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while he had his. Now I might not even be permitted to marry him, when I want
so
much to She broke off, finding herself dangerously close to tears.
He will return for you, Anne said firmly. We both know it.
And possibly be killed, she whispered, hugging herself.
Nay, Bannaster seems to be a man who takes his king s word seriously. He
will
not jeopardize his future by harming a fellow nobleman. He thinks the king
will
rule in his favor, so he won t have to. But the king will honor your
betrothal.
Surely he will not risk alienating two such impressive houses as Alderley and
Russell. And then you and Lord Russell will discuss your marriage, and make
it
work to the satisfaction of you both.
John is a man of adventure, Anne. He ll leave me much of the year as I ve
always wanted a husband to do.
Stop this foolish worrying and trust yourself.
Elizabeth had always done that and now she didn t know if it was enough.
John and Philip met up at a clearing in the woods, a place decided on from
the
moment they d gone into Alderley in disguise. Philip was leading two horses.
You re none the worse for battle, Philip said, smiling. Did it feel good?
It would have felt better to separate his ribs with my sword, but I am
patient.
Surely the soldiers will give you another try, since they re probably
looking
for us.
Let them look. They won t find us.
Will Lady Elizabeth be all right with us gone?
She d be the first to tell us that she can take care of herself. But I ll
return to her side tonight. For now show me the way to the army.
After a journey of several miles, they passed the inspection of several
guards
before entering the encampment spread out across a meadow in the heart of a
woodland. Pavilions for the higher-ranking knights were scattered between
many
campfires. Though several soldiers worked over cauldrons preparing the midday
meal, the rest were gathered in an open area of the meadow, where the grass
had
been stamped into dirt as a hundred soldiers trained.
Still mounted, John and Philip watched the training exercises for several
minutes from the cover of the trees. Ogden and Parker rode up to join them in
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the woods.
Parker, short and broad, squinted up at John. Good to see ye again, milord.
John smiled briefly. My thanks for your help when we were attacked by
thieves.
My lady and I will not forget it.
Ogden grinned. She s a fine woman, milord. Had a dagger out ready to defend
herself.
John nodded and looked back at the training. I would have thought that
learning
new skills would make Alderley s men eager. Why is it not so?
Ogden spit out the end of his long mustache. The missive from Lady Elizabeth
settled em down a bit, but they don t trust us nor you. Just another suitor
fightin over their lady, accordin to them. Maybe ye re her last hope, and
not
the right man.
John arched a brow at him.
Just repeatin their words, Ogden said, reddening.
John debated simply riding up to the soldiers and introducing himself, but
how
could he just demand their allegiance, when they were already doubtful of
him?
And then an idea came to him. He glanced at Ogden. Have you had an informal
tournament to test their skills against each other?
Ogden frowned. Nay, milord, though it be a good idea.
I ll be joining.
Won t they hesitate to
But they won t know who I am. Find me a helm and training armor and bring
them
to me here. Parker can distract them all by organizing the tournament. Group
the
men informally to fight each other, with a winner being declared before any
blood loss. The winners continue to play each other, until there is only one
man
left standing.
Philip smiled. And you assume you ll be one of the winners?
I don t assume it will be easy, John said, not if they ve learned Parker s
skill with the sword.
Parker cleared his throat. Go on with ye, milord.
John waited in the forest while his three men-at-arms gathered together
Alderley s soldiers. The idea of a tournament was at first greeted without
spirit, but gradually the men began to become enthused, especially when
everyone
was ordered to keep their helm on. The knights recognized each other of
course,
but not all of the simple soldiers. Ogden mixed everyone up, and John was
able
to slip into a group as it spread out near the trees.
His first opponent was a common soldier by the look of his garments, but he
fought with an eager skill that was impressive. Where John wanted to circle,
getting an impression of his foe, the soldier was too eager and tired himself
trying to chase. Ogden was judging their group of fighting men, and called a
winner when John had the man on his knees, his sword knocked from his hand.
By John s fourth bout, there were only a dozen men left, most of them
knights.
More than one man had angrily demanded to know his identity, but John spoke
only
with the skill of his sword. Everyone was exhausted, and the sun s heat rose
in
waves off their armor. The losers became the spectators, falling and propping
their heads on their helms to watch the tournament.
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When it came down to the final two men, one of them John, he sensed the
crowd s
curiosity, knew they were still trying to guess his identity. Though tired,
he
was ready to battle, especially against an opponent who was trying to pretend
he
could keep his sword arm up. But John could see the trembling in his hand.
This
was no time for a cautious approach. John came out swinging his sword with
purpose, forcing his opponent to jump over his blade and stagger. But the
knight
raised his sword enough to parry another hard blow. John felt the concussion
right up through his shoulder. His breathing was a harsh gasp; the heat
inside
his helm made perspiration flow freely down his face, stinging his eyes. But
he
couldn t lift his visor to wipe it away. Distantly, he heard men cheering.
With
his sword he battered the shield until it crashed against the knight s body.
The knight groaned and tried to stumble away, but John didn t allow him to
retreat. Only when he d fallen and was unable to lift his sword did Ogden and
Parker call the match and declare John the winner.
His opponent managed to stand, swaying. He pulled off his helm. I am the
captain of the guard. Who has defeated me?
John sheathed his sword and removed his helm. The cheering was suddenly
replaced
by a tense silence.
I know you not, the captain said. I am Sir Jasper. Who are you?
John reached down inside his shirt and pulled forth the chain about his neck.
He
donned the ring slowly, letting the emerald catch fire in the sun. I am
John,
Baron Russell, and by contract with your late liege lord, I am betrothed to
Lady
Elizabeth.
The captain s eyes widened. My lord, why did you not show yourself to us?
Doubts about my abilities and my claims have been spoken here among
Alderley s
soldiers. John turned slowly in a circle, meeting as many eyes as he could.
I
wanted it understood that I am capable of standing at your side, defending
Alderley, defending your lady. We cannot allow Bannaster, who banished you
from
your own home, to succeed. When I need you, will you be at my call?
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