Page 99 of Lionheart

"Cragdonis not an English fortress. It should be mine, and I intend to make itso."

"Cragdonbelongs to Lionheart by right of marriage."

"Bah,the marriage is illegal. I had prior claim." The smile he gave her was notreassuring. "But you arehere now, and soon Lionheart will come for you. When he does, I will bewaiting."

Vanora bither lip to keep from telling Daffid what she thought of him. "I am here. Imet your terms. Lionheart will not come. If you account yourself a man ofhonor, you will release the hostages."

Daffidpuffed out his chest. "No one questions my honor."

"Thenprove it. Release Sir Giles and his lady."

"Youtry me sorely, Vanora. When we are wed, you will show me respect. Beating downyour spirit will give me great pleasure."

Hesummoned a guardsman with a wave of his hand and ordered him to fetch thehostages. Vanora waited with growing apprehension for them to appear. Had theybeen mistreated? She hoped not, for otherwise Lionheart would seek revenge.

Theguardsman returned, prodding Sir Giles along with the point of his sword.Blond, petite and deathly pale, Lady Deirdre clung to Giles, obviouslyfrightened out of her wits. Vanora's heart went out to the young girl. Newlymarried and traveling in a strange land, her welcome had not been an auspiciousone.

Vanoraleapt to her feet. "Sir Giles! Are you and your lady unharmed?"

Giles cameto an abrupt halt. "Lady Vanora? Is that you? Whatever are you doingdressed like that?"

"'Tis of no account, Sir Giles. Introduce me to your wife before youleave."

Gileslooked more than a little confused. "Forgive me, my lady. I am pleased topresent to you my wife, Deirdre. Deirdre, greet Lady Vanora, Lord Lionheart'slady."

Sobbing,Deirdre grasped Vanora's hand and clung to it. "How can I ever thank you,my lady? I so feared we would not reach Cragdon alive."

Giles'seyes narrowed. "Where is Lionheart?"

"AtCragdon."

"I donot understand. What are you doing here without him? Are you certain we arefree to go?" He stared at her chain mail and sword and frowned, as ifsuddenly aware of where he had seen that particular white tabard before.

"Nay,it cannot be! Tell me you are not the White Knight."

"'Tis true, Sir Giles."

"Howis that possible? Does Lionheart know?"

Daffidlaughed, apparently enjoying Sir Giles's shock.

"'Tis a long story. One I am sure Lionheart will tell you upon your return to Cragdon."She turned to Daffid. "Let them go now."

He pulledher aside. "In a moment. I would have a private word with you first."

"Whatis it now?" Vanora hissed.

"Iwant you to give Sir Giles a message to carry to Lionheart."

A chillran down Vanora's spine. "What message?"

"Tellhim to explain to Lionheart that you came to me because I am the man you want.Make your explanation creditable. Lionheart must believe that you would ratherbecome my leman than remain his wife. Naught will bring him here faster thanthe knowledge that another man is bedding his wife."

"Youwant me to lead Lionheart to his death?"

"Aye.Lionheart's death is what I have always wanted."

"Icannot."