To Birmingham Castle by Alicia A. Willis

Author:Alicia A. Willis [Willis, Alicia A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781512701197
Publisher: WestBow Press
Published: 2015-12-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven: A Young Earl

For an eternity-like moment, Sir Robert remained on his knees beside the bed, gazing into the lifeless countenance of his uncle. Finally, at long-last, he turned to the others in the room.

"I would fain be alone," he said quietly.

Wordlessly, the men bowed and filed out, Sir Philip bringing up the rear and shutting the heavy door. Once alone, Sir Robert buried his face in his hands and wept bitterly for a long space of time. Sir Byron had always been far more to him than simply his lord or even his uncle, and Sir Robert felt as if he could never recover from the heavy, cruel blow such a loss had afforded him.

At last, however, he lifted his head and sat in silent contemplation, his full eyes resting in manly grief upon Sir Byron's quiet face. After a moment, he heard a slight sound behind him, and he half-turned his head to discern the cause.

Strephon had entered and stood behind him, his full eyes glistening in the dim light. Sir Robert held out his hand and beckoned to him, and Strephon softly approached him.

"My lord," he said, his voice unsteady, "I know how much he meant to thee."

Here, Strephon's tremulous voice died away and he could not go on. Sir Robert understood his faltering efforts to comfort him, however, and placed a gentle hand to his shoulder.

"Aye," he returned softly, his own tones thick and husky. "He was the best uncle and lord one could ever desire. Yea, and he was also the kindest of masters, to thee and me both."

Knight and squire sat together for many more minutes, mingling their tears and grief together. Strephon, knowing how strong the bond betwixt his master and Sir Byron had been, felt almost helpless, uncertain what to say to comfort his grieving lord. Sir Robert, however, felt that his young squire's presence was a great solace and kept him at his side, finding comfort in the lad's silent understanding.

A quiet hour slipped away, and then a low tap was heard at the door. Bidden by Sir Robert to enter, Sir Philip stepped quietly into the room, bowing low.

"Sir Robert," he said, gently, "the men are assembled in the great-hall and they would fain pay thee their respects, if thou art willing to go down unto them."

Sir Robert rose slowly to his feet. "Aye -- I will go to them," he answered softly. "They have also sustained a terrible blow."

He brushed quietly past Sir Philip as he spoke, squaring his shoulders and setting his face. Decorum would not allow Strephon to follow his lord into the great-hall, but Sir Philip accompanied Sir Robert down the staircase and into the lower-hall.

At the door of the great-hall, however, Sir Robert stopped. How many times he had stood beside his beloved lord in that room, present with him during both joy and sorrow. How could he go in without him, facing so many men in the midst of his nearly overwhelming grief?

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