by Leigh Bale
Ariana’s jaw dropped open, her eyes filled with doubt. Wulfgar wondered just how much she trusted Jenkin.
“Dafydd is my brother. I’ll do anything to help him,” she said.
“I believe you’re as loyal to your people as they are to you.”
“My people fear Edwin.” Ariana shivered with repulsion. “He tortures even those who would serve him. If one of my people betrayed us by going to Edwin, he could very well be killed by Edwin afterward. So far, we’ve hidden the truth. But we’re out of time. Soon, all will be lost.”
She stepped back and wiped her face with the backs of her hands. She was shaking and Wulfgar wrapped his arms around her. She leaned against him for several moments, relying on his strength to comfort her.
Trusting him.
“You see why we must make haste?” she spoke low. “There are many warriors here who will join with us to fight.”
He understood her precarious situation and wanted to help, if he could. If they could get inside the castle walls, they had enough men to take the keep. “We’ll leave in the morning.”
Ariana drew away. “I only hope we’re in time.”
Chapter Ten
Wulfgar stood in the dark, watching Ariana flee through the bushes. The lights of the campfire winked at him through the trees. The air was filled with hushed whispers as people settled for the night and the smell of wood smoke.
From behind him, Wulfgar heard the snap of a twig. Clutching his knife, he whirled about to face the intruder.
Jenkin came through the trees, gripping an ax and carrying a lighted torch. The flames from the torch scattered light and shadows around them, making Jenkin’s eyes appear deep and hollow.
“Fear not, Welshman,” Wulfgar reassured the man. “Your princess has just returned to the safety of the camp.”
Jenkin met Wulfgar’s eyes with an angry glare. “That’s good for you. Had you put your hands on her, I would have buried this ax in your skull. When the lookouts reported you were alone with her, I came in haste.”
Wulfgar gave a caustic laugh. “Do you really think she needs a watch dog?”
Jenkin hardened his jaw. Wulfgar wasn’t surprised he’d been seen with Ariana. Numerous scouts ranged the mountain day and night, watching for intruders.
“You’ve no need to fear for her safety when she’s with me. I would never harm her,” Wulfgar said.
Jenkin snorted, his grip on the ax tightening. “No doubt you cared for her on the island so you might use her to your advantage later on.”
“That’s not true.” Angry heat crept over Wulfgar’s face. He was tempted to hit Jenkin for his insults, but Ariana wouldn’t approve.
He took a step, but Jenkin’s next words stopped him. “Where do you think the princess sought help when Dafydd was taken by Edwin?”
Wulfgar froze. Turning, he lifted his brows as he stared at the other man through the dark.
“She went to find you,” Jenkin’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Her father was dead, her brother taken, and she went to seek your aid. You were her betrothed and she thought you would help. That was before she knew what kind of man you are.”
Wulfgar’s throat tightened. He found no words to reply.
A look of triumph registered on Jenkin’s face. “Imagine her dismay when she discovered you’d been sentenced to be sold into slavery for conspiring with Waltheof against your own king. All your holdings had been given to Edwin of Carlinham. You couldn’t save yourself much less Prince Dafydd.”
Shifting his feet against the damp embankment, Wulfgar frowned. “Ariana was at William’s Court?”
Jenkin nodded, his tone biting. “Aye, after you were sentenced, with me by her side. She was dressed in all the finery of an English noblewoman, but she wore a scarf to hide her face. No one knew her true identity for we kept her away from all the men who admired her beauty. She was there the day after you were convicted. It took some doing, but I discovered you were to be taken and sold as a slave. That’s when the princess decided to buy you so she might find out how to enter Cynan.”
“I would have helped her if I could,” Wulfgar said.
A sneer twisted Jenkin’s face as he raised the ax and stepped closer to Wulfgar. “It was because of you that she needed help. If you hadn’t been convicted, Lord Carlinham would never have come to rule Glyndwr. Peace would have continued along our border.”
And Wulfgar would have married Ariana at her father’s bidding. No one needed to die. Peace and trade could have reigned between their people.
Although Jenkin’s reasoning seemed a bit warped, Wulfgar felt the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. He’d failed Ariana. Now, he was determined to make things right.
Several anxious moments slipped by as the two men glared at one another. Wulfgar was tensed and ready to fight.
Finally, Jenkin backed away, turned and disappeared into the forest. Wulfgar relaxed his shoulders and stared toward the main campfire.
Doubt filled his mind. Who was he? A slave only. He could do little to help his betrothed. Yet, he must find a way.
* * *
Cynan Castle stood upon a rocky promontory overlooking the River Teme. The river flowed from mid-Wales, south of Newtown in Powys, and flowed through Knighton where it crossed the border into England. Ships could bring supplies up the river to the castle or provide defense should there be a siege. The river also provided an ideal escape route. Further downstream, rapids frothed white over large rocks and sunlight glanced off the murky waters. Grassy hills surrounded the mote where sheep grazed peacefully.
Overlooking the area for miles around, Cynan was an imposing site. It controlled the surrounding lands and commerce in the area, a haven to the local farmers and townsfolk. At one time, there’d been safety within the castle walls. Now Edwin ruled Glyndwr and there was only treachery and fear.
Made of gray stone quarried and brought by ship up the river, the castle was a magnificent site. The tall keep rose high to stand guard over the land.
The town was surrounded by a stone palisade. Looking at it from the shelter of the forest, Ariana could believe the castle impervious to attack. The outer curtain wall stood more than fifteen feet high, the inner curtain wall easily double that. It would be more than difficult for her men to breach the walls.
Surrounded by rocky cliffs on the north and east, a moat had been built on the south and west. The towers of the keep rose to well over fifty feet. This day, the drawbridge was lowered and a lone wagon and driver plodded along the dirt road toward the portcullis. The wheels of the wagon rattled noisily as it crossed the drawbridge and entered the keep.
“There’re three entrances to the town,” Wulfgar spoke low as he and the other men gathered around to plan their strategy. “Soon it will be night, and they’ll raise the drawbridge. That’s when we’ll make our move.”
Fifty-three men, mostly Welsh, had joined their cause. Recruited from Ariana’s people during their stay at Lake Elan. They’d traveled at night, praying no one saw their large party and warned Edwin. If they could get inside, they had enough men to take the castle.
Huddled within the darkness at the forest’s edge, they listened to Wulfgar’s instructions. Austin stood back, deep in the shadows, keeping their horses quiet.
Staring over a fallen tree trunk, Ariana lay upon her stomach on the soft leaves littering the ground. The scent of rich, loamy soil reached her nose. The dampness of the ground felt cold against her body and she shivered.
Jenkin lay on his stomach to her right and Wulfgar joined her, lying on her left. Raulf and the other captains crouched nearby, listening as Wulfgar explained the terrain.
Each man had been armed with swords and battle-axes. They planned to move quickly under cover of night. Not wanting to be hampered by heavy chain mail, they instead wore woolen tunics and hose.
“We will avoid the town.” Wulfgar spoke in a loud whisper so all the men might hear. “Raulf tells me the townsfolk are yet loyal to me, but
I fear many of the people have now sworn fealty to Edwin.”
“They’ll not support him,” Raulf vowed. “Carlinham takes their wealth and abuses their daughters. They hate him and have sworn fealty at the point of his sword. It was a hollow vow to appease Edwin and save their skin, nothing more. They’ll fight for you, my lord.”
Wulfgar inclined his head. “There’ll come a time when we’ll need their help if we’re to regain Cynan.”
“See there are no guards on the towers,” Raulf observed.
“Edwin is a fool.” Wulfgar smiled with relish. “He’s harried the Welsh so much that he doesn’t believe they would dare attack. He’s let down his guard.”
Ariana’s mouth tightened and she brushed a small stone away from her elbow. “And he’ll now pay dearly for it.”
“I’d love to have Carlinham at my mercy.” Jenkin sneered.
Wulfgar snorted. “You’ll have to fight me for that joy.”
“The people of the town gathered together the coins so I could buy you at the slave market.” Raulf cast a sheepish glance at Ariana. “Still it was not enough. I’ll go speak with them and we’ll be ready when you open the sally port to let us inside.”
The sally port was a small back door, which enemies often overlooked and commonly used during siege so that troops could sally forth in secret. It was a good plan.
If it worked.
Ariana shook her head. “I’ll not jeopardize Dafydd’s life. We have enough men to take the castle without warning the townsfolk, yet.”
Raulf’s eyes widened with amazement. “But I must give them a warning so they can prepare.”
Ariana shook her head, her jaw set stubbornly. “No, one of them might warn Edwin. Then, all will be lost.”
Jenkin tensed beside her. The other men shifted nervously.
“We mustn’t fight amongst ourselves,” Wulfgar interceded. “It’ll be as the princess says. You’ll wait until we open the door, then send a messenger to the town’s people.”
Jenkin relaxed but Raulf continued to fume, his ears red with anger.
“We’ll secure Prince Dafydd first,” Wulfgar informed the men. “Then, we’ll take the castle.”
“And if something goes wrong?” Raulf asked.
Wulfgar clenched his teeth, his expression solemn. “Nothing will go wrong. I hope we are undiscovered, but we could bring company for you to greet with your swords. I’ll open the sally port and lower the ladder so you can get inside and take the guards unaware. Be ready.”
Raulf hefted his ax and skimmed his thumb across the razor-sharp edge. “We’ll wait along the cliff. If you don’t open the sally port by dawn, I’ll go to the town and seek help there.”
Ariana ignored his threat as she looked at Wulfgar. “I will accompany you into the castle.”
Each man stared at her with surprise. Raulf rolled his eyes and snorted.
“It’s too dangerous,” Jenkin objected. “Think what Edwin would do if he caught you.”
“You and Wulfgar will protect me.”
Wulfgar sighed, his brows lowered in a troubled frown. “Jenkin is right. It’s too dangerous and you’ll only slow us down. You should remain here.”
Ariana sat back and jutted her chin. “I’m quite swift and will not slow you down one bit. I’m going, so don’t try to stop me.”
Wulfgar saw the stubborn set of her shoulders and the thin line of her lips. He knew she would follow unless he bound her hand and foot. “Jenkin, speak some reason to her.”
“Princess, please.”
“That’s enough.” She held up a hand to silence them.
Wulfgar ran a hand through his hair, making it stand on end. “It’s clear you’ve been spoiled and are used to having your way.”
Her jaw hardened. Wulfgar almost laughed, but refrained from doing so. She was a beautiful woman with her long hair braided down her back and her nose crinkled up. He wanted more than anything to kiss her. Instead, he tugged on her arm. “We must speak in private.”
Ariana crouched low as they moved back into the sheltering trees. When they stood in the deep shadows, she whispered for his ears alone. “I’m going, Wulfgar. My men won’t bind me. I’m their princess and they’ll obey me. Nor will they allow your men to do the deed, so don’t suggest it.”
Wulfgar winced. Could she not do as he asked just once? “I’ll not be able to fight freely on your brother’s behalf if I have to defend you also.”
She smiled and her eyes sparkled like blue sapphires. “I’ve seen you in battle and have every faith you’ll protect both my brother and me from harm.”
Her words of confidence warmed his heart. But what if he failed her again?
The treetops shivered as a breeze whispered past. Wulfgar shifted his weight, snapping twigs beneath his feet. Glancing over his shoulder at their waiting men, he leaned his head down close to her. “We will travel through water, Ariana. We must swim and your long skirts will pull you under. Even now, the secret passage may have been discovered by Edwin and covered over. I don’t know if we can even get inside. If we find the passage closed off and you can’t hold your breath long enough, you might drown.”
Fear lurched through him when he thought of her gasping for breath while he tried to get her to the surface. He’d never forgive himself if she died.
Ariana lowered her hands to her knees and lifted her skirts to pull them over her head. Wulfgar’s eyes widened as he watched her remove her dress. Beneath her chemise, she wore a man’s woolen shirt and britches. The coarse material looked scratchy and uncomfortable but he realized she would have little trouble becoming tangled in her clothes.
He eyed her shapely form. “I see you came prepared.”
“I won’t be left behind. I know how to swim quite well. My brothers taught me.”
Wulfgar glowered, hoping his angry look might deter her where wisdom did not.
She shook her head and met his gaze with boldness. “I’m going and that’s final.”
She reached to her waist where she wore a man’s thick belt. Inside a leather sheath were her slim daggers. He had no doubt she would use them if need be.
Turning, she returned to the edge of the forest. Jenkin frowned at her mannish garb, his lips thin as he tossed a look of anger in Wulfgar’s direction.
Wulfgar lifted his hands. “Don’t blame me. You know she has a mind of her own.”
Jenkin growled. “More of our men should accompany us, princess. What if the Norman slave betrays you? He could hand you over to Edwin, thinking to gain clemency for himself.”
True, but Jenkin could as easily betray her. If Dafydd were dead, Jenkin could become king. Her people believed in him and would follow him with little trouble.
Ariana touched her hand to his sleeve. “I trust both of you and God to see us safely through this day. I’ll be safe, Jenkin. Wulfgar knows you’ll hunt him down and kill him should he betray me.”
Her words were spoken loud enough so all could hear. Jenkin’s gaze rested on Wulfgar, incinerated by hate.
“I vow it.” Jenkin’s voice was low.
Wulfgar met Jenkin’s gaze and the two men regarded each other.
An abrasive laugh slipped from Jenkin’s throat. “Perhaps today you will be killed and we’ll be done with you for good.”
Wulfgar shook his head. “Not likely.”
“We shall see.” Jenkin responded in a light tone. “The day is still young.”
Wulfgar gave him a chilling glare. “We leave when the moon is full.”
Chapter Eleven
Under cover of night, Wulfgar, Ariana and Jenkin swept across the clearing to the palisade. With Wulfgar leading the way, the trio followed the deep ditch surrounding the foot of the wall.
Ariana stumbled and Wulfgar reached for her, his strong hands clasping her arm, lending support.
“Are you all right?” His warm breath brushed her cheek.
She shivered in the dark. “I’m fine.”
His strong fingers cur
led around hers and he squeezed her hand once, then let her go. She would have held tight to his hand, but Jenkin’s disapproving gaze made her draw away.
They circled the town and stole their way to the castle. Not a single watchman stood upon the towers of the town. Ariana smiled to herself. It’d be so easy to attack and take control. Edwin was a fool, a cruel brute hated by many. In a matter of time, his own people would turn on him. Men like Edwin were often found dead in the forest, an arrow through their hearts, killed by an unknown assassin.
The moon gleamed brightly above with little cloud cover. Stars winked down at them and they had no trouble seeing their way to the castle moat. They crouched amidst the shadows on the south side, where the gatehouse entrance towered overhead. The castle inhabitants had raised the bridge and lowered the portcullis. As Ariana inched along the cold stonewall, she could see no way inside.
Panic climbed up her throat. What if Wulfgar had lied about the passage? Perhaps he had tricked her and would now try to use her to gain advantage for himself. Jenkin was close by her side, but he was little defense against Edwin’s army should Wulfgar betray them.
Wulfgar touched her shoulder and Ariana jumped.
“We must swim through the moat,” Wulfgar whispered to both her and Jenkin. “It’ll be difficult to see. Take one end of this rope and tie it around one of your hands so you don’t become disoriented and lose your way in the dark water. I’ll take the lead and pull you to safety should you become lost.”
“Where is the entrance?” Ariana asked quietly.
Wulfgar’s eyes glittered in the night. He blinked and spoke low. “You’ll see soon enough. But be warned. The passage is small and we will be cramped. You’ll need to stay close until we’re inside. Though I planned for a passage, I didn’t make it easy to enter or leave. Otherwise, it would not be a secret for long.”
His reasoning seemed logical. He indicated the moat and Ariana stared at the stagnant water, deep enough to swim. More than likely, it was over her head and she would not be able to wade through the murky mass.
