Knight Defender (Knight Chronicles) Page 22

  Raeb slapped the table and roared with laughter then nodded at the captain of his guard. He’d known his sisters were more dangerous than they appeared. “Dougal told me that more than 600 English had come on those ships. ’Twas a massive thing to organize an attack on so many fronts and to do it with ale.”

  “’Tis a good thing there are six of us,” Neilina said, smiling beneath his praise. “We shared the work. Artis led the keep children in gathering the herbs needed—once Maeve showed her what to find. Maeve supervised the mixing of the ales and wines. Bridghe was our messenger. She either carried messages herself or found those who could carry them for her. Seona organized the extra spaces to secure our prisoners, for the dungeons would no hold them all. Keeva managed the gathering of all the food cook said she would need to prepare the feast.”

  “And what did you do, Neilina?” Jessamyn asked.

  His betrothed had been silent for so long. Why speak up now? He found her leaning forward, as if eager to hear the rest of the story.

  “I directed setting up the trestles in the bailey—for as great as this hall is, it would no hold the MacKai clan, our garrison, the MacTavish warriors, and close on a hundred English knights.”

  “Lady Neilina is being modest,” Dougal said. “She worded the message sent to the English commander that brought him and his lieutenants to speak with her. She dressed in her best gown, knowing the knight would be impressed with the respect she showed him and believe that he had naught but a vain, foolish woman to deal with. She catered to his self-importance in her speech and led him to think that she would like to celebrate turning the keep over to him, for she was weary of having to take her brother’s place when he could no be bothered to remain at home and guard his clan himself. The commander left, promising to allow his foot soldiers and sailors to celebrate in the village and to return by evening with his knights for the feast.”

  “We counted on him and his men being hungry and weary after a sea voyage. I well know how little good food can be had during days at sea. That plus a bit of flattery was all the man needed to walk straight into the web we’d cast for him and his men,” Neilina said.

  “An amazing tale,” Jessamyn remarked.

  “Aye,” Raeb said then asked the question he knew she wished answered. “How did Dougal and Simon come by their wounds?”

  Neilina stammered, so Maeve spoke up. “Some of the English had much harder heads than even my herb-infused ale could conquer.”

  Neilina finally found her voice. “When the commander noticed his men were disappearing, he went in search of them. Dougal was forced to draw his sword to try to stop the man. Simon, who had no imbibed as much as we thought, joined the fight, but we’d no idea he wanted to help Dougal. A few of the other English were still sober enough to leap to their leader’s defense. Our garrison joined the skirmish. Fortunately, at that moment, they outnumbered the English and were able to subdue the attackers. Dougal was knocked out, or he would have told us that Simon fought to aid him. By the time … ” She paused, a blush flooding her face. “By the time Dougal regained his senses, I’d already ordered Simon locked in the tower room, for I could no trust his word that he was Jessamyn’s brother and no part of the planned attack on Dungarob. Dougal dinna ask after the man who’d aided him.”

  Dougal hung his head. “I’d no memory of Simon until I saw his face, and that was after he’d been released from the tower.”

  “The tower was quite comfortable as prisons go.”

  Raeb narrowed his gaze at Simon’s words. The man’s mouth lifted in a small smile. At the same time the flush on Neilina’s cheeks deepened. There was more to this tale than was being told. However, getting to the bottom of that mystery would have to wait.

  Raeb raised his goblet. “Sisters, I thank you all for your spirited and inventive defense of our home.”

  All shared the toast and conversation became more general.

  Raeb turned to Jessamyn with a tidbit from his trencher, but she turned her head away.

  “Thank you. I’ve had enough.”

  Enough of what? Food or his company?

  “’Tis too cruel and vastly unjust for a king to act so. And any father who trades his children’s lives for royal favor should be boiled in oil.” Neilina’s voice rose in ire from two seats away where she spoke with Simon.

  Jessamyn shifted her gaze to the couple and Raeb followed her glance.

  Simon looked at Neilina with leashed patience. “You must understand that our father sought to benefit his children by seeking Edward’s favor. He believed my sister’s match with your brother would be good for her and our family. Do you tell me you think your brother is not a fit husband for a young noblewoman?

  Jessamyn frowned. “You are right, brother. Our father always has an eye to our family’s advancement. But he does not see any difference between that and his children’s happiness.”

  Neilina snorted. “My brother is the best of men, and any woman would be lucky to be his wife. Notheless, ’twas cruel of your father no to at least consult you, Lady Jessamyn. Since your father’s first concern is advancement, are you no certain he didna claim he wished you to witness the wedding in order to get you on board the ships King Edward sent? Thus when the soldiers looked to you for leadership, you would be forced to lead the attack on Dungarob.”

  Jessamyn sighed. “Admit it, Simon, our father is more than capable of deceiving us to ensure he gets his way.”

  “How can you live with such a parent?”

  All around them heads turned to look, and the chatter above the salt transformed to whispered murmurs.

  Simon pressed his lips together, shook his head, and gave her a cautionary glance.

  Jessamyn gasped and sat back.

  Brows raised, Raeb looked between the siblings, trying to discern if there was more to the exchange than revealing Lord Du Grace as a monster willing to sacrifice his children for advancement.

  Neilina’s expression became troubled. “So in truth your father is cruel and heedless of his grown children’s needs and wishes. If that is true, what kind of relative will he make for this clan?”

  Simon returned an icy gaze. “Rarely are circumstances as simple as they appear on the surface. Do not condemn our father until you yourself are a parent who owes loyalty to a difficult king.”

  Raeb nodded, more to himself than anyone in particular. Neilina was right to question Du Grace’s motives and loyalties, and Raeb intended to question Simon further on just that subject. However, now was neither the time nor the place for such a conversation.

  “Aye, Simon is right,” he said. “You well know, sister, that I am often forced to choices that go against your wishes and for good reasons I dinna explain myself.”

  He hoped Jessamyn might realize he included her in this statement. If so, when he finally did explain himself, she might be more inclined to listen and forgive, especially if he promised never to shut her out again. He shifted his gaze to her and found her staring at him, mouth slightly open with speculation clear in her eyes.

  “Hmph. The good Lord save me from such relatives,” Neilina said.

  Down the table an anonymous female voice announced, “My father-in-law is an angel.”

  “You are blessed,” another voice replied. “Mine’s still alive.”

  All at the table roared with laughter, and the awkward moments passed.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The meal ended and Raeb escorted Jessamyn from the room. “I will join you in the herb garden after I speak with Dougal and your brother.”

  He watched her leave then turned, intending to search for Simon Du Grace. The man stood a few paces off, deep in conversation with Artis and Maeve.

  Raeb frowned. What did the Englishman want with his sisters? His effect on Neilina was more than enough. How many MacKai women did Simon think to pursue?

  Raeb approached and the conversation among the three stopped abruptly.

  “Sir Du Grace, have you a moment?”
<
br />   “You wish to speak with me?”

  “You’re very perceptive. I hadna even voiced my wish to converse.”

  Simon shrugged. “I would seek this conversation, were I in your place.”

  Raeb nodded. “Let us go into the bailey. I know a spot there where we will no be overheard.”

  Once assured of their privacy, Simon began. “I suspect you would like reassurance that my father and brothers will not choose loyalty to Edward I over you and your clan.”

  Raeb folded his arms across his chest. “I did say you are a perceptive man.”

  “I cannot speak for my father and brothers, but only for myself.”

  “’Tis fair.”

  “I have no intention of returning to Blancmer. In fact, I’m considering joining my second eldest brother, Amis, who is a knight errant in France. He and my father have had more than one disagreement. The last one drove Amis from home. Neither of us is likely to cause any problem for you at that distance.”

  “And if you return? Circumstances may force you to betray the MacKais.”

  “’Tis a concern. However, I make this promise. I will never use you, Jessamyn, or your clan to gain any advantage for or from my father or the king of England.”

  “How long do you think you will be gone?”

  Simon shrugged. “Who can say?”

  Raeb studied the younger man. “You could stay here.”

  “That is a gracious invitation. May I consider it for a few days? I intend to remain to either see my sister wed or escort her to St. Bartholomew’s nunnery, which I believe has always been her greatest wish.”

  “Things may have changed since you last saw her.”

  “Hmm, you have a point. I’ll have to discuss Jessamyn’s wishes with her.”

  “Regardless of what she tells you, I’ve no intention of allowing the woman I love to do anything so idiotic as to join a nunnery.”

  Simon’s gaze sharpened. He considered Raeb carefully then straightened. “Understand this, Raeb MacKai. I will see my sister happy, whether that is married to a man of her choosing or living retired wherever she wishes to do so.”

  Raeb’s jaw clenched, and he forced himself to relax. No one would take Jessamyn from him, but he shared Simon’s goal. He wanted her happiness. The difference was that Raeb believed with his whole heart that she would never be happy with the life she planned. “I am convinced that her happiness lies with me and Dungarob. Can I say anything to get you to agree?”

  Simon shook his head. “Your actions will tell the tale. I’ll bid you goodnight.”

  The younger man turned on his heel and walked into the night.

  Raeb aimed for the garrison barracks in search of Dougal. Simon Du Grace’s promises to not betray the MacKai clan were reassuring, but Raeb worried that he might have to fight the younger man to decide Jessamyn’s fate. She wouldna thank him if he hurt or killed her brother.

  • • •

  Jessamyn idled on a stone bench beside the herb garden pool.

  “Have you time for a word with your poor brother?”

  “Simon!” Jessamyn spun around then leapt to embrace him tightly and placed her head on his shoulder. “Are you all right? Have you been badly treated? ’Twas cruel of Raeb’s sisters to imprison you. However, they did not know you told the truth, for I had not mentioned my brothers to them.”

  When she finally raised her head to see why he did not speak, she found him grimacing in pain.

  She released him and stepped back. “You are hurt, and I have made it worse.”

  He let out a breath and smiled. “’Tis not so bad now that you are not squeezing my shoulder to death. Baron MacKai’s sisters treated me kindly enough. Though the one in charge, Neilina, is a veritable termagant and refused to release me until her brother returned home.”

  Jessamyn took him by the arm and strolled along the garden wall. “Aye, the girl is far too serious for her own good. She sees wrongs that need righting around every corner and is always ready to leap to the defense of any she believes wronged, before discovering what the circumstances are.”

  Simon returned her gaze. “Sounds like you when you were a girl. What is she, twenty? Younger?”

  “I am not certain. I’ve not yet learned everyone’s exact age nor all the details of this very interesting family.”

  Her brother quirked a brow. “So you find the family interesting. What about the baron?”

  Jessamyn could not prevent her face from heating. “Raeb is … Raeb … is more than interesting. He has depths even his sisters don’t imagine and carries great burdens on their behalf, indeed on behalf of all his clan.”

  As she warmed to her subject she walked faster, turning when she came to the corner of the wall. “Did you know that his parents were murdered by a neighboring earl who was the father of Raeb’s childhood friend? That friend is now the earl and, despite the difficult relationship between the clans, is also the man who wed Raeb’s sister. It’s a love match, so I am told, and Raeb helped arrange it.”

  “Will you be in danger if you remain here?”

  She lowered her gaze to her hands. “No, Raeb cares for me and ever has my safety in mind.” It wasn’t quite true. Raeb had kept her safe on their return journey, although she was certain he cared more for her body than herself. However, she needed to assuage Simon’s doubts. She loved Raeb, and she dearly wanted to remain near him. But until she could speak with him and ask him to allow her to stay, she would say nothing that would cause Simon to act on his concerns.

  Simon placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face, searching her eyes with his. “I know you, Jess. You aren’t telling me everything.”

  She tried to look away, but he refused to allow it.

  “I cannot. Not until I’ve spoken with Raeb.”

  “Do you love him?”

  She nodded.

  “And he? Does he return your affections?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

  Simon opened his mouth then closed it. Whatever he was going to say, he must have thought better of it.

  “Very well. I’ll not interfere between fools in love.”

  “Raeb is not a fool.”

  “He is if he allows you to think he doesn’t love you.”

  “But … ”

  Simon silenced her with a raised palm. “The two of you will have to figure love out on your own. Know, however, that I will not have you forced to marry against your wishes. If it is truly your desire to go to St. Bartholomew’s or anywhere else, I’ll take you myself.”

  “I believe Raeb intends to send me home. Father will never allow me to leave again.”

  “Father has used the two of us for the last time. As heir, Randall cannot openly oppose father or King Edward. I would have traveled with you when you left, but father deceived us all. He sent me away on a trumped up errand, and you were halfway to Scotland before I returned. When I discovered what King Edward plotted, I fell in with father’s plans so that you would have someone to keep you safe. I didn’t tell father that I would help you escape him, if you wished it.”

  “I’ve no desire to return home, as I’ve said. But before I make any decisions I must speak with Raeb.”

  “Since you want to speak with Baron MacKai, allow me to escort you to him.”

  “’Tis no need. He will meet me here.”

  “So the two of you agreed, but I’ve been asked to take you to him.”

  “Very well.” She went with her brother through the kitchens, into the great hall and up the stairs to the keep’s next level.

  When Simon passed the landing at the second floor and continued climbing, Jessamyn hesitated.

  “Where did Raeb say we were to meet him?”

  Simon took her elbow and urged her up the stairs. “He will join you in the tower room anon.”

  “But why not stay in the garden? These steps are so much bother, and we will just have to come down again to retire.”

  “I’ve no answer for th
at.” Simon shrugged as they stepped onto the fourth level landing. “Here we are.”

  He opened the door and allowed her to precede him into the room.

  She studied the area, noting several chests, a small table, the bed, hangings, thick ticking and rich bed clothes. “When did you … ?” She turned only to see the door closing with her brother on the other side. “Simon?”

  A familiar thunk echoed through the room. He had locked her in?

  “Simon!” She pounded on the sturdy boards but received no answer.

  What was happening? Had Raeb asked Simon to help imprison her? Was all her brother’s sympathy false? Of course not. Then why lure her up here?

  Long moments passed until she heard the sound of hurried steps outside the room.

  A clatter indicated the bar had been tossed away. The door opened, and Raeb rushed to take her in his arms and kiss her as if his life depended on it.

  “Are you all right?” He finally set her an arm’s length away, but his hands ran over her body. “Artis near frightened the life out of me when she told me you insisted on seeing your brother’s former prison then fainted from climbing the stairs.”

  “What are you talking of?”

  He turned her about, always keeping a firm grip on her as he searched for she knew not what.

  “Thank heaven you are well. You didna hurt yourself when you fell?” He began his search of her person again.

  “Raeb MacKai, stop this instant and look at me.”

  His hands stilled and his gaze met hers.

  “I did not faint nor hit my head. My brother lured me up here with some tale that you wanted to speak here instead of in the herb garden. Then he left without any explanation for your absence and barred the door before I could leave too.”

  Raeb’s brow wrinkled. “You are no hurt or sick?”

  “Most definitely not.”

  She could hear giggles outside the door.