Heart's Ransom (Heart and Soul) (33 page)

Gwen blinked at him.  Talon was not her husband, but she had not the energy to contradict him.  She was not
married; her baby was a bastard...if it survived.  But he would survive if Gwen had any voice...the child would grow up to be the epitome of his father.

****

“My prince, please,” Talon cried.  “I have done all you have asked.  I have showed you the letter.  I am needed at home!  Please, release me of service for a short time.”  Talon clenched his fists, reminding himself that violence would serve no purpose.  He had shown Edward only the letter from Marcus, begging him to come home.  The one from Gwen remained safely tucked in his pouch.

Edward sighed heavily.  “I am sorry, Montgomery, I truly am.  But I need your expertise against Montfort.  You know how he
thinks; you were the reason for his victory before.  Do not force me to bring charges of treason against you.”

“But it was my plan that set you free.”

“That is the only reason why you are still alive and remain in possession of your lands.”

Talon sighed heavily, his heart screaming.  He gazed at the map on Edward’s giant table.  “You have already won, my prince.  Montfort is trapped against the curve of the Severn
River; you have cut him off from reinforcements.”

Edward’s hand slammed down on the table.  “I know that, you fool, but you will lead my men unless you wish to once again stand in defiance of me.”

Fury possessed Talon, seizing him in mighty claws.  “I will not!” he snarled.  “I am needed at home.  I know not the reasons why, but if it is the Welsh amassing at my border, I shall answer the challenge.”

Edward’s lips lifted in a deadly smile.  “You will lead my army and then have leave to go home.  Indeed if you are successful, I will have men escort you home with a goodly reward.”

Talon rubbed his eyes wearily.  “You already know the strategies my liege, what difference is it if I bellow the orders or you.  Truly, I suggest you; your voice incites more fervor than mine.”

“You will do this,” Edward snarled.  “Or face death at a hangman’s noose if you do not.  I have heard of the Welshwoman you hold in your castle...I know of her betrothal to a man who
allied with my father.  Ally with me, and I will dissolve the first betrothal and give her in marriage to you.  Deny me, and the woman will pay the price of your foolishness.”

Talon shuddered, horror coiling through him.  Edward had found a terrible weakness with him.  His shoulders slumped.  “Nay, my prince.”  Slowly he lifted his head.  “If I do as you request, if I lead your armies against Montfort, will you dissolve Lady Gwenillian’s betrothal to Fitzalans?”

Edward’s lips stretched in a terrifying smile.  “Consider the betrothal broken and the woman yours...if you survive the day.  You have my solemn vow, before witnesses.”

“Upon your vow, my prince, I shall do as you ask.  I have no choice.”  Talon slowly rose and left the tent.  He had nothing left but Gwen.  He had heard nothing from those who had captured Rose and he wasn’t daft.  Now that her usefulness was over, Edward in control, Rose was probably dead.

He had supported Montfort because of the Provisions...but now Montfort was a crime in the face of the law he believed in.  Now he would lead Edward’s army against the man he once called friend.

His heart as black as ashes, Talon mounted his horse and rallied the men.

The lancers hit Montfort’s pitiful army with a resounding slap.  Talon’s axe rose and fell, uncaring, except for his own survival.  He hated himself for this, but he had a greater duty...Rose might be lost, but Gwen...only Gwen could maintain his sanity, only his solace could shelter his heart.  He summoned her vision and dealt death with every blow.

Montfort’s son, mounted on a huge dun colored destrier charged into the
fray.  His gaze locked on Talon and he moved purposefully toward him.  Talon warred with his conscience.  He needed to be alive for Gwen...but he also deserved to die for the betrayal.

Montfort’s horse closed the distance, he lifted his hammer, less than a pace away.

A sword cut out of nowhere, finding the gap of armor under Montfort’s armpit and driving the blade into his chest, killing him.

Talon blinked, recognizing Mortimer at the hilt of the bloody weapon.  “Come on man!”  Mortimer barked.  “Snap out of this fugue.  Christ!  Mind your flank, Montgomery!”

Talon snapped his head around in time to see another knight charging.  His emblazon seemed familiar but Talon had no time to think, only to react.

He lifted his shield as the knight roared and slammed his mace into Talon’s shield.  Talon snarled as the blow jarred his arm, the force making his teeth rattle.  He snapped his axe around and over but the knight managed a block with his own shield.  For a moment, they traded blows equally.  Their horses squealed, shuffling around each other, trying to find a better position, biting, snapping, and striking out with steel-shod hooves.

“Damn you, Montgomery,” the knight roared.  “I will see you dead for this!”

Talon blinked, recognizing his voice and suddenly realizing why the emblazon was familiar.  When the battle lines had been drawn, this knight had sat with Edward’s men, not Montfort.  Talon was being attacked by one of his own allies!  John de
Warenne, the man he had pursued at the battle of Lewes but who managed to escape.

Talon’s thoughts scrambled and he barely managed a block with his shield as
Warenne’s mace swiped at his head.  Talon’s horse sat back on its haunches.  Talon scarcely had time to center his balance as the animal reared, striking out.  The stallion’s hooves slammed into Warenne’s mount, knocking him back a pace and allowing Talon to gather his wits.

With a roar of fury,
Warenne kicked his horse forward, Talon timed the shot, sending his axe outward and snapping it around with his wrist.  His weapon slammed into the horse’s neck, just behind its head, where the armor was weakest.  The animal screamed and went down, its legs thrashing, and trapping Warenne beneath it.

Talon thought about dismounting and killing
Warenne where he lay, but a few infantry men swept between him and his quarry.  He turned his horse, knowing he needed to regain some lost momentum before the infantry pulled him from his mount.  Kicking his horse into a gallop, he rode toward Mortimer and joined his attack.

Word of Montfort’s son’s death rippled through the ranks. Mortimer rallied the knights and turned them towards a specific target.  A short distance away stood Montfort.

“My lord,” Talon heard one of Montfort’s knights cry.  “Your son!  He’s been slain!”

Montfort’s face grew white, and Talon grieved with him.

“Now it is time to die,” Montfort bellowed to his knights.  On foot, he entered the battle, his sword singing death.

Talon’s instincts rose and he drove his heels into his steed.  This man had betrayed the Provisions, and he had betrayed Talon long before.  He would answer for his greed.

Talon’s axe dropped with the power of desolation.  Montfort staggered, the weapon gouging flesh between his neck and shoulder.  The other knights fell upon him.  Prince Edward surged through the crowd on his own mount.

Within a heartbeat the battle was over.

Talon turned his head away and swallowed the bile in his throat as he witnessed the desecration of Montfort’s body.

His limbs were cut away, as well as his genitals and head.  Montfort’s manhood draped about his nose, Edward ordered the parts of his body carried to the four ends of the kingdom. 

Talon dismounted his horse, led it a few paces away, and became heartily sick.

“I gave you a promise,” Edward said from behind him.

Talon straightened, wiping his mouth.

“Go home,” Edward said with surprising gentleness.  “I bless your marriage to the lady.”

“Fitzalans?” Talon choked.

Edward smiled.  “I will give him something better...or at least what he thinks is better.  The Welshwoman is yours, with my blessing if you give me your fealty upon my coronation.”

Talon slowly rose, shaking.

“Know one thing, Montgomery,” Edward said.  “I do not understand you and your goals.  You are a man to be watched carefully but you are also a man to be respected.  I call you my ally now and pray I never call you my enemy.  For if I must do the latter, I will destroy you and your house in its entirety.  You are too skillful.  Of all my lords you are the only one to stand on his own two feet and give me your opinion, without fear...you will never fear the man who is now your prince, who will one day be your king.  I respect you for that quality but I shall also slay you if you turn that quality against me.  Go home, my friend, and go with God.”

Without another word, Talon mounted his horse and galloped toward home, his men following behind. 

L
ate September, 1265

Gwen’s body healed and she found herself regaining her strength - despite the lack of sleep.  Little William had found it necessary to eat every two hours at first and Gwen refused to bring in a wet nurse.  But he fought for life and against the odds, grew stronger.  He was now double in size and weight, his lungs completely clear and he made certain the entire castle knew it when he decided he was hungry.  Finally, his feedings fell to a more basic routine but he still kept Gwen on her toes, despite Rose’s adoring help.  Thankfully, Alys also proved to be a great help with the baby.

Gwen and Rose nurtured a new friendship during this time.  Gwen taught Rose how to spin and weave and she was an apt student.  She also taught her a bit of herb-lore, which fascinated Rose.  The girl spoke little of her captivity but when she did, Gwen was always a caring listener, providing warmth and protection when the girl needed it.  Although frightened and hungry most of the time, Rose had not suffered any abuse other than the occasional cuff if she grew too surly or tried to escape.

Rose still suffered the occasional nightmare, crawling in bed with Gwen, even while Gwen recovered from having the baby.  Although the healer protested at the child disturbing her patient, Gwen could not turn her away.

Rose missed her father terribly and spent hours on the tower overlooking the main road to the gates.  Gwen grew concerned but Marcus assured her this was absolutely normal behavior for the child.  “She’s done this ever since she was old enough to mount the tower stairs.  Every time her father leaves, she stands vigil for him.”

Little William let out a hearty burp, cooing in contentment.  Gwen carried him below stairs and found Rose finishing her noon time meal.

“How is my brother?” Rose asked happily.

“Just fine.  Would you like to go to the gardens with us, Rose?”

She nodded vigorously and accepted Gwen’s hand.  Together they walked outside, Gwen enjoying the cool misty air and inhaling deeply.  William, bundled warmly, gazed at the bright cloudy skies in wonder.  They entered the gardens and sat on a bench.

“I like autumn,” Rose said, her blue eyes bright.  “The trees are so beautiful when their leaves turn.”

“I do too.”

“Sir Marcus!” a guard bellowed from a watch tower.  “A large group of heavily armed men approach.”

Gwen’s heart lurched in panic.  Since Rose’s return, Marcus had decided on caution.  The castle remained with portcullis down and drawbridge raised, prepared for battle.  He feared, and Gwen agreed, the people behind Rose’s abduction may try to get her back.  The guards were armed to the teeth and the castle battle ready.  She grabbed Rose’s hand and entered the bailey, immediately flanked by Lucais and the Templars who had decided to stay until Talon’s return.

“My ladies,” Lucais said, his manner always calm and unruffled.  “We shall escort you inside while Marcus sees to this event.”

Gwen froze in her tracks when she heard an inhuman roar of fury coming from the gates.

****

“What is the meaning of this?” Talon bellowed.  “Why are my own gates closed to me?”  He had ridden hard for home, bone weary and chilled to the core, only to find his keep barred against him.  His vision tinted red with rage.  He had endured too much to be stopped by a fool guard who didn’t know his arse when he found it with both hands.

“E-earl,” the guard stammered from the walls.  “I pray forgiveness but I had to make certain it was you, not someone disguised as you.”

“Do you not have eyes in your head?” Talon snarled.  “Open these gates now!”

He heard the screech of the portcullis and the grate of the chains as the drawbridge lowered.  Good glory, why did Marcus have the keep prepared for battle?

Finally the drawbridge settled into place and Talon galloped over it.  All he wanted was to come home and hold Gwen in his arms.  His horse slid to a stop in the middle of the bailey, snorting and dancing in place.

Talon vaulted off, his vision going dark for an instant.  Saint’s blood, he was exhausted.

“Papa!” a tiny voice cried.  “You’re home!”

Talon’s heart dropped to his boots, certain he had imagined a child’s cry.  He lifted his head and passed a hand over his eyes.  His vision tunneled queerly and his lungs burned for air.

A little girl with long blonde hair pushed her way past two giant knights and flew toward him, her arms outstretched.  Gwen, a vision of loveliness, hurried behind her, carrying a bundle of some sort in her arms.  But his gaze returned to the child, and he was certain he dreamed the sight before him.

“Oh God,” Talon choked, his body suddenly quivering.  “Rose?”

****

Gwen’s heart battered her ribs mercilessly as she hurried after Rose.  Talon’s face turned gray and she feared he would drop in his tracks.  He stared at Rose as if she was a ghost.  He rubbed his eyes, not daring to believe what he saw.

“Rose?” he gasped, suddenly dropping to one knee and opening his arms.

Rose plowed into him so hard she nearly knocked him over.  She clung to him, crying.  “Oh papa, oh papa.”

Talon squeezed his eyes shut, holding her tightly, tears streamed freely down his cheeks and he buried his face in her hair.  “Rose, my sweet Rose.”

Gwen slowed her pace, her throat tight with emotion, the power of the reunion pushed her own tears forward.

Slowly Talon lifted his face to the heavens, holding Rose with all of his strength.  He rapidly sucked in a few deep breaths.  “Thank God you’re home.”

Suddenly he exploded to his feet, spinning her around, and bellowing in joy.  Rose squeaked and giggled in surprise.  Talon stopped, again holding her tightly, his entire body visibly shaking.

Gwen found herself smiling broadly.  Talon’s gaze locked on hers and the fire she saw stole her breath.  A joy she could not truly describe replaced the anguish and grief she had come to know.  He shifted Rose to his right hip, holding her with one arm and extended his free hand to her.  She stepped forward and he swept her into a powerful embrace.

****

Disbelief washed over Talon, almost buckling his knees.  This had to be a vision, a hallucination of what he most longed to see. 

But Rose was as real.  Her soft hair caressed his face, her body vibrant with life.  Rose gazed up at him, adoration shining in her eyes, her cheeks stained with tears, but then her little brow furrowed.  “Papa, why are you crying?”

Abruptly Talon realized tears streamed unabashed down his cheeks and he smiled at her.  “Because you are home.  Dear God, Rose, I was so worried about you.”

“I missed you too, Papa,” she said hugging him again. 

He squeezed his eyes
closed; holding her and Gwen with all his strength, trying to convince himself this was real.

The bundle Gwen held grunted and squirmed at being squashed between them.

Talon stepped back slightly, stunned the bundle was alive.  Another puppy? he wondered suspiciously. 

Gwen gazed up at him, her emerald eyes shining but he also thought he saw a hint of fear.  She smiled at him, and Talon’s heart took wing.  A more beautiful sight he had never seen.  Her black hair tumbled loose around her shoulders like a maiden’s.  Her unblemished skin a creamy white. 

“Talon,” she said, her voice dulcet.  Her hand moved the blankets away from the bundle.  “Allow me to present your son.”

Talon’s gaze locked on the baby in her arms, her words slamming into him like a blow to the gut.  He suddenly couldn’t breathe again.  The baby gurgled, kicking under his swaddling.  He had a dark mat of hair and his eyes were a clear, pale green.

Talon battled to suck air into his lungs, before he collapsed at the base of his own stairs.  His mind struggled to comprehend.  “My...my son?” he asked, his voice shaking so hard he barely understood himself.

Gwen nodded, tears continuing to trickle down her cheeks and fear still marring her beautiful face.

“I...we...have a son?”

“Isn’t he wonderful, Papa?” Rose asked but her expression was also worried.  She squirmed and Talon reluctantly set her on her feet.  “Don’t you want to hold him?”

He still couldn’t believe any of this was real let alone act on it.  His attention remained riveted on the baby.  “My...son?” This was impossible; it was all happening too fast.  He hadn’t been gone that long, had he?  Gwen had never mentioned anything about breeding.  But he found himself reaching for the child.  Gwen carefully placed the babe in his arms and old habits returned quickly.

The baby cooed and blew bubbles at him, sticking a fist in its mouth and sucking noisily.  It was only then that Talon recognized familiar features.  The baby appeared very similar to Rose when she was born, although his hair was darker.  But the chin, the tiny little nose,
and the shape of his eyes....vaguely, Talon could see himself reflected in the baby’s face.

A sudden intense joy swept over him and he grinned broadly at Gwen.  “I have a son.”  Gwen’s shoulders visibly relaxed and she returned his smile.  He stared at the baby, then at Rose, and finally at Gwen, his heart ready to explode.  Never had he thought to experience such hap
piness.  “Praise be! I have come home to a family!”

The onlookers gathered around them cheered loudly.  Talon felt inexplicable tears threaten again but he controlled them, bending to kiss Gwen soundly.  “Come,” he whispered.  “I do not wish to share this moment just yet.”

Holding his son, Rose moved next to him and slid her arm around his waist.  Talon pulled Gwen close with his free arm, Rose between them, and they all trooped into the keep.

It was real.  All of it.  Rose was
home; Gwen was safe with him and had given him a son.  The anguish he had suffered in the past was naught but a distant memory in the face of the joy within him.

****

Gwen shook so hard, she feared she might collapse as the ascended the stairs to the solar.  She had been terrified Talon wouldn’t want the baby - to be a father again.  What if he lost track of the time and thought it wasn’t his, that she had cuckolded him?  But once over the initial shock, he had smiled and claimed the baby, now holding him securely.

They entered the solar and Talon closed the door behind him.  Little William grunted and fussed, growing more displeased.  Talon turned his attention to him, talking softly and bouncing him slightly.  Gwen marveled at his actions, this was a man who accepted fatherhood easily, knowing exactly what to do.

Unfortunately, William would have none of it.  He screwed up his face and bawled with such intensity Talon jumped.

“He’s hungry again,” Gwen said quickly and took the child from him.  She sat in her rocking chair, using William’s blanket for privacy, and freed her breast.  The baby stopped crying and suckled noisily.

Talon shook his head.  “One would think Welsh raiders had descended on us with that wail.”

Gwen smiled.  “Aye.  He awakens the entire keep at night with his hunger pains.”

Talon removed his chainmail armor until he stood in braccas and boots, then stepped to the basin and filled it with water.  “Rose,” he asked softly.  “Would you be so kind as to fetch us some wine?”

“Of course, Papa,” Rose said and hurried off, closing the door behind her.

Talon immediately moved to crouch beside Gwen, and tugged William’s blanket away.  He gazed at the feeding baby with such powerful emotion in his eyes it was as intense as a physical caress.  His hand shaking, he touched the baby’s head then looked up at Gwen.  “Sweet Jesu,” he whispered.  “Discovering Rose safe at home, then this...my God, Gwen...all I want is to make love to you but I can scarce stand to let Rose out of my sight.”

She caressed his cheek with her free hand, tears burning her eyes.  “Talon, I’ve missed you so.”

He leaned forward, capturing her mouth with his.  Gwen’s world spun with the intensity of his kiss.  His lips were soft and warm, vibrantly powerful.  His tongue swept across hers.  The taste of him sent her senses spiraling.  How she had missed his touch and his kiss.

A soft knock broke their moment.  Talon smiled and pulled away, replacing William’s blanket.  “Enter,” he said, his voice husky.  Rose opened the door, juggling the tray with wine and cups.  Talon moved quickly to assist her, setting the tray on the table then cupping her chin in his massive hand.

“I fear this is a dream and I’ll awake at any moment.”

Rose threw her arms around his waist.  “Me too, Papa.”

He hugged her tightly then poured a cup of wine for himself and Gwen, then returned to cleaning up.  He tugged a clean tunic from the bureau and Gwen couldn’t help the smile that escaped her.  The tunic was off-white with elegant gold trim.

He sat beside Gwen with his wine cup in hand and motioned for Rose, pulling her into his lap.  She rested her head against his chest and Talon kissed the top of her head then glanced at Gwen and the baby again.

“When?”