The Crusader's Handfast by Claire Delacroix

Author:Claire Delacroix
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Deborah A. Cooke
Published: 2016-10-06T16:00:00+00:00

Saturday, September 12, 1187

Feast Day of the Seven Sleepers

Chapter Thirteen

On this day, they would arrive at Châmont-sur-Maine. Duncan was curious indeed about the abode, for he had heard so much about it. His anticipation was tempered, though, by the knowledge that their journey to Châmont-sur-Maine brought him one step closer to parting from Radegunde.

She had woven a spell that snared his heart in truth these past days. Each night, he fetched her from her lady’s chamber and she came merrily to his bed. Each night, they shared a repast in his chamber and talked of the day. Each day, he strove to see the light first, as she had bidden him. If one of them was required to eat with master or mistress, still their hours were companionable. Duncan usually managed to procure some wine, for Valeroy was affluent and the butler was fond of Radegunde. He oft found that a measure had been set aside for them as a result.

Gaston and Ysmaine retained the outward sign of their dispute, letting all see that there was dissent between them. The book remained untouched in Lady Ysmaine’s trunk, for Radegunde’s checked regularly upon it as instructed. It had not even been moved by her accounting. Duncan could only conclude that the villain had no spies in this hall, or that he or she awaited a chance.

Perhaps matters would be more clear at Gaston’s home estate.

The hall of Valeroy had been a whirlwind of activity, for Gaston and Amaury had resolved to ensure Gaston’s entry to his father’s keep with a display of pageantry. Men and squires from Amaury’s holding fell to one knee to pledge themselves to Gaston’s service, and all of them were to be garbed in Gaston’s colors. Gaston himself would arrive already wearing his inherited insignia, and Ysmaine garbed to match her spouse. The needles flew in the chambers of Lady Richildis and the lanterns burned late with so much embroidery to complete. Gaston would have a banner, as well, and Lord Amaury would accompany him along with a number of warriors and knights.

More guards and sentries had been posted at Valeroy after the second attack upon Duncan, but there had been no more incidents. It seemed the culprits might well have been brigands, and that they were deterred by the increased defenses. Duncan was not the sole one intending to be vigilant when they rode out, and he suspected that Lord Amaury had augmented the number of men who accompanied him. The walls of Valeroy bristled with sentries when the party gathered in the bailey on the morn of their departure.

Of course, they secretly carried the reliquary of Saint Euphemia, as well, and could not risk its theft.

Duncan heard all the plans, yet still he was awed when the company departed from Valeroy. The insignia that Gaston had decided upon was striking in itself. He had chosen a deep sapphire blue, graced by a single golden lion rampant to represent his alliance to the Plantagenet kings, who favored three such lions on their insignia.

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