Chapter Thirty-Seven

Devizes Castle

O nce the empress had regained her energy for another trek across England's frozen ground, their group rode the distance to Devizes where the empress could once again rest easy knowing she was safe. They were now far enough away that there was no threat from Stephen, so they settled in and awaited news of what was happening at Oxford. But any runner that would come bearing either good or bad tidings was also hampered by the weather. Everyone's patience was running thin, especially the empress who grew more annoyed each day.

Her husband had failed her by keeping her brother Robert far longer than was necessary in Normandy. No troops had come to her rescue, nor had she seen her brother in months. The one person she heavily relied on to carry out her campaigns had been thwarted by her own spouse who had his own agenda, caring only for conquering as much of Normandy as he could. Clearly, Geoffrey had concluded that he would never be king of England nor would Matilda ever sit upon its throne.

But when a messenger arrived that Earl Robert was almost upon Devizes' gates, the empress clapped her hands in glee. Finally, her brother had arrived, and she beckoned her most trusted knights, along with Elysande, to join her in her solar for when Robert at last appeared before her.

Reynard stood at attention up against a wall with Blake and Kingsley for company. Richard and Oswin were noticeably absent, and Reynard could only ponder his friends' fates. Had Richard made it back into Oxford Castle with his prisoner? Had the woman somehow escaped? Were Oswin, Beatrix and the Empress's other ladies safe? There were many questions that must needs be addressed and only time would tell what became of those they had left behind.

Yet still… standing here reminded Reynard of a similar situation when he had waited for his next orders. He had been bored standing there at Oxford many months ago but that trip to Bristol to exchange prisoners had also brought him to his wife. He never expected such a miracle as Elysande to be thrust so unexpectedly into his life. He would be forever grateful, but he would also like nothing more than to be released from his service to the empress so that he and Elysande could begin their lives as a married couple in their own home.

When the door to the solar ricocheted off the wall, it startled not only the empress, but Elysande who also flinched at the sound. But there was nothing to fear and Robert soon entered the room to kneel before his sister. Several others entered behind him, and the room became crowded with men.

The empress rose, taking her brother's hands and bringing him to his feet. She embraced her half-brother in a rare show of public affection before she once more took her seat.

"What kept you so long?" she asked, holding out her hand for her chalice of wine that Elysande quickly gave her. The empress took a sip of her drink and handed back the cup.

"What else?" Robert said clearly upset. "Your husband, of course. It was months before I finally learned that you had been held captive in your own keep. I was almost to Oxford when news reached me that you had escaped, you clever woman. My men and I made haste to reach here since I knew this was where you would head. Your father's castle was the perfect place to hide away until I could reach you."

"And what of Oxford? Did Stephen accept my people's surrender?" the empress inquired leaning forward in her chair.

"From what I could learn, he had little choice since you were no longer within the walls. I gathered that the terms were easy enough and did not require anyone to pledge their fealty to him. I did hear that whatever prisoners you had in your dungeon were released. Hopefully, none of them were too bent on revenge," Robert warned.

The empress scowled. "The only one of any worth was Gerold Morcant who was a traitor. I suppose that scum will crawl back to his hovel north of London to live out his days under Stephen's watchful eyes."

"You may like this bit of news…" Robert laughed whilst a chair was pulled up for him next to his sister. "Did you know there are rumors going around that say you actually scaled down the tower wall to make your escape?"

"From that height?" the empress laughed in delight. "Nay, I had not heard such fanciful talk but such news amuses me greatly. Stephen must have been furious. 'Tis almost as humorous as the tale that I was dead after Winchester and was carried away in a coffin!" Laughter filled the room.

"'Twas brilliant to make your escape in the middle of the night," Robert declared as he glanced over toward Reynard and his men.

"You might not have agreed with my plan had you been here, given we almost froze to death," the empress replied as her gaze swept the men who had traveled with Robert. "Who is that standing behind your knights?"

Robert stood. "I almost forgot. I brought you a surprise, my Empress. Step forward," Robert said, holding out his arm whilst a small boy of nine summers came into view.

"Henry!" The empress beamed in delight to see her son.

"Glad tidings to you, mother," the boy said with a bow of respect.

The empress rushed forward to bring her son into her embrace. "'Tis been so long since I have seen you. My, how you have grown." The boy began to squirm, and the empress finally released him. She turned back to her brother. "I am surprised Geoffrey allowed you to bring him to me rather than fostering our son with someone he is in an alliance with."

Robert waited for his sister to return to her chair and then he did the same. "I believe your husband is under the impression that Henry will one day be placed on the throne of England. Now was a good a time to bring him here as any."

"At least he trusted you with his care—as will I," the empress said whilst watching her son.

Robert leaned back before answering. "Aye, he did, but I am also glad that your own trusted knights saw to your welfare in my absence. They should be rewarded, and handsomely."

The empress nodded. "I have already seen that Norwood has been made lord of Blackmore and he has wed Lady Elysande as well."

"I wish you both well," Earl Robert declared, nodding in approval.

Reynard bowed. "Thank you, my lord." He took a sideways glance toward his wife who dropped into a curtsey.

The empress drummed her fingers upon the arm of her chair. "Mayhap there is more we can do for Norwood. Step forward," she called, and Reynard came to stand before his empress. Elysande appeared worried, not that he could blame her.

"My Empress," Reynard said, bowing his head.

"You and your brothers have faithfully stood by my side for many years now. Although I expect you to continue to remain loyal to my cause, I now release you from your service. You and your wife may take your leave and return home to Blackmore come the morn."

"You are too gracious, Empress," Reynard answered, watching Elysande as her smile brightened knowing they were going home.

"See well to this lady, Norwood. Although Blackmore has had many repairs since you were last there, 'twill still take many years to bring the place back to its former glory. But the keep as it is now should suffice for your needs to begin your lives together."

The empress waved her hand toward Elysande, and she quickly ran to Reynard's side. He pulled his lovely lady into his arms, raising her trembling fingertips to his lips so he could give them a kiss. They smiled together and gave a joyful laugh. They were going home!