Knight..... Part III

Clinging to Joseph as they rode to Sir Gerald's encampment, Patricia felt her stomach roll and knot. She closed her eyes in hopes that the feeling would pass, and was grateful when they came to a stop in front of her tent. Joseph handed her down to the waiting arms of Sir Clive. 1

"Take her inside and have Lady Catherine see to her," he ordered. 2

"Aye, m'Lord. Lady Catherine is waiting and I've posted a guard on her tent," replied Sir Clive. 3

"Good work, Clive." 4

"Thank you, m'Lord," he said, carrying his weary burden to the tent. 5

"God's bones!" cried Catherine. "What has that bastard done to you?" 6

"Catherine, I'm fine. Food and a bath will put me to rights in no time." 7

As servants prepared the bath, Catherine brushed out Patricia's hair and wrapped her in a clean towel. She cringed at the sight of her back when Patricia moved to step into the tub. Catherine had seen those marks before. Her husband Aaron carried the same ugly whip-marks, receiving them after being caught and accused of spying while on campaign in the Middle East. 8

Lost in thought, Catherine didn't hear Patricia order her breeches, boots and chain mail be brought in. But when the maid entered the tent carrying nothing but man's clothing, she gasped. 9

"What are you thinking? You can't go out there. You'll be killed!" she exclaimed. 10

Placing her hand on her friend's shoulder and with a gentle voice, Patricia explained why this was as much her fight as it was the others. 11

"Can't you see? These are my people, my lands. My men may lose heart if I'm not there. How can I ask them to fight when I hide here in this tent like a frightened child? I must show them that I have faith in them and my beliefs. Have no fear," she continued, "I am well-trained and have justice on my side. " 12

"Be careful?" pleaded Catherine. 13

Patricia just smiled as she turned to her maid. "Have Sedric brought to me. I'll have no other squire," she announced. 14

Feeling honored and very grown up, Sedric helped his Lady don the trappings of a warrior. When they finished Patricia turned and placed her hand on the young boys arm. 15

"Sedric, you did a fine and brave thing for me this day. And for that I make you my squire. You will take charge of my armor and weapons, and when we return to Raven's View, you will begin your training with Sir Clive." 16

Sedric stood stock-still, eyes big as saucers and his chin nearly touching the floor. Patricia waited for a reply while she gently tapped his chin with her fingertips. 17

"Close your mouth lad, before you catch a fly. " 18

His mouth snapped shut and he blinked his eyes, "m... m'Lady, a boon please?" 19

Patricia chuckled, "A boon is it? I make you my squire and you still ask a boon. Okay young squire Sedric, name it," she commanded. 20

"Not for me m'Lady; the lads. They were brave too and if not for their help..." 21

She stopped him with a nod, "Aye lad. If all goes well I shall grant them a boon." 22

Moments later, the Lady Warrior and her squire walked proudly through the compound heading for the command tent. As she leaned stiffly to enter, Patricia felt the blood drain from her face as still raw flesh chafed against her clothes. The cuts and burses that covered her face hid her pain well, but some still noticed. 23

Before anyone could protest, Sir Gerald came forward and took her hand in his. He above all, knew full well that her warriors pride and her female feelings would not countenance anything but respect for her skills in battle. 24

"M'Lady," he said as he leaned over her hand to place a kiss. "We are honored to have you join us." 25

"Thank you, Sir Gerald. I am also honored to be here with these brave men. I pray you will understand my reasons for being here." 26

The others followed Gerald's lead and greeted her before they all settled down to confer on their plan of attack. 27

In the hours that followed, word arrived that most of the castle's inhabitants had fled, not wishing to support Lockhaven nor do battle with the Lady Warrior. This left only one hundred and fifty of Lockhaven's henchmen. 28

"This news changes everything," said Patricia. "I want to leave the castle intact if possible." 29

"m"Lady?" whispered Sedric. 30

"Yes lad, speak up," she replied with a bit of surprise. 31

"I have an idea," he said shyly. 32

The men began to protest until David halted them with his hand. "Let's hear the lad out. The young squire had used excellent planning before. I'd like to hear what he has to say." 33

They listened to the boy's simple plan and agreed that it would work well. 34

"I like this," said Joseph. "With little bloodshed and surprise on our side, Lockhaven could be well in hand by dawn. We'll form seven groups," he went on. "Each moving in a different direction with the main force attacking the great hall where most of his men will be asleep." 35

Just then a guard entered the tent. "m'Lords, the lad you have requested is here," he announced. 36

Tommy entered the tent with a bit of trepidation. Thinking he might be in some kind of trouble, his hands were busily wringing the hat he carried while he kept his head bowed. 37

"Tommy, I have summoned you here to ask a great favor," said Patricia. "No one here will think ill of you if you refuse my request. I am honored that you chose to help young Sedric this day and I owe you a great debt.. Will you help us now?" 38

Chewing his lower lip, Tommy raised his eyes to hers and nodded. Patricia smiled at him and for Tommy, a stable lad with no future to speak of, the world became a brighter place. 39

Patricia turned to her friends and companions... 40

"Well Gentlemen, shall we begin?"41