Page 51 of Lionheart

"AskCook to prepare a rich beef broth," Vanora ordered.

Lionhearttried not to flinch as Vanora bandaged his wound and bound his ribs with stripsof cloth. Though light-headed from loss of blood, he did not intend to lieabed. He would not rest easy until the White Knight had been captured and hisidentity revealed. No matter where the knight and his cohorts were hiding, heintended to run them to ground.

Lionhearthad heard naught from Edward and wondered what was happening in England. HadSimon de Montfort prevailed over King Henry? Had Henry signed the Provisions ofOxford that provided for a council of barons to advise the king? Was Edwardstill wavering between de Montfort and his father?

Lionheart'sthoughts skittered when Vanora rose to leave.

"Wait,I would have a word with you, wife."

Vanorahalted, regarding him warily. "You really should rest."

"Iwill, after we have spoken. I think you know more than you pretend about theWhite Knight. Give me his name and tell me where he is hiding."

"Iknow naught," Vanora replied.

"Soyou said. Did you know 'twas Sir Ren, your own captain of the guard, who cameto the White Knight's aid when I had the knave beneath my sword."

"Youcall him the White Knight?"

"Aye,'tis the name I gave him, for I know no other. He is younger than I expected,and not as brawny as he looked from afar, but deadly nonetheless. I want him,Vanora. I will not rest until my sword tastes his blood, this I vow."

His silvereyes bored into her. "Tell me what I want to know. Were it not for theWhite Knight, I would not be lying in this bed."

Stunned bythe fierceness of Lionheart's words, Vanora fled from the chamber. His vendettaagainst the White Knight frightened her. For her own well-being, she had bestretire her knight persona. Lionheart was too close to discovering the truth.

Both Mairand Father Caddoc were waiting for her when she returned to the hall.

"Ishe sleeping?" Mair asked.

"Nay,he will be out of bed before he heals properly. Inflexible man," shemuttered.

"Tellus what happened," the priest urged.

"Lionhearthad me beneath his sword. Were not Sir Ren's aim so true, I would bedead," Vanora said, shuddering. "Thank God he was nearby whenLionheart caught me alone."

"Youshould not have left the keep while Lionheart and his patrol were abroad,"Mair scolded.

"HadLionheart slain you, he would have been devastated when he learned he hadkilled his own wife," Father Caddoc chided.

"Mayhap,"Vanora replied uncertainly. "His vendetta against me is frightening. 'Tisas if his purpose in life is slaying the one he has named the WhiteKnight."

"Nevertheless,you must not ride again as a knight, child. If you value your life, you musttake steps to protect it. I have prayed mightily on this and am convinced theLord will not let us down. The English may not leave Wales in our lifetime, butI am confident we shall persevere. Lionheart is not a bad man, and I believe hecares for you as much as a man like him can care for a woman."

If Lionhearttruly cared for her, Vanora thought, she would be content.

"Forgetmy problems for a while," she said. "How fares Daffid?"

"Ispoke with his guard just this morn," Father Caddoc replied. "Daffidis not suffering. He is being fed and allowed to bathe. I suspect boredom ishis worst enemy right now."

"Doyou still have strong feelings for Daffid?" Mair asked.

"Nay.I have no feelings for him but compassion for his plight."

"Cometo the chapel with me, Vanora," Father Caddoc urged. "We will praytogether for our country's survival."

ThoughVanora would rather pray for her own deliverance from a certain Englishman, shewent willingly enough with the priest. She had almost reached the door when sheheard Mair say, "Sir Lionheart! What are you doing out of bed?"

Spinningon her heel, Vanora was shocked to see Lionheart staggering into the hall.Uttering a cry of dismay, she rushed to his side.