Song of the Rose by Johanna Hill

Author:Johanna Hill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A Tapestry Book

Chapter Ten

A PARTY OF FOUR LADIES UPON ROANS WITH A KNIGHT AT the lead and a squire in the rear rode unimpeded through the darkness of night which was beginning to dissolve into a misty gray predawn. A cool wind had risen and the air felt heavy with the portent of rain but Nicolette did not mind. Each league they traveled brought them closer to safety. Still she fought back her weariness, for her lack of sleep leadened her eyes despite her rising spirits. Although she had traveled these roads many a time with Alienor, she had never done so in the dead of night and Nicolette found the transformation most enticing, each grouping of ordinary trees disguised as creatures in strange shadow.

Bruge, who rode as close to her side as possible, was unnerved, certain as she had earlier insisted, that fairies and evil spirits lurked at each turn in the road, eager to trick them or worse yet do them harm. Nicolette had not been able to persuade her otherwise and soon stopped trying. I wish you could know that we are gaining our freedom from those who truly wish to do us harm, Nicolette thought. Then perhaps the spirit world illuminated in your imagination would not frighten you so.

“I am going to ride ahead to Sire Herbert, Bruge. For I wish to know when he thinks we should arrive at St. Martin. Why do you not hang back and ride with Gervais for a time?” she said, knowing Bruge would have no objection to her suggestion. Nicolette brought her horse to a gallop and soon rode closely at Herbert’s side. They were far enough ahead of the others now that she could speak freely without worry of being overheard.

“Another hour, my lady,” Herbert said with a warm smile. “We travel more slowly than by daylight to ensure everyone’s safety.”

“Aye. I know. I wanted to ask you where you have hidden the suits of armor.”

Herbert laughed good-humoredly. “Nicolette, ’tis not possible to pack chainmail suits and helmets in the leather bags that contain your raiments and supplies.”

“I know so, Sire,” Nicolette responded, slightly abashed that he should think her so foolish as to think otherwise. “ ’Tis why I ask.”

“I am sorry, I did not mean to laugh at you. ’Tis a good question, for once Gervais and I devised our plan we could not find a private moment to tell you. During the confusion of the farewell, when Henri, Sire Eustace, and most of the others watched our departure from the front gate of the castle, I had Robert, one of the few remaining knights at St. Aliquis who I can depend upon, ride with his brother Gregoire through the back gate in full armor. The guards thought nothing of it, I am certain, for since we expect imminent attack from Harcourt, our knights have been patrolling through the wee hours.”

“I am sorry. Perhaps my mind is addled but I do not understand.”

“Nor would I expect you to. Robert and Gregoire will be awaiting us at St.

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