by Allie Borne
Twas uncommon for children to make an appearance at court, but Gavin knew that King Edward wanted to see the entire family for himself. Sara, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Sir David were his evidence of having fully claimed the land and title for himself. Without them, twas simply his word against that of Sir John's, and he could not trust that Jonathan Polk had not already reared his ugly head at court.
Once within the great gates, Sara looked about. Sir David and Gavin looked handsome in their plain, well-crafted tunics. She and Hannah had worn their best gowns, which, while made of fine fabric, were several years old. They looked plain, but serviceable, compared to the other ladies filing towards the large, open entrance.
Sara prayed that Elizabeth would stay silent and asleep for the duration of the visit. She willed herself to breath calmly and evenly, so that the babe did not awaken in distress.
“We are the third case on the king's agenda today,” Gavin reminded Sara for the fifteenth time. She nodded, understanding he was just as anxious as she.
“One man is a gentleman farmer and will take a short time. The other is a high-ranking official and may take much longer.”
Sara again nodded, familiar with the litany by now. “If ye must slip out with the bairn, I'll send Sir David to fetch ye, should our names be called.”
Twenty minutes later, a herald called their names and they were ushered into court. The wealth that surrounded them was dazzling, and Sara bit her inner lip, willing herself to stay focused, to not become overwhelmed.
The king's long face and tired demeanor terrified Sara. She could tell he suffered these proceedings, but his mind lay elsewhere.
“Sir Gavin Williams and Sir David Polk stand before his majesty to answer to his challenge over the title of Lord Sanders and the stewardship of Hampstead Manor.”
King Edward sat up a bit and leaned forward, his dark eyes sparkling with interest. “Sir David Polk, eh? And who are ye, in relation to Sir John?”
“I am his younger brother, my liege,” Sir David bowed low.
King Edward III nodded, his interest peeked. “Explain thyself, Sir Gavin. What evidence hast thou brought me of thy claim.”
Gavin beckoned, and Hannah and Sara stepped forward. “Yer Majesty, I present to thee the Lady Sara Sanders, my wife, her stepdaughter, the Lady Hannah Hartford, and her daughter, the Lady Elizabeth Hartford, now my wards.”
“So, ye gained entrance to, and sovereignty over the keep. Ye have married the Widow Sanders and taken over care of the late Lord Sanders' daughters?”
“Aye, yer Majesty.”
“I am pleased with this progress, Sir Gavin. Explain to me, then, why I have been presented with this Sir David Polk.”
“If it please yer Majesty, Sir David has pledged his fealty to me and is serving as my troop leader. He is also betrothed to the Lady Hannah, should this connection between the two families support His Majesty's interests in the region.”
King Edward sat back for a moment. “Is Lord Polk aware of this development?”
Sir David stepped forward again and bowed. “I had not the opportunity to meet with my father, yer Majesty, as I was busy working to regain my honor and establish closer ties with the new Lord Sanders. However, we have sent a messenger and expect he has been apprised of the development.”
“And what of this betrothal undermining thy elder brother's interests?” King Edward queried.
“I set out to help my brother gain the property. Once I was convinced that Sir Gavin had successfully gained sovereignty over the land and its people, I worked to arrange a connection that would be mutually beneficially to both families.”
“Thus excluding yer eldest brother from the opportunity?”
“My father has denied my brother's rights and inheritance, yer Majesty, owed to actions ill befitting a knight.”
Sir Edward nodded, not at all surprised by the revelation. “How answer thee, to such claims, Sir John?”
The court grew quietly expectant as Sir John walked up with a handful of men. “I consider Sir Gavin and my brother, Sir David, little more than usurpers, yer majesty.”
“Explain,” King Edward demanded.
“It seems that Sir Gavin claims the Lady Sara as wife falsely. I have here a lock of the lady's hair, given to me as evidence of her vow to be my wife.”
Sara gasped. Had he really the gull to lie to the king himself? Gavin laid a warning hand on Sara's arm, and she quieted.
Sir John continued. “In addition, the Lady Hannah is not truly related to the late Lord Sanders; therefore, any marriage agreement between her and my brother cannot serve to connect the Sanders and Polk estates.”
Now, it was Hannah's turn to gasp in dismay. Sir David reached out to squeeze her arm in reassurance.
“Finally,” Sir John grinned in growing anticipation of his final revelation, “I have received the blessing of Lady Sara's closest living male relative. Sir Robert approves of my private betrothal to the Lady Sara. We have garnered a truce, an agreement of a small parcel of land that was owed Sir Robert from several years hence.”
Lady Sara took a step forward and was again retained by Gavin's hand.
“How answer ye to these suppositions, Sir Gavin?”
Yer majesty, Gavin bowed low. “As Sir David has most rightly reminded the court, Sir John is a knight without honor or chivalry. He has been disinherited by his own father, for misuse of funds and poor conduct. His claims here today are without basis in fact. He merely hopes to persuade the court to hand him the valuable lands as a means to continue to support his wastrel ways.
“Sir John has yet to show an ability to instill loyalty in a troop of men, let alone run a self-sustaining manor. Despite his claims, I am well and truly married to the Lady Sara. Both of the former Lord Sanders' daughters were conceived under lawful marriage. I claim both as my daughters and wards.
“Sir David happens to be a son in the good graces of the lauded and much honored Lord Polk. The region is not only made stable with the granting of the land and marriages I present forthwith, but the future wealth and security of the region are also ensured by our loyal and dependable stewardship.”
King Edward looked over the entourage and nodded. “Very well, having heard and seen enough of this affair, I grant the land and title to Sir Gavin Williams, and uphold the marriage betrothal between Lady Hannah Hartford and Sir David Polk. I expect ye will bring honor to yer sovereign as the new, Lord Sanders,” King Edward smiled and regally dismissed the company with a wave of his hand.
“God bless yer Majesty,” Gavin and his company bowed.
“My humble apologies,” crowed Sir John, “but if I will not be fated to take the wench well in hand, then my conscience requires that I tell thy majesty of the wicked ways of the Lady Sara, afore she returns home to destroy more or thy majesty's loyal subjects.”
The court took a collective intake of breath. Not only was Sir John breaking protocol by further questioning the king's decree, he was clearing making a very serious accusation.
“Explain thyself,” King Edward sighed, clearly wishing to end this squabble and move on to the next case.
Sir John bowed low before the king and continued, “I have several witnesses who will attest to the fact that the former Lord Sanders and his son, Christian Hartford, were hail and hearty when they returned to their keep last year. Twas not until they drank from the well, it seems, that the two fell ill and died within mere days of returning to their lands. These same witnesses will also attest to the fact that Lady Sara warned everyone away from the well and demanded they follow the Jewish custom of drinking from the river. Tis clear she knew that the well was poisoned and did everything in her power to assure the destruction of her masters.”
Again, the court gasped and a rustling of silk and whispers rippled through the crowd. The attention of the masses was caught and titillated. Sara's spine tingled in fear for her life, and that of her dependents. How could they listen to such nonsense?
“The mo
ment the two fell ill, Sara removed all servants from the premises, but those who supported her heretical ways. She would allow no one to aid in the care of the two noblemen, thus ensuring their quick deaths.”
“This is hogwash and trickery!” Gavin bellowed. “One moment the man demands Lady Sara's hand in marriage and the next he is accusing her of heresy against the church?”
“Tis common procedure to separate those stricken with the Plague from those who are in good health. Nothing she had done is in anyway against church doctrine.”
“Then explain to the court,” Sir John smiled, “how thy lady made music and wine appear from nothing. Explain why my brothers and I saw her drink blood from a chalice and how she was able to drug us and contain us, all by her own hands?”
The court erupted in a cacophony and questions and wonderings. Until King Edward held up his hand and nodded toward Gavin. “What say you to these accusations?”
Gavin stood tall and dipped his head toward the king. “Once I had gained control of the keep and wed the Lady Sara, I knew it would be necessary to subdue Sir Polk and his men afore my own troops could arrive. I had no intention of harming him, as it was important to maintain a relationship with Sir John's father. We therefore designed a plan to separate Sir John from his father's men and distract him. Tis true that he and his brothers were dosed with a small bit of poppy seed. The slumberous effects of which are mainly pleasant and short lived. Twas the last Lord Sanders himself who used the seeds as a means to relax. They simply fell asleep, and we returned the men to their father via wagon; no harm done. Tis not in my nature to use intrigue, yer majesty. Yet, the circumstances warranted wit over my brawn.”
King Edward nodded. “Art thou a witch, My Lady?” he squinted toward Sara, clearly asking her to respond directly to the charges.
“With all my heart, nay, yer majesty. I am a Christian.”
“Then, Gavin Williams, my decision stands. Go and make strong these lands I give to thy jurisdiction. Do not make me regret my decision.”
Without a moment's hesitation, Gavin grasped Sara's arm, and the group beat a hasty exit. With God's grace, they had survived the event!
~
As much relief as Gavin felt for having won the legal right to the title and lands, Gavin was certain that he had not seen the last of Sir John or Sir Robert. Both had little left to lose and much to gain by making him disappear permanently. It was now up to he and his men to insure the stability of the region. He intended to rid the land of Sir John before the vile refuse could do so to him.
For Sara and Hannah's sake, though, he smiled and laughed as they walked down the long lane towards the castle gates. All would be well soon enough. Hannah and Sara smiled tremulously, holding hands and leaning together against the after-shocks of anxiety that shook them to the core. Walking stoically by their side, Sir David was well and truly shaken by the day's proceeding. He surreptitiously eyed Gavin from the corner of his eye, receiving a subtle nod from his new lord.
Having seen the depravity of which his brother was capable, Sir David was eager to act to remove the threat from his betrothed's presence. How dare he malign her lovely name before the court! He would pay for this dishonor with his life.
~
As much as Sara loathed the condescending way in which Sir David and her husband pretended all was well with the world, she appreciated that they kept the truth from Hannah. Hannah's suffering these last few months had been enough to last a lifetime. She deserved this reprieve from fear for her safety and security.
Sara trusted that Gavin and Sir David would craft a plan for dealing with Sir John. She intended to be part of it. Unfortunately, motherhood's demands came first. Sara was forced to sit in the back of the wagon, nursing the ever-hungry Elizabeth while the men road ahead on horseback.
She knew that they were plotting because Sir David had sent Hannah pouting into the wagon, not allowing her to walk or ride. Millie eagerly listened to Hannah's retelling of the events at court, while Sara leaned against the wagon's frame and focused on the true test ahead.
How were they to rid themselves of Sir John, without being found guilty of killing a peer of the realm? T'would be necessary to rid themselves of the body, so that no blame could be placed on the Sander's title.
True, everyone would suspect what really happened, but no one would care to push the matter, were a blight like Sir John removed from the royal landscape. Sara was certain that Sir John would attempt another attack afore they could return to the keep.
Their wagon train was only four men strong. Sir John boasted ten. Something told her that her cousin would continue to support the pig, if it meant a chance at that choice bit of property. She briefly considered advising her husband to pay him off. But, the land was so important to her. Her father had labored for years to earn that heavenly piece of land. Her mother had labored over building a home there. Twas the place she had always hoped to return to someday...twas her home and her children's legacy.
Sir Robert had shown such little regard for her person that he was willing to see her disinherited, hung as a heretic, or wedded to a degenerate in order to lay claim to the parcel. Would he actively work against the king's decree to lay claim to the property? If he could do so without eliciting the king's wrath, she was almost certain he would.
~
The sun was high overhead by the time the wagon arrived at the inn. Gavin was eager to gather up their supplies and head back on the trail. The sooner they returned to the keep, the better. If they were lucky, Sir Robert would have cut his losses and abandoned his claim. If they were not, they had little time to make a plan that would protect their interests. Certainly, Sir John would attack them on route. He was not so foolish as to wait until they had gained the security of the keep.
James greeted them and quickly moved to harness the second wagon, while Thomas paid the inn keeper and arranged for a basket of cold food for their return trip. They were gone again in under an hour.
“I do not understand why I cannot walk alongside the wagons as I have been,” Hannah pouted. “Riding in the wagon makes me ill. Ye do not suppose Sir David is no longer interested in being kind to me, now that the king has promised him my hand in marriage?”
Sara chuckled, willing herself to relax for Hannah's sake. “Nay, Hannah. Tis nothing so dire as all that. The men are needing some time to plan the return trip and arrange night watch, is all.”
Hannah grew quiet, thinking. “They worry over Sir John and Sir Robert, do they not?”
Sara sighed. “Aye, they do. Sir David does not deny ye but wishes to keep ye safe, no doubt. He does not trust his brother to not plan another attack, I'd wager.”
Hannah nodded. “T'would be fool hardy of Sir John. The king would surely not give him the land and title, were he to act so dishonorably.”
Sara shrugged. She knew not what the king would do, but it would be whatever was in the kingdom's best interest. Allowing Lord Polk to take over the Sander's holdings would be an easy adjustment for the king, were Gavin to be waylaid by common thieves, for instance.
Sara shivered. Twas an uncertain land in which they lived and she was quite done with this present venture. It seemed like days since she had slept more than a few minutes at a stretch. She longed for a bath and a bed. Tucking Elizabeth snuggly into her woven basinet, Sara snuggled between the feather tic and comforter. She gave up her worries to the fatigue that pulled her into a dreamless sleep.
An hour later, Sara woke with a start. The wagon's had come to an abrupt stop. She sat up in time to see Hannah hop from the back of the wagon, following Millie. Struggling to focus, she threw the comforter from her frame and reached for the concealing comfort of her black cloak. She followed Hannah from the wagon and hustled to her side.
“Do not be so foolish as to leave the protection of the wagon!” she whispered, pulling on Hannah's arm.
“Tis only a fallen tree!” Hannah sighed, feeling smothered by her stepmother's vigilance.
&n
bsp; Sara's chest constricted. She remembered soldiers' tales of armed assailants waylaying troops by felling trees in the wagon's path. “Get back in the wagon!” she hissed, dragging Hannah behind her.
“I just want to help,” she whined.
Sara pinched the back of her arm in warning and Hannah quieted. Climbing back in the wagon, she turned to glare at Sara. “No matter what ye hear, stay in the wagon and protect yer sister, do ye understand?”
Hannah nodded, her eyes growing round, as Sara pulled her dagger from its sheath. Sara felt ridiculous, hiding beneath the wagon's frame as she did now. Yet, if she'd learned anything from her youth, it was to trust one's instincts. Better to live and be thought a skittish fool, than to die a naïve one.
The foliage rustled, and Sara was certain that the surrounding forest was emptying of hired soldiers. “We come in peace,” Sir Robert's distinctive, gravelly voice could be heard above the rustling. “We seek only the opportunity to speak and come to a mutual agreement.”
Sir John chuckled.
A long silence ensued and then Gavin's voice rang out, “Speak, then.”
“T'would be unfortunate, were this small company to be waylaid by thieves and left to bleed out here, on this remote trail,” Sir John clucked his tongue in fake remorse.
“We would like to help thee to avoid such a fate,” Sir Robert clarified, his voice paternalistic.
“What is it ye propose?” Gavin asked, his voice like tempered steel.
“A trade...the rights to yer lands, in return for yer lives.”
“Never!” Sir Gavin responded.
“Have it yer way,” Sir Robert sighed.
Sara could not see the interaction, but she imagined him nodding at his troops to advance. Steel clanged against steel, and Sara sprang into action. Poking her head above the wagon, she waved Hannah to her. Hannah scooted herself and the bairn to the exit. Handing Elizabeth to Sara, she hopped from the wagon bed, landing silently on the balls of her feet. The melee before them grew loud and intense. They had only precious moments before Sir Robert sent men for them, she was certain.
