Warrior Knight by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett [Bennett, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989315972
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

24

Summer

Summer 1095 SR

* * *

Another rock struck the wall, sending shards of stone flying in all directions, the noise reverberating through the courtyard, adding an echo to the already ominous sound.

Summer had come, but not much else had changed. The endless assault on the walls continued, unabated, day and night, and the defenders were growing weary of it. Lord Wulfram had cut back on the food rations, the better to last through the siege. All within were a little thinner, but life carried on despite the army outside their walls, poised to destroy them.

Ludwig, high atop the keep, looked down at the confusion below. Even now, after many days of constant attack, Lord Wulfram’s men were still skittish. Hearing footsteps approaching, he turned to see Rosalyn.

“Anything new to report?” she asked.

“No, the siege continues, though I daresay that crack in the wall doesn’t bode well. It'll probably collapse sometime in the next few days.”

She moved to stand beside him, gazing at the activity below. “Why do they not simply finish it off?”

“A catapult is not an accurate weapon,” he replied. “They’re lucky if two stones land within twenty feet of each other, let alone hope for hitting the same target.”

“And when the wall falls?”

“Then they’ll rush into the courtyard, but the keep will still be in our hands, and that’s a formidable obstacle.”

“How much longer can we last?”

“A good question," Ludwig said. "I would think your father has a better answer than me.”

Rosalyn shivered. “If we are to die,” she asked, “can you promise me something?”

Turning to look at her, he noticed the fear in her eyes. “What is it you would have me promise?”

“I can’t be captured. They’ll do unspeakable things to me.”

“No they won’t,” he reassured her. “He wants you to wed his son. He can’t do that if you’ve been… injured in any way.”

“Still, I would rather die. Promise me you’ll take my life and spare me the humiliation?”

“I cannot do as you ask,” said Ludwig. “For to do so goes against every bone in my body. You'll survive this to see better days, I promise you.”

Rosalyn's eyes turned cold. “Can you not do this one thing for me? I thought us friends.”

“As did I, but what you ask is impossible.”

“I love you, Ludwig. Can’t you see that?”

Ludwig’s eyes widened. “Love? What do you mean?”

“I've come to savour my time with you. Tell me you do not feel the same?”

“I…”

She moved close enough for him to feel the heat of her as she pressed against him. “Do you not yearn for my embrace?”

He grabbed her by the arms and pushed her back. “I cannot return your affection."

“Cannot? Or will not? Am I so unpleasing to the eye?”

“It’s not that,” insisted Ludwig. “Believe me when I say you are, I believe, the fairest maid I have ever laid eyes on.”

“Then what is it?”

“My heart is not mine to give. To tell you otherwise would be dishonourable.”

She stiffened beneath his hands. “Fine,” she said, her voice clipped. “Then we shall speak no more of this.

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