by Sherry Ewing
“What has upset you so, Katherine?” Riorden asked as he took her into his arms. She pulled away and pointed to the castle grounds.
“You must protect it, Dristan, with every fiber of your being. That goes for you, too, Riorden, where Warkworth is concerned,” she said in a quivering voice.
Riorden leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. “How did you know we were going to ask about Berwyck?”
Katherine gave a short little laugh. “That’s a good question. I just had this feeling that, eventually, you would want to know what happens to your land in my day.”
Dristan gazed at her as though she had lost her mind, or at least a small part of it, since it seemed as if she was predicting the future. In a way she was, truth be told.
“Berwyck is strongly enforced, Katherine, and made of stone. I have ensured every precaution has been taken in re-enforcing its foundations,” Dristan interjected as he crossed his arms on his chest while he tried to appear as if the conversation was an easy one for him.
“Yes, I know, but−”
Riorden interrupted her. “Warkworth is just as strong, my love, and its walls will keep you well protected. True, ’tis not as large an estate as Berwyck, but ’twill meet our needs. If you desire to live elsewhere, I have a number of other holdings in England or France you may prefer.”
“Riorden, it’s not that,” she said, her voice shaking.
“Then what is it?” he asked.
Katherine took both of them by their hands and looked upon their handsome faces. Here were two similar men who were the embodiment of all knightly virtues and would do anything within their means to protect their families. Any woman would most likely sell her soul in order to have someone of such conviction in her life. The fact that one had fallen in love with her was still a miracle in her eyes, and she was still trying to come to grips with the whole time travel concept. But how could she tell them of the destruction to come?
She took a deep breath. “Emily would say I’m messing with history. Perhaps I am, but I don’t care. You have to know Dristan that, in my point in time, there is nothing left of Berwyck but a shell of the outer curtain wall. Everything is gone, right down to the very rocks of the keep’s foundation,” she said with a catch in her voice. “The place was completely ransacked for its stones over the years, in order to complete other foundations in the area.”
She watched all color drain from his face and turned her attention to Riorden. “The same almost holds true for Warkworth. The keep was barely habitable when I saw it, and the rest had fallen into utter disrepair. You can’t even begin to imagine how many millions of dollars or coin are necessary for the upkeep of medieval castles, especially those that haven’t fallen under the protection of some historical society.”
“I cannot believe it,” Riorden said quietly. “All of it gone?”
Katherine nodded. “When my friends and I were traveling, we stopped at both locations. I felt a sadness overcome me at Berwyck I didn’t comprehend. Although now I know, it had been your home. But Warkworth was to be mine in another place in time. It all makes sense now, and I can understand why I suddenly fell to the ground, when I saw the castle ruins. I could barely manage to make it back to the car.
“Maybe in some crazy distorted way and in the bigger scheme of things, I had already lived my life there with you. I assume it’s why I had such a strong reaction upon seeing a place I had thought I’d never seen before. I am sure, Riorden, we had filled the hall with our children, watched them grow, from year to year, and loved each other for all of our days. I am just as certain, Dristan, that you and your beautiful lady did the same.”
“Katherine, I−” Riorden interrupted while he raked his fingers through his hair.
She held up her hand. “Please. Let me finish this while I can. Neither of you can stop the hands of time that will claim the land, nor can you halt the centuries of war that will plague and ravage England. You may fight with swords and be masterful in your technique, but there are machines and equipment that are coming in the future that are horrifyingly effective in destroying all in their path. This may not happen within our lifetime, but it will come generations from now.”
“We will teach our children to fight,” Dristan said with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Katherine looked upon them both with a grim expression. “A sword in your hand, no matter how well-trained you are, will not keep you, or them, alive, when the cannons and bombs explode and annihilate our homes. We must somehow prepare, not only ourselves, but our children, so in future generations from now, our people can look back and know we did all within our power to ensure our line and family heritage continued.”
“’Tis much to take in, Kat,” Riorden exclaimed, once more taking her hand and placing it in the crook of his elbow as they continued their walk.
“Yes, I know. Funny how time has a way of twisting people to its whim,” Katherine said, in a hushed tone, and continued when she saw Riorden’s questioning look. “It seems, I’ve become my own ancestor.”
He looked startled as this realization struck him as somehow ironic, and yet Katherine could only manage a weak smile.
“You have given me much to think on, Katherine, and for this I am most grateful,” Dristan proclaimed.
“Emily could most likely provide further details, my lord. She’s a history buff, and we should pick her brain−”
“What!” Riorden and Dristan bellowed. The horror on their faces reminded her of movies with people running for their lives while in the middle of a zombie invasion as the creatures foraged for food.
Katherine laughed. “Not physically, guys! It means to ask her our questions. We should talk with her before we leave for Bamburgh.”
Riorden halted, planted his feet apart, and crossed his arms on his chest. “You will remain here with Dristan, so I know you are safe.”
“No,” she said firmly.
“Aye, you shall,” he exclaimed, just as sternly.
It was now Dristan’s turn to laugh out loud. “A true battle of wills. This should prove most interesting.”
Katherine threw him a look that must have reminded him of one his wife had given him on numerous occasions, since he continued to bellow at her expense.
“This is no battle of wills, my Lord Dristan, for I won’t be left behind,” Katherine said, placing her hands on her hips. “Furthermore, there is no way in hell I’m going to stay here without ensuring my friends have returned to their own time period. I’m going, and that’s it.”
Dristan clapped his hand roughly on Riorden’s back. “You have your hands full with your future woman, my friend.”
Riorden gazed down into her determined face. “You shall not always get your way, Kat, just so we understand one another.”
She shook her finger at him. “Just don’t leave me behind, if you know what’s good for you. If you do, I swear to God, I’ll follow you, if I have to walk there by foot.”
He threw up his hands, knowing he had lost the battle. “Well, it certainly will not come to that. But that does remind me… How the devil are we going to get Danior and Tiernan into Bamburgh without either of them being recognized and captured by the king’s men?”
Katherine knew an odd expression crossed her face that must have registered as mischievous. “I have an idea, although I don’t think they’ll like it,” she said with a giggle.
Katherine began to tell the two knights of her plan to get everyone into Bamburgh, including two men who were wanted by the king. She hadn’t progressed far in the details of her scheme before Dristan and Riorden’s laughter rang out. Their merriment drew the attention of the others, who joined them in the hilarity of the possible subterfuge. Everyone was in agreement the plan had merit and could work, with the exception of the two men most deeply involved.
Danior and Tiernan scowled at one another over what would be demanded of them just to ensure they could live out their lives with their ladies by their sides. They gave Kather
ine a look, showing their displeasure. She muffled her laughter. Like it or not, their lives would be bound together. Hopefully, they wouldn’t kill each other first.
Chapter 30
The golden sun began to peek over the ocean horizon, splashing the morning sky with a thousand shades of pink and orange. The further it rose, the more color splattered across the cloudless sky until all traces of the earlier shades vanished. ’Twas obvious, the perfect day was a gift from the heavens and a priceless tribute to the woman Riorden would call his wife for the rest of his life.
Riorden was in no rush to head down to the Great Hall. There was no need. Katherine and her ladies had insisted ’twas bad luck to see the bride afore the wedding. He had never heard of such a custom, but who was he to tempt fate? Nay, he dare not look upon her, if such an occurrence would displease God, and in His wrath, He would wrench Katherine back from whence she had come.
Patrick brought Riorden a small repast, along with water to wash and fresh garments Lynet had lovingly sewn for his wedding. He was not surprised when he saw the tunic. Gilded fabric had been embroidered and used as trim on the deep blue cloth Katherine herself had chosen, saying the color would match his eyes. He smiled, wondering how she would look in the golden material he had chosen for her. He supposed, he would find out soon enough.
A knock roused Riorden from his musings of his lovely lady. Opening the door, he saw Aiden standing there, also dressed in his finest.
“What...no sword?” Riorden inquired in jest. He also was to leave his sword within his chamber, although he stowed a small, serviceable blade in his belt.
Aiden appeared completely ill at ease. “Nay! Amiria refused to allow such in the chapel. God’s wounds, Riorden...I feel as if I am only but half dressed.”
A chuckle rumbled inside Riorden. “Do not be so troubled, my friend. The mass and ceremony should be no longer than an hour or two. Surely, your sister will allow you your blade afterwards.”
“Ha! Easy for you to say. She made it clear she does not trust me.”
“Let me guess,” Riorden mulled over. “She hid it from you, did she?”
“My twin knows me only too well, I am afraid,” Aiden muttered miserably. “Dristan has hidden hers, as well. At least he managed to get her into a dress, instead of boots and hose.”
“Knowing Amiria, I am sure she will in no uncertain terms let me know of the sacrifice she has made, on the behalf of my lady, to appear in such.”
Aiden at last smiled knowingly. “You can count on it.”
“Why are you here? It cannot be time, as yet, is it?”
“Damn, I almost forgot my purpose,” Aiden cursed. “Dristan asked that you come to his solar. He will then accompany you to the chapel at the appointed hour.”
“Then let us be on our way, since I am all but done here,” Riorden said, and they made their way up to the third floor.
He had just taken the last step on the tower stairs, when he halted his progress to peer down the passageway toward Lynet’s chamber. Intent on listening to the bubbly laughter of his soon to be wife and her friends, he began to hear a strange haunting melody, most likely coming from the machine Kat called a cellphone. She was so close, and he found he had missed her company this past eve, more than he would have thought possible.
He took a step in the direction towards where, in his heart, he wanted to be until he felt Aiden tugging at his arm.
“Come on, Riorden. You’ll see her afore you know it.”
They walked the short distance to Dristan’s solar, and the door opened afore Riorden could even raise his knuckles to rap upon the wood.
“What took you so long?” Dristan muttered, ushering them inside the room and offering Riorden a chalice of wine.
Riorden saw Danior and Tiernan somehow managing a pleasant conversation for a change. ’Twas just as well as he would have nothing disrupt this day. Patrick was staring out the window. It seemed his preferred placement, whenever they were inside Dristan’s solar.
“Is there aught amiss?” Riorden questioned, taking a small sip from his cup.
Dristan went to the desk and handed Riorden a small box. “The blacksmith just brought this up. I wanted you to see it afore we go below, in case you felt it would not do your lady justice.”
“I am sure he followed my instructions.” Riorden lifted the lid to view the golden band studded with small blue and green stones. He smiled, for ’twas perfect, just like Katherine herself.
“Will it suffice?” Dristan asked.
“Aye.”
The door opened, and the familiar faces of Dristan’s personal guard began to fill the empty spaces of the chamber; Fletcher and Nathaniel, Ulrick and Morgan, Drake and Rolf, Cederick and Bertram. They all came and slapped Riorden on the back. Filling their cups, they raised them high in a salute to their comrade-in-arms. The only two missing from their group were brothers Taegan and Turquine, who continued to journey with Ian. Riorden knew these men toasting him better than he knew himself and was pleased to know they would be with him to celebrate his marriage.
Just when he thought the room could not contain another soul, the door opened again, admitting Geoffrey, the last of Dristan’s guard, along with his wife Kenna, Berwyck’s healer. Amiria and Lynet followed close behind. But afore he could make his way to Amiria to ask how his lady fared, Kenna came to him and took him aside.
Riorden watched her as she stood silently with closed eyes, and waited for the inevitable moment when she would reveal whatever vision now possessed her. He had never gotten used to the knowledge this woman could reveal with but a single touch of her hand. A smile graced her face, and she opened haunting green eyes that could search into a person’s very soul.
“She has come far to find you,” Kenna whispered, taking his hand and holding it within her own.
“Aye,” he said simply, wondering if she, in truth, really had any concept of exactly how far Katherine had actually traveled.
“’Tis more than just miles traveled by either foot or ship, I should think.”
“Aye. ’Tis beyond the imagination on just how far she has come.”
Kenna laughed. “There is no need to explain such to me, Riorden.
“Will she stay, Kenna,” he dared to ask. “She will not be taken from me, will she, and be returned to from whence she came?”
She only closed her eyes for a moment afore she gazed upon him with a strained expression. “Be at ease Riorden. She will stay, but ’twill not be easy for either of you. Marguerite has already set in motion trouble, awaiting you upon your arrival at Warkworth.”
“What does my father’s widow have to do with us,” he said in irritation.
Kenna only stared at him with a strange expression. “You have to ask? You bring home a wife, and you think ’twill be easy on you with Marguerite still residing at Warkworth? You know what a grasping woman she is, and why she married your sire in the first place. Why would you not think she will try to remain Warkworth’s mistress and chatelaine?”
“She will be settled at her dower house,” answered Riorden slowly. The matter was settled, as far as he was concerned.
Kenna continued, as if he had not spoken. “But until she is, beware of her. She will not be kind to Katherine and will do everything in her power to tear the two of you apart.”
“My thanks for the warning. I will protect Katherine to my last dying breath.”
She patted his arm. “I have no doubt of that, Riorden. You are a good man....as stubborn in some ways as my own Geoffrey, but still a good man. Do not let past memories ruin your chance for a happier future and remember always what you have been given. I do not have to tell you, miracles of this nature do not happen every day.”
Riorden felt at a loss for words and watched whilst the room began to clear as everyone headed to mass, leaving only Dristan and Amiria, waiting by the opened door.
“My lady is well this morn?” Riorden asked quietly as he reached their side.
“She is
more than well,” Amiria said, smiling, and she tugged at his sleeve until he leaned down. She placed a kiss upon his check. “Be happy Riorden, for ’tis plain for all to see that Katherine loves you dearly.”
The groom’s wedding party made their way down the turret stairs and through the Great Hall, which was buzzing with activity as servants rushed to prepare a feast for the returning couple. Afore he knew it, Riorden was standing in the front row of the chapel, impatient to at last catch a glimpse of his beloved Katherine. He did not have long to wait, as her lady friends quickly took their places on the benches behind him.
Taking a deep breath, Riorden at last turned. His steady gaze swept to the rear of the chapel, and any breath he thought to take immediately left him in a sudden rush. He stood, humbly stunned by the vision afore his eyes.
The sun chose that exact moment to shower color from the stained glass windows above into the room as Katherine began moving through the chapel towards him. He stood completely still and watched in fascination as she walked from dimly lit shadows and then almost glimmered through each ray of colored light falling to the stone floor beneath her feet. He almost feared she was but a ghost, again, for she appeared so ethereal. Surely, no earthly being could appear so glorious in the sight of a mere mortal man.
She had left her hair unbound, and he realized, within his heart, she had done so just for him. A wreath of tiny flowers was placed upon her head with a sheer veil, which billowed behind her as she drew closer. Was it his imagination, or did her feet barely touch the ground as she all but floated towards him in a heavenly array of golden silk?
His hands actually shook whilst her enchanting eyes held him captivated and suspended, as if on the brink of heaven itself. Riorden could not, for the life of him, look away from her countenance as she drew ever nearer to his side. For in doing so, he was terrified he would awake and learn everything surrounding her had only been but a memory of a dream.
* * *
Katherine took a deep, calming breath to steady her nerves while she continued her slow pace down the length of the chapel floor. There was really only one who held her gaze this morning, and he stood tall and proud, waiting for her to reach his side. The rest of the large room could have been empty, since her only thoughts were focused on the knight who would become her husband this day.
