Page 110 of Lionheart

"Lionheartcannot live if we are to wed," Daffid said. "If I spare him, we bothknow he will return with an army behind him."

"Thinkyou Edward will not retaliate once he learns of Lionheart's death?"

"Thatmight not be for a very long time. England is fighting a civil war. Edwardcannot be spared to return to Wales."

Vanora'sattention returned to Lionheart. His men were now fanned out behind him in awide arc. Lionheart reined in several horse lengths from Daffid, yet stillclose enough to be heard.

He glancedbriefly at Vanora, then returned his gaze to Daffid. "Cragdon is yours toclaim, Daffid. Release Vanora."

"Fool,"Daffid rasped. "I am not stupid. Where are the rest of your men? I countbut twenty."

"Cragdon'sWelsh knights await you within."

"Theywere wise not to ally themselves with Englishmen. You do know, however, that Icannot allow you to live."

"Iknow you are a man without honor," Lionheart replied.

"Icannot afford to let honor get in the way of what I want," Daffid stated.

He raisedhis hand, and immediately archers stepped forward, their bows raised and readyto loose their arrows at the unarmed Englishmen.

"Beforeyou meet your Maker, know you that your child will die ere it draws its firstbreath," Daffid said. "The child will be taken from Vanora at themoment of birth and drowned."

A cry ofoutrage left Vanora's lips. "You are a monster, Daffid! God will punishyou."

Daffidonly laughed. He seemed to derive great pleasure from taunting Lionheart. Atthat moment, Vanora's frantic gaze fell upon Daffid's dagger. Her horse andDaffid's were very close, and no one saw her lean over and slip the dagger fromits sheath. Not even Daffid suspected until Vanora grasped his neck in thecrook of her arm and held the sharp edge of the dagger against his jugular.

When hestarted to struggle, she pressed the blade into his flesh.

"Bitch!Whore! What are you doing?"

"Orderyour archers to back off and lower their bows," Vanora hissed.

"Youare a woman," Daffid jeered. "You will not kill me."

"Youare mistaken, Daffid. I would kill to protect my husband and child. You know Iam strong. If you do not do as I say, I vow I will slit your throat."

"I amyour betrothed," Daffid claimed. "You owe me your loyalty."

"Lionheartis my husband, I owe him my loyalty."

Lionheartcould not believe what was happening. What had seemed like a hopeless situationhad suddenly taken an unexpected turn. He watched in growing amazement asVanora held her advantage. God's blood, did the woman have no fear?

He startedforward but reined in sharply when Daffid cried, "Come any closer and Iwill order my archers to loose their arrows."

"Methinksyou are in no position to issue orders," Lionheart replied.

"Iwill take my chances with Vanora," Daffid answered.

"ObeyLionheart," Vanora advised, pressing the blade deeper into his flesh.

Daffidswallowed hard. "I would rather die than let Lionheart have you andCragdon. There are a hundred men behind me. Think you they will let Lionheartlive if you slay me?"

"Lookbehind you!" Lionheart shouted loud enough to be heard above the howlingwind. "You are surrounded! Lay down your arms."

"Youlie!" Daffid cried.

Suddenlyan arrow came whizzing from behind, felling one of the archers. Confusionreined and men scattered as more arrows hit their targets.