Page 44 of To Desire

Chapter 21

“You are certain?”

“The runes do not lie,” she said. “And they have revealed themselves to me this day.”

Darien took a deep breath and, jaw clenching, turned to the men. “We must go to Wallingford.”

“And tell the empress what, precisely?” Roland asked.

How often had Darien’s father found ways to support decisions which were prompted by Liana’s mother’s visions? For so long he wanted to forge a new path, one that was not in service to the visions. What he’d failed to understand was the bond between the earls and their advisers. It was not blindly taking Liana’s counsel, but utilizing her skills to reach a conclusion.

But he’d not do it alone or with Liana in the shadows.

“What do you advise?” Darien asked her.

With her surprise evident, Liana looked from him to the others, men Darien trusted and respected. He would have her do the same. “Your words will be welcomed,” he said.

Sir Eamon gestured for her to sit at the table, and Darien held out the seat for her to do so.

Head held high, Liana thought for a moment before speaking.

“There have been nearly fifteen years of armed combat, and in that time, neither King Stephen nor Empress Matilda have achieved outright victory in support of their claim to the throne. Meanwhile, our country has seen a breakdown that has allowed rebel barons to acquire power.”

“Especially,” he added, supporting her words, “in the north and East Anglia. None could argue otherwise.”

Liana nodded as Sir Eamon and Roland listened.

“The Church wishes for peace. The people wish for peace. Naming her son as heir to the king could very well bring such peace for all.”

Sir Eamon sat back, crossing his arms. “We just received word that the countercastles the king has built at Wallingford have been fruitful.”

“But Henry has launched a counterattack and a major battle is now expected,” Roland added.

“It will not be a simple matter to convince either party of this as a path forward but⁠—”

Darien stopped talking, seeing Liana’s expression. He knew what it meant and had seen such resolve in her before. Her hesitancy to speak further foretold what she was about to say.

He nodded his encouragement.

Liana steeled herself. “It has already been foretold. Henry Curtmantle will become the king of England. He will be Henry II.”

Darien was so proud of her. It was more than Liana’s belief in her visions, but that she was willing to voice that belief aloud. He willed Eamon and Roland to trust her as he did. The two men exchanged glances as Darien held his breath.

Sir Eamon stood. He was one of the few men at Castle Blackwood with the authority to turn Liana’s vision into action.

“We leave for Wallingford at once. Darien, Roland, you will ask Gareth to choose a contingency of twenty. The four of you included, of course. I will brief the others.”

“At once,” Roland asked. “Daybreak?”

Eamon raised his brows. Darien understood the instructor’s meaning and he suspected Roland did as well.

“Many thanks for your willingness,” Eamon said to Liana as he also stood, Liana and Darien doing so as well, and strode toward the door. “To share your vision with us.”

“Godspeed,” she said as Eamon left.

Darien and Roland looked at one another.

“I will speak to Gareth,” Roland said, following Darien. “To not tarry.”