The architect. What was his name again? He was drawing up plans for the new chapel. The village man who would take over as priest was working with him. Charlotte thought the young man was nice and would be a good addition.
Father Riley had been busy making plans for his bees. She didn’t know if they were overly ambitious or not. But given what he was calculating, they would have a great deal of honey, and of course the mead. She loved honey and could think of all kinds of uses for it.
At dinner that night, she looked at all the people crowded into the hall and smiled. While things might be pretty bad outside, she was grateful for the sense of closeness and community.
Charlotte looked around the hall, trying to view her home through the eyes of a stranger. So many people thought medieval times were terribly stinky and dirty. And yes, there were a lot of people who didn’t bathe frequently, and she’d heard stories of filthy halls and homes. But Ravenskirk was lovely.
The great hall had whitewashed walls, some painted with scenes of animals, flowers, and, of course, battle scenes. There were tapestries on the walls featuring bees, butterflies, flowers, and animals. The floors were covered with patterned tiles. There were white tablecloths on the trestle tables, with ceramic wine jugs and ale flagons up and down all the tables. The table where they sat had cushions on the benches, a silver salt cellar, and beautifully enameled silver drinking cups. And the clothing. The embroidery was amazing. The cost would be astronomical in her time, and she constantly admired the designs on her dresses. The girls and women with the ability to do such work blew her away.
“It’s funny, when I thought about traveling through time, I thought I’d have to sleep on a lumpy straw mattress.” Charlotte ran her hands over the bed. “Instead we have straw but a feather mattress on top. Linen sheets, feather pillows, woolen blankets, and a beautifully embroidered bedspread. I feel like a queen.”
Henry snorted. “The king and the queen have much fancier linens than we.”
“I bet they have a fancier garderobe too.”
“Ours is as good. The seats are covered with cloth; the waste falls down the chute into a barrel, which is emptied into the pit. We have plenty of wool and linen to wipe, along with a jug of water to wash when done. What more could you ask for?”
His eyes twinkled and he picked her up, spinning her around.
“Oh yes, your wonderfully hot showers. Endless hot water. You turn a knob and it comes out at your command. I would love to see such marvels.”
A knock sounded. “Apologies. There is a matter requiring your attention.” Chester had a scowl on his face. This couldn’t be good.
“I will be back soon, wife.”
Henry followed the man out into the hallway. “What is amiss?”
“Three men were captured coming out of the floor of the chapel near the altar. Did you know there is a passage underneath the chapel?”
Henry shook his head. He had never heard tell of passages in the castle.
“I sent two men down. The passage runs the length of the castle, almost like another floor. We found two more men. They died fighting.”
“Have we questioned them?”
“Aye. It seems Timothy is back. He told them if they waited until the changing of the guard in the middle of the night when the man were tired, they could slip into the water and they would find an old gate at the northwest corner. It would be unlocked and they could gain entrance to the passage underneath the castle.”
Henry swore viciously. “It seems we have a traitor within, for someone would’ve had to unlock the gate. Show me.”
He followed the man outside to the chapel. At the altar stone, the man felt around, and Henry watched as he reached underneath the lip of the altar. He heard a click and a stone opened in the floor. There were stairs leading down. He could see the light. Someone had already put torches along the walls to light the way.
Part of him was excited. There would be more storage room in case of a longer siege. He could move all of the spirits down here. He would also have to make sure the gate was constantly guarded. He didn’t want to close it up; it could prove useful as an escape route.
They explored the passageway and the rooms but found no trace of anyone else.
“How many men came with them?”
“Seven, my lord, including Timothy.”
“So we’re missing Timothy and likely a guard with him. Damn the man for returning.”
While Henry had never counted Timothy as a friend, he thought the woman’s prophecy rang true. For Henry had allowed the man to live in his home, treated him as one of his own. This latest betrayal should not have come as a surprise, yet it cut deeply. Chester led him to what looked like a pool of water. Henry could see steps leading down.
“At the bottom is the gate.” He pointed to a ring of heavy keys on the wall. “These were in the lock on the gate.” Chester nodded to the man standing at attention.
“We will keep the gate guarded at all times, my lord.”
Henry had a bad feeling. “What is he plotting? Timothy could not replace the bridge on his own.”
Chester looked grim. “He could kill the man at the gate while everyone is asleep, allowing men to swim over. They could then enter and put the new bridge in place.”
Henry swore again. “Kill the remaining men you captured and throw their bodies over the wall. Then take four or five men and search the castle. Do not alarm the people. I do not want Timothy to know we are coming for him.”
The man nodded, a grim look on his face. Henry made his way back. Pressing under the lip of the altar again closed it and opened the stone. It was clever, and he wanted to examine it further when everything was over. The chapel was quite old. Henry wondered about the man who built it.
As he made his way up the stairs back toward his chamber, he heard a scream. It was Charlotte. He took the remaining steps two at a time, bursting into the room.
She stood over a man covered in muck. Henry caught the smell and started to gag. The man must have climbed up through the chute in the garderobe.
“Are you injured?”
Her hand was shaking, and she looked furious. “I’m fine. I went into the garderobe and heard a noise. You cannot imagine how surprised I was to see a man appear out of the stone seat.” She burst into hysterical laughter.
“He had the fabric ring around his neck. It looked like it was stuck. He smelled so bad and looked like some kind of monster out of a bad horror movie. I think I stood there for a minute before I realized it was real.”
Henry had left his wife unguarded. He would never make the same mistake again.
“I took the pitcher and smashed him over the head. He started to get up and I took your sword—you have no idea how freaking heavy that thing is. I lifted it over my head and stabbed him with it. Right where they showed me. He made a funny noise and hasn’t moved since.”
Her teeth started to chatter. “I’ve never killed a man before. Well, except for the man who tried to kill me when I ran him off the road. But that was different; his car went over the cliff. He didn’t actually die by my hand, and not up close. It’s different when they’re close,” she whispered.
Aye, it was. Henry was full of sorrow that she now knew this truth for herself. Charlotte trembled, pale as her chemise. Henry bellowed for Liam then picked his wife up, holding her tight. If he had lost her…
“Have this mess cleaned up. Tell Chester we found the sixth man. And have spiced wine sent up for Charlotte.”
He rocked her back and forth, mumbling into her hair. She sniffed and wiped her nose, looking up at him. The corners of her mouth twitched, and she started laughing again then hiccuping.
“Can you imagine if I had sat down when he came up from the toilet?” She laughed and wept at the same time.
Not knowing what to do, Henry stroked her back, speaking softly. The more he thought about what she said, the more he tried not to laugh. Charlotte saw him and touched the corner of his mouth.
> “Go ahead. It is rather funny.”
Henry threw back his head and laughed. He could imagine going to take a piss and finding you weren’t alone.
“I don’t think I’ll ever sit down again without checking first,” she said, and they both dissolved into hysterics.
Chapter Forty
Breakfast the next morning was porridge, cheese, bread, and ale. After she’d gotten over her hysterics, Henry told her what had transpired. Charlotte jumped at every noise, picturing Timothy coming for her. She knew how much he hated her, and was afraid it was personal. What was with men trying to kill her?
Charlotte was discussing the meals for the rest of the day when the entire castle shook, the sound deafening. As she stood there trying to make sense of what was happening, Royce came running into the kitchens.
“My lady, the west wall has fallen. I am to take you to your chamber.”
She’d been trying to prepare for this. In fact, Charlotte thought she would fall to pieces when the wall fell. Instead she found a strange calm settled over her.
“Mrs. Benton, have all the women and children bolt themselves in the solar and the chambers.” She followed the man up to the chamber.
“Two men will be posted outside the door. Henry will be here shortly.”
The waiting was the worst. Charlotte could see what was happening from the window. And she worried Lord Hallsey would send the bulk of his men across the moat and through the gap in the wall. Were the other walls still under guard? What about the front gate? If they found a way to replace the bridge, all would be lost.
Henry said they would likely bring planks with them to make their own bridge, though she knew Henry would set fire to theirs before letting them make use of it. With no one at the top of the wall to shoot at them, they would have plenty of time. Just as she’d made up her mind to go down and make sure the gates were being guarded, the door opened. Henry strode in and she ran to him, throwing herself in his arms.
“How bad is it?”
Henry’s face was grave. “The wall has fallen. Timothy had men loyal to him guarding the wall. During the night, they put up a makeshift bridge.” He wiped his brow, and she could see blood spattered across his tunic.
“We are overrun. All is lost.” He took her in his arms, kissing her as if it was the last time they would ever see each other.
Charlotte’s heart shattered.
“Lock yourself in the chamber. If I die, remember you are the lady of the castle. Lady Ravenskirk.”
“Don’t say such things. It’s going to be fine. Won’t the army be here soon?”
“They have not arrived, and I fear ’tis too late. When it’s over, only then unbar the door and come out. Demand to be taken to the king. They will not harm you. Not even Lord Hallsey would be so bold. My brothers will come to court to aid you. I am certain your sister’s husband’s will as well. You will not die.”
“Please don’t say such things. It’s taken me my whole life to find you. I can’t lose you now.”
“I will find you in the next life.” Henry turned to go. Charlotte grabbed him, afraid if he walked out the door she’d never see him again.
“Stay with me awhile?”
“Aye, my love.” He stroked her hair. “If I ever find the old woman in the wood again, in this life or the next, I will thank her. She was right about everything. While I would not call Timothy friend, the men who turned against me to fight with him were my men.”
Charlotte felt hope bloom in her heart. “But she also said when you see nothing but darkness ahead, look to the east. We have to believe the armies will reach us in time.”
Henry shook his head. “I think it’s the only thing she was wrong about. You have not been outside; you have not seen—so much death. I could not protect my people. My men. I will give my last breath to protect you.”
“You did everything possible to protect us all. I can’t believe it will end like this. Not after I’ve come so far.”
“I would give all that I have for one more day with you. I swear to you, Charlotte, I will wait for you in the next life. I will watch over you and find a way to send you a sign.”
He trailed kisses over her face. “For I know there is more to this life than we can see. And that gives me hope. I will love you even through death.”
Henry finished dressing. “I have tarried long enough. I cannot leave the men to fight without me.” He held her tight.
“Swear to me you will lock the door when I leave. Remember what I told you.”
Charlotte let the tears fall, unable to stop them. She couldn’t accept that she would have so little time with Henry. Came all this way, found out her sisters were here, and were on their way, only to have everything ripped away. She didn’t believe Henry. Every action Lord Hallsey had taken against him told her he would kill her—if he didn’t do something worse. She had to accept she might die without seeing her sisters again. But at least she knew they had made a life here. And she hoped with all her heart they had found happiness and love, as she had.
As Henry walked to the door, he paused. He crossed the room in three strides and pulled her close, raining kisses on her face.
“Now that you know what will happen, if you had the choice, would you have remained in the future?”
She wept as she tried to get the words out.
“Every choice I made has led me to you. I would make every single choice again even knowing today may be our last day on this earth. I love you with all my heart and soul.”
She looked her amazing husband in the eye. “Now go out there and kill as many of them as you can.”
Chapter Forty-One
Charlotte didn’t sleep at all that night. She remained at the window, only turning away to eat and drink when food was brought to her. The interior of the castle had not yet been breached. The men guarding her grew graver and graver every time she opened the door. She urged them to leave, to go out and help Henry. To fight. But the man shook his head.
“Nay, lady. I am charged with protecting you, and I will do so to the last breath.”
The fighting being over for the night brought the sounds of men dying to the chamber. Charlotte could hear women crying—and the smell. The smell was unbearable. She knew they were burning the dead so infection wouldn’t spread. It was a horrific scene out of a movie, only it wasn’t a movie. It was her life.
Charlotte must’ve fallen asleep, for when she woke it was dawn. And the sounds of battle filled the air. By the way the sun looked, she judged it to be midmorning when she heard a different sound. It sent her running to the window. In the distance she saw bright colors. And Charlotte started screaming. Jumping up and down. The door opened and the men rushed in.
“What is amiss, lady?”
The younger man had a hand on the hilt of his sword. “We heard you screaming.”
She pointed to the window. “Look! The army is here.”
Both men looked out the window, and she felt the change in the air. She’d never believed you could feel help, but she swore she could.
“Go. Find Henry and fight with him. The tide has turned and we will prevail.”
They hesitated. Charlotte pleaded, “I beseech you to go and fight with Henry. Do not let my husband die. Protect him. This is my order as your lady.”
Finally they gave her a stiff nod as they left the room. She barred the door behind them and waited. She washed and changed clothes and made a list in her head. There would be bandages, hot water, and herbs needed for the injured. Not to mention the aftermath and cleanup. But she wouldn’t complain. Because it would mean she were still alive.
Please keep Henry safe.
She could hear the change in the sounds of battle. And looking out the window, she was in awe of the number of men she saw.
The battle raged. Charlotte paced. Every once in a while she caught a glimpse of Henry. He seemed to be covered from head to toe in blood and muck, and she hoped he was unharmed. She felt helpless here in the tower
but knew he would worry about her if she came down. And she didn’t want anything to distract him. He needed his full wits about him. To be completely focused on winning.
There was a pounding at the door. “Who’s there?”
“I am to tell you Mellie says hello.” The voice sounded puzzled as it relayed the message. But Charlotte grinned as she opened the door.
“Oh, it’s you.”
In front of her stood the piper. The same piper she had seen when she was with the history buffs and in London. The same man whose voice she’d heard when the man chasing her tried to kill her. She swore he’d saved her life.
“My lady, we have not met. I would remember.”
“My mistake. You look like someone I met in London.”
“I told your sister I would stay with you until the battle is over. My lord, Edward, sent me to watch over you.”
She handed him a cup of wine. “Tell me what you know.”
He sat down and told her everything that had happened since they’d received the message she and Henry needed help. She was grateful to the man, for he was a natural-born storyteller, and he almost allowed her to take her mind off what was happening outside the window.
They’d talked for several hours when she heard sounds of a fight outside the door. Charlotte had been so shocked to see the piper in the flesh that she had not barred the door behind him. Talk about a stupid mistake.
The door flew open and two men rushed in. The big one swung his sword at the piper’s head.
“Get down!”
The man dropped to the floor, and Charlotte grabbed the knife off the desk. She threw it at the man. It was pure luck she caught him in the gut.
There stood the man she hated almost as much as Hallsey. “You. You betrayed my husband.”
Timothy looked completely deranged. He was battered, bruised, and bleeding from several cuts. She wondered how he could still be alive. The man with him was scary looking and absolutely huge as he held his gut and cursed.
Lonely is the Knight (Merriweather Sisters Time Travel Romance Book 3) Page 16
