Page 4 of Lionheart

Cursingviolently, Lionheart vowed vengeance on the devil that had caused him and hismen so much trouble. Had Cragdon's men not interfered, Llewellyn would not haveescaped. But the tide was turning. Lionheart's army had surrounded Cragdon'sknights, and one by one they were surrendering their weapons. The battle was won.Once his victorious army entered Cragdon, both the White Knight and Llewellynwould be his for the taking. He would deliver Llewellyn to Edward, but theWhite Knight would be Lionheart's to do with as he saw fit.

"Tothe keep!" Lionheart shouted. "Victory is ours!"

* * *

"Foolishgirl," the old nursemaid clucked as she lifted the helm from Vanora'shead. A wealth of rich sable hair tumbled over Vanora's shoulders, spillingdown to her waist. "Had Alun and Moren not risked their lives so you couldbe carried from the battlefield to safety, you would be dead," Maircontinued. "Lionheart was determined to slay you."

Vanorawinced when Mair tugged the chain mail over her head. Her ribs ached and everypart of her body felt bruised. Tomorrow there would be no place on her that wasnot black and blue.

Mair'sdumpling face creased in concern. "What is the matter, lambie? Where doyou hurt?"

"Everywhere,"Vanora said with a gasp. "But mostly my ribs. That foul English bastardhas the strength of an ox.”

“Youshould have never taken on Lionheart. He is a man without mercy. You could havebeen killed.”

"Ihad no choice. Had I not intervened, Llewellyn and Daffid would not haveescaped. I am as well trained as any of Cragdon's warriors, and capable ofholding my own against any man. My men depend upon me to lead them."

"Yourfather was remiss in his duty toward you, Vanora. He should not have treatedyou like the son he wanted but did not have."

Vanoragulped back her tears. "Father was proud of my accomplishments. I wantedto be strong for him. He knew I was capable of protecting Cragdon in hisabsence."

"Yourfather is dead, Vanora. 'Tis time you acted like the woman you are and not theson your father wanted. Think you Lionheart will take pity on you when helearns your interference allowed Llewellyn to escape? Cragdon has fallen.Lionheart can do what he wants with us and no one will say him nay. He can slayour entire garrison, should he wish it. Thank God he does not know he wasfighting a woman. Wounding a man's pride can be dangerous."

Vanora'sconfidence was unwavering. "My people will not betray me. They are loyalto Cragdon."

WhenVanora lifted her arms so Mair could slip her dress over her head, the painmade her stagger and nearly pass out. Mair helped her to a bench, wagging herhead in dismay.

"Youmay have broken ribs, lambie. Bide here while I find strips of cloth to bindthem."

"Hurry,Mair. Lionheart will enter the keep soon, and I must be on hand to greet him. Iam not going to hide like a coward. I am the lady of the keep. I need to be inthe hall to speak for my people when Lionheart arrives."

"Youwilt be lucky to be standing on your feet," Mair muttered as she hurriedfrom the chamber.

* * *

Atriumphant Lionheart entered the keep a few steps ahead of Sir Brandon and SirGiles. He paused just inside the wide oaken doors and glanced around the hall,his steely gaze sweeping over knots of people clinging together with fearfullooks on their faces. He saw naught to indicate danger or opposition; nor didhe see Lord Rhys, or Llewellyn, or the White Knight.

"Whereis your master?" Lionheart asked in a voice that resounded loudlythroughout the large hall. "Where is Lord Rhys?"

His wordswere met with blank stares. Few could speak or understand English, and thosewho did were not forthcoming.

"You,there," Lionheart said, pointing to an elderly knight whose clothingproclaimed him a man of some importance. "Come forward."

The manslowly approached Lionheart.

"Canyou understand me? Do you know who I am?"

"Aye,Sir Lionheart, we all know who you are." "Who are you?"

"I amSir Penryn, Cragdon's steward." "Where is Lord Rhys? Is he toocowardly to face me?"

"LordRhys is dead. He passed to his reward last winter."

Lionheartwas stunned. Without Rhys leading them, how could Cragdon's defenders havemunched the attack that had cost lives, time and waited effort? Then itoccurred to him that Rhys's sons musthave defended the castle.

"Howmany sons does Lord Rhys have, and where are they?"

Lord Rhyswas not blessed with sons, Sir Lionheart.”