Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Kaitlin, will ye get me some ale?”

  “Of course, my lady.” Kate couldn’t resist, she put grounded raspberry leaves in the cup. She couldn’t wait until Lady D ran from the room. Likely, she would spend the rest of the day in the garderobes. It had been a long time since she’d pulled such pranks. She sobered then, because it reminded her of when she was young and carefree, living at home with her beloved father, Lolly, and Madam Serena. How she missed her father’s keep and him. He often remarked jovially about her pranks, though she didn’t do such vile things to him or the servants.

  She knew that she needed to form a plan to return Bonnie to her home, and she had a few ideas. Her thoughts were interrupted by Lady D’s shout.

  “This porridge is horrible, take it away.” She sipped the ale Kate had given her.

  Kate watched, not smiling outwardly, but inside she was bursting with laughter.

  “What are you girls about this day?”

  Kate kept her expression serene. “We’re going to the village for awhile. We’ll return later, and I will begin instruction on sewing.”

  “’Tis time the girl learned to sew,” Lady D agreed.

  The two girls walked the mile to the village. Kate wanted to talk to the smithy. Master Hemmings seemed like a kind old soul. Kate hoped he would offer to help her. She entered the smithy’s hut and found him at his work. He hit a flamed mass with a large maillot, tapping pieces of steel. When he saw her, he stopped his banging. Her ears still rang from the deafening sound.

  “My lady, what can I do for ye?”

  “Master Hemmings, I’m Lady Stanhope, a ward of Lord Richard’s. I’m in need of assistance. Might you be able to help me?”

  “I’ll help ye if I can. What do ye need?”

  “I need a good, sturdy horse. I do have a few jewels to use for payment. Do you know where or how I can go about getting one? Is there a hostler in the village?”

  “Aye, there be, my lady. I can take care of that for ye.” He seemed proud that she asked him.

  “Thank you, Master Hemmings. I need the horse as soon as you can arrange it. When might you be free to take care of this matter?”

  “I’d be free this noon. Would that be soon enough?”

  “Oh, aye. Could you keep the horse tethered out back?”

  “Aye, my lady. What do ye need a horse for?” He blushed at his insolence.

  Kate became alarmed by his question, her mind raced, searching for an answer. “Um … I’m going to teach the young one to ride. She’s always wanted to and—”

  “Why he need be sturdy then? They have horses at my lord’s manor.” He stepped toward her with his brows raised.

  “Master Hemmings, I do beg your pardon, but I’m a good judge of horse flesh. Please be sure it can handle a tough hand and rough ride.” Kate’s tone became stringent.

  He swallowed hard at her words. “Of course, my lady, I didn’t mean to offend ye.”

  “Very well.” She smiled and handed him the jewels, but kept the coins. She realized that she should placate him before she left. “Please, don’t say a word about this … you see, it’s meant to be a surprise. They adore the child, her being the relative of my lady’s and I want to teach her in private.”

  “I understand,” he said.

  She hated lying to the old man, but she couldn’t tell him the truth. She and Bonnie walked around the village, and they waved to those who passed by. Kate removed the cloak she had placed around Bonnie because the day had grown warm.

  She felt responsible for the girl, and had to find a way to return her to the caring arms of her family. The need to leave pressed on her. Lord Richard looked at her oddly when he ate the evening meal with them the other night. He had been gone for two days and expected to return today. She knew she’d have to leave soon. Tomorrow, they would begin their journey. She had an idea of where they would go and would take the child to Honey’s, wherever that was. It was after all, still in England. Kate didn’t know if she could travel all the way to Scotland.

  They stopped at the miller’s hut where Kate bought a large saddlebag to hold their belongings. She carried the thick leather bag and left it behind Master Hemmings’ hut. They headed toward Madam Flichard’s hut down the path. She enjoyed Madam’s bread, and hoped the lady would give them some for their journey. When she asked if she had any extra bread, she was given three fresh loaves. The woman beamed with pride over Kate’s compliments on her baking.

  She stopped back at Master Hemmings’ hut and noticed the horse tethered out back. The gelding was beautiful, dark-brown, with black spots. He seemed sound and docile, with a strong sturdy girth around his middle. The horse nibbled at the grass along the path.

  “Will he do?” Master Hemmings came outside, shielding his eyes from the bright early-afternoon sun.

  “Aye, thank you. What’s his name?”

  “His name be Ralph, but ye can call him anything ye want. He’s yours, right and tight.”

  Kate laughed. Ralph was as fine a name as any. “You’ll leave him tethered here? We shall return on the morrow for the lessons.”

  “Of course, my lady, as ye asked.”

  They left the smithy’s hut and walked back to the manor. For the rest of the day, they sat in the hall practicing sewing. Kate tried to keep calm because she knew Lady D would suspect something if she seemed agitated. Lady D’s chair sat empty, and that gave Kate another idea. She and Bonnie went outside, and walked along the keep’s walls.

  “Where are we going, Kate?”

  “I’m looking for a plant.”

  “What’s it for?”

  “Lady D. It has three leaves and whatever you do, don’t touch it. You’ll break out in a rash that’ll have you itching for a week.”

  “What are we going to do with it?”

  “I’m going to rub it on Lady D’s chair, it’s what she deserves.” Kate knelt down and spotted the weed she sought. She used her gown to pull out a big stem.

  They skipped back to the hall. Kate hurried and rubbed the leaves over the lady’s chair. Bonnie pointed to the spots she missed. She was thorough, making sure that if the lady’s skin touched anywhere on the chair, she’d be itching by the end of the night.

  The day wore on, and Kate was grateful it went by quickly. Her stomach fluttered madly. She wanted to retire and have the morning come. Supper became a tumultuous affair because Lord Richard had returned. He sat at the end of the table, sending peculiar glances at her. She ignored him as best she could. At last, supper ended with Lord Richard’s departure. She took Bonnie’s hand and stood to leave, but Lady D stopped them. Blotches of redness streaked her hands and arms, making her scratch. Not only that, but her face was blotchy, too.

  “Are ye well, Lady de Morris?” Kate feigned concern.

  “Oh, aye, I seem to be itchy, must be this new material. My dear husband brought this fabric from Londontown, and I had it made into this gown. I believe I’ll go and have a bath.”

  Kate smiled. She knew as soon as her body touched water, the rash would spread and she would itch all over, but she kept that thought to herself. “Aye, a nice warm bath.”

  “I need the young one to go to the kitchens and peel onions for tomorrow’s stew.”

  “I’ll help her.” Kate took Bonnie’s hand, but Lady D pulled her away.

  “Nay, you rest. You’ve been with the child all day. It won’t take her long, there are not many to peel, and cook cut himself this morn so he could use the help.”

  Kate nodded. “All right, don’t be too long, Bonnie.”

  Bonnie nodded, because she’d never spoke in the lady’s presence. Kate knew Bonnie would be hesitant in leaving her side, but what could she do? She had to obey Lady D, and send her to the kitchens.

  Light faded quickly, she knew Bonnie would have to walk back in the dark. She decided to retrieve her when she finished her tasks. Kate went to her chamber and gathered the items they would need for the journey. She pulled out a satchel, placing insi
de: a dagger she’d taken from the hall, a small bow her father had given her when she was younger, arrows, and a few garments for them both. Once the large satchel was crammed with her belongings, she set the satchel by the door.

  Kate positioned her rope on the floor, set the candles in place, and then sat. She folded her legs beneath her, closed her eyes and waited. Trixie took her place beside her. Kate hummed a light tune and tried to ease the tension from her body.

  And then it came, the vision of the gray-eyed, dark-haired warrior. Kate shook her head. “Please, Goddess, send me a vision about the journey. Will we be safe? Will I get the child home?” She began to hum again, but the warrior’s silhouette framed in sunlight, came to her. Answers wouldn’t come this night, not with his vision intruding. Was he trying to tell her something with his austere frown? She couldn’t figure it out why he looked at her so.

  Kate jumped when her door suddenly banged open. Lord Richard stepped inside and closed the door behind him, looking at her indignantly.

  She froze.

  “What do ye want?” She looked up at him from her position on the floor.

  “What every man wants, my wife suggested you might enjoy it. Lord knows she’s no good at it. You’ll make me a fine wife, once I rid myself of—”

  “S-surely you don’t m-mean what you just s-said,” she stammered. She quickly picked up the rope, doused the candles, and set them aside.

  “Aye, I do, Kaitlin. You will remove your garments and do my bidding. You are indebted to me for letting you come here. As your guardian, I command you to do it.”

  Kate’s face reddened. “Nay, I’ll do no such thing. I don’t understand what … you mean by this. I shall never submit to you. I will never marry you, and besides, the king has betrothed me.”

  He laughed coarsely. “A betrothal that shall be set aside. You’ll obey me or the child will suffer. I’ve seen how fond you are of her.” Richard crossed the room, his eyes glaring like a wolf in the night.

  Kate backed away. “Nay, you’ll not hurt that child.”

  “Then you’ll do as I say, now remove your garments. I’ll not hurt you, if you do my will.”

  She walked away from him, stalling, hoping to think of some means of escape, but he blocked the path to the door. She felt an intense pain in her chest as panic seized control over her.

  “B-but I-I am betrothed, surely you don’t wish to go against the king.” It was all she could think of to say.

  “The king is a sniveling fool. Your betrothal will not come to pass, Aldwyn will listen to me. Ah, my dear Kaitlin, there are many things we need to discuss this night, but after we enjoy our pleasure. One of which is the medallion, I know you have it. You believe me a fool, don’t ye?”

  His voice lowered to such a pitch that it frightened Kate. Fear mingled with panic in her stomach, and she thought she’d be ill. Just what had he intended when he brought her to his home? Surely he wouldn’t go against the king and refute her betrothal?

  “I don’t know what you speak of, Lord Richard. What medallion?”

  Richard reached out slapping her across her face, the force of it sent Kate to the floor. She cried out, but didn’t move. She tried to abate the sting in her cheek by rubbing it. Richard grabbed her arm, jerking her to him.

  “Don’t lie to me, I know ye have it. Where is it?”

  “I’ll never give it to you, never. You are a blackheart. My father told me not to trust ye. I’ll die before I give it to you.” She pulled away from him.

  Richard laughed wickedly. “If that’s your wish, Kaitlin, I shall find the medallion amongst your belongings, but first, I’ll enjoy myself. You’ve become rather appealing. Now remove your garments or I’ll have the child fetched so she can witness your downfall.”

  Kate searched the room with a quick glance, her mind racing. Terror spread throughout her insides, shaking every nerve in her body. He stalked about the room, removing his robe. When he stood before her, she gagged. The man wasn’t well made, she was ready to lose her supper, but suppressed the urge to gag again.

  He reached out grasping her arm. Kate struggled, trying to get free from his clutch, but he threw her on the bed and laid his body atop hers. He pulled at her garments, his hands moved over her body touching her lewdly. She started to scream, but his chilling laughter banished her panic.

  She focused her eyes on the canopy above. Reaching behind her, she tried to grab anything she could from the stand by the bed. Why couldn’t she have left the dagger on the table? She felt a quill used for writing—that wouldn’t do. Then she felt the book she’d been reading to Bonnie. The tomb was quite heavy and she could barely lift it with one hand. She held it with both hands now.

  Richard pawed her breast and kissed her face. How could she stand it, she wondered? He pressed his body against her, apparently mindless to what she was doing. She gripped the book tightly, bringing it down on his head as hard as she could. A loud whacking noise followed and he stilled.

  Had she killed him? Her breath rasped from the exertion and she pushed him off her, grabbing the tie from his robe and bound his wrists then she gagged him with a belt. She hadn’t killed him, she realized when she felt his breath when gagging him. At least she’d made it so that he’d spend the entire night there. He couldn’t give an alert that she fled. That was, of course, until someone found him, hopefully in the morning. Her chest still rose and fell rapidly.

  Kate went to the basin and splashed water on her face. The vile man had touched her. She was disgusted, and tried to calm her indignation. Her torn garment drew her notice, so she donned a cloak. She picked up her satchel, threw in her rope and candles, clutched Trixie under her belly then ran for her life.

  She reached the kitchens and called to Bonnie. “Bonnie, lovey, we have to go now.” Kate was amazed at how calm she sounded.

  “Where are we going, Kate?”

  “Home, but we must hasten. We have to run. Can you do that, Bonnie?”

  “To Ralph?”

  “That’s right … to Ralph.” The village was a mile or so from the manor house. Nightfall gave cover from anyone trailing them, so they stopped a few times to catch their breath. Kate held Bonnie’s hand, pulling her along.

  “Kate, I can’t run anymore.”

  “I will slow down, but we must keep moving.” They continued, and after making more progress, the young girl slowed again. Kate finally picked her up, shifting her so she could hold on to her shoulders, from behind her. They ran the rest of the way. Bonnie didn’t weigh much, so it wasn’t too difficult, but holding her belongings and making sure she didn’t jostle Trixie, was a difficult task. When they reached the smithy’s hut, there, as promised, waited Ralph.

  Chapter Three

  Kate lifted Bonnie onto the horse’s back then secured the satchel to the harness by the horse’s forelegs. Trixie jumped into the satchel so Kate wouldn’t worry about her. She touched the medallion covered by cloth on a string, tied around her pet’s neck. The only clue to her father’s death was secure. She had all that she needed. Thank goodness she’d made the arrangements this day, for if she had waited, Richard would have hurt her, perhaps have even killed her. She would never have been able to get Bonnie to safety. Kate kicked her heels into Ralph’s flanks.

  All Kate wanted, was to get as far away from the evil place as she could. They were in southern England just west of Londontown, so Kate headed north, not really knowing where she was going. She held the sleeping child and rode through the night.

  They had made a good distance as the sun began to rise. The hues of yellow and pink indicated it would be a hot day. She had a hard time keeping her eyes open, and finally had to stop. Kate felt it safe to rest for a spell. After lifting Bonnie down, she tethered Ralph.

  “Bonnie, sit beside me and don’t move for any reason.”

  “Aye, Kate.”

  “If there’s trouble or you hear someone, wake me.”

  “Aye, Kate.”

  “And Bonnie, don’t
let me sleep long.”

  “Aye, Kate.” Bonnie nodded at her instructions.

  As Kate lay sleeping, Bonnie made a fire. Her papa had taught her how, and she couldn’t wait to tell him that she had done it all by herself. She found flint in Kate’s satchel and struck it against the rock just as her uncle showed her. When the kindling caught, she shouted then quieted, realizing her loudness. She took the bow and arrows from the satchel. Her Uncle Brendan had taught her how to use them, but this bow was slightly larger than the one her uncle had made for her. She had trouble notching the arrow, and keeping her aim fastened on the clearing.

  Kate would be surprised when she awoke. Bonnie sat in a secluded clearing and waited. Her uncle told her she had to have... What did he say? Oh, aye, patience. He’d told her ye could wait a long time before a target came.

  Then she spotted it, a very large hare hopped into the small clearing not too far from where she sat. She pulled the arrow back, scrunching her eyes closed, then let go. Amazingly it hit the target. In awe, she smiled. “Wait until Papa hears this.”

  Kate lay on a grassy spot covered by a small counterpane, and Bonnie smiled at the pretty lady who had saved her. She knew Kate was tired, but it was getting late, so she shook her.

  “Not now, Lolly,” Kate grumbled.

  “Kate, wake up,” Bonnie whispered. “Please.”

  Kate shot up, remembering that she slept in the forest. She listened to the approach of dusk. Only the sound of birds making their return flight to their nests could be heard. Sighing relief, she released her bated breath.

  “Lovey, are ye all right?”

  “Aye, but the day is fading.”

  “You’re right about that. Why did you not wake me sooner? What do ye have there?” She saw a furry creature clutched in her hand.

  “’Tis a hare. I used your bow,” Bonnie explained.

  “I cannot believe you were able to notch the arrow, the bow is almost larger than you.” Kate laughed, disbelieving the girl’s ability. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re an amazing girl? Where’d ye learn to shoot an arrow?”