“I’ll go,” Jak said, giving Daud a sneer. “I always believed that our second commander was a coward.”
When the large knight exited the cottage, Wouter turned to his remaining men. “I should have you both killed for your insolence,” he said, the muscle working in his jaw.
Daud pointed his sword at Wouter. “I don’t plan to die this day either by your hand, or by the hand of —”
A bang echoed at the side of the house, as if a large body hit the structure with tremendous force. It was followed by a groan, and then silence.
The men exchanged startled looks with each other before they turned to stare at the wall. But then a noise resonated to the right, near the broken shutters. Karina whipped her head around just in time to see a shadow pass by. A chilly streak ran down her spine.
“’Tis him,” Eli’s voice was just above a whisper, although he sounded as if he shouted. Instinctively he stepped closer to Karina, and she placed an arm around his shoulders, drawing him tightly to her side.
They were trapped in the abandoned cottage and were doomed. The green demon was waiting for them outside, ready to take them away. She lifted her eyes to the ceiling, praying that somehow God would deliver them from the impending terror.
“Who goes there?” Wouter yelled. He held his sword high, looking frantically to the left and right.
But the banging continued throughout the cottage.
“We’re going to die!” Clement let out a frightened cry.
“Shut up, fool!” Wouter hissed.
The three men stood with their backs to each other, startling each time they heard the noise. It came first from one direction and then the other. They each gripped their swords, ready to thrust it at their unseen foe.
Suddenly the door slammed open. The wooden panels smashed into the wall before falling to pieces to the ground. The force of the shattered door caused the latent dust particles to scatter into the air.
The three men swiveled around to face the entrance.
Karina let out a startled gasp just as her heart stopped beating. There standing at the doorway was the green demon in all his glory. He looked much worse than she could ever imagine. The creature, as tall as a man, was draped in greenery, the foliage hanging down to the ground like wilted flowers. He watched them from behind his thick, shiny curtain of leaves. Holding her breath, she saw his great head swivel briefly at her direction. But then, as if he lost interest in her, he turned back to the cowering men; the leaves on his body rustling softly as he moved.
“Stand back!” Clement sobbed, the sword trembling in his hand. But he didn’t dare drop it. “Don’t come any closer, you vile creature!”
Wouter was the first to gather his wits. “Get him!” he yelled.
He pushed Clement with his free hand while he raised a foot and shoved Daud toward the door. Clement lost his balance and crashed his head on the ground with a resounding thud. Meanwhile Daud stumbled, head-first, toward the front of the room.
And then all pandemonium broke loose.
The green demon advanced, and two more forest spirits rushed in after him. Suddenly swords appeared in their hands. Then there was a flurry of activity, screams, shouts, and the clang of metal clashing against metal. Karina watched in horrified silence as the creatures skillfully deflected each sword thrust. Clement, who watched the display of terrifying skill, fainted. In a matter of seconds, the outlaws were disarmed. Two of the green demons grabbed Wouter and Daud by the cuff, and slammed the two men into one another. Just as the outlaws became unbalanced by the impact, a third forest spirit rushed at them, a splinter of wood held over his head. And when he got near enough to the knights, he crashed the weapon down on their heads, knocking them senseless.
A pair of green demons stood over the unconscious knights, observing their handiwork. Meanwhile the third one tottered toward Karina and Eli.
“Please,” Karina cried as she hugged Eli to her. “Don’t hurt us!”
The green creature stopped as if he was surprised by the intensity of her appeal.
She shrank back, uncertain as to whether he would spring at them and kill them right then and there. But the green demon remained in one spot. In fact it was…shaking.
“I think he’s laughing at us,” Eli whispered, stirring in her arms.
She peered closer at the creature. Eli was right…
The green demon plucked off a leafy helmet, revealing a smiling, unforgettable face.
“Geoffrey?” she said, half suspecting that she was seeing an illusion.
And when his warm laughter filled the room, a flood of relief flooded her body.
“Geoffrey!” Eli broke free from her arms and launched himself at the stable master. “We thought the green demon got you.”
Curving his lips, he said, “Nay, it appears that the green demons got the outlaws.”
Bram lifted the helmet of leaves and twigs from his head and walked over to them. “Geoffrey’s plan worked, and we outwitted these traitors without bloodshed.” Amusement danced in his eyes. “’Twould seem that they were surprised to meet more than one green demon.”
“’Tis true providence that we encountered you in Treville,” Coenred added as he joined the group. He clapped Geoffrey on the back. “We should return to town and take these traitors with us.”
“And don’t forget to take Sewallus too,” Eli said. “The outlaws tied him to a tree not far from here. He confessed to ma dame that he killed Osbert.”
A stunned expression momentarily crossed Geoffrey’s face.
“We’ll take care of him as well,” Bram said, looking over at Geoffrey.
“Fine,” he said, and beckoned to Karina. “We’ll retrieve the princess from the stables. She should be happy to know that all is well.”
“Aye, I am certain that she will be happy with the news,” Coenred said. “’Tis all thanks to you though. I will recommend to the princess that you receive knighthood for your cunning and bravery.”
“I think you will make a fine knight, Geoffrey,” Karina said, clasping her hands in front of her chest.
“Thank you, Karina,” he said, beaming.
She responded with a smile of her own, although she didn’t feel like smiling. Geoffrey placed a hand at the small of her back and guided her toward the exit.
The princess, indeed the entire town was now safe from the outlaws. She should be thrilled, but for some reason she wasn’t.
Chapter 18
“Princess Lilia?” Karina called as she approached the back of the stable with Geoffrey.
The top of Lilia’s head emerged from behind the wooden barrel.
She stared at the princess. Even in the worst conditions, the woman seemed as fresh as the spring air. Her hair was slightly mussed, but in no way did it detract from her beauty. Karina brought her hand up to touch her own hair and encountered the fabric of her headpiece. She felt grimy and dirty, but most of all, she felt old.
“Is it safe to come out now?” Lilia asked, her voice soft and full of caution.
“Aye, my princess,” Geoffrey said, stepping forth and offering his hand. “The traitors are apprehended, and they’ll bother you no more.” Lilia took his hand, and he gently pulled her out from her hiding place.
“This is a relief,” she murmured, her beautiful face raised to his.
Karina felt nauseous. Glancing away, she didn’t want to see the admiration that was likely reflected in his eyes.
“Where are the traitors now?” Lilia asked.
“The royal guards are now taking them to the town square,” Karina said.
Geoffrey looked at her quickly, as if he suddenly remembered that she was present. But he turned back to the princess. “Aye, Sirs Coenred and Bram are rounding them up as we speak.” He executed a bow. “We go there to meet them.”
***
When they arrived at the town square, they discovered a curious assemblage gathered there. Bram and Coenred stood guard over the prisoners who had their hands and fe
et tied together.
“Why is there a commoner among the traitors?” Lilia asked, surprised.
“Rest assured, princess, he is among them for a reason,” Coenred said. “Sir Bram, bring him here so he can confess his misdeeds to the princess.”
“Aye.” Bram dragged Sewallus from the group, and when he reached Lilia, he forced the man to his knees. “Confess,” he ordered.
“Upon my honor, I didn’t mean to do it!” A thin sob escaped from the guild master’s son.
“What is he speaking about?” The corners of Lilia’s lips turned down and she looked quizzically at her guards.
“He killed his brother,” Geoffrey said grimly.
“Osbert’s death was an accident!” Sewallus shouted.
When Sewallus failed to expand on his declaration, Coenred spoke up. “Perhaps his brother’s death was an accident. But the fact remains — the man admitted to the murder, and for also putting the blame on Geoffrey.”
Lilia looked at the kneeling man, her gaze unwavering. “Is this true?”
“’Tis not true!” Warin shouted, his voice filled with rage and grief. He broke free from the crowd and approached them, his hands buried in his hair. “My son would never have harmed his brother…”
“I killed him, Father. But I didn’t mean to do it,” Sweallus whispered brokenly. He dropped his eyes to the ground as tears streamed down his cheeks.
As he heard his son’s admission of guilt, the guild master crumbled to his knees. Yanking at his hair, he let out a loud, pain-filled wail.
“I see,” Lilia said, her lips twisted in distaste. “A murder cannot go unpunished. My guards will take you to Baltroham where you will face my father’s justice.”
The finality of Lilia’s words caused Sewallus to bury his head in his hands and weep.
Ignoring the surprised murmur that went through the throng, Coenred approached the princess and whispered something in her ear.
Someone pulled the guild master up from the ground and drew him back into the crowd. In the meantime, Bram dragged Sewallus back to the other prisoners.
But even with the tumult around them, the townspeople had their eyes trained on the princess.
“Goodman Geoffrey,” Lilia said, her voice carrying over the strangely hushed mass. “You are an honorable, trustworthy man.” The smile that lit up Lilia’s face caused Karina’s stomach to churn. “Sir Coenred has informed me of your part in capturing these traitors. And although this method is unorthodox, it will serve.” Lilia looked over to the guard standing at her side. “Sir Coenred will you do the honor?”
“Gladly,” the large knight said. Bowing to the princess, he went to stand in front of Geoffrey, and withdrew his sword from his scabbard.
“Geoffrey de Servian,” his voice boomed across the town square. “You possess the mind and heart of a knight. ‘Tis only fitting that you don the title as well.”
As she watched, Lilia’s beautiful eyes twinkled, and a pretty smile touched upon her lips.
“Kneel,” Coenred commanded.
Slowly, Geoffrey bent down on one knee, his eyes focused on the boots of the older knight.
Karina clasped her hands together as pleasure flooded her heart. Despite his disability, Geoffrey’s dream of becoming a knight was coming true.
“From this day forth, I dub you a knight of honor,” Coenred said, tapping the broadsword first on Geoffrey’s one shoulder and then the other. “You may rise, sir knight.”
Geoffrey rose to his feet.
Lilia stepped forward and regarded the stunned faces watching the proceedings. She slowly scanned the faces and smiled. Then raising her sweet voice, she said, “Let all bear witness this day that Geoffrey de Servian is knighted under the eyes of God, the king and his people.”
A cheer erupted from the assemblage.
“I would be honored if you would join my royal entourage, Sir Geoffrey,” Lilia said, smiling at him.
Geoffrey looked as if he was half dazed; he seemed unaware of the activity that surrounded him. And he had eyes only for one person, and that person wasn’t Karina.
The world seemed to topple over, and she searched around for something to hold, something to steady her from the surprising blow.
He smiled at the princess, and said something that Karina couldn’t quite hear. Then Lilia’s face unexpectedly lit up, and the tinkle of her laughter touched Karina’s ears. Suddenly her chest constricted painfully. The happy sound mangled her soul. Geoffrey loved another, she realized. Karina always knew that she never had a chance with him. But to see him now, the truth was hard to take.
At last her initial foreboding had come to fruition. She knew without a doubt that he was going to leave Treville. Forever. But she couldn’t blame him. Over night, he had become a hero, and he would continue to do heroic things in the name of the king.
Yet why did that bring unhappiness to her breast? Perhaps she imagined the feelings she had toward Geoffrey. For all she knew, the sensations she felt for him were one-sided. She was a desperate widow — a lonely and unloved woman who readily fell into the arms of the first decent man who turned up at her door.
Bringing her hand to her chest, she pressed at it while she let out a trembling breath. Even though she didn’t want to witness their exchange, she couldn’t look away. Lilia had her face tilted up toward Geoffrey, a hand resting on his forearm. He looked down at her with a broad grin on his face. Then taking her slender hand from his arm, he brought it up to his lips and tenderly kissed it.
Karina felt her stomach roil. She could never compare with the beautiful princess. Next to Lilia, she was as sparkly as a dirt encrusted pebble. And no man would ever regard her like how Geoffrey was now regarding Lilia. She took in another quaking breath, and blew out all hope that had resided in her soul. All at once she had found and lost the man of her dreams, a man who despite his physical weakness, possessed an enormous heart that was kind as it was gentle.
Reaching up, she placed an unsteady hand to her lips. Throughout this entire time, she had deluded herself. The kiss that they shared had meant nothing to him. Yet even knowing this, she still loved him, still wanted him. Tears welled up in her eyes. Swallowing hard, she tried to clear the large lump in her throat. But even blinking back the tears couldn’t prevent the wave of remorse that coursed through her. Somehow it felt as if she was losing her best friend all over again, only it felt a hundred times worse.
Karina slipped to the back of the crowd, wanting to get away from the cheering, chatter and excited elation.
She made it to her house and stumbled inside. When Alays tried to assist her, she sent the servant away to join the celebration at the town square. She wanted and needed to get drunk. Grabbing a jug of ale and a tankard from the cupboard, she brought it to the wooden table. She plopped down on the bench and pulling her cup toward her, she filled it with ale.
More cheering sounded in the distance. Quickly tossing the ale down her throat, she wanted to drown out the noise as well as the sorrow that hung heavily in her heart. Bringing up her fingers, she wiped at her mouth. Stronger, she needed something stronger. Staggering over to the cupboard, she rummaged through until she found a flask of spiced wine. Alays usually reserved the expensive drink for special occasions, but at this moment Karina didn’t care. Filling the tankard to the brim, she tipped the cup to her lips. She winced at the sudden sweetness of the wine, but still, she tilted the cup further, forcing the liquid down.
“Why is this happening to me?” she asked the empty room.
An expected silence answered.
“I’ll tell you what happened,” she continued. “You’re a fool. You’ve gone, and fallen in love with a man who you can never have.” She let out a bitter laugh. Grabbing the flask of wine, she brought the vessel to her lips. “And you allowed this even after you swore that you wanted nothing to do with men.”
She stuck out her tongue and placed the flagon onto the table with a thud. The wine was too sweet for her palate and sh
e couldn’t bring herself to drink anymore.
Karina stared at the cup, her eyes unseeing. After suffering from years of abuse, she was mentally scarred. But then Geoffrey entered her life, making her forget about the pain of the past, making her desire the impossible. In such a short time, he won her over with his quiet strength and courage. She opened her heart to him and dared to love. Folding her arms on the table, she dropped her head to the crook of her arms. Sadly, giving her heart away like this was one of the most idiotic things that she had ever done.
Her eyelids felt heavy, as if the wine and her dreary thoughts weighed them down. She had to disregard Geoffrey and all the feelings that she felt for him. The fact was that she was a commoner, a fact that she should always remember. There was no shame in being a widow of good standing. She needed to put aside any ideas of having a loving husband, or raising children of her own.
“Aye,” she said miserably. “I need to forget about everything.”
Chapter 19
“What do you need to forget?” a deep voice said at the door.
Karina jerked her head up, the bright light from outside momentarily blinding her. Was that who she thought it was?
“I searched all over for you, Karina.”
Her heart skipped a beat.
“Geoffrey?” she asked, hardly believing that the man she loved had come to seek her out. She blinked to make sure that he wasn’t just an illusion. And when the silhouette at the door remained, her heart began to thud as if it now had permission to start beating again.
“Why are you here?” she asked, her voice breathless. “Should you not be celebrating your knighthood with the others?”
He closed the door behind him and walked to the table. The candlelight from the table cast part of his face in shadow, making it impossible for her to read his expression. Was he here to tell her farewell? Her throat tightened and she fought hard to keep from bursting into tears.
“You left early,” he said, ignoring her questions.
Heart of a Knight (A Medieval Romance Novella) Page 11
