Skarth and I.
And he also underestimates me because he believes my shackles are still linked. However, they are not. I used my time well, and on the ride here, I maneuvered the hairpin into the lock and worked on it incessantly until it gave way.
The cuffs are still around my wrists, but I am free.
We ride with no haste. A false illusion to the brothers who have no doubt seen our approach. I cannot help but feel remorse for sending the wolf among the sheep. But this must stop, and for that to happen, blood must be spilled.
We cannot wait any longer, for the longer we wait, the more people die.
The bell sounds, alerting those inside the monastery that an intruder is approaching. The brothers are peaceful people. They will not attack unless provoked.
We arrive at the drawbridge and are greeted by a brother in a brown gown. A white rope is tied around his waist, and a wooden crucifix hangs from it. I hate that we bring corruption to their doorstep.
“My queen.” The brother bows in servitude. He doesn’t mask his horror at seeing me in the state that I am in.
Aethelbald awaits his royal greeting, but he doesn’t receive one.
This infuriates him, and just as he is about to draw his sword, I intervene. “Accept our apologies for arriving so late and unannounced, but may I speak with the abbot?”
The brother licks his lips, clearly unsettled by my request. But he knows he cannot refuse the request of his queen. So he nods.
He leads us into the gates, where we follow.
“You may want to remember that we need the brothers alive, for a massacre spilling innocent blood will not do you any favors with the church,” I say to Aethelbald.
He grunts unhappily.
The monastery is just as I remember it. When I dropped off Benedict and Barlow, I never anticipated returning on such terms. But here we are.
An older gentleman greets us. His presence instantly calms me. He is the abbot, and I vow that I will do everything in my power to protect him.
Brothers line the upper levels of the monastery as well as the bottom. They watch on, ready to defend their home if they must. I bring warfare into their tranquility. I secretly promise that it will be the last time.
We dismount, and I continue to entertain the facade that I am still cuffed, much to the horror of the brothers. They realize I do not come here on my own accord.
“Forgive our intrusion, Abbot Maxwell, but this could not wait,” says Aethelbald. “There seems to be some confusion in regard to my rulership. Queen Emeline has served this kingdom well. But she tires, and it is time for the throne to be overseen by its rightful king.”
The brothers stir, clearly not in agreement with Aethelbald.
“However, there seems to be some pushback by the church. An oversight, I am sure, which is why I am here to remedy any problems there may be.”
The abbot looks at me closely. “I would be more comfortable without my queen shackled.”
“Please do not fret, Abbot Maxwell. I am comforted being here in the house of the Lord.”
Skarth reads my deterrence for what it is. This was his whisper of a clue that in minutes, we are to fight.
The abbot examines me, his wise gray eyes inspecting his surroundings.
“The monastery will benefit richly from this union. So will the church. There need not be any concern, for I was born to rule. I wish to speak to the one who worries and averts my ruling. I wish to explain to him that I only want the best for England.”
“Aethelbald, I thank thee for riding all this way, but we are simple men, doing the Lord’s work, and if He does not want you to rule, then there will be resistance. I cannot stop the word of the Lord. No one can. I suggest you speak with the clergy because we do not have such sway with the church.”
The abbot is lying, and for him to do so shows how strongly he opposes Aethelbald’s ruling.
Aethelbald isn’t pleased. “Please do not insult me. We both know that is a lie. Where is Brother Maurice? Mayhap he can clarify this mix-up.”
The abbot plays the game well. He takes his time, and I suddenly wonder if he’s stalling. I examine our surroundings, and when I make eye contact with Brother Maurice, I know I’m right. But that means he was tipped off.
