Page 112 of Lionheart

"'Tis Edward!" Vanora cried, recognizing the banner flying in the wind.

"Itseems I have arrived just in time," Edward said when he reached them."England is at peace with Wales, yet it appears a war is inprogress." He glanced at Daffid, lying motionless beneath Lionheart'ssword, then returned his gaze to Lionheart, one eyebrow raised.

Lionhearthad just begun his explanation when Sir Giles reined in beside him. Lionheart'smouth dropped open. "Giles! I thought you were on your way toEngland."

"Iwas, until I met Lord Edward and his escort. I explained what happened, and hesuggested that Deirdre and I return to Cragdon with him. That's not all, Edwardbrought—"

"Isthat Daffid ap Deverell?" a man asked as he stepped from behind Giles.

Lionheart'ssurprise was profound when he saw Llewellyn, and it took a moment to find histongue. "It is indeed," he answered. "Your countryman threatenedto kill my wife. I am going to end his miserable life for his crime."

"Donot let him slay me, Llewellyn," Daffid begged. "I but wanted whatshould have been mine. Lionheart claimed my betrothed and left me with naught.Cragdon should be mine."

"Whatsay you, Llewellyn? Shall Lionheart kill your countryman?" Edward asked.

Llewellynappeared thoughtful. "My betrothal has tempered my warlike humor. I allowyou have good reason, Lord Lionheart, but I beg you to spare Daffid. Since I amon my way to my home to prepare it for my bride, I will take Daffid with me. Ivow he will not bother you or yours again, for I will wed him to my widowedsister."

"Nay!"Daffid protested. "I will not wed Caron. She is older than I by tenyears."

Llewellynshrugged. "If you prefer death, I am sure Lionheart will oblige."

"Ilike not my choices," Daffid spat. Lionheart's grin must have changed hismind, for he quickly added, "Very well, I will wed your sister, but onlyunder protest."

Nevertheless,Lionheart was reluctant to let Daffid go. "He does not deserve tolive."

Edwardintervened. "Let Llewellyn deal with his countryman however he deemsbest," Edward advised.

Withremarkable forbearance, Lionheart removed his sword from Daffid's throat.

Daffidsent Lionheart a fulminating look, then rose and picked up his sword.

"Listenwell," Llewellyn roared to the remnants of Daffid's army. "Return toyour wives and children. I have no argument with England at the presenttime." His gaze found Daffid. "Forget Cragdon, Daffid. It belongs toLionheart through his marriage to Vanora. I will not dispute his claim to herlands."

"Wiseof you," Edward said dryly. "I would invite you to spend the night atCragdon, but it belongs to Lionheart and 'tis his place to extend theinvitation."

WhenLionheart remained mute, Llewellyn squinted up at the sky. "The snow seemsto be thinning; my party will continue on to Draymere. Thank you for theescort, Lord Edward."

"Ishould have killed him," Lionheart muttered after Daffid and Llewellyndeparted.

"Iknow you have just cause," Edward said, "but England is not ready to undertake a warwith Wales. Rest assured, however, that when I am king, Wales will be broughtto heel."

"Whatis happening in England? Was the civil war put down? What of Simon deMontfort?"

"Myuncle is home, licking his wounds," Edward said, "but I am sure wehave not heard the last of him. Father is too weak to hold him down forlong."

Lionheartlooked past Edward, his narrow-eyed gaze following the progress of Daffid'srapidly scattering army. "What brings you to Cragdon?"

"Fatherasked me to provide escort to Llewellyn. And," he added, "to bringsomeone who is most anxious to see you."

Lionheartgroaned. "Not another surprise. I just rid myself of your lastsurprise."

"Thisone is—"

"Nay!It can wait until later. I will see to my wife first. My keep is open to youand your men. Accept my welcome and make yourselves comfortable."

Vanoragave a squeak of surprise when Lionheart reached out, grasped her about thewaist and lifted her from her horse onto his.

"Littlefool!" Lionheart raged. "Did I not tell you to return to thekeep?"