Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  Kate sensed that he wanted to say more, and that he’d feigned concern for her father’s death. His eyes gave him away; they certainly didn’t seem compassionate, only cold and unfeeling.

  “I do thank ye for concern, Lord Richard, but I really must retire. Please, there’s no need to account for yourself. I’m sure you would have protected my father were you there.” She almost blanched at the untruth of those words. Kate needed to be alone, needed to think over what Richard had told her, but most of all she needed the comfort of the Goddess.

  “Be ready to leave on the morrow.”

  “Why would I leave here?” She stopped at the steps.

  “I’ve been given guardianship by Aldwyn, and I will take ye to my home at once. You won’t have to stay here alone … unprotected.”

  “I don’t wish to leave my home, Lord Richard. Surely, you will allow me to stay until I wed, and then my husband will take over as lord here. Lord de Guylet stated that the king selected my husband. I don’t wish to be bothersome or cause you unnecessary hardship.”

  “I won’t allow it, child. You will reside with me until your overlord returns. I have written to Aldwyn, telling him the king’s choice for your husband is unacceptable. He shall agree and select another. Your father would not accept such an arrangement, to a Scot of all men. The king is bias in his opinion of this man and your overlord will right this as soon as he returns.”

  Was that supposed to make Kate feel better? She wasn’t sure why he was telling her this, but she nodded.

  “You need to pack your belongings and be ready to leave in the morn. I’ll call Lolly to assist ye.” He told her nurse to ready for Kate’s departure.

  Kate’s eyes rose, filling with unshed tears. She couldn’t go with him, could she? The man was wretched and she didn’t trust him, but she couldn’t disobey his command and would have to go. Until her overlord returned, she would be at his mercy. She lowered her gaze, hiding her repugnance.

  “I wondered, Lady Kaitlin, did your father send ye any keepsakes?”

  “Keepsakes? Nay, my lord.”

  “We found many treasures in Egypt, there were riches, and I thought … nay?”

  Kate eyed him warily, trying to sense if he knew something more about her father’s death than he’d let on. Richard turned his back and was about to walk away, when curiosity got the better of her.

  “Treasures, Lord Richard?”

  Richard turned back, his face emotionless. “I thought mayhap he sent ye something before he … died. I sent my wife gold necklaces and trinkets. Would ye like one?”

  “Oh? Nay, Lord Richard.” Kate shook her head. “I want no reminders of that horrid place. My father didn’t send me anything.”

  “I recall him showing me a golden medallion. He said that he would send it to ye. It was beautiful with a spider etched on it. Did you not receive it?”

  “Nay, I did not,” she lied. She tried to sound calm, and lowered her eyes. Did he believe her? She couldn’t tell. He remained unemotional, not even a blink to show his interest.

  “Well, I shall give you a trinket. ‘Tis the least I can do, since Hawk didn’t send ye anything. I’ll return for ye in the morning.” He smiled and turned to leave.

  “Farewell, Lord Richard.”

  After Richard strode from the hall, Kate ran up the stairs to her chamber. She swung the door open and ran to the bed, sobbing uncontrollably for several minutes. Her gentle, loving father was dead, killed in a war that had no bearing on their lives. The news made Kate despise her country for its subterfuge.

  She erected her rope circle and sat inside it. Contentment came with prayers spoken softly to the Goddess. Once again, the vision of the warrior came. If only that vision was her betrothed, she would certainly be protected. His powerful aura relieved her, though she didn’t understand why. The vision didn’t matter now. She’d be sent to her unknown betrothed eventually, if Aldwyn couldn’t get the king to change his mind. During the restless night, thoughts of her betrothed, her father’s death, having to reside with Richard, and Madam’s forsooth, all replayed inside her head. She had to have courage and face what was to come. After a restless night, she readied for her journey.

  The next morning, Kate rode to her new home at Lord Richard’s keep. Deep sorrow embedded itself inside her, making her feel detached. The zealous late-summer day did little to warm her insides or her spirit. Richard had thirty soldiers escorting her, who kept to themselves during the journey. She wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of going to his home. Her father’s last words prevented her from feeling safe surrounded by them, she did have to beware the friend with the black heart—Richard. She tensed not knowing what to expect.

  Richard’s land lay just south of Londontown in the wooded forests of Surrey. They arrived shortly after the noon hour. Smoke billowed from the manor’s chimney, blackening the air above. No landscaping adorned the front of the manor. Large plain bricks in four steps, led to the manor’s entrance. Richard stood on the steps, receiving a report from his steward. He looked at her and smiled. She knew a spurious smile when she saw one. She was a good judge of character—Lord Richard didn’t possess such.

  “Welcome to my home, Lady Kaitlin. Come inside and take rest from your journey.”

  His sweet words made her stomach heave. She looked at Richard, a thin man with dark hair, graying on the sides, which made him look as though he had wings. He walked as if he was in pain, and she couldn’t venture a guess as to how old he was. He was slight, though tall. She stepped past him, holding her satchel in a death grip and entered the hall.

  Her father’s fief was much smaller, but cozy and cleaner. Kate wasn’t impressed by the look of his home. Tables were covered in layers of grime, almost blackened by soot. The tapestries on the walls were tattered, and so faded that the designs could not be made out. She chanced a glance at the floors, and the rushes cracked when she walked on them. Stale ale smelled rancid and she suppressed a gag. Must she live here?

  She would have to write King Henry as soon as possible and beg him to intercede on her behalf. Hopefully, he’d be able to sway the Regent into letting her stay elsewhere. Even staying with her betrothed had to be better than this. Could she get them to overturn Lord de Guylet’s command and choose another guardian? She was completely appalled by the hall’s lack of cleanliness.

  “Lady Kaitlin, welcome,” a lady called from her seat at one of the tables. “I’m Lady Hilda, Lord Richard’s wife. I understand my husband was a good friend of your father’s. I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Lady de Morris, ‘tis a pleasure to meet ye.” Kate swallowed hard while she assessed her.

  “I’ll have ye shown to a chamber. I’m happy to have another lady here. It’s been a long time since we entertained. I find I’m excited to have another lady staying at our manor.”

  Kate watched her trying to rise from her seat and thought to offer assistance. She stepped forward, but Lady de Morris held out a hand to ward her off.

  The lady’s thin hair, worn in curls atop her head, was matted and flattened. Though she had been told Lady de Morris was young, her rumpled appearance made her seem aged. The chartreuse color of her gown was quite ugly. Kate shook her head. It wasn’t polite to judge the lady so, Goddess forgive her, she pleaded, for being so uncompassionate. She tried to find something pleasant about the woman, but honestly, even her high-pitched voice unnerved Kate. What did the lady say? She remembered now.

  “Aye, my lady, I’m very tired from my journey, I would like to rest.”

  At that moment, her cat decided to make her presence known. She popped her head from the carryall that Kate held, and Lady de Morris’ shriek could be heard all the way to Londontown by the sound of it.

  “What is it?” Lady de Morris jumped onto the bench that flanked the table, lifting her skirts high enough to show her knees. “Someone get a sword, kill it. Kill it!”

  “’Tis just my cat, Trixie. I’m sorry she scared ye. She’s quite harmless, I a
ssure you.” Kate petted her cat, trying to soothe her. Trixie clawed at the carryall, attempting to free herself.

  “Be gone with that rodent.” Lady de Morris’ demand came in another shriek.

  Kate’s first thought was that having an animal in this keep would really not make much difference, her second, to calm the horrid lady. The lady continued to hold her gown above her ankles.

  “Lady de Morris, if you would allow me, I shall keep my pet in my bedchamber. She’ll not be bothersome. She’s not a rodent, but a feline. I promise she’ll behave.”

  “See that, that thing stays in there. I don’t want it walking around my keep, the filthy, vile beastie.”

  “Aye, my lady.” Kate raised her eyes heavenward. If only the lady knew that cats were revered and respected for their mystical aura. Then again, the lady probably didn’t hold any such beliefs. After all, cleanliness was next to Godliness.

  Lady de Morris showed her to a large bedchamber on the second level. Several young boys brought her trunks and other baggage into the room. She set Trixie on the floor and closed the door behind the servants. Finally alone, she was thankful the chamber wasn’t as filthy as the hall. The chamber contained a large canopied bed with clean linens tucked neatly at the corners. A table flanked the bedside, on which, sat a bowl and a pitcher. A tall screen stood in the corner of the room. It was a rather nice room, considering what the hall had looked like.

  She went to the wooden hutch that would hold her clothing and began placing her garments inside. Trixie jumped on the bed, curling into a ball, purring. Kate finished her chores and joined her friend on the bed. Trixie always soothed her and made her feel not so very alone. She petted her, and closed her eyes.

  Kate opened her eyes to see the window-casement had darkened. She had fallen asleep, but something awakened her. Someone yelled in the adjacent chamber, making thumping sounds. Lady de Morris’ high-pitched voice reverberated through the wall.

  “You’re going to have to eat.” Lady de Morris’ voice hardened.

  Kate heard a child’s bawl follow and she wondered who the child was, knowing the de Morris’ had no children. Lady de Morris’ yell rattled the wall again.

  “Ye best get used to being here, little savage. This is your home now. If this food is not eaten, you will be punished again. I don’t know why I even care for the likes of ye. Starve yourself for all I care.”

  Kate heard the door bang and the lady’s footsteps retreat. Her first opinion had been accurate; the lady didn’t possess a good character. She heard the child sob loudly and her heart ached hearing it. The child’s cries diminished a few minutes later, and the night grew quiet once again.

  Early the next morning, Kate awoke in her new home. She dressed, readying for the day. Trixie continued to slumber on the bed, she wouldn’t awake until noon. Kate gave her a pat betwixt her ears, for which she received a look of loathing. She giggled then went to the hall for her morning meal. Awaking early, she liked to start her day at sunrise. The hall was surprisingly empty, so she sat at the table and a serving girl entered with a tray of food balanced on her hip. She wore a brown frock tied at the waist. The girl seemed pleasant.

  “Good morn, my lady, I’m Susie.” Susie set the food down and curtseyed.

  “Did you prepare my room?”

  “I tried to make it welcoming, not that Lady de Morris knew. Please, don’t let on. My lady doesn’t like if we tarry over a chore too long.”

  Kate frowned, nodding. “The room was a welcome relief from travel. I appreciate the food. Is there anyone about yet? Have Lady and Lord de Morris risen?”

  “Oh, nay, my lady, the de Morris’ don’t usually rise for another few hours yet. They be late sleepers. Lady de Morris is an indolent …” Susie’s eyes widened. “Forgive me, my lady, I shouldn’t have said that. Pray, don’t tell Lady de Morris I said such, she would grumble at me the rest of the day.”

  Kate’s eyes crinkled. “I shan’t tell her.”

  Susie lifted the hem of her frock, curtseyed, and strode away.

  Kate ate a light breakfast then she snatched an apple from the trencher, and went back up the stairs. She crept down the hall, stopping outside the room next to hers. With her ear pressed against the door, she listened for sounds from within. She turned the handle and opened the door.

  Though it was dark inside, she could see the outline of a window on the far wall. She walked to it and pulled the worn tapestry aside. Light filtered in, making the room brighten. Beams of sunlight filled with dust, streamed across the chamber. Kate waved at the dust, holding her breath. She could see now, and glanced around the room. A pile of coverings sat in the corner. The small hearth on the opposite side was empty, save for a few cobwebs. There was a chill in the room.

  Had she dreamt the child’s presence last evening?

  Kate stooped beside the coverings and stifled a gasp when a beautiful child unveiled herself from beneath the covers. Her tiny hands rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She couldn’t tell if the child had light or dark hair, but could see her beautiful blue eyes. The child looked frightened. Her fear made Kate empathize with her, and she knelt beside her.

  “I’m Kate. Who are you?” She used a gentle voice, but the little girl didn’t answer, and scooted back. “I’d like to be your friend. Would you like that, too?” She hoped to soothe the child. Still, the child didn’t speak. Mayhap she couldn’t speak? Perhaps she didn’t understand English?

  “Be not afraid. Are ye well, unharmed?” The child nodded. “All right, sweeten, you really must eat something. I brought ye an apple. If you eat it, I’ll bring you a surprise.” Kate handed the apple to her and the girl put her shaky hand out, taking it. She held it, but didn’t raise it to her mouth. “You eat your apple and I’ll be back in a few minutes with your surprise.”

  Kate rose slowly so she wouldn’t frighten the girl and left the chamber. A child. Was this the child Madam Serena had spoken of in her prophecy? Kate scoffed, it couldn’t be. She went back to her chamber to get her cat. When she returned to the child’s room, she held Trixie in her arms and placed her next to the girl. The child slunk away, holding the half-eaten apple.

  “Don’t be afeared, this is my friend, Trixie. She’s my best friend. Do you want to know why?” Kate smiled, continuing to pet her cat.

  The little girl nodded, it was progress.

  “She likes to purr and listen to me talk. I talk to her all the time and do you know what? Never once has she told my secrets.” The little girl giggled a delightful sound that made Kate smile. She continued to pet Trixie, sensing the girl’s ease. “I need a favor, because the lady here doesn’t want Trixie in her hall. Could I leave her here with you? You could keep her company when I’m not able to be with her. She likes people.” Kate fibbed, because Trixie didn’t like anyone, save her, but she hoped the cat would make the girl smile.

  The child nodded again, it was a start.

  “All right, I’ll leave her here. She likes to be petted like this.” Kate stroked Trixie’s back to the tip of her tail, showing her how to pet her. She left the room again, hoping the cat would pull the girl out of her glumness. The poor thing looked pale and thin. Kate was determined to find out about her, how she came to be with the de Morris’, and why she’d been kept in that room. Questions racked her mind. She would search out Lady de Morris later and get those answers.

  A child, here at the de Morris’ keep. Who would have thought such a thing was possible? Kate considered what Madam had said, she’d meet the warrior when she met the child. Having dismissed the comments that Madam made, what with the news of her father’s death, the betrothal announcement, and then her sudden departure from home, she hadn’t given it much thought. What were the chances that she would meet a child and a warrior? Yet she had met a child. Would she meet the warrior?

  Chapter Two

  The warrior haunted her visions.

  Kate returned to her chamber, cleaned up a bit, unpacked her candles and rope, and sat in her ci
rcle. Once again, the vision of the warrior came. He never moved, only appeared to be looking sternly at her with his arms crossed. She shook the vision from her mind, not wanting to venture there. Instead, she prayed for the child, asking the Goddess for guidance on how to aid her. It was a futile effort, because the dark-haired warrior kept intruding. His rigid stance and gray eyes troubled Kate. She wouldn’t get answers this morning, not with the warrior haunting her. After she’d completed her morning ritual, she returned to the hall.

  Lady de Morris called to her when she entered. Kate approached and looked to make sure the bench was clean before she sat on it.

  “What have you been doing this morning, Lady Kaitlin?”

  “I’ve been unpacking and getting settled, my lady.”

  “How do you find the keep? It’s quite magnificent, is it not?” Lady de Morris sounded proud of the ramshackled residence.

  Kate almost choked on the piece of cheese she’d just stuck in her mouth. She picked up a goblet and drank, swallowing the cheese caught in her throat. “’Tis uh … lovely. I would be glad to assist in the keeping of it. I took care of my—”

  Lady de Morris interrupted, “Nay, my girl that is the servants’ task. I won’t have ye lifting a finger. Now, tell me, how old are you?”

  Kate wasn’t at all impressed with her manners. “I just turned nine and ten, my lady.”

  “How is it ye are not married?” Lady de Morris poured more ale in her cup.

  “My father was called to Damietta five years ago, and he didn’t have time to make arrangements before he left. I was only four and ten then and we felt there was time to see to it.”