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Brid Bridee of the the Lion Lion by Eliz Elizab abet eth h Stua Stuart rt
In an age age of chiv chival alry ry tain tainte ted d by bloo bloods dshe hed d and and betr betray ayal al,, two two unli unlike kely ly love lovers rs are are swep sweptt up by a pass passio ion n stro strong ng as stee steel, l, sens sensua uall as velv velvet et;; and and eter eterna nall as the the star stars. s... ..
JOCE JOCELY LYN N MONT MONTAG AGNE NE Reck Reckle less ss,, exot exotic ic daug daught hter er of a Celt Celtic ic nobl noblew ewom oman an and and a Norm Norman an knig knight ht,, left left to guar guard d her her fath father er's 's fort fortre ress ss,, she she foug fought ht brut brutis ish h take takeov over erss with with a dagg dagger er.. But But noth nothin ing g coul could d defe defend nd her her from from the the broo broodi ding ng magn magnif ific icen ence ce of the the inva invade derr who who quic quicke kene ned d her her wild wild We Wels lsh h bloo blood d and and stol stolee her her tend tender er soul soul..
ROBE ROBERT RT DE LANG LANGLE LEY Y Full Full of arro arroga ganc ncee and and outl outlaw aw vigo vigor, r, the the fabl fabled ed Lion Lion of Norm Norman andy dy woul would d hold hold his his old old enem enemy' y'ss daug daught hter er host hostag agee for for his his plun plunde dere red d land lands— s—un unti till he decr decree eed d that that he must must keep keep them them both both.. Torn Torn betw betwee een n veng vengea eanc ncee and and ling linger erin ing g desi desire re,, war war made made them them enem enemie ies, s, and and pass passio ion n poss posses esse sed d them them..
19941994-95 95 RT Review Reviewers ers'' Choice— Choice—Med Mediev ieval al Histor Historical ical Romanc Romancee BRIDE RIDE OF THE LION ION Copy Copyri righ ghtt © 1995 1995 by Eliz Elizab abet eth h Stua Stuart rt.. St. St. Mart Martin in's 's Pres Press, s, 175 175 Fift Fifth h Aven Avenue ue,, New New York York,, N.Y. N.Y. 1001 10010. 0. ISBN: ISBN: 0-3120-312-956 9560202-9 9 Prin Printe ted d in the the Unit United ed Stat States es of Amer Americ icaa St. St. Martin Martin's 's Pape Paperba rback ckss editi edition on/A /Aug ugus ustt 1995 1995
This This book book is dedi dedica cate ted d to sist sister erss of all all kind kinds: s: bloo blood, d, spir spirit it,, and and the the hear heart. t. To Bobby obby Jack Jackso son n and and Nanc Nancy y Smyt Smyth h who who were were ther there e for for me as far far back back as I can can reme rememb mber er,, who who are are neve neverr too too busy busy to laug laugh h or cry cry or enco encour urag age. e... .. To Susa Susan n Span Spanel el who who has has chee cheerf rful ully ly give given n coun countl tles esss hour hourss of time time and and tale talent nt to keep keep both both my char charac acte ters rs and myself myself on the straigh straight-a t-andnd-nar narrow row path. path... ..
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To Kary Karyn n Witm Witmer er-G -Gow ow and and Eile Eileen en Drye Dryerr who who have have gene genero rous usly ly shar shared ed thei theirr know knowle ledg dgee and and expe expert rtis ise, e, thei theirr time time and and tale talent ntss and and bles blesse sed d comm common on sens sense. e... .. And And last last,, but but cert certai ainl nly y not not leas least, t, to Anna Anna Eber Eberha hard rdtt and and the the irre irrepr pres essi sibl blee Tiff Tiffan any, y, who who can can make makem me lau laugh throu through gh even even the the darkes darkestt nigh nights. ts. One Weste We stern rn Engl Englan and, d, Nove Novemb mber er 1152 1152 The The nigh nightt was was blac black k as a witc witch' h'ss hear heart. t. A hint hint of snow snow rode rode the the wind wind.. In the the shiv shiver erin ing g flar flare e of a half-d half-doze ozen n torche torches, s, the heavil heavilyy-lad laden en ox wains wains rolled rolled and bump bumped ed throu through gh the darkn darkness ess,, their their driver driverss bitin biting g back back curse cursess as the the anim animals als stumb stumbled led clumsi clumsily ly again against st the frozen frozen ruts ruts of the the road road.. A shab shabby by comp compan any y of knig knight htss bunc bunche hed d thei theirr moun mounts ts clos closel ely y abou aboutt the the cart carts. s. Here Here and and ther there e a man man fidg fidget eted ed with with his his swor sword d hilt hilt or test tested ed the the weig weight ht of his his shie shield ld.. This This duty duty was was not not one one of simp simple le esco escort rt;; ther theree woul would d be no turn turnin ing g back back.. On this this blac black k and and bone bone-c -chi hill llin ing g nigh nightt they they woul would d win win or lose lose all—in all—inclu cludin ding g their their lives. lives. The The soun sound d of hoof hoofbe beat atss echo echoed ed eeri eerily ly from from out out of the the froz frozen en dark dark.. Frie Friend nd or foe? foe? Men Men sett settle led d deep deep in thei theirr sadd saddle les, s, swor swords ds were were loos loosed ed from from thei theirr shea sheath ths. s. A few few brie brieff pray prayer erss were were offe offere red. d. Sure Surely ly God God in his his merc mercy y coul couldn dn't 't inte intend nd them them to be foun found d out. out. Not Not now. now. Not Not afte afterr they they'd 'd been been thro throug ugh h so much much,, had had come come so far. far. A lone lone hors horsem eman an surg surged ed out out from from the the shad shadow ows. s.He He rein reined ed in his his moun mountt so shar sharpl ply y the the beas beastt rear reared ed in protes protest. t. In the cart cart leadin leading g the little little carava caravan, n, a tall, tall, power powerful ful figure figure rose rose to his feet. feet. The The man was dresse dressed d as a simp simple le sold soldie ier. r. A poor poor,, but but serv servic icea eabl blee mant mantle le cloa cloake ked d his his mail mailed ed fram frame. e. "W "Wha hatt news news?" ?" he aske asked d softly. The The ride riderr lean leaned ed clos close. e. "The "The mena menare re in place place.. All' All'si sin n read readin ines ess, s, my lord lord." ." "Welll done "Wel done,, Geof Geoffr frey ey.. All' All'ss in orde orderr here here as well well.. The The men men know know thei theirr jobs jobs,, the the cons conseq eque uenc nce e of fail failur ure. e. No secon second d chance chancess this this time." time." He hesita hesitated ted a moment moment,, looked looked keenly keenly at the rider rider sittin sitting g shado shadowy wy and motio motionle nless ss a sword sword's's-len lengt gth h away. away. "My thank thanks, s, Geoffr Geoffrey ey,, for.. for.... for every everyth thing ing." ." The The teet teeth h of the the rid rider flas flashe hed d whit white e as he smil smiled ed.. "I'v "I've e a hand handfu full of this this rich rich black lack eart earth h you love love.. This This Engl Englan and. d. It's It's tuck tucked ed away away in my belt belt.. For For luck luck." ." "Luc "Luck? k?"" The The man man in the the cart cart smil smiled ed griml rimly. y. "W "Wit ith h luck luck and and God' God'ss help help ther there' e'll ll be a bit more more than than a hand handfu full chan changi ging ng hand handss toni tonigh ght. t. Take Take care care you' you're re aliv alivee to hold hold your your shar share, e, Geof Geoffr frey ey.. I've I've neit neithe herr the the time time nor nor the the incl inclin inat atio ion n to be trai traini ning ng anot anothe herr to take take your your plac place. e."" "Nor "Nor I to find find anot anothe herr mast master er so appr apprec ecia iati tive ve of my skil skills ls,, so.. so.... so grac gracio ious us of tong tongue ue,, my lord lord." ." The The man man gave gave a shar sharp p crac crack k of lau laughte ghter. r. Geof Geoffr frey ey trie tried d to smil smile, e, but but the the effo effort rt was was beyo beyond nd him. him. Toni Tonigh ghtt mean meantt so damn damned ed much much.. "Tak "Take e care care,, Robe Robert rt.. I'll I'll not not be ther there e to guar guard d your your back back." ." The The man man nodd nodded ed and and jump jumped ed down down,, movi moving ng to the the rear rear of the the cart cart to unfa unfast sten en the the rein reinss of his his hors horse. e. Desp Despit itee the the haub hauber erk k of heav heavy y chai chain n mail mail,, he swun swung g easi easily ly into into the the sadd saddle le,, the the lith lithee move moveme ment nt besp bespea eaki king ng a life lifeti time me of ardu arduou ouss trai traini ning ng and and ridi riding ng to arms arms.. "Pas "Passs the the word word and and get get back back to your your post post.. Bela Belavo voir ir's 's scar scarce ce two two leag league uess away away.. Pray ray God God we can can carr carry y this this off off for for I'll I'll run run no more more.. I swea swearr it. it. I swea swearr it befo before re
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God!" Geof Geoffr frey ey nodd nodded ed and and rais raised ed his his hand hand in a shor shortt salu salute te,, then then disa disapp ppea eare red d agai again n into into dark darkne ness ss.. The The oxen oxen were were prod prodde ded d into into moti motion on;; the the cart cartss rumb rumble led d on thro throug ugh h the the nigh night. t. The The road road led led on thro throug ugh h the the sile silent nt coun countr trys ysid ide. e. Ever Every y minu minute te seem seemed ed an hour hour.. The The dark darkne ness ss prey preyed ed on taut taut nerv nerves es.. And And then then the the cast castle le surg surged ed up in the the dist distan ance ce,, blac blacke kerr than than its its midn midnig ight ht back backdr drop op of hill hill and and sky, sky, a mass massiv ive e affa affair ir of mort mortar ar and and ston stone, e, impo imposs ssib ible le to take take by assa assaul ult. t. But But not not by trea treach cher ery. y. The The man man in the the lead lead rein reined ed in, in, halt haltin ing g the the cart cartss with with an upra uprais ised ed hand hand.. A grim grim smil smilee curl curled ed his his mout mouth. h. "Now "Now," ," he murm murmur ured ed.. "Now "Now we wait wait." ." *** Joce Jocely lyn n star stared ed out out over over the the torc torchl hlit it conf confus usio ion n of the the cast castle le bail bailey ey,, bare barely ly rest restra rain inin ing g the the chil childi dish sh impu impuls lsee to hug hug hers hersel elff clos closel ely y and and spin spin roun round d and and roun round d like like a top. top. With Within in the the mass massiv ive e ston stone e wall walls, s, the the men men were were maki making ng read ready y to leav leave. e. Dogs Dogs bark barked ed and and men men shou shouted ted.. Chil Childr dren en cried cried.. Horse Horsess twist twisted ed and and stam stampe ped, d, nerv nervou ouss in the the caco cacoph phon ony y of nois noisee and and the the flic flicke keri ring ng ligh lightt and and read ready y to be away away.. The The men men were were leav leavin ing g. They They woul would d be gon gone a fort fortn nigh ight at the the very very leas least. t. Afte Afterr mont months hs of guard uardin ing g her her tong tongue ue and and her her temp temper er,, she she was was goin going g to have have free freedo dom m at last last!! Abov Above e her her and and to the the righ right, t, the the door door to the the keep keep swun swung g open open.. A ripp ripple le of move moveme ment nt went went thro throug ugh h the the men, men, and and Joce Jocely lyn n swun swung g to look look up, up, narr narrow owin ing g her her eyes eyes agai agains nstt the the flar flare e of torc torche hess as her her fath father er desc descen ende ded d the the stai stairs rs.. Behi Behind nd him him came came Adel Adelis ise, e, grac gracef eful ully ly hold holdin ing g asid asidee her her skir skirts ts,, then then Bria Brian n behi behind nd her, her, laug laughi hing ng,, no doub doubt, t, at some someth thin ing g his his sist sister er had had said said.. Joce Jocely lyn' n'ss anti antici cipa pati tion on was was sudd sudden enly ly tarn tarnis ishe hed. d. A flic flicke kerr of pain pain,, long long-f -fou ough ghtt but but not not yet yet conq conque uere red, d, quiv quiver ered ed and and then then went went stil stilll in her her brea breast st.. The The thre three e made made the the perf perfec ectt pict pictur ure, e, cut cut from from the the same same sump sumptu tuou ouss clot cloth h of blue blue and and gilt gilt,, the the hand handso some me Mont Montag agne ne feat featur ures es stam stampe ped d unmi unmist stak akab ably ly on each each face face.. Tall Tall and and slen slende derr with with eyes eyes the the ceru cerule lean an blue blue of the the sky sky and and hair hair the the unfo unforg rget etta tabl blee colo colorr of spun spun moon moonli ligh ght, t, Lord Lord Will Willia iam m Mont Montag agne ne of Cast Castle le Mont Montag agne ne and and his his son son and and elde eldest st daug daught hter er made made a pict pictur ure e to glad gladde den n the the hear heartt as they they came came toge togeth ther er down down the the stairs. And And then then ther there e was was Joce Jocely lyn. n. She She frow frowne ned d and and move moved d forw forwar ard d quic quickl kly. y. Her Her fath father er was was in a temp temper er;; hast haste e and and conf confus usio ion n alwa always ys made made him him so. so. She' She'd d best best let let noth nothin ing g dela delay y him him lest lest she she be the the one one to suff suffer er for for it. it. "You "You,, girl girl,, has has all all been been made made read ready? y? I'd I'd best best not not get get half halfwa way y to Oxfo Oxford rd and and find find you' you've ve left left some someth thin ing g off." Joce Jocely lyn n lift lifted ed her her head head with with a pois poisee hard hard-s -sch choo oole led d thro throug ugh h the the year years. s. "All "All's 's in read readin ines ess, s, Fath Father er.. I chec checke ked d with with Raym Raymon ond d at vesp vesper erss and and agai again n just just now. now. The The supp suppli lies es have have been been wrap wrappe ped d and and pack packed ed as I orde ordere red. d. You' You've ve plen plenty ty for for the the trip trip,, thou though gh you' you'll ll have have to buy buy more more once once you you reac reach h Oxfo Oxford rd." ." Mont Montag agne ne glan glance ced d at his his youn younge gest st daug daught hter er,, mere merely ly nodd noddin ing g at the the expe expect cted ed effi effici cien ency cy.. "I hate hate to take take
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the the last last of the the salt salt,, but but thos thosee supp suppli lies es you you orde ordere red d from from Shre Shrews wsbu bury ry shou should ld arri arrive ve any any day. day."" He frow frowne ned d irri irrita tabl bly, y, glan glanci cing ng towa toward rd the the gate gate as if will willin ing g the the supp suppli lies es to mate materi rial aliz izee befo before re him. him. "Chr "Chris ist' t'ss woun wounds ds,, we need need that that salt salt!! If it does doesn' n'tt come come by tomo tomorr rrow ow send send Cedr Cedric ic and and some some of the the men men to sear search ch out out that that fat fat merc mercha hant nt and and stri string ng him him up by his his heel heels. s. "Thi "Thiss is butc butche heri ring ng mont month, h, for for Chri Christ st's 's sake sake!! We need need to put put down down Bela Belavo voir ir's 's pork pork befo before re the the hogs hogs lose lose thei theirr fat. fat. If the the king king hadn hadn't 't call called ed this this damn damned ed coun counci cil, l, I'd I'd be off off to Shre Shrews wsbu bury ry myse myself lf.. I'v I've half half a mind mind to anyw anyway ay.. Of all all the the illill-co conc ncei eive ved d time timess for for a coun counci cil! l! My bail bailif ifff just just cold cold in his his grav grave, e, and and now now this this rush rushin ing g abou aboutt in the the midd middle le of the the nigh nightt to catc catch h Lord Lord Bort Borthw hwic ick k beca becaus use e that that damn damned ed fool fool of a mess messen enge gerr got got himself himself lost... lost..."" His His word wordss trai traile led d off off to a grum grumbl ble, e, and and Joce Jocely lyn n bare barely ly rest restra rain ined ed a smil smile. e. "I doub doubtt King King Step Stephe hen n woul would d thin think k our our swin swine e more more impo import rtan antt than than coun counci cil. l. Besi Beside des, s, the the wood woodss here here are are full full of acor acorns ns yet. yet. I rode rode out out to chec check k when when we arri arrive ved d last last week week.. The The swin swine e will will stay stay fat fat a whil while e long longer er.. Don' Don'tt fret fret,, Fath Father er,, I'll I'll see see to it." it." He nodd nodded ed agai again n and and glan glance ced d at her her abse absent ntly ly,, his his mind mind alre alread ady y on the the long long trip trip ahea ahead d and and the the comi coming ng sojo sojour urn n at cour court. t. He moti motion oned ed for for his his hors horse, e, and and his his squi squire re brou brough ghtt the the anim animal al forw forwar ard. d. He reac reache hed d for for the the rein reins. s. "Sta "Stay y clos close e abou aboutt the the keep keep.. I don' don'tt expe expect ct trou troubl ble— e—wh who o woul would d dare dare here here at Bela Belavo voir ir? ? Stil Still, l, in thes thesee time times, s, you you neve neverr know know." ." Joce Jocely lyn n nodd nodded ed,, forc forcin ing g hers hersel elff to an appe appear aran ance ce of meek meekne ness ss at leas least. t. She She woul would d do as she she like liked d and and he damn damned ed well well knew knew it. it. It was was a reck reckle less ssne ness ss they they hadn hadn't 't been been able able to beat beat enti entire rely ly out out of her, her, a reck reckle less ssne ness ss her her fath father er desp despis ised ed as he did did the the We Wels lsh h bloo blood d that that ran, ran, hot hot and and fast fast,, in her her vein veins. s. Just Just as he had had desp despis ised ed the the woma woman n who who had had give given n her her birt birth. h. He seem seemed ed to sens sense e her her thou though ghts ts.. "You "You do as I've I've told told you, you, girl girl,, and and don' don'tt be up to your your misc mischi hief ef.. The The folk folk here here don' don'tt know know you you so well well as they they do abou aboutt Wa Warf rfor ord d and and Mont Montag agne ne.. Besi Beside des, s, you' you're re far far too too old old to be acting acting the Welsh Welsh wood wood sprite sprite and runnin running g free free in the hills. hills. Watch Watch your your sister sister.. Behave Behave as she does does and try try to remem remembe berr you' you're re a Mont Montag agne ne." ." At that that Adel Adelis isee step steppe ped d forw forwar ard. d. "Joc "Jocel elyn yn and and I will will be fine fine,, Fath Father er.. But But wasn wasn't 't ther theree some someth thin ing g you you want wanted ed to ask ask her her befo before re you you left left?" ?" "What? "Wha t?"" Lord Lord Mont Montag agne ne's 's pier pierci cing ng blue blue eyes eyes narr narrow owed ed.. "Oh, "Oh, yes. yes... .. What What is it you' you'd d like like me to brin bring g you you from from Oxfo Oxford rd,, girl girl?? I've I've a whol wholee list list of trin trinke kets ts and and clot cloth h this this pret pretty ty bagg baggag agee has has begg begged ed for. for. Migh Mightt as well well add add a bit bit more more,, thou though gh God God know knowss how how the the anim animal als' s'll ll carr carry y it all. all."" Joce Jocely lyn n gaze gazed d back back cool coolly ly.. Ther There e was was a time time she she woul would d have have welc welcom omed ed trin trinke kets ts and and clot cloth. h. She She had had aske asked d for for them them,, had had wait waited ed with with chil childi dish sh impa impati tien ence ce for for them them.. But But the the wait waitin ing g had had been been in vain vain.. "The "There re's 's noth nothin ing, g, my lord lord,, noth nothin ing g I need need.. Don' Don'tt trou troubl blee your yourse self lf on my acco accoun unt. t."" He nodd nodded ed,, his his gaze gaze shif shifti ting ng quic quickl kly y from from hers hers.. Cat' Cat'ss eyes eyes.. Witc Witch' h'ss eyes eyes.. Joce Jocely lyn' n'ss smil smile e beca became me bitt bitter er.. He had had used used the the word wordss when when she she was was naug naught ht but but a chil child, d, when when ther theree were weren' n'tt tear tearss enou enough gh nor nor even even any any witc witch' h'ss powe powerr to chan change ge her her slan slante ted d gree greenn-go gold ld eyes eyes to blue blue,, her her dark dark,, unru unruly ly hair hair to the the silk silken en sunl sunlit it colo colorr belo belong ngin ing g to Bria Brian n and and Adel Adelis ise. e. "If "If ther there' e'ss noth nothin ing g you you want want then then we'l we'lll be off, off,"" Mont Montag agne ne said said hurr hurrie iedl dly. y. "No "No time time to dawd dawdle le." ." Plac Placin ing g a
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foot foot in the the stir stirru rup, p, he haul hauled ed hims himsel elff into into the the sadd saddle le.. Adel Adelis ise e step steppe ped d forw forwar ard d and and caug caught ht his his stir stirru rup. p. "Fat "Fathe her, r, wait wait!! Take Take care care of your yourse self lf.. Be sure sure to wear wear that that furfur-li line ned d cloa cloak k I gave gave you. you. Don' Don'tt slee sleep p wher where e ther there' e'ss any any damp damp.. Oh, Oh, and and be sure sure—" —" Mont Montag agne ne lean leaned ed down down,, cupp cuppin ing g his his daug daught hter er's 's chee cheek, k, his his larg large, e, roug rough h hand hand gent gentle led, d, gent gentle led d as Joce Jocely lyn n had had neve neverr felt felt it. it. "I'l "I'lll be fine fine,, chil child. d. I'm I'm an old old camp campai aign gner er and and know know well well enou enough gh how how to care care for for myse myself lf." ." He brus brushe hed d away away her her tear tears. s. "Bes "Besid ides es,, Bria Brian n will will be ther there e to see see to my need needs. s. Don' Don'tt fret fret." ." He smil smiled ed then then,, coax coaxin ing g her her to smil smile e with with him. him. "It' "It'ss that that rogu rogue e of a brot brothe herr of your yourss we'd we'd best best be worr worryi ying ng abou about. t. Make Make him him prom promis ise e to stay stay out out of trou troub ble. le. He migh mightt just just do it for for you. you."" Brian rian had had been een spea speak king ing to one one of his his men men. Now he pushed shed past ast Joce Jocely lyn n with ith a coo cool, "God "God keep eep you you, mada madam, m,"" savi saving ng his his bril brilli lian ant, t, flas flashi hing ng smil smilee for for the the sist sister er so like like him. him. He lean leaned ed clos close e to Adel Adelis ise e with with a whis whispe pere red d word word that that made made her her laug laugh h ring ring out. out. Then Then he kiss kissed ed her her fare farewe well ll and and swun swung g into into the the sadd saddle le.. Joce Jocely lyn n watc watche hed d the the fond fond good good-b -bye yess in sile silenc nce. e. Then Then her her fath father er was was shou shouti ting ng an orde order. r. The The men men bega began n to file file out. out. He swun swung g towa toward rd her, her, his his big big ches chestn tnut ut side sidest step eppi ping ng,, figh fighti ting ng the the bit. bit. "Joc "Jocel elyn yn,, see see to your your sist sister er.. It'l It'lll be a day or two two befo before re Sir Roge Rogerr and and the the rest rest of the the men men fro from Monta ontag gne arri arrive ve.. I leav leave e both both Adel Adelis isee and and Bela Belavo voir ir in your your care care.. Don' Don'tt disa disapp ppoi oint nt me." me." Joce Jocely lyn n rais raised ed her her head head,, sear search chin ing g his his shad shadow owy y face face for for some someth thin ing g she' she'd d neve neverr foun found. d. "I'l "I'lll see see to them them.. Godspee Godspeed d you." you." With With anot anothe herr curt curt nod, nod, he disa disapp ppea eare red d afte afterr Bria Brian n and and the the rest rest of the the men. men. Joce Jocely lyn n watc watche hed d the the gate gatess swin swing g shut shut,, hear heard d the the wail wail of the the wind windla lass ss and and the the port portcu cull llis is's 's desc descen ent, t, the the low low rumb rumble le of the the draw drawbr brid idge ge risi rising ng.. She She remi remind nded ed hers hersel elff of the the free freedo dom m she she woul would d enjo enjoy y thes thesee next next few few week weeks, s, of the the plea pleasu sure re she she shou should ld be feel feelin ing, g, but but the the hurt hurt was was stil stilll ther there. e. And And she she was was God' God'ss grea greate test st fool fool.. "Jocel "Jocelyn yn?" ?" The The soft soft,, quav quaver erin ing g voic voice e won won her her atte attent ntio ion. n. She She turn turned ed towa toward rd her her sist sister er,, noti noting ng the the tear tearss that that were were flow flowin ing g in earn earnes estt now. now. Usua Usuall lly y Joce Jocely lyn n spar spared ed litt little le pati patien ence ce for for wome women n who who wept wept easy easy tear tears. s. To her, her, sorr sorrow ow was was a well well-k -kno nown wn comp compan anio ion, n, best best foug fought ht in sile silenc nce, e, best best conq conque uere red d alon alone. e. Yet Yet Adel Adelis ise' e'ss was. was... .. well well.. .... Adel Adelis isee was was diff differ eren ent. t. Her Her soft soft hear heartt genu genuin inel ely y ache ached d for for ever every y crea creatu ture re in pain, pain, broke broke for every every pain pain she couldn couldn't 't reliev relieve. e. And And in these these last last three three years years since since Jocely Jocelyn n had left left the easy easy fami famili liar arit ity y of Wa Warf rfor ord d and and been been brou brough ghtt into into the the hous househ ehol old d of Cast Castle le Mont Montag agne ne,, she she had had deve develo lope ped d a genu genuin inee fond fondne ness ss for for the the half half-s -sis iste terr she she had had alwa always ys thou though ghtt she she woul would d hate hate.. She She move moved d forw forwar ard d at once once,, slid slidin ing g an arm arm abou aboutt Adel Adelis ise' e'ss narr narrow ow wais waist, t, inst instin inct ctiv ivel ely y seek seekin ing g to comf comfor ort. t. "If "If we hurr hurry y we can can be up on the the wall wall-w -wal alk k befo before re the the men men disa disapp ppea ear. r. You You can can watc watch h them them anot anothe herr few minu minutes tes befo before re they they'r 'ree lost lost in the the hill hills. s."" The The wome women n hurr hurrie ied d up the the stai stairs rs.. Adel Adelis isee rush rushed ed onto onto the the batt battle leme ment nts, s, grip grippi ping ng the the cold cold ston stonee and and lean leanin ing g forw forwar ard, d, watc watchi hing ng the the bobb bobbin ing g torc torche hess as the the men men snak snaked ed thei theirr way way thro throug ugh h the the dark darkne ness ss..
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Joce Jocely lyn n spar spared ed scar scarce cely ly a glan glance ce for for the the men. men. Inst Instea ead d she she lean leaned ed agai agains nstt the the wall wall,, thro throwi wing ng her her head head back to search search the heavens heavens for stars. stars. Abov Above e her, her, dark dark-d -dri rift ftin ing g clou clouds ds shif shifte ted d and and swir swirle led d acro across ss the the sky. sky. It was was earl early y stil stilll for for snow snow,, yet yet ther theree was was a harsh arsh,, britt rittle le feel feel of it on the the air air toni tonigh ght. t. The The wind wind whis whistl tled ed thro throug ugh h the the wall wall cren crenel els. s. It tore tore at her her hair hair,, bill billow owed ed unde underr her her cloa cloak k with with the the biti biting ng edge edge of cold cold stee steell agai agains nstt the the fles flesh. h. Joce Jocely lyn n hugg hugged ed hers hersel elf, f, scar scarce cely ly mind mindin ing g the the cold cold.. Up here here she she felt felt exhi exhila lara rate ted d and and aliv alive, e, at one one with with the the free freedo dom m of dark darkne ness ss,, the the wild wild swee sweepi ping ng powe powerr of the the wind wind.. Up here here she she coul could d almo almost st imag imagin ine e she she was was stil stilll a chil child, d, stil stilll free free and and in Wa Wale les, s, with with her her moth mother er yet yet aliv alive. e. "I pray pray God' God'ss merc mercy y upon upon them them.. Do you thin think k that that they they'l 'lll be all all righ right? t?"" "Of "Of cour course se," ," Jocel Jocelyn yn answ answere ered d auto automa matic tical ally ly,, stil stilll drin drinki king ng in the the turb turbul ulen entt nigh night. t. "It' "It'ss such such a long long way way to Oxfo Oxford rd and and the the road roadss aren aren't 't safe safe.. Ther There e are are outl outlaw awss ever everyw ywhe here re.. Hawi Hawise se told told me so." so." Joce Jocely lyn n was was stil stilll star starin ing g at the the sky. sky. She She made made a sile silent nt vow vow to spea speak k shar sharpl ply y to Hawi Hawise se,, Adel Adelis ise' e'ss fanc fancif iful ul new new maid maid.. "The "They' y're re a larg largee comp compan any y of knig knight htss and and menmen-at at-a -arm rms, s, Adel Adelis ise. e. No outl outlaw awss will will come come anywher anywheree close." close." Adel Adelis isee fumb fumble led d for for Joce Jocely lyn' n'ss hand hand and and sque squeez ezed ed it. it. "I'm "I'm so glad glad we'r we'ree toge togeth ther er,, Joce Jocely lyn. n. That That we'v we'vee gott gotten en to know know each each othe otherr at last last.. I just just wish wish—" —" She She brok broke e off. off. Joce Jocely lyn n smil smiled ed then then,, turn turned ed her her head head and and wait waited ed pati patien entl tly. y. Just Just what what coul could d a youn young g woma woman n like like Adel Adelis isee possi possibly bly have have yet to wish wish for. for. "I just just wish wish we coul could d hav have come come to know know each each othe otherr soon sooner er," ," Adel Adelis ise e was was sayi sayin ng wist wistfu full lly. y. "Tha "Thatt we coul could d have have had had more more time time toge togeth ther er.. But But I want want you you to know know,, Joce Jocely lyn, n, that that you' you'll ll alwa always ys be welc welcom omee wher wherev ever er I am." am." Joce Jocely lyn n frow frowne ned. d. "W "Wha hate teve verr are are you you talk talkin ing g abou about, t, Adel Adelis ise? e?"" "It' "It'ss poss possib ible le I may may be betr betrot othe hed d when when Fath Father er gets gets back back.. Noth Nothin ing' g'ss sett settle led d yet, yet, of cour course se," ," she she adde added d diff diffid iden entl tly. y. "The "The nego negoti tiat atio ions ns have have bare barely ly been been open opened ed.. But But Fath Father er spok spokee of it this this afte aftern rnoo oon. n. He wish wished ed me to know know he favo favore red d the the matc match. h."" Marria Marriage. ge... .. Adeli Adelise se was leavin leaving. g. Life Life would would be unend unendura urable ble.. Joce Jocely lyn n sear search ched ed for for some someth thin ing g to say, say, trie tried d to inje inject ct real real happ happin ines esss into into her her voic voice; e; Adel Adelis isee cert certai ainl nly y dese deserv rved ed it. it. "W "Who ho is it, it, Adel Adelis ise? e? What What poor poor man man have have you you smit smitte ten n this this time time?" ?" Adel Adelis isee caug caught ht both both Joce Jocely lyn' n'ss hand hands, s, laug laughi hing ng soft softly ly as she she sque squeez ezed ed them them toge togeth ther er in hers hers.. "Oh, "Oh, Joce Jocely lyn. n... .. it's it's Edwa Edward rd!! Lord Lord Pelh Pelham am,, I shou should ld say. say. Isn't Isn't it wond wonder erfu ful? l? I scarc scarcely ely dare dared d dream dream,, Jocel Jocelyn yn.. .... didn didn't 't dare dare spea speak k my hope hopess alou aloud d even even to you! you! Oh, Oh, Joce Jocely lyn, n, was was ther there e ever ever a woma woman n so fort fortun unat ate e as I?" I?" Joce Jocely lyn n suck sucked ed her her brea breath th in shar sharpl ply, y, felt felt the the cold cold biti biting ng deep deep in her her lung lungs. s. "Con "Congr grat atul ulat atio ions ns,, Adel Adelis ise. e. You' You'll ll be the the most most beau beauti tifu full brid bridee in all all Engl Englan and. d. And And the the happ happie iest st." ." For For a few few mome moment ntss Adel Adelis ise e chat chatte tere red d on, on, but but the the cold cold and and the the wind wind were were too too much much even even for for such such
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happ happin ines ess. s. "Joc "Jocel elyn yn,, I'm I'm free freezi zing ng!! Let' Let'ss get get down downst stai airs rs to bed. bed. I just just want wanted ed to tell tell you you here here wher where e no curi curiou ouss ears ears coul could d hear hear.. Fath Father er swor swore e me to secr secrec ecy. y. This This migh mightt not not come come off, off, you you know know." ." She She hesi hesita tate ted. d. Her Her voic voice e drop droppe ped. d. "And "And then then I don' don'tt know know how how I shou should ld live live." ." Joce Jocely lyn n forc forced ed hers hersel elff to say say some someth thin ing g comf comfor orti ting ng,, to wrap wrap her her arms arms arou around nd her her sist sister er and and give give her her a quic quick k hug hug befo before re push pushin ing g her her gent gently ly towa toward rd the the stai stairs rs.. "You "You'r 'ree shiv shiver erin ing. g. Go insi inside de befo before re you you catc catch h your your death." "Are "Aren' n'tt you you comi coming ng?" ?" Joce Jocely lyn n smil smiled ed.. "You "You go on. on. I'll I'll be alon along g in a few few minu minute tes. s. I lik like it up here, ere, you you know know." ." She She hear heard d the the soft soft patt patter er of her her sist sister er's 's feet feet on the the stai stairs rs,, then then the the dist distan antt call call of a sent sentry ry paci pacing ng some somewh wher eree out out in the the nigh night. t. Then Then all all was was quie quiett save save for for the the wind wind.. She She lean leaned ed agai agains nstt the the wall wall,, sear search chin ing g the the dark darkne ness ss abov above e for for any any hint hint of star stars. s. Of cour course se the the marr marria iage ge woul would d come come off. off. Adel Adelis isee wasa wasa cons consid ider erab able le heir heires esss from from her her de Vale Valenc ncee moth mother er,, quit quitee apar apartt from from what whatev ever er subs substa tant ntia iall dowr dowry y thei theirr fath father er migh mightt add. add. At the the ripe ripe old old age age of nine ninete teen en she' she'd d had had more more offe offers rs than than ther there e were were rats rats in the the gran granar ary y stor stores es,, for for she she was was beau beauti tifu ful, l, with with a slim slim blon blond d radi radian ance ce that that drew drew men men lik like moth mothss to a flam flame. e. But But Lord Lord Mont Montag agne ne had had alwa always ys decl declin ined ed the the offe offers rs.. With With the the civi civill wars wars wagi waging ng for for Engl Englan and' d'ss crow crown, n, firs firstt betwee between n Steph Stephen en and his cousin cousin Matild Matilda, a, then then betwee between n Stephe Stephen n and Matild Matilda's a's son, son, Henry Henry of Anjou Anjou,, their their fath father er had had been been loat loath h to make make clos closee alli allian ance ces. s. Loya Loyalt ltie iess chan change ged d too too swif swiftl tly y thes thesee days days,, and and a man' man'ss word word was was no long longer er to be trus truste ted. d. Too Too many many men men had had been been suck sucked ed into into the the mael maelst stro rom m beca becaus use e of a hasty hasty marria marriage ge and a polit politica ically lly disast disastrou rouss blood blood bond bond.. But But Pelh Pelham am? ? No fath father er in his his rig right mind mind wou would refu refuse se such such a priz prize. e. The The man man was was heir heir to the the earl earldo dom m of Colw Colwic ick k and and a warr warrio iorr all all men men admi admire red. d. He sat sat high high in King King Step Stephe hen' n'ss este esteem em,, yet yet was was dist distan antl tly y rela relate ted d to youn young g Henr Henry y on his his moth mother er's 's side side.. A welc welcom omee awai awaite ted d in both both camp camps— s— whic whiche heve verr way way matt matter erss turn turned ed out. And And Adel Adelis isee woul would d be happ happy, y, Joce Jocely lyn n told told hers hersel elff wood wooden enly ly.. Unbe Unbeli liev evab ably ly so, so, she she imag imagin ined ed.. But But swee sweett Mary ary in Heave eaven n, why why did it have ave to be Pelh elham? am? A sing single le star star appe appear ared ed thro throug ugha ha rift rift of wind wind-t -tor orn n clou clouds ds.. It glow glowed ed alon alonee in the the dark darkne ness ss,, then then shim shimme mere red d and and halo haloed ed as if thro throug ugh h a mist mist.. Joce Jocely lyn n blin blinke ked d once once angr angril ily y and and then then star starte ted d for for the the stai stairs rs.. God, God, she she desp despis ised ed wome women n who who wept wept easy easy tears! *** The The prie priest st fini finish shed ed the the last last whis whispe pere red d bene benedi dict ctio ion. n. The The men men had had conf confes esse sed d and and been been shri shrive ven. n. Now Now they they rose rose to thei theirr feet feet,, shad shadow owss blac blacke kerr than than dark darkne ness ss,, the the hush hush of anot anothe herr worl world d stil stilll upon upon them them as they they climbe climbed d aboard aboard oxcart oxcartss and mounte mounted d impati impatient ent horses horses.. Robe Robert rt de Lang Langle ley y shif shifte ted d in the the sadd saddle le.. Thes These e were were good good men men all, all, and and had had foll follow owed ed him him for for love love and and loya loyalt lty, y, leav leavin ing g home homess and and fami famili lies es far far behi behind nd..
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For For seve seven n long long year yearss he had had led led them them,, led led them them agai agains nstt incr increa easi sing ngly ly impo imposs ssib ible le odds odds,, into into hope hopele less ss battle battless and out out of them, them, throu through gh ambush ambushes, es, betra betrayal yals, s, and at last last over over hund hundred redss of miles miles of hosti hostile le land land and and a cold cold and and chee cheerl rles esss sea. sea. And And in a very very shor shortt time time the the runn runnin ing g woul would d stop stop.. One One way way or anot anothe her, r, it woul would d stop stop.. He frow frowne ned d and and drew drew his his mant mantle le tigh tighte terr agai agains nstt the the chil chilli ling ng bite bite of the the wind wind.. No mort mortal al man man coul could d have have fore forese seen en the the chao chaoss that that had had ensu ensued ed when when King King Henr Henry' y'ss only only son son was was drow drowne ned, d, leav leavin ing g his his over overbe bear arin ing g daug daught hter er,, Mati Matild lda, a, and and her her husb husban and, d, Coun Countt Geof Geoffr frey ey of Anjo Anjou. u. The The king king had had force forced d his his baro barons ns to swea swear r feal fealty ty to her, her, but but at his his deat death h they they had had repu repudi diat ated ed her her and and the the hate hated d Geof Geoffr frey ey,, for for the the enmi enmity ty betw betwee een n Norman Normandy dy and Anjou Anjou had run deep. deep. Gras Graspi ping ng the the sudd sudden en oppo opport rtun unit ity, y, the the king king's 's neph nephew ew,, Step Stephe hen n of Bloi Blois, s, had had seiz seized ed the the thro throne ne.. Thus Thus had had begu begun n the the inte interm rmit itte tent nt civi civill wars wars that that had had anni annihi hila late ted d farm farmss and and vill villag ages es in whol wholee secti section onss of Engl Englan and. d. Thou Though gh Step Stephe hen n was was a grea greatt warr warrio iorr and and an affa affabl ble, e, well well-l -lik iked ed man, man, he had had prov proven en a weak weak king king at a time time when when Engl Englan and' d'ss need need was was stre streng ngth th.. He had had fail failed ed to cont contro roll his his unru unruly ly baro barons ns,, and and many many atta attack cked ed thei their r neig neighb hbor ors, s, stol stole e and and kill killed ed and and set set up pett petty y king kingdo doms ms wher where e they they rule ruled d by the the powe powerr of the the swor sword. d. In the the conf confus usin ing g stru strugg ggle le,, Step Stephe hen n coul could d scar scarce cely ly hold hold his his thro throne ne in Engl Englan and. d. Norm Norman andy dy had had been been wres wreste ted d away away by Geof Geoffr frey ey of Anjo Anjou— u—th thee very very Ange Angevi vin n the the baro barons ns were were figh fighti ting ng to keep keep out out of Engl Englan and. d. Thus Thus most most of the the grea greatt fami famili lies es had had eith either er lost lost thei theirr domi domini nion onss in Norm Norman andy dy or been been forc forced ed to chan change ge side sidess and and supp suppor ortt Mati Matild ldaa and and Geof Geoffr frey ey and and thei theirr elde eldest st son son Henr Henry y of Anjo Anjou u who who now now call called ed hims himsel elf f duke duke of Norm Norman andy dy.. Robe Robert rt frow frowne ned d as he alwa always ys did did at thou though ghtt of the the youn young g duke duke,, for for if ther there e was was any any man man on God' God'ss eart earth h he hate hated, d, it was was that that over overwe ween enin ing g son son of Sata Satan, n, Henr Henry. y. The The man man had had swor sworn n to take take Engl Englan and d and and Robe Robert rt believ believed ed he would would try. try. And And someh somehow ow,, some some way, way, he was goin going g to fight fight Henry Henry again again and and win. win. His His eyes eyes narr narrow owed ed,, his his thou though ghts ts slid slidin ing g back back to that that time time last last year ear when when even even his his hatr hatred ed for for Henr Henry y hadn hadn't 't been been enou enough gh to keep keep him him runn runnin ing g and and fight fightin ing, g, to make make him him care care if he lived lived or died died.. Only Only for for his his men men had had he clun clung g to life life,, a life life he no long longer er want wanted ed.. He coul couldn dn't 't aban abando don n them them,, mast master erle less ss,, in enem enemy y land lands; s; he coul couldn dn't 't let let them them down down as he had had Adam Adam.. Now Now he want wanted ed to live live,, want wanted ed it desp desper erat atel ely! y! In fact fact,, he'd he'd swor sworn n on that that smal smalll cold cold grav grave e back back in Norma Normand ndy y that that he woul would d live. live. That That he would would live live and and that that he would would win. win. Or at the very very least least that that he woul would d die die on his his own own land land,, on Bela Belavo voir ir land land.. And And he wasn wasn't 't abou aboutt to let let Adam Adam down down agai again. n. He swun swung g his his horse orse out out of the the shel shelte terr of tree trees, s, head headin ing g for for the the road road.. His His men men foll follow owed ed slow slowly ly behin ehind d him. him. In anot anothe herr few few minu minute tess the the torc torche hess they they carr carrie ied d woul would d be visi visibl ble e from from the the cast castle le,, and and the the die die woul would d be cast. But But then then ther there e had had neve neverr been been any any real real ques questi tion on of goin going g back back.. Henr Henry y was was the the ackn acknow owle ledg dged ed duke duke of Norman Normandy. dy. Even Even Rober Robert's t's erstwh erstwhile ile ally, ally, King King Louis Louis of France France,, had been been forced forced to admit admit that. that. Robe Robert rt had had noth nothin ing— g—ab abso solu lute tely ly noth nothin ing— g—le left ft to go back back to. to. They They rumb rumble led d on, on, over over the the cres crestt of a hill hill,, down down the the last last long long slop slope e befo before re star starin ing g the the stee steep p clim climb b up to the the cast castle le.. Robe Robert rt's 's brea breath thin ing g was was stea steady dy but but his his hear heartt had had begu begun n to hamm hammer er,, his his insi inside dess to quic quicke ken n as they they alwa always ys did did in the the last last few few mome moment ntss befo before re a batt battle le.. Then Then a sent sentry ry call called ed out out a chal challe leng nge e from from atop atop Bela Belavo voir ir's 's ston stone e wall wall.. And And so it bega began. n.
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Merc Mercif iful ul Fath Father er God, God, don' don'tt let let me let let them them down down.. "Ho! "Ho! You You the the wall wall!" !" he shou shoute ted, d, halt haltin ing g at the the grea greatt eart earthe hen n ditc ditch h that that surr surrou ound nded ed the the cast castle le wall walls. s. "We' "W e're re from from Shre Shrews wsbu bury ry town town,, esco escort rtin ing g a load load of salt salt and and supp suppli lies es from from the the merc mercha hant nt Wa Walt lter er of Roue Rouen. n. I was was told told we woul would d be expe expect cted ed." ." By now now seve severa rall torc torche hess had had appe appear ared ed atop atop the the gate gateho hous use. e. "You "You were were," ," the the man man shou shoute ted d back back.. "Ove "Overr a week ago." ago." "We've "We' ve had had the the devi devil' l'ss own own luck luck," ," Robe Robert rt retu return rned ed.. "Fir "First st one one brok broken en axle axle and and then then anot anothe her, r, then then a band band of whor whores eson on outl outlaw awss to cont conten end d with with.. We We'v 've e had had no slee sleep p in days days and and we'r we're e thre threee-pa part rtss froz frozen en besi beside des. s. Juda Judas, s, man, man, let let us in!" in!" "Can "Can't 't.. Not Not till till morn mornin ing g anyw anyway ay.. You' You'll ll have have to camp camp outs outsid ide. e."" Robe Robert rt let let out out a stri string ng of curs curses es as crea creati tive ve as they they were were obsc obscen ene. e. The The sold soldie ierr must must have have been been impr impres esse sed, d, for for in a matt matter er of mome moment ntss anot anothe herr voic voicee was was hear heard, d, this this one one with with the the unmi unmist stak akab able le tone tone of comm comman and. d. "It' "It'ss past past midn midnig ight ht,, you you fool fool.. We can' can'tt let let you you in. in. You You shou should ld have have made made camp camp some somewh wher ere. e."" "We're "We' re out out of food food.. Have Haven' n'tt had had a bite bite sinc since e the the dawn dawn," ," Robe Robert rt shou shoute ted d angr angril ily. y. "W "Wit ith h all all the the dela delays ys we ran out." out." "You "You won' won'tt star starve ve befo before re sunr sunris ise. e."" "No. "No... .. no, we won' won't. t. We We'v 've e a pipe pipe of good ood Gasc Gascon on wine wine for for the the lord lord's 's tabl table e and and two two barr barrel elss of the the best best Ches Cheshi hire re ale ale for for the the rest rest of the the hous househ ehol old. d. Gift Giftss from from Wa Walt lter er of Roue Rouen n to the the lord lord of Bela Belavo voir ir." ." With With a hars harsh h laug laugh, h, Robe Robert rt whee wheele led d his his hors horse. e. "A pity pity you you won' won'tt be tast tastin ing g the the ale. ale. I'll I'll let let you you kno know what what you you missed missed come come sunrise sunrise." ." "Wai "W ait! t!"" Robe Robert rt's 's fing finger erss tigh tighte tene ned d on the the rein reins. s. His His hear heartt was was poun poundi ding ng in earn earnes estt and and ever every y seco second nd seem seemed ed a lifeti lifetime. me. Then Then the the draw drawbr brid idge ge was starti starting ng to move move,, the the heav heavy y portc portcul ullis lis begi beginn nnin ing g its creak creakin ing g ascen ascent. t. The The gate gate swun swung g open open and and he was was star starin ing g into into the the dark darken ened ed bail bailey ey of Bela Belavo voir ir.. He cros crossed sed the the echoi echoing ng draw drawbr brid idge ge,, rode rode thro throug ugh h the the arch arched ed stone stone gate gatewa way y of the the cast castle le,, hold holdin ing g his his emot emotio ions ns in chec check, k, tryi trying ng not not to thin think k of the the last last time time he had had pass passed ed bene beneat ath h this this gate gateho hous use. e. It was was sixt sixtee een n year yearss ago. ago. He'd He'd been been naug naught ht but but a boy boy of elev eleven en,, flus flushe hed d with with eage eagern rnes esss and and prid pride e and and the the fool foolis ish h boy' boy'ss belief belief that that life life was good good and all thing thingss possi possible ble.. It had had been been a lifeti lifetime me ago, ago, before before Norma Normand ndy y and and Margu Margueri erite te and that that devil' devil'ss spawn spawn Henry. Henry. Befo Before re Adam Adam.. The The thou though ghtt of his his dead dead son son stea steadi died ed him. him. He sent sent a quic quick k glan glance ce arou around nd the the bail bailey ey.. Ther There e were were scar scarce ce a doze dozen n men men abou about. t. Ther There' e'd d be more more on the the wall walls, s, a few few post posted ed insi inside de in the the cast castle le.. But But the the rema remain inde derr of the the garr garris ison on woul would d be slee sleepi ping ng.. It was was his his only only chan chance ce,, and and he was was cou countin nting g on it. it. He glan glance ced d towa toward rd the the gate gateho hous usee stai stairs rs.. A shad shadow owy y figu figure re move moved d swif swiftl tly y upwa upward rd.. That That woul would d be his his man, man, Raou Raoull le Bent Bent,, the the supp suppos osed ed mess messen enge gerr from from Lord Lord Bort Borthw hwic ick. k. It was was his his job job to get get insi inside de the the gate gateho hous use, e, to over overco come me the the guard guard and and disa disabl blee the the draw drawbr brid idge ge mech mechan anis ism. m.
