Page 26 of Lionheart

"Llewellynis fleeing!" Giles cried as he rode up beside Lionheart.

Vanoraknew Lionheart was torn. He had his own agenda concerning the White Knight, butLlewellyn’s capture was more important to England. She felt his disappointmentas keenly as if it were hers when he wheeled his destrier and pounded after Llewellyn.

Vanorawanted to remain but knew the battle was lost. Once Llewellyn left, the heartwould go out of the fight, and those warriors fortunate enough to be alivewould flee.

Was thereno stopping that English devil Lionheart? she wondered. What was she to do now?Should she go into hiding until the Black Wolf of Snowdon reformed his army?

Herchoices were limited. Darkness was fast approaching, and she had nowhere to goexcept home. Besides, she would be of most use to her people where she couldkeep an eye on Lionheart. "Leave me," she told her warriors. "Ishall find my own way back to Cragdon. Return to the battlefield and carry thewounded to their homes."

No onethought to disagree as Vanora spurred her mount and was soon lost amid treesand tangled vines. With any luck, she would arrive home before Lionheartreturned. In a day or two she would make a miraculous recovery from herillness. And, God willing, Llewellyn would live to fight another day.Meanwhile, she would do her utmost to make Lionheart's life miserable. Mayhapmiserable enough to make him leave Wales.

'Twasnearly dawn when Vanora made her way through the passage to the chapel. She wasso exhausted she could scarcely walk. Her chain mail weighed heavily upon hershoulders, and her head ached. The acrid stench of battle remained in hernostrils, and the cries of the wounded still rang in her ears. So many deaths .. . too many. Had the English devils not invaded her land, she and hercountrymen would be living in peace and she would be wed to Daffid.

Theflickering light of a single candle chased away the shadows as Vanora creptfrom behind the altar. She found Father Caddoc kneeling at the altar railing.She smiled when she saw his head nodding and realized that he was asleep.Gently she shook his shoulder. He awoke with a start.

"Youhave returned." His eyes roamed over her mail-clad form. "Are youwell?"

"I amunharmed, Father."

He glancedbehind her. "You are alone."

WearilyVanora fell to her knees beside him and buried her face in her hands."Aye. The battle did not go well."

FatherCaddoc nodded. "I suspected as much. Llewellyn’s forces were sighted by anEnglish patrol. Mair overheard Lionheart planning a surprise attack."

"Lionheartcaught us off guard in a narrow ravine, sealed off our escape and attacked fromboth sides."

"Howdid you get away?"

"Myescape was made possible by Cragdon's warriors. They protected me and saw me tosafety when I would have preferred to stay and fight. Llewellyn’s forces werein full retreat when I left the battlefield. I am certain those who were notdead or wounded found a safe haven in the hills. Wales is a land of many hidingplaces with its mountains and forests. It can be a forbidding place to thoseunfamiliar with the stark face of our landscape."

"Youmust be exhausted. Find your bed, child," Father Caddoc advised."Lionheart is sure to inquire about your health upon his return. He hasbeen frantic about you."

Vanorachanged into her gown and slowly made her way across the courtyard through theearly dawn dampness. Though she heard the banging of pots and the sound ofvoices coming from the kitchen, she encountered no one as she climbed thestairs to her chamber. She closed the door behind her, locked it and leanedagainst it, breathing a sigh of relief. Mair awoke at the sound and got to herfeet.

Heranxious gaze roamed over Vanora. "Thank God you've returned unharmed. Ihave been out of my mind with worry since Lionheart's forces rode off to meet Llewellyn’sarmy."

"Naughtwent as expected," Vanora said wearily. "Lionheart set a trap for us,and we barely escaped with our lives. I rode for hours without rest to reachhome before him. There is not a bone in my body that does not ache."

"DidLionheart see you with Llewellyn?"

"Aye.I was lucky to escape with my life. Help me undress, Mair, before I fall asleepon my feet."

Mairremoved Vanora's clothing, tucked her in bed and tiptoed from the chamber.

* * *

Lionheartwas in a rage when he returned. Once again Llewellyn had escaped, and with himthe White Knight. It galled him to think that the knight and his protectors hadmade a fool of him again. He wanted Llewellyn, but he wanted the White Knighteven more.

Lionheartstormed into the hall, calling for ale and food. His men had scoured thevicinity for the Welsh warriors until darkness made continuing impossible. Bythen it had become obvious that Llewellyn and his ragtag army had scattered toGod only knew where. But Lionheart had taken one prisoner, and an important oneat that.

He hadcaptured Daffid ap Deverell, Vanora's betrothed. By a stroke of luck, Daffid'shorse had gone lame and he'd been overtaken. Pleased with the capture,Lionheart called off the search and returned to Cragdon with his prisoner.

Gilesfollowed Lionheart into the hall, prodding Daffid before him. "What shallI do with the prisoner, Lionheart?"

Lionheartglared at Daffid, wondering what Vanora saw in the bearded warrior. Of mediumheight and stocky like most Welsh warriors, Daffid might be considered handsomeif one liked a savage visage, bushy brows and an unruly beard. The thought ofVanora wedding the Welshman was unpalatable. He looked like a man who woulddemand strict obedience from a woman and employ force to obtain it.

"Iwill question him," Lionheart said.