Chapter Six

A fter a brief rest in her room, Elysande had collected her composure and began to go about her daily chores. She had never been one to hide away in her room when trouble crossed her path. Now would be no different despite the man who would be sleeping in her barn.

The ruckus of multiple horses arriving in her bailey had momentarily alarmed her and when she opened the shutters and gazed out of her window, she could see Reynard below talking with the men. She had breathed a sigh of relief that the keep was not again under attack. She should not have worried anyway. There was not much left for anyone to take.

She thought of the few coins and jewelry she had stashed away in her father's solar prior to the siege. A lose brick in the wall had been the perfect place to hide what little valuables were left. Unless you knew where to look, no one would espy it. She thought everything would remain safe after the barbican gate had been breached. Unfortunately, such had not been the case. The thieving horde who had ransacked her home had discovered the last bit of wealth she had saved along with her small horde of treasures. They had laughed as they'd collected everything of value and left her with nothing to sell to see to her people's needs.

Now she was once more vexed with a handsome knight who turned up everywhere she went this day. Handsome ! By Saint Michael's Wings ! Why did such a thought sweep across her mind? 'Twas those steel grey eyes of his that felt as though they were attempting to burrow their way into her soul. She would not fall under his spell. He only wished for her to comply to his demands. There was no way he would sway her. No way she would leave Blackmore with a complete stranger.

Still… he was becoming annoying and trying what little she had left of her patience. Sir Reynard turned up first just outside of her bedchamber door. How he knew which room belonged to her was beyond her kin. But there he had stood… one booted foot propped against the stone wall. His arms had been folded across that muscled chest, and he wore a smirk as though he knew he would eventually win his point by wearing her down. He had asked if she was packed, and she muttered a curse leaving him behind whilst making her way to the turret.

She made it without his presence through one chore of advising the few servants in the kitchen to prepare porridge until she learned that several birds had been provided for their evening meal. She was thankful for they would have more than what she could have provided when it came time to sup.

But her solitude was again interrupted when she went to the garden to dig in the ground for several vegetables. This time he sat on a stone bench and watched her intently. One leg was crossed over the other until he again asked if she was ready to depart. She had murmured something to the effect that he could help with finding what was left in her garden to go with their meal. He laughed and left her there to her own devices, the ungallant bastard. Did he think their food would just magically appear for his dining pleasure?

The barn was next when she went to milk the cow. Leaning on one of the posts as if he did not have a care in the world, his smile would have caused most women to swoon, she supposed. Luckily, she was not one of those women. Once the pail was full, she had left the stall and motioned for him to take the bucket. One dark brow had risen as if to mock her. He then proceeded to tell her the only thing he would lift was her satchel of clothes so they could depart. So much for chivalry and helping a lady in need.

Now, he followed behind her as she carefully carried the pail of milk in an attempt to not spill the container. They passed what was left of her smithy, where Hawke was busy sharpening several blades. She continued onward, eager to rid herself of the man who followed her. But he would not be so easily dismissed as he began whistling a merry tune. She had had enough and turned to face the cad.

"Do you not have something better to do?" she asked tartly, setting down the bucket whilst she addressed this frustrating knight.

"Nay, although you must know that we are wasting valuable time. I have places to go and must not tarry here long," he declared before he ran a hand through his dark tresses. Several strands stood on end, and she tried not to chuckle at the sight of him looking like the rooster in her chicken coop.

"Do not let me keep you, Sir Knight. There is no reason to delay your departure." She picked up her pail and began once again making her way toward the rear entry to the keep. She called back over her shoulder. "Godspeed to you."

He caught up with her and at last took the bucket from her hands. She took a sideways glance at him but remained silent until they entered the kitchen, and he finally found his voice.

"You know I cannot leave you behind knowing your situation here at Blackmore is dire, my lady. When will you see reason?" he asked until he went to sit on a stool at the large wooden table in the center of the room.

"Never," she replied before pushing several vegetables and a knife in his direction. "Be useful and cut these."

He took up the knife and began cutting the carrots, turnips, and onions into cubes. "Never is a long time, Elysande. You shall starve yourself and those who remain with you, or have you not thought that far ahead?"

She turned her back to him and heaved a sigh. Of course, she had thought of that , she fumed. Every. Single. Day! Composing herself once more she turned to face the man invading her kitchen. "You are so annoying," she snapped in irritation that she could not make this man go away.

His laughter filled the room. "You are not the first to inform me of such a trait and you certainly will not be the last. But surely you can see my point. Close up the keep until your return or for when your parents travel back home. You will be safer with me and those who are about the empress's business."

"And who will keep me safe from the advances of those same men in your company? You?" she inquired and then blushed that she had spoken her thoughts aloud.

He set down the knife. "I offered you my protection. My vow still stands. I am fully aware you do not know me or my nature but I am hardly in the habit of accosting women to see my needs fulfilled—"

A gasp escaped her that they were having such a conversation. "I did not say that you and I—" She bit her lips shut when he raised his hand to halt whatever words would spill forth next from her mouth.

"—nor do I take that which is not freely offered," he finished with a sly grin waiting for that answer to sink into her muddled brain.

"I am offering you nothing but a place to rest your head… alone."

A chuckle escaped his lips. "A pity." He took up the knife and continued the task she had given him. "If you feel so uncomfortable traveling with strangers, then by all means bring your captain and maid and anyone else you would like. I care not who you wish to travel with so long as we make haste. I offer them the same protection that I offer you. If whoever you choose to ride with can keep up with the pace of our army, then there will be no problem. We wait for no one who cannot travel at the speed needed to meet our objectives."

She was surprised at his words. "You have given me much to think on," she murmured softly.

"Do not take too long to mull over your decision. I would much rather have you come willingly than for me to take you by force because you are too stubborn to see this as a remedy to your situation and is for your own good."

She narrowed her eyes at this man's gall. Just when she thought she might consider his offer, he goes and ruins it all. "You would not dare!" Hands on hips, she stomped her foot to get her point across only causing Reynard to give her a sly grin.

"Try me…"

With that challenge tossed in her direction and his task complete, he stood. Giving her a short bow of his head, he left her there sputtering and cursing his name. She swore she could hear his laughter echoing in the great hall. Bloody hell ! He was going to make her leave whether she wished it or not. She hated him!

When the rear door opened again, Elysande briefly closed her eyes to give herself strength, gritted her teeth, and took a deep breath to confront the man who had returned to attempt again to persuade her to leave Blackmore. She turned to face the scoundrel and sighed in relief when she espied Hawke entering the kitchen.

He sat down at the bench, took up the knife, and continued to cut the vegetables still waiting on the table. "You appeared flustered when I saw you walking with Sir Reynard. Are you all right?"

"He vexes me," she muttered trying to come to terms with leaving. She sat down next to her captain who inspected her intently. "Go on… out with it."

"Out with what?" he said barely containing the slight smirk to his lips.

"Do not play games with me, Hawke. Tell me your thoughts so we may get this conversation over with. I am not certain I can bear further soul searching for one day," she stated, folding her hands in her lap. She clenched her fingertips together, ready for whatever would spill forth from the man whose council she most trusted.

"As I have already stated, my lady, you and I both know that Sir Reynard speaks the truth. Whilst there are not many of us left here at Blackmore, there are still too many to feed with the limited sources we have available. You would do well to heed Sir Reynard's words so that we may travel with him to the empress." Hawke finished his task and tossed the vegetables into a cast iron pot on the table.

Elysande raised her tortured blue eyes to face him. "You would come with me?"

He gave her a smile. "To the ends of the earth if need be."

'Twas as though a heavy burden were suddenly lifted from her shoulders, just from knowing her faithful captain would agree to travel with her. "Mayhap we could quickly make arrangements for the remaining servants to return to their families. They have been devoted to me, and I will not see them remain here and starve," she replied finally coming to terms with her situation.

Hawke nodded. "I am certain we can make such an arrangement—and I am glad you came to the conclusion to leave Blackmore of your own accord."

A snort left her. "'Twas hardly of my own accord, Hawke, and you know it."

"Aye… well… mayhap Sir Reynard had a little something to do with your decision."

Elysande reached over and clasped Hawke's hand. His eyes momentarily widened at her touch. She almost regretted showing this warrior this small bit of affection until she felt him gently squeeze her hand.

"Thank you for standing by me all this time, Hawke." How could she adequately express her gratitude to this man? There were not enough words to convey how highly she valued all he had done for her both before and after the siege.

Hawke stood and gave her a bow. "I am forever your most humble servant, my lady. I had best see to what can be done for the other servants prior to our leaving and see to packing."

Elysande watched him leave. When more servants came into the kitchen, she gave the task of preparing the evening meal over to others. She went to stand at the entrance to her great hall and her eyes swept the room as memories flooded her mind. There really was no other choice but to go, and yet she hated to leave this place. More importantly, she would hate to see the smug look of satisfaction plastered on Sir Reynard's face when he realized he had convinced her to leave. She swore she would hate him for all time!