Page 13 of Lionheart

"Ahhh,"Father Caddoc said. "I should have known. Very well, I will leave you toplacate Lionheart as best you can."

"Whatdid you tell him?" Lionheart asked when the priest withdrew. "I trustneither of you."

"Itold him I am old enough to make my own decisions," Vanora replied.

Lionheart'sbrows lifted. "Does that mean I will have you in my bed tonight?"

"Itmeans I will think about it. Meanwhile, you must vow to do naught to my menuntil I reach a decision. In return for your restraint, I promise to give yourrequest serious thought."

Lionheartsettled back in his chair and stared at Vanora. He had not thought to gain sogreat a concession from her. His eyes narrowed. Something was not right. Vanoraliked him not. She would never agree to become his leman unless she had somemischief in mind. It suddenly occurred to him that she was bargaining for timeto plot against him. Stifling a grin, Lionheart considered himself up to thechallenge of curtailing whatever mischief one insignificant Welsh maiden couldcause.

"Iwill give you a sennight to make up your mind. But consider carefully, lady,for many lives depend upon your answer. When I want something, I usually getit."

Vanora'seyes widened. "You would force me?" His gaze raked over her withlustful intent. "I vow there will be no force involved when I take you tomy bed."

Vanorainhaled sharply. "Your arrogance appalls me, sir. Not all women find youirresistible. I, for one, find you presumptuous, overbearing and contemptible.If you will excuse me, duty calls."

Chucklingto himself, Lionheart did not try to stop Vanora as she strode off. Thestiffness of her lithe form betrayed her outrage, but Lionheart could not helpadmiring her spirit. She did not walk with the mincing steps of a woman; nay,her stride was long andconfident, as if she knew her strength and took pride in it. She would bearwatching closely, he decided, for, given the chance, she would make a fool ofhim.

WhileLionheart hated to admit it, Vanora's defiance was arousing. Women rarely, ifever, defied him, and most men thought twice before doing so. Whether sherealized it or not, Vanora's passionate nature was apparent in her every wordand deed, in the way she carried herself and in the proud tilt of her chin.That brand of fiery temperament was rare in a woman. He wanted to plumb thedepths of her passion.

SirBrandon interrupted Lionheart's introspection. "Are you ready to speak tothe prisoners now?"

"Aye.How many guards have you posted in the tower?"

"Twoabove and two below."

Theconversation halted when Alan appeared, bearing Lionheart's weapons. Lionheartstrapped on his broadsword, then nodded to indicate that he was ready to speakto the prisoners. As he followed Brandon up the winding tower staircase, thetwo sentries at the bottom fell into step behind them.

"Unlockthe door," Lionheart ordered when he reached the top landing. One of thesentries produced a key from his belt and fitted it into the lock. The doorswung inward, and Lionheart stepped inside.

Theprisoners surged forward. Immediately the guardsmen drew their swords andpushed them back. The air was fetid and thick with the stench of unwashedbodies and human waste. Lionheart was willing to bet that after two days ofconfinement, the prisoners would agree to whatever terms he offered.

"Haveyou decided our fate, Sir Lionheart?" asked Sir Ren, Vanora's captain ofthe guard. "Are we to be executed?"

Recallinghis promise to Vanora, Lionheart said, "That depends. How many mercenariesserve the castle?"

"Halfour numbers are mercenaries, some English, some Welsh, some foreign," Renreplied. "The rest of us are Welshmen pledged to serve Sir Rhys'sdaughter."

"Tothe mercenaries I offer amnesty in return for their fealty to PrinceEdward," Lionheart said. "They are free to serve another lord if theyso desire."

A hushfell over the prisoners as each man considered the offer and what it meant tohim in terms of monetary and personal gain. Mercenaries usually cared not towhom they sold their services as long as they were paid. At length, one manstepped forward, dropped to his knee before Lionheart and swore fealty.One by one, others followed, until all the mercenaries had pledged themselvesto Lionheart.

"SirBrandon, give these men their arms and horses and escort them to theportcullis."

"Youare deserting Cragdon and Lady Vanora," Ren cried as the warriors filedthrough the door.

"Knightsfight when and where they are paid to do so," Lionheart said."Cragdon no longer belongs to Lady Vanora, nor does she possess the cointo pay her mercenaries. You judge them too harshly, Sir Ren. Even Penryn hasseen the wisdom in serving Edward. He will carry on at Cragdon as Edward'ssteward.

"Asfor Cragdon's Welsh defenders," Lionheart continued, "I offer noterms. Edward will decide your fate. He may be inclined toward leniency if youdecide to swear fealty to him."

"Weare sworn to protect our lady." Ren replied.

"Sobe it. You shall remain prisoners until Prince Edward returns and decides yourfate," Lionheart continued. He turned to leave.

"Canyou not find more hospitable quarters for us?" Ren asked. "We lackbathing facilities and are not allowed to visit the garderobe. We are forced tomake do with buckets."

"Prisonersdo not make demands," Lionheart said harshly, "but mayhap I will takeyour request into consideration if you reveal the identity of the knight wholed the battle against my forces."