Knight's Legacy

by Trenae Sumter

  Cat sat in his office at the hospital and talked to Dr. Moore for another fifteen minutes, then rose to leave. “Thank you so much, you’ve been a big help.”

  “Put in a good word for me with Sierra, and we’ll call it even.”

  Cat smiled and winked as she shook his hand. “I’ll do my best.”

  Cat set about acquiring antique bottles to put the drugs in, and a leather satchel to store them. On the twelfth, Sierra set up the meeting at the hospital with the drug salesman. Once Cat came home with antibiotics and drugs for pain, she spent some time with Howard. After he had retired, she went to the kitchen and crushed up the pills with a mortar and pestle.

  Sierra came into the kitchen with her hand full of papers, and held them up.

  “What is all this, Cat? I found your notes by the computer. And these diagrams? What is this contraption? And who are Marillier and John Harrington?”

  Cat smiled and glanced up from her work. “Marillier was one of the first inventors of water closets. The diagram is a prototype, though I don’t know if it can be used in a castle. John Harrington was the godson of Queen Elizabeth, and he set about making a ‘necessary’, for her in 1596, which was what they called them. He also made one for himself. He was an accomplished inventor, but was so ridiculed by his peers for the device, he never built another one. But the Queen is said to have used hers until her death.”

  Sierra chuckled. “You’re going to build yourself a toilet?”

  Cat shrugged. “I don’t know if it’s even possible with the tools in the thirteenth century, but don’t knock it. It seems a fairly simple design.”

  “Didn’t like running outside in the cold? I understand. That sounds a bit too primitive for me.”

  “I was much more concerned with disease. There are some interesting suggestions on the net. An oil-based compound, or a paraffin wax will kill the insects that can spread nasty bacteria.”

  “I suppose you never once had a decent bath when you were there?”

  “I beg your pardon! I most certainly did. It was a very large wooden tub.”

  “And you lugged buckets of water?”

  “Nay, for Roderic’s soldiers did it for me, lassie,” Cat said.

  “Well, excuse me, Lady of the Manor. By the way, when you use that Medieval speech, it is a bit unnerving.”

  Cat grinned. “I know. Why don’t you help instead of harassing me. I’m making labels for these bottles.”

  Sierra examined them. “Where did you get these? They look as if they came out of an ancient pharmacy.”

  “That’s because they did. I got them from one of those online auctions, and paid extra for next-day shipping. But they’re perfect to transport the drugs. What do you think of calling penicillin ‘healers mold’?”

  Sierra picked up one of the labels. “As long as you remember which is which. So many of these pills are white. On which one of these do you want me to put ‘eye of newt’ and ‘gnat’s eyelashes’?”

  “Very funny. Try to help with a little less sarcasm,” Cat said.

  Sierra grinned. “Sorry, I’ve watched one too many episodes of ‘Charmed’.”

  “What did you think of the midwife information I downloaded?”

  “It looked as if it were put there by an expert. Birthing at home is very popular. I loved it when the hospital finally got with it and started decorating their birthing rooms to look a bit more like home. Childbirth is less stressful to the mother if she doesn’t feel she’s in such a clinical environment.”

  “I also want you to show me how I could mix up a good cough medicine,” Cat said.

  “Don’t make it too hard. Your classic hot toddy of whiskey, lemon juice, and honey will work.”

  “And if I can’t find lemons?”

  “How about apples? Were they in supply at the castle?”

  “Yes! Apple juice is sweet, too, and it would cut the taste of that homemade brew. It’s so strong, even the honey can’t overpower it.”

  “You’re doing your best, Cat. But you can’t take the present time back with you.”

  “I don’t plan to. Maybe Sir Raven will veto my taking anything, I don’t know, but it won’t hurt to try. Do you mind answering some more of my questions about nursing before you go to bed tonight?”

  Sierra shook her head. “No, not at all. So, you don’t have any idea when this dude will show up again? Doesn’t that make you anxious? He scared me so much I was babbling.”

  “Not really. I’m ready to return with him. It gets harder every day to watch Dad … “

  “Die,” Sierra said. “It’s just a word, Cat.”

  “I know, but maybe I am not ready to let go of him.”

  “You have to. He’s ready. He told me he wants it over.” Sierra spoke with a hint of compassion in her tone.

  “What he wants over is his own weakness. He can’t abide it. Dad’s always had to have life on his terms, or none! Never mind what it does to the others who love him.”

  “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Cat, but it’s not about you. It’s about Howard, and what he wants.”

  “Oh, well, go ahead, don’t pull any punches,” Cat said, eyes narrowing.

  “I never do when it concerns my patients. I believe wholeheartedly it’s his call.”

  Cat shook her head and sighed. “I know. Your right, I’m sorry, and I’m doing my best to accept what he wants in the way of treatment. He’s just so stubborn.”

  Sierra smiled slowly. “No, he’s just an old cowboy. You love him, or you leave him alone, but you’re not going to change him.”

  “Amen to that,” Cat said.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man may lay down his life for his friends.

  ~John 15:13

  Roderic awakened from sleep bone weary. Though he knew it hopeless, he had spurred a search for Catherine.

  “The castle held no trace of her, merely her blood in the chamber. The women have washed the stone,” Nigel said.

  The thought of her injury gave birth to a new rage in Roderic. Nigel bent down to whisper, his words for Roderic alone.

  “The traitor was not found. We cannae go a fathom beyond the border of the castle grounds with the armies encamped so near.”

  Though Roderic considered his injuries minor, Glyniss hovered about him, concerned for his head. Vision blurring, he again fought nausea as Nigel went on.

  “Ye may have killed him. He was wounded when he ran.”

  “Nay, it was not a mortal wound. Tell me where the trail of blood leads.”

  “As if he disappeared into the wall. A secret door?”

  “Aye. Mackay would have such to provide an escape with so many enemies.” His voice was a hoarse whisper. “Hold fast now, Nigel. It seems I must sleep.”

  A fortnight later Glyniss snapped a curt reply to Edna while they prepared the meal to break last eve’s fast. Sir Roderic would not be present to eat it. The English knight, thought to be a bane, had been a blessing to the people, and Glyniss was peevish to see his state. Speaking to no one, he isolated himself in his chamber though the pain in his head had abated. It was not merely the wound.

  He was forlorn in spirit and heart. His grief over the disappearance of his wife was no surprise to Glyniss, though she suspected it was a shock to the knight. A man’s pride would deny the power of a mere woman to dictate their lives. Yet dictate she did, this mysterious wench who had become Lady Montwain. Glyniss did not fear her. She had tossed their lives about like a caber. One loved her or despised her, but could not ignore her.

  Roderic saw that Glyniss was watching him when he awakened. Her presence gave him an odd comfort and he pondered what he had seen the night Catherine was taken from him. The old one would know. The answers he so desperately sought would lie with Sir Raven, the old knight. After saving his life, he had brought Roderic to Alexander. But when Roderic had asked his identity long ago, the old one would only answer “Sir Raven.” After his childhood
home had burned, Roderic had clung to him, in despair over the loss of his family. He had begged Sir Raven to stay. The man had comforted him, but was adamant about leaving him with Alexander.

  “There, young warrior. Be brave, and learn to stand alone, for I, like the raven, must fly away. But fear not your destiny. I will come to you as the autumn winds, and do as I must to protect you.”

  Roderic knew well the debt he bore the old one. His life, his very breath would have been torn from him in the blaze of the fire that destroyed his home. Sir Raven had brought him hope. He brought him to Scotland, and a life far from the murdering Saxons.

  Still, Roderic felt a deep and abiding anger. Sir Raven had taken Catherine away in a flash of unearthly light.

  Roderic vowed to find her. Sir Raven came to him no less than every two summers. Be it two summers or forty, he would wait, and he would find her.

  Roderic moved about with more ease the following morning. He could not allow the army he had trained so well to be without purpose. Arranging to send a message to Kincaid, he stood ready to fight.

  Gavin, his arm still bound, joined him in his chamber. “Ye gave Cameron the command,” he accused.

  Roderic smiled wearily, his face gray. “Your shoulder has not healed. Someone must command lest they attack before I take counsel with Kincaid, and the pain in my head is still a nuisance.”

  “Pain of body, or pain of spirit? Ye are beset with melancholy for the loss of that wench!”

  “That wench is my wife, Gavin. I will find her.”

  Gavin sighed. “Alas, it may be best ye leave her from whence she came! She be a contrary, strange lass, no matter how pleasant she be to bed. Never forget, my friend. Take your comfort in a woman. Sink into their blessed softness, take the gift of their beauty, and their carnal joy, but dinnae ever give them your heart, laddie. For that is the folly of a weak mon.”

  As her father’s illness progressed, Cat spent every day with him. The date on the newspaper Merlin had given her told her his death was imminent. He could no longer ride, and this in itself brought a harsh realization for Cat.

  Howard was a man that had spent a lifetime on horseback, and it was hard to watch the disease ravage his body. The last three days Sierra put him on an intravenous drip of morphine. He was able to press a button to inject the medication if the pain was severe. Cat was grateful that at least, in this small way, he was in control.

  She sat in a chair near his bed. Sierra woke her at three o’clock in the morning to say he was having trouble breathing. Cat did her best to endure the devastating last talk with her father. Gripping his hand, she struggled hard not to break down in tears. His hands had always been so strong. Now they were thin and weak.

  “I love you, Dad. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Yes, and I love you, too. Be strong when I’m gone. I’m ready.”

  Cat broke down and, knowing how emotions embarrassed him, was thankful that he went to sleep. Slipping into a coma, Howard died later that night.

  The funeral was not as she had expected. Howard had made all arrangements months before. Cat felt numb with pain, but was relieved his suffering was over. Sierra stayed with her for several days after the funeral.

  Three weeks later, Merlin appeared. Preparing her for their departure, he gave her two days to get ready to leave. She was allowed to bring the drugs in the satchel, and Cat longed for the moment when she would once again see Roderic and the baby.

  She thanked Sierra profusely for all her help, and as she did so, Sir Raven appeared before them. It was time. He led them outside the house. It was near twilight.

  “You take care of yourself, Lady Montwain,” Sierra said. She turned to the old man.

  “Sir Raven, visit me and tell me news of this one. But be sure and knock first, so I don’t call the cops!”

  “Farewell, Lady Casslin,” he said.

  Sierra stood and watched them disappear in a stiff wind of mist and light.

  Sir Raven brought her back in the forest west of the castle. They stepped lightly, hearing the army encamped nearby. It was twilight, and the evening sun danced through the trees. He bid her to stay across a small stream while he threw up the dark hood of his robe, and seemed to disappear into the mist.

  Cat lost track of time as she waited, her sword in her hand. Small sounds of the forest were a comfort. Then a tall black form appeared at her left side.

  Cat pulled herself up short to silence a scream, patting her chest. “Where were you?”

  “I brought you proper clothing, a gown and a robe. Be silent, for there is a council inside the Kincaid tent. Roderic speaks with the Laird, and yet …”

  Cat interrupted. “I know. I mustn’t be discovered, not

  Darkness had fallen; Cat stayed close to Merlin as they made their way to the meeting tent. She set the heavy satchel down. Listening to the sounds of the Kincaid army, the soft laughter and the clank of weapons in practice for war, they settled on the grass near a tall tree behind the structure. Cat hurriedly dressed in the gown, her sword hidden inside the black robe.

  She drew a hasty breath when they heard the familiar tone of Roderic’s voice.

  “Kincaid, I know nothing of your brother’s death.”

  “Nay, you lie. Ye killed them because she favored Alastair. The priest sent word to me from Melrose Abbey when they returned his body to rest on our land. The Mackay lass has disappeared, and is also thought dead. They upset your plans. Ye lost face with the King, so ye ordered one of your own to murder them. If it cost the death of every mon that stands with me, I will avenge my brother.”

  Mackay was not allowed at the council, and had wisely commissioned Kincaid to speak for them all.

  “I was betrayed by Mackay. He gave me a young woman as my wife, an imposter. I was just informed of the truth not long ago. Do you think I knew of the trickery? I laud your desire for justice, and hold my own as dear. If ’Tis my death you seek, so be it. But, let there be no war. The noble Scots that follow me will not die for vengeance brought against me. I lay my soul down willingly …”

  “Ahh! No!” The harsh words came from Gavin.

  “Be silent!” Roderic said. He spoke once again to Kincaid. “I’ll lay my soul down willingly, if I have your word no other blood will be spilled.”

  “Ye speak with no authority! Ye must make this known to our council to sanction,” Gavin said.

  Roderic’s voice, though quiet, had an ominous quality. “My warriors will obey my command.”

  Cat made the attempt to rise, and Merlin reached out to hold her back.

  “No,” she whispered. “He can’t do this, Merlin, he can’t.”

  The older man put his thin hand on her mouth. “Be silent, lady, lest you forever bury the hope of setting a trap for the traitor. The one who betrayed Roderic is not merely free, but in his council. You must not make yourself known. The man would have to kill you.”

  Cat knew he was right, but it did little to quell the panic she felt inside. She must get to Roderic before he turned himself over to Mackay and Kincaid. They would not hesitate to kill him. Roderic would give his life for the loyal men that followed him. Cat must sway him from being martyred.

  Once again she heard her husband’s voice. “Do I have your word?”

  Cat held her breath as she waited for Kincaid to answer.

  “Ye speak to your council. I will speak to mine. War may come with the tide of this hatred, no matter we wish it naught,” Kincaid said.

  Merlin pushed her aside out of sight behind the tree as Roderic and Gavin came out of the tent. Cat raised the black cloth and peeked through the small space to gaze at Roderic. How she missed him! She longed to go to him, but Merlin was right.

  “It is imperative we expose the traitor at the proper time. Maybe Roderic and I can set a trap for him. When does the King arrive?”

  “Soon. ‘Twas my hope he and his army had even now joined Roderic.”

  “What about the abandoned cottage? Can I stay ther
e until you bring Roderic to me?”

  “ ’Tis no longer cast aside. Glyniss was given the cottage. I will take you there. Glyniss is a true healer and will not cause suffering. You can trust her, Catherine.”

  “I agree. Glyniss would sooner die herself than hurt another.”

  “She can be an ally to you in this conflict. Lest ye forget, you furthermore face one with your husband.”

  “I do not forget. I am hoping his regard for me can withstand our obstacles. The main one has been conquered. I’ll never leave him again. You could help by telling him it was your decision to intervene.”

  “Aye, so I shall. But you, lady, should make use of the charm at a woman’s hand to cool his anger.”

  She smiled. “Aye, I will. If I have the time before he throttles me.”

  Glyniss greeted Merlin with suspicion. He called himself “Sir Raven” and asked that she take a message to Roderic. Her sharp eyes went to Cat’s bandage on her shoulder, and she pulled her inside, beckoning Sir Raven to follow. Shutting the door abruptly behind them, she twisted to face them, and her silver eyes pinned Cat relentlessly.

  “Ye be on the mend, I see. Could ye not send a message that ye be breathin’? Sir Roderic kens ye be a corpse! Half mad himself with worry, he has torn the castle apart in a search for ye, in spite of the siege we face!”

  “I know, Glyniss! I could send no message and I can trust no one at the keep.” She glanced at Merlin. “Sir Raven saved my life, but the traitor is very close to Roderic. I must see him alone before he gives himself to Kincaid in ransom for the clan! We have just heard his plans.”

  “Aye, I have no doubt of it. The mon’s spirit is crippled since he thinks ye dead! His own treasure of life be spoiled. Tell me now. Does he hold any power over your heart?”

  Cat fought the tears that welled in her eyes. “Aye, Glyniss. I love him so much I have left all that I know to be with him always. If he will have me.”