thomas stood, hands on hips, taunting Reynold. “So, the great Black Knight has returned to face the music! Or are you here begging for mercy on your pitiful soul?"

  "Be careful, m'friend. The evil of this day hast just begun. Things may not be as thou believes.” Reynold sauntered over to his weapons, inspecting each of them for their weight and sturdiness. His squire had done well in keeping them in good fighting condition—but he'd not need anything but his sword; no other weapon would serve its purpose.

  Thomas tried to provoke him again. “Humph! The mighty Black Knight has words of wisdom. Words I dare say are as empty as his heart. You allow your mind to follow the fancy of a pretty face, not that of the battlefield."

  Thomas sidled up to Reynold, near enough for him to feel the man's breath on his ear. “And what is a knight without his horse? It seems to me you are without yours, Reynold."

  Reynold rocked back on his heels. “Abraxas will be along soon enough. Thou shall not tax thy brain on how he fares."

  Pushing aggressively close to Thomas, Reynold slipped some blood root into the side of Thomas’ breastplate. “This day shalt not end as Issie hast foreseen. For once her stones hath told her lies."

  "You're out of your mind. Issie knows exactly what she's doing and what needs to be done.” Thomas pushed back at Reynold, forcing him against the nearest stall wall—the distance a welcome sanctuary before anger took hold of Reynold's common sense. “You of all people should know that. You with your stories of the past and the present being one. Huh! And to think I almost fell for it."

  Reynold righted himself then took one step closer to Thomas. “Issie is a woman lost in her own power and the power of black magic. She almost succeeded in poisoning Lady Courtney, just as she hast poisoned thy mind."

  "The only one poisoning peoples’ minds is you, Reynold. You and you alone!” Thomas left the stable, his laughter following close behind him.

  Reynold called out after him, praying the blood root would soon turn back Issie's hold on Thomas’ mind. “Thou shalt remember, m'friend! Before this day hast ended!"

  * * * *

  Issie couldn't help but be pleased with herself. Even if it were true Courtney had escaped her deep sleep, she wouldn't have the energy to do anything to stop Issie's plans. From her position behind Queen Victoria, Issie would have not only the Queen well in hand, but also Thomas. Reynold possessed no magic and no way of turning her black spells back—not even his amulet would be able to stop her over such a distance.

  Thomas, one of her pawns in the scheme of things, stood in the middle of the list. His squire gathered the weaponry needed to take Reynold out, returning him to the 15th Century where she'd find him lying naked in her bed.

  Issie shook her head, chasing the image away. There'd be plenty of time for fantasies of what she'd do with Reynold; right now she had more pressing issues—like destroying his will to resist her.

  Reynold walked through the list, head held high, sword at his side. His squire stood at the gates, no other weapons in sight. Reynold entered the battle alone.

  The blood running through Issie's body burned her like never before. “Do not allow his show of bravery to sway thee, Your Highness,” Issie whispered lightly into Queen Victoria's ear, the words so soft no one else took notice of them.

  Heartsease's Queen Victoria raised her hands, quieting the roaring crowd which had grown since Reynold's return to the jousting arena. “Good people of Heartsease! On this day two of my most loyal knights shall battle in hand-to-hand combat. Art thou agreeable, Sir Thomas and Black Knight?"

  "Thy pleasure is mine, Your Highness.” Thomas bowed, sweeping his arm toward the Queen.

  "Very well, Sir Thomas.” Turning to face Reynold, Queen Victoria waited for his answer. When none came, she asked him again. “Black Knight, what say thee? Art thou agreeable or not?"

  "How can I agree when I know not the conditions of battling a blood-brother?” Reynold stood proud, tall and strong, looking like a sentinel for a fortress in the night.

  Issie watched him avidly. His trait to self-confidence and independence was one she'd be sure to dissolve quickly when she became his master and he her love slave.

  Leaning forward, Issie touched Queen Victoria's shoulder. “The Black Knight makes light of thy challenge, my Queen. Mayhap that confrontation is not worthy of him spilling blood this day."

  Queen Victoria thought for a moment, her hand tapping Issie's lightly. “I believe thou art correct, Issie. What do you propose?"

  Issie leaned closer still, whispering into her ear.

  "Quite right.” Queen Victoria rose, her hands clenched at her sides. “People of Heartsease! The Black Knight makes fun of the Queen and her Court. I renounce him as my champion and demand the following. The Black Knight and Sir Thomas shall fight in combat, with whatever weaponry they so chose. Should the Black Knight win, or lose to Sir Thomas, he is bound to the mercy of this Court.” She turned her attention to Thomas, Issie still whispering instructions in her ear. “Sir Thomas, if you fail to rid the Black Knight of his life, you shall return to the plow fields from whence you came."

  Issie's heart pounded in her chest. She fingered the small dagger hidden amongst her skirts, and her skin grew clammy with anticipation. Reynold wouldn't dare to have Thomas reduced to working the land. There was no way out for him this time—she'd made sure not to make the same mistake twice. Even if it meant ending his life. She lashed out a thought at Thomas.

  Thomas! If you love me, strike him down now!

  Quick as lightening, her slave swung his sword at Reynold's legs, upending him onto the dirt. His laughter echoed through the cheering of the unsuspecting crowd.

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  Chapter 21

  Courtney rose further from the depths of the blackness clawing at her soul. The scent of burning herbs pushed the dark void further away, freeing her from the evil claws of death. From somewhere in the universe a soft light filtered its way through her lashes. Warmth spread, sending the last of the coldness out of her body, and she opened her eyes.

  Samuel sat quietly next to her, wringing his hands and sighing deeply. She reached out, resting a hand on the sleeve of his tunic. Startled, Samuel jumped at the wispy touch.

  "Samuel, it's okay.” Her words, soft and airy, barely filled the space between them.

  "Courtney! Thank the heavens you're awake. Reynold said the herb would bring you about, but I didn't believe him. I still find it hard to believe. The first aid people wanted to call for an ambulance; I had to physically force them out of here."

  "Why would I need medical attention? I only fell asleep.” Courtney's mind raced, trying to replay what had happened earlier in the day.

  Samuel looked at her, saying in a hushed voice, “We thought you died, Courtney. Reynold brought you back to life."

  Died? Why would any one think I was dead? Nothing weird happened today. Sales were great. Thomas brought me a pot of tea, saying it would sooth me. Then there was Issie in the room and I was falling.

  Issie! Thomas!

  Her mind replayed the scene she'd lived in the darkness of her soul. Heartsease. Queen Isabel commanding the jousting. Reynold being dragged by his horse. “Where are Reynold and Thomas right now? I must talk to them.” She pushed herself into a sitting position, willing the swirl in her head to subside.

  Samuel held her arm, giving her the support her body needed. “They're at the jousting arena. Reynold lit some kind of herb he had and once there were signs of you waking, he went outside, whispered into his horse's ear, then ran off to the arena after whispering into his
horse's ear. Abraxas is waiting outside, standing like a sentinel at your doorstep. The damn horse won't let anyone near the place."

  "I've got to get down there, before it's too late.” Courtney swung her legs over the side of the make-shift cot, her feet landing gently on the floorboards.

  Standing in protest, Samuel kept a hold of her arm. “You should wait until Reynold returns. It's too soon for you to be moving about."

  "I can't, Samuel.” Courtney moved slowly through the dress shop, grasping anything for a means of support. “You don't know what I know. You don't know what I've seen. Someone's going to get hurt badly today."

  Standing just inches from her, Samuel was ready to catch her should she faint away. “No one's going to get hurt. You know the way of the joust and the rules that govern the faire. Boys will be boys and they love playing make-believe. They've all been trained well. You know that."

  "You don't understand.” Courtney stopped mere inches from the door of her shop. She had to convince Samuel what she said was true. “Heartsease was a real place in time. Reynold is the Black Knight. Issie is the true Queen Isabel. It's not a myth, Samuel."

  Samuel wrapped his arm around her shoulder, hugging her for a moment. “You're still in a funk of some kind. You've spent much too much time reading and researching that myth. Now, come sit down for a few minutes. I'll get you some of the tea I saw on the back counter. I'll help to sooth and ease your mind.” Samuel pulled up a chair for her to sit in, then turned to go to the back room.

  Tea to soothe me! That's what Thomas said when he brought it to me. “No—no tea, I've had more than my share of it. Bring the book about Heartsease instead. I'll prove to you what I'm saying is true.” Tears pooled in her eyes. How could Thomas betray our friendship so easily? Did he knowingly give me a drug? And why was Issie in my dress shop when I went to sleep? Could it be she's behind all this madness?

  Courtney wiped away a single tear that dared to escape from the corner of her eye. She'd not show weakness now—she couldn't afford to. Not now, not ever.