Muirwood 02 - The Blight of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

Author:Jeff Wheeler [Wheeler, Jeff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
Published: 2011-02-04T07:00:00+00:00

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“Perseverance is more prevailing than violence; and many things which cannot be overcome when they are together, yield themselves up when taken little by little. Many tyrants have sat on a throne, and those whom no man would think on, have worn crowns.”

- Gideon Penman of Muirwood Abbey

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CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE:

Duerden’s Kiss

It was a fitful sleep full of strange whimsical dreams. Lia awoke gradually, feeling more rested than she deserved considering the punishment she had given her body in recent days. As she left Pasqua’s bedchamber and exited the manor house, there was the feeling of fog in the air, though nothing obstructed her vision. The sunlight came down at an angle, indicating the approaching dusk. The air was thick and humid, each breath heavier than normal. From the corner of her eye, she saw the majestic Abbey and it seemed to whisper to her, to beckon her inside to learn its secrets. For a moment, it seemed alive, staring at her.

As she rounded the corner to the kitchen, there was Duerden pacing outside, his face flushed. He did not see her, so she darted back around the corner and went towards the rear doors where she could avoid him. There was a whistling sound and she paused, peering around the bend. In the shade was Colvin, lunging with his sword, swooping and twirling it as if he faced a dozen knights trying to kill him. She bit her lip, wondering if that was the moment to talk to him, but he looked so fierce and determined that she slunk away, back against the wall.

Both doors were blocked.

Muttering to herself at the unfairness of it, she decided to confront Duerden. When he saw her coming, his cheeks flushed.

“Are you going…to the maypole dance?” Duerden asked, stammering in his speech.

She stared at him as if he were ridiculous. “I do not think anyone will be dancing tonight,” she answered.

“No! Several have been outside the gates and back again with the news. The Queen Dowager wants the Aldermaston in custody and the earls. Everyone else has been given a safe conduct to come and go as they desire. She announced it at noon and opened up her coffers to pay for cider and bread. Those who approach her knights are given coins. Whitsunday is still going to happen tonight. Where have you been, Lia?”

She was dumbstruck. What was happening? “I have been sleeping, Duerden. The Aldermaston has errands for me tonight.” How exactly could she tell him that she was facing the maston test?

“Surely you are not staying here tonight,” he said warningly.

“Surely I am. Muirwood is my home,” she answered. “Jon Hunter did not murder the old king, Duerden! The Aldermaston had nothing to do with it.”

He looked crestfallen. “The other wretcheds are leaving. Reome, Trisa, they are all in the square drinking Muirwood cider! The only ones who have stayed behind are Astrid, Pasqua, and Sowe. They are in the kitchen, eating the treats because Pasqua will not leave and she will not sell them to the Queen’s men.

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