Chapter Seventeen

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

K eller didn't waste any time in ordering the timber hoards erected on the battlements. Timber hoards were wooden platforms that extended beyond the tower battlements from the corner of the walls, providing a fighting platform that was well above the heads of the enemy. The entire east wall was protected by a cliff, rendering it a non-threat, and Keller ordered the massive catapult on the northeast tower wall to be loaded and cocked. Normally, the catapult was directed at the sea should the attack come from that direction, but Keller had it directed at the northwest towards the trees that would undoubtedly shield the de Rosa army.

The story Aglette gave Derica was a sad one; Bertram had received a message that Derica was at Pembroke almost three weeks prior, but she couldn't say who had sent the missive. Bertram, contrary to his nature, had spent a day and a night drinking in indulgent self-pity until he finally made the decision to march on Pembroke. More than anything, he wanted his daughter home. He didn't care about Garren le Mon, revenge or reckoning; all he wanted was his only girl-child home where she belonged. He had missed her terribly, and her absence cut at him like a knife. Knowing how well she might not respond to him, he commandeered her servant and childhood friend to march with the army and relay his terms of her surrender.

Derica had cried at the tale. She loved her father very much. The situation at their parting had been difficult for her, but she had been overwhelmed with her desire to be with Garren. She still was. Nothing Aglette told her could take that away. She was angry with her father for so many reasons that she couldn't seem to pick just one.

It was late in the day when Derica sent Aglette back to her father with the message that she wished to negotiate. She retreated to her chamber with the children and removed the simple clothing she wore in favor of something more elaborate. She thought that, perhaps, if her father saw her good fortune and good health that he would not be so inclined to remove her from a situation that obviously agreed with her. She wanted to present a strong, collected front.

She was nervous. Everything seemed to hinge on this day and what would be said. She dressed in a sheath of the softest white linen and topped it with a heavy brocade surcoat in rich green. The full skirt swept the floor and gold thread in designs ran throughout. The bodice was laced tight, giving her a glorious figure. Around her neck she wore a necklace of pale cut emeralds that Keller had given her, and her long hair was pinned at the nape of her neck and secured with a golden web. She made an absolutely stunning sight. She only hoped her beauty would dazzle them if her courage would not. The tension was rising and the stakes were enormously high.

Fergus knocked on the door and she let him in. He had been with Keller in the courtyard, discussing his retreat from Pembroke. One look at Derica and he found he had never seen anything quite so beautiful. It was enough to cause him to impulsively take her hand and kiss it.

"You know," he said, "if Garren saw me do that, he would run me through. In fact, I am not so sure how He is going to take any of this."

"What do you mean?"

"You, here, living in the same keep with a man who is not your husband."

He said it rather dramatically, wagging a finger at her. She knew he wasn't serious, attempting in his own annoying way to lessen a tense situation.

"Fergus, may I remind you that I slept next to you on the ground for several days and you were not my husband. What makes this any different?"

"Garren doesn't know about that one."

"He will if I tell him."

"You wouldn't dare."

"If you tell him anything other than the truth about this situation, you can be assured that I will tell him the story of our flight from Framlingham in a far more impressive fashion. It will not reflect well on you."

Good-natured threats were about. Fergus snickered at her. "On a serious note, I had a bit of a chat with Keller down in the bailey. The man opened up surprisingly well after he got over his envy of me. It seems that he is quite smitten by you and those children."

"He'll get over us. He'll have to."

"That's a rather cold attitude, don't you think?"

She looked puzzled. "What would you have me say? I was betrothed to the man by force. I have no feelings for him other than gratitude."

"Make sure he knows it. He is risking much to help you."

The point was taken. Derica changed the subject. "How are you getting out of here?"

"Keller is going to lower me over the east wall while you speak with your father. I can escape on the sea side while the army is occupied."

Derica's expression turned wistful. "I wish I could go with you, but it is better if I don't. The last thing we need is to have the army track you and I back to Cilgarren, and there is no reason to believe that they won't. My father won't be made a fool of again."

"You should stay here, anyway. I shouldn't like to think of some mishap befalling you as we flee back to Cilgarren. Leave it to Garren to figure out a way to get you out of here without risking your life fleeing from your father again."

"Agreed. Besides, I cannot leave the children."

"A noble thought, especially since I understand how badly you wish to be with your husband."

Her expression turned wistful at the thought. "How long will it take you to reach Cilgarren?"

"Unless I find a horse, it should be at least seven or eight hours. I can run fast, but it is still several miles away."

Derica had to be realistic. "Then let us hope you find a horse so you don't run yourself to death before you get there."

Fergus could only nod in agreement; he wasn't keen on running the full thirty miles to Cilgarren.

"Hold off your father as best you can. Garren will think of something."

They stood there a moment, a silence filled with uncertainty. There was so much to say in this fragile situation but neither of them knew where to start. Sian left his cart and horse over the corner, coming to stand beside Derica. He gazed up at Fergus, the big man with the bright blue eyes. It was the first time the child had dared to as much as look at him.

"You are a knight?" he asked Fergus.

Fergus smiled gently. "I am, little man."

From behind his back, Sian brought out the small wooden sword that Keller had given him. He held it up for Fergus to see. "I have this."

Fergus pretended to examine it. "So I see. A fine weapon," he said, and Sian lowered it. "What name do you answer to, little man?"

"Sian," he child whispered.

"Sir Sian of the Dark Woods," Derica reminded him, smiling.

Sian grinned at her, embarrassed, pushing his face into her skirt to hide. Aneirin wandered over, not wanting to be left out. She, too, had not had the courage to look at the strange man, but her brother emboldened her. Fergus studied both of the children.

"Garren will undoubtedly feel the loss of the child you carried," he said quietly, "but I can almost assure you that these two moppets will help ease his pain. Perhaps they have been left to you for a reason."

Derica looked at him, surprised. "Garren knew about his child?"

"I told him."

She felt sad, trying not to dwell on what could not have been helped. "I can hardly wait to hold him again, Fergus," she murmured. "When you see him, give him something for me."

She reached up and kissed him on the lips, something so soft and sensual that Fergus lost his balance. But he knew it wasn't a kiss directed at him; it was full of warmth and love and longing for Garren. He could feel all of that and more. It made his heart pound as he gazed back at her.

"I understand your meaning perfectly," he muttered. "But you can wait and give that to him personally. And I swear that you shall."

They left the severe women with the children. With a silence filled with apprehension and determination, Fergus escorted Derica down to the bailey. There were soldiers everywhere, prepared for battle, their grim faces set. Derica tried not to look any of them in the eye, fearful that they would accuse her of condemning them to their fate. All of this was because of her. Keller saw her from the battlements and descended the stairs in the northwest tower down to the ward.

"Your father and two men are waiting just outside the gates," he told her, then looked at Fergus. "One of my men will lower you over the west wall. He'll keep watch there for your return with Sir Garren. 'Twill be the easiest way in and out of the castle."

"Excellent," Fergus nodded. With the plans solidified, there was nothing more to say and he looked at Derica. "Good luck to you, my lady."

"And to you, Fergus."

One of Keller's knights went off with him, moving to the eastern wall with plans to carryout. Keller, with a deep sigh he hoped she didn't see, held out his hand. It would probably be the last time he would be able to do so. When she put her warm palm in his, he stole a split second to enjoy a feeling that would very quickly leave him.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Ready," she replied.

He took her to the outer concentric wall facing east. The de Rosa army lay beyond, like locusts on the land. It would have been foolish to open the gates and lower the drawbridge, even during the course of a negotiation. It left Pembroke too vulnerable. He continued to hold her hand until they reached the top of the battlements of the great gatehouse. Nervous, feeling slightly ill, Derica looked to the ground below.

In the dusk, she could see her father, her Uncle Lon and her Uncle Alger. They were atop their chargers, clad in colors of Norfolk. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes. She hadn't realized until that moment how much she had missed them. Keller stood there, watching her, waiting for her to summon both courage and composure.

"I am here, Father," Derica called from above.

Three helmed heads snapped up. Bertram removed his helm, his face as naked with emotion as Derica had ever seen. It took all of her self-control to keep from turning sentimental.

"Derica," her father drank in the sight of her. "So you truly are here. Though we had hoped, I did not truly believe."

"Aglette told me of your demands."

"I only wish you home and safe, daughter."

"I am home and I am safe. You must understand that I have no wish to return to Framlingham with you. I have my own life now."

Bertram was quiet a moment, reflecting on what he was going to say next. The conversation was moving faster than he'd hoped; it had been his wish to move slower, to play on her sentiment, before moving forward with demands. But the Derica that faced him was unwilling to entertain even the slightest pleasantries. He had to admit that he was not surprised.

"I know that le Mon is dead," he said. "I also know that William Marshal plans to marry you off to some knight, someone I know nothing of. At least I knew something of le Mon."

"You knew something of him, yet you showed him as little respect as you would the lowliest serf." Derica could feel herself harden. "How dare you show so little regard for the man I loved."

"It is my duty to protect you. I believe I was attempting to do that."

"As you can see, I do not need protecting. I am safe, healthy and reasonably content. Garren took the best of care of me, and my future husband is continuing the tradition. It is my wish that you return to Framlingham and leave me to my new life."

Bertram's stubborn streak, seen so strongly in his daughter, came forth. "I can promise you a wonderful life at Framlingham. Norfolk has graciously arranged a betrothal that will promise you comfort and security the rest of your life. I have met and approve of this man."

Derica thought it ironic that she had more than her share of betrothals now that Garren was presumed dead. "Who is he? A mercenary with plenty of money and no political connections?"

"The nephew of the Duke of Savoy, Alessandro Donatello Ettore di Savoy. He is very wealthy and well-connected in Rome."

Derica was silent a moment. When she finally spoke, it was with bitterness.

"You do not want me to marry a man of my choosing, but a man of your choosing so that you may save your foolish pride." She shook her head, sadly. "Go home, Father. Go home and forget you ever had a daughter."

"Derica, please," her father pleaded. "I only desire what is best for you, truly. By running away with le Mon, you severely limited your choices of a mate. Savoy is an excellent match and willing to overlook your female indiscretions."

"Go home," Derica exploded at him. "I have no desire to be swept under the rug because you are ashamed of me. If I had it to do over again a thousand times, I would do it the same way every single time. Nothing you can say will change how I feel about Garren."

"You're tired. You have been running too long, without the comforts of home and family. I can forgive your mistake, but I cannot forgive blind stupidity. Come home with me now, please, before any more damage is done."

It was like talking to a wall. "I realize this is foreign to your thinking and God forgive me to saying this to you, but this is a battle you have lost, Father. With all of your wealth and strength, you could not win against me or against Garren. You must understand that."

"Derica, listen to me. I…"

Derica didn't hear the end of the conversation; she had turned away from the wall, in tears and anger. Keller chipped off commands to his sergeant before following her. He took hold of her elbow, helping her down the stairs so that she would not trip in her heavy gown. When they reached the bottom, she was wiping her face, struggling to regain her composure.

"I fear I have put Pembroke in a bad situation," she apologized. "My father will lay siege, of that I am sure. If you want to lower me over the west side and let me take my chances, then I understand."

Keller watched her, every gesture, and every move like fluid poetry. She was graceful and ladylike even in turmoil.

"'Tis been a while since I have tasted battle with the English," he said. "Let your father attack if he wants to. Frankly, when the Welsh catch wind of a battle, it may very well anger them and your father could find himself fighting on two fronts. I will wager your father is in a good deal more danger than Pembroke is. We can hold out."

He sounded so sure. Derica was moved by his chivalry. "You are a good man, Keller. I want you to know that if Garren was not alive, then I should have been very proud to be your wife."

"Then never have I been more tempted to commit murder."

He meant it as a joke. Derica smiled at his attempt, worried over the fate of Pembroke and praying that Fergus would reach Garren to deliver the news. So much could happen to ruin all she hoped for. Keller sensed her distress and took her by the elbow.

"Come," he said softly. "I would have you retreat to the keep so that I may accept your father's invitation to dance."

"Invitation to dance?"

"Battle is like a dance, carefully planned, carefully executed. It all depends on who will lead and who will follow."

She thought on that. "An interesting comparison. I have been around knights my entire life and have never heard it put quite that way."

He took her to the steps of the keep. "There is one thing your father doesn't know about my dancing skills, however."

"What is that?"

His expression took on a shadow of dark determination. "I can trip a partner in that careful choreography. He'll hit the ground and lay there, dazed and vulnerable, before He is even realized He is fallen."

Derica hesitated. "Keller," she said softly. "This is my father. I do not wish him… killed if it can be helped. I just want him to go away."

"I understand and shall do my best to accommodate your wishes."

She smiled in thanks. With nothing more to say to a man she was deeply grateful to, she impulsively leaned over to kiss him gently on the cheek. Keller grasped her face before she could pull away and covered her mouth with his own, overwhelming her with his power and desire for a flash of a moment. When he released her, it was as quickly as he had taken her. Derica stumbled back, her eyes wide at him. Keller looked equally surprised but managed to shrug weakly.

"I had to know what I would miss."

It was as much as an explanation as he could give her. Derica, having no reply, went up the stairs to the keep and disappeared inside. Keller stood there, watching until she vanished.

He probably would have been better off if he'd not kissed her, for his own sake.

*

It had started raining again the moment Fergus left Pembroke. It had been rather harrowing being lowered over the western wall into the sea cliff below, but they had intentionally waited until low tide so he wouldn't be swept away by the pounding surf. Still, he was wet and cold by the time he slipped along the cliffs and beaches to the north before daring to make his way back up onto the land.

It was dark as he made his way inland, racing through the shadowed landscape as fast as his freezing legs would carry him. With the cloud cover, there was no moon by which to see. More than once he tripped over something, muffling his curses as he stubbed a toe or whacked a knee.

Fergus had always had a knack for physical activity and running did not tire him easily, but the conditions were cold and wet and he could feel his muscles tightening after a few miles. Pushing on at the pace he was, he reckoned that it would take him between seven and eight hours to reach Cilgarren, thirty miles to the northeast. However, if he kept crashing into things in the dark, no telling how much longer it would take, if he made it at all. Settling himself down into a rhythm, he moved along at a steady pace.

He was glad when the rain eased. The supper hour came and went because his stomach was rumbling and it was never wrong. He kept running, unable to tell the difference now between the sweat rolling off his body and the blobs of rain still pelting him. On the outskirts of Jeffreystown, he slowed his pace, thinking now would be a good time to borrow a horse. It was by sheer luck that he passed near a tavern, the occupants barricaded in for the night. There was a stable behind the tavern and he silently made his way to it. It was pitch black inside when he opened the door, careful not to wake the lad sleeping just inside. The boy was snoring. Keeping his eyes on the lad, Fergus took the nearest horse he could find, good or bad or indifferent, and quietly led it from the stall.

It was a hairy brown steed, fairly well fed. Fergus took a rope hanging on the side of the fence and fashioned a bridle out of it. Slipping it over the horse's ears and nose, he leapt onto the animal's back and inaudibly walked it from the barn and through the grass. When he reached the trees near the road, he spurred the animal into a run.

He reached Cilgarren by midnight. Unable to cross the destroyed drawbridge on the horse, he tethered the animal and plunged into the muck-filled ditch, climbing up on the other side and into the gatehouse. He raced across the outer bailey and into the inner bailey. Suspecting Garren would be in the great hall, he barreled into the cavernous room and shouted for his friend. In a moment's breath, he sensed a body behind him and whirled in a start.

Garren's blue eyes glittered at him in the light of the dying hearth. He had a dagger in his hand, aimed at Fergus' midsection.

"Christ, Fergus," he hissed, lowering the knife. "I heard you coming. I thought we were being raided."

Fergus put both hands on Garren's massive arms, bracing him for the news to come. "Garren, I found her."

Garren dropped the knife in shock. "Is she…?"

"She is alive and well at Pembroke Castle."

The information was coming too strong, too fast. Garren nearly choked on the breath in his lungs, wanting to shout his joy but unable to form a coherent thought. After making a gagging sound in an attempt to speak, he settled for a snort of pure relief.

"Thanks be to God," he breathed fervently. "I can hardly believe it. I thought surely…."

Fergus cut him off. "There is no time for your happiness, my friend. There is far more to the tale."

He could see Garren stiffen. "What is it?"

Fergus didn't know where to begin. But he knew one thing; they had to go to Pembroke at that very moment.

"Get your horse," he shoved Garren towards the door. "I shall tell you everything on the way."

"You will tell me now."

"I can't tell you everything now. All I can tell you is that it is a matter of life and death to go and retrieve your wife at this very moment."

Garren froze. "Is she in danger?"

Fergus could see that Garren was going to be difficult until he had some answers. He quickly tried to surmise the situation.

"Her father is laying siege to Pembroke as we speak. He wants his daughter back."

"De Rosa?" Garren wondered how much worse this could get. "How did he find her?"

"I don't know," Fergus managed to get him out into the bailey. "But suffice it to say that he knows. And he is there. You must go and retrieve your wife."

Garren was on the move. Offa and David, having heard the noise, were up and apprised of the situation. David ran for the horse so Garren could don his armor. Offa went to get Emyl. There was excitement in the air, and anxiety. Garren knew it was bleeding out of every pore of his body; his mind was swimming, his limbs shaking as he strapped on his protection. It was difficult to focus.

"She is well, then?" he asked as he slapped at a fasten on his breastplate.

"Very well."

"How did she get to Pembroke?"

Fergus helped him with the heavy armor. "The story of her trip to Pembroke is amazing. Apparently, it was as we surmised. She did not throw herself off the cliff as much as she slipped and fell. As she tells the story, she drifted down the river and by sheer fortune washed ashore. A peasant woman and her children found her and took care of her."

Garren absorbed the information. "I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear this," his voice was husky with emotion. "Although I insisted she was still alive, I must admit that I did not believe it. God has been looking out for her."

"Indeed he has, for the both of you."

"But how did she end up at Pembroke?"

Fergus cocked an eyebrow. "Here is where the story grows complicated. As I understand it, William Marshal, wracked with guilt over your death, has granted Lady le Mon lands and titles in reward for your services."

Garren stopped, mid-strap. "So the Marshal knows of my death," he said it almost thoughtfully. "It is as we planned, then."

"There is more," Fergus went on. "Now that Lady le Mon is a wealthy, titled woman, it is logical that she would be in need of a husband for protection and equal status."

Garren's blood turned cold. "What husband?"

"The Marshal betrothed her to Keller de Poyer, garrison commander of Pembroke Castle. De Poyer, rightfully so, was en route to Cilgarren to retrieve his bride when he happened across her and her peasant saviors upon the road. If there was ever so strange a coincidence, Garren, that was it. Naturally, he took her back to Pembroke, where she is at this very moment."

Along with a myriad of other emotions he had experienced this day, now he was dealing with jealousy and possessiveness.

"How in God's name did he know she was at Cilgarren?" he returned to securing his armor, furiously and quickly. "And how did the de Rosa's know she would be at Pembroke? I do not understand that bizarre forces at work, either for or against us."

Fergus shook his head. "I do not know, either. There are some elements to this tale that make no sense at the moment. Perhaps they never will."

Garren forced the most difficult question he had ever had to ask. "They… they didn't marry, did they?"

"Nay. Derica has kept him at arm's length, much to his disappointment. De Poyer is quite taken with her, and he has been quite good to her. Before you go riding in there to slay the man for showing attention to your wife, you should consider thanking him instead. He has been remarkably gallant."

Garren didn't know what to feel. "How is that?"

"He is fighting off the de Rosas and he helped me escape to come and tell you everything. That should be quite enough."

The last piece of metal that Garren collected was his sword, massive and lethal. He looked at it, thinking that he would soon be raising it for the greatest cause he had ever known. Fergus saw the deadly gleam to his eye as he spoke.

"Not hell nor William Marshal nor the de Rosas will keep me from claiming what is rightfully mine," he growled. "Fergus, I swear to you, by the time this night is through, I shall have my wife. If I do not, it is because I was killed trying."

Fergus could see a recklessness about him that was frightening. "You have come too far to die," he said firmly. "Derica would never recover. She went for weeks thinking you were dead and it nearly destroyed her. For you to die within sight of her would be too much for her to bear. You must think of her, Garren."

"She is all I think of."

"Then temper yourself. We need your cold logic, not your fury."

Garren's jaw ticked. There was too much happening for him to be rational at the moment. Without another word, he and Fergus went back into the inner courtyard where surprise met them; Offa and Emyl, dressed in their ragged armor and weapons, stood silently in wait. Garren eyed them as he approached.

"Where do you go?" he indicated their dress.

"With you," Emyl said steadily. "You will need our help."

They were old knights and due their respect. Garren tried to be careful in his reply.

"Although I am most grateful for your offer, I fear this is a job for me alone. Four of us would be too many and not enough, all at the same time."

"But there is an army in wait for you, Garren," Offa said. "You must have aid."

Garren couldn't help but think how pathetic they looked, though noble were their intentions. The de Rosa knights would cut them to ribbons.

"Gentle knights, I am riding to reclaim my wife. I must do this alone. Pray that you understand and are not offended."

Offa shrugged. "We were obligated to offer. We are knights, after all."

"And your loyalty is appreciated. But for now, I need you here to shore up Cilgarren for a de Rosa attack. If I am successful in retrieving Derica, it is quite possible they will follow us here in their zeal to kill me and take back their daughter."

It was an honorable duty requested of them, and a necessary one. Emyl was perhaps more disappointed than Offa was; there was a time when he lived for a good fight. But he forced down his disappointment.

"We shall be ready, Garren. Godspeed to you."

Garren laid a hand on the old man's shoulder as he walked away, glad they understood, now better able to refocus on what he must do. By the time he reached his charger, he was quivering with the anticipation of seeing Derica again. It seemed like a dream he'd held so closely to his heart that she was nearly nebulous, like a ghost. He could remember the smell of her, the taste of her, but the feel of her soft flesh in his hands was slipping from his memory. It had been too long. The more he struggled to keep the memory, the further it moved away from him. His whole being cried out for her.

It had been less than an hour since Fergus' arrival at Cilgarren. In the dark of night, Garren and Fergus were back on the road, riding southwest to Pembroke.