Page 12 of Lionheart

Chapter Three

Thehunting party bagged enough fresh game to feed everyone in the keep. Asatisfactory meal was served that evening, and Lionheart went to bed with afull stomach. He had taken the solar for his own use and after securing thekeep for the night, he retired with every intention of sleeping well in LordRhys's comfortable bed.

The night,however, proved anything but restful. Not only did Vanora haunt his dreams, butalso did the mysterious knight whose identity remained a well-guarded secret.

The churchbell had just tolled the hour of prime when Lionheart awoke the followingmorning, his mood as dark as his thoughts. He washed and dressed and went downto the hall to break his fast. Only a few early risers were about, butLionheart's spirits lifted when a serving woman appeared from the kitchen andplaced a cup of cider, fresh bread and sliced cheese before him and quicklyretreated.

SirBrandon joined him and helped himself to bread and cheese.

"Theprisoners are becoming fractious, Lionheart. We cannot keep them in the towerforever."

"Iintend to speak to them after I break my fast. Mayhap I will let themercenaries leave if they pledge fealty to Prince Edward."

"Thinkyou they will agree?"

Lionheartshrugged. "What choice do they have? If they accept my offer of amnesty,they can sell their services elsewhere."

"Mywarriors will not swear fealty to you," Vanora said from behind Lionheart.

"LadyVanora," Brandon said, rising. "Will you join us?"

"Nay,I broke my fast in the kitchen. I wish a private word with Sir Lionheart."

Brandonbowed and took himself off.

"Beready to accompany me to the tower after I have spoken with Vanora,"Lionheart called after him.

Vanorablanched. "What are your plans for my guardsmen? What must I do to savethem?"

A slowsmile stretched Lionheart's lips. How far was Vanora willing to go to save thelives of her men? he wondered. No time like the present to find out.

"Sityou down, my lady, while we discuss terms," he said.

Vanorastiffened, "Terms? I know not what you mean."

"Doyou not? I will spare your warriors' lives in return for yourcooperation."

"Howmust I cooperate? You have robbed me of everything I own. I have naught withwhich to barter."

A lustfulgleam lit Lionheart's eyes. "How much of yourself are you willing to giveto save the lives of those you claim to care for?"

The violetof Vanora's eyes darkened with understanding. "Speak plainly, sir knight.Tell me what you want of me."

His gazeslid down her body in bold regard. "I think you know what I want. Giveyourself to me, and I will spare your men."

"Whatyou are suggesting is sinful and immoral! " Father Caddoc cried from wherehe stood not two feet away from them. "Do not listen to him, Vanora."

Lionheartsent the priest a disgruntled look. "Every time I turn around, either you,Mair or Vanora is lurking about. Go away, priest. I would speak privately withVanora."

"Nay.I am Vanora's confessor. Tis I who absolve her of her sins and I who mustprotect her virtue. She does not need one such as you leading her astray."

Lionheartturned his steely gaze on Vanora. "Does Father Caddoc speak for you,Vanora? You know the consequences of your refusal, do you not?"

"Pleaseleave us, Father. I am old enough to make my own decisions."

"Vanora,listen to reason," the priest pleaded.

Vanora pulledthe priest aside and spoke to him in a voice meant for his ears alone."Many lives depends upon Lionheart's goodwill," she whispered."I promise not to do anything rash. Think you I want to surrender myselfto Lionheart? I have a plan that will save both my virtue and my men."