They were back on Mathias, brilliantly executed by Kenneth, where Saer did not want to be. Tate took charge before Saer could say anything. He didn’t want the conversation deteriorating because he had a purpose for being here. It was more than just a visitation. It was a covert operation, and he was a key part of it. He didn’t want to get kicked out in a huff before his scheme had a chance to come to fruition.
“Let us speak of your daughter and her marital prospects later,” he said. “For now, let us speak on other things. It appears as if you have done some construction to the north side of the castle. Will you show me what you have done?”
Saer still wasn’t over the discussion about Cathlina and her marital status as it related to Mathias de Reyne, but he graciously allowed Tate to take charge of the conversation. In fact, he was resigned to it. He’d had very little control over life in general since that moment he saw Cathlina in the street brawl flanked by two enormous men.
The men that were seated rose from the great feasting table as Saer began to explain to Tate how he needed to build a troop house to contain the soldiers because with three young women in the family, Rosalund was uncomfortable with the men sleeping all about the great hall and lower level of the keep. She wanted them away from her girls. Tate followed Saer out into the bailey where the sky was brilliant blue and a soft breeze snapped across the land. Kenneth, a few senior soldiers, and three lesser knights followed.
Outside, there were more soldiers and people milling about. As Saer took Tate and a few men over to the new troop house, Kenneth broke off from the group and made his way over to the big, wooden wagon where Toby and the children were. There were a few soldiers standing guard, milling about, and one enormous knight in full battle armor, including a helm. If one looked closely enough, one could see the faded Banbury emblem on the big breastplate. Kenneth walked right up to the knight, lingering in the shadows of the wagon.
“Tate will keep him busy,” Kenneth said to Mathias. “Cathlina is in the keep. I will go in and bring her out to you. Take your charger and go wait for us outside of the walls.”
Mathias flipped up the visor and looked around. “I saw a grove of dense trees off to the east when we were riding in,” he said. “I will wait for you there.”
Kenneth looked around to make sure they weren’t being watched. “You have the letter from Tate introducing you and your brother and your father to Henry de Beaumont, correct?”
“I do.”
“Where will you pick up your brother and father?”
“They are riding to Longtown as we speak,” he said. “I am to meet them at the Ladyseat Inn and then from there, we ride to Scotland.”
Kenneth looked at his friend, seeing hope and excitement in his eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Mathias nodded without hesitation. “More than anything in the world,” he said, his voice softening. “A week ago, I was bitter and defeated… a hammer in my hand when it should have been a sword. Then I heard cries for help and went to the aid of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Fate brought us together, Ken, and I’ll not let God or Kings or fathers keep us apart. With the money I won in the joust, it is as I told Tate– I intend to start a new life in Scotland with my new wife, onceagain an honored knight where I should be. This ismylife, Ken. I intend to live it.”
Kenneth smiled faintly. “Will you ever come back to us?”
“I suppose that is up to Edward.”
“I will convince him.”
Mathias felt the sincerity in Kenneth’s words. “When you do, send for me. I would like to resume my rightful place with you and de Lara and Pembury. You will tell Pembury what has become of me, will you not?”
Kenneth’s smile broadened. “You can tell him yourself,” he replied. “The night that Tate wrote the missive you carry for de Beaumont, he sent a messenger for Pembury. The man has been in Berwick for Edward because the Scots have been besieging the city. Tate has asked him to meet you in Edinburgh at a place called the Barrel and Bucket. From there, you will travel north to de Beaumont’s home near Loch Drumilie. It’s called the Devil’s Den, as it sits in the Devil’s Woods. If de Beaumont is not there, he may be further north near Aberdeen. You may need to hire a guide to find him. This will not be an easy journey, Mat. Are you sure you want to subject your lady to it?”
Mathias thought about Cathlina on a driven ride straight through Scotland in search of a rebel. Well, the Scots viewed him as an English rebel. It would not be easy but it was the chance of a lifetime. He had to take it.
“We will persevere,” he assured him. “So Pembury is to meet me in Scotland? Will he accompany me to de Beaumont?”
“He will indeed,” Kenneth replied. “Tate has told him to stay by your side until you are both recalled by Edward.”
Mathias was deeply moved. Stephen of Pembury had been closer to him than even Tate and Kenneth, a mountain of a man he loved like a brother. He loved them all like brothers, now going against the king’s directive to get him out of England and on to a new life. He was no longer the Fallen One now. He wouldprove himself the Redeemed One with the assistance of the most prestigious knights in England. He had God, the angels, good fortune, and the earl they used to call Dragonblade on his side. He was a lucky man.
“I will look for him once we reach Edinburgh,” he said quietly. “Go and get Cathlina now. I will be waiting.”
Kenneth slapped him on the shoulder and left, moving off across the bailey towards the keep. Mathias didn’t waste any time. He collected his charger, the big bay stallion that Kenneth had now given him, and left the castle grounds, heading off of the road and into a dense collection of trees about a quarter of a mile from the castle. It was there he waited for Kenneth to bring Cathlina to him.
It was well past sunset when they finally appeared.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Mathias!”
He heard his name in the darkness, watching Cathlina race through the darkened bramble towards him. It was so dark that she ended up tripping, but jumped to her feet with the agility of a cat and continuing on her way. Mathias’ arms opened up to her and she hurled herself into them.
She was all hair and flowing fabric. Mathias held her tightly, relishing their first real embrace with more emotion than he believed himself capable of. Behind her, silhouetted by the moonlight that was straining to penetrate the canopy of trees, he could see Kenneth coming up behind her. He had something clutched to his chest and when he lowered his arm, Mathias could see the outline of a satchel.
“What happened?” he hissed at Kenneth. “What took so long?”
