A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy) (30 page)

“That crossed my mind as well,” Blackwell said. “I will see what I can find out on the matter.”

“It would ease my mind.”

“And mine as well.” He called to Nicholas then told Alyna, “Enough of this gloomy discussion. Let us see how the knights are doing at their joust. Then, we’ll attempt to appease Matthew when we return. He’s disappointed to be missing all the fun.”

The three of them continued down the hill, stopping just above the large, green field to better view the activities below. A crowd of villagers had gathered to watch as well.

Blackwell explained the process to a rapt Nicholas. “The men are merely honing their skills today. True tournaments, called
joust a` plaisance
or jousts of peace are held only at the permission of a king’s officer.”

He pointed to the field below. “The men wear armor of hardened leather for better mobility, and they carry rebated lances.”

At Nicholas’s frown, he explained, “They have blunted heads. The knights start at opposite ends of the lists and ride toward each other with shield and lance. They’ll lower their lance at the last moment to carry it under their right arm, pointing it diagonally across the neck of the horse toward their opponent.” As he spoke, two knights proceeded to do just as he explained.

“By carrying the lance at an angle, the impact of the lance striking the knight is lessened. I don’t want any knights injured during practice as Matthew was.” A shake of his head spoke of his displeasure over the accident.

“Points are awarded based on the knights’ performance. If he shatters the lance, he earns more points, as he does if he strikes the head of his opponent rather than the torso. Points are deducted for fouls or strikes against the horse or legs of the rider.”

Nicholas sat in Alyna’s lap and watched the knights with interest. She hoped he didn’t find it too compelling. The thought of him riding toward someone who wanted to strike him with a pointed weapon that big made her ill.

The sounds of the practice easily reached them and made it all the more impressive to watch. Lances clattered against hardened leather and helmets, horses thundered across the lists, and the men grunted from the impacts. The crowd cheered at each pass. The action kept the three of them engrossed.

“Participating in real tournaments not only tests the knights’ skills, but can earn them a reputation and provide them with the chance to gain riches of their own from prizes,” Blackwell explained to Nicholas when there was a break in the activity.

“A knight with skill can earn great wealth. Royce has won many tournaments and shattered more than a lance or two. He’s also collected ransoms from capturing other knights in battle.”

“Look! Royce!” Nicholas called out.

Alyna could see Royce mounted on his destrier, his authority and confidence evident even from their distant perch.

Nicholas continued to point until she confirmed to him that she saw Royce as well. Her son had grown attached to the knight. That made two of them.

As they watched, Royce adjusted a knight’s hold on his lance and then had him take a second run. This time, the knight succeeded in knocking his opponent to the ground.

“If the men can talk him into it, Royce will ride against the winner,” her grandfather said.

After watching a few more knights take their turns, a winner was declared. Royce mounted his horse again, refusing his helmet from his squire.

Alyna’s heart rose to her throat as she watched him ride to the opposite end of the lists and turn, prepared to joust, easily handling the long lance and heavy shield. Compared to the knights who had gone before him, he made jousting look easy and natural.

One with the horse, he leaned back and moved his lance down at the last moment to knock his opponent off his horse on the first pass. The men cheered their approval, as did the three watching from the hillside. He nodded to acknowledge their applause. Though impossible to tell at this distance, Alyna swore she could feel the weight of his gaze on her. Her heart thumped madly in response. If only–

“Mama?” Nicholas asked as he rubbed his eyes. “I’m tired.”

Telling herself she was grateful for the interruption to her wayward thoughts, she advised her grandfather, “I’ll take Nicholas back to the keep for a rest.”

“I’ll come with you,” Blackwell offered.

“Nay. Stay and watch the men. I’ll see you soon.” She and Nicholas walked up the hill toward the keep. The farther they walked, the slower Nicholas moved, until at last Alyna picked him up.

By the time they reached the keep, Alyna was out of breath with a dozing Nicholas in her arms. To her displeasure, Florence stood on the steps outside the door.

“Hauling that boy around again? He’s always underfoot, isn’t he?” With a smirk on her face, she added, “In fact, I heard he was nearly trampled the other day.”

Alyna’s temper flared. “What you find amusing in that is beyond me, Florence. Perhaps if you had a life of your own, you wouldn’t need to find humor in other people’s misfortunes.”

Florence’s face reddened at Alyna’s insult. “The boy is just fine, isn’t he? No need for you to be spiteful.”

“Your comments are the spiteful ones, and I’d appreciate it if you kept them to yourself.” Alyna continued into the keep and up the stairs. Why she let Florence get to her, she didn't know.

She entered her chamber, laid Nicholas in the middle of her bed, and covered him with his favorite blue blanket. After a kiss on his cheek, and then one more because he was so adorable, she went to check on Matthew, certain her grandfather was right about him being unhappy at missing the jousting practice. It was time the knight got up and about to start regaining his strength.

She knocked quietly on his door in case he slept.

“Come in,” he called out in a breathless voice.

She opened the door to find Florence bracing Matthew as they attempted to walk across the floor. Guilt flooded her as she realized Florence was helping him with the very thing she should’ve been doing.

Florence smiled with malice. “Ah, here’s Lady Alyna at last to check on you. As you can see, you’re not needed here.”

The terrible and oh-so-familiar feeling of uselessness spread through her. How many times had her father told her the same thing? Her grandfather might believe that love was freely given, but that wasn’t what she’d found in life.

She backed up, intent on leaving the chamber and Florence’s knowing smile as quickly as possible.

“Lady Alyna! Wait!” Matthew’s plea brought her to a halt. Panic lit the knight’s eyes. Sweat beaded his brow. His shallow breathing hitched even as a grimace of pain crossed his features, making her realize all was not well.

She was letting her insecurity get the best of her. Worse, she was letting Florence’s barbs reach their target. She stepped forward. “Perhaps that’s enough movement for today. You don’t want to reopen your wound.”

The look of relief on Matthew’s face gave her confidence to meet Florence’s narrowed gaze.

“Nonsense,” Florence argued. “The poor boy’s been left to rot in this bed for days now. ’Tis time he’s up and walking.”

Alyna moved to Matthew’s side and gently lifted his arm around her shoulders to help support him. “For a few moments each time. Standing by the bed is enough for now.”

With grim determination, Florence pulled Matthew away from Alyna toward the window, making him cry out in pain. “Oh, please. He can at least walk to the window.”

Despite Alyna’s support, Matthew slid to the floor, groaning. “Matthew!”

“Give me a moment, if you please,” he bid her as he sat on the floor, eyes closed. “I fear I’m weaker than I thought.”

Florence placed her hands on her hips. “You’re the one who complained you were missing the joust,” she reminded him.

The young man glared at Florence. “Aye, but I well know the reason why. I’m still as weak as a babe.”

Florence huffed. “He told me not a moment before you arrived how tired he was of being left here alone all the time.”

Matthew’s eyes rounded to the size of small apples. “Nay, what I said was that–”

Florence interrupted him to address Alyna. “If he says he feels well enough to step outside for the afternoon, you are not in any position to deny him.”

Alyna paused to consider the intent expression on her face. What could she possibly gain by taking Matthew’s side so vehemently? “Your sudden interest in Matthew has come rather late. Where were you when we needed someone to sit with him day and night?”

Florence lifted her chin, her narrow lips tightening. “I thought you had the situation in hand. Obviously, I was wrong.”

Pushing aside her self-doubt, she countered, “Matthew’s recovery is progressing on course. He’ll return to training soon and all this will be but a distant memory.” She looked down at the knight to reassure him she spoke the truth.

“Not unless he’s forced to get out of that bed.”

“I have to wonder what you’re about, Florence. Is your purpose at this keep to cause trouble for all of its occupants?”

Florence’s eyes widened in surprise, making Alyna wonder if she’d stumbled upon the woman’s goal.

Alyna raised a brow. “How is Hilde’s hand? I heard she injured it. I have a balm that might aid her, but haven’t been able to locate her.”

Florence appeared taken aback at Alyna’s words. If Alyna hadn’t been watching closely, she’d have missed it as Florence smoothed her expression over with a look of puzzlement. “I am not aware of any injury. You must be mistaken.”

“Where is she?”

“She is seeing to some things for me.”

Alyna knew she’d gain more information from Mary and Beatrice than Florence. She turned back to Matthew. “Let us get you back in bed so you can rest. You can try again soon.”

“I can see my presence here is no longer needed.” Florence didn’t bother to offer assistance. “Good day to you, Matthew.” She left the chamber with her head held high.

“Good riddance, don’t you think, Matthew?” She shared a smile with the young man as she helped him up.

“I thought for a few moments that she was trying to kill me as she dragged me across the room,” Matthew admitted. “Thank goodness you arrived.”

“She is rather scary. I just wish I knew what she’s up to.” Alyna shrugged as she checked the linen bandage. “It doesn’t seem to have reopened. Rest now. Perhaps you can have some fresh air on the morrow if you’re feeling up to it.”

Matthew sighed. “It’s hard to believe I’ll ever return to normal.”

“Patience. Recovery comes in small steps.”

Alyna made her way to the kitchen to check on the progress of the evening meal and to see if Tellie could think of something special for Matthew to help cheer his spirits. Florence’s visit had certainly not done the trick.

***

“My lady, this seems most unwise,” Charles said, shaking his head.

Alyna stifled a sigh. Though tempted to venture into the forest alone, she hadn’t forgotten the attack on the village two nights past. “Charles, this is very important to me. I’ve no one else to ask.”

“But they have no horses to spare. The men are patrolling the area in shifts to watch for trouble and every horse has been put to use.” As Charles swept his arm around the stable, she realized many of the stalls were empty. “The horses remaining are for the next watch.”

She bit her lip as she considered her options. The memory of the hope on Gunnell’s face reminded her of the importance of this mission. “Then we’ll walk there. It will take longer, but we’ll be back well before nightfall if we leave now.”

“Leave for where?” Royce’s deep voice had Alyna spinning around to face him. He led his destrier toward them, his brown hair tousled by the wind.

Her heart fluttering from his unexpected appearance, she sought a reply but found her mind blank. She could feel Charles’ gaze on her even as Royce halted before them.

“I was merely discussing a household errand with Charles.” Somehow she knew Royce would be displeased with her intent and had no wish to argue with him, not when a victory seemed unlikely.

“An errand of what sort?”

She lifted her chin, determined not to be intimidated. Her purpose might sound silly to him, but she knew it was important to Gunnell and perhaps even to Nicholas at some later date. “A particular herb we’re in need of grows deep in the forest. I intend to gather it today.”