Heart's Ransom (Heart and Soul) (24 page)

Essex shook his head bitterly.  “And that is not all.  Montfort has confiscated many lands from barons, knights, even the church.”

Talon looked at Aaron.  “Methinks our raiding party analogy hit a bit too close to home.”

“Aye,” Aaron said, nodding vigorously, his eyes wide.

Essex frowned but continued.  “I’ve heard from many people how Montfort has traveled the land, seizing homes and awarding them to members of his family.  I hate to say this, Earl, but I am beginning to wonder about Montfort’s sincerity regarding the Provisions.  I fear it is appearing more and more as if he gave them lip service only to gain control of the throne and line his and his family’s pockets with money and holdings.”

Talon swallowed hard, a short time ago he would have scoffed at Essex and claimed the man was simply angry that his brother had been caught and brought to justice.  But he had seen too much from other people while he had trailed after the entourage.  Essex’s words were too similar to those he had heard time and time again in the past few months.

“You said you ride after Montfort?” Essex asked.

“Aye, but we’ve had a hard time catching him.”

“May we join you and your men?  I wish to speak to Montfort to see if I can negotiate the return of my brother’s lands.”

“Of course, Essex.  You are always welcome.”

“Thank you, Earl.”  He motioned to his men and they fell in line with Talon’s, greeting the other knights and speaking pleasantly. 

Talon nudged his horse ahead.  “I like this not,” he said to Aaron.

“Nor do I,” the young knight replied.  “I would not have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears.  Mayhap Montfort will give us good account when we speak with him.”

“Mayhap,” Talon said but for some reason couldn’t make himself believe it.

April
1265

Four weeks later, Talon finally caught up with Montgomery’s entourage camped in a sprawling field.  Three more knights and a baron, all with their men at arms, had joined him during the journey.  All bore the same grievous tidings of Montfort’s greed and hasty judgments.  All wanted to speak with him.  And when they discovered Talon was riding to join Montfort, all asked to join him, knowing Montfort regarded Talon in favor.  Talon had started with fifteen men, now his ranks had swelled to thirty, all armed to the teeth.

He worried little at how Montfort would see his
approach; it was a small concern that shoved away.  If only he would have known fully what ramifications his actions would cause, he never would have approached with so many men. 

The group thundered to a stop at the edge of the encampment at evensong.  A sentry hailed them and Talon with Aaron bearing his banner, stopped.  “Greetings,” he said, his voice that of command.  “I am Earl
Montgomery; I request to see his lordship, Montfort.”

“Of course, my lord.  His lordship’s pavilion is on the hill,” the sentry said and pointed.

“Thank you,” Talon said and kicked his horse forward.

A short distance later, Talon and his men dismounted, Essex and the other knights joining him.  All bore their banners and their men at arms flanked them.  They strode towards the pavilion in fine form.  Talon never realized his actions might be construed as an intimidation force.

A young steward greeted them.

“Earl Montgomery to see his lordship to discuss an urgent matter,” Talon said.

The steward eyed the others nervously and bowed.  “A moment, my lords, I will announce you.”

Within moments he was back, his eyes wide with fear.  A warning chill shuddered down Talon’s spine.  “He will see you, my
lords; leave your weapons at the door.”

This command should have alarmed Talon, but he ignored his instincts and did as the steward bade him, freeing himself of his sword and dagger and dropping it on the ground.  If he would have remembered this was the same tactic he and Montfort, along with the other barons and earls had used to intimidate King Henry into signing the Provisions of Oxford the first time, he would have instantly readjusted his strategy.  But concern for Rose’s welfare, his worry over Montfort’s sudden greed, and his weariness of being on the trail so long clouded this small fact and pushed it away from his sharp military mind. 

The others accompanying him also disarmed.  Talon with Essex and the other lords entered, leaving their men at arms outside.

The giant pavilion was opulently decorated, thick Persian rugs covered the ground,
and giant tapestries adorned the walls, large candles as long as Talon’s forearm were placed in stanchions casting a warm glow.  Chests lined the pavilion walls.  A giant table adorned the center. 

Montfort, his hair spattered with more gray, sat at the head.  Prince Edward with two giant guards at each shoulder sat on Montfort’s right.  Four other men, Montfort’s son among them, also lounged at the table.  All wore fine silks and armor, their cloaks trimmed with ermine, gold chains and bejeweled rings adorned them.  Gold circlets sat on their heads, some with jewels as large as Talon’s knuckle.

He moved forward, Essex and the others flanking him a step behind, as if they were geese flying south for the winter.  Talon bowed then dropped to one knee, keeping his head lowered. The others followed his lead. 

“I bid you greetings from Montgomery, my lordship and my prince.” He stole a glance at Montfort through lowered lashes.

Montfort’s expression startled him.  His face remained a mask of ruthless cunning; his glittering gray eyes examined Talon and the others closely.

Montfort’s son stood, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword, and moved next to his father, placing his free hand on the back of his chair.

Talon’s heart lurched in alarm.  The son’s actions were clear in meaning.  For some reason they took threat to Talon and these men.  Young Montfort warned them to watch their step.

“We thank you for your greeting, Montgomery, and bid the same in return,” the elder Montfort said.  “Tell me.  Do you now come with the force you should have delivered to us months ago?”

Talon’s mouth went dry.  “I pray pardon, my lord.  But I sent you a message regarding why I was not able to provide men.”

“Ah yes.  I seem to remember something about an injury befalling you and the fact the Welsh grew most unruly at that time.”

“Pardon, my lord, that is truth.  I pray you forgive me, but since my lord’s reputation for stratagems and the mustering of so many so quickly terrified the French into not invading there seems little harm done.  It is my duty to guard our kingdom’s borders.  Should the Welsh have sensed any weakness in us, they would have taken advantage and attacked.”

Montfort studied him a long moment and Talon felt droplets of sweat trickle down his chest.  He remained frozen in place as Montfort poured himself a cup of wine.  This was not right that Montfort had not yet asked him to rise and welcomed him warmly.  Talon suddenly feared he would find his own lands confiscated.

“Very well,” Montfort finally said.  “Because of your past loyalty to us, we will overlook this indiscretion...this time.”

Talon flinched.  His loyalty was exactly the reason why the abductors had taken Rose - why they demanded treachery.  Montfort trusted him and Talon was going to betray that trust. 

“Rise, Earl Montgomery, we bid you fair welcome.”

Talon breathed only a small sigh of relief as he
stood; noting Prince Edward’s gaze shot daggers at him. 

“Avail yourselves of our table, gentlemen,” Montfort said, gesturing to the open chairs.  Talon did so, wondering why he felt as if he treaded into a viper’s nest as he moved closer. 

A servant poured wine into their cups.  Talon lifted the cup to his lips, sniffing slightly to determine if it was poisoned.  He abruptly marveled at himself.  Why was he suddenly so distrustful of Montfort?  At Lewes he had joined Simon many times in his tent, drinking and discussing strategies without blinking an eye.

Montfort took another long drink, the silence weighing heavily in the air.  Again he studied Talon.  Talon fought not to fidget under his gaze.

“Now, Earl Montgomery, pray tell us why you have brought this battle force against our person?”

Talon’s jaw went slack.  Battle force?  He just as suddenly realized Montfort’s use of the royal plural.  He had set himself as king even though Henry was still alive.  His prisoner, yes, but still very much alive.  Dear God in heaven, what was happening?

His fogged tactical mind slowly began to function and Talon began to see his errors in frightening clarity.  Saints be merciful, he had to bid a hasty retreat and regroup his forces to remove the unintentional threat Montfort suddenly imagined.

“Again I must beg your forgiveness, dread sovereign,” he said quickly, hoping that the title might defuse Montfort’s wrath before it exploded into fury.  “I did not realize how my
actions might be perceived.  My men and I have been on the trail many months trying to join with you.  I must say, your entourage moves faster than a raiding party.”  He offered a timid smile, hoping to compliment a man who was well known to be an egomaniac. 

Montfort’s eyes only narrowed.

“You see, my sovereign,” Talon said quickly.  “On the trail we met with Lord Essex, who has spoken of worrisome tidings regarding his family.  He also sought to speak with you and since we were headed in the same direction, he asked to join me and I agreed.”

Montfort’s gaze slid from Talon to nail each man in place.  “And the same with the others?”

“Aye, my sovereign.”

He nodded thoughtfully.  Then his gaze returned to Talon.  “And why have you found it prudent to suddenly leave these tenuous borders that you could not leave a few months ago?”

Talon swallowed hard. 
Because my daughter’s life hangs in the balance,
his thoughts spat.  “The situation has calmed drastically over the short time.  I left to inquire as to your status and the status of the Provisions.”

“As you can see, all is well.  We are placing new sheriffs and justicars.  We attend courts and administer rulings.  Your arrival is...interestingly timed.”

Talon scowled, wondering what Montfort could possibly mean.

“And you, Lord Essex,” Montfort said.  “This mishap that has befallen your family, would it have something to do with what happened to your brother in one of our courts?”

“It would, my liege,” Essex said apparently taking the cue from Talon to address Montfort in a manner reserved for the king.  “I fear there was a misunderstanding in the court, for my brother paid all the taxes he owed.”

“And you are certain of this?”

Talon sucked in a deep breath, knowing the gleam in Montfort’s eye.  Essex tread dangerous ground.  He wanted to warn the young lord, but could not speak, it was not his place.

“I am, my liege, for it was I who loaned him the money to pay and I accompanied him to the tax
collector’s office and saw the money delivered and my brother place his mark.”

“So you admit being mired in this scheme.”

Damnation, Essex was going to lose his lands too.

Essex blinked at Montfort, obviously startled.  “Scheme, my liege?”

“It was proven in our court that your brother was in league with the tax collector to defraud our treasury.  You should be grateful to us for our mercy, Lord Essex, your brother only lost his lands, the tax collector lost his life.”

Essex’s face turned a pallid shade of gray.  “My...my liege, that is not possible.”

Bloody hell, this denial would only prove Essex’s involvement in Montfort’s mind.  And Talon had a strong suspicion the charges had been completely manufactured.  He had to stop this disaster somehow and against his better judgment gripped Essex’s arm.

“My lord Essex, I pray you hear our sovereign’s words in their entirety before speaking.”

Montfort glared at Talon for the interruption but nodded.  “Well said, Montgomery.  We discovered this corruption had reached far into the community.  The law must be maintained and a price for violating it was exacted.  Our concern now is if this corruption has also tainted you.”

Essex stiffened, fury sparking in his eyes.  “What is this insult?” he snapped.  “My brother was not involved in any corruption and neither am I.  How could you do this to men who supported you in every step of your cause?”

Bloody hell.  Talon’s grip tightened on Essex’s arm.  He leaned forward.  “Peace, Essex, mind your tongue,” he whispered harshly.

Montfort’s eyes gleamed with a predatory light and then he looked at his son still standing by his chair.  “Is not our witness who discovered this foul plot still in our camp?”

“Aye, father.”

“Fetch him at once.”

Young Montfort moved to the door and sent the request.  Within moments a young, well-dressed man, entered the tent and dropped to his knees.  “My liege?” he asked, his voice trembling in fear.

“Master Percy, you once did well for us by exposing a treacherous scheme.  We pray your truth one more time.  Did you perchance ever see Lord Essex with his brother?”

The terrified young man shot a glance at Essex.  “I have, my liege.  Several times.”

“Of course,” Essex snapped.  “I visit my brother
often; we make no secret of it.”

“Peace, you bloody daft fool,” Talon snarled in his ear.

“And perchance did you ever see Lord Essex in the company of the tax collector with or without his brother?”

“Aye, my liege.  At least three occasions.”

“What?” Essex roared bounding to his feet.  “I only met with the tax collector once.”

Talon lowered his head, rubbing his eyes.

“So you admit the scheme!” Montfort bellowed, rising from his chair, both hands on the table, appearing every inch a predator with a rabbit’s throat between his teeth.

Talon waited for the jaw to snap shut.

Essex stared at Montfort in horror.  “I told you, I was with my brother when he paid--”

“Silence you treacherous dog!  The evidence cannot be denied.  You admit meeting with your brother and the tax collector.  You are judged guilty of defrauding the king.  Your fine is one thousand gold.”

Essex flinched as if he had been struck.  “My...my liege.  I have done nothing wrong.”

Talon also winced.  One thousand gold was half the annual revenue of the earldom of Montgomery, which dwarfed Essex’s holdings in comparison.  There was no way he had that kind of money.

“This court finds you guilty as charged.  You will pay the fine.”

Essex’s face was now a pasty shade of white.  “I...I do not have it, if you but give me a short time...harvest is approaching....”

“We do not grant amnesty to treacherous men.  If you cannot pay the fine, your lands are forfeit and you are under arrest.  Seize him.”

Two guards stepped forward, grabbing Essex’s arms and hauling him away from the table.  Within a heartbeat he was forced to his knees and his hands bound behind his back.  He gazed at Montfort in mute horror,
and then his gaze slid to Talon, pleading.