"Sheis fine. Can we speak privately?" Garnier asked in a soft voice.
"Comethis way," said Serle, striding out of the great hall into the muddy innerbailey of the Saxon keep William had claimed for his quarters. "I thinkthis is safe from unwanted listeners," he said, as he stopped in ashadowed corner of the bailey, a place that allowed them a clear view allaround.
"Oursudden leave-taking could easily be viewed as suspicious," Drogo said.
"Ibelieve you will find my news worth that risk. And I had to speak to youprivately because this concerns a dream Eada had. She says that Sir Guy intendsto murder Tancred and Unwin."
"Didshe warn them?"
"Yes,but I fear they did not pay her much heed."
"Whydid you not ride with them?"
Garniergrimaced and rubbed the back of his head, ruffling the new growth of hairthere. "I fear I did not truly believe her either. I did warn Tancred andUnwin to be more careful, and that they did agree to. Whether they spoke trueor just tried to soothe Eada, who can say?"
"Atleast Eada did not just rush off by herself," Serle said.
"Yet,"Drogo said curtly. "When did she say this murder was to happen?"
"Thisnight while Tancred and Unwin are out foraging as was ordered by William,"replied Garnier.
"Wait,Drogo," advised Serle. "This makes no sense. Sir Guy wants you orEada dead, not any of the rest of us. It is also a dangerous game he plays. Herisks all, for William is treating any of his army who engage in such personaland deadly quarrels with a swift, harsh judgment."
"Eadasaid that Sir Guy will probably blame it on the Saxons," murmured Garnier."It would work."
"Itwould," agreed Serle. "We have lost men who went out on small sortiesor were caught out foraging."
Drogocursed and strode toward the stables, only faintly aware of Serle and Garnierfollowing him. He knew in his heart that Eada's dream was right—and not onlybecause he believed in her gifts. It was the sort of cowardly thing Sir Guywould do. The man's other plots and games had failed to give him what hewanted, so now Guy meant to strike at all who were close to Drogo. Through hisfriends, Sir Guy would hurt him again and again. That was a game Sir Guy wouldgreatly enjoy, he decided as the stablehand led out their saddled horses.
"WasEada still in camp when you left?" he asked Garnier as they mounted androde out of the bailey.
"Yes."Garnier hurried to keep pace with Drogo. "I told her that I was coming tospeak with you."
"Thenwe had best return to camp as swiftly as we can."
"Shouldwe not ride in search of Tancred and Unwin first?"
"Eadawill know where the attack is to happen. I just hope that she is still incamp."
"Whereelse would she be?"
"Ridingto stop Sir Guy."
Serlelaughed heartily, and that was enough to stop Garnier's protest. Drogo wascertain that if he did not reach the camp in time, Eada would be gone. She wouldwait only until she felt there was no time left, that she had to act to saveTancred and Unwin. All he could do was pray that he would arrive first or that,if he were too late to stop her, she would at least have the good sense to takesomeone with her.
Twenty
"Shereally has gone," Garnier murmured as he looked around the camp,astonished to see only May and the children.
"Wherehas she gone, May?" Drogo asked with a calm he did not feel as he leanedforward on the pommel of his saddle and looked down at the nervous young woman.
"Shewent to try to save Sirs Tancred and Unwin. She did wait for you, sir, but saidthat there was no time left."
"Didshe go alone?"
"Oh,no, sir. She took Ivo, Godwin, and Brun."
"Godwinand Brun?"
