"Here!"
A shout from the men behind had Royce wheeling his horse around. Several of the soldiers had dismounted, swords pointed at a tight cluster of trees and bushes. The men held off, awaiting his command. Royce withheld the order, worried the tiny hut concealed in the grove's midst might be a false lead.
He dismounted and strode over to the crude shelter. He slammed open the door, not surprised to find the hut empty. Still, anger at failing to remain ahead of the rebels burned.
No longer.
He heaved a deep breath, determined to regain an advantage over the rebels. He ordered several men into the hut before following. Standing just inside the door, he studied the gloomy interior.
The table was free of dust and the blankets on the cot looked fresh.
He turned to Edward. "A rebel hideout."
The king nodded. "Aye. I want the forest searched for more of these huts. They're nearby, I can feel it. Flush them out."
"Aye, Your Majesty."
Burke bowed. Something Royce had been considering for months arose again. He would speak to Edward about it this eve.
"If you find any of the rebels, finish them on sight."
Burke nodded and turned back to the men. With shouted orders, he mounted before leading his group ofknights deeper into the forest.
Royce watched until he had disappeared among the trees. He thought about the days when they'd been boys and Burke's father had been executed by Henry. Burke and his mother had been banished and it had been many years before he'd found Royce again. By then, Royce had inherited his title and lands from his deceased father, and had happily given Burke his captain's position. Edward had concurred, even encouraged the appointment. Royce felt sure once he settled the plan with the king, Burke would be restored to his former prestige, as he deserved.
He followed Edward back to their horses. Satisfied his captain would accomplish what was necessary, he ordered Lyndon's men to accompany them back to the manor. This ensured Simon remained with him and under constant observation.
"Sire, I would ask a favor."
"What is that?"
"I wish to bestow Apshire upon Burke once all this is finished."
"That old decrepit estate? Whatever for?"
Royce explained what he'd planned. While the old, mostly abandoned lands consisted of little more than a small crumbling keep and a few other buildings, it could still be rebuilt and become prosperous once more. Burke had made several scouting missions to the lands, which lay a little more than a day's ride south, to determine the state of the manor. From his reports, Royce believed Burke could restore the keep and find villeins to work the land. He looked expectantly at the king when he finished his explanation.
Edward nodded. "The idea has merit. I will think on it."
***
Gillian wiped her brow, the heat from the fires in the kitchen overpowering, even in the chill of the autumn air. A mug of ale was held before her.
"Drink, my lady."
Dilys, one of the many cooks who helped feed Lyndon's residents, nodded in encouragement. Gillian accepted the offering.
"Thank you." She took a long drink, her thirst quenched for the moment.
"My lady, how long do you think your husband will... that is..."
Dilys' words faded and she twisted her hands on her apron. Several of the other kitchen workers moved closer.
"Keep me chained like a criminal?" Gillian finished for the girl. "I don't know. He thinks I am a traitor to England. I suppose I'm lucky he hasn't hanged me yet."
"Oh, no, my lady, you are no traitor!" Another of the younger girls spoke up.
Gillian smiled. "My husband apparently doesn't agree. Come, we must finish the supper preparations. The men will return soon. I don't wish to keep the king waiting."
