"Of course I am sure. I gave this to David as a wedding gift. How could anyone have missed it, after all this time? Surely, someone would have found it long before now."
"Perhaps not. It may have been tossed into a bush and forgotten, or fallen and no one noticed at the time.” Stephen paused and glanced at the darkening sky. “Come. We must seek shelter now.” They continued out of the woods, then turned their mounts to the downhill path. Ellen carefully slipped the dagger into her belt with her own small knife, and held the hilt tightly for a moment, before finally releasing it.
Their horses’ hoofs thudded dully on the wooden bridge, sounding lonely in the quiet evening. They stopped near the end of the bridge and Stephen looked up to the parapet where a soldier stared back down at them. “Lady Ellen Ross, requesting entry,” Stephen called out.
"No Lady Ross here,” the guard called out and laughed.
"We should find another place to go, Stephen. I have never been welcome here and never will be.” Ellen glanced up at the still laughing guard, then nudged her mount to turn.
"Has Alex ever said that?"
"No, but these Scots do not abide the English, and I will not be an unwelcome guest in my husband's home."
A voice shouted from behind the wall, setting up a commotion Ellen could not understand. Angry bellows of commands and reprimands quickly put an end to the guards wayward sense of humor. Chains creaked as the portcullis was raised, then the drawbridge was slammed into the bridge, as it was carelessly dropped. The horses shied and stepped back. “Make it quick if you are coming in. I ain't got all night,” the guard grumbled.
Ellen and Stephen urged their horses to a trot and entered the courtyard, where Alex stood waiting. Ellen kicked her foot free of the stirrup and jumped down from her mount. “It has been too long, my lord,” she tentatively greeted Alex, not sure what his response might be.
"Why so formal, lass? Have I lost a daughter, as well as my son?” Alex held out his arms and Ellen ran to him. “You are always welcome here. Never doubt it.” Alex held her close and heard her muffled sobs.
"I did not know if I would be welcome.” Ellen sniffed and fought back the desire to weep. Once released, she would not be able to stop the tears until they were used up. She didn't want to become a spectacle, and give the Scots something else to criticize about her. Instead, she returned Alex's hug, and released a barely heard sigh.
"Losing my son will never change that. Your father has been a good friend for many years. How can I turn away his daughter?” Alex tightened his arms about Ellen and smiled. “Come with me. There is something I would like to show you before we go in.” Alex took Ellen's hand and led her to the stables.
A soft whinny beckoned Ellen into the almost dark building. The doors were left open for a moment, until Alex had lit a fat tallow candle and placed it safely out of reach of hay and horses, then the doors slid shut almost silently.
Ellen followed the whinny and a smile lit her face upon sight of her mare. “Stargazer,” she whispered. “It has been too many months since last I saw you. How I miss you, my girl.” Ellen laid her cheek against the soft muzzle and sighed. The mare was a welcome sight.
Moments later, a second horse demanded attention and Ellen looked to the next stall. “Is that..."
"Yes, lass, it is your Scot's Honor. He is almost as big as his mother."
Ellen stepped closer, careful to avoid the young colt's tossing head. He settled down, and stood placidly, allowing Ellen to stroke his muzzle. “He has grown strong.” For a moment, she regretted ever having come here. Emotions were riding high, and she felt as if she were a full watering pot, waiting to be tipped slightly. Scot's Honor, she realized, would be a magnificent steed when he reached maturity. She smiled with pride, happy she had had the horses sent here to Scotland where they would be better appreciated.
"He will do his sire proud when he is grown and trained,” Alex told her, not taking his eyes off them. “Perhaps you wish to take them back with you?"
"Oh, no, Alex. King John is at Ravencliff and would like nothing better than to claim the colt for his own. And I still must deal with Nicholas. He, too, would love to claim Scot's Honor for himself. Better the two stay here where I know they will be safe and well cared for."
"As you wish, Lady Ellen. Only you can rightly judge your circumstances.” Alex took Ellen's arm, blew out the flickering candle and guided his guest out of the stable.
As they slowly walked across the courtyard, Ellen suddenly stopped and dropped her hand from Alex's arm, forcing her father-in-law to turn to her. “Why did David do it? Why did he send me away like that?” Ellen took a step back and looked up into Alex's round face, searching for answers.
"Come inside, lass. We will have a bite of supper and talk.” Alex looked back at Stephen who remained several paces behind them. “You are welcome also, Stephen."
Alex tucked Ellen's hand through his arm and they made their way into the great hall, with Stephen following closely behind them. The shield Gordon had presented to David and her as a wedding gift remained on the wall over the main table as a reminder of happier times. Ellen studied the shield, and felt a surge of anger as she recalled Nicholas’ crude, drunken toast, and the near fight afterward. Would her memories ever find peace?
She and Stephen sat on either side of Alex as supper was placed on the tables. Ellen's appetite was at war with her discomfort at being here again, but she forced herself to eat something. There was venison stew, chunks of cheese and bread, apples, and fruit tarts, and hearty ale. As she took small bites of the stew, she glanced about at the servants. Some cautiously looked her way, some were still showed open hostility that this particular English woman would have the audacity to return to their home. Soldiers talked among themselves as they continued to glance at her, making her feel more unwelcome.
"When...” Alex sat forward in his chair and glanced about at the mixed responses to his daughter-in-law's presence. Visible anger slowly built up within him. “When has Scottish hospitality been given so grudgingly?” He looked about at his men sitting in small groups about the hall, while servants stood where they were, staring at the floor in shame. “Lady Ellen is not responsible for the troubles visited upon us in the last year. Not all English are to be despised, just as not all Scots are to be trusted. Lady Ellen was married to my son and heir. David may be gone, but Lady Ellen is still my daughter by marriage, and will be respected as such.” Alex sat back as servants nervously resumed their duties.
"You did not have to do that for my sake,” Ellen acknowledged softly, not looking up, “but I thank you for your support.” She fingered the dagger at her waist, then drew it out slowly and lay it on the table between her and Alex.
"Was that not your wedding gift to David?” Alex leaned forward to get a better look at the dulled weapon.
"It was."
"He left it behind when he went into battle."
"No. He had it with him. I asked Stephen to show me the place where David and Gordon disappeared. This dagger was under some low growing brush. I am surprised no one found it long ago.” Ellen paused as she lightly touched the small ruby in the hilt. She looked up again, turning to Alex. “Does it not seem strange to you, that their bodies were never found?"
"They may have been hidden. There was a goodly amount of blood spilled."
"Why hide them? Not a single body of the other fallen warriors disappeared from the field, but none were found where my brother and your son were last seen. Why were Gordon and David the only ones to vanish? It is something which has always bothered me."
Ellen laid a hand on the earl's sleeve. “Alex, do you ever think they may still be alive somewhere?"
"Why would anyone hide them this long? I would think if someone wanted to ransom them, they would have long ago."
"Perhaps not. You have enemies, as does my father. Whoever did this wanted something. “Ellen used her eating knife to cut off a small piece of cheese from the wedge before her, and forced h
erself to eat it. “I think the battle that day was a means to disguise a more sinister plan. The only thing that makes sense at the moment is that someone saw a way to rid two houses of their only male heirs. In itself, that does not seem to be enough reason to plot against them. How I wish I knew what the true plan might have been. Whatever the chosen goal, it either failed or has proven to be quietly successful.” She sighed. “We may never know."
Alex took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “No matter, my girl. You will always be as a daughter to me. I could ask for none better."
"Thank you.” Ellen gave into the sudden impulse to kiss the earl's cheek, surprising him. “If you will excuse me, I would like to get some rest. The day has been particularly tiring, and we must leave early. Can you imagine what Papa will say when I return?"
"Did you not tell him?"
"Not directly. I told my sister. Papa knows Stephen is with me so I know he will not be worried. I recall the last time Stephen and I were together. A great deal was made out of an innocent meeting. One day, I may tell you what Papa did.” Ellen glanced at Stephen's reddening features and smiled warmly. “I fear I have embarrassed my father's best friend,” she said laughing.
Stephen grumbled something unintelligible, then gulped down his ale.
The two guests were shown to bedchambers above stairs, and Ellen had mixed feelings at being shown to the chamber she and David had shared many months ago. The night was long, as she stared at the far wall, listening to ghosts of the past, reliving happy moments shared with the man she had loved all her life.
Gradually, she was lulled into a dreamless sleep and awakened in what seemed only moments later. Gray light filtered through the window as a maid moved about quietly, setting a tray on a nearby table, seeing to it fresh water was in the pitcher. “Master Hunter waits below for you, my lady,” the young girl said when she noticed Ellen was awake. “He wishes to be off soon."
"Thank you. I will be ready shortly.” Ellen watched the maid and realized the girl was not sure what to expect. “Please. I never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Our two countries have been at odds for so long. Can we not, among ourselves, call a truce and become friends? English and Scots can come to an understanding if we try hard enough. I have loved David all my life, and will always love him."
The girl stopped, straightened her back and gathered her courage, then turned to face the question. “Then why do you marry again? That is why we resent you so. You claim to love the earl's son, but now you marry another?"
Ellen sensed no malice in the girl's questions. “I marry because my king commands me to. Given my own choice, I would not do it. I can not prove otherwise, but I know in my heart that David still lives.” Ellen paused. “I would like to come back to visit, if I know I would be welcome."
"'Tis the earl's choice, my lady. But if you truly loved David, then you would be welcome."
Ellen smiled and hugged the surprised maid. “You and all within can be assured, I did, do, and will forever love David. I had best get a move on, before Master Hunter decides to leave without me.” Ellen quickly dressed and took a bite of the apple on the tray. Taking it with her as she headed out the door, she stopped briefly and turned to the maid who still stood staring, confused by the unexpected hug a moment before. She gave the girl a quick smile, then hurried on her way to the great hall.
"We must hurry, Lady Ellen. I am sure your father will not be in the best of moods to have you gone overnight. We had best come up with a good story to give the king."
"Aye, King John. We shall deal with him when we must and not before.” She nodded, then turned to the older man beside her. “Alex, thank you most kindly for your hospitality. I will find a way to return again for a visit."
"Until we meet again, lass,” Alex gave Ellen a quick hug and placed a warm kiss on her forehead.
As reluctant as Ellen had been to enter the castle the night before, she was more reluctant to leave this morning. A king, a father, and an unwanted betrothed would be waiting her return. Now was the time to spin her tale.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Light snow fell from a steel gray sky. Daylight waned, as guards lit torches and placed them in sconces at regular intervals along the courtyard wall. Plumes of dark smoke wafted upward on the wind, dissipating into the cold air. Two guards stopped newcomers and spoke briefly with them, then allowed the strangers to continue into the castle's guarded perimeter.
Wagon wheels clattered along the cobblestone courtyard, gaining the attention of several curious members of the nobility. One man jumped down from the first of five wagons, doffed his cap and bowed low, then glanced over the group. “I would like to speak with your lord,” he said in a thick accent. The man's dark hair was thick and curly. A dingy white shirt, belted at the waist, showed beneath a dark cloak, and reached midthigh in length. The ties were loose and dangled freely. Dark leggings fit snuggly over muscular legs. His soft leather boots were worn.
The curious nobility said nothing, as ladies clutched an arm of the man nearest to her. They cleared a path for the man, while a second one joined him. One of the household guards mumbled something unintelligible, then gestured to the newcomers to follow him. Both men silently strode into the great hall, as if they themselves were of English nobility.
The evening meal had just begun, and Ellen sat in her appointed place with Nicholas by her side. She kept her features blank, and refrained from speaking to anyone, as she picked at the food before her. She sipped from her goblet and glanced up when the strangers approached. Curiosity kept her gaze on the two men as they bowed low before the king. Nicholas leaned toward her and glanced back at the newcomers as he whispered in her ear. Ellen ignored him. If she could not deal with his crude comments now, how would she manage after tomorrow when he would be ever around her, like an annoying gnat? She wished it were only a matter of a hard swat to be rid of him forever.
Melting snow left water droplets on dark hair. The second of the two men looked particularly unkempt and dangerous as he arrogantly tossed one side of his cloak over his shoulder, but Ellen could not take her eyes from him. The black patch over his left eye made him appear especially sinister. What was there about the man that struck a familiar chord with her? She knew she had never seen him before, yet she felt as if she had known him all her life. He turned to her for a moment, his dark eye staring, as if he tried to read her mind. His features remained hard. Ellen shook her head and turned away from him. He needed no encouragement; he was bolder than was proper. But what could one expect from such a rogue? Ellen turned to look at the first man and his conversation with the king. Better to concentrate on that then to wonder about his stony faced companion.
"We ask only for a meal for our company, in exchange for an evening's entertainment. While on the road, we heard there is to be a wedding in three days’ time, a joyous occasion to be sure. We would be proud to dance and sing for your guests.” The speaker looked hopeful.
Although this was Hugh's domain, he deferred to the king's whim. King John seemed to give the offer some consideration, then agreed heartily. “We could do with some fresh entertainment,” he announced. “Bring some food for these people. When they are finished, they shall show us something new.” He looked again to the gypsy. “Perhaps a few wagers might be placed on a wrestling contest between your best man and ours?” John gave the man a sly look, and waited for a response.
Dark eyes glanced about the hall, quickly assessing the men. “Done,” the gypsy leader announced, and slapped his companion on the shoulder. “Mikos, here is our best. He will meet any one of your challengers. Will you not, Mikos?"
The second gypsy continued to stare at Ellen. “If that is what you wish,” he replied in a flat tone. His gaze never wavered from the lady.
Nicholas jumped up from his seat. “You dare to stare at a noble woman?"
"Forgive me, my lord,” the gypsy bowed. “The lady has a quiet beauty that can not be ignored. I meant no insult to her,
” Mikos looked up at Nicholas, “or to you.” He bowed his head once more.
Nicholas sat down again, only slightly pacified with an apology from the dark eyed devil. He leaned toward Ellen as she spoke quietly to him, her words filled with anger. She subtly pulled her hand out from beneath Nicholas', then folded them on her lap.
Ellen glanced once more at the gypsy who still stared at her, then turned away to follow his companion. She knew, without looking, that Nicholas glanced at her and the gypsy, as if something were going on between them. Something about the strange man made her heart beat rapidly, and it frightened her. Only David had caused that kind of reaction within her, and he was gone. She did not want to feel anything for anyone else.
Before she could request permission of the king to leave the hall, Mikos returned. His features remained blank, but the intensity of his one good eye was like a spell. Ellen sat back quickly, as he reached toward her, but snatched four apples from a large tray on the table, and tossed them, one by one, over his shoulder. His partner laughed and began juggling them. For a few moments, Ellen watched as the fruit was tossed into the air, only to be easily caught and tossed up again. The circle pattern arced as Mikos joined his partner, and the apples went back and forth between them. Moments later, Ellen watched Mikos nod to his partner, then step back. The partner caught the fruit and kept it moving without a break in his rhythm. Her breath caught as Mikos approached her once more and offered her the single apple he had held on to.
Ellen refused to look at Nicholas, realizing the gypsy was deliberately baiting him. She reached out tentatively and took the apple, her gaze locked with his. She felt as if she were falling under his spell. In her mind, Ellen heard her brother Gordon, as he had proposed a toast on her wedding day. A toast, to Lord and Lady Ross. May the union of the Scot's gypsy stallion and Ravencliff's unicorn be a fruitful one. A grin slowly spread across the gypsy's face, colliding with her memory. Why she should think of that moment of her first wedding day, she was not sure. There was no possible connection between the gypsy handing her an apple and her brother's toast a year ago.
To Every Love, There is a Season Page 19
