The Knight and The Healer: A Medieval Romance (9 page)
Read The Knight and The Healer: A Medieval Romance Online
Authors: Lorna Benson
Beth finished putting the dishes from dinner away. More often than not, she would eat at the main table in the keep. But, on Wednesdays, she would eat at home focusing instead on the night to come. Beth knew in an hour or two, Mal would quietly sneak into her home and up the stairs to her bedroom. No one knew this night was reserved for incredible pleasure for the two of them. The secret of their affair added a touch of spice to their lovemaking.
Beth was very protective of her reputation, and Mal had agreed to keep these rendezvous a secret. She didn't know if she was driven by lust or by love, she did know Wednesday nights had become her favorite night of the week.
Upstairs, she lit a single taper and spread the bed with the softest of furs. She slowly undressed and stood naked in the middle of the room for a brief moment enjoying the beauty of her body. She knew he would not be long now.
She heard the sound of her front door slowly opening. In her mind's eye, she could see him dropping pieces of his clothing, step by step as he mounted the stairs. She could hear the stairs creaking as he neared the top. She could feel the heat of her arousal as she stood, waiting.
Suddenly, there he was wearing a broad smile and nothing else. She walked toward him with her arms extended. No one spoke. They silently embraced, his erection rubbing against her abdomen. He kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth. Both were already breathing hard. He hugged her with a fierceness that almost hurt. She took his hand and led him to the bed.
As they laid side by side, Mal gently caressed her breasts, after a few moments, he began focusing on her erect nipples, first with his fingers and now with the heat of his mouth. She reached down and began stroking his erection, occasionally she would gently grasp his testicles causing him to moan with pleasure.
Now Mal reached between her legs entering her with a single finger. He began to tickle her clit causing her hips to begin moving toward his hand. She whispered, "more" in his ear. And finally "Take me now."
He rolled onto her pliant body and she guided him into her vagina. She felt filled with his cock. "Oh, God, this is so good. Don't stop". His hips drove him deeper and deeper into the wonderfulness of her hot, wet pudenda. She raised a leg placing it on his shoulder. This had the magical effect of opening her more and he responded with even greater thrusting. She could feel her orgasm just moments away and she cried out. He was only a few beats behind her.
Exhausted, they laid side by side holding hands on the small bed. Their ritual involved resting briefly while each recovered and then repeating the exercise in a much slower and more deliberate fashion.
"I received some good news today, or at least, I hope it is good news. One of my men, Melchoir Dunlay, wrote me a note telling me he thinks he has discovered my broadsword 'Intrepid' and its whereabouts. So Morgan, a few others and I will leave in the morn to retrieve it. Apparently, it is currently in the hands of a known thief, Jens Burnett, and his gang."
"Why can't Sir Morgan and the others simply retrieve it for you? You've only just recovered from two attacks and a fever. You are way too frail to go adventuring." Tears were forming in her eyes. "As your healer, I strongly advise against your going. In fact, if I had the power to stop you, I would."
"Well, my darling, it is a matter of honor. These might well be the bastards who ambushed me originally. I have never asked another knight to fight my battles for me and I won't start now. I know I am not at full strength, but I'll be careful. My healer doesn't need to worry."
"Goddamn it, you stupid man." She retorted angrily. "It's not just your healer; it is your lover who fears for you. Don't you understand your love of danger is why I can't entertain any ideas of a long-term relationship or even marriage? I have already buried one husband and I will not bury another if I can help it. You had best go and save your strength, you may need it." She jumped from the bed, grabbed a smock and hurried down the stairs and out into her garden. He could hear her sobbing as she descended the stairs.
Mal was at a loss. His relationships with women had been largely casual. But, this was different. His feelings for Beth knew no limits. She was constantly on his mind. He couldn't wait to share with her the events of his day, however trivial. His heart literally ached to have caused her such grief. But, how to make amends? Should he leave her be, crying in her garden? Or, should he try to comfort her.
He quickly dressed and entered her garden. She was sitting on the bench under the rose-covered arch. Her knees were drawn up to her chest and, it was clear, she still was crying.
"May I approach you?"
Beth nodded yes.
Mal knelt before her and took her hands in his. "You have no idea how much it pains me to see you cry. To know I am the reason makes it even worse. Perhaps if I explain, it might make a difference. When I was a young boy about 7, my father, a famous knight in his own right, decided I should become a knight, too. To that end, I was sent to Castle Klayloch to begin my training. Of course, I missed my parents tremendously. But, over the years, first my mother and then my father died. I became adopted by Paul's parents. I don't tell you this for sympathy. I have had a good life."
"I want to tell you about 'Intrepid'. My father, at his passing, had willed the sword to me and it was sent to Castle Klayloch to await the day of my ascendance to knighthood. It is even engraved with my family's clan name. So I have a special connection with the sword, and when I lost it in the woods during the attack, I was devastated. Early in my recovery, I dispatched two of my best spies to see if they could learn anything about its disappearance. Finally, they think they have found it.
"So you see, I have no choice but to retrieve it. Honor requires it."
Beth was staring at the ground silently. Finally, she spoke. "I have no right to feel as I do. You are a free man and are free to do as you wish. Unfortunately, and I mean unfortunately, I find my feelings for you have grown way past your role as a willing sex partner. I love you but I can't have you.
"You are the Lion of the North. You cut a broad swath through life doing just about anything you feel like, including bedding maidens along the way. You routinely risk your life for your clan and I know that is the way of the knight. I didn't expect to become another broken heart in your wake, and that is my fault. I thought, because it is so wonderful, I could separate the sex from the emotion. I can't.
"I must protect myself. I have no family, save my uncle. While I do make an income from my inheritance, I am not content to just wait for the money to arrive. So developing my practice as a healer is very important to me. Your remarkable healing powers have given me a reputation as something as a miracle healer so many are now seeking me out. For that I am grateful.
"But, there is more to my life than healing. You have shown me what I missed in my marriage to Sir David. I need to find this feeling, this all-consuming feeling of love without having to fear you have been lost is some battle or other. I told you I buried one husband. I have no interest in burying another. I doubt I could survive it.
"So, go with my blessings and fetch your precious sword. I understand. But this night marks the end of our relationship, Mal. Like a moth to a flame, I flew too close and got burned. In time, I'm sure I'll recover. You have opened my heart to love and, God willing, I will find it again someday. I do love you with all my heart and I will pray for your continued successes in the battlefield. But, I hope you understand, I must step away."
"I wish, Beth, things were different."
"So do I."
Mal squeezed her hands, stood and walked away.
Given the brightness outside at high noon, the inside of the "Goat" seemed even darker than usual. The pungent smell of alcohol, body odor, and stale food permeated the air. The four tall men walked in together. Mal, Morgan, Miles Fletcher and Percival de Lorris quickly moved to the rear of the tavern and took seats at a large table for six flush against the back wall.
It was clear the four knew each other well, they were laughing exuding a sense of camaraderie. Each was quickly delivered a pint of ale and shared a basket of fried bread. Mal and Miles started as pages together and became special friends during many years of training. Percival and Mal connected as knights fighting in the same battles over the years. These four were among the most powerful knights in the kingdom, each creating a reputation of their own.
"So where are your boys, Mal?" Sir Percival asked.
"They'll be along in a few minutes, Percy. They are making sure we weren't followed. In fact, here they come now." Two plainly dressed men worked their way to the table. "Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Melchoir Dunlay and Gavin McBee." Mal introduced the men to the three knights. "Melchoir, what do you have to report?"
"Well, Sir, Gavin and I heard rumors that a man named Tage Sherin was bragging to just about anybody who would listen he had come into possession of a two-handed broadsword that was highly decorated. If it is 'Intrepid' and it sounds like it is, it isn't clear how he came to own it. Since he is no knight, it is an unlikely weapon for him to have. It didn't take us long to find that he is the chief lieutenant to Jens Burnett. You may have heard rumors Burnett runs a crime family of outlaws specializing in robbery and pillage.
"We were able to locate their camp and put it under observation. We watched it for five days and nights. There was quite a bit of traffic with mostly male visitors coming and going. At the most, there would be fifteen to eighteen eating, drinking and spending the night. Some nights, however, the number was as low as six or seven. Burnett seemed to be there constantly. He was given deference by the visitors. He was always accompanied by a man fitting Sherin's description. The camp itself is about a half mile from the southern shore of Loch Barken hidden in Benson Woods."
Mel addressed the group, "I have a simple plan, men. But, I may need your assistance. I will go to the camp and see if this Sherin will meet with me. I'll ask to see the sword and if it is mine, I will offer a fair price to buy it. If he sells, I'll take the sword and leave. If, as seems more likely, he declines my offer, I will take the sword by force.
"But, before I enter their camp," Mel continued "I want to strategically surround the place with you men. On my signal, you will appear in full battle garb from all directions. I would not expect much resistance. But, if we do, we have Sir Paul's blessing to take them out. I sense he hopes that will be the outcome. Are you game?"
Morgan was the first to answer. "It sounds like fun to me and I know how you value 'Intrepid' so count me in." The other two quickly agreed.
It was first light. The chill of fall was definitely in the air when the squad of six gathered at the Castle Klayloch stables. Each man was fully attired in armor and were mounted on their battle horses. The two squires were equipped with gear from the Castle's armory. They were a combination of worried and excited. They had not spent much time with such famous knights and it was hard not to be a bit intimidated.
Melchoir Dunlay rode up on a small chestnut gelding and inquired of Mal if they were ready to go. Mal assured him they were so with Dunlay in the lead the party started off to the left, leaving the roadway in about 200 yards. He led them single file off to the right and up into the pine tree forest. For the first hour or so, they followed game trails in a mostly northern direction. Their speed was a leisurely walk accompanied by the metallic sound of pieces of armor rubbing together.
After about two hours following the winding game trails through the heavy woods, Gavin McBee appeared on foot at the top of a hill the parties were climbing.
"They are preparing a meal, you can smell the meat cooking. There appears to be eight men in camp this morning. I saw the two leaders talking only 20 minutes ago. It's time to take your attack positions. I'll lead you, one by one, to your posts. I'll start with you, sir." He took Sir Miles Fletcher's horse by its bridle and quietly circled to the left. In a few minutes, he returned for Sir Percy's mount and led it circling to the right. "Alright, Sir Percy is directly opposite us hidden in the brush." Finally, he led the two squires together to the right flank of the campsite. That left Mal and Morgan directly south of the camp. They could smell the wood smoke in the air.
'Remember, if I yell "To Me" come charging with your swords high." Mal whispered."
"Hello, the camp," he shouted." I am coming in." He slowly walked Black forward fifty feet into a clearing. As he entered the site, he was met by two armed men, standing side by side. The remainder of the men watched from near the makeshift shelters in the trees.
"And who are you, Sir Knight?" Burnett asked.
"I am Sir Malcolm McIvor, the Constable of Castle Klayloch. Who might you be?"
"My name is Jens Burnett and I am in charge here."
"I am looking for Tage Sherin, I heard he was here."
The tall, black-bearded ruffian standing beside Burnett answered. "I am Sherin. What business do you have with me?"
"I hear you have a broadsword for sale. I tell you up front, I don't care about its provenience. May I see the sword, please?"
A cagey look crossed Sherin's face. "I may have such a sword but I am not sure I am willing to sell the weapon."
Sensing a confrontation, Burnett moved his hand to the hilt of his scabbarded blade. His feet shifted to a more aggressive position.
"I've come a long way to see this special sword you have. At least, let me look at. It may not be what I seek, after all."
Sherin shrugged and walked into the largest shanty. In a moment, he returned with a long weapon wrapped in a white sheet. He boldly stood ten feet from the mounted Mal and slowly unwrapped the sword.
It was 'Intrepid'. Mal was momentarily stunned. "The sword looks serviceable. How much are you asking?"
"Make me an offer."
"I can pay you 100 silver pieces today."
Sherin scoffed, "You are not even close to what it is worth. If you can't do better, we can just call it a day."
"What do you want?
I want 500 pieces today and the price goes up tomorrow."
"TO ME" Mal shouted and on command, each hidden knight suddenly appeared surrounding the camp. "I'll give you a counter offer since the sword rightfully belongs to me. It is my 'Intrepid'. Surrender the sword and you and your friends will live another day."
"Go to hell, you rat bastard. I thought I killed you before and now I'll finish the task."
Mal drew his sword as he spurred Black forward. He charged to the left of Burnett who was struggling with his weapon. With a swift blow, he hit the hapless Burnett on his neck nearly decapitating him. Instantly, Burnett was twitching on the ground spurting blood from his wound.
‘Intrepid’ was five feet long and was very heavy. It was designed to be used with two hands. When swung with power, it would pierce the strongest metal plate. Sherin made the fatal choice to use it as his weapon. He failed to account for how heavy the sword was and he was losing his balance trying to swing the weapon. Terror flashed in his eyes as Morgan was quickly on him. He rapidly joined his partner on the ground pumping blood.
The entire encounter took less than thirty seconds. In the next thirty seconds, the remaining gang members, shocked and now leaderless, were clamoring to surrender.
Mal dismounted and, with years of practice, skillfully placed 'Intrepid' in its rightful scabbard.
He ordered the two squires, somewhat shaken by what they had seen, to search each of the now prisoners for hidden weapons. Each man was to find his own horse, mount the horse and have their hands tied in front of them. Mal warned the squires if any of the men escaped their bondage, the squire who tied him would have to answer to Mal.
"Sir Percival, would you supervise searching the huts for anything of value? These men have forfeited any claim to personal property. I expect you'll find money in Burnett and Sherin's hut. We'll divide the spoils back at Castle Klayloch. Burn the huts when you are done. Take the lead and have the squires put their prisoners in the dungeon under the keep. I'll see you at Klayloch."
With those final instructions, Mal and Morgan began the return at a trot.