“Or spies,” Clarisse corrected. “The ears that she referred to could very well be a set of many.”
“I am thinking that Ester was speaking about Sir Derrik and his men,” Amelie said, nodding.
“But Sir Derrik and Sir Egbert are such charming knights,” her mother protested. “Sir Egbert, especially, has told me the most interesting tales from the royal courts…”
“They do have excellent manners,” Clarisse agreed.
Amelie gave a quick shake to her head. “Excellent manners or charm, there is no disguising the fact that they are snakes. Sir Derrik has taken an interest in me, and watches me like I am to be his next victim.” She got up from her seat and began pacing the small chamber. “Since Mistress May commissioned Ester to deliver the warning to me, I feel that she will have more information about Father.”
Her mother’s eyes glittered hopefully. “Do you really think that the Healer will know where he is?” she asked in a hushed voice.
“Aye,” Amelie said, her voice firm. “The servant was too fearful about revealing anything further. And since I cannot find her, I shall go directly to the source of that warning.” She paused. “Somehow the Healer is linked with Father.”
Clarisse brought a vacant stool over and set it next to Lady Edeline’s chair. “How will you get word to the Healer, and have her come here without Sir Derrik or his men knowing about it?” She sat down upon the stool and looked at her cousin, a quizzical expression on her face.
“I will not need to,” Amelie said. “I will go to her myself.”
Unsurprisingly, a disapproving look appeared on Margery’s countenance, but Amelie turned her back on the nursemaid.
“I need to find a way out of this castle,” Amelie said, moving to look out the small window. “’Tis fortunate that the Healer’s cottage is on the way to Wykeham, so I will have a chance to visit both places.” She bunched her fingers together to form a fist and slammed it down on the window’s ledge. “I grow weary of waiting for Sir Derrik and his men to stop watching us. I wish that they would turn their attention elsewhere.”
“They are only doing their duty, child,” her mother said, massaging her temples.
“Well I do not care for their duties! I fear that there will never be an opportunity for me to leave.” She turned abruptly from the window and looked grimly at the women in the room. “This is why I must take matters in my own hands.”
For a moment a pregnant silence filled the solar.
But it was Clarisse who broke it. “What do you propose to do, Amelie? Is there any way that I can help?” She leaned forward, her voice rose slightly after the second question while her eyes glinted with excitement. “You will have to take me along of course.”
“Nay, I will go with you, my lady,” Margery cut in. She looked at Amelie, a frown on her face. “I don’t like your plan of going to Wykeham by yourself.”
“I agree with Margery, Amelie,” her mother said. “You will need to take your nursemaid and at least one armed escort.”
“As I have said, no one will be going with me,” Amelie said, shaking her head. “I cannot be worrying about other people while I am on this mission. My plan is to return to Stanbury Castle as soon as I can, although I do not know how long it will take to question all the necessary individuals.” She paused. “If anyone asks for my whereabouts, you will tell them that I am ill.”
“But —” Clarisse looked crestfallen.
Amelie raised a hand to stop her cousin from continuing. “You must stay here, Clarisse, otherwise my plan for leaving the castle will fall apart.”
“What of the knights below, my lady?” Margery interrupted. “Have you thought about that? They are keenly scrutinizing us, as you’ve mentioned. I fail to see how you can leave the castle on your own, and avoid their notice.”
Amelie gave her nursemaid a brief smile. “That is where the three of you, along with a few guards, will come in.” The women watched her with bated breaths, waiting for her to continue. “We will create a distraction,” she said dramatically. “And in the ensuing chaos, I will make my escape.”
Chapter 8
Derrik sat with Egbert at one of the trestle tables that the servants had set up to accommodate them. He knew it was inappropriate for him and Egbert to continue sharing the high table with the lord’s family, especially when it was undetermined when the lord would return to the castle. Besides, with this new vantage point, he could better blend in with the environment, and observe the daily routines of the people.
And with Amelie, he was still trying to figure out her habitual movements. When she left in a huff this morning, he was sorely tempted to follow her. But instead he chose to stay and observe Lady Edeline while Egbert questioned her. When it became apparent that Lord Stanbury’s wife had no useful information, he regretted his decision to stay behind. It was too late to catch up with the daughter, and all he could do was wait until she came back. Anticipating a long wait, he was surprised that she returned fairly quickly. But then she disappeared into the private chambers, and stayed there for a good hour before emerging again. This time she, along with her mother and two servants, made their way to the high table where the steward sat, waiting for them.
Luckily, Amelie looked as if she was distracted by some heavy burden, and didn’t notice Derrik observing her. He took the opportunity to study her more closely as she found her place at the trestle table.
When he first arrived at the castle, he expected the lord’s daughter to be old and unappealing. He had heard that she was almost twenty years old and still a maiden. This was a long time for a woman to remain unmarried. Usually there was a lack of funds, or some physical ailment that prevented a man from seeking a woman’s hand in marriage. But with Amelie, he didn’t think that either case applied. The castle was strong and sturdy, which indicated that Lord Stanbury had wealth enough to maintain the structure, and provide his daughter with a generous dowry. And from the moment Derrik saw Amelie standing at the steps, her beauty had taken his breath away. As far as he could tell, there was absolutely nothing wrong with her. She was perfect in every way, from her soft, appealing voice to her small stature.
A curly strand of her hair fell forward, drawing attention to her slender, finely structured countenance. But while the steward spoke, Amelie stared straight ahead at the empty fireplace at the far end of the hall, appearing only to be half listening to the man. After a moment, the steward said something that caught her attention, and she turned her alluring face. Once again Derrik was struck by her large, luminous eyes, small nose and luscious lips. He wondered for a second time why such a beauty was unclaimed.
Suddenly her eyes swung over in his direction, as if she was aware of his perusal. He lifted his tankard of ale and saluted her. Ignoring his gesture, she continued to stare coldly at him before she turned her slender back on him.
Derrik felt the sting of her rejection, but the brief shock quickly left him. He had to laugh and remind himself that he wasn’t here to woo the lady; he was here on a mission. The last thing he wanted or needed was to become tangled with a beautiful temptress. He was here to fulfill his duty and nothing more.
Still, his eyes couldn’t help but to seek her out yet again. She carried herself with an easy grace and confidence that was rare for someone so young. People looked to her for direction, including her own mother. However despite her youth and innocent looks, he was convinced that she hid something. That thought made him feel uneasy. For this reason alone, he couldn’t trust the daughter of Lord Stanbury.
Yet despite his suspicions, he couldn’t entirely fault her. It was clear enough that she resented his presence, although she certainly wasn’t remiss in hosting him and his men. This was done with a cool efficiency that rivaled the manners of the ladies at the Royal Palace. Amelie had called for a servant to serve them food and ale whenever they wished. He was even given a private bedchamber. No doubt, every comfort was provided for them.
“I recall that Lady Amelie ne
ver blinked when you mentioned treason,” Egbert said, as he watched the maiden speak with the steward. “And ‘twas only later we discovered that she already knew of the charge.”
“I wasn’t aware that the Lord High Steward had informed them about the charge,” Derrik said, nodding.
“Wasn’t this information supposed to be kept secret?” Egbert scratched his beard and his lips twisted thoughtfully while he mulled over Derrik’s words.
“Apparently the Lord High Steward altered his mind.”
“Does this change anything for us?”
“Nay,” Derrik shook his head. “We will continue as planned.”
His eyes fell onto Lady Edeline. She seemed a frail, older facsimile of Amelie. The wimple she wore accentuated the dark shadows beneath her tired eyes, causing her entire face to have a yellow and sickly appearance. Yet despite the unhealthy pallor, her face hinted of a great beauty that was now faded.
“I don’t believe that Lady Edeline knows of anything,” Egbert said as he glanced at the older woman. “You saw how my questions exhausted her. She defers all management and responsibilities of the castle to her daughter.”
“I suspected as much.” Derrik took a drink of ale, and he looked over at Amelie, studying her. “’Tis the daughter who I don’t trust. She has a conniving air about her, and I sense that she is up to something.”
“Shall we interrogate her?”
“I doubt that she would reveal anything even if we question her. Nay, I will keep a close eye on that one. And when she makes her move, I will be ready.” He set his tankard down on the trestle table. “Do you have anything to report, Egbert?”
“Aye,” he said, nodding. “The garrison commander approached me earlier, requesting that I meet with him at the barracks tomorrow. Apparently he has something to show me.”
“’Tis about time he helps us.” Derrik drew his brows together. “But why wait until tomorrow?”
“I don’t know,” Egbert said, frowning. “The man won’t tell me what ‘tis that he wants to show me. He’s quite secretive actually, and I don’t know if I should trust him.”
“Then perhaps you should take two men with you. Any lead that we have at this point might take us to Lord Stanbury. I feel that they will make their move soon. In the mean time, disperse the men throughout the castle, and have them continue to watch for any suspicious activities.”
Egbert swung his legs over the bench and stood up. “I shall do as you ask, sire, and will report back within the next four hours.”
Derrik watched his friend gather the five king’s men, and then, unable to help it, his eyes were once again fell on the maiden. Amelie, meanwhile, looked up from speaking with the steward, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed the royal knights. Then as if she realized that Derrik wasn’t among them, her gaze swung over at his direction. It was at that moment that he felt the air being knocked out from his lungs.
Even with her frowning at him, he had never witnessed such vibrant loveliness. She had an elliptical face with big brown eyes that were framed by perfectly arched eyebrows. Her nose was straight and her lips were full and soft. Her finely boned features were surrounded by smooth, unblemished skin. The dark blue gown that she wore displayed a long, graceful neck, and the square neckline of her bodice hinted at the generous curves beneath the fabric. He mentally berated himself for making cow eyes at the attractive noblewoman. It wasn’t like he had never seen a fair maiden before.
He inclined his head and gave her a mocking grin, a grin that was really aimed at himself. But she bristled at whatever she read in his expression. Abruptly, she ended her interview with the steward. With her head high in the air, she then marched out of the hall toward the private apartments, her small entourage trailing closely behind her.
Derrik smiled ruefully at her back. It was clear that she despised him. Either that or she thought he was the ugliest man in the kingdom and couldn’t stand the sight of him. That last thought stung a little, but it was fortunate that he had enough admiring glances from women to soothe his overly sensitive ego.
He knew that if Amelie was given a choice, she would get rid of him in an instant. The smile faded from his lips. Unfortunately for her, he wasn’t going anywhere until his assignment was completed to his satisfaction.
***
The next morning, Derrik found that his resolve wasn’t as strong. His men had nothing new to report, and the ladies of the castle had stayed out of sight, holed up in their solar.
He had one of the servants bring him a plain woolen tunic, which he now wore in place of the king issued attire. It was a good decision on his part, because not only did the simple tunic allow him better movement, it also caused the servants to stop staring at him whenever they passed him in their chores.
He should’ve been glad for this new invisibility, except all he could do was watch the mundane actions of the servants and men-at-arms as they worked, or stood idly talking to one another. Derrik’s men weren’t due to report back to him again for another three hours. Unfortunately he couldn’t very well leave his post. Amelie was unpredictable. If she happened to leave the solar while he searched for a replacement, he would never find her.
Letting out an irritated breath, he settled back on to the hard bench. He watched absentmindedly as the servants readied the trestle tables for dinner. But his interest perked slightly when two men-at-arms in one corner of the hall engaged in a heated exchange. As a third guard came running up to them to help break up the fight, Derrik suddenly became aware of a small figure moving quickly along the wall, a hood pulled low over her head.
In her haste, she stumbled on her feet and got up quickly, her head turning every which way. He almost laughed out loud. Even a simpleton could determine who was underneath that cloak.
The fight between the two guards escalated into a shoving and shouting match, causing the servants to stop in their tasks and gape at the commotion. It was just too obvious. Clearly, the scuffle was meant to distract him from seeing the cloaked individual who was now hurriedly making her way toward the main exit.
Following behind the figure, he saw that she met briefly with a guard before slipping into the stable. A few seconds later, the woman rode out of the stable on a spotted palfrey, moving swiftly across the courtyard.
He frowned. Something was not right. Amelie knew that he was keeping an eye on her. Somehow this attempt to escape seemed too conspicuous, too contrived. Still, he couldn’t allow the figure to disappear in case it really was Amelie trying to flee from the castle. His courser was fast, and if he left now, he would have no trouble catching up to her.
Derrik moved quickly to secure his horse and was already coming out of the stable when he heard a second palfrey behind him. Slowing his horse, he watched as the rider hurtled past him, swerving around a frightened servant who was unlucky enough to be in her path.
It was too coincidental that two small riders were leaving the castle within minutes of each other. Unfortunately he didn’t have the time to locate and order his men to follow both fugitives. Right now, he had to decide which rider to follow — the figure on the spotted horse or the one on the brown steed.
But God must have taken pity on him, because at his moment of hesitation, a strong gust of wind blew and pushed off the hood of the second rider. He caught a glimpse of glossy chestnut colored hair before the hood was quickly secured in place. Amelie. There was no mistaking that shiny hair. He cursed under his breath and urged his horse forward.
Crossing over the drawbridge, he saw that the two figures had gone in opposite directions. Amelie was going to lead him to Lord Stanbury. He was sure of it. Veering hard to the left, he followed the rider on the brown palfrey.
Chapter 9
Amelie slowed the palfrey when she came to a clearing and saw the Healer’s cottage up ahead. Until now, she never had the occasion to visit the Healer at her home. It wasn’t hard to find, but she felt assured that the cottage was where Margery said it would be.
The trees were cleared from about ten feet of the stone structure, allowing the sun and the rain to cut through. The cottage itself was tidy and small — small even from a villager’s standpoint. The stone foundation, Amelie knew, was not a typical cottage construction; a house was usually built on a wooden frame, unless the owner had some wealth. Obviously the Healer was doing well enough to afford such luxuries.
The wide path leading up to the door, smoothed and trodden down by countless feet, contrasted starkly with the wild grass that grew on either side of it. There was a bundle of logs and thick branches leaning against the side wall to dry. More wood was stacked neatly just outside the door. Off to the right, approximately three feet from the cottage, sat a rather large, well-tended herb garden. It was almost twice the size of the cottage, and was surrounded by an interwoven fence made of twigs, branches and rope.
The wind rustled the leaves above and carried over the sharp smells from the garden. She detected the familiar scent of thyme and basil, although she noted some other odd, unfamiliar and unpleasant smells. The pink, yellow and white flowering plants pushed past the openings in the fence, and faint buzzing sounded in their blossoms. The bees, it seemed, were unable to resist the colorful blooms even though the threat of rain hung heavily in the air. If she had come upon this site on her own, she might have enjoyed the lovely, idyllic view. Except she was all too aware that no smoke rose out from the hole in the thatched roof.
Pulling at the reins, Amelie stopped her horse within several feet from the door. She slipped off the palfrey and quickly secured the steed to a fence post. When she approached the cottage entrance, she saw that it was slightly ajar. Her eyes scanned the threshold and she frowned in puzzlement when she noticed the five dried bundles of sage nailed to the top of the door frame. She knew that the villagers often hung sage inside their homes to drive away evil, but why would the Healer feel a need to hang them outside? What evilness did the Healer fear, and why did she need to use five bundles of sage when one was usually enough?
A Knight's Duty (The Knights of Honor Trilogy, Book 2) Page 5
