Chapter Thirty-Five

R eynard looked over the map of Oxford Castle and the outlying area. There were not many in the empress's solar for this discussion. Their fate was grim at best. Supplies were running out since Stephen had instituted a blockade, barring the way to any sources that would bring food and other necessities into the castle. The harbor was also blocked from what they could gather and any hope that Robert of Gloucester would arrive to rescue them diminished whilst each day rolled into the next.

'Twas now almost mid-December and they had been held inside these walls since September. And while the empress had sent her calvary out to call upon those who still favored her before the gates closed months ago, no one had been able to come to her aid or bring reinforcements. She was tired, cold, and hungry as were the rest of them but she would no longer stay idly by and starve to death. Instead, she planned her own escape.

The empress pointed to the postern gate that opened outside the city. "This is the best option for my plan to work," she said, looking upon Reynard, Richard, Blake, and Kingsley.

Reynard frowned. "'Tis extremely risky, Empress," he stated the obvious. "We will have to navigate right through the middle of Stephen's troops."

"Aye," Richard proclaimed, "and we will have a river to cross if the ice holds."

"'Twill be the death of us if it does not," Kingsley interjected.

The empress began to pace the floor. "I will not let an icy river deter me from escaping Stephen's clutches nor will I sit here any longer without food and wood for our fires. If we can escape undetected, Stephen will eventually become aware that I am no longer inside Oxford. He will then have no choice but to allow those who remain to surrender."

"'Tis the best plan we have," Reynard said raising his hand to his chin. "If it works, he will be furious."

Richard chuckled. "I would like to see his reaction that he was thwarted again by our empress."

A smirk turned up at the corners of the empress's mouth. "That would be a sight to see—not that we shall be anywhere near the man to witness such a reaction. For this to work, I think 'twill be best if we keep our numbers small. No more than three or four of you should come with me."

The men swore at such a thought and Richard held up his hand to silence them. "Think about it, men. If our numbers are smaller, then 'twill be easier to make our way unseen through Stephen's troops."

"We shall wear white," the empress suggested. "'Twill provide camouflage for us to blend in with the snow."

Blake leaned on the table whilst still viewing the map. "What of your ladies? Surely, the trek across the countryside will be too much for them."

Empress Matilda shook her head. "Aye. You are right. They cannot come with me and will have to remain here. We shall leave Oswin here so he may watch over them to ensure they come to no harm.

'Twas Reynard's turn to shake his head in displeasure. He did not relish leaving Elysande behind. "He will not wish to remain behind. He has been with you as long as the rest of us."

Richard went and poured himself a cup of wine. "You will need at least one of your ladies to be with you. What about my sister?"

"Are you mad, Grancourt? I would go insane having Beatrix forced upon me. Nay. She stays here," the empress ordered, then turned to Reynard. "Bring Elysande. That woman has endured much. A little foul weather should not hinder her ability to keep up with us on our little adventure."

A snort left Kingsley. "An adventure, Empress?" he muttered. "We will likely be holding our breath from the moment we leave the gate and thrust ourselves at our enemies' feet."

Reynard saw another problem. "'Twould not be easy to leave behind Elysande's captain. Elysande will most likely ask for Hawke de Challon to accompany her. He has been a most trusted guardsman since the time she was a young girl."

The empress tapped a finger on the wooden table. "That's one too many knights, I think," she answered. "'Tis best he also stay behind with Woodwarde to help guard those who remain here. When do you propose we begin this escapade?"

Reynard was already dreading telling Elysande that Hawke would not travel with them. "We should wait until the middle of the night when their camp is quiet and Stephen's men are asleep. Certainly, we can hide ourselves well enough to avoid any guards who are patrolling at such an ungodly hour," Reynard suggested.

The empress gave her approval. "You are my most trusted men and I know you will see me through this. If we can make it across the river Thames, then we can make our way to Abingdon."

Blakes's eyes widened. "That is another six miles, Empress. Will you be able to make it that far on foot?"

The empress threw up her hands. "What choice do I have? I know this will work. Go prepare yourselves. And Norwood… make sure Elysande is ready to leave with us."

Reynard and the men bowed and left the solar. In the passageway, the men gathered around one another.

"I will go tell Oswin he is to stay behind. Mayhap he will not be too disappointed when he learns Beatrix will also be left here," Kingsley said before leaving to go find their friend.

Richard cursed. "Now I will have to worry whether my sister is behaving the whole time we are gone."

Reynard laughed. "'Twill hardly be the first time you were bothered over what your little sister was plotting inside her head."

Blake joined in. "Aye… you may need to attend another wedding soon if she is not careful." Richard lunged at Blake who held up his hands. "Do not take out your frustration on me. 'Tis best to have a conversation with the lady before she finds we are gone come the morn."

Reynard ran his hand over the back of his neck. "I had best find Elysande if she is to travel with us. Let us hope we can find enough white linen so we will blend in with the environment."

They all bid a hasty farewell with an agreement to meet up at the appointed time. Reynard went to his chamber and found Elysande sitting near the hearth. There was a white cloth on her lap and she was applying a needle and thread to the garment. He should not have been surprised that she was already aware of the situation that would shortly unfold. He shut the door to the bedchamber and slid the bolt into place.

"You know…"

She raised her head whilst her blue eyes scanned his features. A small smile lit her face. "The empress told me her plan this morn after dismissing her other ladies. I assume she convinced you and the rest of your friends into accepting her escape plan."

"'Tis a good plan," Reynard said, crossing the room and placing a kiss upon her lips.

"Except that I will be left behind whilst you go to protect our empress. You might be captured, and I will never know your fate," she proclaimed, heaving a heavy sigh, bowing her head.

He came to kneel before her. "You will know because you are going with me."

She raised her head and eyes to search his face. "Truly?"

"Aye, but be aware, the going will not be easy. If you think you are freezing now, that will be nothing compared to sneaking through an enemy camp and then trudging another six miles or more in the snow until we reach safety."

She grabbed his hand. "I can do it."

"I know you can but that does not mean I do not worry. 'Tis enough to make an escape with the empress. 'Tis another situation entirely to be dragging my wife along."

"As long as we are together, I can endure anything."

"You say that now when we are protected against the elements," he grumbled, coming to a stand. He went to a table that held a pitcher of wine and poured himself a cup, thankful that there was even this remaining luxury. He took a sip deep in thought and did not hear Elysande when she came up behind him. She put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back.

"I will not be a burden to you or the empress, especially since she asked for me to accompany her. I have spent the entire day working on our cloaks," she said squeezing him tight.

He placed the cup down and turned, taking her in his arms. "I do not suppose I can convince you to stay here where I know you will be safe."

Elysande gave him a look that spoke volumes. "We have had this discussion before, my love. How safe can I be with the usurper right outside these very gates?"

"He will leave and accept the surrender of those who remain once he learns the empress is no longer here." He picked up his cup and took another drink.

"You cannot be certain of that. Already his machines of war relentlessly bombard the castle and the surrounding areas. He has blocked off everything and is slowly starving us out," she answered. She waved her finger at the cup he still held. "And you best enjoy that chalice of wine for that is the last of it."

He turned the cup and offered her to take it. "Share it with me." He swore her eyes sparkled mischievously whilst watching him. She licked her lips before placing her mouth where his had been but moments ago. "A lover's gesture…"

"Aye," she whispered handing him the cup that he set down upon the table. Her fingertips began smoothing down the fabric of his tunic. "Mayhap instead of arguing about whether I stay here or go with you, we can do something else to occupy the time before we are to leave."

"Does my wife have something in mind?" he asked in a husky tone.

Elysande tugged on his hand, leading him to their bed, not that he objected. "I'm sure we can think of something."

He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her down with him. "I am yours to command, my lady wife."

"Finally… you listen to me," she teased before giving him a quick kiss and wiggling her body over his. He took hold of the back of her neck bringing her closer.

"Mayhap just this once…"

There was no further need for words when she kissed him thoroughly and he proceeded to make love to his lady as though it might be the last time. He did not know what the middle of the night would bring, nor come the morn, but whatever their fate, Reynard and Elysande would meet the challenge together.