* * * *
Getting up on his hands and knees, Reynold spat out the dirt that had settled in his mouth. If it wasn't that he knew Thomas didn't realize what he'd done, Reynold would have struck him down; blood-brother or not.
Queen Victoria's laughter did little to sweeten the evil gibberish of Issie's squawks of joy. The two sounds blended together as well as whale's oil and water.
Issie screamed her scorn out over the arena. “See how the Black Knight hast already fallen, my Queen? It was wise for thee to renounce him as thy champion; he would bring shame to thy Court. His weakness is evident, even now as he huddles on his haunches like a shameful child to be disciplined.” She smiled wickedly at Reynold—she wanted to be sure he'd hear her accusing words.
* * * *
Little did she know those very accusations only fueled his desire to rid this world of her evil so that they might all live again as they should have.
Will ran to his side, taking hold of an arm as Reynold got to his feet.
"I need not thy help. Tell me where Thomas hast gone.” Reynold pushed Will gently to the side. The stronger he looked the better. Any show of weakness and Issie would only increase her blackness over them all.
Sweat beaded on Will's brow, his eyes full of apprehension and confusion. “To the stable to get his horse. Is this not to be combat on the ground rather than on horseback?"
Reynold patted him on the shoulder. “Aye, Thomas knows not what he's doing. Forgive me, Will, I'll not need thee this day. Thou hast served me well."
Reynold dusted himself off. Jogging toward the west end of the list opening, he prayed the herb would soon turn Thomas around.
"Thomas, where art thee!” Reynold yelled the words several yards from the stable. “Hath thou fled the list entangled in a web of deceit? Or shall I take thy white-livered deed as thy only code of honor?"
Thomas showed himself at the stable entrance, sword and shield in hand. “You are nothing to me, Black Knight!” He charged forward, sword raised to the sky.
Reynold drew his sword moments before he'd have been struck on the shoulder. Turning around, he found Thomas stumbling to regain his feet. He stood ready for the attack of Thomas’ sword.
Steel clashed steel as they lunged, each giving nothing to the other. The loud clashes sent sparks flying, with the blades missing their targets by mere inches, Reynold's heart pumped rapidly. His breathing labored, his arms ached with each thrust from the weight of the sword.
"We are blood-brothers!” he called out, falling and rolling out of the way of Thomas’ next assault.
"You are nothing to me, but the enemy!” Thomas swung his sword again, missing Reynold's arm. “There'll be great honor in defeating you, Black Knight."
Leaping to his feet, Reynold ducked and swept Thomas off his feet. He pressed a knee onto Thomas’ chest, the tip of his sword pressing at the base of the man's neck. One thrust and it would all end. Everything would be lost to Reynold and Issie would win.
"You hesitate to do the deed—why?” Thomas’ breath came slowly with the weight of Reynold's body on him.
Reynold looked deeper into Thomas’ eyes, sensing the beginning of recognition. “Thou art of my blood, made by the bond on thine arm.” Reynold ripped open the sleeve covering the scar on Thomas’ arm. “There is nothing stronger than blood-brothers."
Rising, Reynold freed Thomas. He turned his back on him, hoping he'd realize their fate lay in his next move. He could feel Thomas’ presence behind him, and guessed the man was confused.
Reynold remained standing, his back to a man he'd give his own life for; a man he loved as if he were his own brother from their mother's womb; a man he trusted even now.
"Kill him, Sir Thomas!” Issie's shrilled command broke through the silence of the watching crowd. “Kill him now!"
Reynold felt hot breath on his neck, and knew Thomas had moved very close. “If thou art up to the task, make it swift, my brother."
He felt a hand grasp at his neck.
A sudden sound of thundering hooves, and then a cry pierced the air of the arena.
"NO!"
* * * *
The mighty Andalusian leaped easily over the gates, never missing a step. He came to a sliding stop at Reynold's shoulder, and Courtney slid to the ground from his back.
"Thomas! Think about what you're doing!” Courtney's voice sounded soft and soothing to her own ears. Now if only she could convince Thomas to relinquish his hold of Reynold, they all might get through this without a scratch. “Issie has bewitched you. I don't know how or why but she has. Just like when she sent you to give me the tea, do you remember that Thomas? The tea was poisoned somehow. Reynold saved me, just as he's trying to save you now."
Reynold reached out for her arm, his eyes pleading with her. “Thou needs to leave the list, Lady Courtney. This is no place for a lady."
Thomas tightened his hold on Reynold's neck, securing him in place. “I remember well, Reynold. I alone must undo the damage done this day. Forgive me, brother.” His whispered pledge reached Courtney's ears.
Reynold stiffened, the hold around his neck tightening. “You cannot do this alone."
"Thomas, please. I beg of you.” Courtney stepped closer, tears trailing down her cheeks. She had to put a stop to this madness. “People of Heartsease, dost thee wish to witness one knight slay another without honor?"
The cheering crowd did nothing to raise her hopes. They were blind to what was really happening before their eyes. They all believed it was part of the performance today, nearly the last day of the season.
Issie jumped from her position at the queen's side and ran into the arena, her skirts billowing behind her. “Kill him, Thomas and you can do what you will with the Lady Courtney. I give her to you.” The woman pushed at Courtney. “She'll be a prize worth taking, don't you agree?” Her breath landed on Courtney's ear.
Courtney shook her head, fear running rampant through her. “No, Thomas. Please don't do this. You don't have to do this."
"Do it, Thomas, or I shall run my knife through her,” Issie hissed, pressing the tip of her dagger into Courtney's ribcage.
"As you wish.” Thomas bowed his head and with the swiftness of a cat he hit Reynold in the head with the back of his sword. Reynold fell limp to the ground.
"Oh god, Thomas!” Courtney's cry flew through the arena. The crowd cheered, urging that the scene below them be played out fully.
"I give you the Black Knight to do with as you please,” Thomas said, kicking aside one of Reynold's legs. “Now give me the Lady Courtney."
"Do you think me the fool, Thomas? Give you the one thing in this world that gives Reynold love?” Issie pressed the knife closer into Courtney's ribs.
"No, no please. I'll do anything you say,” Courtney pleaded, not knowing if Thomas was with them or not. Something about the momentary sparkle in his eye gave her hope.
Thomas grabbed Courtney's arm, yanking her away from Issie. “She's mine, Issie. My friend, my confidant and my blood-brother's love."
As if on signal, Reynold rose up, grabbing Issie's hand. Pulling her down, he brought her to the ground on top of him. A moan of surprise escaped her. “Why, Reynold?” she asked, as her mortal body turned to ashes and drifted away with the wind. The amulet had done its work.
Cheers roared through the arena. Queen Victoria and her court sat mystified, for surely there were mirrors set up causing such an illusion. They'd find Issie back at her shop, selling her potions. No one just disappeared into thin air.
Courtney helped Reynold to his feet, steadying him as he took a step. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he held her close. Courtney nestled in closer, the warmth of his body igniting hers.
Looking down into her eyes, he smiled sweetly through the pain of injury. “Tell me fair lady, do we know each other?” Reynold stooped, lifting her chin to peer deeper into her eyes. “I feel as though I should know you well."
"I believe, sir, our paths may have crossed at
another faire long, long ago in another time and another place.” Her heart beat in rhythm with his, as if they were one.
"I believe you are right, Lady Courtney.” His head tilted slightly. Their lips met, molten with sweetness and passion.
With Abraxas following behind, she knew right then and there—she'd truly met her Black Knight of Heartsease.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Epilogue
One Year Later
"Tell me, Sir Black Knight.” Queen Victoria smiled from her throne as she spoke. “How is it thou came to my kingdom?"
Reynold bowed on one knee, raising his head slightly to make eye contact with Queen Victoria. “My Queen, black magic and the will of an impassionate queen brought me to thy land."
"Black magic? Thou believes in such matters of witchcraft?"
"Aye, my Queen. Witchcraft ran deep in my homeland.” Reynold waited for her next question. He was sure the knees of his best set of britches would be covered with dirt. How would he be able to face Lady Courtney on their wedding day, with dirty knees?
"And what of the world outside the gates of my kingdom?” Queen Victoria asked, on the verge of laughing. “Hath thou become accustomed to that world?"
Reynold stood, a smile creeping across his face. “I have, but not yet mastered or understand the many contraptions at the Lady Courtney's farm. I give credit to m'lady for her patience."
Courtney's laughter filled the air. “He has nearly cost me a fortune in replacing a few appliances, not to mention the television, which he believes is evil and must be destroyed continuously."
"I can only imagine.” Queen Victoria stood and approached Reynold, her eyes glued to his as if she were looking for something lurking inside his soul. “You are working the land then, Sir Reynold, when not called upon to protect my kingdom?"
"Aye, Your Majesty. M'lady keeps me in the barn far too long, I fear."
Queen Victoria motioned for the Lady Courtney to approach. “Lady Courtney, with all that hast happened, dost thou believe thy heart belongs to only one man?"
Lady Courtney curtsied, then stood before the Queen. “Yes, your majesty. His manner may be different from ours, but he has always held my heart."
"And that thou shall continue his education with a firm and loving hand?"
Courtney's cheeks blushed a beautiful pale shade of pink. “That and more, my Queen. I can only attend to my sewing when he sleeps, and doesn't need constant guardianship."
"And Sir Thomas, what say thee?"
Thomas came forward, taking a stand next to Reynold, and dropped to one knee. “We know not what path our life takes during our time here. I believe Sir Reynold was brought to us for one purpose, to right a wrong that was done upon him and those he loved many years ago."
Queen Victoria nodded in agreement. “Then rise."
Reynold stood next to Courtney, not daring to touch her. She wasn't his yet—but she would be.
"Then by the order of this land of Heartsease, Sir Black Knight and Lady Courtney shall always and forever take up household as man and wife.” Queen Victoria walked toward them, a smile as bright as the morning sun on her face. Taking Lady Courtney's hand, she placed it upon Reynold's. “As long as Heartsease lives in their hearts, they will always find pleasure and happiness with each other."
The cheering and clapping from the players of the Bristol faire surrounded and wrapped them in a sense of homecoming. Finally, the Knight had found his Lady in a strange and wonderful land.
[Back to Table of Contents]
GLOSSARY OF MEDIEVAL PHRASES, TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS
Sources:
Medieval Wordbook, Madeleine Pelner Cosman.
A Knight and His Horse, Second Edition, Ewart Oakeshott
Arcon: front of war-saddle that curves upward; wooden framework of saddle tree
Arnet: fifteenth-century helmet
Aroint: away
Art: are
Bannock: a flaky, gritty, unleavened barley, pease or wheat bread often embellished with glazed fruit and currants
Bard: horse's armor; protective metal plates for a horse's neck, breast, or flanks
Caparison: horse's ornamental and ceremonial blanket or costume
Cronel: a special head shaped like a crown with no sharpened edges fitted to lances; used to joust à plaisance
Dost: does
Doth: do
Ergotism: a disease caused by fungal changes in rye grain seed
Grimoire: book of spells, potions
Grammarcy: thank you
Hast: has
Hath: have
Joust à plaisance: jousting for pleasure; competition
List: jousting arena love-jousting: sexual intercourse mail: flexible armor, consisting of rings linked together; small exterior plates nay: no ne'r: never salmagundi: a mixed, aromatic stew, combining several meats, vegetables and spices
(Thee and thou: Thee is the objective case of thou, eg This sword hath ended him; so shall it thee, Unless thou yield thee as my prisoner.)
thou: you thy: your/the tilt: long barrier extending the full length of the lists separating competitors, affording extra protection to each competitor wherefore: why
[Back to Table of Contents]
About the Author
Ms. Fritter's first book, The Perfect Match, was released in April 2005 by Whiskey Creek Press. It was followed by the award-winning A Legacy Through Time, Fallen Angels Reviews 2005 Book of the Year, in August; “Emerald", a short story in Tales From the Treasure Trove, 2006 EPPIE Winner for Best Anthology, in September 2005. In June 2005, Whiskey Creek Press Torrid published her award-winning sci-fi erotica, S.P.A.R., which was voted 2005 Best Erotic Romance Ebook by www.Ecataromance.com. Ms. Fritter's books are available in ebook and/or print formats, and can be purchased through her websites: www.debbiefritter.net and www.debiwilder.net.
Ms. Fritter is a member of the Electronic Publishers Internet Connection. Ms. Fritter has lived in south-central Wisconsin all but six months of her life. She spent most of her days growing up in Madison where she was born, but never forgot about her childhood years in Lake Mills during the early 1960s. She and her husband, Randy, returned to Lake Mills approximately four years ago and plan to stay in the area until they retire to Oklahoma.
If it's one thing Debbie's learned over the years of her life, it's that you can never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars, because sooner or later you just may get to touch one and it'll bring you more happiness than you can ever imagine. She feels lucky, and blessed, that over the past couple of years she's been able to reach out and touch two stars—and she's still reaching for more.
Visist her website at: www.debbiefritter.net/
[Back to Table of Contents]
For your reading pleasure, we invite you to visit our web bookstore
* * * *
* * * *
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
* * *
Visit www.whiskeycreekpress.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
Joust In Time Page 14