Gonnes Of Navarre by D E Wyatt

Author:D E Wyatt [Wyatt, D E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-10T23:00:00+00:00

14

The next morning Elsabeth was up before the sun and arrived early at the servant’s entrance to the castle. The day before the demonstration had arrived, and a small thrill worked its way through her bowels in anticipation of the pending action. That thrill quickly soured on her approach to the small side gate, for the guard had been increased considerably since the day before, and the moment she set foot within the bailey she felt their eyes upon her.

Workers and laborers went about their business in the yard. Wagons were unloaded, and everyone who approached the gate was searched and their goods inspected before they were admitted. Elsabeth hefted her laundry basket on her hip. Fortunately, she carried nothing incriminating on her person (and her rondel was safely hidden among the folds of her dress, where only the most concerted search could find it). But if the guard was as stringent upon her departure tonight as they were now...

This whole business could be for nothing if they are searching everyone and everything coming in or out. Damn the luck!

Elsabeth approached the gate and waited patiently for her turn. Seven men barred the entrance; the watch captain with a sword at his side personally making the inspections, and six men bearing halberds flanking the gate. The captain’s head was uncovered, and he was a handsome enough fellow with sandy hair and hazel eyes. The guard all wore kettle helms. All seven dressed in brigandine beneath tabards emblazoned with the arms of the Comte de Carcassonne. However, as Elsabeth stepped up, the captain halted her with a raised hand, and the guards nearest the door barred the way with their halberds.

“I am sorry, Mademoiselle,” he said, “but under orders of Le Chevalier de Sens, no one without a prior appointment is being permitted entry to the grounds.”

Elsabeth’s heart clawed its way up into her throat. Bugger, this is not good.

She screwed up her features into an affectation of confusion. “But—but I am expected this morning!” she stammered. “I work in the laundry. I was late yesterday and they were frightfully angry with me and I promised I would be here early today!” She motioned to the basket balanced on her hip for emphasis.

“I was not told to expect anyone today, so I am afraid you will have to turn ’round and return home.”

“No!” she mewled in her most pitiable voice. “Mademoiselle Rapine specifically told me to be here by the seventh hour. She will have me whipped for certain if I am late again! Please! I very much need the money; My husband has been ill and unable to work the past few nights, and the apothecary only gave us enough remedy to make it through this morning!”

The watch captain’s shoulders heaved with a sigh, and he shook his head. “You have my sympathies, Mademoiselle, but my orders are explicit.”

“But I am known in the castle!” Elsabeth forced a few tears into her eyes. “I—I am not some... some common woman

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