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Ellesmere Castle
Roland sensed Adelina had fallen asleep against his back. She moved only slightly when he pulled her arms tighter around his waist and covered her hands with his own. He’d never before felt such an overwhelming need to protect another person. He’d fought side by side with comrades at arms. The Montbryce brothers always had each others’ backs in any conflict.
Adelina was different. She’d proven herself resilient and courageous, but she would always need a warrior’s protection from destructive forces. The certainty he was that man filled his heart with pride, and a degree of trepidation. It was an awesome responsibility.
It was difficult to believe he and Adelina had each found their soul mate before they’d even met, but that simply underscored his belief destiny had brought them together.
They were still in dangerous and unfamiliar territory. Before John lost Normandie, Montbryces had traveled to Ellesmere at least once a year, though they’d normally come from the south coast.
De Lacy was probably correct that they wouldn’t be challenged outright, but lonely roads held other risks. Banditry was inevitable when it was impossible for common folks to prosper because of heavy taxes.
The terrain was mostly flat heathland and open meadows which rendered an ambush less likely.
Nevertheless, Roland was relieved when the sandstone turrets of Ellesmere came in sight.
* * *
Every Anglo-Norman knew the proud history of the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings and the Conqueror’s decision to appoint powerful earls as governors of his new realm.
Adelina had certainly heard of the first Earl of Ellesmere and his countess. Ram and Mabelle de Montbryce were legends.
However, hearing their story from Roland and Adrien as they approached Ellesmere Castle made them come alive.
“Our great, great grandparents chose to stay in England after the Conquest,” Adrien told her. “They considered it their duty to help establish Norman rule, but they never stopped pining for the land of their birth. It was their wish to be interred at Montbryce Castle.”
“I fear the same will hold true for my brother,” Adelina replied. “He will yearn to return to Melton, and he has no choice in the matter.”
“What about you?” Roland asked.
She sensed he needed reassurance of her commitment to him. “I will always resent the loss of Melton Manor,” she replied. “But it’s often a woman’s duty to leave her home and all she holds dear when she marries.”
She held her breath when Adrien looked askance at her, but Roland clarified matters. “You said you wanted another sister, didn’t you, brother?”
Adrien rolled his eyes good-naturedly, but their amusement was short-lived when they were challenged by the guards at the castle gates.
* * *
Terric knew of the powerful earl who ruled Ellesmere Castle and its environs, but he’d never visited the castle, nor met his distant cousin. When the guards hurriedly apologized for their error in not recognizing the Montbryce brothers right away, Terric felt a stab of resentment. It seemed King John deemed it risky to oust a powerful family ensconced in an impregnable fortresses, especially when that family was descended from a hero of the Battle of Hastings. He and Adelina could boast of the same lineage, but the de Quincey name didn’t hold the same sway. Still, the gathering opposition to the king’s misrule likely wouldn’t turn away support from a lesser nobleman.
There was an added advantage to forming an alliance with the Earl of Ellesmere. The king would find it almost impossible to keep order in the Marches without the Montbryces. They’d always believed in firm but fair governance and the area had prospered as a result.
They were one of the few powerful Norman families who’d managed to get along with the Welsh patriots, thanks to intermarriage generations ago. Baudoin, the second earl, had married the daughter of a Welsh rebel chieftain.
In Terric’s estimation, there was no doubt the dark-haired man who hastened from the keep to greet them after they’d dismounted was a Montbryce. He would guess the earl was about the same age as Roland, perhaps a little older. They shared the same chiseled features and swarthy complexion.
The earl enfolded Roland and Adrien in a hearty embrace. “Cousins,” he declared. “I didn’t expect to see you come riding through my gates, although I was informed by your father of the plan to rescue this beautiful woman.”
Much to Roland’s scowling chagrin, the earl nigh on elbowed him out of the way to help Adelina dismount. “Welcome to Ellesmere, cousine,” he said when her feet were on the ground. “I abhor the cruelty you and your family have suffered thanks to our monarch.”
“I thank you, cousin William,” she replied. “As does my brother, Terric.”
William’s handshake was as bone crushing as any Montbryce’s. “Terric,” he bellowed. “I’m glad to meet you. I must explain the circumstances surrounding the sale of Melton Manor.”
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, my lord,” Terric replied, intrigued and not a little worried by the earl’s words.
“We won’t stand on ceremony. Call me William. I’ve sent servants to prepare chambers for all of you.”
Terric chuckled at Roland’s deep frown when his cousin offered his arm to Adelina.
“Come,” William insisted. “Enjoy a respite from your journey.”
