Page 79 of Lionheart

"Donot try to talk me out of this," Vanora said by way of greeting.

"Wecan but try," Father Caddoc replied.

"Youcannot leave now," Mair cautioned.

"Iknow. 'Tis too soon. I will not leave until Lionheart and his party are out ofsight."

Mair wrungher hands. "Promise this will be the last time, lambie. My heart cannotstand it."

"Aye,the very last."

"Doyou know where to find Sir Ren?" Father Caddoc asked.

"Aye.Father deeded him land and a manor not far from here. 'Tis where I shall findhim."

"Whatis that I hear?" Mair asked, turning toward the altar. Vanora heard ittoo, the familiar scraping sound of a door opening.

Shelurched forward, then stopped in her tracks when Daffid stepped out from theshadows of the altar.

"Isaw the Englishman and his leman leaving the fortress with a smallescort," Daffid said. "I came as quickly as I could, Vanora."

Vanoracould not think, much less speak. Tense silence lay as thick as the dustbeneath their feet until Mair shattered it. "What are you doing here,Daffid?"

Daffidsmiled smugly. "Claiming what is mine. Lionheart has returned to England,has he not?" He turned to address Father Caddoc, his expressionunyielding. "Declare Vanora's marriage to Lionheart invalid due to aprevious betrothal and marry us immediately, Father."

"Nobetrothal agreement was drawn up or signed," the priest reminded him.

"Itmatters not. 'Twas what Vanora's fatherwanted. We all know she was forced to wed Lionheart against her will. TheEnglish bastard is gone now, and only a handful of Englishmen have been leftbehind to defend Cragdon against attack. Very soon I shall have sufficient menand arms at my disposal to enter the castle from the hidden entrance, kill allthe guards and claim Cragdon for my own."

"Youare mistaken, Daffid," Vanora said. "Lionheart is the new lord ofCragdon. He is not leaving Wales."

"Isaw him leave with my own eyes," Daffid insisted.

"Hegoes no further than the border. I expect him to return long before you canmuster men and gather arms. Should you try to enter through the hiddenentrance, you will find it sealed."

"Lionheartis remaining in Wales?" Daffid said incredulously. "I cannot believehe would let Edward leave without him. I have heard rumors that civil war loomslarge on England's horizon, and that Edward will lead his father's army.Lionheart is Edward's right arm. 'Tis unlikely he would remain behind while hisprince goes to war."

"'Twas Edward's wish that Lionheart remain in Wales. The prince chargedLionheart with the protection of his lands in Wales."

"DoesLionheart know about the secret entrance into the castle?" Daffid asked.

"Nay."Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Irefuse to give up what should be mine."

"Vanorais wed to Lord Lionheart," Father Caddoc maintained. "The union islegal and binding and cannot be put asunder."

Daffidsent the priest a disparaging look. "Have you turned traitor? I will neverforgive you for forcing my betrothed to wed an Englishman. The least you can doto make amends is support my effort to regain Cragdon."

"Englandis at peace with Wales, Daffid," Father Caddoc said. "Lionheart hasbecome Cragdon's lord by right of marriage. Forget vengeance and return home.Find another woman to wed."

"HeedFather Caddoc," Vanora advised. "I am content with Lionheart. Pleaseleave before you are discovered."

"Youare both traitors to your people," Daffid charged. "I will leave fornow, but when I return, it will be with an army behind me. There are still menwilling to follow where I lead. The castle is undermanned, and I will bevictorious."

"Donot try it," Vanora warned.

"Iwill allow no woman to dictate to me," Daffid said ominously. Moving backinto the shadows, he disappeared behind the altar.