Page 80 of Lionheart

"Theentrance has to be sealed," Vanora said after a long silence.

"Aye,"the priest agreed. "I shall see to it immediately."

"Nay,not immediately," Vanora replied. "Leave it until after Ireturn."

Mairhesitated. "But Daffid—"

"Ipromise to be back before Vespers. 'Tis imperative that I speak with Sir Renbefore Daffid gets to him. I need to warn him against joining Daffid's army. Ishall explain that I am content with Lionheart and ask him to ignore Daffid'scall to arms."

"Letme go in your stead," Father Caddoc offered.

Vanoracontemplated the priest's suggestion and promptly discarded it when sheconsidered his frailty and advanced age. "Nay, I must do thismyself."

Her lipspressed into a thin line, Mair helped Vanora don her chain mail and helm."God go with you," Mair said as Vanora disappeared through theopening behind the altar.

The smallparty escorting Althea to England had made good time. They stopped briefly atmid-morning to allow their horses to drink from a stream and then continued ontheir way. Thus far the journey had been uneventful, and Lionheart could notwait to reach the border and return to Vanora.

But nosooner had they set out again than Althea's horse stepped into a foxhole andwent down, his screech of pain echoing through the frosty air. Althea wentflying, her scream nearly as loud as that of her injured mount. Lionheart'sheart nearly stopped when he saw Althea lying motionless on the ground. Leapingfrom his steed, he ran to her side.

Reliefrushed through him when he saw that Althea was conscious and stirring."Where are you hurt?" Lionheart asked, helping her to sit up.

"Myankle. I fear 'tis broken," Althea gasped, clutching her leg and rockingback and forth. "It pains me something fierce."

Lionheartlifted her skirts and carefully inspected her ankle. His expression turned grimhe noted the swelling. Carefully he probed her flesh. "I can feel nobreak," he said with heartfelt relief. " 'Tis naught but a badsprain."

Gilesdismounted and strode over to join them. "Althea's mount will have to beput down, Lionheart."

"Aye,see to it."

Lionheartregarded Althea with growing apprehension. He could not expect Althea tocontinue in her condition,even if she were to ride pillion behind him. Forcing her to continue thejourney in her condition would be cruel. There was no help for it; they wouldhave to return to Cragdon.

"I amin pain, Lionheart," Althea wailed. "Help me."

"Wewill return immediately to Cragdon," Lionheart replied. "Mair cantreat your injury better than I."

He did notsee Althea's smile through her tears, for Giles's return distracted him."I put an arrow through the animal's heart," Giles reported."Think you we can purchase another horse at the next village?"

"Probably,but Althea is injured and cannot ride. I must return her to Cragdonimmediately. But you and your squire will continue on to your home so you canwed your betrothed." He mounted his steed. "Althea can ride pillionbehind me. Lift her carefully, Giles."

Althea'sarms circled Lionheart's waist as Giles placed her behind him and arranged herskirts decently about her legs. Once she was settled, Lionheart set his steedon a path toward Cragdon.

"Godspeed,"Lionheart called to Giles as they parted ways.

'Twas lateafternoon when Lionheart and his party reached Cragdon. Reining in before thekeep, Lionheart lifted Althea from his steed and carried her inside, shoutingfor Vanora and Mair. Mair appeared almost immediately. When she saw Lionheartwith Althea in his arms, her hand flew to her heart and the color drained fromher face.

"Mylord, we . . . we did not expect you to return so soon. Is aught amiss? Whathas happened to Althea?"

"Althea'shorse broke a leg and had to be put down. Althea was injured, forcing us toreturn to Cragdon." He mounted the stairs to Althea's chamber. Mairhurried after him. "Where is Vanora?" he called over his shoulder.

"She... is about somewhere, my lord. She may have gone to the village."

Lionheartreached Althea's chamber and placed her on the bed. "She is all yours,Mair. I trust you to treat her injury."

"Staywith me, Lionheart," Althea begged. "What if I am hurt worse than youthink?"

"Mairwill keep me informed," Lionheart replied. "I need to findVanora."

"Godhelp us all," Mair muttered as Lionheart strode off.