Knght... Part IV

The early hours before dawn found Lady Patricia and Sir Clive mounted on warhorses, as were several other men, disguised as Lords and Knights. Behind them stood one hundred men, ready to lay siege to castle Lockhaven. 1

Even in the dim morning light, the gray stone walls that rose up before them showed the scars of previous battles. Patricia wondered how many others had come to this place seeking revenge. Lockhaven's enemies spread far and wide and she knew none would mourn his passing. 2

As the hour drew closer, Patricia raised her hands to the men along side her, then bowing her head, sent up a fervent prayer to God, asking for deliverance. 3

"God, please see us through this battle and watch over our friends and loved ones. Amen." 4

"Amen," her men whispered. 5

She lifted her head and looked to her men with a questioning nod. Each and every one replied. 6

"LOCKHAVEN!" she bellowed. "Show your face you mangy cur!" 7

They waited, but not for long. The cry, "To arms!" went up behind the castle walls. 8

Inside the great hall, men were waking to the shouts, but as they made for their weapons they stopped in surprise to find them gone and a group of armed men standing guard over them. Sir Gerald quickly took command. 9

"Remove your boots and breeches, and leave them where they fall. When you are finished, move to the corner and kindly take a seat on the floor." 10

Their captives just stared at each other in bewilderment. 11

"NOW! I say!" Gerald shouted. 12

Men hurried to obey, tossing their clothes aside, then moving half-naked to sit in the corner. Sir Gerald smiled at the sight. 13

"Men have such ugly legs," he said to his men. "Give me a buxom wench with thick thighs and a plump arse and I'm a happy man," he chuckled. "Sir James, have your men gather those breeches and burn them. And pile the boots near the window." 14

"Aye, Sir," came the reply. 15

The hearth fire caught and flared as the new fuel was added. Outside, the billowing smoke was seen as a signal that the hall was secure. Inwardly, Patricia smiled. 16

"LOCKHAVEN! Get out here, you bastard son of a pig!" she bellowed once more. "Tis just like you to keep a Lady waiting!" 17

"I see no Lady," Lockhaven shouted from the battlements a moment later. "I see nothing but a 'Bitch' playing at being a man. And a bad act as well!" 18

"I don't play, you Bastard!" Patricia replied. "Come down here and fight me, man to man." 19

"I dare say you've got the balls, but you'll have to show me first," came his taunt. 20

"You may have been born a man, Lockhaven, but you lost your balls long ago," she continued. "I hear tales of you crying like a babe in battle." 21

Deep inside the castle walls, Sedric and Tommy guided Lords David and Joseph through the maze of passageways, systematically clearing each floor with little resistance. In their wake they left the enemy bound and half naked. When they regrouped outside the great hall, twenty armed men who were attempting to gain access through the bolted doors met them. 22

"May we be of assistance?" asked Joseph sarcastically. 23

The men turned to face the intruders. The clang of metal against metal rang out through the hall. David battled a large Scott whose claymore was far too long for such close quarters. His blows were brutal nonetheless, and David had his hands full. Meanwhile, Joseph fought two equally-sized men just outside the doorway. He thrust and parried until finally wounding one man, then went on the attack with the other. Three more lunges were all it took for Joseph to disarm him, and a solid punch to the jaw sent him hard against the wall. The man's head snapped back with a thud; then his limp body slowly slid to the floor. The fray nearly over, Joseph saw David fending-off the big Scott and charged to his aid. As the huge man turned, Joseph got his first good look at him. 24

"Ahhhh . . . Shit!" he yelled, lifting his broad sword to deflect the claymore aimed at his head. The huge Scott raised his sword for a second time when David came up behind him and placed a dagger at his throat. 25

"Drop it or you're a dead man," threatened David. 26

But the Scott wouldn't be stopped so easily. Grabbing David's, arm he threw him to the floor, then landing on top of him. Joseph jumped in, and the three began to wrestle. Over and over they rolled, when suddenly, there was a thud and a crash. Everything stopped. Over them stood Tommy, holding the broken remains of a flowerpot. 27

Outside, challenge not met, Patricia was still shouting. "Come down and fight me, you coward!" 28

"Why don't you come in, then we can continue what we started in my chamber?" replied snide Lockhaven. 29

Sir Clive's blood began to boil. "Hold your tongue when you speak to m'Lady, or I'll cut it out for you!" yelled Clive. 30

"Enough!" Patricia screamed. "I'll make you a bargain, Lockhaven. You and I, one on one, winner takes all." 31

"Deal! You may enter with ten men. My word on a fair fight," he called back. 32

"You'll forgive me not accepting your word. Make it twenty," came the challenge. 33

"Done!" 34

As Patricia and escort waited for the gates to open, she spied more smoke lofting skyward and knew her men had penetrated the castle. So far, their plan was working. All they needed was time, and now she meant to provide it. Ahead of them, iron gates opened and in moments the small troop was passing through the portcullis. 35

Inside the courtyard waited Sir Kenneth and fifty of his men, all clad in armor and well armed. Patricia and Clive dismounted, then walked into the circle of men. 36

"Welcome to Lockhaven again, m'Lady," said Kenneth, sarcastically, as he bowed. 37

"There was no welcome the first time, and nor would I have expected one," she said with a stern voice. "Are you ready to die?" 38

"Oh, I think not." 39

So saying, Kenneth drew his sword and went on the attack. Patricia managed to unsheathe her sword and blocked his assault. Regaining her balance, she met each thrust then countered with her own. They moved within the circle of men. Surprised by her skill, their attention was riveted on the fight. Some were silently cheering her on. 40

Lack of size and strength was replaced with skill and daring. Patricia's attacks were bold, and her stratagem that of a seasoned warrior. Sir Gerald had taught her well. 41

Her attacks pushed him into corners and obstacles. The crowd of men moved along with them, but none attempted to interfere. 42

Because Kenneth had always paid mercenaries to do his fighting, his sword skills were weak. It was all he could do to fend-off the lady warrior. He was tiring, and frustration began to show. Patricia would give no quarter. She taunted and challenged him until he could take no more. Suddenly, Kenneth kicked out at her feet, making Patricia stumble. She landed hard on her back, knocking the air from her lungs. 43

Both hands on the hilt of his weapon, Lockhaven raised his sword high over his head and moved in for the kill. Not a sound was heard as everyone held his breath. 44

Then it came, moving through the air like a shooting-star. Twirling end over end, and landing with a sickening thud. 45

Lockhaven's body jerked, but stood still. His eyes popped open and his mouth formed a startled "o". For long moments the world stood frozen in time. 46

Knowing his wound was fatal Kenneth took firm hold of his sword and aimed for Patricia's heart. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as he began to fall toward his victim. 47

Seeing his gesture, and regaining her breath, Patricia rolled away from her attacker. Coming to her knees prepared to fight on, she stared in wide-eyed wonder at the still body laying before her, a familiar knife protruding from his back. All eyes turned to the source of the deadly weapon, to find Sir Gerald, stern expression on lips and hands on hips. 48

Obviously out-numbered and their leader gone, Lockhaven's men surrendered without a fight. The other prisoners were marched out to the stable, barefooted and still missing their breeches. Once the castle was secure, Patricia gathered her men, and standing on the stairs of the great hall, addressed the gathering. 49

"Gentlemen, Lords and Knights, I thank you all," she began. "I claim Lockhaven castle as the spoils of battle." 50

A great cheer went up from the crowd. 51

"Sir Gerald and Sir Clive, please step forward," she called. 52

The two faithful men approached and stood facing their long time friend. 53

"Sir Gerald, you have served me and my father well in the past, never seeking favor or reward. You taught me the skills to survive and guard my people. It is because of your loyalty that I give you castle Lockhaven to guard, and shall petition the king to grant you the lands and title of same." 54

The gentle warrior paled in disbelief, then took Patricia's hand and knelt at her feet. His eyes glistened with humble tears as he spoke. 55

"I am truly honored, m'Lady. I vow my fealty to both you and my King," he finished, kissing her hands. 56

Smiling, she bid him stand, then hugging her friend she whispered, "Thank you for saving my life." 57

"No thanks is necessary m'Lady," came his heartfelt reply. 58

Releasing Gerald, Patricia stepped away. 59

"Sir Clive," she began again, "you too have shown us your loyalty this day. I am honored to stand beside you in battle and call you my friend. Therefore, I charge you with the training of the young men who helped us in this struggle. You shall train them at castle Raven's View, then return here to take up the post of Captain of the guard." 60

Overwhelmed by his good fortune, poor Clive couldn't find his tongue. 61

"Well? Speak up man. What say you?" jested Gerald. 62

With an inward shake, Clive dropped to his knees, took hold of his Lady's hand and summoned the word, "Yes . . . " 63

The crowd laughed and cheered for the shaken Knight as a pint of ale was thrust in his hand. Someone shouted a toast that would be followed by dozens throughout the night. 64

Seated at the head of the table, Patricia spoke to several of Kenneth's men who had requested an audience. They stated they had been forced to serve the old Lord through threats to their families, and many asked to serve her now, and pledged their fealty if she would have them. One by one they came, but it was the last prisoner who caught Patricia's attention. 65

He stood head and shoulders over any man she has ever seen. His red hair pulled back and secured with a leather thong. He wore a crisp white shirt and a tartan plaid kilt. At his back hung the most impressive sword she had ever seen. She sat mesmerized by the sight of this handsome warrior. 66

"M'Lady, may I present James Douglas, Lord Glentavish," stated Lord David, standing and gesturing in deference. 67

For an embarrassing moment Patricia failed to hear her friend's introduction. "My apologies David - - what did you say?" 68

"Lord Glentavish, m'Lady," he repeated with a devilish grin. 69

"M'Lady," said the big Scott, as his took her hand and placed a lingering kiss on her knuckles. 70

A surge of heat flashed through her at the touch of his lips. They were firm, yet gentle and so, so warm. No man had ever captured her attention like the imposing figure before her. Her excitement hadn't gone unnoticed. 71

"What do you think, old man?" said Joseph with a jab of his elbow in David's side. 72

"What I think is that our Lady has met her match. In more ways then one," replied David, with a chuckle. 73

"Please - - join me," said Patricia, inviting the Scott to sit beside her where he remained throughout the evening. 74

The following morning, Patricia bid a tearful goodbye to dear friends. 75

"I see the Scott has decided to go with you. Are you sure that's wise?" asked Gerald, rested, but still showing the signs of battle. 76

Grinning from ear to ear, she leaned closer and spoke so only Gerald could hear. "I told him how fascinating he was. I feel drawn to him, Gerald. His eyes, his smile, even his brogue. I can't seem to get enough of him." 77

"Pat, be careful. Ye have little experience with men. Speak with Lady Catherine. She's a married woman and can give you guidance," advised Gerald. 78

"Fear not old friend. I will be careful, I swear," vowed Patricia. "I shall miss you. I'm already feeling sorry for myself," she said, throwing her arms around him and clinging to Gerald's shoulders. 79

"Do you think to be rid of me so easy, m'Lady?" he said, with choked voice. "Ye shall see me often, I vow. And if ye should find a need for my assistance, just send word. I will always come to your aid." He planted a kiss on her cheek. 80

"I love you, Gerald," she whispered. "You are my only family." 81

"And I you, Pat. You warm an old man's heart and make me proud. But I see a new family member in your future," he teased. 82

With sad smile, fierce hugs and one last kiss, Patricia turned and joined David, Joseph, Clive and her Scott, James, who were waiting with the horses. 83

After giving her a leg up, Joseph placed his hand on her knee. 84

"You're crying Pat," he said sympathetically. 85

"Shut up you fool! I am not crying. I have something in my eye." 86

Knowing her grief, the men lead the others through the gates, leaving her to catch up later. She reached down to touch Gerald's cheek. 87

"Farewell," was all she could say. 88

"God's speed, m'Lady," he said, kissing her hand, reluctant to let her go. 89

Watching her disappear through the gates, Sir Gerald felt his heart grow heavy with sadness. He would miss her greatly. But in the next breath, the black warhorse she rode came thundering back through the gate. Coming to a stop next to Gerald, Patricia leaned over and gave him one last hug 90

"I love you!" she whispered, then kicked her horse into action. 91

"Farewell, m'Lady," whispered Gerald, hand waving high . . .92