The Blue Falcon (29 page)

Years earlier, before he had been knighted, Conan had met Richard on two separate occasions in France. Conan’s ap
pearance had not changed drastically since then, except that his beard was thicker and darker, but his surprise was genuine when Richard recognized him. He bowed before his king.

“
Sir Conan,” Richard acknowledged.
“
What is your com
plaint?”

“
None, Sire. You called to have justice brought to those who murdered Jews. I know of a man who was seen in the riots killing a lender.”

While Richard’s eyes remained angry, he handled the business with formality and serenity. Conan told his story while a scribe copied the details slowly and carefully. When the telling was done, Richard spoke.

“
A part of justice is to give the accused a chance to speak. You are excused and will be called when Sir Tedric is found and records from the lender who was murdered are brought to me. I hope, Sir Conan, that you are not wrong.”

“
On my oath, Sire, I would not dare so much if I doubted. Tedric has been in possession of large sums he will not answer for, and the lender was murdered below his bride’s window. She is my wife’s sister and fears marriage with this man.”

“
And you have taken the position of matchmaker? I can think of better work for a knight of the realm.”

“
To protect women is a part of the code, Sire.”

Richard nodded, though his lips were curved in a snide smile. With an impatient gesture of the hand, Conan was excused and the next man to see the king entered.

It was two days before Conan was called back to Westmin
ster, but the time was well spent. Mallory and Thurwell had learned that the lender’s name was Aaron and he was well known in London and York. He was widely traveled and had made many loans to nobles, charging for the privilege of borrowing. His home in York was not terribly far from Theodoric’s lands. His records would cause some furor, the names would cause Richard to raise his brows. Most nobles forced to borrow tried to keep their debts a secret and were not bent to a cause so sanctified as the Crusade.

T
edric and Theodoric were already present when Conan and Alaric arrived at Westminster. Theodoric did not speak or look at Conan. His face was stony with displeasure. Tedric growled his greeting.

“
Will you stop at nothing to spoil my reputation on English soil?”

“
There is no blood on my hands, Tedric,” Conan answered confidently.

“
You could have come to me for an answer to this charge, but the king! You are wrong, Conan!”

They were admitted to the king’s chambers, and the bishop at Richard’s right hand read the charge.

“
Sir Tedric is accused of taking part in the riot and the slaying of Jews. The man slain was called Aaron, a lender known in London and York. The witnesses were Lady Chandra, betrothed of the accused, and Lady Edythe, daugh
ter of Lord Alaric de Corbney.”

Tedric stood calmly as the accusation was read.

“
How do you answer these charges, Sir Tedric?” Richard asked.
             
__

“
I did in fact slay a man that night, Sire,” Tedric said calmly.
“
I was not a part of the coronation, and when the riots began I took myself quickly to the home of Lord Alaric, knowing my betrothed to be there. I found a man trying to gain entry and I could not name him Jew or knight. When I pushed him aside he drew a knife and I killed him. I had not seen him before and did not know his name.”

Richard raised a brow and studied the young man before him. He had heard similar charges and answers in the days following the riots. He was not oblivious to the possibility that old feuds would be tested on this ground. It was a choice situation for one man to discredit another.

“
Why did you flee if you were innocent?” Conan asked.
“
You did not enter to see to the welfare of your betrothed, but ran.”

“
A fair question,” Tedric answered easily. He casually touched a place on his head, drawing apart the gold locks to expose an undergrowth of his yellow hair stained pink from a bloody gash.
“
I was carried away from Alaric’s door by the mob and soon after found a quiet doorway to rest my weary bones.” Richard allowed an amused smile for the accused.
“
Forsooth, I did not rise to see to my betrothed’s safety until dawn. But you were there, Conan. Did you find the lady well?”

Conan squirmed slightly but faced the king again.
“
Sire, Sir Tedric weaves a pretty tale and no doubt a believable one, but I state again that he has given his bride’s father a large sum, money whose source he will not name. And the lender who was killed lives not far from Tedric’s home. I believe the murder was given much thought and the riots offered the hope that it would go unnoticed.”

Richard looked to Tedric, who at this moment seemed ill at ease.
“
Sire,” he said softly.
“
I have not borrowed from a lender and I have not wished to tell my family or my bride’s from whence the money came. Truth, Sire, I fear to tell you, but better I am punished for poor judgment than murder. I looked long and hard for labors that would bring me the silver to buy Chandra’s hand, for her estate is my only hope of prospering
--
I am the last born of seven sons. Count John
p
aid me a large sum for my support when he was in France. Though I realized my error in judgment and have pledged myself to your cause, the shame is more than a knight can bear to lay to his family.”

“
Then something was gaine
d in your hasty loyalties, Te
dric. You’ve at least realized where your allegiance belongs. I will forget that you were opposed to my sovereign right and can plainly see why you would be hesitant to name the source of your money.”

“
I will accept any penance you lay to me, Sire. But I did not borrow from the Jew or kill him with malice. ‘Twas in self-defense.”

“
Some of Aaron’s records could not be found, but those kept in London were saved from the fire. No member of Theodoric’s family has borrowed from Aaron. There is a chance a record is still kept in York.”

“
Nay, Sire,” Tedric said.
“
I have never borrowed, I swear. Sir Conan accuses me now in hopes that I will be cast from English soil and the wedding will not take place. He is in love with Lady Chandra, Sire.”

Richard’s eyes were not sympathetic. He looked sharply at Conan for an explanation. Conan did not lie easily, even when it was necessary.

“
The lady betrothed to Sir Tedric is my wife’s sister. She fears the marriage, for she knows Tedric to be dishonest and she was the one to see him murder. He paid the maid’s father a sum Medwin could not turn away, for with the Saladin tithe and scutage, Medwin is in need. I acted in her defense, as I would any woman in danger.”

“
But you come with charges you cannot prove. It smells of vengeance,” the king said hotly.
“
My chamber is opened to you for the sake of justice, not as a forum to renew hostilities.”

“
Sire, Tedric has attacked unfairly in the past, and there have been witnesses to his treachery. I could not let this incident go by without testing Tedric’s guilt. Sire, he is not a trustworthy knight; others would attest to
--
”

“
Had you received your answers from Sir Tedric, would you have troubled me today?”

“
Had I known
what pretty tale he would weave,
Sire, perhaps I would not have brought the charge to you. Tedric is skilled with lies.”

“
Yet I see no proof that you speak the truth,” Richard returned.

“
My allegiance has always been firm, Sire.”

“
And do you travel with me to the Holy Land?”

Conan’s face took on a darker hue.
“
Nay, Sire. But I willingly meet the scutage. I am the lone able protector of my family and my wife’s family.”

“
And you?” he asked Tedric.

“
Nay, Sire. My father chose four of his sons, the ones best known for their knightly skills. I was not chosen, but my scutage has been paid.”

“
Sire,” Theodoric put in.
“
My youngest son asked to be supported with arms for the Crusade and I refused him. He is better with his mind than his sword. The other men will do you better service.”

Richard looked to Alaric.
“
And do you send sons to this cause?”

“
Nay, Sire. I have not been given seven, but two. There is Conan, and Galen, a lad of only four and ten.”

“
I will call this matter done,” Richard said.
“
Bother me again when you put as much importance to God’s work as you put to a damsel’s plight.”

“
Sire,” Conan protested.

“
It is done! I am interested in men’s games, fighting and causes more important than your preferred choice of husband for your wife’s sister!”

So dismissed, Conan bowed and left the room, Alaric behind him, with Tedric and his father following at a distance. Conan’s pace was brisk with anger and humiliation. In the gallery near the exit he would use, Mallory and Thurwell waited. The look on Conan’s face told them all.

“
So he has escaped you again?” Mallory asked.

“
And worse,” Conan explained, looking over his shoulder to see a victorious Tedr
ic and stony-faced Theodoric ap
proach.
“
He managed to make me look the fool to Richard. The fox earned sympathy for his allegiance to John and failure to answer Richard’s call to arms. His father told of how Tedric begged to go and Theodoric would not release him to join the Crusade.”

“
He would not go to war if Richard demanded it of him,” Thurwell retorted.
“
Does Theodoric lie for his son now?”

“
I cannot believe he would. I must believe that Tedric asked, knowing Theodoric would refuse him.”

Theodoric and Tedric passed Conan and his friends without speaking, moving out of Westminster quickly, making clear that the ties of friendship had been severed.

“
By the rood,” Conan said,
“
I know that Tedric is guilty! I would stake my life on it!”

“
I think not,” Alaric said.
“
I would not stake anything of much value on Tedric’s defeat. You have already staked your reputation
--
and lost.”

Chapter 13

Had Medwin been able to afford a wedding on a grand scale for Chandra, the occasion would have been an awkward one. It was just as well, then, that Medwin was lacking in ample means. His poor financial condition served as a good excuse for a modest celebration when his youngest daughter was wed.

In the hall that Medwin leased in London, there were sufficient decoration and plenty of food and entertainment. Those friends already in London for the coronation attended the ceremony and partook of the feast. Medwin, of course, was not responsible for making the arrangements. That chore fell to Chandra. Most of these preparations were made before she left Phalen, and once in London it was simply a matter of assigning last-minute tasks to others. Chandra did only what was necessary so that her father would not be embarrassed.

Garlands were strung, a minstrel was hired and birds were roasted. But there was no saving the day. No amount of primping, decorating or feasting could rescue the affair. It was common knowledge that the bride had been forced by her father into the marriage. She had accused Tedric of murder, and the man to come to her colors had been Sir Conan, her sister’s husband. And Tedric had openly accused Conan of trying to stop the marriage because he loved the bride. That there was any rejoicing at all was a surprise.

She knelt beside Tedric in the rushes in the manor house that Medwin provided. The pale blue of her gown would have brought out the sparkling blue of her eyes, had she been able to raise them. A jeweled girdle that was a gift from Theodoric on her wedding day adorned her gown, but she could not
s
mile her pleasure, for though the gift was generous, this was the blackest of days for her. Tears gathered in her eyes against her will as she spoke her vows. She knew that her appearance was not at fault, that her gown and jewels were envied by many, but the words that left her lips brought despair. She could not suppress the memory of Conan and Edwina as they knelt before a priest. The words she spoke now for Tedric she wished only to pledge to Conan. She wished, with an ache in her heart, that she could present this richly arranged wedding outfit to him; and that she could feel joy in her heart as she pledged her troth.

During the feasting and singing she was quiet and solemn, while Tedric raised his horn for every toast to the couple. His gaiety, Chandra believed, was due more to his triumph over Conan than to his great pleasure in having her as his bride.

In spite of the harsh allegations against Conan and Chan
dra, and the general attitude of disrespect displayed toward Conan in the wedding hall, Conan and Edwina were present. He would not shrink away in embarrassment and thus give the impression that the accusations he had levied were untrue. And Edwina was the bride’s sister; without her presence Chandra would have even fewer supporters at her own wedding.

It was a strange day for many. In the past, Conan had been the highly sung hero, with Alaric standing proudly to accept compliments on his son. Now he seemed scorned and beaten by Tedric, and Theodoric was the one standing proudly, for he boasted seven fine sons, four of whom would journey on Crusade. Alaric and Theodoric did not speak, and Medwin’s position was uncomfortable. His two sons by marriage could barely abide being in the same hall with each other.

A lame falcon, long having been the symbol of good luck at a wedding, seemed to hold a double meaning as the crippled animal was displayed for all in the hall to see. At one point Chandra could bear the snide remarks and animosity no more, and with tear-filled eyes she turned to her new hus
band.

“
My lord, I beseech your goodwill. Please speak no more ill of Sir Conan. He is my sister’s husband and family in my father’s house.”

Tedric grinned.
“
But che
rie, he has brought serious charges
a
gainst me, and before the king! Would you have me treat him as a brother?”

“
But Tedric, it was I,” she murmured mournfully.
“
I could not think I was mistaken in what I saw, and Conan only wished to help me. I beg of you, let your punishment fall to my shoulders. I cannot bear to see Conan treated so poorly.”

“
Ah, the proud cock rooster does not strut so well now! He has basked in the glow of glory for a long time, cherie, when he deserved little of it. I have waited a long time to see the falcon shown for the lame coward that he is!”

“
Tedric, please
--
”

He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his.
“
If you did not hunger for him so, you would not beg me to cease,” he accused.

Her pleas were ignored. Tedric raised his horn high to toast those brave enough to follow Richard into battle. There were not only four of his brothers present who would go, but other knights, Mallory and Thurwell among them. To toast the Crusaders was noble, but Tedric’s only motive was that he might see Conan wince in shame.

Chandra watched Conan’s reaction as well. He did not act mortified as Tedric hoped; rather, he raised his horn high and joined in the salute to those going to the Holy Land. Alaric’s response was not so gracious. Though the hour wa
s still early, he said his good
byes to Medwin and the bride, taking Udele and Edythe with him. Mallory and Thurwell, hard pressed to offer any more salutations to Tedric and his bride, followed close behind. Within moments Conan’s supporters were gone from the room and Chandra wondered what stubbornness provoked him to remain. She would not have blamed him for leaving in an angry state hours before. And then the reason struck her: Edwina was to attend her to the bridal chamber.

It was a moment she dreaded more than any other part of the day, but Chandra could not bear to think of Conan standing alone to absorb any more subtle insults from her husband and his family. She leaned closer to Tedric.

“
My lord, I beg you excuse me now. I am weary and would find our bed.”

“
So soon, che
rie?” he fairly sneered, a knowing gleam in his eyes.
“
If you cannot bear the wait, so be it! I will join you there soon!”

Chandra shuddered at the thought but raised herself with
a
s much dignity as she could muster and bade her father a good night. Edwina came quickly to her side and walked with her to the chamber above them.

There was no one in the room and Chandra went directly to a stool before the hearth and lowered herself tiredly, looking into the flames. She folded her hands in her lap, and tears coursed her cheeks to fall onto them. Edwina allowed her a few moments of quiet to calm herself. There was nothing Edwina could do to ease the hurt.

Edwina spread a delicate white nightdress on the bed. She smoothed the fabric, remembering her own wedding night. She had been nervous and distressed, but her husband had approached her with gentleness and compassion. It was her first taste of love. Her sad luck with carrying his seed to term had lessened the blissful moments for them, but when he did lie beside her at night, the warmth and glow of those moments stayed with her for a very long time. It made the weeks and months that they could not share a bed more bearable. Now, casting a furtive glance at her weeping sister, Edwina was pained to think of what Chandra might find on her wedding night.

“
Come, dear heart, let us not anger him by delay. You cannot escape the wedding night.”

Chandra turned to look at her sister.
“
You must hate me,” she said sadly.

Edwina rushed to her, kneeling before her and taking Chandra’s hands into her own, bringing them to her lips.
“
Hate you? Oh, my love, my sweet Chandra, why would I hate you?”

“
For the things they say about Conan. That he helped me because
--
”

“
Oh, my dear! Would I let what spills from jealous tongues eat at my heart? Chandra, I begged him to help you! After all you have done for me, all you have endured because of me, would I listen to such cruel lies?”

“
But Edwina
--
” Chandra attempted.

“
Nay! I hold you above all others! And it pains my heart to think of all you have been through because of me!”

“
I have never suffered because of you,” Chandra said in confusion.

Edwina reached out and touched Chandra’s golden hair, looking with love into her eyes.
“
I am not blind to what you
h
ave sacrificed for me, dear heart. I know that long ag
o when I was prepared to take T
edric, you longed for as little as a kind word from Conan. It was his mother’s doing that he noticed me at all. And it was a long while before I realized it had broken your heart. And never have you begrudged me my happiness! Never have you complained of what might have been!”

Feeling less than pure and not deserving of Edwina’s sympathy, Chandra looked again at her hands and felt the tears fall onto them.

“
I have had naught but kindness from my lord husband,” Edwina went on.
“
Kindness and love he showers on me, though I do not deserve so much. I have been a disappoint
ment to him. I cannot give him sons, and I know it is because of me that he does not go with Richard. Oh, Chandra, I did not always think Tedric so undeserving, but now I see him for the knave he is. Do you think I could have survived as his wife?”

Chandra raised her eyes and looked at her sister.

“
You have always been the stronger one, and you have always taken my burdens. Now you will spend your life serving a man that was almost given to me, while I have the prize. If you can forgive, I pray you will forgive me for the many times you have slaved for a lesser reward while I have profited.”

Chandra sighed, wishing she could convince herself that there would one day be a prize for her, but she felt more permanently removed from happiness than ever before. She rose to begin to ready herself for her husband. Talking about her troubles seemed to worsen them in her mind, and delaying the inevitable could not improve her circumstances.

“
I will not see you again for a long time,” Chandra said.
“
I know that Tedric’s promise to let me visit Father may be forgotten.”

“
Chandra, don’t worry so. We will be together again. And I will pray that Tedric learns the value of what he has and changes for the better.”

It was that thought that gave Chandra a glimmer of hope. She wondered how he could change if she would not allow it. Perhaps if she showed she was tractable and could be a supportive wife, they could come to an understanding.

I must show him I am willing,
she thought desperately.
Perhaps he does hold some love for me and is only injured by my reluctance. I fear I cannot love him, but I am strong enough to act the part of a loyal wife. In time, I pray, there will be peace between us.

It was with that resolve that she could settle herself and try to steel her mind against ill thoughts.

She could not muster a seductive or intimate smile for Tedric when he came to her; to show that she was resigned and willing was the very most she could do.

He leaned over the bed and drew her toward him, kissing her lips gently. Chandra yielded to the kiss and tried her best to return the affection. When his lips left hers he was smiling, a smile of pleasure that momentarily convinced her she had done well.

“
The beautiful Chandra,” he said softly.
“
The maid the men all want for their own. You are accustomed to being desired, my love. It is a thing you will have to learn to live without.”

“
Tedric, you must forgive me if I have hurt you and let this be a time of starting over. We are pledged, you and I, and there should be kindness between us.”

He laughed loudly at that.
“
And so you are ready to play the wife?”

“
I will do my best,” she murmured, confused by the look in his eyes.

“
But cherie,” he protested,
“
I
was not awaiting your approval.
Whether or not you are prepared to try, you are mine.”

She lowered her gaze for a moment, not wishing to argue with him further, when he reached out and grabbed the sheer cloth of her shift and rent the fabric to expose her from her breasts to her thighs. She gasped as she unconsciously clutched at the cloth.

“
Do not cry out, cherie,” he warned.
“
It would be the crowning glory to Conan’s shame should he hear your screams and run to your bridal chamber to save you from your husband.”

Rage replaced the shock in her eyes as she glared at him.
“
Why do you seek his humiliation, and always at my ex
pense?”

“
Why? Because, ch
e
rie, he wants you. I have waited a very long time to take something he values from his reach and watch him stand helpless to prevent me.”