Ruth A. Casie (7 page)

“I thought for certain I would feel his blade. What made him stop?”

“It seems your charm saved you. It blinked at him.”

He gave Bryce and Ramon a blank stare.

“He told me the eye etched on the stone blinked when it caught the sunlight. I’m certain the heat of the battle played tricks.” They walked on a ways. “I may start having all my soldiers wear stones. You’re a lucky man.”

Alex forced his hand not to touch the stone.

“I was so certain they were Scots.” Bryce shook his head.

Alex let the words linger. But who were they and who commanded them?

Chapter Six

“Sir, an emissary from the king just passed through the town gate and is on his way here.” Alex looked up from his estate books at Peter. The ciphers weren’t particularly difficult but there wasn’t much room for error. He concentrated on calculating food stores. With everyone inside the gate, keeping them fed was a priority.

“Very good.” He rubbed the back of his neck. He had stared at the same number for some time but he couldn’t keep his mind centered. His soldiers were thinly spread among all the farms. He must be careful or there wouldn’t be enough men to guard the castle. He threw down his quill in exasperation. He’d think on it later. He left his desk and headed to the castle steps to greet the king’s man. What could Edward want?

In the distance he noted Lisbeth. Bryce was by her side.
Good.
He wanted to speak to Bryce and get his opinion on the new Glen Kirk ale. He would check with his brewer later in the day and see if it was ready for tasting.

“M’lord.” A familiar dignified man dismounted and approached Alex, a wide grin on his face.

“Howard, how good to see you.” He rushed down the steps to greet his family’s longtime friend. “You’re a long way from court. What brings you to Glen Kirk?”

“I bring you greetings and a message from His Majesty,” said Howard as he took Alex’s outstretched hand.

The old courtier’s hand still felt strong. “Come inside. You can warm by the fire,” Alex exclaimed with pleasure.

“My legs could use some stretching. I’ve been on that horse too long. A bit of warmth would be good too.” They walked up the stairs. “I can’t stay long. I’m doing the king’s business and must be on my way.”

“You must share a tankard of ale with me.” Alex matched his stride to the older man’s and they made their way across the stone porch into the castle.

“Ah, Wesley’s ale is legendary. I’ll not pass up a tankard.” Howard rubbed his hands together.

Alex smiled and wondered if the old man was cold or merely eager for the ale. On their way into the library Alex called for Ann to bring refreshments. A short time later the men sat by the fire enjoying their drink. The flickering fire cast shadows across Howard’s elegant but worn face. Alex sat back. There was a vitality about Howard that belied his age. There was also a glint of humor in his eyes and the faintest suggestion that he knew more than he ever let on.

“How goes it in London?” asked Alex, his throat coated with the rich ale.

Howard put down his tankard and looked through a leather case. “The talk is all about Wales.” He handed Alex a missive. “With the campaign over, His Majesty seeks to put select men in some of the oldest Welsh houses.” He took up his ale and took a long swallow. “I understand he’s made you an offer.”

Alex watched on as his old friend reveled in the brew.

“Perfect. It tastes as I remember.” He took another long swallow.

Alex took the opportunity to quickly scan the king’s message. “Yes, he informed me I could return to Wales and finish my mission there. But I’ve decided to stay here at Glen Kirk,” he answered, a bit distracted. “Well,” he lifted his head from the document, “His Majesty is paying us a visit.” He placed the message on his desk. “We’ll make things ready for him. Howard, you should know there’s been some activity at the farms recently. His Majesty may be better off visiting here at another time.”

“He’s aware of your situation. He has his reasons for visiting at this time. He’s eager to see your new bride and how well you both enjoy married life. He’s so in love with his queen he expects everyone else to also be enraptured. I don’t think there’s anything we could do to sway him from his visit. But I’m glad you told me. I will pass on the information.”

The tankard drained dry, Howard got to his feet. “I must be going. Many thanks for the ale.” Alex rose and the two men started for the door. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He turned to Alex. “When your father knew I would see you, he asked me to give you a message.”

Howard fished in his pouch. He rifled through several documents until he found the one with the firm hand of Lord Stelton. He handed Alex the letter.

“I’m eager to read the family news.” Alex took Howard to his waiting men.

“I’ve always envied your father and the closeness of your family. How wonderful you all looked when your father brought you to court. Seven sons and two daughters. Your father was the envy of many.” Howard bent over and whispered in Alex’s ear. “Even me. I wanted the secret of your family strength. Your father’s answer was so simple. Trust and love with a modicum of rules. The best advice I ever received at court.” He straightened. “I must be off. Ah, but I am remiss. How is your wife?”

Alex hesitated. “She is well, thank you. It is good of you to inquire. Good day to you, Howard. I wish you success on the rest of your journey.”

The man mounted his horse, nodded, and led his impressive troop away.

Alex set off for the estate room, opening his father’s letter on the way.

I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. I must be brief as Howard is mounted and ready to leave. Your mother, brothers, sisters and I will be visiting Glen Kirk with the king and look forward to seeing you. Your mother is eager to meet her new daughter and welcome her to the family, as am I.

The king and his family are visiting to see my wife.
He ran his hand through his hair. “Faith!”

A flash of skirt caught his attention. He looked up to see Lisbeth going down the hall.

“A moment, if you please,” he called after her. He rubbed the nape of his neck. How to begin?
The king is coming for a visit.
So are my parents.
Have I told you?
They are your parents-in-law.
Oh
,
didn’t I mention you’re my wife?
He gave her a quick glance and realized he’d rather face an angry mob.

Lisbeth stopped in midstride. “Yes?”

He put on his best smile. “How’s young John?” His heart hammered in his chest.
No
,
perhaps now is not the best time.

“He’s resting comfortably. He took a bad beating. Luckily, he doesn’t remember much of what happened. I suspect he will over time.” She continued down the hall. “Alex.” She turned to speak to him. “I told those around him you wanted everyone to stay close to the castle. I also told him I’ve returned to be under your protection. I suspect they will spread the word quickly.”

“I’m grateful.” He dipped his head.

Lisbeth looked at Alex grasping the letter. “Is the news bad?”

“Bad?” He stared at her, baffled.

She nodded at the letter in his hand. “You are holding a letter.”

“It appears His Majesty and my family plan to visit Glen Kirk in late October. At the same time actually,” he added. He fanned the paper against his thigh.

“Late October.” A soft gasp escaped her. “That’s only two weeks. How long will they be staying?”

He thought he heard an edge of panic in her voice. “His Majesty has not said but I suspect he and his court will be here a few days. Howard mentioned the king planned to visit others before the winter.”

He knew something was awry. Her skin went from pale to gray. Perhaps she wasn’t used to royal visits. He knew his way around the king’s court. “You needn’t worry. I’ll help you with what you need to know.”

“I’ll return to the hunting lodge...” Her hands nervously smoothed out her gown.

Her words splashed over him as if he were doused by ice water. “You will not.” A sudden chill hung on the edge of his words. “The king and my family will see a well-functioning estate with the king’s ward safely in residence for however long they remain.”

“Be reasonable, Alex.”

“What frightens you so?” He took her hand. “The king? I’ll show you what to do.” He caught sight of the stiffening of her back in revolt. “The king expects you to be here. I won’t have the king or my family see you living in exile in the hunting lodge. I will have them see that you are well protected behind the castle walls and showing support for my position.”

She boldly met his accusing eyes and pulled her hand away. “Support your position! What they see? You care about what they see?”

He had never heard her raise her voice. He doubted she even knew she had.

“You can’t have the king and his court here. Look around you, Alex. Look at what they will see. Is this the castle of great lord, or the barracks of a warrior? Glen Kirk is not ready for visitors, let alone the king.” She crossed her arms tightly across her chest in defiance.

“What’s wrong with Glen Kirk? It may be a bit stark but it will do,” Alex said, pretending not to understand her look.

“Listen to yourself. ‘Will do.’ What will they sleep on? What will they eat? Salty meat made by your field cook simply won’t do. And who will serve them? There are hardly enough servants here to manage now.” Her voice grew louder with each question.

“I’ll find a way.” He faced her almost nose to nose and matched her vehemence.

“You do that. And while you ‘find a way’ you can also find a place to put your guests.”

“There are plenty of rooms here. You know that better than I.”

“Oh yes, there are plenty of rooms, but very few are habitable. Have you looked lately?”

“Are there any other concerns?”

“No, none.” Her anger spent, she turned and proceeded down the hall.

“Then I expect your full cooperation in presenting Glen Kirk in its best light,” he called after her in controlled anger.

She straightened and continued on.

* * *

Lisbeth fought the escalating panic. Her mother’s final words raced across her mind.
The king must never know.

She was back in the runaway coach with her mother’s arms around her.
“
I’m sorry.
I
should have told you.
Lisbeth
,
the king must never know.
”

If the king had any idea she had visions she knew he would brand her a witch and everyone would suffer. If he didn’t, all would go well. Mother had obviously kept it from him. New hope filled her. Laura and Jamie were the only ones who knew, and if they did see the king, which she suspected they wouldn’t, they wouldn’t say anything. She stroked the stone in her pouch. The panic subsided.

She entered the Great Hall and gave it a thorough look. How this room used to sing with music and laughter. Best not to think about the past. After all this time the pain still caught her by surprise. The heartbreak didn’t go away. It would never go away. She would carry her guilt with her for eternity.

She took a deep breath and scrunched her nose. The foul odor distracted her from her thoughts. Her eyes caught the haphazard table and benches. She stood in the middle of the room and took a more critical look.

“Ann.” Her eyes caught the dullness of the furniture. She ran her finger across the table and rubbed her forefinger and thumb together, feeling gritty grease. The furniture used to sparkle and smell of lavender oil. She walked over to the hearth. Was there a bone in the rushes? “Ann!” she called more insistently.

“Yes, m’lady.” The housekeeper rushed into the room, drying her hands on her apron.

“Ann, what has happened here? Mother would be appalled to see the room in such condition.”

“There’s been a great deal of change over the last years. Each of the men the king sent put in their own staff. Some from your mother’s household were kept on but many left until there were only a few who remained. No one wanted to stay here without any of the family in residence.”

Lisbeth cringed at the words. He had brought her back for his own purpose. He needed her in the castle for stability and to ensure cooperation. Her heart sank but she didn’t have time to dwell on that now. She shifted her thoughts back to the problem at hand. Hopefully John would spread the word that she’d returned to Glen Kirk. Perhaps that would encourage servants to come back. “How many from Mother’s household remain?”

“Five, m’lady.”

“They will have to do,” she said, mostly to herself. “Gather them here in the hall. There’s a lot to do before the king arrives. And there isn’t much time.”

“Yes, m’lady. Lord Alex instructed me to give work to any capable person who enquired. Some came to see if you were back and asked for a position.”

“I hope Eve was one of them. Mother said she was the best cook she ever had.”

“I saw her at the market yesterday. She asked about a job in our kitchen. I’ll speak to her and see what I can do.”

“Wonderful. If she agrees see if she can start with tonight’s dinner. His Majesty and his court plan to visit Glen Kirk. They will be here in two weeks. And Ann, Lord Alex’s family is traveling with them.”

“Oh dear, there isn’t much time.” The woman rubbed her hands on her apron.

“No, there isn’t. When was the last time these rushes were changed? And the windows cleaned? And the furniture polished? Where did we put the cushions for the chairs?” The more she looked, the more she found lacking. “No.” She held up her hand to stop Ann before she could answer. “No, no matter. What does matter is this room must be cleaned. Get someone to clear out these rushes and bring new ones in.”

She pushed the rushes aside with her foot. A foul odor wafted up and made her dizzy. She grabbed the table to steady herself. “We need to scrub the floor before new rushes can be laid. Water Ann, we need buckets of water and scrub brushes to clean these stones.”

Ann’s face broadened into a bright smile. “Yes, m’lady. I’ll see to it.”

Several hours later she stood at the door to the Great Hall. Her back ached. Her arms and legs screamed from the strain. She looked around the room at everyone’s accomplishments and let out an exhausted sigh.

With legs that felt as heavy as boulders, she climbed the stairs and entered her room. Her trunk, still packed, stood by the door where the soldier had left it weeks ago. She chuckled at the thought she would be here only a short time. Where was the chambermaid? She slumped in the chair, drained from the afternoon’s activities.

“M’lady? I’m Alice. Ann sent me to see to your needs.” The maid entered the room.