A Stormy Knight

by Amy Mullen

  If only there was something she could do. She could ease the burden on him, and he might start to smile. They would no longer live in fear, and Isabel would be free to enjoy her childhood. Everyone was tense and melancholy. It was driving her mad.

  Something had to be done. She pondered her situation and realized she could not think when men-at-arms were always just a step behind. What she needed was some space. Sitting in the garden was not enough. Instead, she longed for the fields outside the gates away from prying eyes and from constant scrutiny. She was tired of feeling like a prisoner in her own home. A ride would help her clear her head. It could help her come up with a solution to this stalemate.

  She decided to take her badly neglected horse for a ride. The only place she could get any peace was outside the castle walls. She would not go far. The lands were familiar, and she could come and go safely. Lady was a fast horse, and if she encountered trouble, she would just come home.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Gemma peeked out into the bailey through the door. She was looking to see where Nicholas had gone and if he was distracted enough so she might slip out. He was atop the south tower that overlooked the River Thames and the River Lea at the point, which was to her good fortune. That meant she could slip out through the main gatehouse and be gone before he could stop her. It would just take some sweet talking on her part.

  Where to go was no problem, as she knew the area well. As if all were normal, she would get her horse and convince his men to let her out. She would take one of them with her, or they would never open the gate, but she was sure she could lose him in the woods. Nicholas's man was a stranger here, and she knew the lands well. As long as he stayed occupied, her plan would work. She would get some quiet time on horseback, gain new understanding and maybe something she had overlooked would come to her, and then they could look toward a solution and, finally, some peace.

  Moving quickly, she threw a sweet smile back at the man in charge of following her for her safety. His name was Matthew. He nodded and moved across the grass. Glancing up to where Nicholas had been, she saw he was still engaged in conversation and did not notice her. Moving toward the stables, she calculated her plan in her mind. She knew how to saddle her own horse, which was what she intended to do. Matthew stopped her.

  "Where are you going, milady? Is your husband aware of your activities?" he said politely but with a worried frown marring his young face.

  "Oh, he will not mind. You can come with me and keep me safe. You are such a strong, young man. There is no need to worry Nicholas. I only wish to go for a short ride," she said.

  Matthew shifted from foot to foot. He was dressed in his mail and was fully armed. She knew this would be to her advantage. She searched for signs he might be weakening.

  "But, milady, 'tis almost dark. Surely you can ride with your husband on the morrow?" He was already wavering, and she knew it.

  "I love this time of day. 'Tis the best time for a ride. Surely I will be safe with you," she said, as she deftly saddled her horse. The horse was prancing in her stall as if she too wanted to get out and find the answers. "We'll not go far from the castle."

  "Wait then so I may mount my destrier. 'Twill be but a moment," he said in resignation as he gave in and marched through to the other side of the stables. Gemma held her breath as she watched him, hoping he was not leaving to alert Nicholas. Much to her relief, he was tending to his horse. She was almost home free.

  They mounted and rode down along the outer curtain wall under the watchful eye of the men-at-arms atop the wall on patrol. They did not stop them. Gemma had hoped they would assume all was well because she was not alone. So far, that had worked, but she was getting nervous as they neared the gate.

  Much to her relief, the gate opened so they could go. She crossed the drawbridge and pressed her horse into a trot Matthew could easily keep up with. She reminded herself he was in Nicholas's service, which meant he was an expert horseman. Though she could not outrun him, she could out think him.

  They went into the woods, which were not entirely dark thanks to the nearly full moon that hung low in the sky. She would not feel comfortable until she was alone. The troubles were all within the castle walls, she reasoned, not out in the fields. If she could just be alone, she could think clearly.

  As soon as they were out of sight of the castle, she heard a commotion behind her. Nicholas had been told of her nighttime ride. It was now or never. She urged the horse into a gallop and took off like a shot. She wove around the trees on a path only she knew, and she lost Matthew within a matter of minutes. He called to her, and she felt a twinge of guilt, but she could not stop now. An hour of freedom was worth it.

  Her long hair whipped behind her, and she cursed herself for not braiding it before she took off. The kirtle she was wearing was long and exceptionally tight around her ribs, which was not the best outfit for riding, but she had not had time to plan. She came out into a field, washed in moonlight, and listened for the river. Slowing, she glanced behind her. Nothing.

  One of her favorite spots was where the River Lea was shallow enough to cross. It was the main route to get to Renoir Castle. There were times in the year crossing was not possible, but due to the lack of rain as of late, she knew it would be low, and she could get to her favorite spot on the other side of the river. She pressed her horse on and flew across the field, hoping against hope Nicholas was not behind her.

  When she reached the river, she saw what she was expecting. The water was low enough so she could cross. She was still on her father's land, and surely no one else would be out here. It was dark and she was alone, just as she had wished. It was just a few hundred feet more until she came upon the small clearing surrounded by willow and ash trees where she loved to go as a child.

  She slowed substantially as she crossed the waters of the River Lea, and she stopped for a moment underneath the copse of trees on the other bank. For a moment, she paused to enjoy the beauty of her lands. It was quiet there, as if no harm could ever come. England was finally enjoying some tranquility, and she wanted the same for herself.

  Gemma tracked back to the edge of the water and let her horse drink. It was good to be in the saddle again. She had always ridden astride like her father, simply because he taught her to do so. He said in troubled times it was the only way a person should ride. Riding side saddle meant a lady could fall off a horse if being pursued.

  She steered Lady toward the hedgerow in order to continue but held tight. Staying as still as she could, she listened, but she heard nothing other than the typical night sounds to which she was accustomed. Urging her horse on, she broke into a full gallop once she was sure she was still alone. If something was out there, she did not want that something to catch her. She was terrified right down to her toes, but she pressed on.

  Gemma urged Lady in the direction of the clearing when she was suddenly aware she was not alone. Five men on horseback come upon her, moving quickly. They surrounded her, and she had no choice but to stop. For a moment she hoped it was her own men that stopped her, but it was not so. These men were strangers, which meant she had just made a grave mistake.

  "What are you doing on my father's land?" she demanded.

  "Lady Gemma," said one of the men. "You are close to Bigod land. What are you doing out here?"

  "I just wanted a ride," she stated, trying to sound as brave as she could. "Now if you will let me pass, I shall ride home."

  "Nay, lady. You'll come with us. I think mayhap the Bigod family would be pleased to see you came all this way just to pay them a visit."

  "I was doing no such thing. My husband is right behind me. You put your life in danger. Let me be," she said, her voice faltering.

  Before she could say another word, one of the biggest men grabbed her, plopped her in front of him on his horse, and galloped off, leaving the rest of them to follow, bringing her horse with them.

  As they neared the castle, she could see the Bigod men-at-arms arms rushing the
gate. A horn sounded, which meant Hugh Bigod would be notified something was amiss outside the castle gates.

  "Milord!" one of the men shouted as Gemma twisted to get away. She would run all the way back to Blackstone if she could get away, even if it took her three days.

  "Who do you have there? A thief from the woods?" a gruff voice volleyed off the rocks around her, magnifying the voice with a strange echo. It was Hugh Bigod, lord of Renoir Castle.

  "'Tis a wildcat, milord," the man said. Another of the men-at-arms came to remove her from the horse. He pulled his sword and told her to stand still. He looped the reins of her horse loosely around a nearby post, waiting for their lord to give a command as to what to do with her.

  She gulped. She had not thought this idea of hers through. "'Tis Gemma de Vere. Let me return to my home, and you shall be left in peace."

  She heard nothing more but saw men moving about. The gate did not lift. She stood where she was. Lady was almost within arm's reach. As she shook, the full realization of how stupid this was hit her in the stomach. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and she considered making a move toward her horse when Hugh spoke again.

  "Why are you on my land, girl? Have you not already cost us enough? Phillip is gone. You have no business here."

  "I only wish to go home," she said as loudly and as confidently as she could. "I was out for some air when your brutes grabbed me and brought me here against my will."

  "Hold her there. I shall be right out," the voice hollered back.

  Gemma waited; all the while she wanted to turn, jump on Lady, and ride like mad back to her home. She had been foolish to go out alone. She naively believed she would be safe on her father's land if she was not gone long. Now, Lord Bigod was riding toward her. The gate had lifted, and he and about ten of his men came through, all on horseback. Hugh was a bulky man with spindly legs like his son. His hair was gray now, but stuck out in all directions just like Phillip's had.

  Hugh seemed more powerful than Phillip though, which made her again curse herself for doing something so foolish.

  "What say you," he demanded as he pulled up in front of her. "Have you come to finish my family off? Why are you out at night? Poor Phillip may hang, and you have the fortitude to step foot on my land!"

  "I was on my father's land when these knaves blocked my path and tossed me about like a bag of grain," Gemma said with more bravado than she was feeling.

  Hugh snorted. "Girl, you are a fool, and so is your husband. Why has he let you ride alone? Or does he not want you now that my Phillip has had a taste of ye?"

  The full gravity of her situation was now clear. He could do anything he wanted to her, and Nicholas would never know where she was. Maybe he was out looking for her now. If she kept Hugh talking it might stall him long enough so he would find her. Surely he would look here first after Matthew came back without her.

  "I want to know if your family told a tale about the de Reymeses. That they were opposing Stephen by aiding Matilda," Gemma said, in an effort to keep him talking.

  Hugh stared straight at her without blinking. "And so what of it? Phillip would have been a good match for you, and I wanted your father's coin in dowry. 'Twas simple enough, asking for your hand and making a deal too good for your father to pass up. Funny thing, however, your father was not interested in fortune. He said you were free to do as you please. You must have been a ruined woman for your father to say such a thing."

  "You destroyed a family for your own gain," she spit out, no longer trying to be docile and ignoring his barb toward her.

  "So what?" he snickered. "It means nothing now."

  "It means something to us," she replied. "Nicholas may kill you after I tell him what you did."

  "He will not know, because you are not going home. Did you think you could safely face me after sending my son away to that blackguard, Henry? Nay, you will not leave this place again. Let your cur of a husband come, and I shall see him dead. You will serve in my castle and I will take from you what Phillip failed to get. No one will miss you, nor would they know where to find you if they did."

  "Nay," she whimpered, now too terrified to form a retort.

  "Aye," Hugh said. "And you can meet my guests. You may have just made their lives a bit easier indeed."

  She had no idea what he meant, but she did not want to hear any more. Fear drove her as she frantically searched for a way to get away from Hugh and his men so she could be free. Lady was not close enough and there were just too many men around her.

  "Bring her in," Bigod commanded.

  Before she could move, she was surrounded by more soldiers. They did not look pleased at their task, but they did it with great discipline. The men were moving in, and in a panic, she realized there was no way for her to break free. Lady was a fast horse, but that did her no good now, even if she could get to her. As they drew swords behind her, the men on the wall drew back arrows. She was beaten, and it was her own doing.

  An arrow whizzed by and one of Bigod's men tottered for a moment and then slammed to the ground with a resounding thud. Chaos ensued as every man moved to give chase. Another arrow whizzed by, and Gemma started to panic as it bounced off the mail of another of Bigod's men. In the confusion, she managed to reach Lady and move into the trees to her left. She mounted her nervous horse and backed away from the bedlam, seeking cover under the trees.

  The noise sounded like thunder, but in reality, it was a group of twenty or thirty men on horseback. They were dressed in full battle gear, and had it not been for Nicholas's destrier, she would not have known who they were. Hugh's horse reared back as swords were drawn and combat began. Gemma had witnessed many things in her life, but she had never been this close to a battle, nor had she ever loved a man involved in it.

  Her heart was beating rapidly, thumping against her chest as she sent up a prayer her foolishness did not get Nicholas killed. She screamed as her husband charged Hugh and missed. He guided his destrier around quickly and lunged in his direction again. This time, Hugh's horse reared back enough that Hugh hit the ground. Nicholas was on top of him within seconds, his sword to his neck.

  With a roar, he lifted his sword. It seemed everyone froze at the ungodly sound. Gemma glanced around. All eyes were on Hugh and Nicholas. Hugh's men were outnumbered and they knew it, but they were almost in range of the arrow loops of the castle wall. If more of Hugh's men came to his aid, they would be finished.

  "I got rid of you seven years ago!" Hugh declared as he glared up at Nicholas from the cracked dirt beneath him.

  Gemma could not see his face, but she could almost feel him wincing as the lord of Renoir Castle sputtered beneath him.

  "You did not get rid of me. You only sealed your own fate, knave," Nicholas spat. She cringed at the venom in his voice. Her husband lifted his free hand and removed his helmet. She could see the hatred in his eyes, and she almost felt sorry for High Bigod.

  Gemma heard moaning while Nicholas continued to stare Hugh down. Neither of them moved. She could see an arrow sticking out of the leg of one of Nicholas's men. He was doing his best to stay atop his horse, but he was losing the battle.

  Nicholas heard the moan too, and he stabbed his sword toward Hugh, missing his face by mere inches. The sword drove into the earth. He stood back, his legs spread wide, eying those around him carefully.

  "The next time I will not miss."

  Hugh choked and was visibly shaken. He stayed still, staring up at the knight who spared his life.

  "You will get up, and you will walk back into your castle as the coward you are. You will stay there and await what Henry may do to you. If I see you near my wife or our lands, I will kill you. If you do not heed me, you will learn I do not make idle threats. You have nothing for me, and the world would be at no loss without you in it." He pulled his sword from the ground and stepped back so the elder man could rise.

  Hugh did so, but slowly, without taking his eyes off of Nicholas. His men backed away, and he rose an
d lumbered slowly toward the castle. His horse was gone. The soldiers watched Nicholas but made no move toward him. He waved a hand, and they moved together toward the gate.

  "Gemma!" Nicholas demanded. "Move back with my men and do not do anything until I tell you to."

  She did as she was told, scared of what he was going to do to punish her for what she had just done. The injured man was unconscious and lying over the lap of one of the other men. Nicholas mounted his horse and gave a command she did not understand. He rode over, grabbed her from her horse with one arm, and planted her in front of him on his. Tossing Lady's reins to another of his men, he took off with her.

  As they galloped off over a small knoll and through a field, he did not look back. Gemma was shaking so hard she feared she would fall from his horse, but his strong arm held her tight against him, safe from harm. She could hear the horses of their men behind them.

  "You are a fool!" he said in her ear as they rode hard back toward Blackstone Castle. "If you pull this again, I shall have you whipped!"

  She did not know if he meant it, but she was sure she would never be so foolish as to put it to the test. They rode in silence, and she did not breathe easy again until they crossed the moat into safety. Bigod's men had not followed them.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Nicholas did not yell at her as she feared. He deposited her in the outer bailey and rode off to the stable without another word. He did not tend to his own horse. Instead, he carefully took his injured man into his arms. He carried his limp body through the inner bailey toward the chapel.

  "Father Darius," he bellowed as he kicked the door with his foot. Within minutes, the priest emerged with a candle to find him standing there with a soldier in his arms. Gemma could not hear what was said, but Nicholas entered. She had nothing to do but go up to bed. Facing her husband right now would be a disaster, so she shuffled slowly through the bailey to the stables. She tended to Lady and then was escorted back to the keep.