Vengeance 03 - Believe In Me

by Lana Williams

  As they reached the manor with their unwelcome escort, William saw more men-at-arms awaited them.

  “Oh dear,” Cristiana whispered.

  “I’m flattered he thinks he needs this many men to manage me.”

  Despite his jest, fear coiled deep inside him. Somehow he had to protect Cristiana but knew he was about to be separated from her. It would be foolhardy to attempt to fight this many men. He had to pick his battles wisely and engage in only those he had a chance to win.

  “William? What are we going to do?” She turned to look at him, her brown eyes wide with worry.

  “Remember what you promised. Know that I will come for you.”

  Her gaze held his for a long moment and her concerned expression eased. “I believe in you.”

  He smiled, the tightness in his chest loosening at her faith in him. “Then let us see how Elizabeth fares.”

  The prick of a sword in his ribs made him turn cautiously.

  “You’re coming with us.” The man-at-arms said. “Dismount and hand over your weapon.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Cristiana’s heart flew to her throat as she caught sight of the sword pressed in William’s side. Although William acted confident, the odds of them succeeding in unmasking the bishop seemed too great.

  “We would speak with Bishop Duval,” William said, ignoring the blade.

  “You won’t be speaking to anyone,” the man-at-arms said. “I tell you again, dismount and hand over your sword.”

  “Don’t tell the bishop anything,” William whispered to her as he prepared to alight. “Not until Henry arrives. I will come for you.”

  After reaching the ground, he put his hand on the hilt of his sword then paused as the men-at-arms raised their weapons. He held up his hands, his brow lifted in question. “I thought you wanted my sword.”

  The leader watched him warily. “I’ll take it.”

  William allowed him to pull it from his scabbard then reached for Cristiana.

  “Leave her be,” the man demanded and motioned with his weapon for William to back away.

  Once William complied, the man-at-arms moved forward to aid Cristiana.

  “Step back,” Cristiana snapped. If William couldn’t help her, she didn’t want anyone else to do so. She slid to the ground by herself. “Where is Bishop Duval?”

  “You’ll be escorted to where he awaits you inside, my lady.” He glared at William. “You are coming with us.”

  William smiled at her. “Until we meet again.”

  But the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

  Two soldiers grabbed his arms and hauled him around the side of the manor. A lump formed in her throat at the sight of his retreating back. It hadn’t been that long ago since the very same sight had caused her angst, but this time was so much worse. The love of her life was being taken away.

  She had to do everything in her power to make certain he returned to her. Ignoring the men-at-arms, she hurried up the stairs of the manor house. The sooner she found Elizabeth and determined what was happening, the better. As she reached the landing, the guards opened the door to reveal the bishop. Immediately she noted the paleness of his face, the gauntness of his cheeks. He leaned heavily on a staff.

  “I’m so pleased you’ve come back, my dear.” He smiled triumphantly.

  Dread coiled deep inside her at his familiar countenance. She hadn’t realized how much his presence bothered her until she’d been away from it. Now an oppressive feeling laid over her like a heavy blanket, all but smothering her will. But she had to stay strong, to hang on until Henry arrived with Abbot Clarke. Then they could free William.

  She prayed they’d be here soon.

  “Are you feeling poorly?” she asked, wondering if he’d tell her the truth when he was so obviously ill. She thought back over her time with him and realized she should’ve recognized the signs. She was surprised she hadn’t noticed heat emanating from him. His illness explained why he’d touched her so frequently. He’d hoped to be healed without revealing his weakness. Yet still she felt no sympathy for him.

  He smiled. The very smile she hated so. “How kind of you to ask. Perhaps we’ll discuss that later.” His voice held the sharp edge of fury. “First, I have someone for you to meet.”

  Anger coursed through her at his words. “I’m disappointed you brought Lady Elizabeth into this.”

  “And I am disappointed that Sir William decided to take you away. He overstepped his bounds.”

  Cristiana wanted nothing more than to rage at him, to tell him they knew all about his treachery, but she had to wait until the abbot arrived. Her first priority was to see Lady Elizabeth and make certain she was well. “Where is she?”

  The bishop stepped farther inside the manor where Father Daniel stood waiting.

  “I’m so glad to see you have returned safely, my lady,” the priest said.

  Cristiana didn’t bother to answer. In her eyes, he was as guilty as the bishop in all of the foul deeds committed.

  With Father Daniel at her side, she followed the bishop. When they entered the bishop’s chambers, Cristiana saw an attractive woman sitting on the bench. She appeared to be near Cristiana’s age, with golden brown hair and deep brown eyes. Her worried gaze caught on Cristiana but quickly moved past her.

  Cristiana wondered if she’d expected to see William. “Lady Elizabeth?” she asked, hoping she could somehow reassure her.

  “Aye,” she said as she rose. “Where is William?”

  “He was unavoidably detained,” the bishop answered before Cristiana could explain.

  Despite her loose fitting, wine-colored kirtle, her pregnancy was obvious. Cristiana hated to tell her the truth as she appeared distressed enough already.

  “I’m Lady Cristiana, a...friend of William’s.” She drew nearer to see if she could note any sign of illness. “Are you well?”

  “I am fine. However, I am not pleased to be here.” She glared at the bishop. “A messenger arrived telling me William needed my immediate assistance here, yet when I arrived, he was nowhere to be found.”

  Relief filled Cristiana. If Elizabeth was angry, she must be well. “I’m certain the bishop will arrange for William to greet you soon. Is that not true?” She turned toward the bishop, wondering how he’d respond.

  “You will see him soon enough.”

  “I’m beginning to wonder if you lured me here under false pretenses, my lord bishop,” Elizabeth accused. “If so, I do not appreciate it.”

  “Perhaps you misunderstood my message.” Anger tightened the old man’s lips, but then a painful grimace passed over his expression, making Cristiana certain he was ill.

  “I would see William,” Elizabeth demanded. “Now.”

  The bishop made his way to sit behind his desk, easing into his chair with obvious relief. “You will see him when I allow it. Not before.”

  “You might hold the position of bishop but that does not give you leave to act like a tyrant.” Elizabeth moved to stand before his desk. “My husband—”

  “Your husband is not here, nor is he aware of your whereabouts.”

  “How do you know?” Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed.

  “My plan required your presence but not your husband’s. It is my understanding that he is visiting his liege lord and will not return for some time.”

  She lifted her chin. “That might be true, but have no doubt—he will arrive soon. Now I insist on seeing William. If you refuse to bring him to me, I will find him myself.”

  “You will not go anywhere without my permission.” At the bishop’s words, two men-at-arms filled the doorway.

  “Bishop Duval,” Cristiana interjected, “allow Lady Elizabeth to leave. Her presence is no longer necessary. You have what you want.”

  “Do I? Do I have your full cooperation or only your presence?” He rubbed his finger across his upper lip as though trying to determine her sincerity.

  “Is there a difference?”

  “Appare
ntly so.”

  “Will someone please explain what is going on?” Lady Elizabeth asked.

  Cristiana’s heart sank as she looked at Elizabeth. What choice did she have but to agree to fully cooperate with the bishop? The idea of him harming this woman in any way made her ill. Who else would he threaten if she didn’t agree? The dream of having a life and family of her own had seemed so close when she’d been with William. Now it was slipping away.

  Hadn’t she always known that would never be possible for one such as her?

  A glance at Elizabeth’s rounded figure had her putting a hand on her own belly. Feeling William’s babe move inside her would be a blessing beyond her wildest dreams, but at this moment, she didn’t see how they could have their own happily ever after.

  ***

  William came to a halt when the men-at-arms brought him to a door in the undercroft of the manor. They shoved but he did not budge, especially not once they opened the door to reveal the small narrow room where they wanted to put him.

  His throat grew dry and his palms began to sweat as he stared at the cramped dark space. Memories of his time at Amberley when Elizabeth’s father had thrown him in their dungeon flooded through him. He’d been injured and, as the days had passed, he’d become convinced that he’d never leave that tiny cell alive.

  He had no desire to relive that experience. He was certain he wouldn’t survive it.

  “Go on with ye,” one of the man-at-arms said as he shoved at William.

  “I’ll not be going in there,” William said.

  “Oh, but you will.”

  “I insist on speaking with the bishop.”

  “The bishop doesn’t want to speak with you. Not yet anyway. Now get inside.”

  William did the only thing he could. He plowed his fist into the man’s face then spun to strike another. Just as he thought his freedom was in reach, five more came running. Swearing, he did his best but could not overcome them.

  Within moments, he found himself bruised and battered and locked in the dark, narrow room.

  “Damn it all to hell,” he muttered as he sat up. He almost wished they’d knocked him unconscious, for that was the only thing that would make this bearable.

  The floor was dirt, the walls stone, and the only redeeming quality of the space was the tiny window that let in daylight. He was thankful for that at least.

  Already he could feel sweat beading on his forehead. He held out his hand to see the tremors had started. It was the same each time he found himself in a small place. His breathing grew shallow as panic set in.

  He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. The situation was only temporary. He had to keep his thoughts focused on what he needed to do once he escaped. An image of Cristiana formed in his mind. How was she faring? Had she seen Elizabeth? Were they both well?

  How he wished they’d been able to confront the bishop on their terms but the blasted man had changed everything by taking Elizabeth. William would do anything to protect his brother’s wife. He’d grown to care for her even before she’d married Nicholas. The love she and Nicholas shared was much like the love his father and mother had.

  The strength of their marriages was something he’d never thought he’d have. Love was a rare and elusive thing, and he’d never been certain he wanted that. Love was complicated, painful at times. But now he realized it wasn’t a choice.

  Love was something that grabbed hold and didn’t let go. It consumed you until you were no longer whole unless the other person was by your side.

  Now that it was within reach, he wanted the chance at such a love all the more. Yet how could he accomplish anything from the confines of this cell?

  Frustration built, but it felt so much better than the feeling of panic. He stood to see if he could reach the tiny window but it was too high. He felt along the edge of the door but there was nothing on which to grab hold.

  It seemed the only thing he could do here was determine a plan for when he was released.

  Damn. He hated waiting.

  ***

  “William? Are you in there?”

  William stood and stepped closer to the door. Darkness had fallen and it felt as though he’d spent an eternity in the small room. “Aye?”

  The whispered voice did not sound like Henry’s, yet who else could it be?

  The door slowly opened and torch light blinded him.

  “What the hell are you doing in here?” a familiar voice asked.

  “Nicholas?” Relief poured through him to see his brother alive and well.

  The light moved to reveal two men-at-arms unconscious at his feet. “How did you manage that so quietly? I didn’t hear a thing.”

  “Stealth seemed to be a wise path to tread.” Nicholas put his hand on William’s shoulder. “I thought we agreed you were going to avoid dungeons and the like.”

  “One more for old time’s sake.”

  “The trouble you get into the moment I turn my back,” Nicholas said with a shake of his head.

  William shrugged. “I wouldn’t want you to think I don’t need you.”

  Hope burned brightly inside him. Surely together they could find a way to save both Cristiana and Elizabeth and defeat the bishop.

  “Is Henry with you?” William asked, peering through the darkness that surrounded them.

  “Nay, I haven’t seen him.”

  “How did you know where I was?”

  Nicholas gave him a bland look. “How do you think? I saw both you and Elizabeth in a vision. The cathedral made it simple to realize where you were.”

  “See how helpful those can be when you allow them to come?”

  “As luck would have it, this one was quite clear. But it didn’t explain what either of you are doing here.”

  “That explanation might have to wait until after we complete our rescue.” William glanced down at the men-at-arms. One had William’s sword in his belt. William retrieved it and belted it on. “Nice of him to keep my blade for me.”

  “Do you have a plan?” Nicholas asked as he followed William.

  “Go in, get Elizabeth and Cristiana—”

  “Who is Cristiana?”

  “If all goes well, she will soon be my wife.”

  Nicholas stopped mid-stride. “What? Never mind. You can tell me of your love life later. First I want my own wife back.”

  “Aye,” William agreed and moved toward the courtyard door.

  “Do you have a plan or not?”

  “I don’t think you’ll like it,” William said.

  “Now there’s a surprise,” Nicholas muttered. “Enlighten me anyway.”

  “We reveal Bishop Duval to be less than worthy of serving as a bishop before Abbot Clarke, assuming the abbot has arrived with Henry. Then we take our leave with Elizabeth and Cristiana and go to Staverton, leaving the problem of the bishop in the abbot’s capable hands.”

  Again Nicholas stopped, his incredulous expression visible in the torchlight. “You want to remove the bishop from his position? The entire region is excited for the new cathedral. Have you gone mad? The time you spent in that small cell addled your mind.”

  “I know it sounds crazed, but the bishop must be stopped. He has committed acts that would seem harsh for a Viking, let alone a bishop.”

  “Are you certain? Accusing a bishop of treachery borders on blasphemy.”

  “Beyond a doubt. He is guilty of many terrible acts.”

  Nicholas shook his head. “I look forward to hearing how you and Henry went from gladly serving the bishop to this, but that will also have to wait until we succeed. For now, know that I trust you.”

  Something deep inside him broke free. Nicholas’s confidence in him made him realize that he believed in himself as well. He knew exactly what purpose he was supposed to serve in this world and it was to be with Cristiana. But they were far from victory at the moment. “There’s just one problem.”

  “Only one?”

  “Henry is bringing Abbot Clarke. Without h
im, my plan will most likely fail.” He scanned the bailey, hoping to see Henry ride in with the abbot but to no avail.

  “When do you think they’ll arrive?”

  William shook his head. “I was hoping by now. The abbot was supposed to return from the archbishop’s any day.”

  “We cannot wait. Elizabeth is with child. I’ve been beside myself with worry since I had the vision.”

  William heard the concern in Nicholas’s voice for it matched his own. “Nay, we cannot. We must take the ladies away from the bishop at once.”

  Disappointment filled him as he realized he would be powerless to make certain the bishop didn’t harm others. He could only hope that Abbot Clarke believed them and at the very least, investigated the bishop’s activities. Perhaps it was naive of him to think that he could somehow get the bishop to confess to his crimes before the abbot anyway.

  In truth, none of that mattered. His first priority was to rescue Cristiana and Elizabeth. He hoped the bishop hadn’t forced Cristiana to heal someone beyond her ability. Having her in a weakened state would make rescue much more difficult.

  “Elizabeth has been well, hasn’t she?” William asked.

  “Aye. Why do you ask?”

  “No reason.” He didn’t want to alarm Nicholas any further with mention of her being ill as the man-at-arms had told them. They’d know soon enough if all was well.

  Two more men-at-arms stood guard at the courtyard door to the manor. Both drew their swords as William and Nicholas drew near.

  One guard stared at William in surprise. “How did you get out?”

  “That would be my doing,” Nicholas offered with a smile. “We have business with the bishop.”

  “The bishop gave orders that he is not to be disturbed.”

  “I’m sure he did,” William said as he drew his sword. “We are countering those orders. Move aside.”

  “You’re not going anywhere,” the guard said as he raised his sword.

  Before the man could blink, William held his sword at the man’s throat. “Do as we say and you will live to see the morrow.”