Lady Thief

by Wend Petzler

  Closing the door firmly behind him, he eyed the soft, enticing bed with a mistrustful expression, feeling the bitter bite of exhaustion. Sleep was desperately needed. Without any strong drink to help deaden the pain, could he sleep this night? Or would he yet again dream of the horrible crimes he had committed in the name of the Holy Cross?

  Rubbing his tired face, Lucian sat in the chair instead. He threw more kindling on the smoldering fire, watching the flames eagerly devour the bits of wood. Tossing in several large cuts, he leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. Dozing, his mind wandered over the young woman named Eiry. A soft laugh escaped him, realizing she hadn't answered any of his questions. What a fascinating creature! Perhaps the girl would prove to be an interesting diversion from his nightmares. On the morrow, he'd have Derrick investigate if she and Louie were intimate. Mayhap Eiry might take pity upon the Beast and ease his torment.

  * * * *

  Deep in her own thoughts, Eiry sat on her bed, watching the fire burn cheerfully in the fireplace. What in the world was happening? Martine had spoken in a quiet, deep voice, a voice filled with raw sensuality, alarming Eiry. Her knees had actually shook as he stared at her with such raw need in the dark depths of his hot gaze. Although two feet had separated them, she had felt the heat from his body sear hers, making her tingle, a unfamiliar sensation to her. Lucian Martine was completely unlike his reputation as a cold-blooded murderer. A man rumored to be more beast than man.

  Shedding her dress, she changed into a long sleeved, sleeping gown. Crawling under the heavy blankets, pulling them high to her chin, she stared at the ceiling.

  Dear Lord, please help us, Eiry prayed, wondering which direction they were now heading with the Butcher of Acre involved in their lives.

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  Chapter Four

  Eiry woke earlier than usual the next morning and dressed again in the simple gown of yesterday. After checking on the still sleeping Lilia, she continued on downstairs to the kitchen. Adding wood to the depleted fire, she grabbed the last three loaves of bread and set them on an iron platter next to the fire to warm. For breakfast, she had decided on making a large cauldron of what porridge remained for the hungry knights and her small family.

  In the midst of stirring the creamy white mixture simmering over the fire, she looked up when Louie entered the chamber. Smiling by way of greeting, Eiry grew concerned by his rare frown. “Louie, what's wrong?"

  "What are our plans concerning the new lord of Sanctuary?” Louie asked as he took over the stirring of the porridge while she collected bowls and wooden spoons, sitting them on a platter.

  "The Butcher's presence should persuade the sheriff to leave Sanctuary alone, giving us peace from his constant threats to evict us."

  Louie was clearly dubious. “What makes you think Robert won't try to enlist Martine? The Butcher's reputation as an evil bastard far exceeds the Sheriff of Derbyshire."

  Eiry thought about what she witnessed last night with Martine and the way his hard exterior melted briefly around her sister. Was Lucian Martine really without a soul as rumor spoke? Or was he just a man who did what he was ordered to do, doing whatever was necessary to fulfill his oath to King Richard?

  Wishing to keep her godfather's help secret, protecting him in case she was arrested some day, Eiry answered, “When I asked my friend in London who he thought best to help us, he suggested the Butcher, convinced Martine the right man to protect Sanctuary. He said Martine was a man of honor."

  "A man of honor? Are you certain? I heard the man ordered his knights to slaughter defenseless prisoners at Acre. How could you have allowed him to become the legal guardian of Sanctuary and your sister? Are you not worried about having such an evil man near Lilia? Are you not afraid for your own safety?” Louie demanded, angry and worried.

  A seed of doubt invaded her calm. Self-professed to have no soul, why did the Butcher's dark eyes say something else? What happened to the menacing knight when he encouraged people to think he was evil? She began to think things she'd rather not. Things like how incredibly gorgeous and sensual the man was, how the very thought of kissing those hard lips made her knees go weak. What the hell was wrong with her? There was no time for silly thoughts of kisses, or even love for that matter. Squaring her shoulders, Eiry was determined to do her duty to her fellow outlaws and her little sister. Still, Eiry's mind refused to let go the idea of Martine being only a killer. Last night she saw something much more when she watched the mysterious, intimidating knight when he tucked Lilia in. Something which frightened her more than death—Martine was a man of her equal, a man whose loyalty never swayed. Martine was more like her than even she cared to admit.

  "Martine wants me to hire servants for the castle. We need to get the word out and have those interested in employment meet with us at Allen's around mid-morning."

  "What of the others? What we will we do for them?"

  She grabbed the tray and whispered, “Let us discuss our ‘friends’ at Allen's.” Rushing out to the hall, Eiry set the tables for the men who were beginning to gather for breakfast.

  Louie knew she was right. Here wasn't the safest time or place to discuss their friends who were hiding in the network of caves like animals. They had to be especially careful here at the castle living with Martine and his company. Taking two towels, he wrapped them around the handles and lifted the bubbling porridge off the hook, carrying it out to the table in the hall. Nodding in greeting to Derrick, he was surprised to see Lilia sitting beside Lucian, giggling at his softly spoken comment. He grew amazed by the transformation of the menacing knight into a man more approachable as a shadow of a smile curved the hard lines of Martine's cruel mouth.

  Lilia always had that effect on people. Always she brought a smile to those who believed it wasn't possible anymore, unlike Eiry who was slowly dying inside. Louie knew the more they stole and fought the Sheriff's men, the farther withdrawn she'd become. It was as if the spirited woman he grew up with was trading in bits and pieces of her very soul to give aid to those in need.

  When he saw the confusion in Eiry's eyes when she looked at Martine, he liked it not at all. Was she attracted to the Beast of Acre? Jealousy rose fast and bitter inside him. He tried everything to get her to notice him as more than a friend but to no avail.

  Someday, she'll realize my love and return it, Louie swore as he sat down to eat.

  * * * *

  Eiry returned to the kitchens for the bread and crocks of butter. On the way back, she observed the way the gathered knights smiled and joked with Lilia, teasing the once again happy child. She could not help thinking if anyone could melt the Butcher's heart, it was Lilia. The girl was the center of attention amongst these fierce fighters. Setting the tray on the table, she took her seat beside Lilia, quickly coming to the conclusion the men who accompanied Lucian Martine were his best, most cunning, deadliest fighters of his entire company. She knew she should be fearful for her sister's safety, yet instinct told her these men would kill anyone who threatened to harm the innocent lass.

  The knights talked of riding out to see their new home, giving Eiry and Louie the opportunity they needed to leave the castle. When Martine and his men rode out of the courtyard, Louie quietly snuck out of the hall and headed to the stables to ready the horses. Eiry rushed to gather the dirty dishes and stacked them in a tub filled with hot water to soak.

  Hurrying upstairs with a protesting Lilia in tow, Eiry grabbed warm clothes for her sister, urging the child to dress while she hurried to her own chamber and changed into a soft, dark leather tunic and hose, then slipped on a pair of well worn half-boots. Tossing a long, dark woolen cloak about her shoulders, she grew irritated at her sister's slowness in getting ready.

  "Lilia, stop dawdling! We need to go before Martine returns.” Eiry slipped the quiver of arrows over her shoulder, tucking it under the cloak she wore, carrying the trusted bow in her firm grip

  None came close to her exceptional skill with t
he long bow, not even Louie who was very good. A keen eye and steady hand made her absolutely lethal. Not to mention she didn't scare easily, grinning recklessly in the face of danger. But with all her skill, Eiry wasn't there to protect her parents when they were murdered. She was in Wales, negotiating peace between her mother and Rowena's parents. It was also the first time she met her future husband, a man of such absurd arrogance who suggested she was gravelling for her mother. The meeting did not go well.

  Rowena had wanted nothing more in the world than to come home and see her family again, unable since being disowned years ago. With the promise of Rowena's oldest daughter to marry a Welsh lord, it still remained difficult to reunite the families. When news arrived of Thomas and Rowena's death, Eiry declared she was going to hunt down those responsible. Her grandfather denied her wish to go home. Eiry defied him before his entire castle, boldly ripping up the marriage contract. He had leapt to his feet in a rage, convinced the duplicity inherent in the English had passed down to his granddaughter. By Eiry's defiance of breaking the betrothal, it confirmed his hatred of the English.

  Eiry raced home to Lilia.

  Making a sour face at wearing boy's clothes, Lilia struggled to don her boots. Eiry ignored her and tossed a heavy cloak about Lilia's thin shoulders and fastened it with a clasp. Eiry took her hand in hers, and they hurried downstairs. Outside, Eiry handed her bow up to Louie before swinging up on the prancing mare. Patting the mare's neck affectionately, she reached a hand down to lift Lilia up, settling her before her on the saddle. When the child was comfortable, Eiry held her tight with one arm as she urged the high strung mare forward.

  Two of Martine's men were left behind to guard the castle. Lilia happily waved at them, smiling brightly in spite of the cold morning, causing the savage-looking men to look uncomfortable. Eiry spared a nervous glance at Louie who swallowed hard at the real possibility of being caught. When the men hesitantly waved back and opened the gates so they could leave, they urged their mounts into a canter. When they were out of sight of the castle, Louie handed back her bow. Along the way to Allen Thatcher's, they stopped at the homes of friends, urging those who helped rob with them and those they gave monies to help with the difficult times to come along and hear the proposal.

  An hour later, Eiry, Lilia, and Louie left the main road and entered the forest, making their way along a barely visible path. Riding twenty minutes deeper into the dense woods, they halted their horses by the mud shack Allen and his young wife, Anne, had built in a small clearing, protected by the Peake Forest. Lilia struggled to climb off the horse, wanting to play with the couple's three daughters as the adults warmly greeted one another. Bleating from behind the hut, protected from the elements by a small, pole barn were the prized sheep hidden from Lord Robert's greedy clutches. The market for the wool was highly profitable, and the monies earned from the sales would be used to purchase seeds for planting vegetables and much needed grain.

  Wagons soon came into view, carrying men and women who were picked up along the way to the meeting place. Armed men were positioned and on the alert. Even though they were well away from the prying eyes of Lord Robert and his henchmen, safety was a high priority for the peasants and outlaws who were taking a huge risk in gathering together during the daylight. The morning was growing late when the peasants settled down to listen to their leader—Eiry.

  "I know most of you have already heard of the knights residing in Sanctuary. Sir Lucian Martine is the legal guardian of my sister and lord of Sanctuary. Are any of you interested in honest work?” At their shocked looks, she continued, “Martine is offering fair wages to those willing to be employed in the castle and help with the rebuilding of the fallen wing.” Eiry searched the concerned faces of her friends, noting the look of fear on the women's at the mention of the Butcher residing in Castle Sanctuary.

  Allen was leaning against his house when he suddenly shoved away, scowling at Eiry. “You want us to work for the Butcher? Are you mad?” he demanded in obvious disbelief, ignoring the outraged grumbling at his insolent tone toward Eiry.

  Jumping to his feet, Louie glared back, anger making his features flush as red as the color of his hair. “Allen, we have no choice! Sanctuary is Lucian Martine's, legal and binding. What say you, Eiry, of the knight? What does your gut instinct tell you of the Butcher?"

  The gathered people turned expectantly toward her, waiting for her response. She knew they would follow her in whatever she said. Had she made the right decision in procuring Martine? Eiry glanced at the children playing. Her sister wore a bright smile and was actually participating in the games when before she would sit and pray. Startled, she realized Lilia trusted the Butcher with all her sweet, endearing heart to protect them and keep them safe from their enemies.

  With fortitude, Eiry faced the expectant people. “I must admit, I was taken aback by the idea of the infamous Butcher residing in Sanctuary.” Taking a deep breath, she plunged onward, “Until, I watched Lucian Martine pledge his sword to an orphaned girl, swearing to protect her as if she were his very own.” The people present were speechless when she offered them a rueful smile. “If Lilia trusts Lucian Martine, then so shall I."

  A long moment passed when a woman not much older than Eiry stepped forward. “Ye heard her! If Eiry says we can trust the mon then so shall we."

  Angry shouts erupted as the men argued about what to do, and the women grew furious at the lengthy bickering. Allen's blonde-haired wife, Anne, leapt to her feet, furious at her husband and the other men. “Are ye telling me ye'd rather risk yer necks stealing and tweaking the Sheriff's nose than do an honest day's work?” She angrily placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the men who suddenly turned beet red at her bold accusations.

  Another man shouted, “What of those condemned ter hide in the caverns? What will Martine do if he finds out we give aid to our outlawed brothers and sisters?"

  Eiry stepped up for the question. “Louie and I, along with those of unmarried status, will continue robbing the King's Highway, giving the monies back to those who are desperate and those banned to hide out. I strongly suggest to those with families, please go back to a more respectable occupation. Come to the castle and meet Martine and see for yourselves if you wish to work for him. Just think about it. Right, the day is getting late, and I must return to the castle and prepare dinner."

  Objections started anew at the outrageous idea of their leader cooking for the knights. Anne punched Allen in the arm, glaring her outrage. “Why did ye not tell me last night Eiry was taking care of those men? Eiry, I will go with ye and help with the fixings.” Anne stormed inside her home and a moment later returned with her cloak, still grumbling about men and their stupid pride.

  The meeting was officially over. Eiry met the questioning looks from her people. “There is no shame in serving the Norman. I honestly believe we are in a rare position. Lord Robert will have to be bold indeed if he wishes to take on the Butcher of Acre. You wanted protection, I say we have it—in Lucian Martine!"

  Louie lifted Lilia onto his horse, and then swung up behind her. “If you want a chance to work, come back with us to the castle."

  Eiry nodded in thanks, relieved he had come to understand her plan, if not agreeing with it. It suddenly came to her she had made a grave mistake today when shecame to the horrifying realization Martine would see her wearing a hunting tunic and holding a Welsh bow.

  "Anne, can I borrow a dress from you? I canna go back dressed in these clothes."

  Anne understood and came to her rescue. “I got's one of me sister's in a trunk.” They ducked back in the house. In short time, Eiry changed into the gown of muslin and fastened her heavy cloak about her shoulders. Wrapping her clothes in a bundle, she walked back out to the waiting crowd and took up her bow and quiver of arrows, handing the items over to Louie.

  "Eiry, we don't have anything to fix,” Louie reminded her.

  "Does anyone have some suggestions on what to do about supper?” Eiry asked as sh
e swung agilely up onto the saddle, arranging the heavy skirt. Reaching out a hand to Anne, she helped the woman up behind her.

  A skinny man with thin, scraggy hair raised his hand, a toothless grin on his dirty face. “I can go and get a few of my chickens,” he offered, winning a bright smile for his generosity from those around him.

  Soon others were offering vegetables and venison. By the time they reached the castle, the large group had stopped and gathered a fine meal for them all, including the new lord of Sanctuary and his knights.

  * * * *

  After exploring the small holding, Lucian and his men returned to Castle Sanctuary. Impressed by the beauty of the rolling hills as the land prepared for winter, he felt a sense of pride fill him toward their new home. The fields lay fallow as Eiry had said, the empty pastures were ideal for raising sheep—once he got his hands on the woolly creatures taken. Deciding to explore the small castle from top to bottom, inside and out, checking the structure, Lucian was disheartened to find the north wing's roof lay completely in ruins. On the bright side, three of the walls remained intact and only needed to be reinforced.

  Suddenly, Lucian realized Lilia and her maid were missing. Searching for them, he exited the castle and was heartened to see a large garden by the well, covered by straw for the next growing season. Looking around the small stables, he found their horses were missing, too. Inquiring of the girls whereabouts from the two men he left behind to guard them, he grew alarmed when he learned they, along with Louie, had left hours ago. Swearing under his breath, Lucian grabbed his gauntlets, preparing to ride out when a shout from the tower announced riders coming in. He signaled the gates opened.