A Winter's Knight

by Fiona Neal

“I am sure you thought the details of the situation through. Now let us hear them, my dear,” her grandfather said.

  “I shall need a small cart, with a driver, in which to ride and an escort of soldiers,” Alice said. “The trip is just thirty miles, so it will take one day to get there. I shall leave by the secret passage. I'll ask for help from Lord Bosworth, and I pray we shall get it.”

  “We shall all pray for that,” Lord De Winter said.

  “Yes, but I do not believe that everyone should know of this venture, my lord,” Alice said. “We may have spies in this castle. Remember old Martha?”

  “You are right,” Lord De Winter replied. “We shall only ask those knights whom we can trust.”

  * * * *

  Later that night, when they were alone in their suite of rooms, Edmund took her into his arms. “You surprised me, Alice.”

  “I did? How?” she asked.

  “When you proposed your plan, but it was quite brilliant. If was amazing that we did not think of asking Bosworth for help, but he is so much closer than the king. Not only that, but you have a different attitude, a new-found determination of purpose.”

  “Yes, I suppose I do, but it is not newly found. I always had it, but I was reluctant to show it. I felt that I was not doing everything I could to help you and grandfather. I forgot that I am the heir to this estate. I must do all I can to keep this place safe for us and for our child.”

  “I like your spirit, Alice. I like it very much.” He kissed her.

  He inflamed her senses. She suddenly wanted him more than she had ever wanted him.

  “I do love you,” he said.

  “And I love you,” she replied.

  They divested each other of their clothes. You are a beautiful woman, Alice. Even your protruding stomach doesn't diminish your loveliness.”

  “Thank you, Edmund. You are very handsome. I noticed that when we were in the abbey, but I never mentioned it.” She caressed his face.

  “You were so shy, so quiet,” he said and gently kissed her cheek.

  “Yes,” she said, reveling in his touch.

  The days of spring had become very long, so they did not need the fire or any candles. He admired how her hair reminded him of the fiery setting sun and he caressed it.

  Her fair flawless skin also pleased him, and he stroked her back and pressed her to him. Edmund picked her up, bringing her to their bed.

  “I never tired of making love to you, Alice.”

  “I feel the same way, Edmund, and I love the way the light makes your hair like the color of gold.”

  They kissed again, and it did not take long for their passion to peak.

  He urged her on her side, for he did not wish to press her abdomen. Instead, he lay behind her and entered her moist, inviting body from behind.

  Edmund placed his hands on her breasts, feeling her delicate pink nipples grow hard.

  “You feel wonderful inside of me,” she said breathlessly.

  “And your body feels lovely around me,” he replied.

  “Edmund, I feel my pleasure increasing every time you retreat and then re-enter me. With each stroke the sensation gets stronger.”

  “I believe it is the most pleasant thing in the world.”

  “Yes,” she agreed.

  In a very short time, he felt her muscles contract, as she found her release.

  Edmund held her as she climaxed. He then quested for his satisfaction. Shortly, his body sprayed it life essence into her, and he then relaxed, but still held her.

  “I love you, Alice,” he whispered.

  “And I love you, Edmund.”

  * * * *

  The sky never became really dark this time of year. The world rested under the cover of twilight as Edmund, Lord De Winter, Alice and the four nights emerged from the cave into the fresh forest with the cart behind them, which had been broken apart and reassembled on the spot under cover of night. The air smelled of all the delicate fragrances of spring, such as the blossoms that had bloomed.

  This was a night for love, and Edmund and Alice had indulged, for he did not know if she would return alive, or if he would survive the upcoming battles to protect this castle. With all his heart, he hoped they would both live and enjoy the life that his wife carried within her.

  Furthermore, he loved this new more assertive Alice. Her grandfather had been right. She had a great deal of spirit, but all her training here and in the convent had taught to her hide it. Now in these terribly dangerous time, she had found she must use her gumption.

  Edmund had chosen Sir Crispin, Sir Nigel, Sir Cuthbert, and Sir Robert to accompany and guard his wife. They were his most trusted friends and soldiers. They would protect her—or die doing it.

  Oh, God, how he wished his dear Alice would meet with success. He loved her so dearly, and he hoped to spend many years with her and their children. Still, the danger they faced was so great.

  Edmund took her hand and led her back into shadows of the cave. “I wish I were going with you, wife,” Edmund whispered as he embraced Alice.

  “I wish that too, my love, but we both have jobs to perform. We must be successful or face terrible consequences.”

  “I shall miss you, Alice.” Edmund wanted to cry, but he knew he shouldn't. He had to show bravery. He would cry later when he was alone in their suite.

  “And I shall miss you, dearest one,” she said.

  “Pray for our success, my love,” he said. “I know God hears you.”

  “He hears all of us, Edmund,” she said.

  “Yes,” Lord De Winter said as they came out of the cave. “God hears all our prayers.”

  “You know that even if the king and Lord Boswoth send men, we'll still have a terrible battle. That trebuchet is a ghastly instrument of war, the most terrible I have ever seen,” Edmund said.

  “I know, Edmund, but let us do one thing at the time,” Alice said. “We need to get more men to fight and win. That is the one thing on which I shall concentrate.”

  He kissed her passionately and then said. “You must go if you wish to reach Bosworth Castle by the end of the day.” Edmund then led her close to the cart and helped her get in. “God with God,” he said.

  “I shall,” she said. “Please be careful.”

  “I promise.” Edmund nodded. “Take care of yourself and the babe.”

  “I promise too,” she said. “Farewell, Edmund and dear Grandfather.”

  “God bless you,” Lord De Winter said.

  Chapter Eleven

  Dressed her her peasants clothes as a disguise, Alice and the four knights, also dressed as serfs, had made their departure from the De Winter lands.

  Now, hours later, Alice fervently prayed that she would have a successful mission. The lives of everyone at De Winter Castle and village depended on it, not to mention Edmund, her grandfather, her unborn child, and she depended on it.

  “My lady, we have traveled for some time,” Sir Crispin said. “Let us stop and refresh ourselves and our horses. They must be tired and hungry.”

  “As I believe we all are, Sir Crispin,” she said.

  Alice needed a rest, but because she was in the cart, she could take a nap. Unfortunately, her escort could not.

  The stopped at an inn and had a meal while the ostler tended to the animals. After some respite, they all went on, for she desperately wanted to reach her destination by the end of the day.

  * * * *

  From atop the battlements, Edmund surveyed the scene. Right now, he saw the huge number of men in Lord Camden's camp. The soldiers did not trouble him overmuch. He had fought against the Empress Maude when she battled King Stephen for the throne of England. That war had left the country devastated, but the nation was recovering—if slowly.

  Besides, a defender did not need a lot of men to hold a castle. As long as food and drink lasted, and no diseases broke out, this castle had a good chance.

  Edmund's real fear was the fearsome trebuchet. He knew what it could do. He h
ad seen a device like that in action. It was a huge war machine—the largest he had ever seen. And it had the ability to knock the walls of the castle down. Without the thick barriers, Camden's men could overrun the castle—and kill all inside.

  Still, Lord Camden's men had to smash the thick arrow loops and brave the arrows first. Secondly, the had to cross a wide, deep moat.

  Lord De Winter joined him on the battlements. “I know you are worried about the trebuchet, Sir Edmund.”

  “Yes,” Edmund replied. “It is the largest one I have ever seen.”

  “That it is.” Lord De Winter nodded.

  “I am worried, that the monstrous thing will knock down these walls and if Alice returns, she will see nothing but a pile or stones and many dead bodies, our own among them,” Edmund said.

  “I won't say that is a possibility, but we must have faith, Edmund. Alice is persuasive and resourceful. I believe she will get here in time. Furthermore, these walls will not go down easily. In some spots, these barriers are fifteen feet thick, and we have a deep moat. Camden's ladders are useless here.”

  “But he can start a fire by hurling burning debris here.”

  “That is true, but let us hope that Alice will return with help. Perhaps King Stephen will send many troops, too, Sir Edmund.”

  “If Godwin arrived at his palace.”

  “And If he didn't, Bosworth will likely come. He is a good man, and I do not think he will refuse a woman who is with child.”

  “Let us hope you are right, my lord.”

  “You must not give up hope, Sir Edmund.”

  “I have no intention of giving up hope. The priests tell us that is wrong, so I intend to give this fight all I have.”

  “We can win, Sir Edmund. I know we can, and I believe your child will be heir to this estate.”

  God help it be so.

  * * * *

  Alice stood before the large polished cooper that served as a mirror. She was satisfied that now that she had changed into her normal clothes, she looked like a lady who was fit to meet Lord Bosworth.

  “Oh, Alice, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw you,” Edith said bursting into the chamber. “I was so happy.” The young blonde embraced her sister-in-law.

  “I was thrilled to see you. I have missed you so much, Edith.”

  “Well, we are not so far away. We shall visit often, I hope,” Edith said, drawing back, but still holding Alice's hands.

  “Yes, we shall if all goes as it should. We had to come in disguise.”

  “Why?” Edith asked.

  “Our castle is under siege. If we did not have a secret tunnel for escape purposes, I should still be there. I came here for help. Lord Camden has a huge trebuchet, and I know he will hurl all manner of terrible things at De Winter Castle. He wants that castle and all that goes with it. Ad you know, he has tried to kill my grandfather and me, but he really wants Edmund dead.”

  “Yes, I know. Edmund told me all about it. The swine even was going to kill me if my brother didn't murder you, Alice. But I'm glad he didn't.”

  “Well, Camden has many more men that we have. As we speak, they are probably battling the soldiers of De Winter Castle.”

  “And you have come here to ask for help, Alice.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “How did you escape them?” Edith asked.

  Alice explained about the secret tunnel.

  “My father-in-law does not like Camden. He said the man is much too smooth to be honest, and after I told him that Camden tried to have us killed, Lord Bosworth really dislikes him.”

  “But let us go, Alice. Lord Bosworth will listen and give you help.”

  They left the bedchamber and walled down the tower steps to the great hall, where Alec and his father waited.

  “Lady Alice,” Lord Bosworth said. “It is a pleasure to receive you in our home.”

  Alice gave him her hand.

  “How fares Lord De Winter?”

  “As far as I know, he is fine, my lord,” she answered. “But our castle is under siege.”

  Lord Bosworth frowned.

  Alice told him the circumstances, and Sir Alec shook his head and said, “That is a bad business.”

  “I have no love for Camden. The man is as slippery as and eel,” Lord Boswoth said.

  “And I have great affection for Lord De Winter and you,” Sir Alec said. “If if had not been for you and his lordship, I should not have had the fortune to marry my lovely Edith.”

  Edith blushed and lowered her eyelids.

  “I have come to ask for you help,my lord,” Alice said. “We need men to fight. Can you help us?”

  “Yes, my lady. I can spare men and arms. I shall dispatch them in the morning. Will you stay with us for a while?”

  “No, my lord. I wish my child to be born in his rightful home, but I greatly appreciate your offer.”

  “Very well,” Lord Bosworth said. “Let us all refresh ourselves with a meal and a good night's rest. Tomorrow, I shall send my men with you to De Winter Castle.”

  “Oh, thank you, my lord,” Alice said, and tears of gratitude and joy sprang from her eyes. She could not thank him enough.

  Furthermore, she offered a silent prayer of thanks to God for allowing Lord Bosworth to grant her wish.

  * * * *

  Alice, her soldiers, and the men Lord Bosworth had lent her, stood in the castle ballie before dawn, although the sun did not really set this time of year.

  Lord Bosworth, Sir Alec, and Edith attended when Alice got into the cart. This time, they did not dress as serfs.

  “Pray for our success, my lord,” Alice said to Bosworth.

  “I shall, my lady,” he answered. “Please give my good wishes to your grandfather.”

  “I shall do that, my lord.”

  They set off in the misty morning, the clop of the horses hooves giving a rhythm to the movement of the detail of soldiers.

  If all went well, at the end of the day, they would be back at De Winter Castle.

  Still, if Camden had used the trebuchet, Alice might be confronted with an estate now taken over by a monstrous man. She and her unborn child's life would be over, and Edmund would likely be dead—unless by some miracle they all could escape the villain.

  The mere thought gave her the shivers, even though the weather remained quite mild.

  Oh, she had to keep up her spirit. After all, she had succeeded. She had received the men she needed to even the odds against defending her home.

  I accomplished half the battle.

  Now, all they had to do was defeat Camden.

  She and the soldier continued on for hours, with brief intervals of rest and for all, which included the horses.

  It was late in the afternoon when they were met my another band.

  “My lady Alice,” a clear tenor voice shouted.

  Alice immediately saw that Godwin had called her. He was leading another group of soldiers.

  She put up her hand, signaling the others to stop and the man driving the cart reined back the horses.

  Godwin approached, sitting tall in the saddle.

  “Praise God, Godwin,” she said. “We did not hear from you, so we assumed you never made your visit to the king.”

  “I thought to get back to the castle as soon as possible, my lady, so I did not think to send a message. I am sorry you worried.”

  “You are forgiven, Godwin,” Alice said and smiled.

  “As you can see, the king gave us many men.” Godwin gestured to them. “He was most upset when he heard what Lord Camden is doing to Lord De Winter. His majesty said that the country needs peace after his terrible war with the Empress Maude.”

  “His majesty is right. I am glad you succeeded, Godwin,” Alice said. “As you can see, I have more men too. I went to see Lord Bosworth.”

  “You did well, my lady. We shall have plenty of men to fight Lord Camden.”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “But we must think of that terrible trebuchet.” />
  “I have thought of it, my lady. I think I have come up with a solution.”

  “Good.” The young man was really proving himself. “We shall discuss it tomorrow morning after Mass. For now, follow me. We must go to the cave and march through it.”

  “How will we enter the castle, my lady?” Godwin asked.

  “Lord De Winter gave me a key.”

  “Tell your men they will have an excellent supper and a good place to sleep,Godwin. Now, let us proceed.”

  They traveled the two miles to the cave and entered it, leaving the horses in the forest to be collected by the ostlers later. The returning travelers took a while to reach their destination, and they had to mount the steps carefully, but her ancestors had designed the steps well, and the men seemed happy to be home at last.

  Alice, who did not use the cart, but left it near the cave, took the great key from around her neck and opened the door to the chamber that she once occupied. She stood inside the small room and greeted each soldier.

  She then took the great numbers of men into her grandfather's adjoining rooms.

  “Please allow me a moment. She went to the door, called a servant, and said, “Please tell his lordship and Sir Edmund that I and Godwin have returned with some good news.”

  The maidservant nodded, but said, “I am glad, for Camden has been battering the barbican. It has held, but it is badly damaged. I doubt that we can keep him from overrunning this castle.”

  Alice felt her heart beat wildly, but she said, “Please hurry, I wish to see my grandfather and my husband.”

  A few moments later, her grandfather and Edmund came into Lord De Winter's apartments.

  Her kinsmen and Alice behaved formally, for the were not alone.

  “I have brought men, and on the road I met Godwin.” She turned and nodded to the young man, and he nodded back. “He has brought man men from King Stephen who is not happy with Camden.”

  “The great rogue has done great damage to our barbican,” her grandfather said.

  “Yes, so I have heard, but we shall discuss that matter later. Right now, these soldiers need food and rest.”

  “I shall see to them, my lady,” Edmund said. “Follow me, men. We shall have food, drink, and rest.”

  The men trooped after Edmund as he quit the room.