Connie Mason by A Knight's Honor

Author:A Knight's Honor
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Becca heard the commotion in the courtyard and ran to the window. Fear raced through her when she saw the activity below. Sir Osgood had returned; he held Lady Mariah captive while his mercenaries were disarming Mildenhall’s guardsmen. Panic-stricken, Becca tried to recall what Lady Mariah had told her about safeguarding Robbie should disaster strike.

Suddenly Edwina burst into the hall. “Pack some clothing for Robbie and yourself while I fetch the lad,” the old crone said. “You must leave the keep immediately. Sir Osgood means Robbie harm.”

Becca didn’t ask questions as she flew to obey Edwina.

“Where are we going?” Robbie asked when Edwina burst into the nursery and announced that he and Becca were leaving.

“Sir Osgood has returned and is up to no good. You cannot remain in the keep, lad,” she said in a hushed voice. “You mustn’t make a sound. Promise now, for your life could depend upon it.”

“Where is Mama?”

“Your mama would want you to be safe. She’ll be fine; never doubt your mother’s courage or resourcefulness.”

Robbie brightened. “Mayhap Falcon will return to save us.”

“Aye, lad, mayhap he will. We will pray for that.” She glanced toward the door. “Here’s Becca—’tis time to leave.”

Becca arrived with a satchel filled with clothing. “Give me that,” Edwina said. “Bring the lad and follow me.”

Cautiously Edwina led them out into the corridor toward the winding staircase. All was quiet below in the hall.

“Hurry,” Edwina admonished.

They hastened down the stairs and ducked into the kitchen. The hall and kitchen were both deserted. Apparently, the servants had fled through the postern gate at the first sign of trouble. Edwina hurried Robbie and Becca out the back door and through the kitchen garden.

“Where are we going?” Becca asked.

“Quiet,” Edwina said, shushing her.

Edwina stopped before the postern gate, a thick panel that latched from the inside. Osgood might send a man to guard it later, but he was far too busy in the courtyard to attend to it now. The gate was unlatched, proving Edwina’s theory that the servants had fled through it. Edwina and Becca worked together to pull the heavy gate open, and then Becca and Robbie slipped through.

“Listen carefully,” Edwina whispered. “Go to the alewife in the village; tell her I sent you and what has happened here. Ask her to hide you in her cellar until we can send Robbie to London to seek the king’s protection. Can you remember that, Becca girl?”

“Aye,” Becca replied. “Aren’t you coming with us?”

“Nay, I must stay to help Mariah.”

Then, with Becca pulling and Edwina pushing, the gate slid smoothly back into place. Edwina shot home the bolt and returned to the keep.

Meanwhile, Mariah’s guardsmen had been disarmed by Osgood’s mercenaries.

“Lock the guardsmen and steward in the barracks,” Osgood ordered. Then he pushed Mariah into Walter’s arms. “Take your betrothed into the hall.” He sneered at Mariah. “Walter has something to ask you, Mariah, and you had best give the correct answer.”

“I’ll give you naught,” Mariah said defiantly.

Walter literally dragged Mariah into the hall.

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