“Of course not,” Cedric agreed too quickly. “Though some might wonder what manner of learning produces such... unusual talents.” He raised his voice slightly. “In these uncertain times, with the king’s possible visit approaching, wouldn’t it be prudent to ensure all is as it seems?”
Baldwin’s hand moved to his sword hilt, a gesture not lost on Cedric, whose smile widened. “What do you propose?” he asked, voice dangerously soft.
“A simple test. One that would put all doubts to rest.” Cedric turned to address the gathered villagers. “Good people ofGlenhaven, you know me as a fair lord, one who values truth and piety. Would it not ease your minds to know for certain that this stranger brings no harm to your homes?”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Baldwin saw the village blacksmith nod, and several women made the sign of the cross. His blood ran cold.
“What test?” Eleanor demanded, stepping forward despite Baldwin’s warning glance.
Cedric bowed to her with exaggerated courtesy. “Lady Eleanor, as lovely as ever. I suggest the iron test. Simple, quick, and ordained by God Himself to reveal the truth.”
“The iron test?” Beth’s voice rang out, clear and confused. She had moved to stand beside Eleanor, her green eyes wide. “What’s that?”
Cedric’s smile was a predator’s. “The accused holds a heated iron. If innocent, God protects the flesh from burning. If guilty...” He spread his hands in a gesture of regret.
“That’s not science, that’s torture,” Beth retorted, her modern words slipping out in her anger. “The burn would depend on skin moisture and?—”
A gasp went through the crowd at her strange terms. Baldwin saw fear flicker in several faces, saw a woman pull her child behind her skirts.
“You see?” Cedric said softly. “Strange words, strange knowledge.”
One of Cedric’s men-at-arms stepped forward, holding an iron rod. The blacksmith, after a moment’s hesitation, gestured at his forge. “It’ll heat quickly enough there.”
“This is madness,” Baldwin growled. “I forbid it.”
“Do you?” Cedric raised an eyebrow. “Then what have you to hide, my lord? Surely, if the lady is as innocent as you claim, she has nothing to fear from God’s judgment.”
Baldwin felt the tide turning against him. The villagers’ faces showed confusion, fear, the dangerous stirrings of mob sentiment. Even Father Gregory, standing at the edge of the crowd, looked troubled, caught between faith and reason.
“I’ll do it,” Beth said suddenly.
Baldwin whirled to face her. “You will not.”
Her chin lifted, a gesture he’d come to recognize as stubbornness. “If it will stop this nonsense?—”
“It will not stop,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “It will only begin.” He turned back to Cedric, rage building in his chest. “This is my land, my village. You have no authority here.”
Cedric shrugged. “True enough. Though I wonder what the king will think when he hears you harbor a woman who fears a simple test of faith.”
The iron rod was now in the forge, its tip beginning to glow red. Beth took a step forward, but Baldwin’s arm shot out, blocking her path.
“My lord,” she began, but he wasn’t listening.
In three strides, Baldwin reached the forge. The blacksmith stepped back, eyes wide. With a swift movement, Baldwin seized the iron rod from the fire, its tip glowing white hot, and hurled it to the ground. It struck the cobblestones with a clang, sparks flying.
“There will be no test,” he thundered, his voice echoing across the suddenly silent square. “This woman is under my protection. Any who doubt my judgment doubt me.” His gaze swept the crowd, challenging. “Is there any here who wish to question my rule?”
No one spoke. Even Cedric seemed taken aback by the ferocity in Baldwin’s tone.
Baldwin turned to the blacksmith, who had gone pale. “Rob, you have served Glenhaven faithfully for twenty years. Wouldyou now turn on one of my household based on whispers and fear?”
The man’s gaze dropped. “No, my lord. Forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive if you remember your loyalty.” Baldwin faced Cedric again, his voice dropping to a dangerous murmur. “As for you, Cedric, I suggest you take your men and leave my lands before I forget the courtesy due a fellow nobleman.”
Cedric’s smile had vanished, replaced by a cold stare. “As you wish. Though I wonder if your... fondness... for this woman has clouded your judgment.” He mounted his horse with deliberate slowness. “Until we meet again. Perhaps at court, where King Edward may wish to hear of these... curiosities.”
Baldwin watched in silence as Cedric and his men rode out of the village, the crowd parting before them. Only when they had disappeared from sight did he turn back to Beth and Eleanor.
