Page 32 of Lionheart

"Whereis Lionheart?"

"Heleft with the huntsmen early this morning."

"Doubtlesshe will return wet and chilled and in a foul mood," Vanora predicted.

Vanoraspent the morning supervising candle making, but she had not forgotten Mair'sadvice about questioning Father Caddoc for news of Llewellyn. Later that dayshe sought him in the

chapel.

"Whatnews have you of Llewellyn?" she asked

anxiously.

"Naught,child. No one seems to know where he has taken himself. His army has scatteredto the winds."

"Howodd. The English will remain in control of Cragdon if Llewellyn gives up thefight, and that does not bode well for Wales and our people. If Llewellynabandons Cragdon to the English, I will flee."

"Benot hasty, child," Father Caddoc cautioned. "All is not lostyet."

"HasLionheart given you permission to visit Daffid?"

FatherCaddoc sighed. "Nay. He trusts me not. As you well know, no one has everescaped from the dungeon."

"Aye,Father, I know. Daffid is doomed, and I am the only one who can save him."

"How,child? What can you do that I cannot?"

Vanoradeliberately withheld Lionheart's terms from the good Father for fear he wouldconfront Lionheart and earn his wrath. She did not think Lionheart wouldphysically harm a priest, but with Englishmen, one never knew.

"Forgiveme, Father, but I must leave. While Lionheart is gone, mayhap I can convincethe guard to let me into the dungeon."

If FatherCaddoc thought it odd that she did not answer his question, he did not say."God go with you, child."

Vanorareturned to the keep through the drenching rain. The cool breeze signaled theend of summer, and Vanora did not look forward to winter. Were she forced toleave Cragdon, she did not know how she would survive, unless she beggedshelter from one of her neighbors.

The guardwas no more willing to let Vanora visit Daffid than he had been the previousday. Reluctantly she turned away and returned to the hall. She had just seatedherself before the hearth and taken up a piece of embroidery when Lionheart andthe huntsmen stormed into the hall.

"Ale!"Lionheart called as he strode to the hearth and stretched his hands out to thefire. " Tis a miserable day," he complained to no one in particular.

Vanorasaid naught as he threw off his mantle and turned his backside to the fire, butshe could not help looking her fill. His tunic and hose were soaked through,hugging his muscular body and legs like a second skin. Seeing him like thismade it impossible for her to deny that he was a magnificent specimen ofmasculinity. Tall and broad, thickly muscled about the chest but slim of waistand hips, he possessed the lithe grace of a lion combined with the strength ofa bull. He was stubborn, unpredictable and arrogant. When he made up his mindto something, naught could sway him from his course.

"HaveI suddenly grown a tail?" Lionheart asked.

Aware thatshe had been staring, Vanora returned her attention to her embroidery."All devils have tails, do they not?"

"Yousorely try me, vixen. I am cold and hungry and in no mood for your insults. Asthe lady of the keep, 'tis your duty to see to my comfort."

Vanora sether embroidery aside and rose. "I shall instruct the servants to carry atub and hot water to your chamber."

"Haveyou supped yet?"

"Nay."

"Thenyou will sup with me in my chamber after I have bathed."

Vanorastared at him. "I have no appetite."

"Thenyou can satisfy mine." He strode toward the stairs, then whipped aroundand said in a voice that brooked no argument, "Do not keep me waiting."