The Blue Falcon (27 page)

“
But wed to a man soon to go warring in some faraway land? Alaric is old and it is time for him to see his children well fit, not a time to add more burdens to his shoulders. Who will see to our daughter’s welfare if she is left widowed with a child?”

“
Whom do you suspect shall, madam?” Conan asked tartly.
“
If I am to be lord of my father’s lands, I can speak for my sister’s welfare. She shall always have her place with me, if need be. And if there is a child, his welfare will be mine as well. No further promise seems needed.”

“
Have you not pledges enough?” Udele asked angrily.
“
You’ve pledged to your mother, your wife, your wife’s sister has become your con
cern. And now another ward, may
haps two
--
”

“
Methinks you bury the knight too soon, lady,” Conan said sharply.
“
It chafes me sore that I cannot travel with my comrades into battle but must cleave to England for the sake of my family. They make me a tree with many blossoms and I see no harm in adding yet another to the branches for my protection. I think I can easily bear the weight.” He steadied himself and took a breath.
“
Were my father already gone, God save us, and the decision mine, I would give Edythe to Mallory. I know his ways and his skills, and no finer knight is asking.”

Udele saw the battle lost. Tears came to her eyes and she sought a way to hide her disappointment. She turned to Edythe and reached for her hand.
“
Edythe, dear child, can you be content, a woman alone while your husband is at war? If you have but a moment as his bride and he leaves you heavy with child, can you bear the weight?”

Edythe, somewhat touched by her mother’s tears, smiled.
“
I know Sir Mallory must go, madam, and I will not bemoan his absence but pray for his safe return. I could not be content any other way.”

Udele brushed a tear from her cheek.
“
That is all I need know,” she said softly. She turned and took the goblet of wine that had been brought for her and raised it, though in
h
er heart she was not pleased. She had hoped for so much more.
“
You may have your knight with my blessing.”

As if yet another battle they feared had been won, Mallory and Edythe were again rejoicing. When Mallory bowed over Udele’s hand to thank her and promise to prove himself a good husband, it was difficult for Udele to smile and wish them her best.

So,
she thought in anger as she looked at her son,
you have surrounded yourself with your wards. And what will be left for you when you have sworn to support so many? Indeed, what will be left for me?

Alaric’s arm dropped around Udele’s shoulders and she looked up at him with tears still brimming in her eyes.

“
Do not worry for Edythe, lady,” Alaric said gently.
“
She will be happy and that is all I ever wished for her.”

Udele nodded, knowing better than to argue now. But her thoughts were a turmoil as she struggled to count what might be left for her when Conan divided all that he would inherit and scattered it about his many pledges.
What you need,
she thought angrily,
are fewer burdens.

***

The coronation was still a few days away. The London streets were as dangerous at night as they were busy during the day. All sensible shopkeepers closed their doors and windows tightly when the sun lowered in the sky.

Udele walked toward Westminster with Pierce close behind her to offer protection. It was dusk and most of those people hurrying through the streets were on their way home. Udele’s step was quick and her hood was pulled over her head. Inside the mantle she could feel the weight of a heavy sack of silver.

A solitary figure leaned against the castle wall and he straightened as he saw her approach. He would not have been certain it was her but for the presence of the huge manser
vant.

“
What is the meaning of this?” Udele hissed.

“
I wanted the balance to come from your own hand, lady.” Tedric shrugged.
“
I will no longer do business with your henchman and lackey.”

“
You do not deserve the balance! Your silence has not aided my cause, since Edythe is now betrothed to Mallory!”

“
Ah, but I have eliminated Chandra from Conan’s pursuit. Had she been allowed to remain unwed or wed to any other,
Conan would still be in her company often. He will not visit my house. You need not fear he will create a scandal.”

“
And since you have done half the job, why not graciously accept half the sum we agreed to?”

“
I did all I promised, lady. ‘Twas you who could not carry out the plan. Your influence did not touch Alaric’s will. And the word is that Alaric has long suspected romance budding between Edythe and Mallory. And he has long approved.”

Udele’s eyes grew wide and she stared at him in wonder.
“
I had not heard this. For how long has my lord husband known of Edythe and Mallory and their love?”

Tedric snickered.
“
As Sir Mallory tells it, since it began
--
long before I overheard them in the garden.”

Udele’s piqued temper quickly turned to sharp anger.
“
How dare you cheat me with your offer to
--
”

“
Lady! I did not cheat you! I was not aware that Alaric awaited his daughter’s whim! I guessed he would approve, had he known, but he kept his secret well. Now the debt is yours. When we agreed on the sum I promised the same to Medwin
--
half with the betrothal, half with the wedding.”

“
And now that Edythe marries a poor knight there is no money bid for her hand and I cannot repay my debt!”

Now the surprise was Tedric’s.
“
The money is not yours?”

“
I have managed to save a pittance, but not nearly the amount you demanded,” she said bitterly.

“
Then how have you come by it?”

“
I have traded with the Jews on occasion,” she sighed.
“
There are those who will lend money to a lady in distress.”

Tedric laughed uproariously, holding his sides as he thought of her predicament. He did not attempt to contain himself until Pierce stepped closer to Udele’s side.

“
Pardon, lady,” he said, tears of laughter gathering in his eyes.
“
I thought your position delicate enough. I knew the news that you had paid me to hold silent would anger your husband, but I cannot imagine his wrath when the Jew comes to his door for payment!”

“
They do not know me,” she said.
“
Do you think I am fool enough to go to them myself and ask for silver?”

Tedric saw the dawning.
“
Ah! Once again Pierce does your bartering and borrowing. Then where is your problem?”

“
It has taken me a very long time to arrive at this position,” she said tersely.
“
They do not hand money out to serfs and
s
ervants. For the sum I needed, there had to be years of borrowing and trading for the Jew to give Pierce the money with no fear of having it lost. Now I shall have to begin again, with another usurer. And there is always the chance that Aaron will find Pierce at Anselm. I do not need Alaric’s suspicion.”

Tedric clicked his tongue in mock sympathy.
“
Poor lady. I had no idea Alaric was so selfish with his money.”

“
He does not approve of all the bargains I strike,” Udele returned.

“
I doubt not,” Tedric returned with a laugh.
“
I cannot give you back the money, madam, as I have use for it. And perhaps I will need more.”

“
There is no more!”

“
You will think of a way!”

“
I will not give you another
--
”

“
And when I tell Alaric that you have borrowed from the Jews to pay me? I tell you, madam, many have asked where I came by the money I needed to buy Chandra’s hand in marriage. They are a curious lot and hard to convince.” He scratched his blond beard lazily.
“
Some think it hard to imagine that I have labored hard for the sum.”

“
You are a knave!”

He shook the bag and the sound of silver brought a smile to his lips.
“
A rich knave at that,” he added.
“
I will not bother you for a while, lady, for I think it would be difficult to demand more money now. But you will think of a way to get more. You do not like being without money.”

“
Do not push me too far, Tedric,” she warned.
“
If I do find a way to money, mayhaps I will use it to have you killed.”

“
Oh, I think not, lady, when Pierce would oblige you without payment. But I will be wary not to test your good nature. I should like to bargain with you again.”

He bowed briefly and smiled at her.
“
Thank you, my lady,” he said, holding the silver before her. He shrugged off her hateful glare and turned to go, quite pleased with his business for the night.

Chapter 12

On the third of September in the year 1189, a procession of clergy dressed in copes of purple silk led the way to Westmin
ster Abbey, carrying holy water, cross, tapers and thurible. They were followed by the abbots and the bishops, then the noblemen bearing the cap of maintenance, the spurs, the rod topped by a dove, the sword of state and the scepter.

Next came a party of sue barons, Lord Alaric among them, carrying the chequer board with regalia and robes; then the earl of Essex with the crown; and finally Richard himself, duke of Normandy, flanked by the bishops of Bath and Durham, walking all the way upon a white linen cloth and protected by a canopy of silk supported on the lances of the four barons of Cinque Ports.

Richard was a sight to quicken the hearts of many as he moved with grace along the coronation route, for he seemed to tower at least a head above all other men, and his reddish gold hair and piercing blue eyes added to his regal bearing.

Never had London seen such a coronation. For all that Henry II had hated pomp and display, Richard loved it. His was by far the grandest and most regal of coronations.

Within the Abbey, where only the most prestigious of guests were present, the Firmetur Manus Tua was sung and the king brought his offering to the altar. Then the litany, the oath, and the pious utterings of prayers of consecration were said: Omnipotens Sempiterne Deus; Bene die Domine; Deus Ineffabilis. A long and holy ritual ensued: the oath, the hallowing and anointing, the insignia, coronation and en
thronement. If there had been any doubts as to who was king, they were surely diminished by the ceremony of his corona
t
ion, which was so long and dramatic it nearly guaranteed his heavenly sovereign right. The king was then taken back to his chambers in procession.

Though it seemed the coronation itself could not be outdone, the preparations for the banquet to follow were even more pompous. Nearly two thousand pitchers, nine hundred cups and over five thousand dishes were purchased for the occasion.

The magnificence of the hall, decorated for pure pageant
ry, was presided over by Richard, who was surrounded only by the men in his service: the bishops and lesser clergy, the knights and nobles. No women were allowed in the hall and they did not take part in the celebrating. It was very like Richard to exclude the gentler sex. Women, excepting his mother, had never played a significant role in this warrior king’s life.

The noblewomen of London, then, were for the most part without escort for that eve of the great coronation feast. They had the protection of what men-at-arms their fathers or husbands had left behind, but the knights and nobles of high repute were all at Westminster Hall attending Richard.

Though Medwin had found more than adequate lodgings, he took Chandra to Alaric’s house on this night so that she might enjoy the company of the other women while the men were engaged. No one questioned the fact that Tedric did not offer his company for the evening. Although he was not a part of the delegation of sons Theodoric took with him to West
minster, he was not expected to spend his time with women and servants.

A fire was needed to warm the hall when the sun was sinking. The four women formed a half circle about the hearth and worked their stitchery. The large house was nearly void of men but for four guards, Pierce and the landlord, a little man so intimidated by the elite personage using his home that he asked constantly and irritatingly if he could be of service.

“
And after Bury Saint Edmunds where do you go?” Chandra asked her sister.

Edythe looked up from her stitchery and listened as the sisters talked.

“
We return then to Stoddard,” Edwina replied.

“
Bury Saint Edmunds is not far from Cordell,” Chandra said.

Edwina flushed slightly, not wishing to hurt Chandra.
“
Conan has duties awaiting him at Stoddard. Perhaps we can journey to Cordell another time for a visit.”

“
Perhaps.”

Udele laughed sharply.
“
Chandra, how foolish you are. Do you imagine Conan will be bringing Edwina to visit you at Cordell? Or perhaps you think Tedric will take you to Stoddard for a visit!” She laughed again.
“
I cannot imagine Conan and Tedric sharing a cup and calling themselves brothers!”

Chandra stiffened indignantly and Edwina focused her eyes on her needlework.

“
Tedric has promised me visits to Phalen,” Chandra said to Edwina.
“
We could arrange our visits at the same time.”

Edwina reached for Chandra’s hand and fairly whispered her reply.
“
It’s true that our husbands may never be friends, but neither, I think, will deny us our time together.”

“
Is there proof that you are with child?” Chandra asked softly.

“
Nay,” Edwina replied.
“
Not so soon.”

“
You will be more fortunate this time,” Chandra said hopefully.
“
I will pray as well, and we must send word to Laine at Thetford so she can offer the prayers of the sisters. I am sure the next child will be born healthy and strong.”

“
I hope you are right, Chandra,” Udele said without looking up from her sewing.
“
Conan will be hard to abide should this attempt fail as well.”

Chandra stared coldly at Udele. She no longer wondered at the woman’s tactlessness. It had become clear in the past several days and evenings they had been together that Udele was careful with her tongue in the presence of the men and hurled her nasty comments at the women.

“
Sir Conan is not alone in his disappointment when a child is lost, madam,” Chandra said tartly.
“
Edwina is pained with the thought as well. I think we should all think only that the best will occur. Let us not dwell on past sorrows.”

“
Indeed not!” Udele returned.
“
Most certainly, we must think the best.” She looked back to her sewing, and it was a few moments before she spoke again.
“
Edwina, I think you
w
ould be wise to persuade Conan to bring you to residence at Anselm when you prove with child. I cannot rest worrying that you are not being properly cared for.”

“
Do not worry, madam,” Edwina said.
“
All will be well.”

“
Dear heart, he is so reluctant to leave your side when you are under his care. How will Conan better himself if he is ever tied to your skirts?”

Chandra’s face grew red and her lips white.
“
Conan is a rich man without lifting a finger,” she returned saucily.
“
A few months at Stoddard to watch his wife’s health closely should not beggar him.”

“
I think not,” Udele returned easily.
“
At least not a few months. But a lifetime of tending his sickly wife will not add lands to his estate and virtuous attributes to his knightly reputation.” She sighed heavily.
“
Your father was a lucky man. He managed to do quite well for himself in spite of the many hours he spent attending Millicent in her illnesses.”

Chandra smiled slyly. She was beginning to understand better Udele’s baiting game.
“
Father was never fooled by the gift of physical strength. In all things there are strengths and weaknesses. Better a woman of meager strength who is kind and wise and loving than a mighty body and a shrewish heart.”

Udele’s head snapped up and her mouth opened, ready to hurl her angry retort, when Edwina rose suddenly.

“
Chandra, I am weary. Come with me while I make ready for bed.”

“
Of course,” Chandra said, rising. She faced Udele and offered a brief curtsy.
“
By your leave, madam,” she said.

Udele’s eyes were cold.
“
Guard your words, Chandra. Take care that you do not make me angry.”

“
Oh, madam,” she gasped in mocked chagrin.
“
Beg par
don if I have ever been less than kind. I could not pardon myself if anything I said offended you!”

Udele glared at her relentlessly. She could see she had underestimated the maid’s assets. Chandra was as quick and stubborn as Udele had ever hoped to be.
Were she my son’s wife,
Udele thought,
she would see me dressed in rags and begging my bread.

Chandra and Edwina went alone to the chamber aloft, and by the time they reached the room Chandra was seething.

“
How do you abide that woman?” she hissed under her breath.

Edwina laughed softly.
“
Though it would be a fancy sight if you were ever near to protect me from her, I doubt I could bear the strain. Jesu, should the two of you ever live under the same roof I dare not guess which would survive.”

“
Have no doubts who it would be, Edwina. I would never allow her wickedness to prick my tender skin. Why do you not speak to Conan about the evil way you are treated?”

“
Conan is fond of his mother.” She shrugged.
“
It would hurt him to think she does not always serve his best inter
ests.”

“
And so you have lived with her shrewish nature for all this time without ever telling Conan what insults she lays to you?”

Edwina shrugged.
“
I have only lately told him that I am not happy at Anselm and wish to live with him in his home.”

“
Oh, Edwina, you should not let her treat you so badly!”

“
But what is to be gained by fighting her? It will not change the way Conan sees his mother, for she puts on her best face for him. And it would surely cause him to doubt me. Nay, I would not complain and make life hard for Conan. It is hard enough for him now. Better I bear what Udele flings at me as quietly as I can and let it affect me but little.”

Chandra calmed considerably with her sister’s reasoning, seeing the truth of it. It would be a disaster if Udele was Chandra’s mother by marriage. She knew she could never abide the woman’s haughty barbs quietly and remain unaf
fected, even if her heart told her that would be best. Chandra was much too volatile for that
. Had Udele realized that?
Chandra wondered. Long ago, when Chandra had gazed at Conan with love in her eyes, had Udele seen that Chandra would not be intimidated as easily as Edwina could be? She shook the thought from her head
--
it was too late to consider that now. No matter Udele’s motives, the situation was beyond cure.

“
He is lucky to have you, Edwina. You are a good wife.”

“
Lucky,” she laughed.
“
He has so many disappointments to bear as my husband. But he is too noble ever to make me suffer for the trouble I am to him. Had I known how I would love him, I would have never married him. I would have begged him to find a stronger woman, one who could promise
h
im sons and would live to see them raised. You would have made him a better wife than I.”

Chandra felt the sting of tears in her eyes. Once again she was guilt-stricken when faced with Edwina’s quiet devotion and unselfishness.

“
Edwina, never say that. It just isn’t so!”

Before another word could pass between the sisters, there was a sound from the window that made them both turn their heads to listen. First there was a scream and commotion below them in the streets. Then came louder shouts. They looked at each other and then quickly moved to the window.

Men were running, yelling as they went, with other men chasing them and brandishing clubs and swords. When caught, they did not fight back but fell instantly. One man seeking some haven from his foe darted into a doorway, his back flush against the wall as he attempted to hide in the shadows. His pursuer, wearing the blazon of a lord or knight, saw the man hiding and, with great malice, clubbed him over the head until he slumped, bleeding and motionless. Still the aggressor continued to beat the fallen man with his club.

Edwina blanched, covered her mouth, ran to the corner of her chamber and leaned against the wall to retch. Chandra could not turn away.

There was no sense to the brutality she saw. Another unarmed man fell to a sword held by a man on horseback. Two men lay bloody below her. Many more were fleeing. They were commoners, from all Chandra could discern; weaponless commoners being chased by well-garbed men coming from the direction of Westminster.

“
We’ve bolted the door,” Edythe cried, rushing into the room. She ran to where Chandra stood at the window, watching the wild scene below.

As they watched a man running, they saw a horsed warrior, a fettered knight, cut him down with a ready lance. Chandra gulped convulsively. She had never witnessed anything to match this in all her life. It in no way resembled the death of a convicted criminal. It was a macabre slaughter for which she could name no cause.