by Alexa Aston
“A healer?” asked Sir Kenric, doubt evident in his voice. “I find it hard to believe that one so young could call herself that. Are you even half a score, Lady Alys?”
“I am not, my lord,” Alys said. “But Mother says I have a gift and I try to use it for good.”
Avelyn added in support, “Lady Alys is well known about Kinwick and at the royal court in London. Even the king and queen ask for her personally. She creates tonics and other remedies for whatever ails them.”
Alys beamed with the praise Avelyn offered. “The king does say my headache remedy rivals Mother’s.” The young girl looked at the remaining woman in their party. “And what about you, my lady?”
Sela blushed as the attention fell upon her. “I do sing a bit. And dance. I’ve spent most of my life at court since my father is one of King Edward’s closest advisers. Because I live in London, I’m eager to see both Kinwick and Sandbourne and find out what country life is like.” She paused. “I also hope to make some new friends while I am there.”
“Let’s hear from the men now,” Avelyn said.
“I’ll begin. I am Sir Ralf, cousin to Sir Martin and older than him by a year.” He indicated the knight on his left. “My mother is a healer, so I have an appreciation for what Lady Alys does.” Ralf elbowed his cousin. “Go ahead.”
The man sat up. “I am Sir Martin, ladies, and have been with the earl for three years now.” He glanced at Ralf. “As for my cousin, I believe I received all the good looks and manners in our family.”
Everyone chuckled good-naturedly as Ralf punched Martin in the arm.
They went round the rest of the circle, each soldier sharing his name and a bit about himself. Avelyn committed the names to memory since she would be seeing them most days during her stay at Sandbourne.
Finally, they reached the remaining member of their group.
“I am Kenric Fairfax of Shadowfaire. My father passed nigh on seven years now and my brother, Roland, became the earl. I’ve been in service to Lord Michael for these last eight months.” He fell silent.
Avelyn wanted to ask where he’d been before and where Shadowfaire lay. She wondered if he was close to his brother. But the air about him told her that Sir Kenric Fairfax was not opening the door for questions about his life.
Instead, she stood and stirred the pot. “I think our supper is ready,” she declared.
Avelyn dished out the meal to each man while Sela and Alys gave them their bread. They ate in companionable silence until the last of the stew had been devoured. She began gathering the dishes to take and rinse in the nearby stream.
“These are too heavy for a woman,” Sir Kenric proclaimed. “I will accompany you.” He scooped up the majority of the dishes in his large hands.
As the men began bedding down for the night, Avelyn accompanied Sir Kenric to the nearby brook. He knelt with her and rubbed sand onto the cups to help clean them before they rinsed them in the cold water. As they gathered up the last of the dishes, she paused.
“What was that?” she asked, tilting her head. “I thought I heard a soft cry.”
He grew still as they listened.
Avelyn heard the faint noise again. “It comes from over there,” she said and stood to move that way.
“Wait, my lady,” Kenric commanded. “Let me lead the way.”
They walked closer and the sound drew only slightly stronger. Avelyn recognized it was a soft mewl she heard. Then she saw a sight that tore at her heart.
A small kitten had been left for bait near a trap. The ginger-colored animal cried pathetically. It was bound so that it could not even twist.
“You must do something!” Avelyn cried. She ran toward the kitten and set aside the cups she carried. She knelt and rubbed the top of its soft head. “You’re to be rescued, my little one. The brave Sir Kenric Fairfax will see you set free. ’Tis what knights do—they help others in distress.”
He placed the dishes he carried onto the ground before he pulled his baselard and bent, carefully cutting through the twine that bound the animal.
Immediately, Avelyn scooped up the freed kitten and brought it close, stroking it lovingly. The kitten began purring loudly and licked her hand in gratitude.
“We must take it with us,” she said. “We can’t leave it alone in the forest.” She turned the furry beast and lifted its tail. “It’s a boy,” she said. Avelyn thought a moment. “I will call you Sir Kitten.”
“What happens when the kitten becomes a cat?” asked her escort.
She frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that. Hmm.” Avelyn snuggled with the kitten and kissed the top of his head. It came to her. “I know. He can be Cattus.”
Sir Kenric stared at her. “That’s Latin for cat. You know Latin?” he asked, surprise evident in his voice.
Avelyn laughed. “Father insisted that Elysande and I both learn Latin.” She nuzzled the kitten again and then looked triumphantly back at the man. “I’m afraid we’re adding someone else to our traveling party, my lord, though at least you aren’t being saddled with another female.”
Chapter 7
“I see it! I see Kinwick!” Alys cried.
“Not long now, my lady,” Sir Ralf told her.
Kenric glanced over at the joy flooding the young girl’s face as she caught sight of her home and pushed aside his guilt.
He hadn’t wanted Alys de Montfort as a member of their traveling party when they’d departed from London, but the girl had proven to be helpful and friendly. She hadn’t whined or been in a foul mood as he would have expected from a female her age. Alys had even tended to a deep cut Martin received when he skinned part of their dinner last night. The soldier’s dagger had slipped, slicing a wound that concerned Kenric. Any time a man was injured, no matter how small it might seem, was cause for concern. Infection could set in quickly and prove deadly.
Young Alys had pulled a few herbs from that case she guarded and made a poultice. The girl had cleaned the damaged skin and stitched it up neatly before applying the poultice atop it. Her calm manner alleviated any fears Kenric experienced and Martin declared himself fit when they rode out this morning.
Kenric looked at the castle they would soon reach. Part of him regretted arriving at the estate so soon. The reason for that regret lay wrapped within his arms.
Lady Avelyn Le Cler had proven to be an interesting companion. She had managed the men in camp like a seasoned traveler. The food she prepared tasted better than any he had ever eaten out on the road. She had no courtly airs about her, treating everyone equally and with courtesy. Despite his initial impression, Kenric found his dislike of her melting like the snow on a sunny day.
They had talked quite a bit both yesterday and today as they continued their journey away from London. She proved to be a lively conversationalist with a quick sense of humor. It had helped the time pass much too quickly. Once they arrived at the de Montfort estate, he would need to release his hold on her.
Having the petite beauty in his arms for three days had only increased his desire for her. It almost seemed as if she’d been made to fit against him. The heady scent of vanilla wafted from her smooth, ivory skin, teasing him each time he inhaled a breath. His arm remained about her waist, drawing her snuggly to him. Kenric had never experienced such a strong longing for a woman. Any woman. It baffled him.
They arrived at the gates of Kinwick, which swung open before they could identify themselves. Obviously, they were expected. Alys called out a friendly greeting to the gatekeeper, as did Avelyn. Both women waved to several workers as they rode through the outer and inner baileys. Kenric supposed that Lady Avelyn had spent some time at her uncle’s estate since she seemed to know so many of the people.
When they reached the keep, he spied Geoffrey de Montfort at the foot of the stairs. With him stood an exquisite woman, her hair afire in the late afternoon sunlight. The nobleman had a possessive arm wrapped about the beauty’s waist, so Kenric assumed this was Lord Geoffrey’s wife. Both Lord Mi
chael and Lady Elysande seemed to think highly of Merryn de Montfort, so Kenric was curious to make her acquaintance.
Ralf assisted Alys from his horse and the girl flew into her mother’s outstretched arms.
“I have so much to tell the both of you,” she shared with her parents. Alys looked around. “Where are the boys?”
“Both are napping,” her father said. “You’ll see them soon and this lovely quiet will end. So take advantage of it, Alys, and tell us what you can.”
Kenric climbed from Firefall and assisted Lady Avelyn to the ground. She handed Cattus to him and made straight for her aunt and uncle. They greeted her warmly, with open affection both loving and natural. A shadow of sorrow crossed inside him. He’d never been welcomed by his mother or brother in such a fond manner. Even while his father was alive, the earl had never once made a fuss over him.
He shook aside those thoughts as Martin brought Lady Sela down from their shared saddle. The noblewoman looked ill after three long days of travel. Martin escorted her to their hosts.
Avelyn wrapped an arm about the young woman. “This is Lady Sela Runford, my good friend from court. She is accompanying me to Sandbourne and, with the queen’s permission, will remain for the summer. Sela, this is Uncle Geoffrey and Aunt Merryn.”
Merryn placed a palm against the tired young woman’s cheek. “You look exhausted, my dear.”
“I am rather worn out,” Sela admitted. “I’ve never spent that much time on a horse. In fact, I’ve never even left London. This journey has taken the strength from me. I can barely hold my eyes open and I’m sore in places that I didn’t know existed.”
“Tilda,” called out Lady Merryn.
An older servant who hovered nearby stepped forward. “I’ll take Lady Sela upstairs to the chamber we prepared for Lady Avelyn and care for her there.”
“Please, let us share it, Tilda,” Avelyn interjected. “No sense in making up another one. It will be less work for you, and Sela and I will enjoy being together.”
“Be sure she eats something first, Tilda,” Merryn insisted. “Then she’s to retire. Poor girl. This trip has been quite draining for her.”
The servant escorted her charge up the stairs and inside the keep. Kenric decided to step forward. He tucked Cattus to his chest.
“I bring greetings from Lord Michael,” he said.
Lord Geoffrey’s eyes lit up in recognition. “Ah, ’tis the indomitable Sir Kenric Fairfax.” Geoffrey shook his hand and squeezed Kenric’s shoulder in friendship.
“So, this is the dark knight that Michael has crowed about,” said Lady Merryn. She turned and offered her hand to him.
Kenric took it and kissed her fingers. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” she said, her eyes lighting in a smile. “My husband tells me that you’re the most talented knight of his acquaintance and that you swing a sword better than any man he knows.”
“Lord Geoffrey is too kind,” Kenric murmured, though he enjoyed the compliment given to him.
“I think you would be proud of being acknowledged in such a public manner,” Lady Avelyn pointed out as she reached over and claimed Cattus. “You do seem to have a rather high opinion of yourself. This only confirms it.”
“Avelyn?” Merryn asked, frowning at her niece. “Have you forgotten your good manners during your time at court?”
“Nay, Merryn. I mean it not in an arrogant way. Sir Kenric himself told me matter-of-factly that he is the best soldier in England. It seems Uncle Geoffrey merely agrees with him.” She stroked the purring kitten.
“Let us adjourn to the solar,” Geoffrey said. “Sir Kenric, you must join us.”
“I should see to my men, my lord.”
Geoffrey waved over a soldier. “Gilbert is my captain of the guard. He can show your men where they may sleep tonight.” He turned to the knight. “Gilbert, see that the Sandbourne men’s horses are tended to and then show them where they may wash up for the evening meal. We’ll dine in the solar instead.”
“At once, my lord.” The captain looked to Kenric. “I’ll make sure your horse and your men are cared for, my lord.”
Kenric saw that any protest would be swatted down. “Thank you. It’s Firefall you deal with. He may be large, but his disposition is good.”
He watched Gilbert begin to address his men and then turned his attention back to Lord Geoffrey as the earl said, “Shall we make our way inside the keep?”
The women linked arms and went ahead of them. As they arrived inside and throughout the long walk to the solar upstairs, many people greeted Alys and Avelyn. The servants looked busy yet happy in their work. He couldn’t help but feel the atmosphere at Kinwick was unlike anywhere he’d ever lived.
They reached the solar, a warm and inviting place, and Kenric took a seat with the others. Alys immediately launched into tales of the royal court, sharing news about what had occurred since she’d last seen her family at Christmas time.
“While the queen kindly allows me time to choose and grind herbs, all her ladies-in-waiting keep me busy asking for remedies,” she shared.
Avelyn laughed as she petted the ginger kitten in her lap. “It’s not only those women who ask.” She turned to her aunt. “Half the court beats a path to Alys’ door, begging for her help. Even the king,” she confided.
Kenric watched Alys’ face light up. “Oh, Mother, the king really likes my headache tonic. He’s sent for me several times and seemed most pleased with the results. And he’s always asking about you. He is thrilled that you named your last babe after him.”
Geoffrey groaned. “Just watch. He will somehow make his way toward Kinwick again this summer. If I have to entertain another summer progress, it might ruin me.”
“No, Uncle. I can assure you that the court is steering far to the north and west this summer. The queen shared the route with her ladies-in-waiting not a week ago. By the time they swing back toward London, they won’t have time to go out of their way to Kinwick.”
“So what are your impressions of the royal court, Niece?” Geoffrey asked, a look of relief crossing his face. “Is it all you thought it would be? Or have unexpected matters changed your mind?”
Avelyn chuckled, a low, throaty noise that made Kenric’s heart skip a beat.
“I have learned that I love country life far more than that of the city.”
Her words surprised Kenric. He sat up, leaning his forearms on his thighs, eager to hear what she might say.
“Tell us what life there is like for you as a part of the queen’s group,” Merryn urged.
“The women are shallow,” Avelyn explained. “I know that sounds judgmental, but all they think about is fashion. They spend hours discussing the various leathers used in shoes or what color ribbons they should buy. I have sat through endless talk about varying shades of blue and which makes a woman appear more elegant and comely. But more than anything, they love to discuss jewelry. First, you must wear jewelry, but it must be the right jewelry.”
She laughed. “And, alas, I have none! Nor would I wish for any beyond the wedding band I will wear someday.”
Alys chimed in, “Avelyn speaks the truth. Many of the women at court look down their noses upon others. Their talk is empty and pointless.”
“If it weren’t for Alys and Sela, I would have been lonely,” Avelyn admitted.
Kenric ached for her in that moment. He understood loneliness and what it could do to one’s soul.
“I am sorry it hasn’t been what you expected,” Merryn said.
“Oh, some things have been good. I adore the music. You know I don’t sing a note that isn’t off-key, but I enjoy listening to others sing and play. I’ve heard many outstanding musicians in my months at court. And I did find some who enjoy reading and talking about things that aren’t so frivolous.” Avelyn sighed. “But they are few and far between.”
“Despite what Cousin Avelyn says, the men present pay her attention,” Alys re
vealed. “She’s always being asked to dance, and she moves with such grace and ease. The women at court are most jealous of her.”
“They are?” Avelyn looked puzzled at her cousin’s words.
“Of course,” Alys confirmed. “Every handsome courtier, both young and old, wishes to speak to you and spend time with you. They are forever bringing you wine to drink and offering you sweet treats. They hang about you as bees buzzing about flowers.”
Avelyn blushed. “I only thought them to be kind since I was new at court.”
“They are kind because they want to get to know you,” Geoffrey said. “And, mayhap, a few might wish to wed you.”
“But I don’t fancy any of them,” Avelyn admitted. “I thought I was bored with country life and sought change—but at least I had a life there. I tended my vegetable garden. I sewed clothes and cooked. Everyone in the country has an express purpose. They have no interest in politics or power because those things don’t put food on the table.”
She stroked the kitten, now asleep in her lap. “I am happy that I’ve had this time at court and so grateful for you arranging for me to serve in the queen’s household, Uncle. But, mayhap, ’tis time I came home.” She shrugged. “Yet where is home? I don’t know how long the king will allow Mother to run Hopeston alone. And since Elysande is gone from there, it wouldn’t seem like home to me anymore.”
Merryn put a hand atop Avelyn’s. “Michael would certainly welcome you to come live at Sandbourne.”
Kenric knew that would be true. His liege lord did everything in his power to make his countess happy. If that meant having his sister-in-law live with them, Lord Michael would welcome Avelyn Le Cler with open arms.
He thought how, in these private quarters, Lady Avelyn had revealed even another side to herself. She wasn’t a spoiled court brat as he’d first thought, but more a woman of substance.
Which he found very appealing.
“I’m worried the queen won’t approve of that,” Avelyn said. “Before I left London, we spoke alone and she asked me about the various men at court and marriage. She told me we would speak again in the autumn once I returned. I fear that she’ll choose for me some courtier who either has not a lick of sense and only cares about what he wears or worse—he’ll be one of those who seeks power and speaks from both sides of his mouth.”
