Heir to a Prophecy by Mercedes Rochelle

Author:Mercedes Rochelle [Rochelle, Mercedes]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-78279-753-1
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
Published: 2014-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

The army moved to surround the town of Dinan. It was a poor choice for Conan’s refuge. Although the town’s summit held a proper motte and bailey castle, the city walls were made of timber. Duke William looked at it with satisfaction. He turned to his captains.

“We will surround the entrance, for now, and give the man his opportunity to surrender. But he had better be quick about it. I will waste no time here.”

So, properly dressed and carrying William’s banner, his herald calmly waited at the gate for an answer. The response was not long in coming; clods of dirt and rocks sped the messenger to the safety of the army. William’s face was red.

“Conan was lucky he didn’t kill my man. We shall only burn down his fortress.”

Taking this for an order, which indeed it was, the Normans set about gathering wood and straw. They quickly piled the kindling at the base of the walls, setting fire to it without waiting for further parley. William had learned long ago that action alone got the response he wanted.

The smoke told the watchers where the fire was spreading, propelled by a brisk wind. Soon, tall flames shot through the black clouds. It was not long before the gates opened a crack and a spear was thrust forth, the city key dangling from its tip. William gestured for Alain to retrieve it.

Pleased by the honor, Alain rode forward. He faced the doors, ceremoniously plucking the key away, while still mounted.

Watching, Walter momentarily saw a mist before his eyes; there was a rushing sound in his ears, drowning out even the roar of the fire. Dizzy, he swayed in the saddle, clutching the horse’s mane. Then it passed, and Alain was handing the keys to William.

The ceremony being done, the gate flew open and the inhabitants poured out. Conan was quickly recognized and brought before the Duke.

Alain took his place beside Walter, who grabbed his arm worriedly. “That could have been a trick,” he said. “You might have been killed.”

“Nonsense,” the other said. “It is traditionally the sign of surrender. They wouldn’t dare such an act.”

Conan stood submissively before the Duke, who enjoyed making the man squirm under his deadly gaze. The prisoner looked up with a mixed expression of scorn and resignation. He clearly didn’t expect to live.

Finally, William spoke. “You have learned your lesson, I think. For your act of aggression, I will be content to receive your forfeited lands, including this Dinan and the town of Dol. Make sure this never happens again!”

Amazed at this unexpected reprieve, Conan bowed and limped off, hoping not to attract further attention to himself. William turned to Alain, accepting a wineskin.

“I’m sorry you were so easy on him,” Alain said. “Trouble follows that man like bees to honey; you will not have seen the end of Conan.”

William looked bitterly after the retreating man. “When you have to deal with as many rebellions as I have, Alain, you learn that if you killed every one of the instigators, there would be no one left to rule.

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