Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 Read online

  The most amiable of her four brothers, Mylla had always been closest to Leofrick. The opposite of Edmund, Caine, and Frederick, who bore the dark hair and eyes of their father, he and Mylla shared the flaxen hair and cornflower blue eyes of their mother. That is where the similarity between the two ended. Where Mylla was shy and soft spoken, Leofrick was amiable and often outspoken. After befriending Talan in London, he had on occasion played escort to his little sister whenever Talan visited Rochester on Baron Erlegh’s behalf.

  Her hip firmly pressed against Talan’s, Mylla bit her lip to keep from smiling. She quickly sobered when her father leaned around her mother to capture her attention with a disapproving look. The moment Father Bartholomeo began the lengthy service she dutifully clasped her hands together in prayer.

  Chapter Two

  “I swear Father Bartholomeo’s sermons grow longer by the day,” Frederick complained when the family merged with the departing parishioners on the way out of the sanctuary.

  “Frederick,” his mother lightly chastised. “Do not speak such blasphemy in God’s house.”

  Caine cuffed his brother hard on the shoulder, leaning close to hiss, “Cease your endless prattle fool. Our family is expected to set an example for the village folk.”

  “Lighten up, Caine,” Leofrick said, passing under the outside archway into the sunlight. “I doubt there is a villager present who does not share the same sentiment.”

  Before Caine could argue further, Leofrick drew Talan into the conversation. “So what say you about the priest’s service this morn, Talan?”

  “I believe it served its purpose,” Talan said with his eyes on Mylla.

  “It did indeed.” Leofrick burst out laughing.

  “Emmaline and I would be pleased if you were to share the midday meal with us, Sir Talan,” the sheriff said when the family began the short walk to their home. “What say you?”

  Glad for the change in topic, Talan dipped his head. “Nothing would please me more. Thank you, sheriff.”

  Caught in the middle of the group, Talan and Mylla unconsciously walked together in unison.

  Strolling behind the couple, Emmaline watched them with a sorrowful look. She looked up at her husband to find him doing the same.

  Catching her eye, he leaned close to whisper, “There is naught that can be done about it, Em. We must make do with what we are given.”

  “That does not mean we have to like it.”

  “Emmaline.”

  Pulling away from him, she quickened her step.

  Dirt roads led to the cobbled village square from three directions. The wealthiest of merchants owned the timbered, wattle and daub homes surrounding the square itself. Further down the lanes more modest homes of wood and thatched roofs could be seen. In the center of the square a raised platform was set. Used by the town crier to make important pronouncements, it was also used to auction livestock on market days. Water troughs were set along split railed fencing for this reason. The rest of the open space in the square filled with stalls and wagons brought in on market days.

  Mylla eyed the massive oak tree towering above the sloped hill leading to the open side of the square. Reserved for entertainment, trials and manor court, more than one person had been hung from its thick boughs in her lifetime. A shiver coursed through her as she thought of how close Lecie had come to being executed by order of the justice. Crossing her arms against the sudden chill she felt, she jerked her head away to face forward.

  Sensing where her thoughts lay, Talan eyed the tree. “It was a close call.”

  “Too close. If you, Sir Euric, and Baron Erlegh had not arrived when you did the justice would have succeeded in slaying Lecie.” Mylla frowned. “What kind of a man would execute an innocent woman in order to avenge a noble acquaintance of his?”

  “Only the worst kind of man would do such a thing.”

  “I do not worry for myself overly much,” Mylla said. “My fear is for any children I may have with him. What kind of father will such a man be?”

  His lips pressed into a thin line, Talan looked away without responding.

  The sheriff’s residence was a two-story wood shingled manor set at the far end of a narrow dirt lane. Slightly finer than the rest of the modest homes lining the road, it belonged to the realm.

  Gesturing for Talan to take a seat at the polished wood table opposite Sheriff Richard, Mylla’s mother raised her voice to be heard over the ribbing chatter of her sons. “Please all, be seated. I shall see about the meal.”

  Caine and Edmund occupied the chairs on either side of Talan leaving Mylla to take her customary place to the left of her father’s seat at the head of the table. Leofrick sat beside her leaving Frederick to sit at the far end

  Emmaline soon returned holding a basket of fresh baked bread followed by a plump female servant bearing a large platter of roasted meat and early spring vegetables. Once everyone was served, Emmaline occupied the empty seat awaiting her to the right of her husband.

  After a quick blessing, the brothers erupted into a brief discourse of local happenings prior to focusing on the meal.

  Worriedly eyeing Mylla as she idly pushed the food around her wood platter, Emmaline turned her attention to Talan. “Tell us about your home, Sir Talan. I heard Castell Maen is a sight to behold.”

  “It is indeed, ma’am.” Washing down a bite of meat with a swallow of ale, Talan set his earthenware cup down. “My liege has been blessed to acquire such a holding for his loyal service to our king.”

  “Let us hope for his sake that King Henry does not change his mind and take it back,” Frederick said. “It is widely known our good king strips lands and possessions from the nobles who displease him.”

  “Castell Maen was gifted outright to my liege.” Talan addressed Frederick. “The king cannot lawfully take it from him.”

  “Deeded or not, that does not mean it cannot happen.” Frederick shrugged.

  “Frederick,” the sheriff said, “I will have you mind your tongue whilst speaking about our sovereign.”

  “Pardon me, father. I did not mean to offend.”

  “Baron Erlegh must have indeed been in favor.” Edmund looked impressed. “I have no doubt in due course we as a family shall also benefit from the king’s good graces.”

  “It saddens me to think you would be so willing to sacrifice our sister’s happiness for a few paltry trinkets, brother,” Leofrick said. “Even you have commented on the vileness of the king’s itinerant justice.”

  “What would you have me do?” Edmund turned on him. “Bemoan the fact that she is to wed the man? I can do no more to halt the wedding than father can deny him Mylla’s hand. We may as well embrace the positive side of the situation.”

  “Did you hear that, Mylla?” Leofrick snatched up his cup to hold it high. “There is a positive side to your lifelong sentence of servitude. Let us all toast the day.”

  “Enough,” the sheriff barked. “If you two cannot change the topic to something more pleasant, we shall conduct the rest of the meal in silence.”

  “Sir Talan,” Mylla’s voice faltered. “Will you tell us more about Castell Maen? It sounds like a lovely place.”

  “Nothing would please me more.” Talan had eyes only for Mylla. “The land Castell Maen sits upon is so vast my liege gifted each of his men with a parcel to build themselves a manor house.”

  “That was exceedingly generous of him,” Emmaline said. “Have you already constructed your home, Sir Talan?”

  “At the time I had not yet entertained the idea of taking a wife so there was no reason to, ma’am.”

  “I see.” Emmaline glanced at her husband. “I can only pray—.”

  “How many knights does Baron Erlegh currently have under his command, Sir Talan?” Richard interrupted with a disproving look at his wife. “I believe I have only met a few of them.”

  “Well, there is myself,” Talan began, clearly aware of the sudden tenseness in the room. “Then there is Albin, Gervase, and
Guy. Osbert, who you may have met as my liege’s squire, has recently earned his knighthood. That leaves, Warin, my ladyship’s younger brother to serve as my liege’s squire.”

  “Is Gervase still about his womanizing ways?” Leofrick spoke around a mouthful of bread. “I have heard his name mentioned in passing from many a female in the village.”

  “Leofrick,” Emmaline scolded, “such talk is not appropriate when there are ladies present, and do not speak with your mouth full.”

  “It is just you and Mylla here, Ma.”

  “I have raised naught but heathens.” Clucking her tongue, Emmaline returned to her meal.

  “I believe Gervase may finally be setting aside his wandering ways.” Talan responded to Leofrick’s question. “He was completely besotted by a young noblewoman he met at court when last we were there. He has spoken of little else since, and has been pining to return to London to renew their acquaintance.”

  “Surely you jest,” Leofrick chuckled. “I never thought to see the day that Gervase would settle on one woman.”

  “Yet it is true,” Talan said. “From what Sir Albin told me, Lady Adorlee has rebuffed Gervase yet he refuses to give up hope.”

  “Well, there is your answer to why Gervase is so smitten,” Caine said. “The lady is the first challenge he has ever been presented with when it comes to the fairer sex.”

  “No doubt,” Frederick agreed. “Has he plans to return to court anytime soon, Talan?”

  “Not likely,” Edmund said. “Gervase would have no reason to return to court. The king not so long ago banished Baron Erlegh, and all his men.”

  “Banishment or not,” Talan said, “I believe the king remains fond of my liege so anything is possible.”

  “Baron Erlegh did save the king’s life in battle,” Mylla joined the conversation. “Tis only right that he continue to think well of him.”

  “The king is no longer beholden to the baron,” Edmund persisted. “From what I heard, King Henry spared Baron Erlegh’s life after a treasonous act he committed at court. If I were he, I would lay low lest the king forget they were once on friendlier terms.”

  “Regardless of what you may have heard there was nothing treasonous about what happened at court.” Shoving his chair back, Talan stood. “My liege was protecting the honor of his lady wife.”

  Emmaline looked pleadingly at her husband.

  Sheriff Richard gestured to Talan’s vacated seat. “Edmund meant no offense, Sir Talan. He was not in attendance and since he knows I do not abide idle gossip in this house, has rudely spoken out of turn.” Bending a stern look on his eldest son, he waited.

  Edmund’s gaze slid from his father to Talan. “I meant no offense against your liege lord, Sir Talan.”

  Talan stiffly dipped his head in acknowledgement before resuming his seat.

  “I believe Baron Erlegh should be commended for taking a stand on behalf of his lady,” Mylla said softly. “He must truly love her.”

  “He does love her,” Talan said capturing her gaze, “very much.”

  “I for one do not believe the king would forget what Baron Erlegh has done for him,” Leofrick continued the conversation.

  “Think what you will brother.” Edmund shrugged. “I have heard much of the fickleness of our king.”

  “Enough of the treasonous talk,” Sheriff Richard said. “I apologize if we have offended you this day, Sir Talan.”

  “No apology necessary, sheriff. I am well acquainted with our king and cannot defend him in this instance.”

  “I have heard your liege has become a doting father.” Emmaline changed the subject. “Her ladyship has recently given birth to a daughter, has she not?”

  “Aye, she has.” Talan smiled fondly. “My ladyship has named her, Catrain Malina, in honor of her and my liege’s departed mothers. One day Sir Guy affectionately called her, Raine, and the name stuck.”

  “How lovely to know the babe has so many guardians.” Emmaline smiled. “I am sure the baron and his lady are quite content.”

  “I have never afore seen a happier family than they. It has been some time since I have seen Raine. I am sure she is walking on her own by now.”

  “Well you should be finding out soon enough,” Edmund said. “Now that Rochester Tower is nearing its completion, there is nothing to keep you here. When do you depart for Castell Maen?”

  “Edmund,” Mylla said. “You are being rude to our guest.”

  “Think what you will.” Edmund turned in his seat to fully face her. “Yet I seem to be the only one here who remains practical. If Sir Talan is still in the village when your betrothed returns, it will not bode well for us.”

  “Brother, you overstep yourself,” Caine said with a frown.

  “Are you accusing me of doing something improper?” A flush of angry color tinged Mylla’s cheeks.

  “I accuse you of exposing your heart for all to see. Whether you like it or not, you are betrothed to Justice de Glanville.”

  “She has done nothing wrong.” Leofrick leapt to Mylla’s defense. “Had you a heart in your chest instead of the stone you bear, you would feel pity for their plight.”

  “I in part blame you if she has compromised herself,” Edmund sneered. “How often of late have you lied and told us you were escorting her when in fact she was with Sir Talan, unescorted?”

  “I only lied to you,” Leofrick spat. “The rest of the family saw no harm in giving Mylla a slight bit of freedom afore she is bound to the justice for life.”

  “And can you now guarantee the justice he will be bedding a maiden on his wedding eve?”

  “Edmund,” Emmaline snapped, “you dare question your sister’s virtue?”

  “Your careless words are a grievous insult, Edmund.” Fighting for control, Talan splayed his hands on the table. “I love Mylla with all that I am, and would never dishonor her in such a way.”

  “I mean no offense to you, Sir Talan.” Edmund held up his hand. “Rumors abound aplenty about the exploits of Baron Erlegh and his band of whore-mongering knights.”

  “You speak of my taking no offense whilst you offend my liege and brothers in arms all in one breath.” Talan’s gaze swept from Mylla to Emmaline where they sat in stunned silence. “There are ladies present. Perhaps we should continue this conversation outdoors.”

  “Enough.” Sheriff Richard pounded his fist on the table. “I apologize the meal has ended in such a way, Sir Talan. Aside from the unwarranted insults, I am regretful to say that to a certain extent I must agree with Edmund.”

  “Da,” Mylla breathed.

  “I must speak my mind, Mylla,” the sheriff said. “You are betrothed to Justice de Glanville, and he is expected to arrive soon. On the morrow you must bid a final adieu to Sir Talan.” He shoved his chair back to stand. “Sir Talan, I cannot force you to depart Rochester. All I can do is hope for your understanding as to why I feel it necessary for you to do so.”

  “I do understand, sheriff.” Talan stood to address Emmaline. “Thank you for your unwavering kindness and hospitality, ma’am.”

  Rising from her seat, Emmaline reached up to lightly kiss Talan’s dark bearded jaw. “I pray God goes with you, Sir Talan.”

  “Please look after her the best you can for me,” he whispered for Emmaline’s ears alone.

  “Mylla, why do you not see our guest to the door?” Sheriff Richard spoke as he resumed his seat. Lightly clearing his throat for her attention, he passed his wife a napkin to dry the tears slipping down her cheeks.

  “Save a seat for me at the tavern,” Leofrick called to Talan’s back. “I shall meet up with you later this eve for a pint.”

  Struggling to remain composed, Mylla led the way outside. “I do not think I can bid you a final farewell.”

  “Then do not,” Talan replied. “We shall simply say adieu.”

  “When will you return to Castell Maen?”

  “The day I know you are lost to me.”

  “Why, Talan?” Reaching up, she c
radled his face regardless of any onlookers. “Do you think it will make my lot easier knowing you are still so close, yet so very far beyond my reach?”

  Covering her hands with his, Talan closed his eyes. “It will only be at that moment I shall give up all hope.”

  Chapter Three

  After a sleepless night, Talan lay in his chamber at The Wounded Stag Tavern and Inn. Staring blankly at the russet canopy above his head he could find no hope in his current situation. If only he could share his feelings with Fulke. Even Albin could help him sort through the emotional mess he found himself in. At the very least he would make a good listener. He sat up to swing his long legs over the edge of the bed. Dressed in only a pair of black breeches, he stretched his arms above his head to ease the tenseness from his muscular frame.

  Throwing the shutters open a cold breeze swept through the chamber. Perched on the sill of the window, he gazed at the lightening sky fondly recalling memories of his mother. He was just a boy when she had passed yet he could still clearly recall her image. Mylla reminded him of her in so many ways. Both were fair and too gentle for the harsh world they found themselves in. Talan’s mother had died of a broken heart shortly after the death of his father. He had helplessly watched her fade away in both mind and spirit. One night she simply slipped away in her sleep. Talan discovered her the following morning with a smile on her face, still clutching her husband’s worn tunic.

  The death of Talan’s father had broken his mother. He feared what marriage to Ranulf de Glanville would do to his gentle Mylla.

  It was a long time later that he made his way to the common room.

  Spotting the Erlegh coat-of-arms, three embroidered silver shells on a field of red, on his black, wool surcoat, a group of travelers dipped their heads in wary greeting before resuming their conversation in lower tones.

  Word of the unpleasant incident at court involving Fulke and Baron Reynold had quickly spread from village to village. Over time, troubadours had embellished the truth until most believed that in defense of Reina, Fulke had drawn his sword in open court to threaten the king’s life. Nearing fabled proportions, the Erlegh knights were now easily recognized throughout the realm.