The Unveiling (Age of Faith)

by Tamara Leigh

  “She ought to be moved from the tower,” Garr’s mother returned him to the present.

  He laid a hand on his bandaged shoulder and applied pressure to its throbbing. “Nor would I have you speak of the Bretanne woman.”

  Isobel clasped her hands in her lap. “I have prayed about this. Though by this woman your life was beset, she is still a lady and, it seems, given good reason to seek revenge.”

  Abel had told all. “Enough!”

  “The outer tower is no place for her. ’Tis chill, damp, and abounding with sickness.”

  “I say again, speak no more of—or to—her.”

  Isobel’s lips parted, but she quickly pressed them inward.

  “We are of an understanding, Mother?”

  She lowered her lids, raised them. “As far as my son can be understood.”

  Garr ground his teeth. “Do not test me.”

  “I would not think to.”

  Aye, she would.

  She stood and heaped the pillows at his back. “If you insist on disregarding the physician’s orders, you ought to at least be comfortable.” She turned away. “I shall send for your sisters. They are anxious to see how you fare.”

  “First I would have you send for Abel.” Gaenor and Beatrix, whom he hardly knew, could wait.

  His mother did not look around until she reached the door. “I have done so. He shall be here soon.” As she pulled the door open, puzzlement creased her face. “Several times during your fever, you spoke her name.”

  Why did his mother persist? “To curse her, I am sure.”

  “It did not sound a curse to me. But as you wish.” She stepped into the corridor and closed the door.

  Garr clenched his jaws and leaned back against the pillows, but as he closed his eyes, he heard a murmur of voices from the corridor. The one that answered his mother belonged to Squire Warren.

  The young man entered a few moments later. “Is there anything you require, my lord?”

  “That I be left alone!”

  The squire’s eyes widened. “Aye, my lord.” He hastened from the solar.

  Garr lifted his aching arm and opened and closed his fingers. Though he knew the greater fault of the injury lay with him for having allowed Annyn Bretanne to distract him, Sir Merrick had much to answer for. Regardless whether it was his loss of breath that had made his guard vulnerable to Rowan’s presence, or a case of negligence, the man could no longer serve as a senior knight. But then, what was left to Merrick? He could not take up his lands, for upon attainment of knighthood he had relinquished them to his younger brother. A knight-errant, then. There were worse things.

  The outer tower is no place for her, his mother’s voice came again, chill, damp...abounding with sickness.

  Garr raised his hand before his face—open, close, open, close. His arm but needed healing and exercise.

  She is still a lady...given good reason to seek revenge.

  As he had concluded, but that was before he had taken an arrow for her—when she had turned him from his purpose.

  The door opened. “Lo!” Abel exclaimed, a smile large on the face he stuck around the door. “You are returned to us.” He stepped inside and closed the door. “And from what Mother tells”—he leaned a shoulder against the curtained post at the foot of the bed—“you are as a hungry bear too long at slumber.”

  Abel had been tumbling a wench in the stables, as evidenced by the scent of hay and the fibers overlooked in brushing off his clothes.

  Continuing to flex his hand, Garr lowered his arm. “Mother tells too much, as do you.”

  “Ah, Annyn Bretanne.” Abel’s smile turned chagrined. “I told her. If she were to lose a son, it seemed she ought to know the reason.”

  “Then you did not expect me to live.”

  “Of course I did, the same as I expected to win my wager with Everard.” Abel chortled. “Mayhap my lot is changing, eh?”

  “In this. Still, were I you, I would guard my coin. Now tell, are there tidings of Lavonne or Duke Henry?”

  “All is silent.”

  Still, one or both would come, not only for Annyn Bretanne, but the alliance England’s future king sought with the Wulfriths. And for that, Garr must make a swift recovery.

  “Sir Merrick seeks an audience.”

  As Garr had known he would. “Later.”

  “I told him so.” Abel slapped a hand to his thigh. “Now you wish to speak of Annyn Bretanne.”

  Did he? Though piqued that his brother knew him so well, Garr said, “Mother tells that she and her man, Rowan, remain in the outer tower.”

  “They do, and are most comfortable with the pallets and blankets she ordered delivered there. And the foodstuffs.”

  Not even a curtained bed and the finest venison would make comfort out of that place. The outer tower of Stern that stood reinforcement for the castle’s exemplary guard was a warning to any who thought to come against the Wulfriths. Though most nobles kept their captives better, some even in luxury, Stern was known throughout England as a place one did not wish to be taken prisoner. Thus, its enemies were content to hate from afar—excepting Annyn Bretanne and her man.

  “Four days,” Garr said. “How do they fare?”

  “The jailer tells they are quiet. Indeed, they do not even speak one to the other.”

  Garr’s first thought was that they were plotting, but realization thrust it aside. “They share a cell?”

  “You surprise me, Brother. If I recall correctly, and I do, you said she was but a troublesome woman. Mayhap she is more?”

  Garr clenched his hand on an illusory hilt. “Regardless of the wrong she did, she is still a lady, and a lady does not share quarters with a man who is not her husband.”

  Abel’s eyes sparkled. “A lady? One could not tell it from looking at her.”

  But one knew it to hold her—

  By faith! Why did he allow Abel to draw him in? More, what did he care whether Annyn slept alone or made a bed with Rowan? It was his sword arm he ought to set his mind to.

  He met his brother’s waiting gaze. “Our conversation is done.”

  Abel pushed off the post. “I quite agree.”

  He lied. There was more, and upon reaching the door he said, “I shall have her brought to the donjon.”

  Grudgingly, Garr inclined his head. “Her man, Rowan, remains.”

  “Of course.” Then Abel was gone, leaving his grin hanging on the air.

  Garr berated himself for whatever allowed his youngest brother to know him. It was a mistake to release Annyn, but it was one he would have made regardless of whether or not Abel had taken it upon himself to do so. The outer tower was no place for her. But neither was the donjon.

  Sleep pressing him down, he closed his eyes. But then Gaenor and Beatrix entered. Fifteen and thirteen respectively, they twittered their way into the solar and hovered on either side of the bed until he opened his eyes.

  He sighed. Though he was nearly a stranger to them and certainly did not invite their attention, they were fond of him. He drew the coverlet up his bared chest.

  “Gaenor,” he acknowledged the older one who had grown taller since his last visit and appeared more awkward than before. For this had her betrothed’s family broken the betrothal six months past? Or had that been Isobel’s doing? She had not liked the young man Drogo had chosen for their eldest daughter.

  Gaenor dimpled both sides. “Greetings, Brother.”

  He inclined his head and looked to his younger sister who was impossibly delicate in comparison. “Beatrix.”

  She grabbed up her skirts and hopped onto the mattress. “At last you are returned.”

  And, it seemed, would be staying longer than the three or four days he usually kept at Stern.

  Gaenor shifted foot to foot and eyed the empty space beside Garr.

  Reconciled to foregoing sleep, begrudging that a woman had once more turned him from his purpose, he said, “Sit, Gaenor. You are causing me to strain my neck.”

/>   Hurt flitted across her face, and too late he remembered how it bothered her that she should be so tall.

  He forced a smile. “Come, I am certain you have much to tell.”

  “She does,” Beatrix exclaimed. “Another has offered for her—Lord Harrod of Banbrine.”

  With measured movement that bespoke of Gaenor’s effort to appear less awkward, she lowered beside her brother. “He is forty and three years aged!” Tears sprang to her eyes.

  More than old enough to be her father. Garr knew he should not care, as such marriages were made every day. Still, he said, “Aye, too old.”

  With a trembling smile, she said, “I thank you, Brother.”

  “Still you shall wed, Gaenor.”

  Her smile flattened. “And who will want me other than old men whose eyes are dim?”

  Where was Mother? This was not something a man should have to deal with. “There will be many. You shall see.”

  As though he had made her a promise certain to be kept, she smiled again, a pretty smile that gave him hope he had not told her wrong.

  The light of day blinded greater than the torch that had delivered her from the tower.

  Annyn halted, fumbled the musty hood of the mantle over her head for the shade it offered, then took a deep breath of a day that was approaching noon. How sweet the air, how pure the taste!

  “You are coming?”

  She peered at Sir Abel who stood strides ahead, an impatient bend to his mouth. It was the first he had spoken to her since the jailer ushered her from the cell. “Where are you taking me?”

  “To the donjon.”

  She longed to ask the reason but knew her question would go unanswered. Was Wulfrith improved? She prayed so. Was it he who had summoned her? If so, would he see her? He must, for there was pleading to be done for Rowan who had thus far been spared retribution by Wulfrith’s illness. Of course, Wulfrith had but to leave Rowan where he was and the end would be the same. He was ailing, the cough that began yesterday growing more raw in the dank cell. Then there was the wheezing.

  “I grow impatient,” Sir Abel snapped.

  Of course he did. He was a Wulfrith. Swallowing, she winced at the sting that had begun in her own throat hours earlier and stepped forward.

  He led her across the outer bailey to the inner drawbridge. She was watched, and when she followed the strongest of the sensations, her squinted eyes found Squire Charles where he paused outside the stables. A moment later, Squire Samuel, leading Wulfrith’s destrier, appeared.

  Nose running, Annyn sniffed and turned her eyes forward as she passed beneath the portcullis.

  The inner bailey provided her first view of Stern’s donjon lit by daylight. Though simply designed, it was majestic and more immense than any she had seen. Indeed, two of Castle Lillia’s donjons could fit into it.

  The steps were treacherous, though not because of disrepair. Rather, her eyes continued to struggle with the light she had been too long denied.

  At the great doors, the porter shot Annyn a questioning look as he stepped aside to allow Sir Abel and her to enter.

  The fresh scent of mint that contrasted sharply with the fetid odor of the cell, struck Annyn before she set foot within. Though she had never been fond of using the herb to scent the rushes at Castle Lillia, it now appealed. Entering the hall, she breathed it deep and wished Rowan was with her. He had hardly spoken to her for however many days had passed, but she longed for the friendship he had extended all these years. However, her discourse with Wulfrith’s mother had turned him again and she was once more the betrayer.

  Annyn looked around the hall where a half dozen servants set out trestle tables for the nooning meal. As the exterior of the donjon was simple, so was the interior, but it did not lack for warmth. The ceiling to floor tapestries were woven of muted colors, the furnishings sparse but solid, the stairway of modest size. Indeed, the only excess, could it be called that considering the size of the hall, was the massive stone fireplace that reached to the ceiling.

  Longing to stretch her hands to the flames, she lowered her hood and followed Sir Abel. As they neared the stairway, a figure dressed in black halted on the bottom stair.

  Startled eyes evidencing she had not known her son’s prisoner was summoned, Wulfrith’s mother looked to her youngest son.

  He shrugged. “Wulfrith ordered it.”

  Then he had summoned her. Meaning he was recovered? Thank you, Lord.

  “’Twill not do,” Wulfrith’s mother said as she assessed Annyn, from her disheveled hair to her begrimed boots. She waved her forward. “Something must needs be done.”

  “What say you, Mother?”

  The woman turned a sour eye on her youngest boy. “Prisoner or no, I do not allow such filth in my home. It attracts fleas and rats.”

  Annyn could not take offense. She was horribly fouled.

  “Come, Lady Annyn, let us see what can be done.”

  She followed Lady Isobel up the stairs, as did Sir Abel.

  The woman must have heard his footsteps, for she swung around. “Go back to your wench in the stables. I do not require your attendance.”

  “You should not be alone with her, Mother.”

  Her hands fell to her hips. “Has she a weapon?”

  “Nay, but—”

  “Go—unless you wish to carry her bath water.”

  Annyn blinked. She was to have a bath? Ah, mercy! To wash away the filth, to smell clean again.

  “He will not like it,” Sir Abel said.

  “That we shall know soon enough.”

  He grunted, turned, and descended the stairs.

  The lady of Stern resumed her ascent. Though the winding stairs continued upward, she turned off the first landing.

  The realization that Wulfrith was likely behind one of the four doors made Annyn’s heart skitter. As she passed the first, the laughter of girls sounded from the chamber. He could not be there.

  His mother traversed the corridor to the end and pushed open a door.

  The chamber was of a good size despite the enormous bed that sought to diminish it, but as with the hall, it was simply furnished.

  “My son’s chamber when he is at Stern,” Lady Isobel said, then muttered, “which is far too rare.”

  It was Wulfrith of whom she spoke, but where was he if not here? The solar? Aye, his mother had given it up that he might know greater comfort.

  “I shall send for the tub and water,” the lady said.

  The door closed, and when Annyn turned, she was alone. But she would make no trouble. Not only was she chill and ailing, but she must speak with Wulfrith about Rowan. She crossed to the brazier that glowed softly from earlier use, meaning Wulfrith’s mother had likely taken the chamber for herself while her son recovered.

  Though the warmth spread through her fingers, it came nowhere near the chill at her center. Shivering, she wondered how long it would be until the hot bath was delivered.

  She glanced at the bed and imagined crawling beneath the heavy coverlet. However, not only would it be inappropriate, but she would sully the bed. In fact, though fatigue pressed her to sit, she didn’t dare settle her filth onto the chair.

  The tub, borne by two servants, arrived within a few minutes. As Wulfrith’s mother directed that it be set before the brazier, Annyn stepped aside.

  Shortly, a hand touched her shoulder. “Sit, Lady Annyn.”

  She met Lady Isobel’s steady gaze. “I am fine, my lady.”

  “You are not.” She pressed Annyn toward the chair. “Worry not. The chair will clean.”

  Why was Wulfrith’s mother so kind to one who had sought to kill her son?

  “Sit,” the lady’s accented voice turned more firm.

  Annyn lowered herself. “I thank you.”

  The woman turned as the first buckets arrived.

  Annyn watched the maid servants carry them within and remembered when she had lugged water for Wulfrith’s bath. It seemed so long ago.

  “Josse,
” Lady Isobel addressed the pretty young maid who next entered the chamber, “add coal to the brazier, then assist Lady Annyn in the removal of her garments.”

  “Aye, my lady.” When the young woman approached Annyn, her lips were pressed as if to hold back a smile and her eyes danced. Doubtless, she had never assisted a lady who looked as Annyn did with her bruised face, shorn hair, and the filthy clothes of a man. “If you would stand, my lady, I shall make you ready for your bath.”

  Beneath Lady Isobel’s gaze, the mantle was lifted from Annyn’s shoulders, next the tunic that Wulfrith had given her. She shivered.

  “What is this?” Lady Isobel took the white tunic from Josse and ran fingers over the ragged edge from which Annyn had torn the strip for Wulfrith’s shoulder. “’Tis what bound my son’s injury?”

  How had she guessed? The fine linen? “Aye,” Annyn said, “the blood needed to be stanched.”

  The woman considered the modest embroidery around the neck. “It belongs to him.”

  Then it was surely she who had made the stitches. “He gave it to me when...” Annyn put a hand to the cut tunic that revealed the bindings she would have removed if not for the additional warmth they provided. “He gave it to me when my own was...torn.”

  Lady Isobel’s eyes lowered to the bindings. “So that is how you did it. Clever.” She stepped forward and peered into Annyn’s face. “Still, I do not understand how Wulfrith—or any other—did not see you. I would have instantly known you for a woman.”

  She would have? It was not as if Annyn possessed the beauty of her mother or Lady Isobel that easily proclaimed their femininity.

  “But then, I am a woman and they are not.” A bitter laugh parted Lady Isobel’s lips. “How blind men are, especially those of the warrior class who are far too busy searching out war to look near upon the small and precious things of life.”

  The lady hurt, Annyn realized, something in her past weighing upon her.

  “But that is the way of men.” She beckoned Josse forward.

  As the servant removed Annyn’s tunic, Lady Isobel turned away. “I shall return ere long.” She crossed to the door and paused. “Mayhap later you will tell me how your own tunic was rent.”