by Wend Petzler
Cursing, she grabbed her bow and quiver of arrows from Sir George who stood beside Tom. She ran outside where their horses waited and leapt onto her mare.
"George, protect my sister,” she shouted as she reined Angel about and raced out the gate and into the forest, praying she would be there in time to save the man she loved.
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Chapter Fifteen
Robin laid a calming hand on his rearing horse's neck when Eiry's horse slid to a halt beside him.
"Robin, what goes?” she demanded breathlessly
"Brasco has his men hiding in the Peake Forest, just outside Peveril Castle, laying in wait for Martine. The man apparently has developed a dislike for your man.” He waved at Tom, “Go back to the castle and move the people out! My men are waiting in the forest beyond the orchard to help them to our hideout. Those who wish to leave are waiting for you to return to Sanctuary.” Urging his horse into a gallop, he led the way deeper into the forest.
"Wait! Are we riding alone? Are you sure it not a trap for us?” she shouted.
"Aye, I have. That's precisely the reason why we're going alone. We must find out what they're doing, and why they're using Martine as bait.” Robin shouted back, looking absolutely furious by the ploy to draw them out by sacrificing a good man like Lucian Martine.
Surprised by Robin's uncharacteristic anger, Eiry asked, “What's our plan?"
"Trust me,” he replied. Tossing her a broad grin, he winked at her.
"Great.” Rolling her eyes at Robin's words, recognizing them as the ones she used when she was about do something completely insane.
* * * *
Lucian drew his horse to a halt beside Prince John's white palfrey, well aware the man was disappointed about Eiry's absence. “Your Highness.” He inclined his head, holding his helm in the crook of his arm.
"Where is the young woman I asked you to bring?” As usual, John came right to the point, shrewdly looking up and down at the knights accompanying him.
"My sincerest apologies, Your Highness, Lilia, my charge, became ill last night. Eiry stayed up most of the night with the girl. I promise, she will attend the feast tonight.” He hoped with a little luck, they might avoid the dinner at Peveril Castle and be on their way to the coast.
Mollified, John waved at Robert's sister riding toward them. “Lady Beatrice, will you be accompanying us on our hunt?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world.” Her words were breathless, her hungry eyes roamed over Lucian, causing him to feel like a prime meal.
Lucian stifled the long suffering groan when he realized Lady Beatrice intended to be his companion today. Searching the gathered nobility, he was amazed to see the majority were barons, the ruling force of England. Why were they gathered at Peveril Castle?
"Lady Beatrice, where is your brother? Is he ill?"
Beaming, she drew her sable-lined, yellow velvet cloak tighter against the chill of the day. “Oh, do not worry about Robert. He'll join us after the dogs are released. Oh look, there he is.” She pointed at her brother, startled by his scowl when he saw Lucian.
Cantering up to the waiting trio, Robert tried his best to be civil. “Welcome, Martine. Where is your companion?"
"I ordered Eiry to remain at Castle Sanctuary and get some rest from taking care of Lilia last night."
Pretending to be concerned, Beatrice placed a leather-gloved hand on Lucian's forearm. “Is the child ill? Would you like me to attend her?"
Covering her smaller hand with his much larger one, Lucian's smile deepened, his eyes smoldering, charming the lusty woman. “My thanks for your sweet offer, Eiry is quite capable of taking care of the lass."
Robert shot a questioning glance at Prince John, who only shrugged. “I do hope she'll attend tonight's feast?"
Eyes hardening at the lack of finesse on Robert's part, Lucian replied, “Yea, I will return to Sanctuary and fetch Eiry for tonight's feast."
"Wonderful! I say, shall we go hunting?” Robert signaled to his steward. The man raised his horn and blew, announcing the hunt. The gathered riders gleefully gave chase, dogs baying, all in high spirits of the delightful sunny day.
John let out a loud bellow and eagerly thumped his horse's sides, racing into the woods. Robert followed, leaving his sister to ride beside Martine, knowing it useless to deter her lusty pursuance.
Keeping his stallion to a steady canter, Lucian held back, riding alongside Beatrice. When they entered the Peake Forest, the hairs on the back of his neck rose in warning, sensing the trees were closing in on him. Placing a hand on his sword, he rode alert as did his knights.
"My lady, where are we heading?"
"We do not need to travel far into the Peake Forest. My brother's men went out at dawn to round up a large herd of deer, making the hunt more pleasurable for Prince John. Robert lets the dogs lead us to the waiting beasts. Thank you for staying behind with me, I feel much safer in your company."
Glancing down at the woman, he realized she actually meant what she said. “Is something amiss, Lady Beatrice?"
"Oh, nothing is wrong, only a woman's fear of being left alone and unattended.” She turned a bright smile upon him. “Did you see how many nobles came to our hunt? By tonight, more shall arrive for the feast."
"I am impressed by the outcome. Do many of the wealthy Londoners possess lands in Derbyshire?” Knowing already the answer, Lucian wished to place Beatrice at ease. The woman lied about her nervousness, her practiced façade had slipped, her unease still forefront as she rode closer to him.
"Oh, yes! They come during the summer to get away from London and enjoy the country air. I, on the other hand prefer the city. I do enjoy watching the jousts. I last heard you were the reigning champion."
He faintly smiled at her, watching her bat her pale eyelashes demurely. “I was pleased to end my career on a high note."
Her beauteous features drew in concern. “You will not take to the lists again?"
"Nay, my jousting days are over. I like the quiet life.” His answer appeared to stump her, unable to form a response. Lucian took the opportunity to ask some questions of his own. “I know the subject is sensitive, but what happened to the thieves Robert arrested yesterday?” Acting casually interested, he sought to find their location.
"My lord, I will tell you all, if you were to kiss me,” Beatrice brazenly bargained.
Caught in a dilemma, Lucian knew if he failed to find the location where Robert held his prisoners, he would be forced to actually take Eiry to the feast tonight. Playing along, he reined his horse to a halt. Leaning down to Beatrice, noting her breathless response, he nuzzled her ear. “Dear Beatrice, where are they keeping the outlaws?"
Trembling, she felt his hot breath caress her cheek, his hard mouth hovering over hers. “Robert has had a difficult time finding something suitable since the jail was set fire."
Drawing back in surprise, his brows gathered in bemusement. “The outlaws burned the jail?"
"Oh, yea! It was horrid. The fire spread to the dress shop, destroying my lovely gown being made for tonight.” An artful pout formed her red lips in a bow-shape, perfect for kissing.
Lucian knew if he did not kiss her, Beatrice's suspicion might cause her to speak with Robert over his questions. As he leaned down toward those ripe lips, one of his knights drew his horse closer to Lucian, gaining his attention. “What?"
"My lord, I think we should return to Peveril Castle.” The horses tossed their heads nervously, agitated about the unusual silence of the woods.
"Lady Beatrice, perhaps we—” Before Lucian could finish his sentence, men wearing hoods exploded from their hiding place behind the heavy brush, more rode hard for him and his men.
Faintly, he heard Beatrice scream when the leader charged at him. Dodging the wild swing of the man's crude sword, he drew his own sword, barely having time to deflect the deadly strike. His stallion saved him by rearing up and shoving the smaller horse backward on its haunches, sending
its rider sprawling in the dirt. The man scrambled out of the way, shouting to his men.
"Kill Martine!"
"To arms,” Lucian roared, recognizing Brasco's voice. Vastly outnumbered, he and his knights encircled the screaming woman, placing her in the center as they fought their attackers.
A sharp whistle drew his attention upward to the thick limbs of the trees. The faint whisper of goose fletching flying was the first warning as arrows rained down on the hooded men. Running his blade through the chest of the nearest man, he drew his horse back in time to see Beatrice whipping hers into a frenzied run, fleeing the battle. Cursing the stupid female, he turned around in time to see what was left of their attackers flee, leaving their dead behind. Two shadowy figures dropped from the tree nearest him, their bows slung over their shoulders.
Breathing hard, he waited for their rescuers to approach, surprised when Eiry snatched off her hood, glaring at him. Before he could ask what she was doing there, she threw it at him, hitting him square in the face.
"What the hell were you doing with Beatrice?” she snapped, fury making her beautiful and dangerous to his mind's lack of peace.
Taking off his hood, Robin tried to intervene. “Eiry, I do not think the time is right for your question. Why don't you and Martine discuss his involvement with Lady Beatrice later?” Reaching down to the dead man at their feet, he jerked the hood of the burlap sack with roughly cut out eye holes from the corpse's head. “We've got bigger problems. The men you see are Brasco's best. Does the sheriff know of your plans to leave the country?"
Glaring at Eiry, incensed when she bristled back, Lucian shook his head. “I gave the man no reason to doubt me, nor have I been approached to side with John."
Shaking his head at the mystery why mercenaries attacked Lucian like outlaws, Robin was startled when Eiry grabbed his arm, dragging him along as she ran for cover. Horses crashed through the shrubbery. Robert and Prince John, with William De Brasco trailing them, rode hard toward Lucian and his men. Hiding in the thick brush, Eiry and Robin held their breath, listening.
Chagrined at finding Lucian alive, Robert recovered beautifully. “What happened? Did Lady Thief attack you?"
In a flash, Lucian realized what was going on. “Yea, she attacked me. I believe we were accidentally saved by a rival outlaw band.” Allowing the look of murder cross his features, he gave the men what they desired. “I shall join forces with you, Lord Robert, and aid you in ridding the Shire of the rabble thieves, once and for all! By the way, your sister fled back to the castle, and last I saw, she was well. With your leave, I will return home and prepare for tonight's feast. I believe I've had enough entertainment for the morning.” Wheeling his horse about, Lucian left without waiting for permission to leave.
Glaring at Robert, John waited until he was certain Martine was out of hearing distance and then shouted, “You said Martine would not be in any danger! I only wanted him to understand our position against Lady Thief and her band of outlaws."
Forcing a patient smile, he faced the irate Prince. “Martine was not injured, and you have what you wanted."
"What's that?” John demanded, shaken by the sight of dead men sprawled at his horse's feet.
"Martine is yours. William, congratulations, your plan worked. With the Lord of Sanctuary convinced he was betrayed by the same outlaws he was willing to help, we have him firmly on our side."
Prince John started laughing when what Robert said had sunk in. “Christ Jesu, I have the Butcher in my pocket! All we need do is get the man to pledge his sword to me before our dinner guests tonight and my bid for the English Crown will go without a hitch!” Clapping gleefully, John grinned at Robert, “Come, I feel the need to kill some more."
Horses crashing through the woods followed by silence made Eiry peeked around the tree trunk, her heart thundering in her chest. She looked over at Robin and knew he was feeling the same way. “I don't know about you, but I get the distinct impression Prince John and his lackeys are willing to do whatever it takes to make us look bad."
Robin rolled his eyes at her, shaking his head at her wit. “Come on, we'd best be getting back to Sanctuary. I believe you have a man to hit over the head with your bow.” Climbing to his feet, he extended his hand out to aid her to her feet.
"Oh, I'll do more than hit him when I get a hold of him,” she ground out through clenched teeth. When she'd seen the pair about to kiss, she'd nearly shot Lucian so great was her rage.
"I was joking, Eiry. The man is dedicated to you. I seriously doubt he has an unfaithful bone in his body. You're being jealous over nothing.” They started jogging back to where their horses were hidden.
Rethinking her rash assumptions, she grudgingly conceded Robin might be right. Not comfortable about the idea she was jealous, she kept silent for the rest of the ride home. When Sanctuary came in view, she drew her mare to a halt. “Robin, if I am not able to see you again, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your friendship. We'd never have survived, if not for your help."
"You are one hell of a woman, Eiry Savoy. If you and the big lug over yonder weren't in love, I'd be after you in a heartbeat.” Smiling ruefully, Robin saluted her.
Momentarily speechless, she smiled shyly, “Thank you. I am flattered by your admission. In truth, if I'd not met Lucian first, I'd definitely consider you.” Winking, she laughed at his surprise. Saluting him back, she rode home.
At the back door, she hailed the archers and waited for it to be opened for her. Nearing the stable, she heard a shout and the front gate swung open, admitting Lucian and his knights.
* * * *
Pulling his horse to a halt before the old stable, Lucian dismounted, handing the reins over to his squire. Eiry entered through the back entrance of the stable. Irked she'd thought him fickle in his regard for her feelings, he was determined in his refusal to apologize for his actions pertaining Beatrice. When she swung off the mare and looked straight at him, her beautiful features showed no emotion. She turned away from him and pressed her forehead against her horse's sleek neck.
Lucian felt discouraged, knowing she thought him unfaithful after all they shared. When she faced him, he was unprepared as she strode purposefully toward him and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him. Wrapping his arms around her, he picked her up off the ground, thankful she was no longer mad at him. Deepening the kiss, Lucian reassured her the only way he knew by tightening his grip around her and kissing her deep and long and slow.
Breathless, she leaned back in his arms. “You scared the wits right out of me today."
"I knew Robert was without morals, honestly, I did not figure he'd place his own sister in danger.” Lucian released her. Taking her hand in his, they walked back to the castle, letting his squire care for the horses.
"Well, you were convincing. Robert and Prince John believe you are on their side. After you rode off, they were quite pleased with their ploy in making you think you were attacked by the same outlaws you protect."
"At least one thing went right. I am truly sorry, I bear bad tidings. Beatrice revealed nothing of your friends’ whereabouts. She did say Robert cannot use his jail since fire destroyed it.” His eyebrow arched at her reddening features. “I take it you used the fire as a distraction when you snuck into Peveril Castle."
"I had to do something to get Robert and his henchman out of the castle. Are we still attending the feast?"
"Aye, we must. I believe the outlaws are being held somewhere in Peveril Castle. Besides, we need to stall, giving Derrick more time to return with the ships. We must get our people far from here.” He opened the door for her, confused when she stopped and stood staring at him.
"Our people?” she asked in surprise.
Shrugging his shoulders sheepishly, he just grinned at her. “You heard me, our people. Why, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just like the way you say it, that's all.” She caressed his rough cheek, loving the way he closed his eyes at her touch, leaning into t
he palm of her hand.
Opening his eyes, he urged her to go inside. “I think you'd best be getting ready. The hour is well past the afternoon mark. We will head out for Peveril Castle before sunset."
Groaning at his reminder, she trudged upstairs.
When Anne was notified of their return, she and Lilia went upstairs to Lucian's chamber, carrying the lovely gown and slippers. Helping Eiry don the dress, Lilia went to work fastening the multitude of buttons down the back of the gown. Anne went about combing the knots out of Eiry's hair. Creating a suitable style, she braided the silky stuff into an intricate design. Once she was satisfied, she placed the veil over Eiry's head, fastening it with a simple, silver circlet. Standing back, viewing her handiwork, Anne looked quite pleased how ladylike Eiry appeared, knowing the lass was much more.
Eiry ran her hands over the fine, satiny material of her gown, surprised to realize how much she missed dressing like a lady. After so long, she conceded, she was tired of being an outlaw. Dragging the hem upward, she secured her slim dagger in the sheath tied around her upper thigh, covering her legs again. A knock on the door warned of Lucian coming in. Halting in his tracks, his shadowed jaw dropped.
"Have I met with your approval, my lord?” Eiry waited, watching Lucian's reaction to her change in attire from peasant to lady. She was surprised to see Lucian wearing chain mail again under an expensively made red tunic with his crest boldly embroidered across his broad chest. The raptor's wings outstretched with talons unfurled and ready to kill gave Lucian a sinister appearance. The dark, leather hose did little to her peace of mind, the tight material clung to his powerful thighs and buttocks.
"You far surpass my wildest dreams.” His voice deepened, gazing upon her beauty with awe and respect. Worry drew his brow together ominously. “Mayhap you should not come with me. The prince might...” Lucian couldn't finish his sentence, knowing he would kill Prince John if the man laid one slimy finger on Eiry.
Laying a reassuring hand on his forearm, Eiry smiled at his concern. “What time is it?"
