Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 02 (18 page)

“How could you?” Shaking her head, Lecie fought the urge to shake the older woman. “My mother took you in after finding you selling yourself beyond the door of this very inn. She even offered you a respectable job making ale, which you turned down to continue selling yourself. How could you repay her and my father in such a way as this?”

“Your sainted mother.” Her thin lips curling into a sneer, Gunilda scoffed, “What did she know of hardship?”

“You ungrateful bitch,” Lecie swore. “She should have left you in the gutter from whence you sprung.”

“Then who would have tended to your father’s needs when she was too fat with child to see to them?”

Slapping Gunilda across the face, Lecie’s hand stung. “Mention my parents again and you shall suffer for it.”

“So you say.” Lightly touching her discolored cheek, Gunilda glared her wrath. “Hamon loves me and when he is master here, we shall see about that.”

“You fool, Hamon loves no other than himself.”  Shoving Gunilda back on the bed, Lecie stood over her. “Know you this, if Albin dies, you will follow on his heels, as will your precious Hamon. The sheriff is on his way and he shall know all.”

“Your threats mean nothing to me.” Gunilda backed away from the look on Lecie’s face. “Lady or not, Hamon will protect me.”

“Get out,” Lecie snarled. “If I set eyes on you once more, I shall kill you myself.”

“What is the ruckus all about?” Rubbing red watery eyes, Harsent stood in the doorway. “You woke me from a sound sleep.”

“You heard her,” Gunilda whined. “Lecie threatened to kill me.”

“She is right, I did.” Pushing past Harsent, Lecie turned back. “Assist in removing Gunilda’s things or I shall follow through on my threat.”

Lecie paused outside the master chamber when she heard footsteps rushing up the steps. Dr. Rayburn acknowledged her with a cursory glance as he swept past her.

His color an alarming ashen color, Albin lay unmoving on the bed.

As Dr. Rayburn removed implements from his satchel, Lecie and Betta managed to finish cutting away Albin’s tunic and chainse to expose the wounded area. Dabbing at the blood flow around the quarrel it slowed to trickle. 

“It did not break the skin of his back.” Betta backed away from the bed as Dr. Rayburn approached.

“If he were a lesser man, he would have fallen dead on the spot.” Dr. Rayburn bent over the quarrel protruding from Albin’s right pectoral muscle. “I cannot see how far it has penetrated.”

“Can you save him?” Brushing the tracks of tears streaming from her eyes, Lecie forced the words out.

With a non-committal grunt, Dr. Rayburn dug through tools for a set of iron tongs.

As he moved to grip the end of the quarrel, Lecie stepped forward in alarm. “You are just going to rip it out of him?”

“Would you have me leave it inside him?” Dr. Rayburn replied impatiently without pause.

“Wait.” Sliding on the other side of the bed, Lecie held Albin’s limp hand.

“I would advise against that,” Dr. Rayburn said without inflection. “Of course since you feel you are better at doctoring than I, do what you will.”

“Thank you, I shall,” Lecie responded unperturbed. “Winifred, please be ready to staunch the flow of blood that is sure to follow.”

“The blood needs to flow to cleanse the wound.” Dr. Rayburn settled a stern gaze on Lecie. “Had you heeded my advice on such matters before now, your father would still be alive.”

Ignoring him, Lecie met Winifred’s gaze. “Please be at the ready.”

Without further preamble, Dr. Rayburn gripped the quarrel with the tongs and yanked it from Albin’s chest.

Lecie’s cry of pain as Albin clamped down on her hand was lost to his scream of agony.

Seeing that he had passed out from the pain, Lecie anxiously scanned Albin’s face as she cradled her hand against her chest. “Will he be alright?”

“So long as the wound does not fester, he may yet live.” Dr. Rayburn shrugged buckling his satchel.

“Is there aught else you can do for him?” Lecie humbled herself to add, “Please, I beg of you.”

“As I said, allow the blood to flow to cleanse the wound,” Dr. Rayburn replied on his way out.

Lecie ran a hand along Albin’s brow to ease his strained features. “Winifred, mayhap he is right.”

“Begging your pardon, Lecie, I would tend to disagree with his advice.” Pressing a linen cloth to the wound, Winifred lifted the edge to check the wound. “Sir Albin has lost too much blood as it is.”

“You are right, of course,” Lecie acknowledged close to tears. “I am not thinking clearly. Surely there is something else we can do for him.”

A commotion sounded on the steps followed by Talan bursting into the room ahead of Leofrick, Edmund and Sheriff Richard.

One look at Albin’s deathly pallor had Talan’s jaw clenching. “We were returning Mylla home when William arrived. What happened?”

“It was Hamon,” Lecie responded. “I know it was. He must have ambushed Albin on his return from the tower.”

“Did Albin confirm this?” Spotting the quarrel on the dresser, Talan picked it up.

“He has not spoken at all,” Lecie managed. “I demanded Gunilda tell me where Hamon is, yet she refused me.”

“We cannot accuse Hamon until we have questioned him, or Sir Albin can verify it was he,” Sheriff Richard spoke. Addressing his sons, he added, “See if you can find him.”

“Aye,” Leofrick agreed with a last look at Albin. “We will not rest until we do.”

“Hamon is known to every villager in Rochester, Lecie.” The sheriff picked up the conversation. “He may have offended you by overstepping his bounds, yet that does not make a murderer of him.”

“
Attempted
murderer,” Lecie corrected. “My husband will not die.”

“Be that as it may,” the sheriff replied impatiently. “At the present time we cannot even rule out it being a hunting accident.”

“Hamon threatened me, Sheriff,” Lecie spoke with resolve. “I know it is him.”

“In what way did he threaten you?” Crossing his arms, the sheriff prepared himself for a lengthy explanation.

Put off by his brusqueness, Lecie mimicked his move. “He made threats against the children in order to gain my acceptance of his guardianship over Clayton.”  

“If that is true, why did you not bring this to my attention before now?”

“Short of staying by the children’s side indefinitely or locking up Hamon on my word alone, what could you have done?”

“So you never held any affection for Hamon?”

“Of course not,” Lecie snapped. “I loathe the very sight of the man.”

“I am glad to hear it,” Sheriff Richard approved. “Neither your father or mother would have been pleased by the match.”

“Sheriff,” Lecie replied in exasperation. “Do you hear yourself?”

“Forgive me. I look upon you as a daughter and only want what is best for you.” Taking the quarrel removed from Albin into evidence, he turned to go. “Send word if Hamon returns. If he did have something to do with it, we shall find out.”

After the sheriff left, Lecie knelt beside the bed to take Albin’s hand. “He cannot die.” She met Talan’s gaze with brimming eyes. “He cannot.”

“If anyone can help him now, her ladyship Reina can. She is skilled with medicine.” Taking a long look at Albin, he added, “I shall ride to Castell Maen and return with her.”

“Do you really think she will come?”

“Aye, she will come.” Talan replied without pause. “She would come for anyone in need. Will you be all right here unguarded until we return?”

“We shall make do, even if I have to close and bar the inn to outsiders.”

“Do you your best to care for him until I return.” Clasping Albin’s forearm, Talan briefly bent his head in prayer.

“Please hurry,” Lecie implored. “I shall do enough praying for the lot of us once you depart.”

“We shall do everything we can for him until you return, Sir Talan,” Winifred made her presence known when Lecie broke into soft sobs.

They sat vigil for what remained of the day. The hour grew late by the time Lecie finally convinced Winifred to seek her rest.

“You must rest yourself, as well.” Rising from a chair beside the bed, Winifred frowned. “At the very least, you must eat something to keep up your strength.”

“I shall eat a bite later,” Lecie absently replied. Perched against the headboard, she kept her gaze on Albin, searching for any signs of improvement.

“You have been saying that these hours past. I shall fix you something before turning in.”

“He seems to be resting easier, do not you think?”

“Did you hear what I said, Lecie?”

“You said I need to rest.”

“No, I did not.” Winifred moved to wrap her arm around Lecie’s shoulders. “I told you I am fixing you something to eat.”

“Thank you,” Lecie murmured. 

“You do realize Sir Albin would not approve of you worrying yourself so.”

“I love him.” Tears fell unchecked down Lecie’s cheeks. “More than I ever believed possible.”

“And he loves you.”

“Aye, he has said as much.” Lecie looked up at Winifred. “I did not tell him I loved him in return, and now it may be too late.”

“It is never too late to tell someone of your love for them. God willing, you shall have many opportunities.”

“Do you really think so?”

“With all of my heart.” Gently squeezing Lecie’s shoulder, Winifred stepped back. “I shall return shortly with a late supper.”

Left alone with Albin, tears splashed on the back of Lecie’s hands. “Please my love, do not leave me.” Curling on her side against him, she lifted his hand to her cheek. “I could not bear it.”

Tugger came bounding into the room followed by Winifred a short time later. Drying her eyes, Lecie sat up to order the dog from the room.

Whining low, Tugger nudged Albin’s foot where it hung over the edge of the bed. His soulful brown eyes shifted briefly to Lecie as if waiting for an explanation.

“Very well,” she conceded. “You may stay.” Reaching to pat Tugger’s velvety brown head, she smiled. “I will not even tell your young master of your change in allegiance.”

With a soft whine, Tugger settled himself beside the kindled hearth to lay his head on his front paws.

“I brought you some salted pork, bread and cider,” Winifred broke into Lecie’s troubled thoughts. “When I collect the tray in the morning, I expect it to be empty.”

“You sound like my mother,” Lecie responded with a sad smile. “I do not know what I would have done without you this day. Go seek your rest.”

“I would have you follow your own request, Lecie,” Winifred replied as she left. “Summon me should you have a need.”

Her throat dry, Lecie rose to take a long swallow of cider. Picking up the pork and bread, she tossed it to Tugger. “Guard him well and I shall reward you thrice over.”

Resuming her place beside Albin, she draped her arm across his torso and fell into an exhausted uneasy slumber.

Lecie was startled awake when she heard Tugger’s low warning growl. Sitting up, she spotted the dog in the dim light pacing by the window with his hackles raised.

“What is it, Tugger?” Slipping from the bed, she led him to the door.

Twisting the latch, she pulled it open as Tugger darted into the darkness of the passageway. She heard him bounding down the steps and his claws scramble for purchase on the flooring in the empty common room as she hastened after him.

The dog was scratching and howling at the back door as she hurried to open it for him. Tugger charged into the darkness headed towards the thick copse of trees behind the stables as she drew to a winded halt in the garden.

“I know it is you, Hamon.” Scanning the tree line for some sign of movement, her shout broke the predawn silence. “I shall be better prepared for you next time.”

Sticking two fingers into her mouth like her Da had shown her, a piercing whistle rent the air. Tugger barked in response as he came bounding back out of the darkness.

His tail wagging, he stopped panting beside her as she bent down to scratch behind his ears. “The next three rabbits you catch are all yours.”

Rising, she glanced into the darkness with narrowed eyes.

* * *

“His color looks better this day, Lecie.”

Blinking awake, Lecie waited for Winifred’s words to penetrate her sleep-deprived mind. Once they did, she sat straight up. His chest rising and falling in a more even pattern, Albin’s face was indeed a shade lighter than the ashen gray of yesterday.

“Has he stirred?” Lightly running her hand through Albin’s tangled locks, she willed him to open his eyes to assure her all would be well.

“He needs rest while his body heals,” Winifred replied. “He is strong, Lecie. If anyone could survive such as this, it is he.”

“Aye,” she agreed. “He is the strongest and kindest man I have ever met.”

“How far a ride is it to Castell Maen?”

“Albin said owing to good weather, it is a full day’s journey with little by the way of rest.” Noting the gray billowous clouds through the shutters, she raked her teeth along her lower lip. “They are bound to be delayed if the weather turns foul.”

“We cannot turn our minds to such things,” Winifred replied. “Go refresh yourself. I shall tend to Sir Albin.”

On her way out Lecie noted Tugger’s absence and paused by the door. “Where is Tugger?”

“I let him out when I came in.” Inspecting Albin’s wound Winifred glanced up. “He seemed quite pleased to get out this morn, no doubt to chase an early rabbit or two.”

“I believe he was after larger prey this morn,” Lecie spoke half to herself.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Nothing,” Lecie brushed it off with a slight smile as she retrieved a clean chemise and kirtle from the wardrobe. The last thing she wanted was to scare the elder woman. “I would like someone to stay with Albin at all times. Regardless of what the sheriff may think, what happened to him was no accident.”

“It shall be as you say, Lecie. We shall take shifts in order to complete our other tasks.”

“Thank you, Winifred.” With a last worried glance at Albin, she headed for the bathing room.

Dressed in a gold kirtle with white chemise, Lecie combed her wet hair and left it to dry as she peered in to check on Albin.

“Do not tell me you have already broken your fast,” Winifred chastised her from beside the bed. “You left here but moments ago.”

“I am going now,” Lecie assured her scrutinizing Albin’s face for any change. “I just wanted to check on him.”

“He will pull through,” Winifred responded softly. “He knows what it is he is fighting for.”

Meeting Winifred’s comforting gaze, Lecie sighed. “I pray you are right.”

“We are all praying.” Rising, Winifred wrapped her arm around Lecie’s waist to guide her to the door. “Anne is taking a turn in the kitchen and will fix something for you. Do not come back until you have eaten.”

“Are you sure you are not a mother?” Lecie glanced askance at the woman she had grown fond of in so short a time. “You have all the qualities of one.”

“Aye, I am sure.” Winifred ushered her through the door with a pleased smile. “Now be off with you.”

William was tending the few patrons in the common room as Lecie passed through.

She paused as he dipped his head to her in greeting. “Has any word come from Castell Maen?”

“No, my lady, I shall tell you at once if there is.”

Tall and wiry with a fringe of gray hair and full white beard, she pictured the soft-spoken man with Winifred. “Thank you. I am praying it shan’t be much longer.”

“We all are, my lady.”

Passing into the kitchen, Mary had the children seated around the worktable, rolling out dough in shapes of animals to bake. Dusting off her hands on her apron, she stood to greet her. “Good morn to you, Lecie.”

“Good morning,” she replied, glancing at Anne as she removed rolls from above the fire. “Anne.”

“Good morning, Lecie.” Setting down the tray, Anne gestured for her to take a seat beside the children. “I am not near as skilled as Winifred, yet managed a decent enough porridge this morn.”

“It was very tasty,” Clayton affirmed as Lecie slid onto the stool beside him.

“Why thank you, Master Clayton,” Anne replied with a smile. “That is very kind of you to say.”

Accepting the bowl of steaming porridge, Lecie began eating the moment it cooled.

“Is Sir Albin going to be alright, Lecie?” Sabina leaned past Osana to catch her eye. “I like him very much.”

“As do I,” Clayton piped in.

“I already told you, he will be fine,” Osana spoke up. “Someone as big as Sir Albin could not be felled by only one arrow.”

“Well there you have it.” Lecie forced a smile. “He just needs some time to heal.”

Anne slid a glass of cider in front of Lecie as she cleared away the children’s bowls. “If you do not mind me saying, you need to be taking better care of yourself.”

“Now you sound like, Winifred,” Lecie responded scooping up the last bite of porridge. Downing the cup of cider she stood. “I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you and Mary are seeing to the children.”

Acknowledging with a smile, Anne called after her, “At least try to get some rest?”

“I shall promise to try,” she replied without glancing back.

Her eyes immediately went to the bed upon entering the master chamber and she let out a gasp of sheer surprise and joy when Albin turned his head to look at her.

“Why did not you summon me the moment he awakened?” Chastising Winifred, she rushed to the bed. “How are you feeling?”

Albin reached for her hand with a smile as Winifred took a cup from his other. “It was my doing.” His voice a hoarse shadow of its usual baritone, he drew Lecie down onto the bed beside him. “You are often lax when it comes to caring for yourself. Have you properly broken your fast?”

“I consumed a full bowl of porridge.” Kissing his brow, she cupped his cheek. “How are you faring?”

“Much better now that you are with me.” Glancing at Winifred, he added, “No offense meant. I am grateful for your care.”

“None taken, Sir Albin,” Winifred replied with a smile. “Since you are now in capable hands, with your permission I shall return to my duties.”

Without taking her eyes from Albin, Lecie nodded. “Thank you, Winifred. I shall send for you shall there be a need.”

Once they were alone, tears filled Lecie’s eyes. “I was most worried about you, Albin.”

“I am sorry for it, lass.” Reaching up, he brushed away a tear with the back of his finger. “Had it been possible, I would have returned to you sooner.”

“It was Hamon, was it not?” Her eyes darkening with rage, she slightly stiffened. “The sheriff and his sons are searching for him as we speak.”

“I know not,” Albin replied with a frown. “Yet I would wager it was he.”

“Rest with me a while.” Yawning, Albin’s eyes began to droop. “I do not like the shadows I see beneath your eyes.”              

Curling up beside him, she met his tender gaze. “I love you, Albin.”

“It is about time you said it.” Holding her tight against him, he fell asleep with a smile on his face.

* * *

Lecie woke as the sun began to set with her cheek burning hot. Rising from her place on Albin’s shoulder, her heart began to pound as she stared at his fevered face.

Panic stealing the breath from her body, she managed a choked, “Albin?”

Moaning in response, Albin briefly opened his eyes without locking on her.

“Winifred,” she shouted loud enough to carry below steps. “Winifred!”

Pounding on the steps preceded Winifred rushing through the door followed by Mary, William, Merek and Anne.

“He burns with fever.” Lecie’s gaze took in the group’s grim reaction as all eyes rested on Albin. “He shall not die,” she spoke with conviction. “Talan will return with her ladyship and she will know what to do to save him.”

Ushering the rest of the group out with a sweep of her hand, Winifred asked Anne to remain.  “We need cloths and water to cool him.”

“I know of something better,” Lecie entered the conversation. “Young Warin told me of how her ladyship saved a young lad’s life stricken with fever.” Her eyes darted to Albin as he moaned. “Lady Reina cooled the fever by soaking the lad in a cold stream.” Lecie redirected her gaze to Winifred. “Call the men back. We need to get Albin into the bathing chamber.” Addressing Anne, she said, “Fill the tub with as much water as it will hold.”

“Aye, Lecie,” Anne responded as Winifred bobbed her head and rushed from the room.

“We shall make you well again soon, my husband.” She was placing a kiss on Albin’s fevered brow when William and Merek came rushing back in with Winifred on their heels.

Stepping back from the bed, Lecie rushed forward as Albin began to struggle against the men attempting to lift him from the bed. “It is alright, husband,” she soothed. “We need to get you to the bathing room to cool your fever.”