A King Ensnared by J. R. Tomlin

Author:J. R. Tomlin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Albannach Publishing

Chapter Twenty-Three

May 1420

James paced back and forth across his chamber like one of the caged lions in the Tower menagerie. In the weeks since the failed escape, Dougal had apologized at least a dozen times and could hardly look James in the face. John was silent and downcast.

John Water had said no more than was required whilst they waited another two days at Raby, not even mentioning the dead guard. When it became clear that no hostages would appear crossing the Scottish border, he grunted that his commands were to proceed to Southampton. Southampton Castle was a square, gray, gloomy place, but the parapet had cannons. James itched to examine them, and planned to harass Sir John until it was permitted. Though the man had been oddly absent in the week since they had arrived, except when he appeared for meals. However, there were ever two guards on James’s door with orders that he was not allowed to wander, although the command still did not apply to his household.

They had never dragged James to Southampton before, and it nagged at him. “Wha’ are they planning?” he asked Dougal, who stood staring morosely into the hearth where a small fire sputtered. “Obviously, Henry has changed his mind anent wha’ use he has for me, but why? How? I thought of a certainty after… after…” He sputtered to a stop to spare Dougal mention of their failed escape that he blamed himself for.

“After my failed plan for your escape.” Dougal turned and gave his king a wan smile. “I feared harsh confinement in the Tower as well.”

“I have told you times enough that it was not your fault that Payn was being watched. You could not have known. So let it be. I am much more interested in why I’ve been brought here.”

“With Beaufort’s resolve to wipe out the Lollards, I should have guessed they might have spies on his heels.” Dougal rubbed the back of his neck. “But I have managed to sniff around Southampton. Discreetly, mind. And it seems that Sir John is ordering goods: tents, armor, even banners and horses. Seemingly, he plans to join King Henry in France, or I can think of no other reason.”

James tugged at his lip and made another of his circuits around the chamber. “If he is merely preparing for joining his king, why bring me along? I have never known Henry to do anything without good cause. Much as I dislike him, he is far from a fool. And John Water would not act without Henry’s orders. Not when it comes to my confinement.”

Dougal nodded, staring pensively at his feet.

John’s stomach grumbled loudly enough to make James chuckle. “I’ll go to the kitchens and bring up our lunch, Your Grace,” he said.

There were voices outside the door, and James stilled John with a raised hand. When the door opened, Sir John Water, his weathered face crinkled into a scowl, stepped through and made a sweeping motion with his arm. “I need to speak privily with your lord.

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