Warriors Of Legend (56 page)

“Let us get away from this place,” he said.

Ulric didn’t need further encouragement. He hopped onto his horse and soon they rode off at a full gallop.

CHAPTER 10

After what seemed like hours, Gavin slowed his horse to a steady, rhythmic gait.

“Those were the same outlaws that attacked my father, weren’t they?” Estella asked, even though she already knew the answer. Not only did he save her father, but he prevented the robbers from making off with the thing she valued more than life itself.

Gavin nodded. “Those were the attackers.”

“I thank you for driving them away,” she said, her voice quiet.

She lifted the pendant and looked at the intricate design. She sensed him watching her trace the heraldic shields that were embossed onto the gold jewelry.

“It means a lot to you, doesn’t it?” he asked.

Her throat constricted, and she swallowed hard, trying to stem back the wave of sadness that suddenly came upon her. “Aye,” she said, unable to keep her voice from cracking. She closed her eyes tightly but still the tears escaped. She swallowed again. “‘Tis the only thing I have left of my mother. She had died along with the babe that she carried.” She wiped away the tears with her fingers. “This medallion has far more value than the gold that it was forged from. If I could have my mother back in exchange for this piece of jewelry, I would gladly give it. But even I know ‘tis impossible to bring her back from the dead. At least if I have this ornament, I can feel her near; I can feel her presence, her gentle love.” She gripped the necklace in her hand, willing it to give her strength. And when it did, she clenched her jaw, her gaze focused on a spot beyond the horizon. “If that robber had tried to take this from me, I would have found a way to kill him myself.”

Gavin lifted one eyebrow, surprised at the ferociousness in her tone.

“I have no doubt about that,” he said softly. “You must have loved your mother very much.”

She let out a long breath and allowed her chin to drop to her chest. “She was a very special woman, and she loved me and my sisters dearly,” she said, her voice quiet. “There was always a smile upon her lips and a kind word to everyone she met. She cared for everyone, even the lowest of serfs. And she would give away her last coin if she thought you needed it more than she did. I can only hope to be a good person like her one day.”

A branch on a tree nearby, heavily laden with snow cracked and fell onto the ground.

“Your mother sounds like a lovely woman,” he said. For a moment, Estella thought she detected wistfulness in his tone, but then it was gone. His gaze fixed on the road ahead. “My mother died when I was young,” he shrugged “I only have memories of my step–mother.”

“Was your step–mother good to you?”

His grip tightened on the reins. He hadn’t thought about his step–mother in years. “There was no love lost between us,” he said.

She waited for him to continue, but when he remained silent, she sighed. “I am sorry to hear that you did not have a good experience with your step–mother,” she said.

“You look exhausted,” he said, abruptly changing the subject. He glanced up at the sun and determined that there was about two hours left before sunset. “We should stop and rest soon.”

The sound of scampering animals in the bushes nearby made her jump.

“Do you think we are far enough away from the outlaws?” she asked. “What if they decide to follow us?”

The snow swirled in the wind and then settled in a new place.

“We shall be fine,” he said. Even though he knew it was best for them to continue, to put more distance between them and the outlaws, he couldn’t bring himself to push forward. Estella was a lady and ladies weren’t used to long rides across rough terrain. And from this point on, the terrain would only become rockier and possibly more perilous. “‘Tis doubtful that the outlaws will have the courage to follow us after the last incident.”

He shifted his eyes to the bare trees on both sides of the road and confirmed what he already knew. Everything was quiet. The snow alongside the road was undisturbed and there were no distant sounds of pounding hooves following them. The landscape was changing, becoming more barren and rough. Yet there was an unpolished beauty here. He breathed in deeply. He was nearing his home. His heart sang with that realization.

“‘Tis peaceful out here in the open,” she said as if she had heard his thoughts. She looked up at the sky. A golden eagle soared high above and let out a screech, its cries echoing in the rocky valley. Large snow flakes began to fall onto her lovely face. “I used to sit by the solar window with Mother, and watch the snow cover the land in its beautiful white cloak. The sun would touch it with its warmth, and ‘twould reflect back and sparkle like expensive jewels.”

Her face softened as a far away look crossed her face. “They weren’t jewels, she told me, but gifts from the fairies,” Estella continued softly. “You see, they sprinkled their fairy dust everywhere, and all you had to do was to believe in their magic. Only then would your wishes come true.”

He looked at the trees covered in their own white robes. “I have never heard of anything like that,” he said.

She gave him a wry smile. “My mother was a very fanciful story teller.”

They fell into a companionable silence, and Estella leaned back to rest on Gavin, taking in the pristine beauty before her. Although most of the trees had lost their leaves, a few fir trees scattered here and there, their leaves green and everlasting. A large mountain loomed in the background while the landscape became more forbidding and difficult to navigate.

A large rock sat to the left of them and upon seeing the marking, Gavin veered off into the forest.

“There is a small cave not far from here,” he explained. “It will provide protection from the cold and wet while we stay here overnight. We should arrive at Ashburn Castle by tomorrow.”

The horses trudged through the snow, and arrived at a cave that was large enough to accommodate their small party.

As soon as she got of the horse, she hurried inside the cave, glad to be out of the biting wind and chill.

The cavernous shelter looked as if a dozen or so dwarves had carefully chipped away at the stone in their quest to find precious metals and gems. Still, there was a certain beauty to the jagged edges that projected from the sides. The ground was worn down and smooth. The remains of an old fire sat at the center, while dried bones, sticks and leaves were scattered everywhere.

The hound walked over to the discarded bones. He sniffed at them before turning his nose on the meager offerings, and left the cave.

“You look exhausted,” Gavin said. He motioned for her to sit on a log that someone had dragged in a long time ago. “Rest there while I set up the fire.”

She shook her head. “Staying idle makes me feel colder and more tired,” she said. “Besides I want to be useful. Perhaps I can help with something.”

“Fine,” he said. “Go into my sack and bring the steel–striker. You should find it in the oiled leather bag.”

Estella walked over to the horses and saw the sack that slung across Gavin’s saddle. She dug her hand into the bag, searching for the familiar pouch when she encountered something soft and pliable.

She lifted the object out of the sack, and stared at it in disbelief. “A cloth doll?” she murmured to herself. She turned it over, and noted the fine satin tunic on the well loved toy. “Why would a knight carry a doll with him?”

“Did you find it?” Gavin called to her.

“I am still searching,” she said as she hurriedly stuffed the doll back into place and felt around for the oiled bag.

Finding it, she grasped the leather pouch and brought it over to Gavin.

He smiled at her. “There is not much else for you to do until Ulric comes back with some meat.”

Gavin swept the debris with his foot and began to gather the loose leaves into a pile. He then picked up some of the dried branches that someone had left behind and placed it on top of the nest of leaves.

Estella took a seat on the log, hugging herself to keep herself warm. She watched as Gavin struck the flint with the striker. When a spark lit, he waved his hand over it to encourage the flame to grow.

Soon he had the fire going, and the cave became cast in a warm glow, causing shadows to dance merrily along the uneven walls. Just outside the mouth of the cave, Estella could see the sun fading. While she was out of the immediate danger of having her prized medallion stolen from her, and the dark and cold was temporarily forgotten, her thoughts whirled out of control. Her gazed settled on Gavin. Just when she thought she had him figured out, more unanswered questions cropped up. Who was this man that she was about to marry? In the time that she had gotten to know him he had never mentioned having any children. And if he did have children, why didn’t he tell her?

CHAPTER 11

“I had no luck finding meat,” Ulric said, dusting off the snow from his hair and shoulders.

The hound arrived at his heels, licking his mouth as if he had just enjoyed a tasty meal.

“It looks like the hound had better luck than you,” Gavin said.

Ulric grunted. “Well if he found any meat, he’s not sharing any with us. Greedy animal,” he muttered, moving closer to the fire. He caught the food pouch that Gavin tossed to him.

“We have enough to sustain us until we arrive at Ashburn,” Gavin replied. He broke off some bread and cheese from his share, and offered some to her. “You will have to forgive us for our meager provisions, my lady.”

She nodded. “‘Tis fine,” she said, taking the offering.

The hound stretched contentedly and curled up by the fire.

Estella yawned and only managed a few bites of the cheese and bread when Gavin tapped her on the shoulder.

“Here,” he said. “You can barely keep your eyes open. Take this blanket and rest while you can.”

She gladly took the wool covering. And not caring about the hard ground underneath, she brought her knees to her chest, and fell asleep almost instantly.

***

Estella didn’t know how long she slept, but when she awoke, she heard the sound of murmuring voices. Blinking a couple of times, she saw that the fire that Gavin lit earlier still burned. She looked past the silhouettes of the two men, and saw the smiling faces of her two sisters.

A wave of sadness engulfed her, filling her heart with longing.

She missed her siblings. She missed the mundane happenings of Cedwick Castle. She didn’t want to think of what her future would hold because all that awaited for her was a road filled with uncertainty and worry. Yet she had to do her duty, she reminded herself.

Ulric’s voice drifted over to her, its deep cadence penetrating her consciousness. “I don’t think ‘tis wise to keep this from her, Gavin,” he said in a tone filled with disapproval.

She set aside the thoughts of her sisters and strained to hear the conversation. Were they talking about her?

“She will have to know about it sooner or later,” Ulric continued. “If I were you, I would tell her now. It will make things easier for Rose.”

Rose? Who was Rose?

“This affair does not concern you, Ulric,” Gavin replied, his voice sounding slightly annoyed. “I’ll tell her when the time is right.” There was an uncomfortable silence, followed by a soft rustling, as if he was getting up from his spot. “You keep watch and I’ll relieve you in a couple of hours.”

She quickly closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep as she heard his soft footsteps approaching. But even with her eyes closed, she could sense him standing over her, studying her. Then she felt the woolen blanket that he had given her earlier being tugged and pulled up to her chin.

So surprised by his action, she opened her eyes and caught his gaze.

“You’re awake,” he said. He glanced over to where Ulric still sat. “I thought that you were asleep.”

“I was thinking of my sisters,” she said. “They are probably worried about me.”

He ran a hand through his hair and a guilty expression stole across his face. “They can visit you once we’re married.” He stretched down beside her.

Estella raised herself on one elbow, searching his face in the dim light. “Why are you so intent in marrying me?” she asked, unable to keep the dismay from her voice. “I do not understand it. What do you have to gain —?”

“You will be a mother to a small child,” he said, interrupting her.

She suddenly remembered the doll in his sack. “You want me to be a
mother
to your child?” she gasped. “But what has happened to the child’s real mother?”

“She died,” he said.

His matter–of–fact reply made her pause. “Then I am afraid that you do not need a wife; you need a nursemaid.”

Gavin brought his hands up to rest them underneath his head. He let out a small sigh.

“The child already has a nursemaid,” he said. “Although she’s old, it won’t do to dismiss her because the child is quite fond of her. Nevertheless, the child has additional needs, needs that neither I nor the nursemaid can provide but you can.”

“That still does not answer my question.” Estella pushed herself into a seated position. “On a whim you decide to marry one of the daughters of a man you barely know. You do not know if my sisters or I have the ability to care for children,” she said, her voice beginning to rise. “You do not even know if we like them. ‘Twould be far better for you to choose someone who already has children and is experienced in raising them.”

Gavin watched her, his eyes hooded. Then, he rolled over to his side with his back toward her. “‘Tis late and you should get some rest, my lady. We still have one day’s journey ahead of us.”

Estella wanted to roll him back to face her, to get the answers she wanted, but she refrained herself. It was clear enough that he wanted to end the discussion. Still his words kept ringing in her head.
You will be a mother to a small child.
His child. She was prepared to become his wife, but was she prepared to be a mother as well?

CHAPTER 12

Because they made such headway after the confrontation with the outlaws, they arrived at Ashburn in less time than Gavin anticipated.