In Baldwin’s chambers high above, curses blistered the air. Baldwin struggled fiercely, pounding an armored gauntlet against the solid oak door, roaring at whoever had dared seal him in. Moments earlier, he’d heard a suspicious scraping sound, followed by the unmistakable click of his own chamber door’s lock turning. Saints, he knew only one person bold and clever enough to try such madness.
“Eleanor!” he shouted, voice echoing helplessly into silence. What mischief had possessed his sister? He’d have words, stern words, once freed. Glancing around, his eyes fell upon Beth’s curious little hairpin left carelessly atop the chest near his bed. She’d shown him once, laughing lightly as she teased him about breaking and entering. Grimly, he offered a quick prayer of gratitude to Beth’s instruction, then snatched the pin and crouched before the lock, fingers shaking as he workedto control his furious impatience. As he wrestled the stubborn gears within, sweat beaded his brow, dripping unseen beneath the constraining armor.
Down in the yard, a figure emerged from the arched shadows at the opposite end of the arena, clad head-to-toe in Baldwin’s spare armor. Beth’s heartbeat quickened painfully. Something was off. He moved oddly, swiftly, but less comfortably than usual. Yet the crowd roared approval, calling Baldwin’s name as the armored fighter stalked forward, sword drawn, stance fierce.
Cedric laughed harshly. “Come, Devereux. Let us see how quickly your witch’s spell deserts your sword.”
Without a word, the challenger raised a shield bearing the Devereux crest, circling Cedric like a wary predator. Beth’s eyes narrowed, her breath catching sharply as realization struck her heart like an icy dagger.
It wasn’t Baldwin.
She knew that confident, tenacious step as recognition hit. No, no, no! Beth’s blood turned to ice, dread congealing as she whispered Eleanor’s name in horror, afraid to call out and distract her.
The swords clashed violently beneath the gray sky, ringing savagely as they traded blows, Eleanor deftly meeting Cedric stroke for stroke, yet her smaller, lighter frame clearly disadvantaged beneath Baldwin’s bulky armor. Cedric’s brute force bore down relentlessly, driving her back, step by trembling step. Beth leaned against the rail, heart thundering wildly, praying someone would realize, would stop it before tragedy struck.
Baldwin finally wrenched open his chamber door, thundering down the corridor, cursing as he took the stone steps, descending with reckless speed, grip tight upon the sword at his side.
Below, Cedric jeered mockingly as he battered Eleanor to her knees. “Is this Glenhaven’s fierce protector? Pathetic,” he spat, tearing his helm away to gloat, revealing cruel eyes glinting victoriously, twisted with contempt and hatred. He snatched a second sword from a startled guard nearby, advancing leisurely toward his helpless opponent lying panting on the dirt, the helm still concealing her face.
“Now I’ll show your witch the justice she deserves,” Cedric growled.
With a ferocious, desperate strength, Eleanor tossed aside Baldwin’s too-heavy shield, flipped herself up to her feet and lunged for her bow lying hidden beside the barrier. In one fluid, desperate motion, she seized an arrow, set it against the taut string, and drew back, lungs burning as she released her breath in a cry of defiance.
The arrow flew true, embedding itself deep into Cedric’s exposed throat. The crowd erupted in shocked cries, some in horror, many in stunned admiration, as Cedric toppled heavily backward, clawing futilely at the arrow’s shaft lodged in his throat. Eleanor rose unsteadily, ripped away her helm with furious abandon, sweat-darkened curls tumbling free, eyes blazing defiance as a gasp tore through the courtyard.
“A woman?” Lord Percy sputtered, face ashen.
“No,” Eleanor corrected fiercely, voice steady even as her breaths came harshly between parted lips. “Lady Justice.”
At that moment Baldwin burst into the arena, heart still slamming painfully with adrenaline and fear, sword raised, but far too late.
“Eleanor!” His bellow shook the stones.
He halted abruptly, finding Cedric mortally wounded, blood soaking into the dampened earth, his face paling eyes wide with disbelief. Standing defiantly above him was Eleanor, Baldwin’sown armor hanging awkwardly upon her slight frame, a fierce satisfaction glowing in her gaze.
Beth hurried toward Baldwin, meeting his incredulous eyes, her mouth slack in amazement.
“God’s teeth, Eleanor…” he rasped, anger and shock chased swiftly by undeniable pride. “Have you entirely lost your senses?”
“Perhaps,” Eleanor returned quietly, stepping toward him slowly, chin lifted defiantly. “Our family honor is intact.”
“You locked me in my own bloody chambers,” Baldwin growled, though his voice softened. “Remind me again what madness possessed you?”
She offered a weary smile, fierce eyes softening slightly. “Justice demanded a woman’s response today. And we women aren’t easily daunted.” Her eyes settled meaningfully on Beth.
Baldwin exhaled sharply, casting a helpless glance skyward before shaking his head, struggling unsuccessfully to suppress his reluctant grin. “Saints preserve me. She’s been a terrible influence.”
Beth laughed softly despite trembling nerves, looping her hand into Baldwin’s as Eleanor raised her chin higher, turning smoothly toward the stunned nobles.
“My lords,” Eleanor pronounced clearly, “today you’ve seen justice prevail. Delivered not by my brother’s hand, but mine. Let any man who questions Mistress Beth speak now, if he dares.”
A tentative cheer began, then swelled quickly as admiration replaced shock. The villagers shouted Eleanor’s name gleefully, the spectacle dazzling their senses. Beth pressed gratefully against Baldwin’s side, his warm arm slipping protectively around her shoulders.
“Bloody hell, Eleanor,” Baldwin murmured, pride threaded irrevocably through his rough voice, “you’ll ruin us.”
“Perhaps I’ll save us instead,” Eleanor countered boldly.
Beth squeezed Baldwin’s hand, warmth dawning in her chest. “She is amazing and incredibly brave. I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side.”
