She hit the first wolf-dog in the head with the heavy skillet, and it fell with a thud by her feet. The heft of the iron skillet carried her momentum into a full circle, but as she spun round once more she threw everything she had into a second blow at a different beast. She caught the second wolf-dog lunging for her arm in a glancing blow off its shoulder. While it didn’t fall, it did run. She struggled to regain her balance as the third beast circled her.
It was at that moment that Ellalee realized what was wrong with the scene. These wolf-dogs were utterly silent. Their lips curled above savage fangs. They appeared to growl. Their hackles stood up, but none of them made a noise. They were like silent assassins.
Lord Valen had just pushed up to his feet and was moving to retrieve his sword when the last wolf-dog turned and lunged at him before he could grasp his weapon. The earl was slammed back to the ground and only just blocked having his throat torn out by shoving his left forearm between himself and the wolf-dog. The wolf-dog savaged his arm as his shirt sleeve bloomed red.
Ellalee charged the dog, holding out her skillet ahead of her. “You shall not hurt him!” she heard herself scream.
She was disheartened when she only got a glancing blow at its hips as the wolf-dog spun off Lord Valen and leaped back at her with its head low and its teeth bared in an uncanny silent snarl. Ellalee backed up as quickly as she could. Without warning, the canine lunged at Ellalee’s throat. She threw the skillet up in front of her, holding the cast iron pan by its edges with both hands against the wolf-dog’s fury. The force of the attack tumbled her to the ground. Ellalee worked furiously to keep the skillet between the dog’s teeth and her throat, but she couldn’t do any more than block one attack after the next. She was panicking under the ferocity of its vicious jaws, when suddenly its mouth drew up, and its eyes rolled back. Lord Valen stood over her, bloody sword in his left hand. He helped push the wolf-dog off of her with his boot
“We must go,” Lord Valen said. “Can you rise? There may be more.”
Ellalee found that her legs were shaking so badly it was hard to stand. Hot tears built up in her eyes, but she nodded. She pushed off the ground and stood, shivering in the shock of it all. She met the earl’s eyes, and realized Lord Valen was in bad shape. His sword arm dangled, horribly out of joint and bloody, though not as gory as his left arm. There was a bruise blooming on his forehead opposite the stitches, and he looked pasty. His eyes, however, gleamed in triumph.
“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice quaking. Her hands shook so baldly it was hard to hold the skillet so she clutched it to her chest.
“My arm has been pulled out of the socket, but Gladlia will enjoy sewing me up. I swear, my pain gives that old woman joy. Let’s go.” They trudged to the path with many glances over their shoulders and around them, but there was no second attack.
“I never heard them coming. The first one went straight for my sword arm otherwise, the fight would have ended differently. Must have been trained to do that.”
“Well, it is a good thing I arrived in time to save you. We’re even now.” Ellalee almost laughed in her hysteria. She seriously needed someone to slap her. A thought, she had enough sense not to mention to one who just might.
“We are not even. I saved you three times, and I’ve only known you for a month. You are a ridiculous amount of trouble. Hardly worth your room and board.” For all of his hard talk, he was grinning like a loon. It was the first time Ellalee had seen that particular expression. His eyes verily danced.
“Well, I suppose that is true. It shouldn’t take long though, the way you’re always running off in such a fury,” she responded with a quirk of her lips, and then added in a serious note. “I didn’t leave the manor. I was cleaning the bower.”
“How can you say that? Do I look like an idiot to you? You are standing right here beside me.”
“That’s not how you look to me,” she replied looking up at him and then blushed. “I mean, I didn’t leave until after you had run out. Daniella told me you were furious with me, but I was worried that the disappearing stranger might mean you harm. It’s why I brought my handy dandy skillet,” she said holding it out from her chest in mock admiration for its sheer solidity. Then Ellalee frowned and added seriously, “It weighs a ton. My arms are going to be very sore tomorrow.” Then she blushed again at having spoken rashly without consideration of how his arms would be upon the morrow.
Valen looked at her and started to chuckle which morphed into a deep rich laugh. “I can honestly say, I’ve never seen anyone wield a skillet like you, and I’m glad you disobeyed. This once.”
Ellalee breathed relief that he had not taken offense. “Oh, but I didn’t disobey, not when you really think about it,” she replied but hurried on as the earl’s eyes narrowed, and his mouth opened for some rejoinder. “I guess we know how the last cook passed,” she said with another backward glance over her shoulder. “What a horrible way to die. I wish we’d killed them all, but that one ran off. It is frightening to think that those monsters live so near the manor and close to the village where children play. Why on earth would they be silent, though?”
Ellalee glanced up at Lord Valen striding beside her. He was pale and gritting his teeth. Ellalee swallowed. It was a long walk back to the manor, and she prayed he could make it. There was no way she could carry him and no way she would leave him unprotected. She didn’t know if anyone would come, but she needn’t have worried because as soon as they turned onto the main path, they saw Irwin on a brown mare, leading the earl’s big black horse.
“Irwin, good man,” the earl said as he sheathed his sword.
Irwin looked at the lord’s arm and grimaced, shaking his head. “Outa joint?”
“Put it back, would you?”
Irwin slid off the horse and gave the reins of both horses to Ellalee. Then he took off one boot. It was an awful business to watch as Irwin put the heel of his foot under the earl’s arm and yanked it back in place. Ellalee thought she would be ill, and Lord Valen didn’t look much better. He’d gone all white around the mouth. Ellalee handed the reins back to Irwin and took off her apron, fixing it into a sling into which she wrapped the earl’s arm. He grumbled and swore that she was being purposely rough. Irwin just shook his head.
Valen managed to pull himself into the saddle with his left arm and a groan. “You ride the second horse, Irwin. There are some wolves loose in the area. I don’t want you walking back either. Can you lift up Miss Ellalee behind me?”
Irwin nodded and then very gently lifted Ellalee behind the earl. She wrapped her arms around the earl’s waist trying not to touch his shoulder or arm as he nudged the horse into a fast walk. Irwin followed them back to the manor and helped Ellalee dismount again.
Ellalee thought everything would be all right when they got back to the manor and Lord Valen received care for his wounds, but everything was not all right, not by a long shot.
Chapter Nineteen: More Bad News
The moment the earl had passed through the doors, he was greeted by Winslow who looked aghast at Lord Valen’s condition.
“Come now, Winslow, you’ve seen me look worse,” Valen said. “I want to see Miss Elise. I want an explanation as to why she told me that Miss Ellalee had left the manor. Ah, and find Gladlia as well. It will make her day to know that she can stich me up…again.” He scrubbed his hand through his hair. “I really despise stitches.”
“I will get some hot water and clean towels ready.” Ellalee bobbed a curtsey and was off like a shot to the kitchen where Daniella gasped as she entered. Her sister shook her head with both hands over her mouth as she took in the full ruination of Ellalee’s dress.
“Ellalee, what has happened?”
“Oh, I fought a few wolf-dogs off our earl. I need some hot water, towels, and bandages, oh goodness, and probably something that will make a sling better than my apron which is worse for the wear. Honestly, don’t worry, his lordship looks far worse than I do.”
“Oh dear, you are covered in dirt and grass. Is that blood yours? You have a tear by your shoulder. We will have to ask for thread and needle to repair it,” Daniella said as she completed the circled around Ellalee. “Ug, you’re filthy, and your right sleeve is torn as well. Are you sure you aren’t hurt?” Daniella shook her head once more. Ellalee listed again what she thought was needed, and Daniella hurried to fill a tray with the items Ellalee asked for.
“I have honey too, for the wounds. That will have to do until Gladlia turns up. I don’t know where she goes between the times she comes for tea or company or to check on Christopher’s leg,” Daniella said.
“Tell her to hurry if you see her first. I think Lord Valen will need stitches,” Ellalee said as she seized the tray and headed upstairs. She assumed the earl would be in his study and was not mistaken. Winslow was with him, and Simmons had was helping Valen take off his waist coat which had to have been a painful process given the tightness of the earl’s lips and the perspiration on his forehead. Winslow pushed up the sleeve of his left arm, and Ellalee grimaced. She could only hope that it wasn’t as bad as the sheer bloodiness made it appeared.
Ellalee wet her towels in the hot water and began to clean the wounds as the men stepped back. The puncture wounds left enormous bruises, and some of the tears on his flesh were more than superficial. Ellalee cleaned the deeper wounds first. He growled repeatedly and swore for which she could hardly blame him. Then she started cleaning the lesser wounds, dabbing those with honey and wrapping them to prevent infection. Gladlia arrived, dismissing Simmons and Winslow, who looked only too happy to go, and nodded approval at Ellalee’s work. She gave him a numbing ointment that Valen swore did nothing then cleaned the wounds with her special tonic leaving Valen with white lips and gritted teeth. Finally, Gladlia stitched up the more severe wounds, wrapping his left and putting the earl’s right arm into a sling the old woman produced from her healing bag. Gladlia handed Ellalee back her apron and gave the earl instructions on not moving the arm for several days and not lifting anything heavier than a kitten lest he tear his stitches. He shook his head in disgust at her humor.
Ellalee was staring at her blood covered apron and frowning as Gladlia turned her warm expression on her. “Do you have wounds? We’ll need to make sure they are cleaned.”
It was the first light in Valen’s eyes. “Yes, let’s have a go at your wee little scratches and make them hurt worse. Gladlia’s quite the charmer with those potions of hers.”
“I don’t think I am wounded, but I’ll check tonight and make sure I’ve cleaned them out properly. I have a bigger problem,” Ellalee looked up. Valen’s eyes had snapped back down and he was frowning as she continued, “I’ll wash the dress and maybe if I am quick I can get the blood out of the apron, but I’ll need a needle and thread to fix the dress.”
Valen shook his head incredulously as Gladlia bit her knuckle to keep from laughing out loud, but her eyes had that merry look again.
“Your priorities are seriously awry,” Valen said running his left hand through his hair. “Wear another dress.”
“Therein is the issue. Shall I wear the one that is burned or the homespun dress from our travels here? Honestly, this is the best choice of the three if I could have a sewing kit. If it isn’t too much trouble, might my sister and I have a comb as well?” Unaccountably, the long held back tears finally tumbled onto her checks.
“What’s this?” Valen was furiously ringing the bell next to his desk and fuming as he held up one finger to stop Ellalee’s pitiful discourse.
Mistress Murray showed up looking more pleasant than Ellalee had ever seen her appear. “Yes, your lordship?”
“Miss Ellalee requires another set of livery. Please double the usual number. Of course, she will have to work off the expense, but at the rate she destroys these dresses, I don’t believe it can be helped.”
“Certainly, I will have a new wardrobe for Miss Ellalee by month’s end.”
“Are you attempting to try my patience?”
“Not at all, my lord,” Mistress Murray replied demurely.
“Pull together whatever dresses are available today. Call the seamstress as needed so that she has a proper wardrobe by the end of the week. Further, I have sent Winslow to find Miss Elise, where is she?”
“We have been unable to locate her at present,” Mistress Murray replied.
“Do you mean that she is missing?” Valen growled.
“That is what I mean.”
Valen slammed his fist on the desk and frowned. “Alert the staff, have everyone look for her in groups of two. Send for Irwin to stay with young Christopher. Partner yourself with Miss Daniella. Search the rooms, then search the grounds directly around the manor. No one is to go further away, and certainly, no one is to wander off by themselves. We will meet in the salon in two hours.”
Mistress Murray curtseyed and departed, shutting the door behind her. The earl stared hard at the door and then scrubbed his hand across his face.
“What have you noticed about Miss Elise? You were her friend as I recall.”
“She had looked distressed as of late, unhappy, perhaps ill,” Ellalee responded. “I asked after her several times, but each time she gave me reassurance.”
“The walls close in on us, Gladlia,” Valen responded. “I don’t know how much longer I should even try to hold out. There is nothing left here that I am willing to risk.”
“Losing faith?” Gladlia asked.
“I know that there must still be a way into the manor that I haven’t found and sealed. The attacks are increasing in number and decreasing in interval. The curse will have its way. Truly, how many more can I let die before I am the beast I am believed to be? I must dismiss the staff. You too, Gladlia. You have pieced me back together enough times. Once it is just me, it will be over.”
“Give up? Now?” Ellalee couldn’t believe it.
Valen sat down heavily in his chair. “After today, your life is forfeit. I must send you back to your home. I can’t protect you, and you never stay where you are supposed to.”
Ellalee’s mouth came unhinged. “Oh no you don’t. If you send me back to my home, you will be killing me yourself and not some silly old curse. You announced to the entire village, Baron and all, what my punishment would be if I ever went back there. We wouldn’t make it two days.”
“I will write a letter, a pardon,” Valen said splaying his fingers.
“You will do no such thing.” Ellalee stamped her foot. “I am not leaving, and you are not giving up.” Ellalee was furious and turned towards the door, yanking it open.
“What if something happens to your sister or your brother?” Valen whispered behind her. “Have you consider them? It isn’t just anything I care for. As you see with Miss Elise, it is anyone at all.”
She shut the study door that she had just yanked open and turned around resting her back against it, facing the earl once more. Daniella’s words came back to her. God doesn’t make mistakes. She lifted her chin and took one step forward toward Valen. “We are home, and we aren’t leaving. I am not going to yield the only home I’ve had since my father died to some curse I don’t believe in. No curse started that fire. No curse tied that kitten. No curse fell that stone, and no curse released those wolf-dogs on you this morning. Human hands did these things, and I am not going to give in to a villain that hunts animals and children and women. No. We are not going. We are going take back this manor.”
Valen’s face was a mask, but Gladlia raised her chin. There was pride in that old woman’s eyes.
“I’ll just go grab my skillet and join the search party,” she said as she opened the door once more and headed back toward the kitchen not bothering to shut the door behind her.
“Aye. And you better sleep with it too,” she heard Valen growl behind her before she was out of range.
Chapter Twenty: Gifts, Blame, and an Invitation
By the time she got to the kitchen and had her skillet in hand, th
e earl and Gladlia had joined her. The earl was armed with his sword once more and instructed Irwin not to leave Christopher, whose eyes were as large as saucers. The boy kept staring at his leg miserably.
The search proved futile. Everyone met back in the salon and discussed other options. Ellalee felt she could cut the tension with a knife. By that evening, the staff was jumping at shadows. There was only one real scare when a scrabbling noise was heard coming from inside of an upstairs wardrobe. Simmons and Winslow stood on either side of the wardrobe and on a silent count of three sprung the doors open as Ellalee waited with her ever-ready skillet. When a startled kitten rolled out, wrapped around an old glove it had found to attack, there was the strained laughter of relief from too much pent-up stress.
Ellalee rolled her eyes. “We’re all wound too tightly. Honestly, we need a better plan. We need to draw out this villain and fight back.”
Winslow and Simmons crossed themselves and stepped back, shaking their heads.
“Sorry Miss Ellalee, but that would be like fighting smoke,” Simmons replied.
“Yes, how does one fight what one cannot see?” Winslow added. “I don’t think you understand because you haven’t been here long enough. No one has been able to fight this curse. No one ever sees the attacks. No one can predict who will disappear next, or where, or when we will find the bodies.”
“I refuse to accept that,” Ellalee replied as she turned on heel, rested the skillet up on one shoulder, and marched back toward the kitchen. “God is greater than any of this, and nothing happens that is invisible to His eye,” she said as Winslow and Simmons fell in behind her.
Dinner was a somber affair, and even Christopher had lost his appetite. Wary glances hung on the empty chair, and everyone appeared lost in their own deep thoughts. The silence at the table this evening was more foreboding than peaceful. It was hard for Ellalee to imagine that the staff had gone through this many, many times. Even recently, the barn boy, the upstairs maid, and the old cook had all ended up dead. Others ran-away and still others, like Elise, simply vanished. Ellalee rubbed her lips, deep in her own thoughts. What if the disappearing stranger had offered to help Elise? What if he truly helped people escape? Perhaps he wasn’t the villain that she was making him out to be. Perhaps he was a Good Samaritan who simply helped the unfortunate souls stuck here to escape to better prospects. Maybe that’s where Elise had gone. Then again, hadn’t Lord Valen said that someone had trained those dogs? Both the stranger and those wolf-dogs appeared in the same north field. However, what could account for the horrible keening that seemed to come from inside the castle walls?
The Grey Dawn Page 18
