CHAPTER TWELVE
Kirklinton Castle was bottled up tightly and had been for three days. Patrols were doubled and the wall walk was crowded with sentries. Ever since their flight from Brampton’s tournament back to Kirklinton, the castle had been sealed up. Now, everyone was waiting, watching the road, preparing for what was to come.
It was like a deathwatch. No one knew what to expect or why the defenses were doubled as if preparing for a siege. Dunstan and Beauson had been told not to let anyone into or out of Kirklinton and they held tight to their directive. They didn’t truly know the full extent of their orders or the reason behind it other than Saer had ordered them to forfeit their rounds at the tournament for the harried return home. The crying girls had been loaded up into the carriage and back they had all come. Now, the soldiers were moving through their duties in stressful silence as the family remained locked up in the keep.
Cathlina was inconsolable. She had fought so much on the way home that Rosalund was forced to hold her down the entire way, alternately scolding her for her behavior and comforting her. All Saer would say was that she had behaved terribly and as a result, the entire family had to leave the tournament to return home. It wasn’t until they reached Kirklinton that Saer told his wife the entire story. His side of it, of course, and Rosalund was appalled.
Therefore, Cathlina was confined to the keep. She had someone watching her constantly so she would not try to escape and run back to Mathias. Abechail had slept with Cathlina since they had returned, the sickly little sister doing her best to comfort her distraught sibling. Eventually, Abechail and Roxane learned the reason for their sister’s distress and although Roxane remained distant and pouting, Abechail never left Cathlina’s side.
Cathlina woke up on the third morning since their departure from Brampton with Abechail in her bed. But they were not alone. Abechail’s pets, the spotted goat and the three brown puppies had joined them. As the puppies wriggled and licked, Cathlina tried not to become too annoyed.
Climbing out of bed, she called for warmed water and was provided with linen towels and two big basins of warmed lavender water. As the sun began to rise and the activity about the castle swung into its normal routine, she bathed with a bar of lumpy lavender soap and donned a clean linen shift. It was big and voluminous, with a ruffle around the bottom, and she pulled a red silk surcoat over the top. The surcoat had a corset that laced up and she sighed distractedly as she laced up the coat, her mind wandering to Mathias as it did a thousand times a day. He was all she could think of, like the strains of the siren song that never went away. She fairly ached with it all.
By the time she was brushing her hair, Abechail was up. Abechail took the brush from her sister and brushed her hair while Cathlina sat and stared from the lancet window overlooking the southeast section of the bailey. As Abechail put the brush down and began to braid, Cathlina gazed across the rolling green land, visions of Mathias and their future spread out before her. She could only see him as a restored knight, stronger and taller and prouder than anyone, a knight that belonged to her and her alone. She could imagine the castle they would live in and the strong sons they would have. She could feel his hand on hers, his lips on her flesh. She imagined what it would be like to kiss him. She prayed she had the opportunity to find out.
Lost in her daydreams, she didn’t notice that Abechail had braided her hair elaborately and wound it all up and around her head. In truth, it was quite lovely, as Abechail had a talent for dressing hair even at her young age. She would often practice on her sisters, although Cathlina’s silky hair was much easier to manage than Roxane’s frizzy strands. As Cathlina admired her little sister’s handiwork in a polished metal mirror, the door to the chamber opened and Roxane entered.
There were two chambers on the top level of the keep and both of them were occupied by the three girls. They shifted around in the beds, sometimes sleeping in one bed or the other, or two of them would sleep together while one slept alone. It had always been thus, moreover, the same went for their clothing – they all shared the same surcoats because they were all relatively the same size, although shifts and shoes remained personal. Roxane, in her shift, had come hunting for just the right surcoat for the day’s dressing.
She stuck her nose in the air when she saw Cathlina in her beautifully braided hair and headed straight for a massive wardrobe that sat low and squat against the wall. The moment she opened it, clothing burst forth and fell on the floor. Frustrated, Roxane started digging through it.
“You must be more organized,” she said to both sisters. “These are all wrinkled!”
Abechail wandered over to her eldest sister. “You were in there the last,” she pointed out. “This is your mess.”
Roxane turned to Abechail, her lips puckered furiously. “Never mind,” she snapped. Then she noticed the dogs and goat over near the bed. “And why are the barn animals in here? I am telling Mother!”
“For Heaven’s sake, Roxane,” Cathlina stood up from her stool. “Shut your yap, do you hear? You never have a kind word for anyone, you selfish wench. All you ever do is complain!”
It was the opening volley to the hair pulling event which would start shortly. Abechail scooted in between her sisters as they came close to one another to stop the inevitable progression.
“Oh!” Roxane gasped. “Look who’s calling me selfish? We had to leave the tournament because of you!”
“We left because Father was angry!”
Roxane put her hands on her hips, sassy. “We left because you behaved outrageously with the smithy that saved Abbie from that awful brute,” she said. “Father said you were horrible and wanton!”
“Father is imagining things.”
“I am going to tell him you said that!”
“Go ahead,” Cathlina scowled. “I do not care what you do. I could not possibly be in any more trouble than I am now.”
“I hope he spanks you!”
Cathlina rolled her eyes and turned away. “You are simply upset because I have a handsome man who pays attention to me,” she said. “You throw yourself at men and they never notice you. Do not blame me because you are as ugly as a toad.”
Roxane shrieked and threw herself across the room, fully prepared to yank out all of Abechail’s careful braiding, but Abechail put up her hands and prevented her sister from making contact with her artistic hairdo.
“Stop it, Roxane,” Abechail pushed her away. “She is right and you know it. You are jealous!”
Roxane’s mouth popped open in outrage. “You nasty little goat!”
She gave a yank on Abechail’s long hair and Abechail came right back and slapped her cheek. Soon, Cathlina was breaking up a fight between Abechail and Roxane, and Abechail was winning. The sickly little sister had smacked Roxane on both cheeks and was going in for a punch.
“Cease, the both of you,” she said, exasperated. She looked at Roxane, struggling for calm. “Roxane, I am sorry if you are upset because we left early but in case you have not yet understood, I am upset that we left, too. I certainly did not want to leave, but I had no say in the matter. You know how Father is when he is determined to do something.”
Roxane backed down somewhat, eyeing her sisters who were siding against her. Still hurt, and huffing, she turned back around for the wardrobe that had vomited its contents out all over the floor.
“’Tis simply that…,” Roxane began, pausing as she picked a dark green brocade off the floor. “There was a knight and he viewed me most favorably. I am not sure how Sir Kenneth will react when he realizes there is competition for my affections.”
Cathlina looked at Abechail, who rolled her eyes. Cathlina fought off a grin. “Is that so?” she said. “I am sure Sir Kenneth will survive. What is the name of his competition?”
Roxane quickly forgot her irritation. “Sir Anthony de Ferrer,” she said dreamily. “He serves the Earl of Billingham.”
“I see,” Cathlina said, moving to help her sister with the green dress because it was tangled up in some other things. “Did you get the opportunity to speak with him?”
Roxane nodded. “A few times,” she said. “It was very brief, of course, for propriety’s sake. I did not want to appear unseemly.”
“What did he say? Does he want to court you?”
Roxane came off her cloud a bit. “Not exactly,” she said. “But he was very kind and courteous. I told him where I lived and he said he would make a point of coming to visit me.”
She seemed quite convinced on the knight’s sincerity, so Cathlina merely looked at Abechail and wriggled her eyebrows. Time would tell. As the sisters began pulling garments off the floor and placing them back in the wardrobe, shouts could be heard from the sentries in the ward.
The girls, with clothing in their hands, ran to the window and jockeyed around to try to gain a better look. Their view cut off nearly half the bailey, including the gatehouse, but they could see the road beyond. On this clear and fine day, they could see a collection of men in the distance. It was clear very quickly that it was an army, heading their way.
The girls fell back from the window and began scrambling. “It is Sir Anthony!” Roxane gasped. “He has come to court me!”
“With an entire army?” Cathlina scowled as she shoved pieces back into the wardrobe. “That is a lot of men, even for you.”
When it occurred to Roxane what her sister meant, she scowled fiercely. “Coming from a reckless and wanton woman, you have no room to accuse me of loose behavior.”
Cathlina threw a balled scarf at her sister, hitting her in the side of the head. “At least I have the opportunity to be reckless and wanton without having to bribe my partner. Only a man in need of alcohol or money would be foolish enough to look at you.”
After that, they forgot all about the incoming army. The fight was on.
*
“You left very suddenly,” Tate said, eyeing his cousin across the table. “I thought mayhap something terrible had happened.”
Seated in the great hall of Kirklinton, which was a long room built against the wall of the bailey, Saer looked at his cousin over the top of the wine pitchers. He thought on his answer carefully before opening his mouth.
“Cathlina was not herself,” he said. “Moreover, Abechail is a very frail girl. She started feeling very poorly so we thought it best to come home immediately.”
Tate nodded his head but it was clear from his expression that he didn’t believe him. The hall was full of de Lara’s senior soldiers and knights, all having their fill of Saer’s hospitality. Kenneth was there, seated next to Tate, and the big blond knight held a fairly grim expression at this point. They had come out of their way on their travels back to Carlisle and the man wasn’t happy. Mostly, he wasn’t happy at Saer’s behavior but he kept his mouth shut. There was a good deal he wanted to say to the man but couldn’t, for obvious reasons. This wasn’t his fight.
“I am sorry to hear that they are unwell,” Tate finally replied. “It was unfortunate that you missed an exciting tournament.”
Saer wasn’t particularly interested in speaking of the tournament because it would bring up the subject of Mathias, which he was unwilling to discuss. Still, he would not let his cousin bully or badger him about the subject. As far as he was concerned, the situation was over with.
“There will be other tournaments,” he said shortly, changing the subject. “Where is your lady wife? I have not seen her since your arrival.”
“She is in the bailey with our children,” Tate replied. “Did you see the rather large covered wagon we have? It is nearly like a home on wheels. It contains beds and a table to eat on. We often travel with it because of the children. It is much sturdier than a tent.”
Saer was intrigued with the thought of a home on wheels. “I did not see it in Brampton,” he admitted. “A home that travels, you say? It sounds interesting.”
Tate nodded. “It is,” he said. “The children are napping right now, so she has them all tucked in at the moment. You will see her later. Speaking of later, where is Cathlina? I would like to see her now.”
Saer stiffened. “Why?”
Tate cocked an eyebrow. “Let us be frank,” he said. “You fled Brampton after I told you not to beat your daughter. If I was the suspicious type, I would say you did not listen to me. Show me Cathlina so that I may see she is safe and uninjured.”
Saer was outraged. “Is that why you came?” he demanded. “To see if I have hurt my own child?”
“Where is she?”
“In the keep with her sisters.”
“Produce her for me so that I may see for myself.”
“And if I do not?”
“Do you truly wish to know?”
Saer backed down. He knew he couldn’t resist his powerful cousin and he tried to remind himself that the man only had Cathlina’s best interests at heart. Still, he felt violated as a father. Cathlina was his child, after all, and his cousin was making demands. Demands made him unhappy.
“You may see her,” he said after moment. “You will see that she is uninjured. And this nonsense with de Reyne… her mother and I have been discussing the matter.”
Tate took a big drink of his wine. “And?”
Saer sighed heavily as if displeased with whatever it was he was about to reveal. “And we have realized that Cathlina is a young woman now,” he said. “As a girl, she was content to remain under our roof and do as she was told. But she is a young woman now. She desires a home and family of her own.”
Tate agreed. “That is very true.”
Saer looked at him. “Therefore, her mother and I have decided to seek eligible men for her hand in marriage. It is time she is married.”
Tate could feel Kenneth tense up beside him. “But Mathias has already offered for her hand,” he reminded him. “You told the man you would think about it. Well?”
Saer stood his ground. “I will not see her married to de Reyne,” he said frankly. “Tate, surely you can understand my position. Cathlina is a beautiful girl and will command a fine and wealthy husband, and not one who has been disgraced. De Reyne is unworthy of her. If she truly wants to marry, then I will ask you to help me find her a suitable match. Surely, as an earl, you can find all of my daughters suitable matches.”
Tate sighed heavily, glancing at Kenneth to see what his reaction was. Kenneth, however, remained stone-faced. Saer saw the looks pass between the men and turned to St. Héver.
“You were interested in Cathlina once,” he said. “Would you consider her again? With your strong and guiding hand, she would make you a very fine wife in time.”
Kenneth tried not to look shocked now that the focus was on him. Had the offer been made back at Christmastime, he would have accepted it without hesitation and in truth, for a split second, he really did consider it. He couldn’t help it. But he shot that idea down immediately. He could not do such a thing to a friend. Mathias loved the girl and he would never betray the man so. He struggled to come up with a reply that would not offend Saer.
“As… attractive as your offer is, I must decline,” he said. “I am afraid that I am… that is to say, I am already spoken for.”
It was a flat-out lie but it was the only way he could think of that would not offend anyone. He looked at Tate, the ice-blue eyes silently pleading for assistance, and Tate caught onto his panic. He, too, began thinking very quickly.
“Aye,” Tate put in, hoping he didn’t sound nervous or uncertain. “Ken is betrothed… well, of course he is betrothed to my wife’s… sister.”
Saer lifted his eyebrows. “I was not aware your wife had a sister.”
“She is younger,” Kenneth put in, desperate to be off of the subject. “The family lives near Harbottle. In any case, Cathlina already has a perfect suitor who would be very good to her. I have been friends with Mathias de Reyne for many years and you would not find a man of better moral character or virtue in all of England. You really should reconsider your stance against him.”
They were back on Mathias, brilliantly executed by Kenneth, where Saer did not want to be. Tate took charge before Saer could say anything. He didn’t want the conversation deteriorating because he had a purpose for being here. It was more than just a visitation. It was a covert operation, and he was a key part of it. He didn’t want to get kicked out in a huff before his scheme had a chance to come to fruition.
“Let us speak of your daughter and her marital prospects later,” he said. “For now, let us speak on other things. It appears as if you have done some construction to the north side of the castle. Will you show me what you have done?”
Saer still wasn’t over the discussion about Cathlina and her marital status as it related to Mathias de Reyne, but he graciously allowed Tate to take charge of the conversation. In fact, he was resigned to it. He’d had very little control over life in general since that moment he saw Cathlina in the street brawl flanked by two enormous men.
The men that were seated rose from the great feasting table as Saer began to explain to Tate how he needed to build a troop house to contain the soldiers because with three young women in the family, Rosalund was uncomfortable with the men sleeping all about the great hall and lower level of the keep. She wanted them away from her girls. Tate followed Saer out into the bailey where the sky was brilliant blue and a soft breeze snapped across the land. Kenneth, a few senior soldiers, and three lesser knights followed.
Outside, there were more soldiers and people milling about. As Saer took Tate and a few men over to the new troop house, Kenneth broke off from the group and made his way over to the big, wooden wagon where Toby and the children were. There were a few soldiers standing guard, milling about, and one enormous knight in full battle armor, including a helm. If one looked closely enough, one could see the faded Banbury emblem on the big breastplate. Kenneth walked right up to the knight, lingering in the shadows of the wagon.
“Tate will keep him busy,” Kenneth said to Mathias. “Cathlina is in the keep. I will go in and bring her out to you. Take your charger and go wait for us outside of the walls.”
Mathias flipped up the visor and looked around. “I saw a grove of dense trees off to the east when we were riding in,” he said. “I will wait for you there.”
Kenneth looked around to make sure they weren’t being watched. “You have the letter from Tate introducing you and your brother and your father to Henry de Beaumont, correct?”
“I do.”
“Where will you pick up your brother and father?”
“They are riding to Longtown as we speak,” he said. “I am to meet them at the Ladyseat Inn and then from there, we ride to Scotland.”
Kenneth looked at his friend, seeing hope and excitement in his eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Mathias nodded without hesitation. “More than anything in the world,” he said, his voice softening. “A week ago, I was bitter and defeated… a hammer in my hand when it should have been a sword. Then I heard cries for help and went to the aid of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Fate brought us together, Ken, and I’ll not let God or Kings or fathers keep us apart. With the money I won in the joust, it is as I told Tate – I intend to start a new life in Scotland with my new wife, once again an honored knight where I should be. This is my life, Ken. I intend to live it.”
Kenneth smiled faintly. “Will you ever come back to us?”
“I suppose that is up to Edward.”
“I will convince him.”
Mathias felt the sincerity in Kenneth’s words. “When you do, send for me. I would like to resume my rightful place with you and de Lara and Pembury. You will tell Pembury what has become of me, will you not?”
Kenneth’s smile broadened. “You can tell him yourself,” he replied. “The night that Tate wrote the missive you carry for de Beaumont, he sent a messenger for Pembury. The man has been in Berwick for Edward because the Scots have been besieging the city. Tate has asked him to meet you in Edinburgh at a place called the Barrel and Bucket. From there, you will travel north to de Beaumont’s home near Loch Drumilie. It’s called the Devil’s Den, as it sits in the Devil’s Woods. If de Beaumont is not there, he may be further north near Aberdeen. You may need to hire a guide to find him. This will not be an easy journey, Mat. Are you sure you want to subject your lady to it?”
Mathias thought about Cathlina on a driven ride straight through Scotland in search of a rebel. Well, the Scots viewed him as an English rebel. It would not be easy but it was the chance of a lifetime. He had to take it.
“We will persevere,” he assured him. “So Pembury is to meet me in Scotland? Will he accompany me to de Beaumont?”
“He will indeed,” Kenneth replied. “Tate has told him to stay by your side until you are both recalled by Edward.”
Mathias was deeply moved. Stephen of Pembury had been closer to him than even Tate and Kenneth, a mountain of a man he loved like a brother. He loved them all like brothers, now going against the king’s directive to get him out of England and on to a new life. He was no longer the Fallen One now. He would prove himself the Redeemed One with the assistance of the most prestigious knights in England. He had God, the angels, good fortune, and the earl they used to call Dragonblade on his side. He was a lucky man.
“I will look for him once we reach Edinburgh,” he said quietly. “Go and get Cathlina now. I will be waiting.”
Kenneth slapped him on the shoulder and left, moving off across the bailey towards the keep. Mathias didn’t waste any time. He collected his charger, the big bay stallion that Kenneth had now given him, and left the castle grounds, heading off of the road and into a dense collection of trees about a quarter of a mile from the castle. It was there he waited for Kenneth to bring Cathlina to him.
It was well past sunset when they finally appeared.