Chapter Twenty-One

S tepping out of the keep, Richard saw that the inner bailey of Devizes Castle was filled with horses and knights. It appeared as though everyone was ready to travel. Many of those gathered would journey with Lord Robert and young Henry to Bristol, while others would accompany Oswin and Beatrix to Ashurst. The two groups would head in two totally different directions and Richard tried not to worry not only for Beatrix’s safety but also for Henry who would one day be king.

Henry would continue his education alongside his cousin Roger who was one of Robert’s younger sons. The Empress’s son would remain at Bristol but would be able to still visit her on occasion at Devizes where she planned to remain instead of returning to Oxford.

Devizes was a strong stone fortress high on top of a motte and Empress Matilda would be well protected here. ’Twas not the palace from which she had intended to rule as queen of the land that had been her birthright from her father, but she seemed to have put that dream aside, accepting that the war to which she had devoted her years and her energies was not winnable. After all that had been won and struggled over and sacrificed, both sides were now more or less in the same position as when the battle for the crown began. It was as though Lincoln, Winchester, and Oxford had never happened.

But Devizes Castle was her own and the Empress could continue to make her plans in a place that would be her center of power, such as it was. All in all, Devizes was the perfect place for the Empress even though Richard still felt uncomfortable leaving others to watch over her. But she had made it clear where she wanted him to now go and he could not gainsay her edict.

Richard came out of his musings as he moved across the bailey. He came to his sister and the radiant smile she bestowed upon him told him much. She was indeed happy with her marriage to Oswin. Her home now was at Ashurst. One day, when Richard was finally allowed to return to his own home at Lyndhurst, he would be close enough to visit often. But would that day ever come? Any thoughts of settling down back at his parents’ ancestral home—the one that would one day be his—seemed still to be far reaching.

Beatrix held out her hands to him and Richard pulled her into his embrace.

“Be well, little sister,” Richard said, “and mind your husband.”

She gave a light laugh at his words. “Oswin knows me well enough not to expect me to obey every command he thinks is in my best interest.”

Oswin came and placed his arm around his wife’s waist before placing a kiss upon her brow. “I will have my hands full with this lady,” he teased her.

Richard chuckled. “I did try to warn you.”

Oswin joined in with his own laughter. “Clearly since we are now wed, I did not heed your words.”

Beatrix leaned her head on Oswin’s shoulder. “’Tis too late now to recant your vows, my lord. You are mine and I will ensure you never forget it.”

Oswin tipped her chin up to stare into Beatrix’s eyes. “I look forward to the years together, my love.”

Richard cleared his throat feeling as if he was intruding on what was turning into an intimate moment between the couple. “Safe travels to you both. I hope to see you soon, either at your home or Lyndhurst. Be sure to head there after you are settled to see mother and father. They will be disappointed they were not in attendance for your nuptials.”

“We will,” Beatrix replied, turning to look at Richard with a worried gaze in her brown eyes. She stepped forward to place a kiss upon his cheek. “I pray you will remain safe in your travels. Remember what I said about seeking out your own lady.”

“I may not have such a luxury of requesting such an excursion but I will remember your words, sister,” Richard replied and watched as Beatrix went to a wagon where the Empress’s ladies in waiting awaited their own chance to give Beatrix their good wishes and farewells.

Oswin clasped his arm with Richard’s. “Do not worry, brother. I will take good care of her.”

Brother … aye. Oswin had already been a close friend but now Richard was truly related to one of his closest friends. It made him miss the Norwood brothers and the connection that they, too, had shared for most of their lives.

“God speed, Oswin, until our paths cross again.”

“Watch your back, Richard,” Oswin replied before he went to assist Beatrix into the wagon.

Richard went to his horse and saw that Lord Robert was ready to ride along with Henry who was already situated on his own horse.

“Lord Grancourt,” Robert called. “Lead them out!”

“Aye, my lord,” Richard declared as he motioned to the guards he would now command. “Let us away, men.”

He rode his steed through the barbican gate of Devizes Castle knowing his time under the direct charge of the Empress was now over. ’Twould not take long to reach Bristol Castle and Richard was aware what awaited Henry once he reached his uncle’s castle.

Richard would, of course, guard the young prince with his life if that was the duty demanded of him, but in truth, he had little idea of what awaited him at their destination. He had no notion if he would be left at Bristol to guard the young prince or if he would follow Lord Robert into his next battle. Since he had been appointed Captain of the Guard, Richard assumed he would follow Lord Robert. But the whims of men could be fanciful, and situations constantly changed when a war continued to rage. Only time would tell what would come next and Richard would have no choice but to allow others to decide his fate.