by Alexa Aston
Chapter 1
Kinwick Castle—July 1385
Pride filled Edward de Montfort as he watched his brother, Hal, standing tall and alert before the altar of Kinwick’s chapel. Hal had spent the previous evening alone in prayer and preparation for today’s dubbing ceremony. Edward glanced to his right and saw his mother, Merryn, wipe away tears of happiness as she watched her son become a knight of the realm. She had also wept when her oldest son, Ancel, went through the same ceremony several years before.
Edward had been ten when Ancel had been dubbed a knight, the only time he had witnessed the Oath of Knighthood Ceremony. It made a lasting impression upon him and gave him a goal to strive toward as he completed his service as a page and continued on as a squire to Lord Hardwin at Winterbourne.
The newly-knighted Sir Ancel de Montfort left Kinwick soon afterward to serve in King Richard’s royal guard, the young royal being crowned upon the death of his grandfather, Edward III. Edward, named after the old king by his parents, who enjoyed a friendship of many years with the Plantagenet monarch, wanted nothing more than to follow in his oldest brother’s footsteps someday and serve in the king’s guard.
Hal was keen to do the same and go to court, especially since Ancel had recently left the king’s service to take over the management of Bexley. Ancel had become Earl of Mauntell and the owner of Bexley upon the death of his father-in-law four months ago, thanks to the petition granted by King Richard. Ancel and his wife, Margery, along with their young son, Cyrus, would remain at Bexley until Ancel became Earl of Kinwick upon their father’s death. Hopefully, that would be many years from now. Edward couldn’t imagine Kinwick without Geoffrey de Montfort’s steady hand and larger than life presence.
He glanced toward his father as Geoffrey now rose to take part in the knighthood ceremony. At two score and ten, his father’s dark hair had more streaks of gray in it than the dark black it had once been, but Edward thought it only made Geoffrey look more distinguished. His father’s cousin and closest friend, Raynor Le Roux, along with his mother’s brother, Hugh Mantel, joined Geoffrey as they solemnly walked toward the altar where Hal and Father Dannet stood waiting. Cousin Raynor and Uncle Hugh would act as sponsors for Hal’s dubbing.
The sponsors handed over the sword and shield to Geoffrey as Hal took his oath of honor, pledging loyalty to his father and the de Montfort name and promising to fear God and maintain His Church, fight for the welfare of all, and at all times speak the truth.
For once, his brother wore a serious look on his face. Hal was known for being lighthearted and mischievous and had been a wild child, but even Edward saw that Hal realized the solemnity of this occasion. Hal knelt before his father as Geoffrey tapped his son on his shoulders with the flat side of the sword.
“I admonish you to conduct yourself at all times with courage, bravery, skill, and loyalty.” His father paused and with a smile added, “I dub thee Sir Hal de Montfort, knight of England and loyal servant of King Richard the Second.”
Hal remained on his knees while Raynor and Hugh placed a pair of spurs on his boots. He rose as they girded his sword on him before they stepped back. Then Father Dannet led everyone present in a closing prayer to complete the ceremony.
Those in attendance applauded as a grinning Hal embraced his father, then his uncle and cousin. Hal went to his mother and knelt for her blessing before kissing her cheek. Hal looked around and sought Edward. He joined his brother and best friend, clasping Hal and pounding him on the back in congratulations.
“You did it,” he told Hal. “I was impressed, for you looked quite grave up there. I wasn’t sure you had it in you,” Edward teased.
“I felt the weight of the moment,” Hal confessed. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so sober in my life.” He smiled. “I tried to emulate you, Brother.”
“You rose to the occasion,” Edward complimented him, glad that Hal had given his dubbing ceremony the proper regard. The two brothers had been inseparable as children and remained the same while they fostered together and grew toward manhood, but Hal forever seemed cheerful and untroubled, while Edward served as the more sensible, earnest one.
Suddenly, all of his sisters surrounded them. Edward stepped aside so they could lavish praise upon Hal.
A weeping Alys said, “I never thought I would see you so restrained, Hal. To think I used to chase after you as you found trouble every minute of the day when you toddled about.” She smiled. “I’ve never been more proud of you than when you took your oath of knighthood now.”
Nan, younger than Edward by three years, added, “I rather like this new Hal. Mayhap he will take his oath seriously and look after the welfare of ladies.” She gave Hal a pointed look. “That means you must put an end to your merciless teasing of me, of course.” Her brows rose haughtily and then she laughed heartily.
The smallest de Montfort, nine-year-old Jessimond, wrapped her arms around Hal’s waist. “I thought you looked lovely, Hal, all dressed in white and scarlet.” She frowned. “I suppose you will leave Kinwick now to serve the king.”
Hal picked her up and smacked her cheek noisily. “I may. I may not. I have yet to decide.” He placed Jessimond back on the ground, as others came to congratulate him.
Edward moved further away, studying the scene as he was wont to do. Suddenly, he realized someone was at his shoulder.
His father said quietly, “We must talk before the feast. Come to the solar at once. Bring Hal, Ancel, and the men in the family. Hardie, as well. I need to have a word with them all. Recent events bear sharing.”
“Aye, Father.”
Edward signaled Ancel over. “Father wants to speak to all of our male relatives. We are to gather in the solar immediately. Help me round up everyone without alerting the women to what we are doing.”
He and Ancel parted and worked their way around the chapel, giving a quick word to those his father wanted included in the meeting. Edward wondered what serious matter would be discussed. As the de Montforts and their relatives headed inside the keep, the women entered the great hall as the men made their way upstairs to the solar and seated themselves around the large oak table. A jug of wine made its way in a circle as cups were filled to the brim.
Edward knew he was in the company of some of the greatest knights in all of England. Besides his two older brothers and uncle, the group included Kit Emory, Alys’ husband; Michael Devereux and Kenric Fairfax, husbands to Geoffrey’s nieces; and his father’s confidant, Raynor Le Roux. Geoffrey had also invited Lord Hardwin, Earl of Winterbourne and the man Edward and his brothers had fostered with, to the table.
“Thank you all for coming,” Geoffrey said. “You know that Hal’s dubbing ceremony had to be delayed because I was at court advising the king on the Scottish problem. I should say the French and Scottish problem,” he amended.
“Not the Auld Alliance again,” Ancel complained. “I have fought in skirmishes along the Scottish border several times over the last few years. If the rebels have support from France’s treasury or even French soldiers, it will not be good for England.”
“The Scots are still angry about the Duke of Lancaster’s attack last year,” Michael said. “He pushed north as far as Edinburgh.”
“And only stopped after the burgesses bought him off,” Kit added. “Though he did destroy Haddington before the coin went into his pocket. Somehow, Lancaster always seems to earn a profit no matter what venture he undertakes.” His look of disgust was shared by all.
“I don’t see why the Scots would be gullible enough to trust the French again,” Kenric noted. “The bastards reneged on their previous agreement with Scotland to send assistance two years ago.”
“And don’t forget that France entered into a temporary truce with England around the same time,” Raynor said. “The fact that the Duke of Lancaster negotiated the truce would not be lost on the Scots.”
“Nevertheless, we’ve received proof they have united again despite misgivings on both sides,” G
eoffrey said. “Our English spies recently learned that three weeks ago a force of twelve hundred French soldiers sailed to Scotland from Flanders, under the command of Admiral de Vienne. They landed in Leith with a gift of fifty thousand gold francs for the Scottish nobility and joined in a campaign with the Earl of Douglas and two of King Robert’s sons to march on England. Although they’ve taken the castle at Wark in Northumberland, quarreling is rampant among the commanders on both sides.” His father paused and Edward knew Geoffrey had come to the heart of their meeting. “Because of that, King Richard is now calling for a feudal levy in order to invade Scotland. As we speak, messengers are being sent throughout the country in order to bring an army to London and march upon the border in order to secure it.”
Excitement filled Edward. Because of the halt in fighting against France, he had wondered if he would ever participate in battle as the older men in his family had in previous years. The king’s levy guaranteed that he would see action.
As he looked around the table, though, grim faces stared back as those present pondered Geoffrey de Montfort’s words. Edward realized that, except for Hal and himself, every man seated here had a wife and children. Going to war and leaving their loved ones behind would prove difficult.
And there was always the possibility that injury or death might come to pass. It occurred to him that the next time they gathered, it might be for a funeral mass for one or more of the men present. The thought weighed upon him heavily.
“We already have troops that will fight with our Portuguese allies soon regarding Castile and Lancaster’s claims there, which is why the king has decided to use the levy to summon knights to fight the Scots,” his father continued. “I wanted all of you to know so that you could make your decisions.”
Lord Hardwin sighed wearily. “We could send others to fight in our places but I’ve never found that to be effective, Geoffrey. My men look to me as their leader. I will send soldiers to the king because he makes the request but I plan to accompany them and do my part as their liege lord. I would not ask of any man what I would not do myself.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Edward looked to his father, wondering if he also meant to fight.
“I support your decision, Hardie,” Geoffrey said. “I, too, will send the required knights to our king and plan to ride with them for the very reason you mentioned.”
“At your age, Father?” Hal asked. “Surely, you are of more value to King Richard as a military adviser than a soldier on the battlefield.”
His father’s eyes narrowed as he studied his second son. “I am in excellent health, Hal, and I will have my sword in hand in order to help the king deal once and for all with these miserable Scots. Not to mention the French bastards who are foolish enough to ally themselves with them.”
Edward hid a smile. He might have known nothing would stop Geoffrey de Montfort from riding into battle. His father had always seemed immortal. Edward grew up hearing stories of his father’s prowess as a warrior against the French.
As a group, the men rose, cups raised in their hands.
“To England—and the defeat of our enemies,” Geoffrey declared.
Edward and his relatives echoed the words, each downing the remainder of his wine.
“Let us be off to the feast in Hal’s honor, for he has earned our respect this day,” Ancel declared. “We should wait and tell our wives of our upcoming absence after today’s celebration. Especially Mother.”
Geoffrey grimaced. “Believe me, I would rather face an army of French and Scottish soldiers than tell Merryn that I ride off again to war.”
The assembled group filed from the solar. Edward held back so he could walk with his father to the great hall.
As they fell into step together, Geoffrey said, “I want you and Hal to stay near me the entire time we are gone from Kinwick. ’Tis important for you to accompany me to the meetings with the king and other advisers, for you will learn much by observing the proceedings. You two will stand in the background and be my eyes and ears. You may see something I or the king will need to be made aware of. Remain silent while there but we will speak after every strategy session with King Richard.”
“As you wish, Father.”
Being allowed to accompany his father to meetings with the king and gain battle experience?
Edward couldn’t wait to ride from Kinwick to fight.
*
Merryn accompanied her husband to the solar, the day’s festivities finally over. While she’d enjoyed the gathering of their extended family, she knew something troubled Geoffrey and was determined to learn why now that they were alone.
He closed the door behind them and wrapped his arms around her. The feel and smell of him always brought her a deep sense of satisfaction. Merryn soaked in the moment and then pulled away, ready to address her concerns.
“Tell me why you are worried,” she urged.
Geoffrey sighed. “I have never been able to hide anything from you.”
“Nor should you,” she retorted. She watched as he struggled and her gut told her only one reason would make this brave man so hesitant to speak to her.
War.
Merryn cursed aloud. “You’re leaving. To fight.”
Her husband nodded. “The king is calling for troops. We leave in the morning for London. From there, we will push toward Scotland.”
Icy fear gripped Merryn’s heart. She clutched his cotehardie. “Nay, Geoffrey. You cannot go.” Even as she spoke the words, Merryn knew her pleas would fall upon deaf ears. “Let others go. You have answered the crown’s call too many times to count. I don’t want you riding into battle. Not at your age.”
A deep frown creased his brow. “At my age?”
“Geoffrey, you are fifty years of age. War is a younger man’s game.”
He took her hand and flattened her palm against his hard chest. “Feel, Merryn. You, better than anyone, know my body. I train harder than any man in Kinwick’s yard. I have the stamina of a knight half my age.” He paused. “I also have the wisdom of age and experience in battle. You have nothing to worry about, love.”
Merryn knew his strength of mind, body, and heart. Geoffrey de Montfort was the most confident man in England. If anyone could take on his enemies and survive, it would be this man she knew and loved so well.
Tears sprang to her eyes. “My mind understands your words but my heart refuses to let you go. It’s not only you, Geoffrey. It’s our sons I also worry about.”
“Ancel has plenty of experience in battle.”
“He does,” she agreed, “but that doesn’t mean my fears for his safety are not warranted. And what of Hal and Edward? They are just boys, Geoffrey, not hardened soldiers.”
He framed her face in his hands. “I understand that you love us and will worry but remember, Merryn, Hal and Edward are no longer boys. They are men.”
“They have never seen battle!” she cried, her vision blurring with the tears swimming and then falling down her cheeks.
Geoffrey kissed them away but Merryn was having none of it.
“I don’t want you to placate me. I don’t want you to go, Geoffrey,” she said flatly. “I’m not sure if I can stand another separation from you. In all our years together, England’s wars have lurked in the background, taking you from me time and again. I’m tired of it. I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you.”
He pulled her to him, enfolding her in love. Her cheek nestled against the steady beat of his heart.
“You won’t lose me, Merryn. This levy is only for a short time of service. I will come home to you as I always have. Our sons will be with me every step of the way. I assure you that I will watch over them and protect them. No harm will come to any of us.”
She knew his duty was to the crown, even before family. Geoffrey would always be the most honorable man she knew, a knight whose honor made him the man he was. Much as she was loath to let him go, she must.
“Promise me you’ll come back without a sc
ratch. Hal and Edward, too,” she said fiercely, holding him tight.
“I’ve always come back to you, my love. You are my home and my heart. I swear I will be back at Kinwick before you know it. Come to bed now.”
Merryn gazed up into his warm, hazel eyes and saw the gleam in them. “I suppose we’ll get little sleep tonight.”
Geoffrey laughed and kissed her hand. “Sleep is the last thing on my mind, Wife.”
“Go and warm the bed then. I’ll be there shortly.”
He smoothed her hair and kissed her. “Don’t be long.”
“I won’t.”
Merryn watched him enter the bedchamber and went to stand before the dying fire. She would accept her husband’s choice to lead the troops from Kinwick—but she didn’t have to like it. Though she worried about Geoffrey and all three of her sons, she was most concerned about Edward. Of her three boys, Edward had the most tender heart. She feared what seeing battle might do to him.
A light knock sounded at the solar’s door. Before Merryn could answer it, Edward opened it a crack. Seeing her, he entered and came to her.
Taking her hands, he said, “I see Father has spoken to you. I knew you’d be upset.”
Her throat was thick with emotion and she nodded. Her eyes roamed over her youngest son. At six feet, he was the shortest of the de Montfort men but he still possessed the same muscular frame. He had his father’s eyes but her hair. Even now, the firelight brought out bits of auburn that ran through it. Edward was also her most sensitive child. It didn’t surprise her that he’d come to comfort her.
“Mother, I want you to know that Hal and I will be fine.”
“You’ve never seen war, Edward. It is far uglier than you can imagine. Taking a man’s life stains your soul, even if he is your sworn enemy.”
“I have been trained by the best knights in the land, Mother. No one will be better prepared than Hal and I as we march into battle.”
She placed her palm against his cheek. Only yesterday she’d held him to her breast and nursed him. Now, he rode off to war.
