Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (5 page)

Winter chills filled the air, bringing the longer days of the season. Julianna took her usual afternoon walk, no matter how chilly it was. This day she especially needed it. The household became stifling with her father expecting everyone to keep the noise level low so he could partake his midday meal. He never approved of noise in the hall, but her father was usually the only person making a ruckus. The January wind blew briskly, fluttering her cloak, making her pull it tightly around her.

Being home, she’d lost all freedom. She longed for the day when she could ride again, but since her father forbade her, she wouldn’t be able to. Aunt Mathilda and Uncle Walden surely missed her. She wanted to visit, but didn’t dare ask. Thinking of them made her forlorn and she didn’t want to be melancholy today. Humming a tune, she entered the stables, and went directly to her mare’s stall. Aunty had given Chestnut to her two years ago. The beautiful Shiremare had attractive coloring with light honey-colored coat. Her mane, a dark woodsy color, matched her hemlocks. Poor Chestnut was in dire need of exercise. She’d have sneak out again in darkness to take her for a ride. She gave her mare a fat carrot and filled her trough with fodder.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened at the manor, except Bleeth’s attempts at magic. Although she found him humorous, she despaired at being there. Aunty’s home was always filled with visitors and festivity. Julianna would suffer being here, as long as her father forgot her. Hopefully, he wouldn’t arrange a marriage. That kind of excitement she could do without.

As she walked back to sneak into the manor, she noticed Laila exiting the keep. Laila waved and she smiled, returning the greeting.

“Julianna, can I walk with ye?”

“I was going inside, but of course. What are you about?”

“I am avoiding the hall.”

She laughed at her sister’s retort. They walked the well-worn path beside the wall. Julianna picked a stone from the ground and threw it at a tree out of sheer boredom.

“I didn’t get a chance to ask how ye were when I was gone.” Julianna had tried many times to speak to Laila alone, but somehow their stepmother always knew when they were together.

“I snuck away so I could talk to you. Edwena won’t leave us alone for a moment. Father and Edwena didn’t bother me much, and sometimes I went to the village to get away from her.”

“You didn’t get caught, did ye?”

“Oh, nay, nobody notices me.”

Julianna’s heart cried at her sister’s tone. “I notice you, Laila. I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long, but I may have to leave again. If father betroths me, he shan’t marry me well, as he has threatened. I cannot be wed to someone of his manner, a monster.”

“He hasn’t made the arrangement yet, but I know that day shall come. I don’t want to think about it. You’ll leave and I’ll be alone again.” Laila stopped and leaned against the wooden wall.

“I will find a way to come for ye. I promise, Laila. One day we shall both be free of Lord Bentley, no matter what it takes.”

“I’m afraid father will be wrathful once ye are gone. I’ll have to hide.”

“I promise to come back and take you away. I cannot take ye with me right off because I might encounter danger. Father will be wrathful, but if you’re not with me, he mightn’t harm you. Promise me, if he strikes ye, leave here and find safety. Go to Aunty’s.”

“Aye, I promise. ‘Tis better that you leave and return for me later,” Laila agreed.

“You are so brave, Laila.”

“I will do anything to help ye, Julianna, even if it means sitting on that fiend, Edwena. I should go before she searches for me. She doesn’t know I’m out here.”

Julianna waved to her sister as she walked inside the manor. Shortly after, she followed and stopped short when she entered the kitchens. Cook was yelling at a poor servant who had dropped a tray of sweetmeats. Food scattered over the floor and the girl was crying. The young kitchen help was always harangued for one thing or another. Neither noticed her slip by, because they were too engrossed over the poor girl’s mishap.

She snuck up the back stairs and ran into her stepmother. Edwena grasped her arm with vigor as she balanced laundry on her other arm.

“Will ye watch where you’re going? I’m tired of looking for ye. Where do ye sneak off to? Nay, don’t answer. We’ve no time for excuses. Your father has the servants looking for ye. He awaits ye in his office.” She continued down the steps.

Julianna wondered what her father wanted. He hadn’t spoken to her in weeks, and barely greeted her when she had returned. She was thankful for that, but what if he’d arranged a marriage?

“He couldn’t have found a husband so soon.” She settled on that issue and hastily walked to his office, knocking lightly, and hoping he wouldn’t answer. His voice sounded, calling for her to enter. She approached his desk, where he looked up from his parchment and nodded to the chair.

“Sit.” He finished his conversation with his steward and handed him the parchment before turning to her. With a look of loathsome, he all but sneered.

Julianna’s stomach fluttered as she watched the steward leave. The prospect of being alone with her father sent chills through her. A sick feeling overcame her, and she found it difficult to breathe.
Breathe, breathe
.

Lord Bentley couldn’t stand the sight of her. She felt the same as he did. He should have sent her to his sister-in-law’s holding. Aunty, at least, cared for her. Julianna knew her father didn’t want her stirring his household, what with his wife doing enough medaling.

“Finally, here you are. Where do ye hide? I’ve been waiting for you and can finally share my good news.” He loomed over her and didn’t seem to expect answer to his questions. “Your quiet demeanor doesn’t fool me. Underneath, you’re like your mother. She was quite courageous.”

Was her father giving her mother a compliment? His tone didn’t imply such. “I took a walk in the garden. I didn’t know you expected me, my lord. What is this good news? Shall I travel to Aunty’s?” She hoped so.

“I found ye a husband. He’s known to be abrasive, but it’s what you deserve. I convinced him to marry ye, even though you’re unworthy.”

Julianna tried to remain unconcerned, but was scared to her toes.
Breathe
, she reminded herself again.

“You’re to marry and will journey to his keep in three days. It shouldn’t take more than five days travel then you’ll finally wed. I made the contract and he’s accepted. Go and prepare.”

Disbelieving what she’d heard, she told herself to remain calm. “Marry who, my lord?”

Her father leaned close and slapped her cheek. She rose from her seat, trying to avoid the next strike, but it wasn’t to be. She felt her head tilt from his second slap. Falling back against the chair, she cried out when he kicked the wooden leg. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, he yelled, shaking her head with each word.

“Lord Devlin is a powerful lord. You’ll do well to remember that.”

Her father released her and moved to his table. Sobbing now, Julianna looked at him with revulsion. She slid off the chair, hoping to protect herself if he should strike again.

“He’s a hard man, but will make ye a fine husband. Not that I should explain that to you. Be off so I can do my accounts.”

“I won’t marry him.” Until that moment, Julianna hadn’t known she had the courage to stand up to the monster. Her father returned to her and kicked her side. Julianna swore she wouldn’t cower to him, but he did frighten her. She was afraid to look at him, his face surely reflected his hatred.

“You will not gainsay me. You’ll do as your bid.” He walked off, letting her know the interview was at an end.

Pain shot through her ribs and she put her arms around her middle to ease it. Someone’s hands lifted her. Bleeth, she thought hopefully. Suddenly standing upright, she glanced behind her and saw Edwena.

“You’re not worth the trouble. You’d better do as your father says.” Edwena led her to her chamber and closed the door.

Julianna flung herself upon the bed and wept. “Oh, God help me. This is not my path.” Continuing to weep at the thought of marrying her father’s chosen groom and at the pain from the attack, she shuttered. Crying certainly wouldn’t help, she thought, drying her eyes.

Bleeth entered her chamber, stopping abruptly at the sight of her. “My lady, what happened?” He sat next to her, holding her face lightly. “He is pure evil.”

“Bleeth, please, ye must help me. I’m to leave soon for the wedding.” Julianna sobbed with each word.

“Worry not, my lady, I will send him to another realm.”

She sighed at his attempt at humor. “Be serious, Bleeth. My father intends to marry me to Lord Devlin, a monster. I must escape and go to Aunty’s.”

“I’ll make the arrangement. Rest and I shall return shortly.” Bleeth went to the basin and applied a cold cloth to her face then left the room.

Aunt Mathilda would be able to hide her until she could figure out what to do. Julianna would devise a plan to get herself to Scotland. Placing a few items in her satchel, she grabbed her letters from Sara. The letters contained Sara’s whereabouts, and since that’s where she planned to go, she didn’t want
him
to find them. Somehow she would reach the Highlands.

Her stepmother arrived sooner than anticipated and banged the chamber door upon entering. Julianna was certain her stepmother wanted to be rid of her this night.

“Your father wouldn’t beat ye if you were a good daughter. Finally …” She laughed harshly. “I will be rid of ye. You will only take what’s needed. Where is that lazy maid of yours?”

Julianna didn’t answer.

“Agnes, bring in the small trunk. We shall be done before nightfall.”

The maid, Agnes, came through the doorway, pulling a trunk behind her and set it beside Julianna’s wardrobe. Her stepmother pulled garments from the wardrobe and tossed them on the floor. Edwena had always been harsh, since she had married her father when Julianna was but seven. She would spank her for naught and would complain to her father. Julianna never understood why Edwena disliked her. Edwena deserved to be married to her father—they were two rotten apples in a basket.

Sitting beside her window, she watched her stepmother pack. It hadn’t taken long, and the horrid woman would soon leave.

“I will let your father know ye can leave sooner than expected.” With that, Edwena walked to the door, laughing in her undignified way. Agnes followed and pulled the door closed.

Julianna composed herself after Edwena left. Now she could continue with her plan. She went to her table and decided to write her father a missive in hopes he wouldn’t come after her. In her letter, she told him she would never follow his plan to marry Lord Devlin. He could keep her dowry and forget her altogether. Would that take the sting out of leaving? Hopefully, he wouldn’t come after her. Who was she deceiving? He’d come after her—she was certain. She finished the letter and sealed it with wax, then placed it upon her bed where the servants would find it.

Scampering to the hiding place where she hid her mother’s letters, she retrieved them and held them against her chest.
Mama
. Her chest tightened. There was no telling what her father would do if he were to find them. Somehow, her mother kept her real father’s identity a secret. At least Lord Bentley never let on that he knew of her parentage. With that in mind, she placed the packet inside her satchel.

While she waited for Bleeth’s return, Laila came into her chamber with opened arms. Her eyes were wet with tears. “Oh, Julianna, I cannot believe what’s happening. The servants are gossiping about your betrothal.” Laila hugged her tightly.

Julianna’s side hurt, but she bore it in front of her sister. “Don’t worry for me, Laila.” She returned her sister’s embrace. “I plan to leave this night.”

“You mustn’t worry about me. I know how to stay out of everyone’s way. You must make it to Aunty’s for both our sakes.”

“I will, Laila, and I shall return for ye as promised. It may take time, but I will.”

“It would be too dangerous.”

“I said I would come back and I shall,” Julianna said sternly.

“I must return to my chamber before Edwena finds me here.”

Julianna hugged her one last time. Laila moved through the doorway, glancing back, before closing the door.

A moment later her maid entered. “My lady, I …” Gasping, Doris couldn’t hide her dismay. “Bleeth told me what happened. He said he’d come for you at the midnight hour and to be ready.”

“Doris, pack what ye need. I’m leaving for my aunt’s keep and I shan’t leave ye here. Aunt Mathilda will be happy to see you.”

Doris wiped the edge of her eye with her sleeve. “Oh, thank ye, my lady. I’ll return soon with my things.” She left hastily.

Julianna picked up the cool cloth and placed it on her face. Exhausted and frightened, this night she would gain her freedom no matter what the cost.

The night continued getting darker and Julianna forced herself to be undaunted. She kept telling herself repeatedly to be brave. Doris returned to wait with her. Neither said a word. The later it became the more tense Julianna got. A noise in the lower bailey sounded—the time to go had come at last. She went to the window to peer below. As promised, Bleeth set the ladder against the window casement. Doris went first and reached the bottom, then held the ladder for her. She climbed down, ignoring the throbbing pain in her side.

Bleeth had disappeared. She found him by a darkened corner of the lower bailey behind the stables. He handed over Chestnut’s reins and whistled low at the vision of her face. His cheeks flushed, becoming angry at the sight. Saying nothing, he strapped her satchel to the horse’s saddle. He eyed Doris and slunk into the stable. She realized a moment later, when he returned with another mount, that she hadn’t told him Doris was coming.

They didn’t speak; to do so would send an alert. Bleeth helped her upon the mare and waited for Doris to mount her horse. When she had trouble doing so, he shoved her up and Doris gave a low shriek as she flew upward.

Bleeth whispered, “The lads will keep the guards busy. They started a fracas and it will take hours for the guards to break up the fight. They were glad to help.”

“Shhh, I don’t want to be caught,” Julianna whispered back.

“The gates haven’t been locked yet, my lady. The fight started earlier.” Bleeth dismounted once they reached the gates and opened them quietly. Fortunately the sentry was in the barracks helping to control the young soldiers.

“What would I do without ye, Bleeth?” Julianna rode on, not looking back at the place she so hated.

The night’s dark cloak shadowed the trees and no animals sounded in the woods. They reached the woods and had made good distance. Her voice echoed amongst the trees when she asked, “Bleeth, will ye be missed? Edwena will be sure to note your absence. Have you thought of an excuse?”

“I don’t plan to return, my lady.”

“Where will ye go?”

“With you,” was all he said.

They rode in silence for a while and toward morning they stopped beside a small brook to drink and eat. She could never have gotten away without Bleeth’s help. If she had an older brother, she imagined he’d be like him. She felt guilty asking so much of him, but he insisted her mother made him promise to protect her.

They continued the trek and as she traveled along, she wondered what Sara would say when she arrived. Remembering what Sara had told her the morning following her marriage made Julianna smile. Sara had preened like a cat that licked up all the cream. She wouldn’t tell her exactly what happened during the marriage act, but she let it be known that she would adore it. Julianna doubted that. Sara had found a good man, why couldn’t she?

Those thoughts scattered when she recalled the warrior. What she wouldn’t do to see him again. Even seeing him from afar would be enough. But the warrior was long gone, back to the Highlands. Though she’d searched for him the next morning after Sara’s wedding, she hadn’t found him. Many had already departed and she believed he had as well.

Their encounter was so brief and his kisses so intense; she barely remembered what they’d said. She couldn’t even recall his name. It had been so long since the encounter, but she would never forget the way he touched her. The warrior was too big, if ever he wanted to, he could kill her with one blow. But he hadn’t harmed her then. Nay, he wasn’t the sort to hurt a woman. Why she thought that, she wasn’t certain.

“Lady, watch where you’re going,” Bleeth said.

Absently riding and absorbed by her thoughts, she had veered from the path. After righting the horse, she thought about the king. She couldn’t allow him to discover her secret. If he found out, lord knew what would happen then. The stories she’d heard of his ruthlessness were enough to keep her from Londontown. He’d been cruel to his own family members. What would he do if he found out who she was? Though Julianna’s greatest wish was to marry and have a family of her own, she couldn’t risk it.

The Highlands were a great distance from Londontown and surely neither the king nor her father could find her there. She and Sara had often stayed up late disturbing the girls in their dormitory whispering about that land. Sara would tell her fascinating stories and unbelievable tales of their warriors and romantic notions. Thanks to her father’s pressure, she was now on her way.

Something came over her and sensing danger, she signaled to Bleeth. They peered into the darkness. How could someone be following so soon? But someone had to be there, she didn’t get her feeling if there wasn’t. Kicking Chestnut’s flanks caused the horse to raise her forelegs. Julianna tried to warn the others, but it was too late. Several horsemen came through the trees and rode in their direction. Chestnut got spooked and shot off. She held on for dear life for fear if she fell, she’d be at their mercy. Horses trailed behind her, but Chestnut was fast. She’d reached a good distance and directed her mare to stop next to high brush. Encased within a soft ewe, she stood quietly and waited.

Sounds of cracking leaves in the distance told her they were close.
Let them pass,
she silently prayed. Chestnut was agitated and so Julianna pinched her nostrils so she wouldn’t make any noise. With her other hand, she held her dagger.

“Where did she go?” she heard a man say.

“Who knows? Keep looking.”

“The Lord will be angry if we return without her.”

“What do we do with the others?”

“We’ll take them back and let the lord decide.”

“He only told us to bring the lady back.”

“We better find her. We cannot return without her.”

The men rode away and she released Chestnut’s nose. Her mare’s nostrils fluttered and Julianna backed up. The men, well beyond her now, couldn’t hear her when she lunged through the thick brush, hell-bent to get as far away as she could.

Disheartened that Doris and Bleeth hadn’t gotten away, she had to think of her own safety. She hadn’t recognized the men as her father’s knights, but they could have been new to his service. Her father couldn’t have known she’d left unless he’d had her watched. Why then would he let her get so far?

As the night wore on, Julianna became lulled by the horse’s movement. She had to be alert, but sleep came upon her and she stopped to rest. Chestnut was secured to a tree branch and she found a nice spot of soft grass where she fell asleep as soon as she lay.

A lapwing’s shrill from the trees above startled her awake. She’d jumped up and hit her head on the tree above. Things kept getting worse. A stream of blood trickled down her forehead. She pulled a cloth from her sleeve and wiped it away. Though Julianna was a lady of all modesty, she couldn’t help cursing at her rotten luck.

When she walked to the opposite side of Chestnut, someone touched her arm. She screamed.

“Sorry, my lady. Are ye hurt?”

“Nay, you scared me, Bleeth. How did ye get away?” She hugged him, so happy that he was safe, that she almost knocked him backward.

“My skills have improved. I had nothing to do when ye were away at the convent. I practiced.” He helped her up onto Chestnut’s back.

“Doris?” He shook his head. “I hope she is unharmed. Mayhap we should go back for her?”

Bleeth adamantly shook his head. “’Tis too risky. We have to trust your father wouldn’t harm a mere maid. Let us get to your aunt’s.”

The sky lightened enough for them to continue, though it appeared it would rain. Fortunately the rain held off and the ride was uneventful. Julianna was exhausted and in need of medicinal aid. Aunty would take care of her. The closer they came to her aunt’s the more her spirits rose.

She was hesitant to ride through the gate, because she wasn’t sure if her father had sent someone to fetch her. They rode to the back wall and entered through the back gate. The guard acknowledged her, giving her a welcome.

As they rode between the cottages, she searched for anyone she didn’t recognize. “Do ye see the men who tried to abduct me?”

Bleeth led the way to the stable. “I’m certain they went directly to Lord Bentley. Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” He helped her off Chestnut and took her reins.

Julianna walked as swiftly as she could to the keep. Inside, there stood Aunty, wiping her hands on her apron, looking as cheery as ever.

“Dearest, what brings ye? Have ye come for a visit?” Aunty huffed when she noticed her face. “What happened?” She clucked and immediately helped her stand.

She wrapped her arms around her aunt’s slim frame. “I’ll tell ye, but first I need to hide.”

Mathilda wore her dark hair wrapped in a knot, her warm brown eyes smiled and her face always reflecting love.

“Ye should give your uncle a kiss hello. He’s missed ye and asks daily when you’ll come.”

“I cannot let Uncle Walden see me. Can we go to a chamber, I need to lie down?”

“Let us get ye hidden.”

Walking through the small keep that was more home than any place, Julianna looked admiringly at the banners hanging on the walls. The rushes were replaced once a week, on the sixth day. Aunty had certain ways concerning the care of her home and made it comforting. As they walked along, her aunt directed servants to ready a bath and bring food.

Julianna walked through the doorway of the chamber and turned to face her aunt. “He did it! He arranged a marriage to a lord named Devlin. He all but said I should behave or be beaten. I cannot marry him. My father truly detests me. He’ll come looking for me. What am I to do?”

Mathilda hugged her. “Worry not, my sweet lambkin, ye can hide here. Your father wouldn’t dare intrude on this place. My husband has many allies and a large army. Bentley is wary, especially since Walden is related to the Scots. Why did he beat ye?”

“I refused to marry the lord he chose.”

“My goodness, he’s a vicious man. Let us get ye cleaned and I’ll take care of your wounds.”

After Julianna was bathed, dressed in nightclothes, her wounds tended to, and fed, Aunty tucked her into bed. “Get rest and I’ll return later.”

“I forgot to mention that Bleeth came with me. He’s probably in the stables. Will you get him?”

“Of course, sleep well.”

Julianna had placed many people in jeopardy so she could escape her father and the worries of the king. Was it worth all this trouble? Perhaps she should have stayed and married the monster. She’d made the decision and would have to abide by it. Somehow she had to find an escort to the Highlands. Then her aunt and uncle would be safe if her father sent inquiries. She fell asleep with thoughts of green grass, purple heather fields and the sunshine on her face.

Fitful sleep came, and with it dream upon dream. The warrior lifted her in his arms and kissed her. She felt light and airy as though she floated on a cloud. His strong arms carried her … She didn’t have a care because his warm, wet mouth settled on hers and a low groan came from her lips.

“Aye, kiss me,” she mumbled in her sleep. Awaking with a start, she realized her aunt’s hound was licking her lips. “Uggg, be gone, beast.” She wiped the slobber away and giggled when the hound licked her face again. “Brutus, cease.” Pushing him off, she heard Aunty’s and Bleeth’s laughter from across the chamber.

“I told ye Brutus would awaken her,” Bleeth said.

“Are ye feeling better?” Aunty asked.

“Aye, Aunty. Good morn to ye both.”

Bleeth yanked her covers. “Good noon. You’ve been sleeping for two days.”

“Ye need to rise and move about or you’ll become a stiff old woman like me. Your bruises aren’t as dark and the swelling has receded. Why don’t ye go see Walden?” Aunty shoved Bleeth through the doorway.

Julianna rose and dressed. Aunty had told the most boldfaced lie when she said the swelling receded on her face, but she’d have to face her uncle sooner or later. She left the room and went in search of him.

Uncle Walden, a dear man near to age sixty, often forgot things, and she worried for him. He loved to fish and could usually be found by the water. Many times they’d chased the fish away with their chatter, when she’d attended him. She spotted him as she neared the large lake beyond their home. He slept on his side along the bank. Not wanting to disturb him, she turned and headed back to the keep. She found her aunt in the kitchen, directing the servants.

“Aunty, Uncle is sleeping. I didn’t awaken him.”

“Sit here beside me, dearest. I’ve been thinking about your problem. I have friends in the Highlands that ye can stay with. You would be safe there until you can return.”

“That was my very thought.”

Her aunt smiled and went back to rolling dough. “I’ll arrange it then.”

*****

The following weeks Julianna recuperated and prepared for the long journey. She put off leaving because she wanted to spend time with her family. Once she left, she wouldn’t likely return for a long time. She took afternoon walks behind the keep, staying close to the walls. The evenings spent with Aunty and Uncle, and Bleeth, playing their favorite games, reminded her of her childhood. No one had come from Bentley’s manor yet. Her father knew she’d flee to Aunty’s and she wondered why he hadn’t sent anyone. She couldn’t avoid the journey to Scotland much longer.

Julianna awoke when Aunty knocked at the door and came inside.

“Dearest, dress yourself. I have news. We’ll meet in my solar.” Aunty left the chamber with her faithful hound following.

Juliana tossed aside the blankets and put her feet upon the cold floor. She loved this place; leaving would be difficult. After she dressed and washed, she tidied the room. When she stepped into the hall, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the stairway. Men’s deep burrs rose from the hall. Her uncle greeted guests, and she heard his bellowed greetings. She’d have to stay hidden now. Approaching Aunty’s solar; she slipped inside, not bothering to knock. Memories flooded her, but her attention drew to Aunty’s voice and the boy who stood beside her.