Page 107 of Lionheart

"FatherCaddoc will stop you!" Vanora cried.

"Heis hearing confessions in the chapel. Stop struggling. You may be strong, but Iam stronger. Once I plant my child in you, you will change your mind."

"Yourplan is doomed," Vanora charged. "I am already carrying Lionheart'schild."

Vanoraprayed her calculations were correct, that missing her last woman's time meant Lionheart'sseed was growing inside her. She had told no one, for she wanted to be certainbefore informing Lionheart. She had no idea how Daffid would react, or if thenews would even make a difference in what he intended. The words had comeunbidden from her mouth.

Daffid'sresponse was immediate and violent. He shoved her to the floor and stood overher, rage contorting his face.

"Bitch!Whore! You disgust me. Your babe will not live to see the light of day. I willkill it ere it gushes forth from your body."

Vanoratried not to cringe but could not help it. The cruel, sadistic smile stretchinghis lips frightened her. She would not have thought Daffid capable of slayingan innocent child.

* * *

Vanora wason hand when Father Caddoc left the following morning.

"Godspeed,Father," Daffid said. "Convey to Lionheart my felicitations and tellhim that if he does not leave Cragdon two days hence, I shall killVanora."

The priestblanched. "You cannot mean that, Daffid!"

"Everyword," Daffid replied. "Tell Lionheart I will bring Vanora toCragdon. When he sees us, he and his men are to ride forth, unarmed and wearingno armor. Only then will I release Vanora into his care and allow him and hismen to leave in peace."

"Nay!Do not believe him," Vanora cried. "Daffid will kill Lionheart. Tellhim not to leave Cragdon no matter what Daffid promises."

Daffid'sblow sent Vanora flying. Father Caddoc started to dismount and go to her aid,but Daffid applied the flat of his sword to the mule's rump, sending the prieston his way.

"Father,"Daffid called after him. "Be sure to tell Lionheart to do as I say if hewishes the child that Vanora carries to see the light of day."

ChapterNineteen

His legsbraced against the wind-driven snow, Lionheart pulled his mantle close abouthim and stared out over the battlements with growing apprehension. He had beenstanding on the parapet since early this morn, waiting for the priest, hisimagination running rampant. The suspense of not knowing what was taking placeat Draymere was unnerving. Would Father Caddoc become another hostage? WouldVanora consent to return to Cragdon with the priest? Would Daffid let her?

Lionheartblinked once, then again as a small figure emerged through the swirling snow.He heard the sentry's warning blast, his heart sinking when he saw that FatherCaddoc had returned alone.

Lionheartdescended the outside staircase, arriving in the courtyard as priest and muleplodded through the gate. Father Caddoc dismounted with difficulty, his faceetched with fatigue and his shoulders bowed beneath the weight of his age. Thenthe priest raised his head, giving Lionheart a glimpse of hell in his eyes.

"Comeinside the keep to warm and refresh yourself," Lionheart said. Though hewas eager to have his questions answered, he could not in good conscience do sountil the priest was made comfortable.

"Nay,Lord Lionheart, I must go to the chapel and pray. I can rest and eat after Ihave asked God for help in your time of need. Come pray with me, my son."

Lionheart'sbreath seized. Something dreadful had happened at Draymere. The chapel was ascold as the chill in his heart, and a deep foreboding stirred deep within him.Shivering, he fell on his knees bedside the priest.

Theprofound silence was eerie; the soft, whispering sounds of the priest's prayersbarely stirred the air. Though he did not know what Father Caddoc was prayingfor, Lionheart added his own silent petitions to those of the priest.

Just whenLionheart thought he would go insane with waiting, Father Caddoc sighed androse on creaking joints.

"NowI am ready to warm myself by your fire and appease my appetite."

Lionheartaccompanied the priest into the keep and settled him in a chair before thehearth. Though the tables were being set for the evening meal, Lionheartordered mulled wine and food to be brought immediately. Father Caddoc took ahealthy swallow of wine and regarded Lionheart with a sadness that made hisheart plummet.

He knewwithout being told that the news from Draymere was the worst possible. Hisknees suddenly went weak, and he dropped onto a bench.

"Speakfreely, Father. What did you learn at Draymere? Did Vanora refuse to return home with you?"

"Vanorawas not given the choice. She is Daffid's unwilling prisoner."

"Nay,Father, you misunderstand the situation," Lionheart argued. He knew Vanorahad gone to Draymere willingly; according to Giles, she had placed herself intoDaffid's keeping.