by Alexa Aston
Hal escorted his mother and sister to the training yard. When they grew near, he spotted his father and Michael standing on a platform observing the action. Geoffrey de Montfort glanced in his direction and beamed. He jumped down and strode toward them.
Hal broke away and met his father. They shook hands then hugged. Michael arrived and slapped Hal on the back, grinning broadly. Hal heard Nan cry out his name as she ran across the training yard, casting her bow aside. She clung tightly to him.
“Oh, where have you been?” she agonized. “We thought the worst, Hal.” Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “I couldn’t have lived without you.”
He whispered reassurances to her, feeling guilty for what he had put his family through.
Suddenly, Michael shouted across the training yard to the soldiers standing, watching the reunion. “The archery contest is canceled. You men can continue your training in other ways.”
Hal protested. “Nay, Michael. Nan has been preparing these men for it. I wouldn’t want her to be disappointed.”
Nan snorted. “It can wait, Hal. I would have beaten every one of them anyway. This way, they can have another day of practice and think that they might have a chance against me.” She grinned, full of confidence and mischief.
He might not be at Kinwick yet, but where family could be found, there was home.
Chapter 15
Their group left the training yard, David falling into step behind them after greeting Hal. They made their way across the bailey toward the keep. Jessimond held his hand while Nan took the other.
“So Jess told me you’ve been training Michael’s knights.”
“’Tis the same as I’ve done at Kinwick,” Nan said. “Only it took a few days to win over the Sandbourne soldiers. They did not trust a woman with a bow in her hands, much less one who could best them.”
He laughed. Nan’s skills had far surpassed what he had taught her many years ago. “You could probably teach even the Cheshire bowmen in the king’s royal guard a thing or two,” Hal replied. “And they are known to be the best in the kingdom.”
Her brows knit together. “Things are nasty at court,” she confided.
“How? I know nothing of it.”
“Father knows more than I do. He has received several missives. I heard him telling Michael. Ask him.”
Elysande greeted them once they arrived at the solar. Hal’s mouth watered at the feast spread out on the table. He smelled rabbit stew that had been simmered in garlic and pepper and spiced eels and couldn’t wait to sink his teeth into the soft manchet, which he hadn’t eaten since last summer before he left court for the Midlands. It made the simple fare he’d partaken of with Elinor seem meager. It had been, he now realized. She lived a life on the edge of poverty. If not for Cleo and Horus providing meat on a regular basis, she might actually have starved. It angered him that the nobleman who held the estate treated her so poorly. If the baron did that to a treasured falconer, how must others at Whitley suffer? Hal determined to rescue Elinor from the place as soon as he could—and that meant sharing with those he loved what he planned to do.
“Have a seat, everyone,” Elysande told her guests. “I had the kitchen bring up platters of cold meat, fruit, and cheeses and several hot dishes.” She winked at Jessimond. “A few sweetmeats, too.”
Michael brushed a kiss upon his wife’s cheek. “I’ll pour the wine.”
All present begin to fill their trenchers with food as cups of wine were passed around. Hal savored his first taste of wine in months, allowing it to roll along his tongue. Not since before he’d marched from London with the king had he drunk wine. Then he allowed himself to enjoy eating a few minutes before he opened up the conversation.
Looking to his father, he said, “I’m sure you have wondered where I was for several months now. Especially since you’ve already received news from court about the Lords Appellant revoking the king’s power. We marched from London so quickly, I didn’t have time to send word to you where I might be.”
Geoffrey sipped his wine thoughtfully before speaking. “We did hear of Richard’s attempts to make peace with the French so that he could focus his full strength against the armies of the Lords Appellant. After they defeated the king, the five lords convened Parliament so that they could expose his attempts to reconcile with France. As of now, Parliament has reacted swiftly. Most all of the king’s advisers have been convicted of treason. A few have been forced into exile but many have—or will—be executed. Robert Tresilian, the chief justice, was one of the first to lose his life.”
Bitterness rose in Hal. He’d liked Tresilian a great deal. The judge had a keen mind and had been loyal to a fault when it came to supporting Richard. What country did they live in where a man who supported his king lost his head?
His mother’s hand covered his. “We feared you might be one of those punished, Hal, especially when we heard nothing from you.”
Though she appeared calm, he knew how much she had been affected by his absence.
“Where is the king now?” he asked, almost afraid to hear their response.
“Locked away in the Tower,” Michael informed him. “Supposedly, he’s being looked after by a few of his guardsmen. That was our hope—that you were one of them and simply couldn’t get word out to us.”
“Let me tell you where I’ve been since autumn,” Hal said.
He related to them how he’d accompanied Richard to the Midlands and how the king had wished to assemble an army there to fight the Lords Appellant.
“The king sent me on a mission. He said he trusted de Montforts and mentioned how well Ancel and Edward had served him during their time in the royal guard, as well as Father’s service to the Crown.”
“Where did you go?” David asked.
“I met up with de Vere and Molineux, who were in the West Country. Both had orders to gather as many men as they could and rendezvous with the king.” He paused. “We never made it to Richard’s side, though.”
Hal told them about how untrained—and unwilling—many of the men were that had been gathered to fight for the king. How the two leaders deserted the assembled mass near Radcot Bridge to save their own hides.
“I’ve never witnessed such cowardice. With no way to cross Radcot Bridge or any of the other bridges, thanks to the Earl of Derby’s troops dismantling or physically blocking the way, the so-called volunteers chose not to fight. Derby commanded them to lay down their arms and return to their homes. They did as he ordered so fast, my head spun.”
“Leaving only you standing there, I take it?” Geoffrey asked, his eyes narrowed in anger.
“Aye, Father. In front of all of his troops, Derby had me strip off my armor and demanded my sword and remaining weapons. He refused to let me return to the king’s side. Instead, he told me I was no longer a member of the royal guard. He even kept my horse.” Hal slammed his hand down on the table. “And I did as he asked, without protest. Oh, Derby’s a decent sort. He could have run his sword through me. Made an example of me in front of all of his men. As I began walking home to Kinwick, I almost wished he had.”
He paused. “I felt not only stripped of what physically made me a knight but it’s as if I left my honor on the battlefield that day. I admit that shame ran deep through me.”
His father shook his head. “Nay, Son. Your honor is intact. You took your oath and will always be a knight. You know I never wanted you to belong to the king’s royal guard because of the direction of where Richard took the court. I’m sorry your service to him had to end this way but you are forever a knight. You have more integrity and loyalty than any man who serves at court, be he a knight or councilor.” Geoffrey squeezed Hal’s shoulder. “I am proud of you. Always.”
“Thank you, Father.” Hal had worried that his actions might have cost him his father’s respect. Hearing it hadn’t brought him some comfort.
“But the events at Radcot Bridge happened before Christmas, Hal,” Nan interjected. “Why are you only now
coming home to us? Even without a horse, I could have walked home blindfolded and been at Kinwick long before now.” She paused, a smile playing about her lips. “I know what kept you. A woman. With you, ’tis always a woman.”
“How about a broken leg, dear sister?” Hal countered. “Might that have kept me from walking since I was without a horse and only possessed a few coins to my name?”
Nan gasped. “Oh, Hal, I beg your pardon. What happened?”
“While I journeyed toward home, I came across two highwaymen. They attacked a man.”
“And you’re a knight, so you had to stop and help,” Jessimond added.
Geoffrey ruffled his youngest daughter’s hair. “’Tis so, sweetheart. A knight must always come to the aid of those in need.” He looked to Hal. “Continue.”
“Suffice it to say by the end of the encounter, both highwaymen lay dead. Unfortunately, so did the traveler I tried to help. In the mayhem, I was injured. A stab wound to the torso and my lower leg broken.”
“Did you crawl to help?” Jessimond asked, her eyes wide and round.
“The daughter of the traveler who was killed—his name was Jasper—came to my aid. She used a wheelbarrow to transport me to their cottage, where she was able to splint the leg and cleanse and cauterize the gash.”
Nan snorted. “I knew a woman had to be involved. And I’m sure she was beautiful.”
“More beautiful than any woman I’d seen at court,” Hal retorted playfully, though only he knew that he was not teasing.
A knock sounded and a servant entered. “Pardon the interruption, my lord, my lady, but the men in the training yard are clamoring for Lady Nan. They are demanding more instruction before tomorrow’s contest. And they’ve asked Lady Jessimond to come help judge.”
Nan rose and crooked her finger for Jessimond to join her. “Come on, Jess. We already know the rest of this tale. The beautiful women nursed our dear Hal back to health before tenderly kissing him and sending him on his way. End of story.”
She came and stood behind Hal and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kissing him on the cheek, she said, “Despite my teasing, I am happy my favorite brother is home.”
Hal patted her hand. “Just don’t tell Ancel or Edward that.”
Nan shrugged. “They already know. And I love them both dearly, but you are the one who spent the most time with me. Without you, I would never have gained such skill with my bow and arrow.” She kissed the top of his head.
Both his sisters left the solar. Hal emptied his cup and Michael poured him more wine.
“What else, Hal?” prompted Merryn. “I know there’s more to your story.”
“Both injuries kept me in bed with a fever for some days. The bones in my leg mended properly. Once the splints had been removed, Elinor, Jasper’s daughter, kept me on a strict leash. When I wanted to walk, she only allowed baby steps. And when I wished to run, I had to be satisfied with walking. She insisted that I take it slowly in order to heal properly before I set out again on the long journey home. I must admit that she was right.”
“And?” His mother’s eyes wore a knowing look.
“How do you do it, Mother? Can none of your children ever keep a secret from you?”
Merryn gave him a triumphant smile. “I gave birth to you, all except Jessimond, and I have mothered her since she was but a few days old. Tell us more. About Elinor.”
“Elinor is a falconer,” Hal began.
“Oh, Nan shouldn’t have left,” Elysande said. “This is an interesting twist to the tale.”
“Her adopted father, Jasper, was a falconer. He taught her everything about raptors that he knew over many years. While I was there, the female peregrine, Cleo, gave birth to two eyases. Elinor named them Bess and Tris.”
Hal ran a finger along the rim of his pewter cup. “I helped in the early training of these eyases. Wore a gauntlet and had a falcon perched on my hand for much of my time there. As I began to walk finally, I helped in training them to leave my hand and return for bechin—a food reward. The two were beginning to learn about the lure just before I left. Not only did working with raptors help pass the time but I found I had an affinity for it.
“And for Elinor,” he finished.
“Do you love this falconer?” his father asked.
“I do. You and Mother were right. I wasn’t looking to fall in love. Elinor wasn’t someone I would have ever met at court. It took being shamed and stripped of all I knew before I fell into her path. But once I met her?” he asked. “I fell. Hard.”
Hal glanced at the two loving couples at the table, shining examples of what it meant to love another and how to build a life together. “I haven’t declared for her yet. She has no idea that I am of the nobility and a knight of the realm. I wanted to speak to my family first before I asked her to be my wife.”
His mother placed her hand on his forearm and squeezed. “It was thoughtful of you to do so, my boy, but you didn’t need our permission. If you love Elinor, then that is all we need to know.”
Though Hal believed he would have his parents’ support, nonetheless, her words warmed him. “Oh, Mother, she is everything I could have dreamed of in a woman. She is beautiful, both inside and out. Wells of patience lie within her. She has a keen intelligence and a pure heart.”
“Then what are you waiting for? Go fetch her now,” Merryn told him.
Another knock sounded and the same servant entered. “Beg pardon, my lord, for interrupting again. A missive has arrived from Kinwick for Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn.”
Geoffrey accepted the parchment and broke the seal as the servant exited. He pushed aside his trencher and smoothed the scroll on the table. His eyes scanned the page and a smile appeared on his face.
“It seems that Benedict has passed away in his sleep. Edward and Rosalyne are the new Baron and Baroness of Shallowheart. They ask that we come home immediately to see them off since they are needed at once.”
Hal looked at his mother. “Then I will come home first and bid Edward and his family goodbye before I bring Elinor to Kinwick. And if Edward and Rosalyne cannot break away for our wedding, then Elinor and I will go to visit them once we are man and wife.”
Chapter 16
Time with Gerald passed quickly. Elinor’s respect for the falconer grew as she watched how well he handled Bess and Tris. Not only was he skilled but he had a gentle demeanor and patient nature. Both falcons took to him quickly. She could leave Whitley knowing her raptors were in capable, kind hands. Gerald had convinced her of his worth from the moment he had shown respect and a tender heart as Cleo went to join Horus. He was a born falconer.
She joined him at the table, where he had set out the last of the bread and ale. How many mornings had she broken her fast seated here? Hundreds? Thousands?
And this time, most likely, would be the last.
Gerald tore a piece from the crust he held and washed it down with the ale. “Are you ready for us to work with the lures again?”
“Nay. Only you will be training the raptors today. I am to report to Whitley this morning to meet with the baroness.”
Elinor saw an odd look on his face and rushed to reassure him. “You’ll be fine, Gerald. I trust you with Bess and Tris. You have proven your worth as a falconer a dozen times these past few days.” She paused, unsure if she should speak about the future and then decided that it would be best if she addressed it.
“You must know you were brought here to be Whitley’s falconer. I will soon be gone.”
He flushed a dark red. Elinor knew he must feel guilty and didn’t want him to blame himself for circumstances beyond his control.
“The situation wasn’t explained to me properly, Elinor,” he said, his frustration obvious. “I was told Whitley’s falconer had died.”
“Aye, Jasper—my father—recently passed.”
“But you’re a falconer in your own right, Elinor. I would be privileged to work alongside you.”
She gave him a sad smil
e. “We both know Lady Rohesia wouldn’t allow that.” Then she decided to probe him. “Did you know her before she came here?”
He nodded grimly. “I worked for her cousin. Knew her from the time she was a girl since she visited each summer. When her offer came, I truly wanted it. To work with falcons on my own and to escape the frigid winters in the north? I couldn’t get here fast enough.”
Gerald shifted uncomfortable in his seat. “I hate that I’m taking your place, Elinor.”
She chuckled. “I don’t think Lady Rohesia and I can exist on the same estate. ’Tis better that I go.”
“You will find new raptors to work with,” he promised. “I have never seen another with your talent.”
Elinor finished the last of her ale and rose. They washed their mugs and set them aside. She couldn’t put off her conversation with the baroness any longer.
“I will see you later, Gerald. Continue to work on swinging the lures. Have the girls go out a farther distance from what we practiced yesterday.”
She took her time, drawing out the walk in the familiar woods. If she had the chance to demonstrate her skills, she would easily be hired as a falconer. What worried her was not receiving the opportunity simply because she was a woman. Mayhap she could start as an assistant to a falconer, as she had with Jasper. The thought gave her some hope for her future.
Elinor arrived at the meadow. It was greening up with spring in the air. Flowers had started to bloom. She saw masses of fresh, delicate daffodils and cowslip and tossed aside the urge to pass them by. Picking a blossom, she held it under her nose and inhaled deeply. Spring had always been her favorite time of year. Everything came to life after the cold of winter. Any eyases born weeks before showed tremendous progress in their training during that season.
The road to the castle lay ahead. Elinor reached it and made her way along the path, seeing serfs in the fields sowing. A few gave her a tentative wave and she returned their greeting, wondering if everyone knew Lady Rohesia was sending Elinor away. It wouldn’t have surprised her if the noblewoman had stood in the great hall and declared with glee that Whitley would soon be rid of Elinor Swan once and for all.
