by Amy Mullen
She had to think fast. "'Twas a soldier. He came up last night to flirt. He left the rose to impress me. I left it where it was. I am a married woman after all."
Helena seemed to buy the story. She tossed the rose through the bars, and it landed at Gemma's feet. She desperately wanted to reach down and pick it up, but instead she ignored it.
The brunette studied her for a moment. "Was it the tall, handsome one with dark hair and bright eyes? I saw him in the hall last eve late at night. He needed food. I did not recognize him, but then again, I do not know many of the men-at-arms here. Gavin keeps me busy with womanly pursuits befitting a lady."
"Aye," she said, "that may have been him." Her description sounded like Nicholas, but it was vague enough to be half of the men employed here.
"Gavin tells me you will be gone soon. I hope you have not been in too much distress."
"He means to see me harmed!" Gemma said, trying one last time to get some sympathy from the woman.
"Gavin? He would not harm a hair on your head," she said. "He is your brother. He said you must be out of the way. I assume for your own safety. I think he plans to take Blackstone today. 'Tis a shame it had to happen this way."
"Listen to me," she said in an even voice as she walked toward the door. "You have to believe me. Things are not as they seem."
"I shall see you at dinner time with your meal," Helena said with a troubled look on her face as she backed away from Gemma. She then twirled and ran down the steps, her slippered feet barely making a sound as she went.
****
Nicholas woke up stiff. He had been sleeping up against a wall with his knees to his chest. He was in position just below where his wife was being held. Men-at-arms walked to and fro as if something was happening, but no one noticed him. So far his luck had held out. How easy it must have been for Gavin to blend in at Blackstone. He vowed then and there to hand pick his forces and send the rest back to Henry. Also, he would get to know Blaise's men better so no one could ever do this again.
He saw the woman from the night before come out at the base of the tower. She was moving quickly, and she was crying. Though she tried to hide it by keeping her head down, her tears gave her away. Had something happened to Gemma? As he stood to stretch his weary muscles, he watched the woman move purposely toward the keep. A man stopped her, and she threw her arms into the air. Attempts to calm her down failed.
He realized he was staring at Gavin de Vere. He resembled Gemma, but he never would have pegged him as a de Vere unless told. He memorized Gavin's face as he watched them. They had more words. Gavin then glanced around them, grabbed her arm, and took her toward the keep.
"Are ya ready for the big ride?" a stout, shabbily dressed soldier said to him as he poked him in the ribs with his elbow.
Nicholas nodded in answer.
"'Bout time we took Blackstone. We be waitin' far too long if ye ask me," he said as he cut a chunk of cheese in half with a dull blade and offered some to Nicholas. "Patrol said the river be low enough, so we be headed out at sundown. Gavin will soon be the master of Blackstone and that fine gal above will be ours, if ye get me drift." Nicholas waved the cheese away, and the man winked at him.
He said nothing as his stomach rolled. If Gavin was planning to ride out at sunset, he had the advantage. He hoped his men had made the crossing and were out in the nearby woods. He had told them he would give them a signal, but he was not yet sure what the signal might be.
Renoir was a strong castle, but a small one. It was on the River Thames just like Blackstone, but it was surrounded by land whereas Blackstone also had the River Lea for protection. The woods near the castle were thick, which was a huge mistake. Had Hugh Bigod been a smart man, he would have had them cleared or thinned, like Blaise had done near Blackstone. Hugh's mistake was now the advantage of his enemy.
"Our patrol be soon. No one is ta leave the gates, but we have ta keep an extra eye out on the fields. Gavin is not expecting trouble, but he says Nicholas de Reymes be a sly one."
Nicholas chuckled at this and then nodded. They climbed up the steps to get to the top of the tower. Slyly, he peered into the chamber where Gemma was being held, but he did not see her nor did he hear a sound. The rose was missing. He only hoped she held it in her hands now, knowing he was near.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Nicholas grew weary of waiting, though in reality only minutes ticked by as he stood watch atop the castle. He was not sure how he had so easily escaped any attention, but the men seemed to accept him as one of their own. Either Bigod had a high turnover of men, or they were the most undisciplined soldiers he had ever encountered. Watching, he kept his eyes on the woods but saw nothing that would give his men away. That was to be expected. They were well trained, unlike the ones Nicholas now accompanied.
The wait was undetermined, so he used his time wisely. He walked around the top and memorized the layout of the outbuildings. Hugh Bigod went in and out of the chapel many times, but he did not talk to his men or see to anything else. Gavin was looking around the bailey, but he seemed to be distracted, not alert for signs of trouble.
Nicholas sighed. Had this been Blackstone, he would have been riding his men day in and day out. This was no way to defend a stronghold, and this was also to his advantage. They were intolerably laid back, especially with a prisoner in the tower. Orders were given to be ready by sunset, yet they acted as if it were just another day.
"Is there someone among the trees?" a voice behind him said. A few men appeared alarmed, but they did not do much. Nicholas glanced out but saw nothing amiss.
"Mayhap we should find out," another said as he walked up and stood right beside Nicholas. "The lord will be spittin' mad if we miss somethin'." It was a half hour past daybreak. His men should be in place by then.
"I will go," Nicholas volunteered. The perfect way to get out to his men had just presented itself to him. "Aye, but I be needing a horse, I do," he said, stumbling on words, trying to speak like the native English rather than the Norman knight he was.
"Where your horse be?" The man studied him.
"Lost. I came on foot nearly a fortnight past. It threw me afore I could get here it did," Nicholas said lamely.
"Ye can take mine," the man said, obviously relieved someone else was going to ride out of the gates to check things out. "Come ta the stables and I show him to ye. He be a nasty beast, but he rides fast and hard."
Nicholas followed the man to the stables and tried to keep an even stride with him, as if he knew where he was going. He pulled his cap lower over his eyes and prayed he did not run into Gavin or Hugh. There was no doubt after his last run in with Hugh the man would know him on the spot.
They made it to the stables, and the man led him to a stall. The stable boy came and deftly fitted the horse with saddle, bridle, and reins. It was a large horse, but it was not the size of his. He could handle this one easily, but he wished for his own destrier, as he had not been in battle without him since he got him three years prior.
The stable boy was staring at him, so he decided to make haste. He had found the perfect way to get out to meet his men, and he had better go before his luck ran out. Alternatively, he wished to run up, grab Gemma from her prison, and be done with it. However, without his sword, his armor, or his own horse, he knew they did not have a chance to get out alive.
He mounted the testy horse and made his way to the gate. Many were staring at him, but the gate rose so he could exit. Offering a nod to those standing there, he took off toward the woods. Kicking his horse into a gallop, he did not look back until he made it to the trees. He glanced over his shoulder to see none followed. Then, he slowed the horse to an easy trot and went around the edge of the woods. Initially, he did not see his men, but he knew they would be well hidden with a few lookouts waiting for his signal.
The lookouts must have been doing their job. When he approached his men, they did not startle. They knew it was him. They remained quiet, but all broke out in
grins as their lord approached. All of the men, no matter from where they had come just a few months before, respected Nicholas. He had won their loyalty.
Matthew moved his horse forward. "The lady is well?"
"Aye, she is, but I do not know for how long," he said as he made a mental count of the men hiding in the wood. His squire came quickly, asking if he wanted his armor and his sword.
As his squire and two other men helped him dress in his armor, he continued, "The lord is still Hugh Bigod, but this is not his war. He simply harbors the enemy. The man who holds Gemma is her brother, Gavin."
There were a few gasps within the crowd of men. Oliver, who sat in lead, spoke first.
"Are you sure, milord?" he said. "Young Gavin left many years ago, but did visit occasionally. It has been a while, but surely he had not grown bitter over the years so he would wish to harm his father and sisters."
"I do not know how to explain this to you," he said as he stood in full armor before them, "but I do know 'tis him, and he is indeed a bitter man. He has no intentions of releasing Gemma alive. I do not know why, but I do know how. He had himself blend in with the lot of you, but stayed away from those he may have known. Most of you do not know him on sight."
Oliver tipped his head down as if staring at his saddle. "Surely 'tis not the fault of our men, milord," he said and raised his head again. "I do not know half of the men there, as some came with you and some came from Henry. I do not expect the rest to know."
"Nay," Nicholas shook his head emphatically, "I do not hold the men responsible. 'Twas my duty to know, and I did not. Gavin guarded a tunnel that went under the walls. He came and went that way, and no one thought to question him."
There was silence as the men pondered the traitor who had been in their midst for quite a while.
"'Tis no matter now," Nicholas said, "we will make the necessary changes when this is over. Right now our concern is Gemma. She must be safe, and Gavin must be taken down. Hugh is just as responsible in my eyes, even though he was idle. He harbored the enemy and knew of it. I want him alive, if possible. Gavin may be a fierce fighter as he is not of his right mind, so be wary of him in battle."
A lookout came near and reported there had been no more movement at the gates. Nicholas knew if he did not return soon, those within the walls would be notified a soldier went out and did not return. He had to hope reinforcements were on their way and his wife would be safe.
He and Oliver went over their plan while a few riders were sent off to skirt the backside of the woods to watch the river. Oliver had already given the men the battle plans, but he went over things again, sharing what he had learned about the layout of the castle and where men-at-arms would most likely hide to lie in wait.
When the lookout came back at full gallop, Nicholas knew it was time to go. The signal had been given, and there was no time to waste. They had to move now or all would be lost.
He lifted his sword and his men were ready. They marched out of the woods to face the castle, and he let out a cry so loud no one could mistake his intentions. His men sat in formation behind him, swords ready and shields up. Some of his men behind them were on horseback, and their horses pranced as if knowing battle was upon them. The rest would go on foot, as the march was short and the space was limited.
"Hold back!" he shouted as he saw the archers line the catwalk atop the castle facing them. The horn sounded within the walls, and all would be aware he had appeared. They were planning to ride out at sunset, so he hoped he had caught them somewhat unaware. After what he had seen within the walls, he knew this to be true.
The arrows were let loose, and his men knelt behind shields, just as they had been trained. The arrows fell short, as Nicholas had known they would. They had to advance though, and the best way to achieve that was to let the forces within open the gate to come for them.
"Show yourself, Gavin de Vere! I am Nicholas de Reymes, and I have come to avenge the deaths at Blackstone. You shall turn over Lady Gemma and give yourself up to the mercy of the king," he yelled.
Arrows flew again as more men ran atop the castle wall. It would be a waiting game, as he allowed them to exhaust their supply of arrows. He stood fast and heard the call behind him. Henry's men were riding up behind them. Reinforcements had arrived.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Inside, Gemma peered nervously out of an arrow loop. She had heard the shout. Her heart soared at the sight of Nicholas in full battle armor, coming to right the wrongs done to her family. Though he did not love her, he would avenge her father and her people. He would save her. Arrows rained down, falling just short of where he stood. She held her breath, but not one of the men fell. He was a sight to behold. Her heart pounded as she watched him. Only a fool could not see why Henry held him in high regard. He was a fearsome knight.
As she stood on tiptoe to see more, she heard the shouting above and below her. She hoped she would be forgotten in the panic that was overtaking the castle. Footsteps sounded behind her, and she feared someone was coming for her.
"Gemma!" a female voice cried. "Come with me now."
She paused and stared at Helena in amazement.
"Come!" she repeated, "I have to help you. I no longer trust my husband. I will see you to safety if you do as I say and come now. All I ask is you would offer me protection when this is done."
With a nod, she ran to the door. "Aye, I will do as you ask."
Helena pulled out a key and fumbled with it. She had a bundle under her arm. She must have been planning to help her long before now, as the battle outside had only just begun. Fumbling, she got the lock open and pulled Gemma from the room. After the door was locked, they made their way down the steps.
Helena stumbled as a few men raced down the steps around them and into the bailey. Both women stopped, but they were not bothered. She pulled a scarf out of the bundle and ordered Gemma to put it around her hair to hide the color and to shield her face.
Helena stepped out so she could see the bailey, holding Gemma back so she would not be seen. With shaking hands, Gemma wound the scarf around her head the best she could. She feared the scarf would draw more attention, but it was better than nothing. Footsteps pounded around the bailey in all directions. Men were shouting at each other in total confusion. They had not been ready for Nicholas.
Helena pulled Gemma out the archway and ran along the curtain wall with her closely behind her. To anyone looking, they appeared to be the lady with a servant running for cover. Gemma stumbled when she heard Gavin's voice start to shout commands, but they kept running without looking back.
Helena took her behind many of the outbuildings, occasionally running out in the open, but no one stopped them. They were all focused on defending the hold and did not pay any attention to two women running the other way.
Like Blackstone, Renoir had a gatehouse on the River Thames. Helena was leading her outside the walls to safety. They were stopped by two men at the gate. She thought for sure they were caught, but the men barely paid them any heed.
"Gavin sent me with a servant to safety," Helena said, clutching her bundle under her arm.
The men peered at her but barely glanced at Gemma. It was dark in the gatehouse so she ducked her head, trying to appear meek in hopes they would not question her identity. The guards lifted the gate just a foot so they could crawl underneath and urged them to hurry. Gemma held her breath the entire time, but before she knew it, they were out and standing around the corner from the gate, out of sight of the guards atop the catwalk. She could see the woods to their left. The river was to their right.
Helena went to move when something caught Gemma's ear. "Wait," she whispered, holding her back with an arm.
"We must go!" Helena said in alarm, "Before they realize what I have done. Gavin will kill us both!"
"Nay," she said, "look!"
She peered around the corner and made room for Helena to do the same. Boats were streaming in their direction. There was no mistaking it.
It was boat after boat of Henry's men. Most of the men within Renoir were at the far gate, ready to do battle with Nicholas. This would be a surprise.
The women wasted no more time as they moved along the wall carefully but slowly. Gemma did not dare think about what was going on. Nicholas could be in battle right now, and she feared he would be outnumbered before Henry's men could dock. A shout above them signaled the boats had been spotted. She imagined the chaos within the walls. Helena had gotten to her just in time.
Horses came barreling past. Both women stood still and flattened themselves against the stone wall. The horses did not stop. Gemma's heart was racing, and she was heavy with worry. She glanced at Helena, who was holding her hand so hard she feared the woman would break it. She appeared pale. Gemma urged her to breathe.
"You have saved me. I owe you my life," Gemma said. "And now we shall get out of this mess together."
"Gavin," Helena said, stuttering over her husband's name, "He was going to have you killed at sunset. He was not the man I thought he was. I could not in good faith let that happen."
"We can talk later," Gemma squeezed her hand, "'tis now time to make a run for the woods."
But Helena did not move. She appeared overwhelmed. Gemma took her hand and offered a squeeze, deciding to take the lead in their return to safety. Helena had gotten them this far; surely she could take it from there.
"We must go now!" Gemma said, "Nicholas is doing all he can, but we are not helpless. If we stay here, we die. We must run. We must go now."
After a quick look around, Helena drew in a deep breath. They gathered all the courage they could muster and ran out into the field hand in hand and headed toward the trees.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nicholas noted there were not many of Henry's men coming up behind them on horseback. This was a decoy to allow the men on the boats to come ashore and take the castle from the Thames. They were a distraction meant to fool Gavin into thinking he had them outnumbered. It was a ploy they had used before with great success.