“If that is the case and they are truly waiting for reinforcements, then that puts us in a precarious position,” Tate finally muttered. “Warkworth remains but I would suspect Mortimer would bring twice their numbers. Harbottle is marginally repaired but I do not believe it can withstand an onslaught from a thousand men, which means we either dig in or we flee.” He turned to look at his men. “If Alnwick has not arrived by now, I suspect that they are not coming. Something must have happened to the messenger.”
Stephen and Kenneth did not disagree. “What would you propose?” Kenneth asked.
Tate pursed his lips thoughtfully and began to pace. “We need to face the fact that Mortimer has located Edward,” he said. “We no longer have the luxury of traveling incognito. With this threat upon us, we need to make it to a larger fortress that can handle such an assault. Harbottle is not strong enough at the moment.”
“Where do we go?” Stephen asked.
“Alnwick. It is the closest and largest.”
“When?” Stephen asked again.
“Now,” Tate told them. “We will waste no more time here. And we take Warkworth’s army with us for escort. Ken, you organize the wagons, supplies, weapons, and get Harbottle’s army prepared to move out by dusk. Stephen, you have a plethora of wounded that you must mobilize. I suggest you decide your immediate course of action and get to it. I will deal directly with Warkworth and tell them our plans. By nightfall, this place will be empty.”
The knights were on the move, a strong sense of urgency filling them. Tate went to the last place he saw his wife, preparing to tell her as gently as he could that their trip to Cartingdon was not to take place. He was dreading her reaction but it could not be helped. He could hear her voice as he descended the ladder into the storage basement.
It was dark and dank, smelling of dirt. Two torches burned against the south wall, sending black soot to the ceiling. Tate spied Toby standing several feet away, speaking with young Edward. The lad had apparently gone into the basement when Tate had chased him out of the hall and now stood with a large piece of cheese in his hand, his cheeks full to bursting. He looked like a chipmunk. Tate cocked an eyebrow as he walked upon the two, his gaze on the fat-cheeked youth.
“You are going to choke if you keep eating as you do,” he told him.
Edward’s answer was to take another bite. He grinned at Toby, who grinned back. Tate rolled his eyes.
“Enough foolery,” he snapped without force. “Edward, go into the hall and wait for me. I have something very important to speak to you about. Do not wander away; I will be up in a few minutes.”
Edward’s brow furrowed. “You keep chasing me from room to room.”
“And I shall be kicking you from room to room if you do not do as I say.”
Edward made a face but dutifully did as he was told, grumbling all the way. When he was gone, Tate looked to Toby.
“Now,” he said softly, “I must speak to you.”
He looked serious and she grew concerned. “What is it?”
He sighed, trying to put it as delicately as possible. “It appears as if our situation has gone from bad to worse. We think that a massive siege may be imminent and I have orderedKenneth and Stephen to prepare to move out. We are leaving for a more fortified haven.”
Her eyes widened. “What has happened?”
“Nothing as of yet. But the army that attacked us two days ago has made encampment to the south and is just sitting there, waiting. The only reason they would not have disbursed is if they are planning another attack or perhaps waiting for reinforcements before doing so. We will presume it is the latter.”
Her brow furrowed and she put her hand on his arm. “Where will we go?”
“To Alnwick,” he replied, putting his hand over hers. “It is about twenty miles away. We can make it there in a few hours at a fast pace.” He rubbed her hand gently. “I am sorry, sweetheart. I know I told you that we could go to Forestburn but I am afraid this latest information will prevent that for the time being. I must get Edward, and you, to safety. Harbottle cannot withstand another siege of large proportions.”
She looked up at him, her big eyes glittering with a thousand unspoken words. He could read fear, confusion, disappointment, but most of all, she looked sad. The sorrow only increased until she finally lowered her head.
“I understand,” she said quietly. “When do you think we will be able to return to Forestburn?”
“I have no way of knowing. As soon as we are able, I promise.”
She nodded her head, still looking at the ground. Then her head came up slightly. “We…,” she whispered, catching herself and then starting again. “We will have to leave Ailsa here, will we not?”
It was not a question he had expected. With all of his troubles, he had nearly forgotten about the little girl they had buried two days ago and guilt swept him. He should not havebeen so insensitive to Toby’s feelings. With a gentle hiss, he pulled her into his big arms.
“She is safe in the chapel,” he murmured. “No harm will come to her.”
Toby broke down into more tears, still expelling grief over her little sister. Tate held her tightly.
“I am sorry,” he murmured. “I have caused you nothing but grief since nearly the moment we met. I am sorry we have to leave your sister here. But it will not be forever.”
