Dark Destroyer (16 page)

Kathalin giggled. “I would not know,” she said. “It all seems rather… bushy to me.”

Gates swung a hand back at Stephan, slapping the man in the shoulder. “Do not ask Lady Kathalin such things, you impudent puttock,” he scolded. “She has spent her entire life in a convent, or did you forget that? She would not know what women like about men.”

Stephan, rubbing his shoulder where Gates smacked him, was properly contrite. “My apologies, my lady,” he said, pulling his gloves on. “Mayhap I should go outside and wait before I say something that will cause Gates to put a fist in my mouth. He is not beyond that, you know.”

As Gates cast him a very nasty look, Stephan moved to the door, making a face at the man when Gates was too far away to do anything about it. He then slipped from the cottage quickly as Kathalin giggled.

“He is very humorous,” she said. “Has he been your friend a long time?”

Gates thought on the life and death he and Stephan had shared together, years of serving de Lara and years of battles.

“Aye,” he said after a moment. “I could not do without him, as foolish as he is. He is a very good knight and a good friend.”

Kathalin could hear admiration in his tone. “I envy that,” she said, her gaze moving over his handsome face. “I had a few friends at St. Milburga’s but most of them have left. Their parents recalled them home to marry when they came of age. But I remained. I am, in fact, the oldest ward at the priory.”

Gates watched her as she spoke, the way tiny dimples in her chin formed when she said certain words. It was really quite charming, as was the rest of her.

“Surely there were some women you could speak with or confide in?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Not really,” she said, tearing her gaze away from him to check her pot of bark, now boiling away. “The younger wards are all too young and the nuns… well, they did not really form friendships. They are all very kind but they viewed me as not equal to them in the eyes of God.”

He regarded her. “Yet you love St. Milburga’s,” he said. “You call it your home.”

She nodded as she took an iron spoon and stirred the bark. “It is,” she said. “It is the only home I have ever known. Like any other home, it is not perfect, but it is home.”

He didn’t say any more, watching her as she stirred the willow bark. The liquid was becoming a deep red; he could see it when she lifted the liquid in the spoon. Soon, he was helping her take the pot off the fire and pouring it whilst she tried to strain out all of the bark, leaving a steaming red liquid in a bowl. As it cooled, she continued to pick out pieces of bark, not having any cloth to strain it with, until the liquid was mostly clear but for a few bits of sediment.

When she was finally satisfied, she took a cup and dipped it into the liquid, taking it to the farmer’s widow and explaining that she should have her children drink some tonight, tomorrow, and the next day, for as long as it would last. The willow bark potion should help ease the fever but she explained that they mustn’t drink too much of it at once. Gates stood back and listened to Kathalin’s kind and careful explanation of what must be done, and the farmer’s widow was so grateful that she took Kathalin’s hands and kissed them, thanking her profusely.

Given that Kathalin had been taught by her order that healing was better without the vanity of gratitude, she was uncomfortable with the woman’s thanks. She simply nodded her head and moved away from the bed while the mother gave the liquid to the children, who didn’t like the taste, and the grandmother, who drank it right down.

Leaving the family behind, and knowing she had done all she could to help, Kathalin approached Gates.

“I am ready to leave now,” she said as she gathered her cloak off the eating table. “Do you think we will still make it to Hyssington by nightfall?”

Gates reached out to take the cloak from her, shaking it out and laying it across her shoulders. “Aye,” he said, politely helping her settle the heavy cloak as she tied the fastens around her neck. “We should be just in time for the evening meal.”

Kathalin couldn’t help but be very aware of his big hands on the cloak, courteously straightening the hood, as she finished securing it. She then pulled on her gloves, noticing that the red welts around her wrists were hardly noticeable, but as she secured the gloves over her fingers, she realized that her hands were rather quivery from Gates’ close proximity. She’d never been so close to a man in her life as she had been to Gates de Wolfe these past few days, literally and figuratively. When all of the fighting between them had died down, they’d had some very pleasant conversations and he had been quite attentive to her. But he was only following orders, she knew. She was quite sure his attentions had not been anything more than that regardless of the warmth she had so recently felt from him.

She was a task and nothing more, and her heart sank just a little bit to realize that.

You are a fool!

It was better not to dwell on such thoughts, for they were dangerous. Once the gloves were secure, Kathalin gave one last look to the family on the bed before exiting the cottage with Gates on her heels. His horse was tethered right outside the door and Stephan was standing there, waiting, as were most the soldiers who had escorted them. Two of the soldiers, however, were still repairing a section of the barn roof but when they saw Gates and the lady emerge, they hastened off the roof. As Stephan gathered his own horse, Gates lifted Kathalin onto his saddle. He gazed up at her a moment before joining her.

“What you did today for that family,” he said, seemingly unsure of his words. “I just wanted to say that it was an honor to witness what you did. You have a good heart, my lady. That is a rare thing in this day.”

More flattery
, she thought. But no… it was more than that. It was a genuine statement of admiration, something she had never really heard before. And the warmth… it was there again in his expression and she struggled not to give in to it.
You are a duty to him!
She reminded herself sharply.
Cease with your foolish and giddy thoughts of the man!

“I did what I have been taught to do,” she replied after a moment. “It needed to be done.”

Gates could see that she didn’t seemed pleased by his compliment; he’d meant to tell her of his esteem but being modest, and without any vanity whatsoever, she didn’t quite understand him. Or so he thought. To him, the lack of vanity made her all the more charming. It was a rare thing indeed to meet a woman who didn’t expect flattery or wasn’t swayed by it. In fact, he’d never met one in his life.

Until now.

“I know,” he said, finally mounting up behind her. He didn’t try to lift her up this time but left her in the front of the saddle as he simply slid in behind her. He rather liked it that way better, with his thighs around hers, holding her fast so she wouldn’t move around. Her left ear was by his mouth and he spoke softly into it. “But it was still an honor to watch. You have done the de Lara name proud today.”

His hot breath on her ear nearly sent Kathalin into fits. The heat of it sent a bolt of excitement through her, a hand flying to her ear as if to touch the spot his breath had licked against. She could hear Gates laughing softly, no doubt because he felt as well as saw her quivering reaction. She should have been embarrassed in her reaction but she couldn’t seem to manage it. Her response had been unmistakable, the naked thrill of the first time a man whispered to her.

She was certain Gates hadn’t meant to make her tremble, but he had. The entire ride to Hyssington, Kathalin could only think of one thing.

She had very much liked his hot breath in her ear….

Hyssington Castle

Sharp, crystal-clear stars blazed against the cold night sky as Gates and the escort entered the bailey of Hyssington Castle. The entire fortress was illuminated by torches, all along the enormous walls, on poles in the bailey, and settled into iron sconces on both the exterior of the great hall and all around the exterior of the keep. The entire place was lit up like daylight when the escort from St. Milburga’s arrived.

Oddly enough, Jasper wasn’t in the bailey to greet them as they arrived but Alexander was. The big, blond knight emerged from the hall, making his way across the bailey as the escort party was coming to a halt next to the gatehouse. As Gates dismounted into the prolific mud left from the melting snow, he saw the man approach and his surprise was evident.

“What in the world are you doing here?” he asked Alexander as the man drew close. “Did I not just see you off to Lioncross?”

Alexander nodded, reaching out to grab the bridle of Gates’ exhausted, excitable horse as the animal swung its head around. “Aye,” he said, holding the big, gray head still. “What happened at St. Milburga’s? We heard the Welsh attacked it.”

Gates reached up to lift Kathalin out of the saddle, trying not to set her down in the worst of the mud. “They did,” he said, surprised. “How did you know that?”

Alexander struggled with the horse. “Because one of the soldiers from Ludlow came to Lioncross to tell us what had happened and ask for reinforcements,” he said. “Were you at the priory when it was attacked?”

Gates nodded, holding on to Kathalin’s arm to keep her out of the way of the excited horses and the surrounding swamp of mud. “We walked right into it,” he said. “The Welsh were tearing the priory apart when we arrived and we were able to subdue them fairly quickly, enough so that St. Milburga’s didn’t lose too much in the raid. Still, the Welsh were rather desperate and quite unwilling to be subdued. It was a bit of a battle.”

“But you are uninjured?”

“I am fine, my friend. Your concern is appreciated.”

Alexander let go of Gates’ horse when a groom came around to collect the animal. Turning his full attention to Gates, it was then that he noticed the lady standing beside him, a lady that the horse had partially blocked. Clad in a deep blue cloak with a fur-lined hood covering most of her head, Alexander had nearly the same reaction that Gates had upon seeing Kathalin de Lara’s face for the first time. He saw the bright blue eyes and the angelic features and, for a split second, his eyes widened. But he was cool and in control, as always, so his flash of surprise quickly vanished.

“Lady Kathalin de Lara?” he asked the obvious. “My lady, welcome to Hyssington Castle, although that seems strange considering it is your home.”

Kathalin gazed back at the handsome knight with the short, blond hair. “It is
no
t my home,” she clarified. “It is my father’s home.”

“Very true, my lady. My apologies.”

“Who are you?”

She sounded rather unfriendly and Gates fought off a grin. “You need not fear this man, my lady,” he said. “This is Alexander de Lohr, a very close friend of the House of de Lara and excellent knight. You will not find a finer man anywhere in England, I assure you.”

Kathalin eyed Alexander, who seemed rather gallant and full of himself. He just had that air about him. “Sir Knight,” she greeted. Then, she looked at him curiously. “De Lohr? I have heard that name before.”

Alexander was struggling to overcome his shock at what an astounding beauty Kathalin de Lara was. Much as Gates had upon meeting the de Lara daughter, Alexander was having a hard time believing that heavy-set, pale-haired Jasper de Lara bred something as fine as this woman. It didn’t seem possible.

“My family is from Lioncross Abbey Castle, about thirty miles south of here,” Alexander told her. “We have a connection to Ludlow Castle and the garrison there. You may have seen our banners or our men passing through town. My mother does some of her shopping in Ludlow, I believe. There is a woman there who supplies her with herbs and flowering plants for her garden.”

As he spoke politely, Kathalin was a bit more at ease with him. “St. Milburga’s sells planted herbs at the market there,” she said. “It is how we make money. I, myself, have planted herbs and flowers for sale.”

Alexander smiled; much like Gates, he had an attractive and devilish smile that women found quite alluring. Once Gates saw the smile come out, however, he hastened to intervene; he had been watching the exchange between Kathalin and Alexander, struggling to ignore the feelings of jealousy it provoked. He had no right in the world to feel such things but the fact of the matter was that he was indeed feeling them. He also felt very protective, as if he wanted to keep her safe from the ills of the world, including Alexander de Lohr. That both frightened and concerned him. As soon as Alexander flashed the captivating de Lohr smile, Gates could stand it no more.

“Where is Jasper?” he asked Alexander, pulling Kathalin along with him as he began to head towards the hall. “Does he know about the Welsh raid on St. Milburga’s? And why are you here, anyway?”

If Alexander sensed any sharpness from Gates, he didn’t let on. He simply followed the pair as they walked across the bailey and headed towards the great hall illuminated by the smoking torches.

“As I said, a soldier from Ludlow came to Lioncross to inform us of the Welsh raids,” Alexander said. “Knowing you were at St. Milburga’s in Ludlow, my father sent me to Ludlow to see if you needed assistance but when I arrived, I was told you had already left to return to Hyssington, so we went by way of the Lydham road to find you. We arrived here about three hours ago and Jasper was concerned that you’d not yet arrived. We were discussing sending out a search party.”

Gates shook his head. “We went by way of the Brampton road,” he told him, “and we stopped to help a family in need along the way. That is why we were delayed.”

Alexander looked at him strangely. “You stopped to
help
a needy family?”

Gates caught his expression and shook his head, almost imperceptibly, as if to silently tell the man not to ask any further questions. When he flicked his eyes towards Kathalin’s covered head, Alexander understood somewhat. At least he understood enough to keep his mouth shut about it.

“Jasper should be here any moment,” Alexander continued on as if he’d not questioned the need to help a destitute family, which would have been completely out of character for Gates. That was not the man he knew. “He was summoned by one of the sentries a short time ago and left the hall, but I am sure he heard the alarm when your escort came through. He should be here shortly.”

Gates simply nodded his head as they approached the hall entry. There were a few soldiers milling outside, men who moved aside when the two knights and the lady approached. The great Norman arch of the entry with the herringbone pattern around the frame and the corbel above that bore the de Lara crest carved in stone all loomed in front of them in a great and impressive display, but Gates couldn’t help but notice that Kathalin had come to a halt. When he looked down at her, he noticed that she was looking up at the stone corbel overhead.

“My lady?” he said politely, gesturing towards the door. “It is warm inside. Let us go in.”

Kathalin heard him but she was still staring up at the stone. “I remember this doorway,” she said after a moment. “I remember playing in this hall with my younger brother whom I’ve not seen in many years.”

Gates and Alexander stood on either side of her as she reacquainted herself with her family’s home from long ago. There seemed to be something wistful in her tone.

“I hope they are happy memories, my lady,” Alexander said.

Kathalin nodded. “They are,” she said. “I suddenly missed him a great deal as I remembered those times. We played together constantly and it was difficult when I was sent away and… well, it does not matter. Will my brother Jeffrey be here any time soon?”

Gates pushed the door open and ushered her inside as Alexander followed behind. “I do not know for certain, my lady,” he said. “Your brother is in London. I do not know of any plans to return him home.”

The heat and smell of the great hall cleaved any further conversation about Jeffery de Lara. The shock of the scent hit Kathalin right in the nostrils and she immediately put a hand to her nose. The hall was only half-full of men at this point, of soldiers eating an early meal before they assumed their posts for the night. Even so, it was a loud place and well-lit as food was placed upon the feasting tables and ale flowed.

Men were either sitting on the benches, or on the tabletop, or even kneeling on the floor near the hearth where they rolled bones. A few men were even pissing into the hearth in full view of Kathalin. Shocked, she turned to look at Gates with eyes full of horror at the carrying-on of the men, with absolutely no manners whatsoever. Gates, who was used to these sights but knew she wasn’t, reached behind her and thumped Alexander on the arm.

“Help me tame these wild animals,” he muttered. “There is a lady present.”

Alexander nodded grimly. Leaving Kathalin standing just inside the door, Gates and Alexander made their way into the hall, bellowing to the men who were pissing or gambling or generally being loud. Demands for quiet echoed against the stone walls of the hall, startling the men into near-silence as Gates demanded that they cease their obnoxious behavior and still themselves, as Lord de Lara’s daughter had arrived.

The men knew that Gates was to be obeyed, in all cases, and they quickly quieted down and moved to take their seats for a polite meal with a woman in their midst. Since Lady de Lara never attended meals, they were unused to feminine company. Gates and Alexander prowled around the room, ensuring the men were prepared to behave, and when Gates was confident his men were at least moderately capable of being around a woman, he turned towards the entry where he had left Kathalin only to find it empty

Kathalin was gone.

It happened so fast that Kathalin barely realized what had occurred until she was nearly halfway across the bailey.

Someone, smelling heavily of alcohol, had grabbed her from behind the moment Gates and Alexander had left her side in order to tame the room full of drunk and lively soldiers, and whoever had grabbed her was strong. He put his dirty hand over her mouth and lifted her up, carrying her from the hall and out into the night before she realized what was happening.

But once she became aware of the fact that someone was trying to take her away, abduct her no less, she came alive with kicking and screaming. She bit the hand that was over her mouth and the man grunted angrily, letting her go and dropping her to the muddy ground as he cursed loudly.

“You little chit!” he exclaimed. “You’ll not bite me again, do you hear? I will kill you if you do!”

On the ground, Kathalin had quickly scrambled to her feet, running away from the very drunk and very big soldier, an older man with a bushy red beard. They weren’t too far from the hall, thankfully, and she ran back for it as he thundered after her, unable to keep pace with her because he was so drunk. By the time she reached the entry door and shoved it open, Gates and Alexander were barreling out and Gates collided with her, knocking her backwards. She would have fallen onto her arse had he not been fast enough to grab her.

“My lady!” Gates said, surprised with Kathalin in his grip. “Where did you -?”

Kathalin wouldn’t let him finish. She pointed at the drunk soldier, now having come to a halt in his pursuit of her. “He grabbed me!” she cried, her voice quivering. “He put his hand over my mouth and carried me out here! He was trying to take me away!”

Gates turned to look at the soldier accusingly but Alexander was already moving to the man, coming up to him and grabbing him around the throat. The soldier, being choked by the big knight, fell to his knees as he struggled to breathe.

“You abducted her?” Alexander growled. “Did you do it?”

He was squeezing the man’s throat, shaking him, and the soldier was turning shades of deep red. “Aye!” he managed to gasp. “I thought – she was another whore! I thought -!”

Alexander let go of the man and slugged him squarely in the face, sending him to the ground. Meanwhile, Gates held on to Kathalin, unwilling to let her go at that point. Truth be told, his heart was still racing from the fright he’d had when he realized she was missing. Therefore, he let Alexander punish the soldier, watching as his friend pummeled the man unconscious. Kathalin, who had been watching the scene with terror, turned away and clutched at Gates, her head against his chest.