by Alexa Aston
Men and women appeared, swinging buckets in both hands, both from the castle and nearby cottages, where tenants always kept buckets filled with water outside their own doorways in case of fire. Cassiana kept calm, directing everyone where to go as they lined up and buckets were passed from person to person. Soldiers with firehooks appeared and Landon took charge of that group, leading them close to the barn as he snagged a hook from a man. The soldiers divided as some began to use the hooks to pull the thatch to the ground, while the remaining half pounded at the sides, collapsing the structure where it had yet to burn.
Everything went as they’d practiced. Some worked at putting out the fire. Others, once the walls were knocked down, gathered sheaves and trotted out with them, placing them in carts that had arrived, drivers hurrying away from the smoke and flames. Cassiana had no idea how long they worked until the threat ended and all flames died out. Her eyes stung and her throat burned from breathing in the bitter smell of smoke. All around her, people slumped to the ground, fatigued from their intense effort. She hurried from group to group, checking to see if anyone was injured. Malkyn, their healer, gathered those who needed tending, telling Cassiana that only a handful had suffered mild burns, though many coughed from inhaling the waves of black smoke that had poured from the building.
She noticed Landon making his way through the crowds, touching shoulders, offering words of comfort and encouragement, until he finally reached her. Wordlessly, he opened his arms and she walked into them. He wrapped her against him, his hand stroking her head, murmuring words she didn’t bother listening to. All she knew was he was here, with her, holding her, keeping her safe.
Finally, he released her. “We must check on the harvest. See what was lost.”
Numbly, she nodded. Leading him away from the smoldering ashes, she said, “The fire didn’t touch the fields. We still have two days of wheat to harvest. That is good news.”
Landon nodded, placing an arm about her shoulders. “Most of the sheaves were stored on the left side of the shed. The fire burned through the right wall and first consumed two large carts that must have ferried the wheat from the fields. It took a while to burn through those and the oxen that were stabled there. In truth, I believe very few sheaves were lost. It could have been much worse.”
Cassiana sighed. “It was an exceptional harvest this year. Hobart and I were surprised at the numbers. Even with what was lost before we arrived, I believe the people saved enough to still make our harvest successful.”
Hobart greeted them. “I’ve begun a count, my lady, my lord. If you’ll give me a few more minutes, I’ll be happy to give you an idea of how many sheaves were saved.”
“Go ahead, Hobart,” Landon told him. “We’ll speak with you soon.” He led Cassiana back to the place where the barn had stood. Cupping her cheek, he said, “I must address our people.”
He parted from her and shouted for everyone to gather around. Once the crowd settled down, he addressed them.
“You fought as bravely today as any people I’ve ever seen. Fire is a devastating enemy but thanks to Lady Cassiana, you were prepared to do your duty. From what Hobart tells us, most of the autumn harvest was saved.”
Cassiana saw the relief spread through the crowd of soldiers, servants, and tenants alike.
“The first thing that must be done is to quickly rebuild the drying barn,” Landon said. “Our English weather is prone to rain. I’ll divide groups into teams, including our soldiers, in order to rebuild the structure as quickly as possible. If we work without stopping, replenishing with new workers every few hours, the structure should be completed in two days’ time.”
“What about the harvest, my lord?” a voice called out. “We still have wheat to gather in the fields, at least a couple of days’ worth.”
“Then I’ll have our soldiers and the castle’s servants, led by our carpenters, build the shed. The rest of you will collect the wheat from the fields. By the time you finish, the barn will be completed and the remaining tying and winnowing can occur.”
“Why should a soldier have to build a shed?” called out a disgruntled man.
“Come forth, soldier,” Landon commanded.
Cassiana recognized one of their newest hires come and plant his feet in front of Landon, an air of arrogance blanketing him.
“Your name isn’t important to me,” Landon said, his tone icy. “For you are no longer a part of Briarwood. Collect your gear and leave at once.”
“But I—”
“There is no I, man. There is only we in a time of crisis. If this wheat harvest is not collected in time, we starve. Together. I will not let that happen. The people of Briarwood will work as one community and guarantee our success. You are no longer a part of us and are dismissed. Forever.”
Reluctantly, the soldier looked around to see if he had any support—and found none. He stormed off as the crowd watched him in silence.
Landon looked to the group and found Sir Adam, motioning him over.
“Sir Adam, you, I, and Lady Cassiana will work out a temporary schedule that will assure that Briarwood’s roads and people are protected but we will suspend training for the next few days until things are back in good shape.”
“Aye, my lord,” the captain said firmly, approval of Landon reflected in his eyes.
“Sir Baldwin?”
“Here, my lord.” The knight stepped forward.
Once more, Landon gave this knight orders to work with Malkyn to gather the wounded and see them back to the keep and then called forth others, one after another. Soon, Cook had enough hands to help her feed the workers around the clock and the carpenters laid out plans for a new barn. Soldiers were dispatched to cut and haul the wood. Hobart reported with an early estimate of what had been saved. Everyone dispersed, ready to do what they could to contribute to right things at Briarwood.
Cassiana observed Landon throughout, her admiration for him growing. He proved a natural leader and quick thinker. The new earl rallied everyone to a collective cause and had his people ready—even eager—to please him.
She moved toward him as he sent the last person off.
“Are you all right?” he asked, concern for her shining in his eyes.
“I am,” she said firmly, not wanting him to waste time worrying about her when so much had to be done.
He lifted a stray curl from her cheek and rubbed it between his fingers before pushing it back from her face. “You were magnificent,” he said.
“What?” His words startled her.
“You took charge from the moment the man cried fire. You remained calmed as you directed others what to do. ’Tis obvious you have practiced for this very kind of disaster for every person knew his role and acted swiftly, without panicking.” His eyes gleamed in approval. “Because of you, this incident went from being a catastrophe to a mere inconvenience.”
Cassiana shook her head. “I may have drilled the people in what to do but you, my lord, took charge and guided them. As a true liege lord should.”
Landon’s hands captured her waist, his thumbs rubbing back and forth, causing butterflies to explode within her belly. “I suspect we have mutual admiration for one another, my lady. I can see you will make a formidable countess. I certainly plan to let the king know how pleased I am with his choice for me.”
He pressed warm lips to her brow in a tender kiss and then pulled her against him, holding her a long moment. Cassiana’s cheek pressed against his gypon, sensing the beating of his heart against it. Despite the tumultuous events of the last hour, contentment spread through her.
She couldn’t wait to wed this man.
*
As promised, the drying shed was completed on time and the last of the wheat taken from the fields and bundled into sheaves. Everyone at Briarwood had pitched in and made the impossible occur. Because of that, Cassiana had told Landon that they should go forth with the harvest home celebration as they broke their fast in the great hall.
“
What’s that?” he inquired.
“Once the autumn harvest is stored in the shed, ’tis been our custom to celebrate bringing in the sheaves.”
“How is that done?”
“We give the people a day of rest before the tying and winnowing continue. There’s food and music. Dancing. Games. A true day of rejoicing, seeing the harvest is safe and that bread will fill the tables through the next year.”
“Hmm. Sounds like a wedding celebration to me. Minus the actual ceremony.”
Cassiana felt her cheeks heat. “True, but it doesn’t involve our neighbors. And you don’t need fine attire to attend. That reminds me, I need to measure you. We’ve been so busy the past few days, I haven’t begun on any kind of wardrobe for you. While I have cloth stored to complete most of what needs to be sewn for you, I haven’t the material for our wedding finery. That will require a trip into Berwick-upon-Tweed.” She thought a moment. “And we still have yet to issue invitations to our neighbors. Those missives must go out now that we have messengers available who can ride and carry them to their destinations.”
Landon gave her a long, heated look, causing her toes to curl. “It seems you’re telling me that our two weeks to prepare is only starting now.”
“I’m sorry for the delay but who knew we would be fighting a fire and having to rescue our crop?”
“I’ll give you two weeks from today,” he said grudgingly. “No more.”
“Then come to the solar with me. I’ll need to measure you. I won’t have time to make everything for you. We have a seamstress for that.”
“Shouldn’t she be the one to measure me?” he asked.
“Nay.” Already Cassiana felt possessive of this man and didn’t want another woman’s hands upon him.
She had him stand still and took his measurements, promising that she would pass them along.
“We should go to the city today. That way, we can purchase the cloth you seek. Wine for our wedding and anything else we need for it or this harvest celebration.”
“I’d like that. If you’ll see to gathering some men to escort us and find a dozen carts.”
“That many?” he asked, though she knew from the light in his eyes that he teased her.
“If not more,” she retorted. “I’ll have to think on it. In the meantime, I’ll have Hobart write out brief missives asking our neighbors to the wedding. Two weeks from today if that suits you.”
“It does.” Landon paused. “I will write to the Mandevilles, though. I would like Nicholas and Katelyn to come a few days before the rest of the guests arrive.”
Cassiana supposed since he and Nicholas Mandeville were friends, Landon wanted to show off his estate. They might also take time to discuss defense of the border.
“I’ll let Hobart know so that he will not include them in the group.”
“How many neighbors are we thinking of inviting?”
“There will probably be fifty or so in attendance.”
“That many?”
She grinned. “You are a very important earl in the north. They’ll want to see who the king’s sent and make up their own minds about you.”
“’Twill be good to meet the men who will stand with me to defend England,” he agreed.
“I’ll meet you at the stables. You’ll need a horse.” She thought her father’s steed might do and then decided Tobyn’s mount would be a better choice for him. “Have a stableman bring you Orion. ’Twas my brother’s horse. Orion is only three years old and he has fine bloodlines.”
While Landon readied the men, Cassiana made a quick list of items she wished to purchase and confirmed it with Cook. Next, she retrieved a small purse from her bedchamber and tied it about her waist. Returning to the solar, she went to the bedchamber and pushed on a panel that led to the treasure room. Entering it, she opened a chest and counted out a goodly sum of coins which would pay for their purchases. Finally, she made her way to the records room to speak to Hobart about writing and sending out the invitations to her wedding.
“Put aside whatever you’re doing,” she told the steward. “I would like the missives to be brief and go out by noon. We need to give our neighbors plenty of time to make their way to Briarwood for the festivities.”
“I’ll begin at once, my lady.” He hesitated.
“Go on,” she encouraged. “You know you may always speak freely with me.”
“Only that I am very pleased for you. I have known you since you were a small girl. Lord Landon is lucky to have you as his bride but you, too, are fortunate that the king sent such a capable man to lead Briarwood.”
“Thank you, Hobart.”
Cassiana left the records room. Several times over the past two days, various people had expressed the same sentiments to her. Landon had won everyone over with his leadership in a crisis and his continued interest in everyone around him as Briarwood returned to normal. She understood how important it was for a liege lord to have his people’s confidence. Landon de Blays had earned it from all.
Especially her.
Not only did Cassiana believe Briarwood was in good hands, she knew she was, too. She exited the keep, looking forward to spending the day with the man who continued to intrigue her.
In many ways.
Chapter Eleven
Landon stopped first at the training yard, where Sir Adam already stood upon the raised platform. Soldiers streamed into the yard, weapons in hand, ready for the day’s training to commence after a break the past two days.
“Ah, my lord, I’m happy you are joining us,” his captain of the guard said.
He climbed to stand beside the knight. “I can think of no place I’d rather be more than in the yard. Getting to know Briarwood’s men and assess their skills is something I’ve looked forward to. However, it will have to wait a day.”
Sir Adam frowned. “The men will be disappointed. Those who journeyed to Flanders and France and saw you in action there have shared with the others what a skilled swordsman you are. The men have looked forward to your leadership.”
“I promise you that today is an exception, Sir Adam. My bride wishes to shop for supplies for both the harvest home celebration and our wedding feast.”
The captain grinned broadly. “Our men can wait. Lady Cassiana should always be first and foremost and the people are especially thrilled to hold the harvest home celebration after the disaster that befell the wheat crop. You’ll have need of a guard to escort you to Berwick-upon-Tweed.”
“That’s why I came to see you. I’m sure half a dozen men will do on horseback. The lady insists ’twill take a dozen carts to bring home what she needs. I’d prefer soldiers driving those, as well.”
“You are wise to be prepared, Lord Landon. Though the city rarely sees any type of mischief these days, I find it better to come with more men than needed than be found with too few.”
“If you’ll choose the men, have them meet me at the stables,” Landon said. “I will do so in the future once I learn more about them. When I return, I would speak with you about the training schedule and other matters. How many men are posted on the wall walk. The number and frequency in which the roads are patrolled. And how many spies Lady Cassiana has watching the seas.”
“Oh, she told you about that?”
“Sir Baldwin did. An excellent idea, seeing as how close we are to the coast.” Landon inhaled deeply. “I seem to smell a bit of salt in the air even now.”
He excused himself and went to the stables, asking for Cassiana’s horse and Orion to be saddled. Soon, the men Sir Adam selected came and saddled their own horses, while others took more from the barn to hitch to the carts that would go into the city.
“Lord Landon?”
He turned and saw a young man of about ten and two. “You must be Justin Cecil.”
“I am, my lord. I was squire to Sir Tobyn. Lady Cassiana thought I might be squire to you.”
“She mentioned this to me. We go into Berwick-upon-Tweed for supplies. Saddle your horse if
you wish to accompany us, Justin.”
The boy’s eyes lit with eagerness. “Right away, my lord.”
Soon, the drivers and carts had assembled and the escort stood ready. Landon saw Cassiana approaching and stood a bit taller. He took pride in this woman, not only for her comely looks but her sharp intelligence. The people of Briarwood held her in high esteem—as did he.
“May I help you mount?” he asked as she joined him.
“Aye.” She walked to the tall bay and stroked the horse’s neck fondly. “How’s my Tressa today?” Cassiana kissed the nose of her horse, surprising Landon, before taking the saddle horn. She placed her foot in the stirrups and he boosted her up then mounted Orion.
The party trotted through the bailey and out the gates. Landon made sure he rode next to Cassiana as the guard fanned out and surrounded them and the carts.
“How far is the city?” Landon asked.
“By horseback, usually an hour,” Cassiana replied. “Going more slowly, thanks to the carts, it will add another half-hour to our journey. I would venture at least two hours or more on our return since the carts will be filled.”
They had only gone about a mile when her horse faltered. Cassiana pulled up on the reins as Landon dismounted. Cassiana followed suit.
“Your horse has thrown a shoe,” he told her, retrieving the horseshoe and examining the hoof. “Justin, come here.”
The squire rode up. “Aye, my lord?”
“Take Tressa back to the castle and have the blacksmith reshod her hoof.” When he saw the boy’s shoulders sag, he added, “You should easily be able to catch up to us at the speed we’re going.”
“You mean . . . I may rejoin you?”
“Of course.” He tossed the reins and Justin caught them. “Don’t rush her,” Landon warned.
“I won’t, my lord.”
He looked to Cassiana. “Would you care to ride with me? It would save time instead of returning to the stables for a new mount.”
“Certainly, my lord.”