Vengeance 02.5 - A Knight's Christmas Wish

by Lana Williams

  The stable boy had their two horses waiting for them, but no others were in sight.

  “Where are Lady Kayte and Lady Anne’s horses?” Rylan asked.

  “She bid me to leave them in the stable until she came to fetch them,” the boy said.

  Unease filled Rylan, though he wasn’t certain of the cause. Yet Kayte’s odd behavior, from coming to the hall with no cloak or bag, to this, had him concerned. Nothing could be done about it until she came outside.

  Rylan glanced toward the closed front door of the keep one last time then turned to fasten his chain mail and aketon to the back of his saddle. He’d decided against wearing the heavy mail since he was finally beginning to feel better. Next he tied on his bag, wishing he better understood what was happening.

  They waited only a short time before Kayte and Anne appeared. Kayte appeared quite nervous by the way she glanced about as though worried someone would give chase.

  “Is all well, my lady?” Rylan asked as she drew nearer.

  “Aye. I’m excited to begin our journey.” Her smile was tight and did not reassure him.

  “Did you need to bid anyone goodbye?”

  “I’m finished with my goodbyes. Thank you.”

  While it was obvious something was wrong, he couldn’t help if she didn’t confide in him. Once again, he wished he had second sight so that he might understand what was going on. He checked her cinch to make sure her saddle was tight, then did the same for Lady Anne. By the time he turned back to assist Kayte to mount, she’d already used the wood block to do so, and her bag was fastened to her saddle.

  “Shall we?” Without waiting for a response, she led the way toward the portcullis.

  Rylan turned to raise a brow at Lady Anne who merely gave him a polite smile. “We’re both quite anxious to be on our way.”

  The stable boy assisted her in mounting, so Rylan and Joseph mounted as well. He hoped their desire to hurry continued. That would take him home all the sooner.

  The portcullis was raising as they caught up with Kayte. Interestingly enough, she called out her gratitude but did not tell the guards goodbye. Had she not told anyone of her intent to leave?

  He pondered his options as they left the holding. On one hand, it was none of his business. She was only his responsibility for a few days. On the other, her actions could very well affect him. But what reason could she have for not announcing her departure? She’d lived here over a year now.

  An image of Harold came to mind. Could he be the reason? Surely she didn’t expect the lord to pursue her, did she?

  * * *

  It was all Kayte could do not to kick her horse into a gallop as they left Cumberford behind. This was a day she’d dreamed of since her arrival well over a year ago.

  She wanted to be as far away as possible before Harold woke from his drunken stupor and realized she was gone. She’d left him a message, explaining her intention of joining the convent. Hopefully, he’d understand. She didn’t really think he’d come after her. Why would he? He could find a more willing wife elsewhere. But part of her feared he would. Her only hope was to reach the convent as quickly as possible.

  A glance behind her showed the rest of the party keeping pace. She knew Rylan must wonder why she acted so oddly. She probably should tell him, but she had no desire to discuss Harold or what he wanted or her failed marriage.

  More than anything, she wanted to start fresh where no one knew her. Maybe that would allow her to leave behind her doubts and fears.

  The air was cold this morn. Each breath released a puff of steam. She drew her woolen cloak tighter about her. This journey would not be easy, but thank goodness Sir Rylan had agreed to provide them escort. The handsome knight rode up beside her. She could feel him looking at her with a question in his eyes, but she smiled brightly and hoped he wouldn’t put words to it. She had no desire to share her fears.

  “We should travel as far as we can while we have light.” Rylan studied the overcast sky. “With luck, the weather will hold.”

  “You set the pace and we will follow.” Kayte didn’t truly believe she and Anne would have any problem keeping up with Rylan. Not since he was injured. How quickly could he possibly travel?

  But as the day wore on, it became quite obvious the knight’s stamina far exceeded hers. She and Anne shared several looks, and Kayte knew her aunt must be even more tired than she. Neither of them had slept well the night before.

  They stopped at mid-day on the side of the road. Before Kayte could dismount, Rylan was at her side to assist her. He reached to lift her down but she held out her hand to stop him. “I wouldn’t want you to re-injure your ribs.”

  He frowned, obviously displeased that he couldn’t do as he wished.

  She smiled. “Thank you for the thought though.” With a slow, careful movement, she eased her leg over the horse, sore already.

  They settled in a clearing where a few downed trees provided seats. They ate some dried meat and cheese Kayte had packed. She dreaded the thought of how many more meals they would be eating the same exact thing.

  “Where is home?” Kayte wanted to know more about this man.

  He told her of a small village in Somerset, but she wasn’t familiar with the area. Already she could see his expression softening as his memories took over.

  “Your mother and father both live?”

  “Aye.” He grimaced. “In truth, I cannot imagine life without them.”

  “Do you have brothers or sisters?” She’d always been alone, except for Anne and was curious as to what it must be like to have a larger family.

  “Both a sister and a brother who are younger than me.” He smiled as he spoke. “I hope to see them as well. Though it’s been some time since I received word from home.”

  “How long?”

  “During the summer, I received a message from someone who stayed with them briefly. But it’s been over two years since I’ve been home.”

  “You must’ve seen many things on your journeys.” She hadn’t been anywhere before. Only home and Cumberford and the road between the two holdings.

  “Too many things.” His brow furrowed and she knew the memories were not pleasant. “I am looking forward to spending time with my family.”

  “Do you hold a feast for Christmas?”

  “Several.” He smiled again, making her glad she’d changed the subject. “We celebrate from Christmas Eve through Twelfth Day. My mother is very organized and loves to plan all sorts of activities, even for the villagers as they’re free from their duties during that fortnight.”

  “Such as?”

  He smiled even broader. “Mummers arrive to parade through the streets. They visit homes to dance and play dice. There will be games for the children. Games for everyone really. On the first of January, a Feast of Fools will be held where priests and clerks wear masks during Mass and sing ridiculous songs. There’s something special nearly every day. It’s probably the time I miss home the most. Everyone is so joyful. Much different than the battlefield.”

  She smiled too but couldn’t quite imagine what all of that would be like.

  “What of you?” he asked. “How did your family spend the holiday?”

  “Nothing like yours. We held a feast, of course. And we gave the villagers a few things. But there were no additional celebrations.”

  “Nor will there be any at the convent, I suppose.” His warm brown gaze held hers, asking questions to which she didn’t have answers.

  “I don’t believe so. I’m certain it will be more a time for reflection along with some charitable acts toward those in need.” Surely that would help fill this hole in her heart.

  “What made you decide to take your vows?”

  Because I don’t seem to belong anywhere else.

  She clamped her lips tight before the truth spilled out. She didn’t want his pity. She settled on a half-truth, hoping it would be enough to satisfy his curiosity. “I would like to be useful, to serve a purpose.”
<
br />   He frowned. “Wouldn’t being a mother provide you with that?”

  She closed her eyes briefly at the wave of longing that rolled through her at his question. That had been her hope when she’d first married Rainald. Though she knew she wouldn’t be happy in her marriage, she was certain that having children would provide her with the love she so desperately wanted. “With Rainald gone, I have no hope of children.”

  “Surely you could remarry someone other than Harold.”

  She smiled politely but said nothing. How could she explain how impossible that was? That she couldn’t remain at Cumberford and avoid marriage to Harold. That the likelihood of finding a husband between here and the convent was nigh on impossible.

  “I see.”

  She glanced at him, wondering if he truly did. She and Anne had discussed their situation at length. They could think of no other option that would keep them both safe. With a firm reprimand at her thoughts, she reminded herself that she had much to be grateful for. A far worse fate could befall her than living out her days in a convent. Happiness was not a choice for most people. She certainly wasn’t the only one.

  “Do you enjoy fighting for the king?” A change in subject was definitely in order.

  He stared across the road in silence for a long moment. “As you mentioned, it provides a certain sense of purpose. But I have grown weary of fighting.”

  “Living in danger each day would be difficult.” While she hadn’t always felt safe at Cumberford, it wasn’t the same as what Rylan had faced. “What made you decide to join the king’s forces?”

  Again he hesitated, making her wonder if he had secrets as she did. “It was time for me to find my own path. My family—they are different than I am.” When she would’ve questioned what he meant, he brushed his hands together and rose. “We should return to the road while we can. Darkness will fall soon enough.”

  As they settled onto their horses and set off, Kayte couldn’t help but wonder what Rylan meant. How was his family different from him? And why did that seem to bother him so much?

  Chapter Six

  Rylan shifted yet again in the saddle. His side ached like a bad tooth, but he wasn’t about to call a halt to the journey. He reminded himself that it had hurt simply laying in bed. He could only hope he wasn’t doing further damage by riding.

  He knew Kayte and Lady Anne must be tired as well. Joseph was used to the long days they often spent on the battlefield. The boy had the stamina of an ox.

  Where they would sleep this night was still uncertain. He had never journeyed this way before. An inn would be more comfortable but no village was in sight. Staying along the road would be dangerous. Yet finding a sheltered place away from the road in an area with which he was not familiar was nearly impossible.

  He scanned the rolling hills as the afternoon shadows grew long, hoping inspiration would strike. As they rode over the rise, two men on foot came into view. They’d encountered very few travelers on the road and none since they’d stopped for the mid-day meal. Perhaps these men could provide some information.

  As they drew near, Rylan saw that one man carried a large sack over his shoulder. The other, bigger man carted a box. Both looked as if they’d been on the road for some time based on the dirt covering their faces and clothes.

  “Good day to you,” Rylan called out.

  The men studied him and his companions warily.

  “And to you,” the smaller one answered.

  “Is there a village nearby?”

  “Not for a long distance. Where are you headed?”

  “To Wicksonshire.” Rylan named a place he knew to be in the general vicinity of the convent but not the convent itself. He wasn’t comfortable sharing more information than necessary with strangers, especially ones who looked as rough as these two. “And you?”

  “Wherever the road takes us. We are searching for work.”

  Unease prickled Rylan’s neck though he could name no reason for it. “I heard of a church being built in Stratford if you know anything of building. This is a difficult time of year to find employment.”

  “Have you any food to spare?” The man with the box asked as he stared openly at Kayte.

  Rylan looked back at her and gave the barest of nods. Better to appease the men if possible.

  “We’re happy to share what little we have.” Kayte reached to untie the bag bound to her saddle and pulled out several pieces of dried meat along with a chunk of hard cheese. She leaned forward to hand it to the man with the box.

  “Many thanks to you,” the other said.

  “We wish you well in your search for work,” Rylan said. He glanced back again at Kayte, hoping she understood that he didn’t care to converse any further. Somehow he was certain the more distance they put between these men and themselves, the better.

  “What awaits you in Wicksonshire?”

  Rylan’s unease increased threefold. Perhaps the man was simply curious but his question—in fact, his whole demeanor—made Rylan nervous. What answer could he give that would both satisfy the man yet not raise additional questions?

  “My sister and her husband live there,” Kayte answered with a smile. “They have a new babe, and we’re going for a visit.”

  Rylan nearly smiled. The woman was quick. That was the perfect answer. It was as if she’d read his mind.

  “Our best wishes to them.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be certain to pass that on. We’d best be on our way.” Kayte glanced at Rylan who nodded.

  “Aye.” Rylan kneed his horse forward. “Good luck to you.”

  “Save travels,” Kayte added as she followed Rylan. Anne and Joseph were directly behind her.

  They’d traveled some distance before Rylan eased back to ride alongside Kayte. “Well done.”

  “When you didn’t tell them our true destination, I assumed a false answer would be best.”

  “I’m not certain why, but something was amiss with them.”

  Kayte turned to look behind them. “They are still walking in the opposite direction, so hopefully they will not bother us.”

  Rylan did not respond. His unease continued. But he reminded himself that their party was on horseback and those men were on foot. Hopefully they could put enough distance between them so there was no way they could catch them.

  “We will go as far as we can before we stop for the night. From what they said, ’tis unlikely we’ll find an inn.”

  Kayte nodded. “Anne and I knew we might be sleeping along the road. Doing so for a night or two will not harm us.”

  Rylan hoped she was right, though it was more dangerous than she realized. The sort of people who were out at night along deserted roads were not the kind one wished to encounter. Normally, Rylan would not worry, but he was far from feeling his best. He had no desire to let Kayte and Lady Anne down.

  They rode briskly for the remainder of daylight, as briskly as they could on horses that were also ready to stop for the night. Rylan continually scanned the landscape, searching for a place that would provide some semblance of shelter. They’d have to build a fire and that would alert others to their presence. Now that the sun had set, he could see his breath again. Despite the risk, a fire and a hot meal were definitely in order.

  A short distance to the east, Rylan saw bluffs not far from the road.

  “Joseph.” He waved his squire forward.

  “Aye, sir?”

  “See if there is a place along the bluffs where we could spend the night. The more shelter, the better, but don’t take long. Darkness will soon fall, and I would see us settled by then.”

  “Of course, sir.” Joseph gave a quick nod and galloped up the road then veered off when he drew closer to the bluffs.

  “Is it safe to send him ahead by himself?” Kayte asked as she watched him disappear into the trees.

  “He’s a smart lad. Well trained with his knife. He carries an axe to chop wood as well and knows how to defend himself.”

  “How l
ong has he been with you?”

  “Nigh on a year.” When Rylan had met Joseph, he’d reminded him of his younger brother. While at first that had made Rylan avoid him as it made him more homesick than he already was, Joseph had taken a liking to him and followed him about every chance he had until at last he’d become Rylan’s squire.

  “Will he travel with you to Scotland?”

  “Aye. But he’s looking forward to spending Christmas with my family nearly as much as I am.” The boy had talked about it nonstop since they’d left France. That had been fine with Rylan. Speaking of his memories made them all the clearer and even more precious.

  Kayte nodded but said nothing more, leaving Rylan to wonder what she was thinking. He sensed her withdrawal but couldn’t think of anything he’d said that might’ve offended her.

  Soon they reached the place in the road where Joseph had entered the trees and did the same. Before they got far, the squire rode toward them.

  “I’ve found a good place for us. Right over here.”

  Rylan breathed a sigh of relief as Joseph led them to a spot along the bluffs where the rock curved inward and created a hollow. While it wouldn’t provide a roof over their heads, it would protect them on nearly two full sides.

  “Well done, Joseph. Let us clear some of these rocks so we can make our beds here.”

  He and Joseph moved the stones, with Rylan careful not to harm his healing ribs. Much to his surprise, Kayte gathered fire wood while Anne placed the smaller rocks in a circle to serve as their fire pit. Joseph helped Kayte gather more wood, finding two large dead logs to chop. Lady Anne collected dried grass and pine needles for tinder, and Rylan started a fire.

  Lady Anne removed the large bag from behind her horse’s saddle and unwrapped a small iron kettle, a cloth wrapped package of chopped vegetables, as well as wooden bowls and spoons. Rylan and Joseph shared a surprised look.

  “Came prepared, didn’t you?” Rylan asked with a grin.

  “A hot pot of soup is the least I could provide since you are escorting us.”