The Captain's Kiss by Danielle Lake

Author:Danielle Lake
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2016-08-07T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The weapons training for all persons living on the estate resulted in success. Not only was the estate gaining protection, the inhabitants felt a confidence and peace not normally possible during wartime. Rather than depending on others, the Count’s family and servants felt that they could rely on themselves for their own safety.

Joseph was dispatched with the home garrison within a week to support the Baron’s position, and the Baron was pleased with the number of troops being sent. No utterance was made that the troops being sent were the last remaining on the estate. There was no need to tempt fate.

Joseph still remained uneasy leaving his younger sister alone on the estate. He felt his duty was to protect her, and the resources on which his family depended. On their parting, Isabelle tried to reassure him.

“Joseph, you are protecting me. By helping the Baron attack the King’s rear guard, you are making sure he doesn’t have the full capacity to advance and gain more territory. We were also obligated to send troops to the Baron. If we didn’t, the Baron would have a right to renege on his treaty with us. You are defending me, and our lands,” Isabelle finished, looking intently into her brother’s eyes as she held his hands. He looked reassured, and took her in his arms.

“Then farewell, my wise and noble sister. Guard yourself and our lands well,” he said. With a salute from him, and the entire garrison, the wagons and horses began their trek to the Baron’s camp. For the second time in as many months, she watched more men leave the estate. She hoped the war would be over before the estate was completely deserted.

Isabelle returned to the library to review correspondence from all the various departments around the estate. She was receiving requests from the Count to forward on more supplies, and no doubt her brother would require more food as well, should he be required to stay with the Baron. And those at home on the estate still needed to be fed. Isabelle realized that, although soldiers were effective immediately, all fighting forces relied on their supply lines to function at all. The amount of supplies required was staggering.

Fortunately, the estate was flourishing. The chamberlain had enthusiastically told Isabelle that her new crop sprouted encouragingly in the field designated for the experiment. With the initial success of the crop, and her new, respectful way of addressing her staff, the chamberlain had a renewed respect and loyalty to his new mistress. Although he was still hesitant in supporting her plan for the defense of the estate, his confidence was growing as well.

The estate populace was gaining more proficiency with the crossbows every day. The lady had also retained her brothers’ weapons master, and the elderly gentleman was busy all day instructing everyone, men and women, in knife wielding, sword play, and rock throwing. Even a child could throw a rock. They would need to. The King’s armies would not spare even a child.

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