Nothing good can happen traveling with the Prince either.
Simon gathered the contents from the floor and put them into the apron and retied the bundle. “Would you like to tell me what your real intent was? I can guess but hearing the truth is nice.”
Emily turned desperate eyes on Electra and then to Simon. “I need a moment alone with my sister,” she told him.
“Very well.”
Emily led Electra a few steps away. “I think we should tell him the truth,” she whispered.
“What truth?”
“The truth.”
Electra pulled back horrified the thought crossed Emily’s mind. Tell him they’re time travelers? They had nothing of substance to present as evidence. Weird clothes, a smashed cell phone, and watches wouldn’t convince Simon, or anyone else. That truth led straight to the stake or a stretch on the rake or some other equally painful death. What the devil was she thinking?
“Absolutely not.”
“Sooner or later, we have to trust someone. I know in my heart Simon is that person. Everyone here treats him with respect and courtesy. They wouldn’t do that if he wasn’t decent and honorable.”
“Telling him the truth won’t change anything. He can’t go against the Prince. I wouldn’t ask him to, not in this place and time.”
Emily cast a fevered glance his way and then back to Electra. “Please reconsider. He might know of a means to approach the Prince. Once we’re separated, there’s no way for you to return to our time. Even if I manage to find a way back, I’ve no idea how to reach you. You’ll be stuck here. Forever.”
Stuck here forever. The words stole the air from her lungs, sucked the life from her, disoriented her, and stifled clear thought. Never had she ever felt truly hopeless.
“Is there something you want to say to me?” Simon asked.
Electra shook her head. “No.”
He looked to Emily. “Emily?”
“No.”
“We’re back to my original question. What were you planning to do with your bundle of apples and dressed like when you arrived?”
“Just going for a stroll on this last night together,” Electra tossed out the excuse with a confident tone like it might fly with him.
He knew she was lying and she knew he did, but Electra refused to look away and give him the satisfaction of acting guilty.
“Of course you were. I’ll walk you to your chamber.” He gestured for them to start down the corridor. “We’ll stop in my chamber on the way.”
They reached his door and he waved them inside. The chamber was well furnished with a large bed covered by a velvet comforter. The two pine chairs were simple except for thick padded seats. Dark blue velvet curtains hung on a rail that ran around the a wooden frame canopy to enclose the bed. The chest that held his personal possessions had an intricately carved lid of actual and mythical forest animals. Wool carpets were scattered throughout. By no means was the chamber opulent, but there was an elegant comfort to it. Electra expected nothing less for a room Shakira shared with Alex. Simon’s polished chainmail hung over a bench under the window. His sword and scabbard were propped in the corner.
“This really is a nice chamber. No wonder you wouldn’t switch with us,” Emily said.
“There’s one other chamber better appointed than this. The Prince is in it. Guy, the Baron, kept it vacant and ready for important visiting personages,” Simon said and pulled the bolster and comforter from the bed.
“Are you leaving and giving us the room for the night?” Electra asked.
“No. I’m sleeping in your chamber tonight.”
“Come on, Simon. You can’t think we’d try to escape.”
“And you and Emily were doing what when I stopped you in the corridor?”
Even if she had a credible reason, he’d never believe her. She wouldn’t believe her.
“Words failing you?” His tone softened and he put a finger under Electra’s chin and raised her head up. “Look at me. I know you loathe being separated from Emily. I know you’re scared of what is in store for you. Allow me to put your mind at ease. Edward is an honorable man. He is not one to press his suit against a lady’s will, if that is your fear. He’s made it clear how fond he is of your talent. You’ll have the best of everything anyone is his service can hope for.”
“Sure. Whatever you say. Are you finished?” Electra asked, changing the subject. “I hope you don’t intend to stay in our chamber while we undress.”
He opened the door and ushered them out. “I’ll wait in the hall until you’ve donned your nightgowns. But I won’t wait very long so be about your business fast. I wish to get settled.”
****
The next morning Beulah prepared the morning meal and the sisters sat at the head table with the Prince, Simon, and Richard. Before joining them, Edward had sent Electra into the kitchen to gather which spices she wanted. He promised Richard to replenish the ones they took. He’d have a servant bring replacements up from London. Had Beulah been a better cook, one who really cared to prepare the tastiest possible dishes, Electra would’ve felt guilty for depriving Elysian Fields of the spices. She split the salt and pepper supply. She couldn’t leave them nothing to perk up Beulah’s sad offerings.
At the table, the Prince had laid out a map. Emily brought her chair over and wedged herself between Edward and Electra. She was as interested in seeing the authentic medieval map of England as Electra.
The first thing Electra noticed was the variation in town spellings. Edward had circled a few in England and Conwy, Wales. He’d marked Kidderminster or as it appeared in this map: Kidereministre, Shrewsbury, and Chester with a line from the last across north Wales to Conwy. She’d visited Conwy Castle on a field trip while in primary school. An imposing fortress, she imagined since it was a fairly new built castle in the 1280’s, it would have all the amenities available.
“Will we be staying in Conwy for a while or continuing on?” she asked Edward, wondering if he planned to cross the Irish Sea and enter Ireland. A worrisome thought. From what she recalled of history, Ireland was a pretty wild and lawless place in this period. Things could get crazy exciting.
“I’m not sure how long we’ll be in Wales but once the king’s business is finished, it’s back to London for us.”
The sisters exchanged a glance that held a ray of hope that they’d see each other again on the return trip to London.
Drusilla came with a leather bag filled with the spices and set them on the table. “Take that out to one of my men to put on the pack horse,” Edward ordered and began rolling up his map. When he was done, he told Electra, “Have a servant bring down your things. As soon as the horses are saddled we’ll leave. I’m afraid Elysian Fields couldn’t provide a side-saddle. You’ll have to ride astride.”
Another break. “Good. I’ve never ridden side-saddle and I’m told it’s terribly uncomfortable.”
A sour, disapproving look came over Richard, Simon, and Edward. “Women in Greenland ride astride?” the Prince asked.
“Yes, we’re given many freedoms in Greenland.”
“Well, that accounts for your unfeminine arbitrary ways,” Simon said in his arrogant tone that set her teeth on edge.
“I’ll change into the riding gear I wore when Emily and I got lost.” Electra thought so far this morning she was three for three in the lucky break arena. Now she wouldn’t have to fuss with the heavy gown while riding. She turned to dash up to the chamber.
“Don’t allow it, Your Highness,” Simon suggested. “The clothing is shameful. It’s an improperly close fit to a woman’s body. No decent Englishwoman would dare to show herself in such a manner.”
If he only knew how close she was to kicking him in the shin of his good leg. Electra resisted, but did smack him hard on the arm. “Just when I think you might be likeable, you turn back into a horse’s ass.” The insult got the men and Emily chuckling.
“Run along and make sure you have everything you need.
Don’t keep the Prince waiting,” Simon ordered.
Run along. He enjoyed being deliberately provocative. “Stinkpot.” Electra hurried away before he could respond with an even more infuriating declaration.
****
The Prince’s party was gathered in the bailey with Richard, Simon, and Emily. Edward instructed his men to ride in a protective circle around Electra. As he was about to mount, Emily dashed over. She dropped to her knees and looked up at him.
Electra rushed over before Emily could speak, hooked her elbow and pulled her up. “Don’t.” Emily opened her mouth but Electra hushed her and led her away from the men. “Don’t beg, Emily. Trust me, Edward won’t be moved by begging. My going is far from what we want but not the end of the world either.” She plastered a smile on her face. “It’s not the Michelin Star chef I hoped to become at home, but not every chef can cook for a future king.”
“What’ll I do without you? Alone here?”
“Go to the outcropping every chance you get. If by some miracle you make it home, tell Roger I love him and miss him. Every second of every minute of every day, I miss him.”
“I’ll tell him.” Tears filled Emily’s eyes but to Electra’s surprise, she took a deep breath and held them back.
Simon came over. He clasped Electra’s hands in both of his. “No amusing banter now. I speak from my heart in this. Worry not, milady. I will keep her safe. I’ve grown rather fond of her and rather oddly, you too. On my honor as a knight, I will protect her with my life.”
“Thank you. I take back the horse’s ass comment.”
“Oh don’t. I shall think of your sharp tongue often and smile.” He winked and then looked past her toward Edward’s party. “You must go. The Prince has mounted.”
Electra gave Emily a last hug. She held tight, hoping the Prince would see her despair and relent, but she knew he would not and despaired, believing Emily would find a way back, and she never would.
“The Prince waits,” Simon said and gently unwound her arms from around Emily. Electra mounted and nestled into the saddle after a minor struggle with the long gown.
****
Melancholy, Emily sat at the base of the outcropping, resting against the cool stone. Behind her she heard a horse snort. She bent to see Simon leading his mount down the path from the road toward her. She waited until he dismounted and tied his horse next to the donkey she’d ridden to the spot before she said hello.
“How did you find me?” she asked as he sat down next to her.
“When the stable boy said you went for a ride, I thought it best to look for you,” he explained. “Most folks on the road would respect that you’re a guest of the castle, or at least not harm you. Others may not, especially men seeing a woman alone. Be aware of that fact and use caution. If you feel you must go for a ride, and I, or one of the knights are not available, keep what I told you in mind. Avoid contact with men who don’t look to be tradesmen.”
“Thank you, I will take extra care. But you still haven’t said how you found me.”
“I heard Gerry bray.”
The donkey had nattered on in his animal way since she tied him up. “Did they give me a donkey instead of a horse to mess with me?”
“By ‘mess with me’ you mean play a jest?”
“Yes.”
“Were any knights around taking care of their mounts?”
Harold and another had been walking their horses out at the time. She nodded. “Yes, Harold and a bald-headed fellow.”
“Then yes. They told the stable boy to give you the donkey.”
“Wankers.”
“We knights take our amusement where we find it.”
She’d raised the wool skirt to the top of her thighs when she sat to cool her legs. The day was hot and the sun intense. She’d considered taking her riding boots off as well but on the vague chance the outcropping opened the time passage again, she’d need the boots for walking.
Simon reached over and started to tug her skirt down. She cocked a brow and inched her face a fraction closer to his. “Do you really want to do that?”
He smiled. “’Tis unseemly but I am enjoying the sight.” He left her skirt up exposing thigh and knee. “I could do without the boots.”
“Can I tell you something in all seriousness?” Emily asked.
“Of course.”
“Electra has ability...talent. She can cook, as you know. I have no such talent. I can’t just sit around doing nothing. I won’t be a leech. But I don’t have any idea what I can do.”
“Were you married in Greenland? Did you have a purpose other than serving your husband?”
“I have no husband. I taught school.”
He blinked, a surprised look on his face at the mention of having taught school. “You were a teacher? They allow women to do this?”
“Yes. Many women teach.”
“You taught womanly things to ladies, I assume?”
“No. I taught children, boys and girls.”
His surprised face morphed to something between disbelief and confusion. “What manner of subject could you teach lads?”
“Mathematics was the one I taught, but I’m capable of teaching other subjects.”
He didn’t say anything. Finally, he asked, “Do you know your letters?”
“Know my letters?” It took a moment for her to decipher what he meant. “You mean do I know how to read?”
He nodded.
“I do. Are there castle children you’d like me to gather into a class and teach to read?”
“No. The parents would never allow it. You being a woman and all. Plus the children have chores. If there’s time when they finish, they may play. I have something else in mind. Would you consider teaching the knights how to read?”
“I’d love that, if they are willing. I don’t know how many will agree.”
“Their willingness matters not. I’ll order them to attend.”
“Let me ask you, why do you think the knights should learn this? I’m curious.”
“Richard learned and says the knowledge has served him well. The Baron also knew his letters. There are matters of law that arise locally that must be dealt with by the Baron or his proxy. There are also notices sent by the King. If Richard is unable for one reason or another to read the King’s laws or his dispatches, no one else here can.”
That made sense. She couldn’t see why he wanted all the knights to learn though. Why not him and maybe another fellow? “Why don’t I teach you and someone else? Why all your knights?”
A rabbit drew close, raised up on his hind legs and sniffed the air when he saw them. Simon turned his attention to the animal, away from Emily.
It was a simple question. She wondered if he was avoiding answering her.
“Simon?”
The rabbit lost interest in them and scurried into the bushes. Simon gave Emily his attention again and changed the subject. “How did you find this clearing? It’s difficult to see from the road.”
Whatever his reason for not wanting to have her teach himself, he wasn’t in the mood to say. Emily thought there was a good chance she’d never know. At the moment, the more important question was what story could she give that he’d believe?
What a temptation to weaken and tell him the truth. Swept up in the far-fetched circumstance of time travel, she desperately wanted to talk about it. Wanted to talk about her fears, or talk about how to get home, or just comment on this time and place. Maybe, if she was still here in a few weeks, she might but not today. Electra warned against trusting too much too quickly.
“I knew enough about the risks to a woman on the road,” she said. “I wanted to go for a ride in the nice weather and relax. Electra’s leaving hurt. As I rode by I thought I saw a path. I thought I’d get off the road and take the path to see where it led. This spot was surrounded in wildflowers. Wildflowers—the reason she and Electra left Roger’s side and wound up here. “I felt like it was a good place to stop and appreciate the day.�
��
“Is that the only reason?”
What part hadn’t he believed? “Yes.”
“You passed a few paths to get here, paths to much prettier woodland crannies.”
“What difference does it make whether I stopped here or somewhere else?”
“I find it curious that someone unfamiliar with the area found this spot. As I said, there are several places easily seen from the road with paths to them. The best scenery here is the wildflowers. The other places overlook the Severn or peaceful green fields.”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“Be at ease.” He patted the air with his palm. Frightened he knew she lied, she’d risen up slightly without realizing it.
She relaxed against the rock again but her agitation hung on. “I wanted to stop. End of story. Can we drop it....please?”
“If you wish.” His tone said no way was it the end.
Chapter Eleven
Gloucester
Modern Day
Roger searched Oliver’s Go Bag, something he’d done every morning the past week, ever since the scientist suggested they carry guns. He’d also switched out the duffle style bag to a large backpack like his, explaining that the backpack was less cumbersome.
“You’re not wearing or packing your armor?” Oliver asked.
“No.”
The night before they started their vigil by the outcropping Roger had brought out his plate and mail armor. He’d given a lot of thought to whether he should wear it on the off chance they were transported. He’d kept the armor polished and stored in a chest at home. Alex told him the pieces were quite valuable to museums and collectors, but he wouldn’t sell. The armor had been custom made for him in Italy. It was as much a part of him as his sword, a part of the man he was so long ago. He put his helm on and lowered the visor. Holding the breastplate to his chest, he checked himself out in front of the mirror. How invincible armor made a man feel.
In Time for You Page 12
