Page 77 of Lionheart

Lionheartsighed as he gathered his straying wits. "You are amazingly persistentwhen it comes to Althea. She will be gone within a sennight. I am thinking ofsending Sir Giles and two men-at-arms to escort her to her village. Sir Gileswants to return home to wed his betrothed, so I thought I would kill two birdswith one stone. Giles can act as escort and continue on to his home.

"Gileshas asked to bring his bride to Cragdon after he is wed, and I have grantedpermission," Lionheart continued. "I hope you approve. Deirdre is butseventeen and will doubtless need the support of another woman."

"Ishall be pleased to have Deirdre at Cragdon. I hope she can adjust to livingaway from England."

"I amsure any help you give her will be appreciated by both Giles and hisbride."

"Iplan to accompany the party to the border myself to make sure they reachEnglish soil safely."

"Mustyou go?" Vanora asked.

"Aye.Edward misled Althea about her welcome at Cragdon, and the least I can do ismake sure she reaches England without mishap."

Vanora digestedhis words and wondered if now was a good time to broach the subject of bringingSir Ren and her own men-at-arms back to Cragdon.

"Ihave been thinking," Vanora began somewhat hesitantly, "that Cragdonlacks sufficient men-at-arms to defend it. Since our countries are at peace,what say you about allowing Sir Ren and Cragdon's warriors to return?"

Lionheart'sfrown did not bode well for her idea. "You want me to welcome back a manwho put an arrow into me? I would not be safe in my bed with Sir Ren in thekeep."

"Weare at peace with England," Vanora reminded him.

"Letit rest, Vanora," Lionheart said tiredly. "I will not have men in mykeep I cannot trust. Sir Ren is loyal to the White Knight. Once I return fromescorting Althea to the border, I can concentrate on finding the knave andthose who shield him."

He senther a sharp look. "You can save me a lot of trouble if you tell me whatyou know about him."

Vanorashook her head and turned away. Her greatest fear had come to pass. OnceLionheart returned, he wouldsearch out and destroy her friends. 'Twas imperative that she find Sir Ren andtell him to remain out of her husband's reach.

"Whatwill you do if you find Sir Ren and the White Knight?"

"TheWhite Knight I will challenge and personally fight in hand-to-hand combat. If Ido not kill him, he will be consigned to Cragdon's dungeon. As for the others,mayhap I will consider leniency and free them if they swear fealty to me. Butmy goodwill does not extend to the White Knight," he added harshly.

Vanora hadnaught to say to that. Squeezing her eyes shut, she prayed for her own safetyas well as that of her faithful defenders. At least, she thought, Lionheartwould not kill Cragdon's warriors. 'Twas only the White Knight he intended toslay. Pray God he never found the one he sought.

* * *

Theweather turned cold and blustery the next day. Lionheart feared that if he didnot send Althea back soon, she would be stuck at Cragdon for the winter. Withthat thought in mind, he spoke to Sir Giles the following morning.

"Youmentioned your desire to return to England to wed your betrothed, Giles. Tothat end, I have decided to place you in charge of Althea's escort."

"Thinkyou it is wise to leave Cragdon with so few defenders?" Giles asked.

"If Ido not send Althea on her way now, she could be here the entire winter. OnceAlthea is returned to her village, you can continue on to your home. I canspare but two men-at-arms to accompany you, but I shall see you safely to theborder myself. Once you are on English soil, you should encounter notrouble."

"Myparents will be happy to finally see me wed," Giles said. "My onlyfear is leaving you shorthanded. 'Twill be at least a month before I can returnto Cragdon."

"Nodanger to Cragdon presently exists, Giles. 'Tis a good time for you to fetchyour bride. And your home is not far from Althea's village."

"Howsoon do we leave?" Giles asked.

"Intwo days. Choose two men to accompany you, and take enough food to last yourjourney. You will also need a tent for Althea's comfort."

"Iwill take care of everything, Lord Lionheart."

Everythingexcept Althea, Lionheartthought as he spied the object of his thoughts crossing the hall. Girdinghimself for the confrontation, he waited for her to reach him.

"Allthe arrangements have been made, Althea," Lionheart said.

"Whatarrangements?" Althea asked warily.