Chapter Twenty-Six

R ed took his watchful gaze off Galiena just long enough to inspect his surroundings as they entered the castle. With the king absent, the great hall was devoid of petitioners, and the large wooden thrones set out for the king and queen were empty. His blood boiled in his veins when he saw the only person in attendance was The Executioner who stood with his elbow resting on the back of the king's ornate chair. As they approached the dais, the evil friar locked eyes with Red, his face an expressionless mask of stone.

Red flexed his fingers as he imagined closing them around the friar's neck and squeezing until the man's face turned purple and his eyes bulged. He bucked against the guards holding him, but they had anticipated his reaction and tightened their hold.

Once they were directly in front of the dais, the captain of the guard stepped to the edge of the platform and held out the rolled parchment. Friar Ferrando stood upright from where he was leaning against the chair and walked slowly across the dais to the guard. He took the parchment, unrolled it to read, looked up at Red, and clucked his tongue as though he was addressing a petulant child.

Red felt like his teeth were about to crack, he was clenching his jaw so hard. After The Executioner killed his family and had been a heartbeat away from taking his life, he'd sworn he would never allow anyone to put him in that position again, at least not without a fight. And now he had walked directly into the man's grasp without any resistance and with his arms restrained in a failed attempt to protect Galiena.

He slid a sidelong glance in her direction. Her face was stoic, and she held her chin high, but he thought he detected a shred of fear in her expression when she glanced his way. It was killing him to see her bound by the hands of the guards and vulnerable to The Executioner. He would sacrifice his life, if that's what it took, to get her out of this situation unharmed.

The door from the tower stairs opened and the queen glided across the dais with her guards behind her, attracting everyone's focus, including Red's. But not before he saw the friar tuck the parchment into his sleeve. The guards, their captain, the friar, and the prisoners all bowed in acknowledgment of the king's wife.

The queen lowered herself onto her throne with regal poise and assessed the prisoners in silence. "I'm gladdened to see the lady looks unharmed, but what happened to them?" she asked the captain of the guard, tipping her head toward Red and Bard.

"He resisted," the captain said, pointing to Red, "and he tried to escape out the back of the house with the woman."

"That's a lie," Red growled in protest.

"Hmm." The queen looked deceptively calm as she studied Red, looking suspicious of him. Red lifted his chin in response but felt it wiser to say nothing more. She turned to her guard and asked, "What did you find in your search?"

"Just this." The captain of the guard held up the dagger. "It was found beneath a mattress in the woman's room. The Viking says it belongs to him."

"Bring it to me," she ordered.

Once the guard handed it to her, she studied the intricate details of the hilt, then placed the blade flat across her palm as she looked closer at the symbols engraved there. Looking up, she said to Red, "I recognize this symbol with the snakes. The same design is on the missive the lady found. Tell me what it means."

"It is a Norse knot representing fallen warriors," Red said. He didn't miss the way the friar straightened and focused intently on the knife as it was handed to the queen. The Executioner's intent gaze lifted slowly, and a wicked grin spread across his face as recognition dawned.

"Like everything," The Executioner drawled, "it has more than one meaning. Tell us the other, Viking."

Red glared at the man, images of plunging the dagger into the man's black heart filling his mind. "Death."

"Of which you are well acquainted," Friar Ferrando said. "I can only imagine the number of men, women, children perhaps, you've delivered as an angel of death."

"I don't kill women or children," Red growled, trying to lunge forward, but the guards at his side held him in place. Keeping his eyes locked with The Executioner's, he said through gritted teeth, "As I'm sure you know, only an evil coward would take the life of a defenseless woman or attempt to kill a child."

"Enough," the queen said sharply. Nodding toward the prisoners, she asked, "They are unarmed?"

"Yes," the captain of the guard said, then shifted uncomfortably. "But we did not search the woman."

"I am not concerned about her." With a dismissive flip of her hand, the queen said, "Remove your hold from the prisoners while I speak to them."

"Is that wise, cousin?" Friar Ferrando asked. "The Viking is a dangerous man."

The queen turned a sharp glare at the friar, staring haughtily at the man. After a long silence, the friar bowed his head slightly and conceded, "My queen."

"When I want your counsel, I will ask for it, cousin ." Queen Eleanor's tone was like ice.

Red felt a small surge of satisfaction at the queen's obvious show of power. Perhaps the cousin was not as beloved and trusted as it first appeared. From Red's vantage point, he could see the evil friar's jaw harden and his expression turn cold as the queen directed her attention back to him, Galiena, and Bard.

The castle guard hesitated, looking to their leader before releasing them. If Red had not already been watching The Executioner, he might have missed the subtle nod he gave to the captain of the guard before the other man signaled for his men to do as the queen asked.

Red moved to Galiena's side as soon as the guards released him, pressing his shoulder against hers and looking down at her. "Are you hurt?"

"No." Her shoulders were squared but her eyes were wide and her face pale. It killed him to see her frightened, but he was grateful and proud of her for the courage she was showing despite her fear.

"Do you know why I had you brought to me?" the queen asked.

Red had no doubt The Executioner had falsely decoded the message to implicate him, but he was in no mood for a game of guessing. "With all due respect, Your Highness, I ask you to be forthright."

The queen eyed him for a long moment, then nodded once. "Friar Ferrando deciphered the missive. It would seem there are Marcher lords who are fearful my husband, the king, will strip them of their power now that Wales is conquered. Sir Grogan is named."

"That's a lie," Red growled as Galiena drew in a sharp breath.

"There was a time when I would have believed Hawk incapable of such treachery," the queen said evenly, "but Hawk is a changed man, as evidenced by his act of defiance when sent to Hawkspur to find a traitor to the crown. He let the prior lord of Hawkspur slip through his fingers because he fell in love with Lady Alyce. How am I to know she hasn't convinced him their way of life is in danger if he does not do something about it?"

"Hawk is devoted to his wife, and he is loyal to his king," Red said. "Neither he nor the Lady Alyce endeavor for more power or riches than the king has granted them already. He is a faithful and true subject of King Edward, and no one could persuade him to betray his king or his country."

"I do hope you are correct in your assessment," the queen said, peering down at him with imperiousness. "However, my husband and I have been betrayed by those close to us before. We understand the lure of power and riches and know well how it can change a man. Or woman."

Red could feel the tide changing, and not in their favor. King Edward and Queen Eleanor had held the throne of England for nearly two decades, a feat requiring cunning, fortitude, and a large measure of cynicism. As with Daffydd, they were swift to mete out punishment if crossed—a policy that deterred treason for all except the most foolhardy.

There was a pounding on the doors of the hall and the muffled humming of raised voices from the castle yard. The pitch of the voices rose as a guard opened the door. After conferring with whoever was on the other side of the door, the guard turned back to the queen. "I beg your forgiveness, Your Grace, but there is a man here to speak with you and he has something you will want to see."

"Bring him forth," the queen instructed.

A large man with pocked skin and a balding head entered the hall, followed by another man pushing a wheelbarrow draped by a coarse blanket. The pocked man removed his cap as he drew near the dais, twisting it nervously in his hands as he affected a clumsy bow. "Your Grace," he said, his voice raspy.

"You are?" the queen asked.

"I am Aengus, master of the stable."

"And why have you come here?"

"I found a man behind the stable this morn, Your Highness. He had been murdered."

Red's stomach dropped, a deep foreboding humming in his ears.

"Who is the murdered man?" the queen asked.

"He had said his name is Dane. Was Dane, excuse me, Your Grace," Aengus said. "He and another man arrived two days past, requesting care for their horses and those of their companions. A full count of six horses."

"No," Galiena whimpered, sagging against Red. He put his arm about her and pulled her into his side.

"Is that him there?" The queen motioned toward the wheelbarrow.

"Aye, Your Highness."

The queen looked to Red. "You or your companion may look to confirm what the stablemaster claims."

Bard put a hand on Red's arm to stay him, "Stay with Galiena." He stepped to the wheelbarrow and lifted the blanket to look. When he dropped the blanket back in place, he squeezed his eyelids closed and sucked in a deep breath.

Red felt like a knife had been plunged in his chest as Galiena tried to stifle a sob at his side. Dane had been a good man, and he had the makings to be a great man. He was eager, loyal, even-tempered, and far too young to die.

"His throat has been ripped apart," Bard said, his tone low and his voice shaking with anger as he returned to stand beside Galiena and Red.

Red's vision went red with fury. Another person in his life dead at the hands of The Executioner. He pushed Galiena toward Bard, then lunged toward the dais. "You did this," he said in a booming voice. Immediately, the castle guards were on him, restraining him from getting any closer to the queen. "Does the queen know what you do in your spare time? Does she know that you butcher people?"

"It looks to me," Friar Ferrando said coolly, "that you are far more capable of butchering a man with that dagger you carry than a simple man like me who carries nothing but rosary beads."

"I'll kill you," Red roared. He lost his control, allowed his composure to snap, and now The Executioner had the advantage. When the vile man smiled, Red knew it and he was disgusted with himself for letting it happen.

"Did the lad refuse to take part in your treasonous plot?" Friar Ferrando continued. "Is that why you killed him?"

Red pressed his lips together and stayed silent, knowing there was nothing he could say that would make any difference. He turned his focus to the queen and stared at her earnestly as she seemed to contemplate him in return.

The castle guard stepped forward to address the queen. "Your Highness, it takes a large blade to kill a man as this man was killed. A blade like the one found in the possession of the Viking."

"I did not kill him," Red bit out. Fury blurring his vision at the sound of Galiena's gasp, but he kept his voice even and his focus on the queen.

"He could not have killed him," Galiena interjected. She had come to stand behind Red and grabbed his arm as if trying to keep him anchored to her. "He has not been out of my sight for days. Even if we had not been together every hour of the day and night, Red could never do something so heinous."

His heart swelled with pride at Galiena's defense of him and her show of confidence in his character. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and hug her to him, but he could not afford the distraction. Not when The Executioner thought he was about to snare them both in his trap.

"That will have to be decided by the king," the captain of the castle guard snapped authoritatively at Red. Turning back to the queen, he said, "My queen, I suggest you detain these people until the king returns on the morrow for the safety of your child, yourself, and your subjects. When word spreads through the village of this murder, the people of Llanbadarn will demand justice. They will want to know the man responsible is locked up and is not going to slit their throats in the night." He paused, then added, "And until we can be sure the woman is not complicit, she should be detained."

Galiena had stiffened as the captain was voicing his ridiculous opinion, and he could feel the fear thrumming through her. Red glared at the captain of the guard, certain that The Executioner had found an ally in the king's ranks.

When the captain opened his mouth to speak again, Queen Eleanor held up her hand. "Quiet, Boris," she commanded, pushing to her feet.

The captain's face reddened but he held his tongue.

"I must think on this without your blathering. Aengus, I thank you for coming forth. You may leave now. Boris, put the body somewhere cool until the king returns, and bring the rest of your guards back into the hall. I am retiring to the solar to consult with my advisor. I will return with my decision shortly. Until then, Red, you and your companions are not to leave the hall."

The guards closed in around them as the queen left through the door to the tower. Red pulled Galiena into his arms, wrapping himself around her, offering what little protection he could.

"Red," she whispered against his chest as Bard stepped closer to them. "We must find a way to show the queen the true translation of the message."

"I fear she will not believe it," Red murmured against her hair.

"If we survive until the king returns," Bard muttered in a low voice, "we may be able to convince him the friar and the captain are behind the treason."

"You came to that conclusion, as well," Red said to Bard, gratified to know he was not alone in his suspicions. Tightening his grip on Galiena, he said, "What happened to Wolf?"

"He was able to get away from the house before the guards caught up to us," Bard said.

"Ox will have found him. If I can convince the queen to let the two of you go, I want you to get her out of the city and to the safety of Hawkspur."

"No!" Galiena gasped. "I will not leave you."

He stroked a hand down her back as he spoke in a near whisper. "The stables will be watched. Get away from Llanbadarn then purchase horses."

"What are you saying over there?" Boris, barked, stepping closer.

"I am merely soothing the woman," Red said.

"No talking," Boris grunted at them.

The scraping of the tower door alerted them of the queen's return, Friar Ferrando following behind her as she strode across the dais to stand next to her throne. The triumphant smirk on The Executioner's face sent a chill down Red's spine, and he instinctively pushed Galiena behind him.

"I am a mother as well as a queen," Eleanor said evenly, "and I will not risk the life of my son, the heir to the throne of England, when there is so much uncertainty as to the true meaning of the missive, and now there has been a brutal death. Upon my husband's return on the morrow, I will present Edward the deciphered message. He will undoubtedly want to speak with you once he has met with Friar Ferrando. Therefore, while we await the return of the king, I must insist—"

"Your Grace," Red said in a clear voice. He knew he risked the wrath of the queen, but it would be worth it if it meant getting Galiena safely away from The Executioner. "I beg your indulgence that you will allow me to speak."

"You do not get—" Friar Ferrando's words were cut off by the queen's harsh rebuke.

"I decide who gets to speak in my presence." Queen Eleanor's voice was stern and laced with irritation. "Not you, cousin." Turning back to Red, she said, "Carry on with what you wish to say and make it quick."

"I offer myself as hostage if you will let Galiena go and allow my companion to accompany her for protection. I will be your prisoner until the king returns to hear my testimony." He felt Galiena's grip tighten on his arm, heard her choking protest. "Galiena is no danger to anyone. She risked her life to bring you the missive, warned you of the threat to your child. She is not capable of malice or lies."

The queen seemed to be contemplating his words as she fixed her gaze on Galiena where she clutched Red's arm. Finally, she said, "I do owe Galiena a measure of gratitude. I saw the tears in her eyes when she warned me of the plot against my son. The sincerity of her concern was unmistakable." She paused, then announced, "I will grant your request, Red. Your companion may take her back to the weaver's house."

Red bowed to the queen. "My deepest gratitude."

"I can be merciful, Red, but I will not be foolish."

"Of course, Your Grace," Red responded, realizing he had underestimated the queen; to ensure the cooperation of Galiena, she would make Red as uncomfortable as possible while they awaited the king's return.

"Galiena and your companion will accompany you to the castle yard to see you restrained," the queen declared. Turning to Galiena and Bard, she warned, "If you try to leave the city, or do anything to interfere with the king's process, my mercy will cease, and his suffering will be increased. Boris, remove the prisoner to the inner ward and use the restraints along the west tower."

Red grabbed Galiena by the waist and kissed her before the guards pulled them apart. "Do not fear for me. I will be all right."