Page 10 of Lionheart

Osgoodleft immediately to carry out Lionheart's orders.

"Whatabout the warriors imprisoned in the tower?" Vanora asked. "Will theybe provided

with foodand water?"

"Aye.When we eat, they eat."

"Whatis going to happen to them?"

"Theywill be given the opportunity to join Edward's army."

Vanoragave an unladylike snort. "That will never happen. My people are loyal toWales and Llewellyn."

"Andto you," Lionheart added.

Vanorabristled. "My father charged them with my protection during his longabsences from home. Serving in Edward's army would betray both Father andCragdon. Do not expect them to deny their heritage."

"Cragdonbelongs to England now. Mayhap they will accept my offer of amnesty forpractical reasons."

"Weshall see," Vanora replied.

Lionheartwatched Vanora walk away. Her head was held high and her shoulders weresquared, emphasizing her unusual height. He could not help admiring herindomitable spirit, though he did so against his better judgment.

Vanora'svibrant beauty and curvaceous form pleased him. His mind conjured a vision ofher long legs wrapped around him as he thrust into her heated center. Thatheady thought captured his imagination. Her temperament bespoke a passionatenature, and he wanted to be the first to unleash it.

Vanora wasthe complete opposite of the leman he kept at the village of Dunsford, near oneof Edward's estates where they often stayed. Althea, the village innkeeper'sdaughter, was small, dainty and submissive, yet passionate and responsive tohis needs. Lionheart was more than satisfied with her and visited Dunsfordwhenever he was able.

He felt nocompulsion to wed. His parents' marriage had been disastrous. His mother hadproduced the required heir and promptly left his father's bed and home.Lionheart had no idea where she was and did not care. His father had told himhis mother had taken a lover and abandoned him when he was still in leadingstrings. He had neither seen nor heard from her since and could not even recallwhat she looked like. Dimly he remembered a soft voice and comforting arms, butbeyond that, memory failed.

Though hisfather, Lord Robert, was an earl and one of King Henry's courtiers, he drankand gambled to excess and had been forced to sell his poor and badly managedlands to pay his debts. At the age of seven, Lionheart had been fostered; hehad seen little of his father since, which was fine with him.

Lionhearthad first met young Edward when they were both fostered with Simon de Montfort.Ten years older than the prince, Lionheart had become Edward's protector eventhen. If not for young Edward's friendship, Lionheart would have been forced tosell his services to the highest bidder after earning his spurs. He hadaccompanied Edward to France, and when Edward had been given his own household,the young prince had asked Lionheart to remain in his service.

Turninghis thoughts in another direction, Lionheart went in search of Cragdon'ssteward. He was still undecided whether or not he should replace Sir Penrynwith one of his own men; nor was he sure Penryn would accept if the positionwas offered to him. He found the steward in a small chamber that served as thecastle office.

"Isuppose you intend to replace me with one of your own men," Penryn said,as if reading his mind.

"Thatdepends on whether or not you are willing to serve Prince Edward,"Lionheart said.

"SirPenryn is faithful to Cragdon," Vanora said from the doorway. "Hewill serve neither Prince Edward nor you."

Lionheartspun on his heel, frowning when he saw the determined look on Vanora's face."Why not let Penryn speak for himself? If he is faithful to Cragdon, thenhe will want the estate to prosper. It can only do so with an experiencedsteward at its helm. What say you, Penryn? Will you remain as Cragdon's stewarduntil Edward decides otherwise?"

"Hewill not!" Vanora persisted.

"Vanora,you are not thinking clearly," Penryn cautioned. "Lionheart hasclaimed Cragdon for England, but what if Llewellyn succeeds in winning it back?You want your land returned to you in good condition, do you not?"

"Thatwill not happen," Lionheart said with conviction. "Cragdon is firmlyin English hands."

"Myfather would turn over in his grave if he knew his people were servingEngland's prince," Vanora said.

"Yourfather is dead," Penryn reminded her. "We do what we must tosurvive."

"Listento Penryn," Lionheart said. "He is older and wiser than you. You canbest serve your people by cooperating. Naught will change for them underEnglish rule. They will still till your fields, harvest your crops, care foryour livestock and pay their tithes. The only difference is that the tithes nowbelong to Prince Edward."

"Iwill continue my duties as steward, if you will have me," Penryn allowed."I have served Cragdon too long to see it wither and die for lack ofdirection. I know you are a warrior and cannot remain to see to Cragdon'swelfare, so I shall do it because 'tis my home and I love the land upon whichCragdon stands."

"Youwill not be sorry, Sir Penryn," Lionheart said. "Please prepare acomplete inventory of Cragdon's assets, including stores and money. Edward willwant to know the value of the great prize I have won for him."