Knight

A commotion in the court yard had Lady Patricia scurrying to see what was happening. Chicken's squawked their protest as a young page darted toward the great hall. Opening the huge oak doors, Patricia stopped just in time to avoid colliding with the boy. 1

"What is it Sedric?" 2

"They're coming!" he exclaimed breathlessly. "They're coming m'Lady." 3

"I told you they'd come." This coming from behind her. 4

"So you did Sir Gerald. But you don't have to look so smug," she replied as she turned to watch the drawbridge being lowered. 5

The captain of the guard, Sir Gerald of Hambleton, was her oldest and dearest friend. More an older brother then man-at-arms, they had shared everything including the death of her father. He taught her to ride, wield a sword, fire a bow with the accuracy of a Welsh bowmen and handle a sgian dhu; the small black knife she carried in her boot. Patricia loved the gentle warrior who regarded her as an equal in all things. Together they had maintained her father's lands and castle and fought side by side in battle. The last of which found Sir Gerald injured and laying face down with his attacker ready to deliver the fatal blow. Turning with sword in hand, Patricia had dispatched his attacker without hesitation. The next six weeks were spent nursing him back to health. 6

Now they found themselves involved in a new struggle. One they could not win alone. But aid was about to enter the court yard of castle Raven's View in the form of Lords David of Lands End and Joseph of York. 7

Both men had fostered with Lord John, Patricia's father, at the age of ten. The threesome finding adventure and mischief at every turn. On more then one occasion Lord John had proclaimed them the devil's own. 8

In the weeks to come they would need every bit of that reputation and more, to defeat their enemy, Sir Kenneth of Lockhaven. Lockhaven was the son of a merchant who was determined to become the richest man in the realm by manufacturing steel for weapons. He was buying every piece of land available. Throwing off the tenants, deforesting every acre and filling the air with the smoke from his furnaces. Recently he had made an offer for Raven's View, threatened its people and Lady Patricia. At the time Sir Gerald was still nursing his wounds, leaving Sir Clive, second in command, the pleasure of tossing Sir Kenneth out on his ear. But he vowed to return with a vengeance. 9

As Patricia made her way toward the gate, men on horseback emerged through the portcullis. In the lead, Lords David and Joseph. 10

Standing with hands planted on her hips, Patricia watched as both men dismounted and came toward her. Mischief danced in her eyes though her features remained stern. Both men bowed their greeting, but it was David who took her hand first. Always his elegant and charming self, he kissed the back of her hand. 11

"M'Lady, your beauty is, as always a welcoming sight." 12

"David, stop! Save your charming words for your lady wife," she replied. "Ah . . . Joseph, so good to see you again, it has been far too long." 13

Joseph stepped forward wrapping his arm around her. "Pat, you sinful wench, let me carry you off to the tower and keep you prisoner for a fortnight or two." 14

"Unhand me you rogue! Or I'll have to teach you a lesson or two." 15

He kissed her cheek and released her with a hardy laugh. "You never change Pat, that's what I like about you. Forever the Warrior Princess," 16

he chuckled. 17

Cheeks flaming bright red, she gave him a shove and moved past him to David who was offering her his arm. "Come m'Lords, we have much to discuss and very little time to plan. Sir Clive, please tell Mrs. Wills to prepare chambers for our guests and see to their men as well. When you finish, would you be so kind as to meet with us in the great hall?" 18

"As you wish, m'Lady," he replied as he bowed and hurried off to complete his task. 19

They entered the hall to find servants scurrying to set out food and drink for the Lady of the castle and her guests. Sir Gerald followed in their wake then seated himself next to Lord David. 20

"It's good to see you again, Gerald. And in good health as well," he said with a sly smile, knowing the story of his rescue." 21

"Aye, thanks to m'Lady. I had always wondered if it were wise to teach her the skills of a warrior.I no longer wonder." he said with a wink. 22

As food was being served they traded war stories and enjoyed each other's company. Soon Sir Clive entered the hall and joined them in the meal. Rising from his chair, Lord David offered a toast. 23

"To m'Lady, a most charming and lovely hostess." 24

The other men joined the toast and finished their drink. 25

"Thank you, David, for your kind words. But we have more pressing matters at hand. Lockhaven has threatened my people and my lands." 26

"And you!" added Gerald. 27

"I know, my friend," she replied softly. "I am not worried about my own health, it is my people who concern me most." 28

"If he touches you I'll kill him!" Gerald's blood began to boil. 29

"Gerald, please. We must keep out heads or we are defeated before we begin." 30

" Aye, m'Lady. My apologies." 31

Patricia smiled at the gentle warrior then continued. "Lockhaven threatens to take me as hostage and seize my lands. Gerald has placed two guards on me at all times. And I carry two knives wherever I go. I am well protected," she added. 32

But before another word was spoken a cry went up from the battlement. "FIRE! FIRE in the fields!" came the cry. 33

They ran to the windows that looked out over the castle walls. 34

"My God! It's begun already. That bastard has fired the fields," she murmured. 35

Flames licked at the night's sky like pagan worshipers. People screamed and ran in all directions as horsemen darted between cottages with torches in hand, setting their roofs aflame. 36

Dashing through the court yard, the men made their way to the stable, just as horses were being lead out. Suddenly, Joseph turned toward Patricia. 37

"And where do you think you're going woman?" 38

"With you, of course!" she shouted. 39

"Pat, this could be a trap. I want you safe. Going into battle is one thing, being caught off guard is another." She started to protest. "Please, Pat, stay here. Just this one time." 40

She nodded her agreement and stood aside. As the men rode off through the gates she prayed for their safe return. "God's speed." 41

Hours later, the fire extinguished and only a few men injured, the warriors returned to the castle. There was an eerie silence. Torches flickering along the bailey walls were the only movement to be found. 42

"Something's amiss," whispered Gerald. 43

There was a sudden movement in the shadows. A boy. Sir Clive rushed forward and grabbed the child by the arm. 44

"Sedric! What are you doing?" he questioned. 45

Trembling with fear the boy spoke in a whisper. "Hiding Sir. I was only hiding." 46

"Hiding from what." This from David. 47

"The men m'Lord. The men who took her." 48

"Took who?" asked Joseph. 49

"M'Lady! They took her!" came his tearful reply. 50

To be continued. 51

P.M. Williams 52

© 200153