Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 02 (23 page)

“As you wish, your lordship.” Dipping into a curtsy, Winifred smiled at Lecie as she blended back into the crowd.

Fulke’s eyes widened as he spotted the wagon with Hamon’s covered body. “Why is the tapster not buried?”

Following his gaze, Justice de Glanville replied, “The guilty must bear witness to the evil they have wrought in my court, Baron Erlegh.”

“Do you honestly believe the threat of illness, stench and sight of decay would force an innocent to plead guilty?”

“Dare you question how the king rules his kingdom?”

Eyeing the arrogant balding figure below him, Fulke tilted his head. “By all appearances, you do not resemble the king, my lord justice. If anything, you have a remarkable likeness to Baron Reynold. If I did not know any better, I would swear you were his kin.”

“Get on with it,” Justice de Glanville snarled.

“So be it.” Fulke dipped into a mock bow. “Dr. Rayburn, attend me if you would be so kind.”

“Your lordship?” Rising from his place, the doctor hesitantly approached.

Striding over to the wagon bearing Hamon’s body, Fulke swept the blanket from him. The crowd remained silent as Fulke removed a knife to slit both legs of the bloodstained breeches Hamon wore from ankle to knee. “Do you see any visible signs of an animal attack?”

Examining each leg, Dr. Rayburn nervously glanced towards the justice.

“Well,” Fulke snapped. “Do you?”

“It appears that the evidence speaks true of the lady’s account of events,” Dr. Rayburn replied softly. “There are wounds resembling those which would be inflicted by an animal on one of the man’s legs.”

“Louder,” Fulke said. “You have besmirched this good woman’s name since I have been coming to Rochester. Now is the time to redeem yourself in the eyes of its people.”

Nodding stiffly, Dr. Rayburn faced the crowd. “There is credible evidence giving credence to Lady Lecie’s account.”

“What is all this for,” Gunilda called. “She has already been found guilty and should even now be swinging for her crime.”

“Thank you for reminding me of your presence.” Fulke strode over to tower over the fallen woman. “As I am sure you know the penalty for what you have done, you will stick to your story until the very end.” Sliding his gaze to the trembling Harsent, he waited until she raised terrified eyes to his. “Care you to have a turn at the truth, Harsent?”

“She made me,” Harsent blurted out brokenly. “Gunilda and Hamon planned it all. Hamon was to marry Lecie and Gunilda was to be mistress of the inn. They promised I would never be turned out if I went along with their plans.”

“Were you to know the Lady Lecie as I do, you would have known she would never have turned you out,” Fulke replied softly. “What of the scene you claimed to have witnessed?”

“I was not there, your lordship.” Harsent looked towards Lecie. “Forgive me. Gunilda threatened and coerced me into saying the things I swore to even though I knew it was not in you to do them.”

Lecie brushed the tears from her cheeks as she called, “I forgive you.”

“She lies,” Gunilda threw herself at the feet of Justice de Glanville. “She is so often befuddled by drink she knows not what she says.”

Kicking Gunilda into the dirt, Justice de Glanville hissed, “I shall have your neck for embarrassing me.”

“Your lordship,” Merek called as the crowd parted for him. “I have come with the dog as requested.”

Yanking the leash from Merek’s hand, Tugger went bounding up to Lecie. Nearly knocked over by the weight, she threw her arms around the dog and fought the urge to sob. “Good boy,” she whispered in his ear.

Fulke strode up to them as Tugger sat dutifully by her feet. Patting the dog’s flank in greeting, he gently ran his hand along the snout. Tugger whimpered and turned into Lecie when he found the tender spot.

“More proof that the Lady Lecie speaks the truth,” Fulke called, pinning Justice de Glanville with his gaze. “Not that it is needed after Harsent’s recantation of events.”

“Are you through?” Justice de Glanville ground out angrily.

“Not quite,” Fulke responded with a smile. “Lady Lecie, where did you strike your head on the dresser?”

Raising her hand to the bump on the back of her head, she leaned towards him. “I struck this spot here, your lordship.”

“Do I need to have Dr. Rayburn verify her account, Justice de Glanville?” Quirking a blond chiseled brow, Fulke waited.

Glaring his wrath, Justice de Glanville stood to address the crowd. “After further consideration, I find Lady Lecie innocent of the charges laid against her. In her stead and by command of King Henry, I order the hanging of the fallen women Gunilda and Harsent.”

“Your…” Fulke reached out to clasp Lecie’s forearm when she would plead for their lives.

Fulke leaned close to whisper, “They have earned their punishment, my lady. You must have no say in it.”

Lowering her eyes, she nodded. “Aye, your lordship.”

“Seize her,” Justice de Glanville shouted when Gunilda tried to flee.

Two hulking village men stepped forward to block her path. Seizing her by the arms, they dragged Gunilda to the cart as she shrieked in protest and struggled against them.

“Must I stay and see it, your lordship? I warrant I have seen enough death these weeks past.” Her hands shaking uncontrollably, Lecie clasped them together.

“My lord justice,” Fulke called. “Lady Lecie does not wish to be present for the hanging. I ask that you accommodate her request and allow her to attend her ill husband.”

“Denied,” Justice de Glanville, responded without taking his eyes from Gunilda. “She was falsely accused and it would do her well to see the king’s punishment for those who would bear false witness against another in his kingdom.” Flashing his eyes to Lecie, he added, “As for her husband, he is not going anywhere.”

“When the time comes, do not look, my lady,” Fulke spoke low. “It shall not take long.”

Hauled into the cart, the two would-be executioners waited as a third man secured another rope above the thick branch above Gunilda’s head. Tying her hands behind her back, they slipped the noose around her neck.             

“Gunilda of Rochester,” Justice de Glanville called. “Not only are you a fallen woman, you have no redeeming qualities and have been found guilty of bearing false witness against the wife of a knight. By King Henry’s command, I sentence you to death by hanging.” Pausing to look around at the villagers anxious to see the deed through, he smiled. “Have you any last words, harlot?”

“Aye,” Gunilda shouted. “With my last breath, I curse you all.”

“Proceed,” Justice de Glanville called.

Lecie closed her eyes as the mules began to move.

Gunilda’s curses abruptly cut off as the cart slipped from her feet. The sound of her choking and the creak of the rope was the only sound heard as the crowd fell silent.

Unable to bear the sound of Harsent’s sobs as she witnessed the fate that awaited her, Lecie covered her ears with her hands.

After what seemed an eternity, Fulke leaned close. “It is over, my lady. They are removing her body.”

Turning her back to the sight, Lecie opened her eyes to find Winifred’s calming gaze. She stood listening as the men placed Gunilda’s body in the wagon beside that of Hamon.

“My lady Lecie,” Justice de Glanville addressed her. “I would once again ask that you face justice.”

Hesitantly turning around, Lecie watched as the men led a sobbing Harsent into the replaced cart.

“God forgive me,” Harsent wailed. “I did not mean any harm.”

“You should have thought of that before spilling your foul lies,” Justice de Glanville spat. “Let this deed be done, I am famished.”

Once Harsent was in place, Justice de Glanville stepped forward to announce sentence. Noting the fact that Harsent wet herself, he stepped back with a pleased smile. “Have you any last words?”

“Lecie, I am sorry,” Harsent cried brokenly. “I am ready to die.”

“You heard her,” Justice de Glanville called. “Carry out the sentence.” 

The moment Harsent’s feet slipped from the cart, Lecie closed her eyes. Her breath hitching, she fought to contain the sobs threatening to overwhelm her.

Fulke laid a calming hand on her shoulder until men stepped forward to cut down Harsent’s body. Once it rested in the wagon beside her conspirators, Fulke addressed the justice. “With your permission, I shall now take Lady Lecie to her husband.”

“Permission granted,” Justice de Glanville dipped his head. “I look forward to telling the king about your intervention this day, Baron Erlegh.”

“As do I,” Fulke replied with a grin refusing the bait. “Give my regards to Reynold and his lovely wife.”

“As for you.” Abruptly turning his back on Fulke, Justice de Glanville addressed Sheriff Richard. “King Henry is moving court for the winter and has requested my escort. I shall return in the spring to discuss the matter of your daughter. Until then, I suggest you not entertain any offers where she is concerned.”

“Let us see to Albin.” Guiding Lecie to Talan’s horse, Fulke lifted her up before him. Vaulting onto his horse, he tipped his head towards the third rider. “Lady Lecie, I would like to introduce you to an old friend of mine, Sir Euric. He and his wife, Bronwyn, have traveled with us from the north.”

“My liege and lady were away from Castell Maen, which is why I was so delayed,” Talan added as Lecie managed a slight smile of acknowledgement for Sir Euric.

“My beloved is skilled in the healing ways,” Sir Euric said returning her smile. “If anyone can heal Sir Albin it is she.”

“Thank you, Sir Euric.” Taking in his reassuring emerald gaze, she felt the lead weight in her chest lessen.

Spurring their horses, they left the departing crowd behind as they reached the main road leading to the inn.

Lecie spotted Winifred as Tugger broke away from Merek’s hold to come bounding after them. Affection for the family’s loyal companion overwhelmed Lecie as tears filled her eyes.

Noting Talan’s regard, she blinked away the moisture threatening to spill over. “He shall have the meatiest bone this night.”

“And so he should,” Talan agreed. “It seems he became your sole protector in my absence. Though I vow you do not need one.”

“In that you would be wrong,” Lecie murmured. “I am not as strong as I look.”

“I would wager next to her ladyship Reina, you are the strongest woman I have ever met.”

“Mylla was there this morn for a time,” she replied changing the subject. “I fear Justice de Glanville is intent on having her to wife.”

Inhaling deeply, Talan stared off into the distance. “So I have been informed.”

“Mylla is in love with you, Sir Talan,” she confided. “It would sadden me greatly to see her settled with such a man as he.”

“Nothing has been declared as of yet, and if I have any say in it, nothing ever shall be,” Talan swore.

“Justice de Glanville has the ear of the king. He is a powerful man by all accounts.”

“If you are trying to sway me in my purpose, you shall not succeed.” Meeting her worried gaze, he continued, “Mylla and I are intent to be together at all costs.”

“It gladdens my heart to hear it. Mylla deserves the kind of happiness Albin and I have found together, as do you.”

“Thank you. She speaks the same of you.” Arriving at the inn, he slowed his horse to a halt. “Let us turn our minds to matters of greater import. There will be time enough to fret over my future circumstances.”

“You both shall always have a loyal friend in me,” Lecie vowed as Sir Euric reached to assist her down. “Whatever it takes.”

“I am indeed grateful, my lady,” Talan responded as he dismounted.

Tugger charged into the inn and up the steps as the rest of the small group filed into the common room.

Fulke, Talan and Euric moved to greet an elder woman with long gray braids cradling a small baby by the window.

Seated at a table sharing the midday meal, Mary and the children all stood to approach Lecie.

The first to reach her, Clayton flung his arms around her waist to look up at her. “We heard the most horrible things from passerby and begged to return home.”

Her lower lip trembling, Sabina added, “The shearer said they were going to hang you for killing Hamon.”

“Well you can see how wrong he was.” Lecie reached out to smooth Sabina’s golden hair. “I shall explain all to you after I have checked on Albin.”

“Her ladyship and another lady are with him,” Osana said. “We heard Sir Albin shouting several times in the course of the morning.”

Her eyes wide, Lecie spoke to Mary. “Please see that the children finish eating.”

“Aye, my lady.” Taking charge of the children, Mary ushered them back to the table.

“Introductions can wait until later,” Fulke said as the men rejoined her. “Let us see to Albin.”

“Thank you, your lordship.” Leading the way, Lecie addressed William behind the bar. “I warrant the whole of the village is on their way here. Please send them away. The inn is closed until further notice.”

“Aye, my lady,” he called as she led Fulke, Euric and Talan up the steps.

Her heart hammering at what she would find, Lecie entered the master chamber to find Anne and two women she had never seen before tending to her husband.

The woman with long silken ebony hair and silver eyes looked up as they entered. “I am Bronwyn and you must be Lecie. Your husband has been calling for you.”

“He is awake?” Lecie stepped forward as the second woman, with golden red hair and brilliant blue eyes, glanced up with a smile.

“Actually, he has passed out,” Bronwyn replied with a grimace. “I am afraid I had to lance the abscess to drain the infection and the pain was too much for him to bear in his weakened state.”

Climbing on the bed beside Albin, she searched Bronwyn’s eyes. “Will he live?”

“I have no intention of letting him die,” Bronwyn reassured her as she motioned to her husband. “I am in need of a strong stomach and sharp blade, Euric.”

Withdrawing his dagger from its sheath, he stepped beside Lecie. “Show me what needs to be done.” 

“First you must sterilize the blade in the fire. Then I need you to cut away the infected flesh around the wound.” Holding her finger above the gruesome sight, Bronwyn showed him the area to remove. “Once it is clean we shall cauterize it with the fireplace poker.”

The room swayed as Lecie focused on the wound. Her stomach churning, she anxiously met Reina’s brilliant blue eyes when she reached across the bed to clasp her hand.

With a reassuring smile to Lecie, Reina turned to Fulke. With no sound flowing from her lips, she addressed him.

“Her ladyship says if it is too much for you to bear, she will take a walk in the garden with you for some fresh air,” Fulke spoke on behalf of his wife.

Covering Reina’s hand with her own in thanks, Lecie replied, “Thank you, your ladyship. I would like to stay with my husband.”

Nodding in approval, Reina moved aside as Euric returned from the fire with his sterilized silver knife.

“Do you know what needs to be done?” Bronwyn spoke softly from behind him. “All of the infected flesh must be removed.”

“I do, my love,” Euric replied bending close to the wound. “Why do not you take yourself a moment and get some fresh air by the window?”

“Good idea.” Briefly meeting Lecie’s gaze, Bronwyn gave her a sheepish smile. “After all I have seen in this time, there are still some things I cannot stomach. Tending to an infection is one thing, cutting into someone’s flesh quite another.”

Confused by her odd choice of words, Lecie’s brows drew up in question. “In this
time
, my lady?”

“I am afraid my story is a long one.” Bronwyn leaned close to whisper on her way to the window. “I promise to tell it to you one day if you call me Bronwyn.”

Instantly at ease with the kindhearted woman, Lecie smiled. “Only if you call me Lecie.”             

“Deal.” Bronwyn held out her hand.

Puzzled as to what she should do, Lecie held out her own hand. Bronwyn firmly clasped her hand to pump it a few times. “I have a feeling we are going to be great friends, Lecie.”

“I believe so as well.”

To avoid looking at what Sir Euric was about to do, Lecie began to study Reina. Beautiful and slight with golden-red hair, her delicate features gave her an angelic air. Standing off to the side to lend assist should Sir Euric need it, Lecie could see what had drawn the towering knight standing loyally beside her.

“I shall properly introduce you when we are once again blessed by Albin’s robust laugh, my lady.”

Her cheeks flushed from having been caught staring, Lecie met Fulke’s calm blue gaze. “I look forward to it, your lordship. If you do not mind my saying, her ladyship is most beautiful.”

“And just as kind,” Bronwyn added from her place beside the open shutters. “I am so pleased to say I can finally communicate with her.”

“I hope I can do so as well,” Lecie admitted. “My husband…”

The small group flew into action as Albin shouted in pain at the first cut of Euric’s knife. As Fulke stepped past Reina to pin Albin’s arms, Lecie knelt beside his head to cup his face.

His eyes wide and filled with pain, it took a moment for Albin’s gaze to settle on her. “Lecie? Am I dreaming or dead?”

“Neither, husband. It is I.” Tears splashed onto Albin’s face as she hastily blinked them away. “Her ladyship has brought another to lend assist and they are healing you.”

“It feels more like they are killing me.” Grimacing in pain, the cords of muscle in Albin’s neck strained as he struggled to keep still. “I feared you were lost to me.”

“I am here and vow to never leave your side again.” Lightly kissing his forehead, she soothed, “It will be over soon and you shall be well again, my love.”

“Fulke,” Albin managed as Euric cut deeper. “It is about time you have come.”

“Aye, my friend.” Fulke stood closer so Albin could better see him. “I would have come for the nuptials had they not been so hastily spoken.”

“I shall do it.” Speaking softly to Euric, Lecie held a clean linen cloth to soak up the blood flowing from the wound.

“Bronwyn, I removed it all,” Euric spoke stepping back.

“Right,” she agreed with a worried look towards Albin. “Now for the fun part.” Removing the poker from the glowing embers of the hearth, Bronwyn returned to the bed. “I am afraid this is going to be very painful, Sir Albin.”

“I thought you said it was going to be fun?” Albin’s lighthearted attempt at teasing fell flat, as all grew silent.

“Are you ready?” Bronwyn positioned herself beside him for a last inspection of the wound. “We must cauterize the wound to keep away further infection.”

“I have seen such done in the past and the man still died,” Albin replied with his eyes on Lecie. “Yet if it gives me a chance to make a proper life with my wife, have at it.”

“I know a little more than archaic butchers on a battlefield,” Bronwyn responded. “Trust me, I have no intention of letting you die.”

Reluctantly pulling his attention from Lecie, Albin studied Bronwyn. “You speak strangely.”

“Most people from Chicagoshire do,” she replied with a smile as she changed the subject. “I believe you are acquainted with my husband, Sir Euric?”

“Aye,” Albin agreed settling his eyes on Euric. “I am pleased to see you married so well, my friend.”

“As I you,” Euric responded. “Let us see this matter done so we can celebrate your nuptials properly.”

Inhaling deeply, Albin focused on Lecie’s eyes above him. “I am as ready as I shall ever be.”

Fulke gripped Albin’s arms as Bronwyn handed the poker to Euric. “Lay it directly across the torn flesh to seal it all.”

Albin cried out as the stench of scorched flesh filled the air. Lecie fought to stay conscious as the sizzle and smell of burning flesh against hot metal met her ears and nose.

Focusing on Albin, she closed her eyes in relief when his body fell limp as he passed out from the pain.              

“You have done well, Euric,” Bronwyn was the first to speak as she inspected the wound. “It should heal well now.”

Relief spread through the group at her words as everyone relaxed.

“I do not know about you, I could sure use a cup of ale,” Fulke spoke as he faced Reina. “I would rather it be me laying there than Albin.”

Reina elicited a slight chuckle from Fulke when she moved her lips to reply to him. “Aye, my love, Albin would feel the same as I.”

“Please consider this your home to all we can offer,” Lecie said, smoothing the damp hair away from Albin’s temple.

“When is the last time you have eaten, Lecie?” Fulke spoke at Reina’s behest. “You are far too pale and in need of nourishment. Join us.”

“I do not wish to leave my husband, your lordship.”

“He is not alone,” Anne spoke for the first time from her place beside the hearth. “I shall stay with him and come for you at once should there be a need, my lady.”

“Shall we?” Talan stepped forward to offer his arm effectively halting any argument on her part. “I for one am famished after such a lengthy journey and difficult day.”

With a last longing look at Albin, Lecie stood with a slight smile. “We shall.”