by Jody Hedlund
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat at the remembrance of the woman who’d raised me like her own and loved me without hesitation—even though I’d posed so much danger to her and the rest of her family.
“Did you have nightmares about wolves?” Christopher asked, his voice once again gentle.
I delved into the far corners of my memories, searching for the blackness that had haunted my dreams so long ago. But I’d apparently blocked all recollections of whatever had caused my nightmares. Had I been haunted by wolves? And if so, why?
“Mayhap something happened before you came to live with us?” Christopher suggested. “Mayhap you and Sister Katherine were attacked by wolves as she brought you to Langley.”
My mind flashed with a sudden image of a cave and a wolf lunging at me. I shuddered again. “You must be right, my lord.”
“That would explain your nightmares as well as your fear of the wolves we encountered.”
“Even so, I am mortified I neglected to fight them alongside you. Next time, I shall rise up valiantly.” Although I prayed there would never be a next time.
“Yes, you will,” he said. “You must face the demons of your past so that you can force yourself to finally walk beyond them.”
“Of course I should not expect you to tell me I have nothing to worry about, that you will be there by my side to fight them off for me again.”
“Of course not.” A hint of humor returned to his voice. He surprised me by reining his steed and halting. “From the imaginary daggers Mitchell has been shooting at me, I think it is past time for you to take a turn riding with him. If I hold you much longer, I am afraid his daggers will become real.”
Ahead, Mitchell ducked under a low branch. “He is acting like a petulant child, and I have no wish to stoop to his level.”
“Put yourself in his situation, Adelaide. He is used to having your attention all to himself and not having to share you. After his being there for you all these years when I was not, I can understand how it galls him that you turned to me for comfort and not him.”
My heart sank at the realization of how I’d slighted Mitchell. “You are right. I must make amends.”
“And you must tell him we are no longer looking for Emmeline.”
I nodded, although reluctantly at the thought of bearing the bad news. But Mitchell would take the change of plans better if it came from me rather than Christopher.
Christopher gave a short whistle that stopped Mitchell and Tall John. Then he slid from his saddle and stretched out his hand to help me down. I didn’t need his assistance, but I took it anyway, embarrassed with myself at how much I liked the pressure of his hands at my waist before he set me on the ground.
I rode with Mitchell until we made camp for the night. I slept in spurts, too frightened to close my eyes for long. When we set off again at dawn, I resumed riding my own steed. Though the fears lingered, I pushed myself onward as we veered in a new direction, working our way out of the forest to the east where we would make our way to the coast. While Mitchell wasn’t supportive of abandoning the search for my sisters and the treasure, he acquiesced without complaint—at least to me.
As with the journey into Inglewood Forest, the trek out was as taxing. By the end of the day, the overgrown woodland finally began to thin. Even then, exhaustion nearly toppled me from my saddle as we traversed several particularly challenging ravines.
From behind, I’d felt Christopher watching me closely. After the last near-fall, he glanced overhead. “Since rain is fast approaching, we shall attempt to find the old ruins of Wellmont Castle on the eastern border of Inglewood Forest and rest there for a spell.”
Ahead, Tall John nodded his agreement. “I know of the place and can take the lead.”
“Very well,” I said, knowing Christopher hadn’t wanted to stop until we reached the coast and located a ship that could take us to Norland. He was kind to consider my needs, although once again, I hated to admit to my weakness. “We shall slumber only for a few hours before resuming our journey.”
“We shall slumber as long as you need,” Mitchell added, tossing Christopher a dark look that dared him to contradict.
“Of course without the cover of the forest we shall be more easily detected than here in Inglewood,” Christopher replied. “But with Huntingdon Rocks acting as an extra line of defense, we should be sheltered enough.”
At the mention of Huntingdon Rocks, I jerked on my reins and put a hand to the pouch at my side containing the ancient key with its cryptic message: H. W. Fortress.
Huntingdon and Wellmont, both in the same area. Surely that wasn’t coincidence. I glanced at Mitchell beside me. “Did Wellmont Castle have another name at one point?”
Mitchell cocked his head. “Wellmont Castle? No. Not that I am aware of.”
“Something having to do with Huntingdon Rocks?” Mitchell and I had already had many such conversations as we’d continued to unravel the clue we’d discovered inside the key. Even with Christopher and Tall John’s input, we’d had no success in deciphering the meaning and had been scratching at the dregs left at the bottom of the barrel of possibilities, like I was now.
“Long ago,” Tall John started, clearing his throat and shifting in his saddle.
I nodded at him to continue.
“Wellmont and Huntingdon Rocks were covered in forest just like what we’re in now,” he said slowly in his deep voice. “My grandfather said the area was so thick with game, the locals called it Huntwell because they could kill two prey with one stone.”
Mitchell’s lips curved into a grin, the first one of his I’d seen in many days. “I had forgotten about that legend, but you are correct. The area was called Huntwell, which could mean the fortress at one time also went by that name.”
“Then you think the ruins of Wellmont could be our mysterious H. W. Fortress?” I asked.
“It is possible. It is certainly the closest answer we have had thus far.”
“Thank you, Tall John,” I said as he resumed his lead. I nudged my horse back into motion and prayed we were one step closer to discovering the treasure but somehow sensed we were still only at the beginning of our journey.
Chapter
12
Christopher
I peered out into the black nothingness of the heathland. From the highest point of Wellmont ruins, I’d hoped to have an advantage of plenty of advance notice if Ethelwulf decided to march against us, especially if his knights rode out of Inglewood Forest and crossed the barren plain toward the ruins.
But under the moonless night, I could see nothing in the darkness surrounding the rocky crags, even from the remains of the tallest turret. I could only pray we still had a day’s advantage on Ethelwulf’s men, for I had no doubt he’d sent more than wolves after us.
His soldiers would easily find our trail now that we were out in the open without the windfall or numerous creeks to cover our tracks. I’d debated not stopping at all and continuing toward the coast without a break. But I’d pushed Adelaide too hard already, and she must have some rest before the hard ride ahead.
I pulled my cloak tighter against the rain and cold and kept my feet moving from one crumbling crenellation to the next, my sights constantly assessing the darkness for any flicker of light that might give an enemy position away.
“Tall John said you wanted to speak with me.” Mitchell’s voice came from the stairwell doorway.
“Yes, I did.” I didn’t pause in my guard duties. I walked several rounds but couldn’t find the words I needed, words that could bring healing between us instead of hurt.
“If you will say your piece, then I shall be on my way,” Mitchell said irritably. “After all, you did inform us we would not be able to stay long, and I have much to do in searching for the treasure before you force us to move onward.”
“I am not forcing anyone.” I realized I was taking his bait, the bait he’d dropped in order to start a fight. But if we needed to battle it out, now was as
good a time as any, the first time we’d been alone since my return. “Adelaide saw the wisdom in protecting her sisters and not endangering their locations yet, not until she’s able to strengthen her position and numbers.”
“She saw the wisdom in following Sister Katherine’s advice until you convinced her otherwise.”
“No one convinces Adelaide to do anything she does not wish. You know that as well as I do.”
“I’ve seen the way you have tried to charm her this past week of traveling—”
“I have not charmed.” My tone rose in spite of my desire to keep our conversation amicable. “We have talked and enjoyed each other’s company no more or less than any friend would.”
“You would have provided more if the opportunity presented itself.” Mitchell’s voice rang with accusation and bitterness that went much deeper than the happenings of the past few days. The current situation was just the simmering top layer of a pot left to boil too long. “I have seen the way you look at her. And you cannot fool me with your noble talk of friendship.”
“How exactly do I look at her?” That I may have given the impression of more than friendship troubled me, especially if Adelaide had sensed it.
“You look at her as if you already possess her—”
“Already possess?” His words halted my calculated steps, and I turned my attention from the dark landscape to the equally dark doorway. I couldn’t see Mitchell there, but I could hear his short bursts of breath.
“She is not yours,” Mitchell responded in a low, almost menacing tone.
“She is not anyone’s.” My tone was just as low and hung in the air between us.
I sighed and then resumed my duty, scanning the horizon again for any signs of movement or light. “I did not call you up here to argue over Adelaide. I asked you to come so I might apologize for the hurt my leaving Langley caused you. I have no wish for the gulf that exists between us and desire to find a way to bridge it.”
For long moments, the silence was punctuated only by the patter of rain. I’d almost believed Mitchell had gone when he responded. “What is done is done,” he said more quietly, the anger in his voice flat, replaced by a sad, almost defeated tone.
“I can be here for you and Adelaide now—”
“Now that you know she is the queen?” Frustration crept back into Mitchell’s voice. “Now that you have something to gain by staying?”
I wanted to deny my brother’s accusation. But the truth was that I would have left Langley and my family once again if not for Sister Katherine’s revelation regarding Adelaide’s true identity. I would have returned to Norland and continued with my life there. Of course, I’d thought I was being honorable by coming home and giving Mitchell my title and inheritance. I’d assumed by finding Adelaide a husband I’d be helping secure her future too.
But had I simply been selfish and calloused all along? Had I ever stopped to think about what they might want or need?
“I understand it may appear I am staying for what I may gain from Adelaide as queen. But you must know my discontent with Ethelwulf drove me from Mercia. Now it is my anticipation over seeing him removed from power that drives me to return.”
“So you will use her now to aid your efforts?”
“No, of course not.” But something in his words pricked me. “No matter what you may think of me, I would not use Adelaide as a pawn in a game for the throne.”
“Then you swear you have honorable intentions with her, that you are not making plans to manipulate her affection and loyalty?”
“I swear it. She is and will always remain a friend and queen. Nothing more. My whole purpose in staying is to protect her and help her regain the throne.”
The steady ping of rain settled around us once again. Finally, Mitchell spoke. “Very well. I have no choice but to trust you.”
“Thank you.”
“Adelaide is the world to me. If you hurt her, you will wish you never returned.” The fading thump of his bootsteps in the stairwell told me this time he had indeed left. And for a reason I couldn’t explain, our conversation hadn’t made me feel better. It had only made things worse.
I poked at the glowing embers and low, flickering flames left in our fire, stirring them for more warmth. Inside the old walls of Wellmont ruins, we had shelter from the rain but no refuge from the damp chill permeating the stone structure.
The stairs nearby spiraled up one of the four castle towers where I’d already taken first watch. Tall John had relieved me a short while ago. I needed to get a couple hours of sleep before we were on our way again, but I was too tense with the premonition we were in danger.
Only an arm’s reach away, Adelaide tossed in her sleep. I was tempted to wake her and leave. At Wellmont, we were a full day’s ride from the sea. I’d decided that once we reached the coast, I would attempt to locate a merchant who was loyal to Mercia’s true heir, someone who would be willing to sail us north to Norland. Although we could traverse by horse across country as I’d done on my ride home to Langley, by sea we’d be able to move more swiftly and I’d be able to keep Adelaide safer.
But I hesitated in waking Adelaide. After hearing her tossing restlessly last night, I knew she hadn’t slept much and now needed the rest. Besides, Mitchell wouldn’t be ready to go. Even now, instead of sleeping, he was exploring the ruins, searching for the ancient treasure. I’d warned him to stay inside the old bailey so that if Ethelwulf’s forces were nearby, they wouldn’t see his torch.
Our conversation earlier had played through my mind over and over. Mitchell needn’t worry about me having aspirations toward Adelaide. Even if I couldn’t deny my growing fascination with her, I’d resigned myself to remaining nothing more than her friend and loyal subject.
I’d had plenty of time to ponder my changing feelings toward her during the past day of riding, and I’d come to the conclusion that since she was Mercia’s queen, neither Mitchell nor I was worthy of her. While we were noblemen, our father had never amassed a fortune or land that would make us marriage candidates for a queen. Not many would be worthy of the queen, and most likely Adelaide would need to marry royalty.
Once she ascended to Mercia’s throne, she’d have no shortage of suitors. Kings from all the surrounding nations would send their sons, princes who would fight over her. Her closest advisors would encourage her to make a match that would benefit her kingdom.
The truth was, no matter how much Mitchell adored Adelaide, he must put away any thought of a future with her. He wouldn’t be able to marry her any more than I would—not that I wanted to or had considered it. Just because I thought Adelaide was beautiful and my body had betrayed me a time or two in reacting to her didn’t mean I was thinking of wedding her. Far from it.
If I wanted to get married, I’d have to consider King Draybane’s offer of his daughter. The Princess Violet was sweet-tempered and lovely. Even as the youngest of King Draybane’s many children, she was more than I deserved since I wasn’t a prince or a wealthy nobleman. The king had made the proposition out of obligation, to repay me for my service to Norland because my leadership and skills had driven Ethelwulf’s pirate ships away. I’d not only protected the coastal cities, but I’d also raided his ships and increased King Draybane’s coffers as a result.
In addition, during the recent drought, I’d helped keep his population from starvation. I’d led the organization of hungry field laborers to become teams of fishermen, which had allowed the country to sustain its own people. Our fishing efforts had been so successful we’d had enough left to trade for other food stores from countries to the south that hadn’t been affected by the drought.
I respected King Draybane and had earned his respect in return. However, we both knew if I accepted his proposal of marriage to Violet, I’d essentially bind myself in service to him for the rest of my life. And mayhap he’d made the offer with that ulterior motive. He had no wish for me to return to Mercia. I was too useful to him.
While I’d been
flattered, I hadn’t been sure I wanted to relinquish all ties to Mercia, and I’d requested time to contemplate his generous gift. Now that I was here, now that the wheels of revolt had been set into motion with Adelaide’s claim to the throne, I realized I couldn’t marry Violet. My heart belonged to Mercia and always had. More than anything, I longed to restore my country to a land where peace and justice reigned hand in hand, where I could set the wrongs to right, where innocent people wouldn’t be hanged in the streets and left to rot for the birds.
Though the challenge of freeing Mercia from Ethelwulf’s grip wouldn’t be easy, I relished the prospect of working toward that goal. Restoring Mercia to a just and peaceful land had been a burning desire for as long as I could remember. Now that the possibility was within my sights, I couldn’t walk away.
Most of all, I’d already pledged my fealty in life or death to Adelaide. Even if I’d made the promise in a moment of heated emotion, I wanted to be by her side, not only to help her but to ensure her safety. I didn’t trust many others to protect her the way I could.
Mitchell’s premonition that I would use her was wrong. I cared more about her than the cause, didn’t I?
I glanced down at her sleeping face, the low firelight illuminating her exquisite features. With her hair unbound and cascading over her shoulders in silky waves, she had an almost ethereal quality about her.
Tenderness pooled in my chest. I prayed one day God would bring a worthy man into her life, someone who would appreciate her strengths but at the same time refuse to bow to her whims. She needed a husband who wouldn’t be intimidated by her status and could stand on his own next to her but who wouldn’t attempt to dominate her.
I shifted the embers again, causing sparks to rise into the blackened stone chimney—the only one remaining of the dozens that had once graced this fortress. A stone roof overhead shielded the room, which had likely been a private chamber for the master of the house. The remains of the great hall stood outside our shelter, but the high ceiling was gone, allowing moss, vines, and other foliage to grow in abundance.
