Page 9 of Lionheart

Vanoraobserved Lionheart from beneath lowered lids as Mair stitched. His expressiondid not change, nor did he flinch as the needle slid through his flesh, closingthe gaping wound on his shoulder. If he felt pain, she saw no sign of it. The man was not human, shethought with a hint of disgust.

"Finished,"Mair said as she tied off the knot. "Smear some of that marigold salve onhis wound whilst I prepare a bandage, Vanora."

Vanoradipped a finger into a small pot of salve and applied it to Lionheart's wound.She felt his muscles contract beneath her touch, and a jolt of awarenesstingled up her arm. He must have felt it too, for he grasped her wrist to stopthe sensual slide of her fingers over his skin.

"Enough,"he growled. "My squire will help me dress. I'm sure you have dutieselsewhere. My men and I are famished. The meal can be simple, but we willrequire something more substantial

later."

Vanoranearly laughed in his face. There was not enough food in the keep to feed herown men, much less Lionheart's. "Where, pray tell, am I supposed to findthe food to feed your army? Our stores were depleted during the siege."

Sir Gileschose that moment to present himself to Lionheart. He rapped once on the door,then entered. Seizing the opportunity, Vanora fled through the opening.

"Thepriest said you wanted me," Giles said.

"Aye.Has Llewellyn been found?"

"Nay.Doubtless he has fled into the mountains, where we are unfamiliar with theterritory. Sir Brandon has taken out a patrol to search the

area."

"Ineed to send a message to Edward immediately. He should be informed that wehave taken Cragdon. Meanwhile, I will make my headquarters here. There is aproblem, however. The stores on hand are inadequate and cannot feed ournumbers. As soon as I dress, I will instruct the villains as to their duty to supply the keepwith food. Gardens and orchards should be at their peak this time ofyear."

"Goodluck," Giles said. "Cragdon's people look like a sullen lot to me,little better than the uncivilized savages that pour down from the hills toharass our marcher barons."

Lionheartmulled over Giles's words as he descended the stairs to the hall. Welshmen didnot like the English, but Edward was determined to unite Wales and England oncehe became king, and when Edward made up his mind to something, he wasunstoppable.

A hushfollowed Lionheart's entrance into the crowded hall; the hostility waspalpable. He strode to the dais and waited until he had everyone's attentionbefore speaking in a voice that rang with authority.

"Peopleof Cragdon, heed me. I claim Cragdon and all it encompasses in the name ofPrince Edward of England."

A nervousstirring followed his announcement.

"Naughtwill change. You will be allowed to return to your homes unharmed and you willstill belong to Cragdon. Due to the long siege, the keep is in desperate needof food. Go home, harvest your crops, and bring the produce and livestock youowe in tithes to the keep as you have always done. I intend to send outhuntsmen, but beef, lamb and pork will be tasty additions to wild game. Ipledge that no man, woman or child shall go hungry during the comingwinter."

A sea ofsullen faces stared back at Lionheart. Then the truth dawned on him. They didnot understand his words. His discovery was confirmed when Vanora approachedhim and said, "Few of my people understand English, Sir Lionheart."

"Translatefor me," Lionheart ordered. "Make them understand that no one will beharmed if my orders are obeyed."

Lionheartcould understand some Welsh and listened carefully to make sure Vanora wasrelaying his words correctly. He had decided before entering Cragdon thatkeeping his limited knowledge of Welsh a secret would serve him better thanadmitting he could understand what was being said about him.

Vanorafinished her translation and turned to Lionheart. "Is that all? Are theyfree to return to their homes now?"

"Aye,but I shall expect to see food arriving at the castle very soon."

OnceVanora translated his message, the crofters gathered their children andbelongings and began to file out of the hall. Vanora would have followed, butLionheart ordered her to remain.

"Mystomach is touching my backbone. When can we expect a meal?"

"Thereis naught in the larder but oats. Do you fancy gruel, Sir Lionheart?"

Lionheart'sstomach clenched. "We need meat to fill our bellies."

He hailedSir Osgood, one of his knights. "Has Sir Brandon returned?"

"Nay,Lionheart. He is still out with his patrol."

"Weneed food, but there is naught here for us. Organize a hunting party. Gameshould be plentiful this time of year. Mayhap you will come across some of thelivestock the fanners hid away in the woods when they fled to the keep."