Page 104 of Lionheart

Vanorafound the chapel in sad disrepair, like all of Draymere. Daffid was a carelesslandholder. She remembered coming to Draymere with her father when she was achild and playing in the well-tended garden behind the keep while her fatherand Daffid's talked. Daffid was rarely home, for he had been fostered duringthose years. But after Daffid's father died, the son had allowed the keep tofall into ruin.

Vanoraknelt before the altar, recalling those days she had wandered Draymere'sgrounds with a child's freedom and innocence. She had spent many pleasurablehours exploring the small keep. She smiled, recalling how she pretended to be adamsel in distress waiting to be rescued by a brave knight who would risk allfor her. Funny, she reflected, but the knight never had Daffid's face.

One dayshe had discovered a small postern gate overgrown with weeds and had tried toopen it, but her child's strength would not budge it.

Vanorawent still. There was a postern gate! She had forgotten about it. Thatchildhood memory had come unbidden when she had begun to reminisce. SinceDraymere had never been under siege, Daffid would have had no reason to use thegate in recent years, and even less reason to believe she knew about it. Theknowledge would bear exploring, Vanora decided. After offering a prayer ofthanks, she left the chapel and joined Daffid in the hall.

* * *

Lionheartfelt the onerous weight of indecision bearing down on him. There was still araw place in his heart that did not want to believe Vanora had betrayed himwith Daffid. Three days had passed since Giles and Deirdre had returned toCragdon. His temperament during those days was such that no one dared toapproach him about his plans. He was like a beast with a thorn in its paw.

After themeal that evening, Father Caddoc found the courage to approach Lionheart."My lord Lionheart, may we speak in private?"

"I amin no mood for conversation," Lionheart growled. "Can it notwait?"

"Nay,my son, it cannot."

Lionhearthissed out an impatient sigh. "Very well, Father, what is on yourmind?"

"I amworried about Vanora, my lord. I do not believe she stayed with Daffidwillingly."

"Youhave no proof of that," Lionheart said gruffly. "My wife's messagewas quite clear. She does not want rescuing. Why should I risk the lives of mymen for a woman who cares naught for me?"

"Somethingis amiss," Father Caddoc warned. " 'Tis you Vanora loves."

Lionheart gavea snort of disbelief. "She has a damn strange way of showing it."

"I donot blame you for your reluctance to pit your twenty-odd men against a hundredor more."

"Thinkyou I would hesitate if I thought Vanora wanted rescuing? I have no proof thatDaffid forced her to deny our marriage, to deny us."

"Letme go to Draymere," Father Caddoc said. "I will learn the truth andbring it back to you."

"Nay,I will not allow it. I am responsible for your life and will not let you riskit."

"Whatrisk, my lord? I am a frail old man who but wishes to visit the woman who islike a daughter to me. I shall go alone, unarmed and in peace. Daffid will notrefuse me entrance, nor will he keep me from leaving."

"Whatdo you hope to gain?"

"Thetruth, my lord. Mayhap I will find a way to resolve this intolerablesituation."

"Thatwould take a miracle, Father."

The priestraised his eyes heavenward. "Did you not know? God is a miracle worker, myson."

Lionheartknew that God worked in mysterious ways but he was positive it would take morethan a miracle to turn him into a man that someone could love.

"Whatsay you, my lord?" the priest prodded. "Will you order your sentriesto stop me if I attempt to leave?"

"Doas you please, priest. I do not own you. You are free to come and go as youlike."

* * *

Lionheartstood on the parapet beside Giles shortly after the hour of Prime the followingmorning as Father Caddoc rode forth from Cragdon mounted on a mule.

"Wheredoes the priest go?" Giles asked.

"ToDraymere. He has some foolish notion that Vanora is being held against herwill." He turned away. "How is Deirdre? I have had little chance totalk with her. Does she miss England?"