The Age of Knights and Highlanders: A Series Starter Collection

by Kathryn Le Veque

  Geoffrey glanced around as the yard filled with well over two hundred mounted men. It gave him a sinking feeling to be surrounded by so many. The noise from dozens of boisterous conversations and loud laughter disoriented him. He had to fight to keep Mystery in place instead of kicking his heels and riding off to find solace.

  At that moment, he truly appreciated his quiet, country life at Kinwick. Given time, Geoffrey had faith that he might become close to the man he once was. Nightmares still disturbed his sleep, but he hoped they would recede as time passed.

  The best medicine of all had proven to be Merryn. Her faith in him, even knowing he kept dark secrets from her, would be what saved him from a descent into madness. As long as his beloved remained at his side, he would survive—and thrive. Geoffrey didn’t know what he’d done to deserve an earthly angel to watch over him, but he knew Merryn would protect him as any lioness would her cubs.

  As the hunters sought various prey, he rode beside the king, their conversation light. Then shouts ahead announced a boar had been spotted. The mass of riders turned their mounts in the direction indicated. Thundering hooves stampeded away.

  All took up the chase except Geoffrey and Edward, along with his royal guard—which included Sir Symond Benedict.

  The king waved his soldiers off and motioned for Geoffrey to follow. They rode in the opposite direction of those in pursuit of the boar. The royal guard rode behind the two men at a discreet distance.

  Finally, Edward slowed his horse. Geoffrey knew the time had arrived for a serious conversation.

  “I grow old,” Edward shared. “Once, I enjoyed the excitement of the hunt. The thrill of the chase. But now I choose to allow others to enjoy it for me.” The king threw a leg over his horse and dropped to the ground. “Walk with me,” he commanded.

  Geoffrey dismounted and kept Mystery’s reins in his hand. The horses trudged behind their masters.

  “You have fine lands, my lord. And from what I can see and what Lady Merryn has shared with me over the years, happy people.”

  “We do, Sire. My wife’s efforts make Kinwick run efficiently.”

  Edward smiled. “Ah, Lady Merryn. A true beauty and woman of rare intelligence. If not for my darling Philippa, I could imagine myself married to Lady Merryn.” He chuckled. “Instead, she’s become like a daughter to me. Challenging me, when others dare not speak in such a bold manner. Did you know she came up with a better way to both tax and record the transaction? I implemented her idea to collect monies. My advisers thought I was brilliant to suggest it.”

  Geoffrey swelled with pride. “Nothing Merryn does surprises me. She is an original. From childhood, I knew how special she was. When we were apart, I could think of no other.”

  “You love her a great deal,” the king observed.

  “With everything I am and have. Merryn holds my heart, Sire. She is my reason for living.”

  Edward scowled, his mood quickly turning dark. Geoffrey knew this was the fickle ruler that Merryn had warned him about. He steeled himself for what would come.

  “Then by God’s Bones, man, why did you willingly leave her?” he roared. “You are most fortunate, Lord Geoffrey. You could have returned and found Lady Merryn the wife of another man, living upon another estate. What could possibly make you walk away from a woman you claim to love with your heart and mind and soul?”

  Edward’s scowl would have most men quaking in their boots, but Geoffrey stood his ground. “I know of your plans, Sire. You would have married her off to Benedict.”

  “Aye,” the king admitted. “I gave the lady more than enough time to mourn your supposed passing. Benedict is a steadfast soldier.”

  “But is he a good man?” Geoffrey asked.

  After speaking with several of Kinwick’s knights once Gilbert revealed Benedict would have become Merryn’s husband, Geoffrey doubted it. Though each man told Geoffrey that the royal guardsman possessed strong fighting skills, none of the Kinwick soldiers liked him. They called him a braggart and claimed he was full of false pride. One knight who was sweet on a kitchen maid shared how Benedict had pursued the girl—even though he was at Kinwick to gain Merryn’s affections.

  The king glared at Geoffrey. “Benedict is a loyal guardsman to me. Lady Merryn would have found him loyal to her and Kinwick. Now Lord Geoffrey, stop avoiding my question. I ask as your king and as a man. Why did you vanish? You had everything and risked it all—for what?”

  Geoffrey gathered his courage and spoke from his heart. “You know from the Black Prince that I hold honor in high regard. When I give my word to someone, I never break it. It reflects who I am as a man and a knight.” He swallowed hard. “I gave my oath to someone, Sire, that I would never share where I spent those years. As a knight, I will never break that promise.”

  Geoffrey watched the king for any sign of anger. “Only know this—I knew I had found paradise on earth—and it was snatched from me against my will.”

  Edward regarded him solemnly for some minutes, no words spoken between them. Finally, the king said, “I could command you to tell me. And imprison you if you refused my order.”

  Geoffrey nodded in agreement. “You could, your majesty. But even if you had me tortured, it would be as if I had no tongue to speak. As if I were deaf and mute. My conscience would not allow me to reveal what I swore to keep private till the end of time. I am not happy in keeping this oath, but I do not regret giving my solemn word. It’s everything I am.”

  The king’s mouth tightened in displeasure, but he nodded slowly. “You are a true man of honor. I have never met a knight whose word meant so much to him.”

  Geoffrey held his breath, not knowing if the king meant the praise and would let the matter drop—or if he would punish him.

  Then a slow smile spread across Edward’s face. “I have need of men like you in London.”

  Chapter 29

  Geoffrey froze in his tracks.

  The king wanted him—in London?

  Edward spoke bluntly. “London is full of sycophants who will do anything to gain my favor. They agree with me no matter what I suggest, no matter how outlandish it might seem.”

  The king paused. “I need men to serve me whom I can trust. I must put England’s best interests at the heart of every matter. Surrounding myself with men of your caliber is important to me.” He smiled. “Besides, my son respects you. That alone would have been all I needed to know about you.”

  The king’s words pained Geoffrey. “I beg you, Sire. Please do not issue that command. I would be miserable at court, in the midst of politicians and liars. I doubt I could serve your best interests because I would be mired in unhappiness.”

  Geoffrey thought carefully before continuing. “Look around. You yourself admired Kinwick and my people. Here is my family, all that I’ve ever desired. Merryn thrives here, too.”

  “But she would be the most celebrated beauty at court. Men would fall at her feet.” The king’s brow wrinkled. “I could gift you with other properties and untold wealth.”

  “I intend no disrespect, Sire, but that means little to me. At heart, Merryn and I are simple people who want to avoid the intrigues of court.”

  Geoffrey knew his words displeased the king, but he continued. “I have been through untold horrors, your majesty. I need to be at Kinwick to heal. I beg you to leave us in peace.” He dropped to his knees. “I give you my oath—my word of honor—that I will fight for your name whenever called upon. I will give you taxes. Troops. My humble advice. But I want to remain here. At Kinwick.”

  He watched Edward consider his words. The king tapped a finger along his jaw.

  “How about visits to London every now and then?” Edward countered. “What if I took your twins under my wing? Instead of fostering in some nobleman’s household, they could come to London and learn. Your son could be one of my court pages and your daughter could serve in the queen’s household. I would guarantee them advantageous marriages, as well.”

  Hope beat i
n Geoffrey’s heart. His precious twins would not have to foster at Winterbourne, the place he most despised. They could serve the royal house of Plantagenet and be under the king’s protection.

  Yet his promise to Hardie weighed heavily upon him.

  “They are promised to the Earl of Winterbourne, Sire. Only he could alter our arrangement.”

  Edward clapped his hands once. “So be it. If it’s agreeable with you and Lady Merryn, I shall speak to Winterbourne.” His smile showed a few missing teeth. “My will is strong, Lord Geoffrey. Mayhap even stronger than yours. I can be quite persuasive with my noble subjects. Rise. At once.”

  Cheers went up in the distance. Symond Benedict rode over to where the king and Geoffrey stood.

  “The boar has been felled, Sire. The hunting party is ready to return to Kinwick.”

  Geoffrey and the king mounted their horses and rode to join the others. As they made their way to the castle, Geoffrey wondered what Hardie’s reaction would be to Edward’s request. Would the young earl defy the king and hold Geoffrey to his word or would Hardie allow the twins to foster at court?

  Merryn dressed with care in a cotehardie of deep scarlet. She fastened her ever-present sapphire brooch next to her heart before winding a belt of knotted silver about her waist. Matching ribbons adorned her hair. One ribbon went into her pocket for later use.

  Today was the final day the royal court would be present at Kinwick. Edward had been in a good mood throughout the visit. He’d glowed with pride at the ballads the troubadour sang about his military victories and laughed till tears spilled down his cheeks at the antics of the jogelour. The king and queen had graced the wedding of Hardwin and Johamma yesterday. The royal ruler had eaten and drunk far into the night at the feast celebrating the couple’s union.

  All that remained was today’s tournament, which would be held in the meadow next to the woods. Merryn had invited all the families from Kinwick and the nobles who accompanied the royal summer progress. The knights of Kinwick would compete alongside those of the king’s guard and a few others. Edward had determined that the joust would be the sole event to occur.

  Merryn left Elia’s chamber and went to where Geoffrey had slept during the royal visit. She’d suggested her husband spend his nights in the small room where he and Diggory reviewed estate business instead of bedding down with a hundred others in the great hall. He had readily agreed, which eased her mind.

  She tapped on the door and entered. Geoffrey had dressed in russet and brown. He ran his fingers through his dark hair, trying to tame it. His hazel eyes grew warm when he caught sight of her.

  Merryn placed her hands on his shoulders. “Will you compete today?”

  “Aye. ’Tis simply a game. Since I’m sorely out of practice, I’ll probably lose in the first round.”

  She ran her hands down his arms and captured his hands in hers. “You are too hard on yourself. I have witnessed you in action since your return.”

  His brows shot up. “I have never seen you in the training yard. If I had, you would have distracted me.” He laughed.

  “I have watched some of the training exercises from the north tower. It is a good vantage point.” She laid her palm against his chest. “You haven’t merely observed, Geoffrey. I have seen you, along with Gilbert, putting the men through their exercises. You are easy to pick out, due to your height and broad shoulders and your stance with a sword.”

  He shrugged. “Swordplay is one thing. The joust is entirely different.”

  She cupped his cheek. “You are a warrior, my love. It is bred in you. I intend to cheer you on to victory today.” Merryn removed the ribbon from her pocket and tied it around his wrist. “I shall be with you as much as Mystery.”

  Geoffrey gave her a searing kiss as a reward.

  Merryn broke the kiss. “I wish we had time for more than kissing, but I have much to accomplish before the tournament begins. Is your armor ready?”

  “Aye. Ancel and Alys both helped me polish it.” A shadow crossed his face.

  “Is something wrong, my love?”

  He sighed. “Alys gives her love easily. But Ancel? One minute he hangs on my every word and the next he acts disinterested in whatever I say.”

  Merryn wrapped her arms around his waist. “Be patient with him, Geoffrey. He’s only a little boy. I know Ancel loves you, but he has never shared his feelings as openly as his sister.”

  “I hope you are right.” He dropped a kiss on top of her head and offered his arm. “It’s time to attend mass and then prepare for the joust.”

  Merryn found it hard to contain her excitement. Knights arrived at the field in full armor. Ladies in an array of colors gave favors to the men they cheered on. Children ran about, squealing in delight at all the commotion.

  Kinwick had twenty knights, including its lord, entered into the contest. Hugh, Raynor, and Hardwin also competed. The king had every man from his royal guard pursuing the prize. Geoffrey offered the winner a colt that would make a fine warhorse when it reached maturity.

  The only dark cloud was learning that Sir Symond Benedict would take the field and champion the Plantagenet name for Edward. She had caught a few glimpses of the royal guardsman in the great hall but had not spoken to him. For a moment, Merryn wondered how her life might be if Geoffrey hadn’t returned. Instead of celebrating the nuptial mass of Hardwin and Johamma, the king would have attended a different wedding. Merryn would now be wed to Sir Symond.

  She raised a silent prayer to thank God Almighty for bringing her husband back to her.

  Merryn turned to Johamma, who sat on her left. The young woman wore a wide smile as she watched the men in action.

  “I am sorry you had to return to Winterbourne last night after the wedding feast. I would have offered you our solar, but the king and queen have taken up residence there. Every other chamber in the keep was taken.”

  “Do not worry, Lady Merryn. We are most grateful for the lovely wedding and magnificent feast you provided. Everything from venison and mutton to starlings and chickens. And all of those sweets. My teeth fairly ache today when I think of how many I ate.”

  “Not nearly as much as the king did,” Merryn confided.

  Johamma said, “Hardie said your mead is the best he’s ever tasted.” She bit her lip, looking unsure of herself. “He hoped you might share your recipe with me for when we entertain at Winterbourne.”

  “It’s all in the ginger,” Merryn revealed. “Many people add too much or not enough. I add a half-part of ginger to each gallon. And it’s very important to seal and store the brew for at least six months. Don’t be too eager to sample it.”

  She placed her hand atop Johamma’s. “I will teach you how to make it myself.”

  The younger woman smiled. “You are most generous, my lady.”

  “Do I hear talk of mead?”

  Merryn turned to her right and saw that the king munched upon gundy.

  “Is the candy to your liking, Sire? I make it with black treacle and season it with a bit of cinnamon.”

  “You made this?” He gave her a sly smile. “Mayhap Lord Geoffrey should not be guarding your cook after all. He should be guarding you!” Edward laughed heartily.

  The queen, on her husband’s right, gave her hostess a smile as she touched her husband’s arm. Merryn knew how the queen felt. If Geoffrey was happy, then all seemed right in her world.

  They sat through dozens of matches, with only three men being slightly injured. Merryn explained to Johamma, witnessing her first joust, that the contest replicated a cavalry charge. Each knight rode quickly toward his opponent, hoping his lance would unseat the other man. Merryn was sorry to see both Hugh and Raynor eliminated after several rounds of the competition. She clapped loudly as two knights from Kinwick made it to the final eight men before going down in defeat to Geoffrey and Symond.

  Now only four men remained in the contest. Symond would face Geoffrey, followed by Hardie against Alard, one of Edward’s guard who’d bee
n responsible for both Hugh and Raynor’s losses.

  Merryn moved to the edge of her chair as Geoffrey made ready to her left and Symond to her right. Each time Geoffrey rode, her nerves were raw, yet he had claimed victory each time. She spied Hobard, the royal physician, arriving on the field. He had gone to treat the last injured jouster from two bouts prior.

  Her heart beat fast as each man lowered the helm that protected his head and face. Both gripped a lance in their right hand. They awaited the signal to ride forward.

  It was given and Merryn held her breath as they reached one another. She saw Geoffrey’s lance make contact on this first pass. It rammed hard into Symond’s chest and sent him soaring into the air. Though sorry for Symond, she boldly cheered for her husband, whistling louder than any man.

  “Lady Merryn, you seem quite excited that your husband is victorious over my champion,” Edward wryly noted. “Where did you learn to use your fingers to whistle in such an unladylike manner?”

  She felt the blush stain her cheeks. “My brother, Sire. Hugh taught me to do so when I was a young girl. For weeks, I drove my parents near the brink of madness.”

  The king patted her hand. “You need to teach me this amusing skill.”

  “I am sorry your champion was unseated,” she said, demurely folding her hands in her lap.

  His eyes twinkled. “Are you truly, my lady?”

  Merryn grinned unabashedly. “Not in the least bit, Sire,” she confided. She waved at Geoffrey, who yanked off his helm and returned the wave. She watched Symond come to his feet and remove himself from the field. It angered her when Geoffrey went to the knight and offered him a hand. Symond shrugged it off and strode away.

  That one gesture told Merryn everything she needed to know about Symond Benedict’s character. She sat back in her chair to await the next match, doubly glad that the king’s man had lost to her husband.

  Lord Hardwin easily unseated Sir Alard on the third pass. Johamma stood and merrily waved a handkerchief at Hardie. He rode up and snatched it from her fingers. Hardwin’s laugh could be heard as his horse galloped away.