A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy)

by Lana Williams

  Before long, Enid returned with Beatrice and Mary as well as rags and a bucket of steaming water. As Alyna explained what needed to be done, the two maids looked at her with doubt-filled expressions.

  “Charles is on his way with a ladder,” Enid added in an attempt to reassure them.

  “’Tisn’t that,” Beatrice said. She glanced around the hall and lowered her voice. “Lady Florence told us no one was to touch the hall without her permission.”

  “That’s right,” Mary added. “We wanted to clean it weeks ago, and she wouldn’t even let us change the rushes before his lordship’s return.”

  Alyna shared a look with Enid. Why would Florence order such a thing? What could she gain by not performing the duties she’d volunteered for? Obviously, Florence felt no need to prove her worth by excelling at her responsibilities.

  Florence’s actions mattered not. There was no logical reason to delay cleaning the hall, and Alyna refused to ask Florence’s permission to do anything.

  “All will be well. I take full responsibility. If Lady Florence questions you about this, send her to me.”

  The maids warmed to the task with Alyna’s words.

  Charles arrived, carrying a ladder with Nicholas trailing behind, his hand on the ladder too. “Good morn to you, Lady Alyna.”

  “And to you, Charles.” Alyna smiled when he winked at Enid, who in turn blushed like a young maid. The journey to Northe Castle might have been difficult for them both, but they’d bonded in a way she would’ve never guessed possible.

  “We men are here to aid you, aren’t we, Nicholas?” Charles said as he leaned the ladder against the wall.

  The boy nodded, his expression solemn. He mimicked Charles stance and stood with hands on hips as Charles greeted Beatrice and Mary. The maids giggled like young girls until Enid glared them into silence. A wise man, Charles said nothing and proceeded with the task. He climbed the ladder toward the first tapestry with Nicholas right behind him.

  “Oh, no, you don’t, young man.” Alyna snatched Nicholas off the rungs just before he climbed out of her reach.

  “Nay, Mama!” His bottom lip quivered and his big blue eyes filled with tears. “We are men!”

  Well used to his tactics, Alyna shook her head. “That is very convincing, don’t you think, Enid?”

  “Indeed. An especially good performance, Nicholas.”

  “What do you think of this one?” Alyna asked. Then she tickled him until he laughed so hard he could barely catch his breath.

  “I prefer that one.” Enid tickled him as well, and Nicholas was happily occupied until the tapestries and weapons were lowered down to the maids.

  Mary recruited more servants, and they hauled everything outside for a thorough cleaning. Beatrice saw to the scrubbing of the stones above the hearth and Alyna pitched in where she saw a need.

  The battle scenes in the tapestries were clearly visible now as they lay drying in the sun, their colors vibrant and true.

  If only the same were true of how she felt about Royce. Even more confusing was the question of how he felt about her.

  ***

  Royce watched the men training in the bailey, the sound of metal clanging in the crisp morning air. Edward rode his black destrier through the portcullis and Royce gestured for him to draw near.

  With obvious reluctance, Edward guided his mount to where Royce stood. “Greetings, Royce. A fine day, is it not?”

  Royce looked up at the knight, anger taking a strong hold on him. “Have you recovered from your foul behavior of last night?”

  “Aye, that I have.” He nodded to emphasize his point.

  “Stay away from Lady Alyna, Edward.”

  The younger knight’s eyes narrowed at Royce’s demand. “I answer only to Blackwell, Royce. With whom I spend time is none of your concern.”

  “It is when you behave like an oaf. Stay away from her.” Royce clamped down on his anger. Emotions of any sort would not serve him well. “I expect you to join the training. Now.”

  Without bothering to answer, Edward rode his horse toward the stables.

  Royce found Edward’s actions disturbing, especially when added to the information Alyna had shared. He’d keep a closer watch on the surly knight.

  “What excuse does he have?” Hugh asked, as he approached Royce, his axe strapped to his side.

  “None that bears merit.”

  “I think we need to keep an eye on the man.”

  “Indeed, we will. I’m not the only one who thinks he’s acting strangely, eh?”

  Hugh scoffed. “Edward has always acted strangely, but lately, his behavior has moved to suspicious. Either he has a wench distracting him, or he’s up to something.”

  The mention of a woman made Royce grit his teeth. If Edward failed to heed his warning to stay away from Alyna, there would be hell to pay. Never mind that he was demanding Edward behave the way Royce seemed unable to.

  If he relived his kiss with her once more, he was certain he’d...he didn’t know what he’d do, but it wouldn’t be good. He’d never thought to encounter a woman who aroused him so. The mere thought of her distracted him completely from whatever task he was supposed to be doing. Her beauty took his breath away, but it was more than that. Much more. He was at a loss to explain it.

  He’d thought about it all night, certain if he discovered why she affected him the way she did, he’d be able to remove that reason by whatever means necessary. But he could find nothing at which to take aim, nothing upon which to strike a blow.

  The look of hurt on her face when he’d put her aside had pierced his soul as surely as an arrow. To know that he’d added to the sadness she wore like a cloak was nearly more than he could stand.

  Even this morning, as he’d watched the sun rise after a long, sleepless night, he’d thought of telling her the truth. There was nothing wrong with her. She was...well, she was perfect. It was him. The fault lay with him.

  However, the very act of telling her would remove the barrier he’d erected. He was certain she’d keep her distance from him after last night. Lord knew he didn’t seem to have the strength to do it, but now he could rely on her to stay away.

  He had no time for lust. All his energies needed to be focused on resolving the issue of the thieves who besieged Northe Castle and on vengeance. Nothing else.

  “And you, Royce? Are you preoccupied by a woman?”

  Royce looked at Hugh in attempt to discern his meaning. Surely no one had witnessed the kiss he’d shared with Alyna.

  Hugh elbowed him in the side, a sly smile on his face. “I saw the way you watched Lady Alyna at supper. She is lovely, isn’t she?” He looked back at the sparring men. His voice softened as he continued. “It’s as if she has no idea how beautiful she is. There’s something about the way she moves, with a grace that only a true lady has.”

  Royce caught himself nodding in agreement. He looked more closely at Hugh and could see a glint of humor in the man’s expression. His friend had led him down a path to a neatly laid snare he’d nearly stepped into. Two could play at this game. “I didn’t really notice Alyna last eve. But you know who captured my interest?”

  He paused just long enough to make certain he had Hugh’s full attention. “Lady Florence. Did you note her attire?” Royce shook his head as though still in awe. “A mature woman like she, who knows her own mind, would surely know how to please a man.”

  Hugh stared at him in utter disbelief.

  With as much innocence as he could muster, Royce asked, “What?”

  Hugh shook his head. “You, my friend, are a sick, depraved soul.” The large man heaved a sigh. “We need to have a long talk, you and I.” He stalked away, his hand gripping the head of his axe, still shaking his head.

  Royce allowed himself a smile. He’d definitely won that round. He sensed a presence behind him and turned. Alyna’s son stood a few feet away and stared up at him, a perplexed look upon his face.

  Royce glanced around but didn’t s
ee the lad’s mother anywhere. Relieved, he drew near and squatted down to the boy’s level. “Nicholas, what are you doing out here?”

  The boy just continued to look at him.

  “Does your mother know where you are?”

  Solemn, Nicholas shook his head.

  “Then shouldn’t you go inside and find her? She’ll be worried about you.”

  The boy just looked at him, those blue eyes examining him with a scrutiny that most adults didn’t use. “Do you have any rocks?”

  Puzzled, Royce looked at the ground around him, but saw none. “You’re searching for rocks?”

  “A special rock.”

  Royce had spent very little time with children, but he knew Nicholas was no ordinary child. He enjoyed spending time with the boy. Yet he knew the longer Nicholas remained with him, the more likely Alyna would come in search of him.

  “If I promise to look for rocks, will you go inside to your mother?”

  The little boy pondered his suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement. He walked slowly toward the steps of the keep, but paused and looked back at Royce.

  As sure as he breathed, Royce knew Nicholas would remind him of his promise. Royce nodded to reassure him, and Nicholas smiled. The boy trotted up the steps, slipping inside the heavy door as someone came out.

  Royce smiled to himself as he walked back toward the men, scanning the ground for an interesting rock.

  ***

  Alyna dug in the warm damp earth, happy with her progress in the few days since her arrival. Her grandfather had been pleased with her efforts in the great hall. The memory of his reaction made her smile. His eyes had lit with pleasure at the vivid tapestries, and he’d explained that her grandmother had woven them. His appreciation for her small accomplishments was so different from how her father reacted, always making her feel as though what she did was never enough. Her grandfather’s kind words and attentiveness, along with the way he treated her as an equal, had increased her confidence in the short time she’d been here.

  Now if only she could convince him to explain why he’d brought her here. She was beginning to suspect more was going on than what she’d first thought. He’d told her there was no hurry to discuss details, that he was simply enjoying her company. While she appreciated his sentiment, the time was nearing when they needed to have an honest discussion on all fronts.

  Thanks to Charles, the herb garden was taking shape. He’d widened it and turned the soil where he could without disturbing the few plants that grew. After the mid-day meal, she’d put on her oldest kirtle and intended to make the most of the remainder of the afternoon.

  The sky was cloudless, a blue so deep, so bright, that her eyes hurt to look at it. The air was beginning to lose the underlying chill winter had left. Alyna took a moment to enjoy the beauty of the day before focusing on the work before her.

  She cleared out the weeds and found more salvageable herbs than she’d hoped for. Rosemary, sage, and parsley she transplanted to one side of the garden for use as seasonings for the kitchens. She’d met with the cook again to discuss what was needed for meals. The suggestions she’d made for preparation and seasoning of many dishes had been well received and before long, they’d have more herbs to use.

  The ground she now worked would be planted with herbs used for healing and other needs around the castle. Lavender and tansy would be needed to spread on the straw mattresses. They’d need marjoram to use in healing salves for the injuries that were a matter of daily life. The small plot would eventually have to be widened. She had a collection of seeds Enid had brought from Montvue along with some basic supplies and her mother’s journal.

  That book was very helpful, as her mother’s interest and knowledge had ranged far and wide. She’d studied and experimented with herbs for the most effective methods to help others. Alyna only hoped she would one day become as talented at healing as her mother had been.

  She heard the side door of the keep open and looked up from her work, hoping Nicholas had come to visit her.

  Florence.

  They’d had several unpleasant encounters over the last few days and Alyna expected nothing less from this one. The woman was always picking a fight.

  “Well, well. What do we have here?” Florence asked, a condescending smile upon her lips. “The lady of the manor doing a little gardening? How quaint. I see you even donned your peasant attire for the task.”

  “What do you want, Florence?” She continued to weed, not bothering to look at her or stand to address her with courtesy.

  “Why, I want for nothing, Alyna. Haven’t you yet observed that?”

  Alyna’s snort may have been unladylike, but she truly didn’t care.

  Her face tight with anger, Florence said, “Do you think to enter Lord Blackwell’s good graces by cleaning his keep?”

  Alyna stopped weeding. Was it so wrong to want her grandfather to need her?

  Florence continued on, apparently aware she’d hit a nerve. “Servants are for cleaning. Ladies are for beauty and pleasure, but I can see why you try to compensate for your lack of talent in those areas by trying to excel as a steward. Besides, I specifically told you to consult me if you needed any of the servants.”

  Anger drove her upright despite her fear that Florence spoke the truth. “I do not answer to you, Florence. If you don’t care for what I do, discuss it with my grandfather.”

  “Don’t think I won’t.” She took a step closer. “How I pity you. Perhaps someday a man will come along who’s willing to offer for someone with your questionable looks. Of course, with that boy hanging on your skirts, ’tis not likely, is it?”

  As Florence spoke, she carelessly trampled the patch of herbs Alyna had so diligently tended. Her comments had the same effect on Alyna’s emotions as on the tender plants. Alyna was not about to let Florence know that. Her father had often told her she was no beauty. She didn’t need to be reminded of it. And what harm could come from endearing herself to her grandfather with a little hard work? From being helpful and contributing to where she presently lived?

  “Beauty will fade with time, Florence. Surely someone of your own maturity is already noting that fact. Perhaps you should’ve accepted an offer some time ago before the affects of time were so evident.” Alyna warmed to the topic. “Oh, but perhaps you didn’t receive any offers. That would certainly explain your presence in my grandfather’s home. Now get off those plants.”

  From Florence’s gasp of outrage, Alyna was certain her aim had hit its mark.

  With a huff, Florence flounced back into the keep. While Alyna was ashamed of her own behavior, she refused to dwell on it. She hoped Florence had learned she was not an easy target. ’Twas a shame she had no cowslip flowers to calm Florence. It seemed the woman was always in an overexcited state. Alyna bent down to repair the damaged plants as best she could, trying her best to put the unpleasant encounter out of her mind.

  ***

  Royce knocked on the chamber door, reluctant to disturb Lord Blackwell so late at night, but the news he’d received left him no choice. “My lord?” he called out softly, “’tis Royce.”

  After a brief pause, Blackwell answered, “Enter.”

  Royce heard the concern in his lord’s voice. Someone at the door in the middle of the night was never a good thing. He entered the room, closing the door behind him. A lone candle provided meager light and revealed Blackwell as he sat up in the large bed, his brow furrowed with concern. “I’m sorry to disturb you, my lord, but a messenger has arrived.”

  “What news does he have?”

  “Not good I’m afraid. An attempt has been made on Lord Pimbroke’s life.”

  Blackwell closed his eyes. Royce well knew that hearing his liege lord’s life was in danger was disturbing. “He yet lives?”

  “Aye, but it sounds like it was a near miss. The messenger awaits you in the great hall.”

  Blackwell threw back the covers and stood. “We can’t take any chances. If Pimbrok
e is killed, our cause could be lost.”

  “True, but this could be a trap, an attempt to force us to reveal ourselves.”

  “We will proceed with caution, but action must be taken. I’ll leave at once,” said Blackwell as he drew on a tunic and chausses.

  “My lord, I would ask that you let me go in your place. The danger is too high. We can’t risk losing you.”

  Lord Blackwell put his hand on Royce’s shoulder. “I appreciate your concern, but ’tis I who must speak with Pimbroke. He is my liege lord and while this information will be difficult to believe coming from me, coming from you...” He shook his head.

  “It would sound implausible.” Yet Royce was loathe to have Blackwell make a hurried trek in the middle of the night when danger was so near. “Mayhap if I took your seal? Surely he’d believe me then.”

  “Nay, Royce. It’s time for me to tell him what we know, or at the very least, suspect. I must gain his trust in this matter. If I fail to do so, not only will Tegmont keep Larkspur, but others will be in danger as well.”

  Royce was reluctant to agree, but saw Blackwell’s logic.

  “Let’s hear what other details the messenger can provide. The more we know, the stronger our position,” Blackwell said.

  Once again, Royce was grateful he’d found Blackwell. Without his support, Royce would be in no position to challenge his uncle.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “Waybread applied to the skin

  promotes healing of sores and wounds.”

  Lady Catherine’s Herbal Journal

  Alyna sat near the window of her chamber, her eyes focused on the needlework she attempted to complete, her mind focused on anything but.

  A gentle breeze from the open window filled the chamber with fresh spring air and drew her gaze away from her work. If she leaned forward a bit, she could see the men-at-arms and knights who trained outside, their swords and shields flashing in the afternoon sun. The yard rang with the sound of metal striking metal and the men grunting with their efforts, some shouting encouragement, and others shouting reprimands.