Page 90 of Lionheart

"Ihope you heeded my warning and refused him."

"Aye.I do not like the English any better than the next man, but as long as we areat peace with England, I will not join a rebellion. Naught will bring Edward'swrath down upon our heads like an uprising."

"Youare wise, Sir Ren. I shall apprise Lord Lionheart of Daffid's plans."

"Daffidbelieves the castle is weak, that it lacks warriors to defend it."

" Tistrue, I fear."

"Wewant to return to Cragdon. We remain faithful to you and wish to defend yourlands against aggression, be it English or Welsh. I told the others I wouldspeak to you about it. Will your husband allow us to return if we swear fealtyto him? Does he wish to kill me for shooting an arrow into him?"

"Lionhearthas unmasked me, and he knows that you wounded him in order to save my life. Hewould have slain me had you not prevented it. I know not what is in Lionheart'sheart and cannot predict his reaction to your appearance at Cragdon. Will youstill want to swear fealty if it means imprisonment? "

He nodded."I would risk it for you and Cragdon, aye."

"Andfor Lionheart?"

"Heis your husband and our new liege lord. Giving our loyalty to you would be thesame as offering it to him."

"Whereare the others? Did they come with you?"

"Aye.Ten knights and their squires await your answer."

Glancingpast Sir Ren, Vanora saw Cragdon's warriors fanned out behind him. For a momentshe was too close to tears to speak.

"Whatsay you, my lady?" Sir Ren asked.

"Aye,come with me and I will entreat Lionheart on your behalf," Vanora said,praying she was not making a mistake. If she led these good men to imprisonmentor worse, she would never forgive herself. But Lionheart had said he wouldbe lenient if they swore fealty to him. And they did carry word ofDaffid's plans. That should prove their worth to Lionheart.

* * *

Lionheartheard the sentry's warning before the riders reached the outer portcullis andhurried out to meet them, his fear escalating when he saw Vanora surrounded byCragdon's former defenders. What did they want? Had they taken Vanora hostage?He should have known better than to let her go to the village without anescort. If they had hurt her . . .

Sir Brandoncaught up with him. "The archers are positioned on the battlements andawait your orders."

"I donot want Vanora hurt. The archers are to hold until I hear Sir Ren'sdemands."

Vanoraapproached the portcullis alone. Lionheart was there to meet her.

"Raisethe portcullis," Vanora said.

"Areyou hurt?" Lionheart asked, peering at her through the iron bars.

Vanorasent him a startled look. "Why would my own men hurt me? Nay, Lionheart.Sir Ren sought me in the village to warn me about Daffid. Daffid is gatheringthe remnants of Llewellyn’s disbanded army and intends to attack thecastle."

"Youlied to me again," Lionheart charged. "You went to the village tomeet with Ren. What are they doing here? My archers are in place and awaitingmy signal."

"Nay,I did not lie! I did not know Ren was in the village. He and Cragdon's formerdefenders come in peace. They wish to swear fealty to you. They want to defendCragdon against Daffid's attack."

Lionheartfound that difficult to believe. "I still bear the scar from Sir Ren'sarrow."

"Hadhe not wounded you, you would have slain me. Is that what you wish?"

"Iwish our paths had never crossed," Lionheart gritted from between clenchedteeth.

In truth,he would have been devastated had he slain Vanora; he ought to thank Sir Renfor preventing such a catastrophe. "How do I know they will not slay me inmy sleep?"

"Theyare knights. Their word is their honor. Once they swear fealty, they will notbetray you."