Page 98 of Lionheart

"Stateyour name and your mission."

Thinkingquickly, Vanora gave the name of one of her own knights who would not be wellknown to Lionheart's man. "Sir Morse. Lord Lionheart has sent me forth tospy on Daffid's fortress."

The sentrylooked not at all convinced. "Mayhap I should check with Lionheart beforeI raise the portcullis."

"Thinkyou Lionheart will be pleased to have his sleep disturbed and his ordersquestioned in the middle of the night?"

Vanora'swords must have given the sentry second thoughts, for he turned away andcranked up the portcullis. "Go with God, Sir Morse."

Vanoracertainly hoped God would guide her, for she needed all her wits about her ifshe was to manage Giles's and Deirdre's release and see to her own rescuebefore Lionheart placed his life in jeopardy.

The sunwas high overhead when Vanora caught sight of Draymere's turrets. Reining hersteed to a halt, she shed Lionheart's colors and donned her own white tabard,letting Lionheart's red and gold flutter away in the wind.

Vanoraknew the moment she was spotted, for she heard the shouts echoing down from thebattlements. Draymere had no outer bailey; the portcullis opened directly intoan inner courtyard surrounded by high walls. Vanora halted at the portcullis,raised her visor and stared upward, waiting for Daffid to appear.

"Isthat you, Vanora?" Daffid shouted down at her.

Vanoraremoved her helm, letting her long hair fly free. " 'Tis I, Daffid. Raisethe portcullis and let me pass through."

Daffiddisappeared, then reappeared a few minutes later in the courtyard. Vanorawaited with growing apprehension as he strode toward her. She had much to loseif her plan failed, but a great deal to gain should she succeed.

Vanora'sthoughts scattered when Daffid appeared at the portcullis. "Where is your cowardly husband? Ishe the kind to hide behind a woman's skirts?"

"Icame alone and of my own free will, Daffid. 'Tis what you wanted, is it not?You no longer have need of hostages. I demand that you release Sir Giles andhis lady."

Daffidsignaled the sentry to raise the portcullis. When it was of sufficient height,Vanora rode through. She winced when she heard the gate clang down behind her.Her fate and that of Sir Giles and his lady were now in her hands.

Daffidfrowned. "Is this a trick?"

"Notrick, Daffid. I came as you instructed. Those were your terms, were theynot?"

"Aye,but I did not think Lionheart would let you go."

"Ioffer myself in exchange for the hostages."

"Comeinside. 'Tis cold out here, and you have come a long way," Daffid hedged."We will drink a cup of mulled wine while we talk."

A younglad ran up to take her reins. Vanora dismounted and followed Daffid, makingnote of the large number of men milling about the courtyard. Daffid had notbeen idle these past weeks.

Draymerewas naught compared to Cragdon, Vanora thought as she entered the drafty keep.'Twas no wonder Daffid was eager to seize her lands and home. The rushes on thefloor smelled sour, and dusty webs hung over them like lacy curtains. Sheallowed Daffid to seat her before the hearth and sipped the wine a servantthrust into her hand.

Shewatched Daffid closely, trying to decipher his thoughts. Daffid was sly but notoverly intelligent. Vanora felt confident that she could outwit him. But firstshe had to make sure Giles and Deirdre were released and sent on their way.

"Thinkyou Lionheart will come after you?" Daffid asked.

"Hewill not," Vanora said with a conviction she hoped was true. She prayedLionheart would have more sense than to storm a castle he could not possiblytake. "He cares more for Sir Giles than he does for me. Most likely hewill be glad to be rid of me."

"Youcannot save him, you know. He will come, and I will be waiting."

"Iknow not what you mean."

"'Tis simple, my dear. I have considerable manpower at my disposal. I know howmany men Lionheart has, and he cannot possibly hope to defeat me with hispaltry force of twenty-odd. In fact, I want him to attack Draymere. Iwelcome an attack. Naught would please me more than to send the bastard tohell. Then both you and Cragdon will be mine."

"Englandand Wales are at peace, Daffid," Vanora warned. "Killing Lionheartcould renew hostilities. Is that what you want?"

"'Tis bound to happen sooner or later. Think you Edward will leave Wales inpeace once he becomes king?"

"Edwardis not yet king, Daffid. He is still a young man, and his father is in goodhealth. Many things could happen before Edward ascends to the throne. Attackingan English fortress will only hasten a war that could be years off."