Ruth A. Casie (18 page)

Of course he knew his brother well. Cameron wasn’t the only one. All his brothers did it one time or another—usually as an annoyance. He was just better at it than the others.

“When you spoke to me in the garden,” continued Barbara, “and you spoke of the future I thought you spoke for Cameron. I was so excited. All I could think of was Cameron. When you finally declared yourself for me I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to do.”

“You ran.”

“I did what?” She was clearly startled.

“You looked at me with terror in your eyes as if I had just asked you to do the most forbidden thing. You stumbled at saying something. Then you turned, picked up your hem, and ran to the palace.”

“Oh, Alex.” She reached to touch his arm. “I didn’t give a thought about you. I was so busy being distraught.”

“I got over it.”

“Alex, there’s no need to make this more difficult,” said Cameron.

Alex registered the concern in Cameron’s eyes.

Barbara placed a steadying hand on Cameron’s arm. “That’s all right, Cameron.” She stepped closer to Alex. “That night I sought advice from my sister. I thought as one of the queen’s ladies she would give me good counsel. I made the mistake of speaking to her in front of the other women. They magnified everything I said and twisted it into something that had no semblance of the gentle words you spoke or sincerity in your heart. The next morning I was mortified to hear their interpretation of our story and that it had become fodder for the court. I tried to reach you but I couldn’t find you anywhere. When I learned you were leaving I rushed to the gate only to see you and Cameron ride off with the regiment.”

He saw the truth in her eyes. If he was truthful with himself he had to admit that his proposal all those years ago was foolish.

“Alex, I lost you both that day. I have regretted my actions ever since. When I saw you back in court, you made every effort to stay away. I wanted to explain it all to you but you avoided me. When Edward told me about the proxy wedding, I thought it my chance to speak to you. I volunteered to stand in as your wife. I had hoped to reconcile. I never thought they would taunt you so.”

“When you asked me to take care of things when you left,” said Cameron. “I listened to her and heard her sincerity. We’ve spent the last weeks together and renewed our friendship. We love each other, Alex.” He turned to his fiancée. “Barbara, let me speak to Alex alone.”

Barbara nodded and stepped back into the Great Hall.

The brothers walked onto the porch. “Alex, you confessed to me long ago you didn’t take offense at Barbara’s refusal. It was the public embarrassment that offended you. I ask that you forgive her. Her intent was never to hurt or humiliate you.”

“It’s a relief to know the truth. It will take time to heal this wound. I’ve picked it open time and time again.” He clapped his brother on the back. “I wish you and Barbara every joy.” He eagerly embraced his brother. “Let’s go find your fiancée and some wine. We should celebrate your good fortune.”

The men started back into the Great Hall. Peter passed them rushing toward the kitchen with a pile of linen in his arms.

“Peter, what happened to your face?” Alex bent down and took the boy’s chin to get a better look at the bruise on his cheek.

Peter smiled widely. “Gareth told me to duck. I should have listened.”

“I’m certain you will the next time. Go along,” said Alex.

* * *

The raw, cold day progressed. People poured into the village for a glimpse of their king. Alex watched how Lisbeth directed the activities and made certain the king and their other guests had everything they wanted.

“Gareth, you look handsome in your dress uniform,” said Lisbeth.

“Thank you, m’lady.”

“Are those the gloves Mother gave you?”

“My uniform is not complete without them. They are a cherished gift. She embroidered my initials on the cuff.” As they walked over to the king, he showed her the small white stitches on the white gloves.

Bryce, with his father and men, sauntered in. “Sire.” They bowed. “It’s good to see you.”

“And you, Bryce. Ramon.” Edward acknowledged them with a nod.

The king moved through the crowded room.

“A moment, Bryce.”

Bryce followed Alex into the library.

Alex noticed his friend’s battle face. It was a look that gave nothing away. “As a good host I ask if your rooms are comfortable.”

Bryce dipped his head. His face was still impassable.

“As a husband I ask, why was Lisbeth at Ravencroft?”

“She helped me with my wound and saw me to Ravencroft.”

“Was she seeking sanctuary?”

Bryce chuckled. “You should have seen your face. I don’t know when I’ve seen you more furious. I wasn’t certain whether you were angry at Lisbeth or me.”

Alex stood and waited. He had on his own battle face.

“No, Alex, she never said the words. I’ve gotten the feeling over the last weeks that she needed to be protected.”

“From me?”

Bryce shrugged his shoulders. “You would know that better than I.”

Alex wanted to wipe the smirk off of Bryce’s face.

“How did she take the news?” asked Bryce. “I see she wears a wimple and veil.”

“Alex,” Cameron peeked his head in the door. “You should be out here.”

“I’ll be right there.” Alex faced Bryce. “This discussion isn’t over.”

“Come, Alex. The jealous husband doesn’t suit you.”

Alex turned to leave the room. He looked over his shoulder. “Stay away from my wife.”

* * *

Lisbeth was next to the king when Alex left the library and took his place with her. His expression gave no hint of what had happened. Bryce followed behind him. The onset of a tingly sensation grabbed her attention. Alex slipped his hand over hers. Her instinct was to pull it away but before she could move, he gently tightened his grip. The tingling started to build. She felt the dampness of the mist begin to gather.
Go
. She commanded silently. The feeling stilled and slowly subsided. His hand remained.

“I was about to tell Alex and Lisbeth I thought this a good day for them to complete their wedding rites,” the king said to Ramon.

Alex put his hand on Lisbeth’s waist. She didn’t say a word.

Ramon looked down his nose at her, gave Alex a scathing look, and turned to the king. “Why, sire, would you give Glen Kirk and Lady Lisbeth to a traitor?”

Silence spread through the crowd at the mention of the word. Lisbeth looked from Ramon to Alex. Panic welled up in her. She searched through the crowd for Alex’s family. She found them as shocked as everyone else. The merry smiles on each of his brothers’ faces turned sober. One by one they gathered near him. The silence exploded into an uproar.

“Stay calm,” were Alex’s whispered words.

She took a deep breath. He was right. Stay calm.

The king’s jovial expression was wiped away and replaced with a cool cunning glare. “Explain,” he demanded of Ramon.

“The thieving Scots have burnt and pillaged my farms, but only one belonging to Glen Kirk. Why is that? Because Stelton has an arrangement with his Scots brother. They meet all the time. My men patrol the area for you, sire. I’ve witnessed them myself.”

Lisbeth looked at Alex. “Say nothing,” he whispered. He stepped closer to her.

“What proof, Ramon? A man speaking to his brother-in-law is not proof of treason.” The king’s displeasure was evident.

“Few know of their battle sign, sire. How Scots and Scots sympathizers know each other, a single small braid and bead at the nape of their neck.”

“I have no such braid.”

Ramon pulled up Alex’s hair and exposed a trimmed area.

Alex resisted touching the spot. A vivid picture of himself sitting bent over the table in the lodge and the feel of a cold blade against his neck swam before him.

“I see you’ve gotten rid of the offending evidence—your bond with the Scots. You thought no one knew of your plotting with them against the king. Against England. I will not stand for it.” Ramon smirked.

Alex said and did nothing. He listened.

Ramon pulled a silk package from his belt. He unwrapped the small bundle in front of the king and exposed Lisbeth’s violet amber charm along with a single small braid and bead.

“Do you know where I got this? From her pouch when she was at Ravencroft.” Ramon pointed to Lisbeth.

“Alex, I didn’t have my pouch at Ravencroft. You had it. And the stone, there is only one like it. It’s always kept in the lodge in the bedroom chest.” Lisbeth was filled with rage.

Once again Alex spoke softly, “I know. But say nothing. For all that is holy you must remain quiet.”

She did as he said.

“Lord Alex isn’t a traitor!” Robby shouted from the edge of the crowd.

“I know a traitor is never easy to take.” Ramon turned and looked at Alex. “Especially when it is someone who you’ve trusted with your very life.” Ramon turned back to the king. “He’s been conspiring against you, against England, with the Scots.”

“A braid, if he had one, does not mean he’s a traitor, Mitchell. There is more to being a traitor than just looking like a Scots. Besides, the Scots are not the enemy.” The king’s patience appeared to be wearing thin.

“Sire, the protectors you’ve sent faced problems with raiders, and now they and their men are missing. Every one except Alex. His farms thrive and he’s still here,” Ramon declared.

“That doesn’t make him a traitor!” someone called out. A wave of agreement passed through the crowd. “It makes him a good leader.” The buzz in the room increased.

“Sire, he and his band of men marched against Ravencroft. Bryce stopped him before he reached our farms.”

Alex stood tall and defiant. Edward glared at Ramon.

“Alex, is this true?”

“No, sire. My farms were attacked. I took a small group of men, and I followed the raiders. They led me toward Ravencroft. I sought to stop them before they could do any damage to Mitchell’s farms.”

“He attacked my own man, sire. He knows my men. Why would he attack? Because he was found out!” Ramon punctuated each word with his pointed finger. “I tell you he is in league with the Scots who I’m certain have done something to your protectors. He is a traitor I tell you. He stands by your side holding your trust while he plots and plans against you.”

“Alex. You will have to be held to face these charges.”

Ramon signaled his men. “Take him to the dungeon. And sire, it may be best if you not stay at Glen Kirk. You can’t be certain who is in league with him. Ravencroft is not far,” said Ramon, a satisfied sneer on his face.

“Hold, Ramon.” Ramon’s men stopped mid-step. “My Royal Guards will escort Lord Alex. I will meet with my advisors. Tomorrow we will settle this. And Ramon, thank you for your most kind offer. I will stay here at Glen Kirk.”

Ramon bowed and left with his men. Bryce followed him.

The king turned to Alex with a heavy sigh. “I had thought it a good day for a wedding, not a trial.” He signaled his guards. “He looks more the jailor than the prisoner,” said the king as Alex marched out of the hall.

Chapter Seventeen

Alex paced in his cell. The retreating steps of the king’s guards were long gone. He knew the court system. The burden of proof was on him. In his mind he ticked off the accusations and rebuttals. He came to the same conclusion each time. There was no hard evidence. It was all circumstantial. Ramon and Bryce had planned something. The only way he was going to clear his name and protect Lisbeth and Glen Kirk was to find out what that was.

“Alex.” Bryce’s voice seeped through the door.

“Bryce? What are you doing here?” He heard the jangling of keys.

“What do you think?”

A key scrapped inside the padlock. He heard the click when the hasp sprung open.

Bryce removed the lock and chain, then heaved the heavy wooden slide.

Alex cautiously pushed on the door and stepped out of the cell. He quickly scanned the room. It was empty. “Why?”

“I’m getting you out of here to give you a fighting chance,” said Bryce.

“If anyone finds you down here they will put us both in cells.”

“No, my man is at the top of the stairs. He can keep people out for a while but not long. Alex, I may have played a heavy hand with you and Lisbeth, but I never questioned your loyalty. I don’t know what Father is about but he’s speaking with each of the king’s advisors individually. He won’t tell me anything.”

“And His Majesty?”

“He sits in the Great Hall as if nothing has happened. I fear you’ll not get a fair hearing. Best you leave and save yourself for another fight.”

“Yes, perhaps I should.”
What is Bryce up to?
Alex knew he should stay in the cell. Once he escaped it wouldn’t matter if he was guilty or innocent. He’d be a hunted man. But he couldn’t protect Lisbeth from here. He needed to get away.

“I’ve had your horse brought to the outside gate. If you leave now with everyone in the Great Hall you’ll not be missed for some time.”

“Thank you, Bryce. I won’t forget this.”
No
,
he’d never forget the treachery to their friendship.

“Don’t thank me until this is over. Now go before someone gets suspicious.”

Alex left through the underground passages until he reached the outside door. He checked the surrounding area. Seeing it was clear he slipped out and jumped over the garden gate. Prime stood there ready for him, a bow and quiver on his saddle.

He rode up the trail in the cover of the forest. He needed to get some distance between himself and the castle. He headed for the safety of the border.

The trees rushed by in a blur. Prime kept up a steady stride. Alex’s mind was focused on what he would do next, when he felt the animal’s muscles clench. Alex brought his attention back to the present. All that remained between him and the border was a small rock ledge up ahead. He knew this place well. It was a common meeting place for him and Jamie. He would have to walk Prime through. It was too precarious to ride.

He slowed his horse. An arrow came shooting out of the trees and across Prime’s nose. Alex dismounted, grabbing his bow and quiver in a smooth easy movement. He set the tip of the weapon at his instep and started to string it. The bow snapped in his hands.

“Well, it looks like the traitor has escaped.” Four men came out of the bushes.

Alex looked at each man. He leveled his eyes on the last one who entered the clearing. It was Bryce’s man, the one who had tried to ride him down. Another look: they were all Bryce’s men.

“The king is meeting with his advisors and Lord Ramon to discuss your treachery. When they find you gone they will denounce you an outlaw, confiscate all you own and put a pretty price on your head.”

“What are we waiting for?” said another man. “Let’s get on with it.”

A man came at Alex with his knife drawn. Alex’s actions were swift and deadly. He sidestepped out of the line of attack and grabbed the man’s arm. He brought up his knee and smashed the attacker’s limb against it. The tremor of the breaking bone vibrated up Alex’s arm. He finished with a fist to the man’s temple. Before the man had time to register his pain he was unconscious on the ground.

Alex picked up the man’s knife, slit his throat, and spun to face the next assailant.

The men hung back. No one gave the command to move forward. What were they waiting for? Warmth spread across his back. Someone was behind him. Someone he trusted. Before he could decide whether or not to put any faith in the feeling, two of Bryce’s men went into action. One attacked and the other ran past him.

Alex grabbed the attacker’s outstretched arm. Holding it at the wrist, he stepped aside. With his free hand he grabbed the man across his face and pulled him back. While he had the man off balance he kicked his leg out from under him. The assailant went down. Alex wrenched the man’s knife out of his hand and stabbed him in the chest. The blood bubbled and hissed as it leaked out of the wound. The attacker slid to the ground, gasping for breath.

He turned to take on the other man only to see Jamie slamming his shoulder into his chest. The man flew back. Jamie fisted his hand and with lightning speed connected with the man’s jaw. Alex heard the sound of breaking bones when fist and chin connected. The man’s head snapped back exposing his throat. Jamie took his knife and drew a thin red line across it. The man crumpled to the ground.

The remaining attacker stood surrounded by Jamie’s men.

“What took you so long?” Alex asked, his heartbeat returning to normal.

“I wanted to see if the charms for tranquility would work before I took any action.”

Alex shook his head. The Scot’s humor cut the tension.

Jamie’s men made certain the attackers were dead, then brought the last man forward.

“Tom, what did you find out?” Jamie asked.

“Tom? Is he one of yours?” Alex didn’t try to hide the surprise in his voice.

“Yes.” Jamie nodded to Tom to begin.

“I have several things to report. They need Glen Kirk Castle and Lady Lisbeth but I wasn’t able to find out why. Bryce doesn’t want anything to do with her, but his father insists it’s the only way. I couldn’t learn anything else. I do know Lady Lisbeth is in mortal danger.” Tom looked from one man to the other. “Jamie, he keeps calling her the witch.”

“That’s been one of her biggest fears,” said Jamie. “That’s one of the reason’s she stayed away from you,” he said to Alex.

“Me?”

“Yes. Hubert called her a witch.”

“So she thought all the king’s men would do the same. Now I understand,” said Alex.

“You said you learned several things,” said Jamie.

Tom continued. “I also learned that some of Bryce’s men were at Lord Reynolds’s carriage the afternoon of the accident.”

Jamie’s face turned to stone. “Go on.”

“They blocked the trail with the tree and watched what happened.”

“Were you able to find out why they wanted Wesley and Darla dead?” Jamie’s face looked dangerous.

“With Lord Wesley and Lady Darla gone, he thought the king would give him Glen Kirk and Lady Lisbeth.”

“Many thanks, Tom.”

“There’s more. He has the king’s protectors.”

Alex and Jamie stopped in their tracks.

“He’s imprisoned them in a dungeon in the old part of Ravencroft. He told them he’s negotiating their ransom on behalf of the king. I overheard him plotting. He plans to make a big show of freeing them and blaming us.”

“The bastard.” Jamie punched at a nearby tree trunk.

“He intends to lead them on a march into Scotland,” said Tom.

Jamie and Alex looked at each other in disbelief.

“It could work if the men believed they were held captive by my people. It’s a pretty elaborate scheme,” said Jamie.

“We must get to the protectors. There must be something else we’re not seeing. But we can’t wait.” Alex turned to Tom. “Can you lead us to the dungeon?”

“Yes.”

“Here, Alex.” Jamie took the sword from his belt. “You’ll need a weapon.”

Alex slipped the sword into his belt, mounted up, and followed Jamie and his men.

* * *

He cannot die.
Lisbeth stood at the door and watched Alex’s brothers gather by the stables and rush out the gate. His parents were in conference with the king. She couldn’t sit by and do nothing. She wouldn’t let another person she loved die. She would find a way to save him.

“Lisbeth.” Bryce demanded her attention. “I will be your protector and if necessary, Glen Kirk’s as well.”

She could not hide her astonishment at the audacity of his statement. “I think not, Bryce.”

“You dare to...” His anger sparked. She matched his controlled fury with her own.

“I am well protected by my soldiers, and so is Glen Kirk. In addition, if I need any further protection I will call upon my brothers-in-law.”

“I choose not to bother His Majesty with the details. Alex has escaped his own dungeon. He must have had some help. His men cannot be trusted.” He turned a cold eye toward her. “I suspect neither can you.”

Lisbeth turned at the sound of someone approaching. She dropped a deep curtsy to the king.

“Lisbeth.” Edward held out his hand and helped her rise.

“Sire, Lord Bryce was assuring me that you are in agreement with him taking control of Glen Kirk and me. He doesn’t think my Glen Kirk men can be trusted, and questions my own loyalty to you, sire.” She had to make her case for Alex. “He’s already tried Alex and found him guilty.” She waited a heartbeat and watched the vein on Bryce’s forehead pulse. “Your Majesty, if I may be so bold. While I understand the Mitchells think they have a case against my husband, they’re not judge and jury. We both know a very different man than the picture they paint. By your own edicts he’s entitled to a fair hearing.”

“You can’t leave the castle in the hands of Glen Kirk men. Not only are they sympathetic to their lord but also to the Scots. Sire, the Scots will come in and pick things clean in an instant.”

“Enough, Bryce.”

Bryce bowed deeply at the reprimand.

“Thank you for offering your men but they will not be needed. My men have secured Glen Kirk. As for Lisbeth, her loyalty is not in question, and if she needs protection I will see to it.”

“Of course, sire. I only offer my services in preparation for the inevitable.”

“Sire, Glen Kirk is not forfeited until Alex is proven a traitor or until... Until his death.” The very thought made her stomach lurch.

Edward nodded. “Bryce, if you’re concerned about your safety, by all means go. But I wish Lisbeth to stay here with me, under my protection.”

“Yes, sire. I prefer to not leave either of you vulnerable. I will remain.” Bryce bowed to his king. He turned and glared at Lisbeth, his face colored in rage as he walked away.

The king took her hand and spoke softly only for her ears. “Well done, Lady Stelton. Well done. As many times as Bryce has asked to be Glen Kirk’s protector and yours I’ve said no. When I wouldn’t respond to him he had the audacity to request a private audience. He didn’t like my response then either. I will not change my mind now if I can help it.”

“Sire?” She heard the sound of surprise in her voice. “He petitioned Father for Laura’s hand, not mine.”

“Did he now? Interesting. Over the last two years several have petitioned to be your protector. You were much sought after, Lisbeth. But I did what your parents wanted. They picked Alex for you themselves. It was all to be finalized when you came to court with them. Well.” Edward patted her hand. “We will see what happens. Be certain, Lisbeth, Alex still has my full trust. It is my advisors and Ramon we need to worry about. But there is more to this. I will see what the Mitchells are up to. I think your father had suspicions.” He turned, a mask of disinterest on his face, and left the room.

Lisbeth could only stare after him.

* * *

Gareth and Robby met her in the bailey. “M’lady, we’ve come to report.”

“Do either of you know how Lord Alex got out of the dungeon?”

The men looked at each other. “M’lady,” said Gareth. “We were as surprised as everyone else.”

“We were already putting our own plans together when we heard the news,” offered Robby.

“He couldn’t get out by himself. Do you have any idea who may have helped him?” she asked.

“As soon as Lord Alex was taken away we stationed a man to watch the entrance to the dungeon. He reported that the only people that passed were the king’s men and Lord Bryce. Robby and I thought that suspicious. We have a man watching Lord Bryce.”

She nodded her understanding and pulled her shawl tightly around her. “Gareth, Lord Alex’s escape makes him a fugitive.”

“Yes, m’lady.”

She watched the man struggle. She knew he was trying to keep something from her.

“That’s alright, Gareth.” She put her hand on his arm. “I know the implication. He is a target for all who hunt him. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are to bring him back alive.”

“Yes,” said Gareth. The silence hung heavy.

“I came to find you to tell you His Majesty is sending...” Her voice trailed off when she saw the king’s men standing guard along with her Glen Kirk soldiers.

“Yes, Lady Lisbeth. He sent his guards. We were just coming to tell you.”

“I’ve assured His Majesty our men are loyal to the crown. I was concerned when Lord Bryce suggested he replace his men for ours.”

“Lady Lisbeth, your castle is well guarded. We’ve taken extra precautions with His Majesty visiting. Lord Alex gave his instructions. You have nothing to fear.”

“I see.” She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “What about inside the castle?”

“M’lady, there are sentries and soldiers placed strategically. Everything’s in hand.”

“Good.” She took several steps but turned back to the men. “You will report any happenings to me directly.”

“Yes, m’lady.” The two men bowed.

She marched away. The castle secure and the king safe, Alex was her next mission.

* * *

Lisbeth spent the afternoon in Alex’s room surrounded by her mother’s things, touching her mother’s brooch, smelling the stopper on her fragrance. Snippets of happier times drifted past her. She was back running in the fields with Laura, kissing her father goodbye before he left on a trip for the king, and finally they were at Laura’s. She and her parents ready to return to Glen Kirk.