Her ribs were much better thanks to a good deal of rest and Timothy’s skilled care. But she was still too uncomfortable to ride a horse so she sat in one of Mortimer’s provisions wagons, tightly bundled up against the winter weather. Surrounded by a massive army of hundreds and hundreds of men, the troop movement was an impressive sight and a master scheme of tactical planning.
Kenneth rode beside her on a big Belgian warmblood that Mortimer had graciously loaned him. It was a young horse, mean and muzzled, but Kenneth handled him with skill. He had been allowed to regain his armor but not his weapons, including his beloved crossbow. Mortimer had taken that from him. But Kenneth was nonetheless allowed the dignity of his station as a knight, riding as if he had not been stripped of his broadsword and bow.
Toby would have been more at ease if Hamlin de Roche hadn’t been so close to her. The dark, ugly knight rode just in front of the wagon. She had recognized him as the same man who had invaded Forestburn, remembering how he had tried to get his hands on Edward. He would turn around every so often, glance at her and then cast a challenging glare at Kenneth. But the big blond knight kept his eyes straight ahead or on Toby and ignored the man who was trying to bait him.
Seated on the wagon bench next to the soldier driving the team of horses, Toby eventually grew bored and motioned Kenneth towards her. He reined the big stallion next to her, struggling with the animal as it tossed its head and tried to fight him. Toby watched with a frown, trying not to get bumped.
“They could not have given you a more docile animal?” she wanted to know. “I do not believe this horse has ever been ridden.”
Visor raised, the corner of Kenneth’s mouth twitched. “He is as gentle as a kitten.”
“A raging kitten, you mean.”
Kenneth lost his struggle against the smile. “Did you call me over here to complain about my horse?”
She pursed her lips at him, shifting on the bench to a more comfortable position. “I did not,” she snapped without force. “I called you over here to find out where we are.”
Kenneth looked around, drawing in a thoughtful breath as he did so. “Somewhere to the west of Leeds, I believe,” he said. “Given our rate of travel, that would be my best guess.”
“How much further?”
Kenneth looked at her. “Another week or more. It is difficult to move this many men in this weather.”
Toby looked around, at de Roche several paces up ahead, at Mortimer and his retainers far to the front, before turning backto Kenneth. “Do you think Tate knows where we are?” she asked softly.
Kenneth nodded thoughtfully. “He knows where we are headed. We know that Mortimer has sent him a missive to that effect.”
“Will he be waiting for us at Wigmore Castle?”
“He will do what is necessary and right, my lady.”
It wasn’t much of an answer. She didn’t realize until later that Kenneth had been purposely ambiguous in case anyone was close enough to hear his answer. Toby, however, was left feeling depressed and uncertain.
“What will happen to us once we get to Wigmore?” she asked.
Kenneth shook his head. “I honestly do not know.”
“Are they going to throw me in the vault?”
“I would sincerely doubt it.”
“Are they going to throwyouin the vault?”
“That is a possibility.”
Her eyes widened. “Truly?”
He could see that he had frightened her. He didn’t want to tell her what he really thought, but upon reflection, it was better if he did so she was prepared. He did not want her to be startled when, and if, the situation took a distressing turn.
“It is a possibility but I doubt it,” he lowered his voice. “But you must prepare yourself for the possibility that I will no longer be allowed to shadow you. Since your health is returning, I am not sure Mortimer would see any need for me to remain with you.”
He had only succeeded in frightening her more. “Oh, Kenneth,” she gasped. “He would not… they would not kill you, would they?”
He shook his head. “Nothing so drastic, I think. But he could very well send me elsewhere as a hostage.”
Her eyes welled. “You cannot leave me,” she whispered. “I will not allow it.”
He sought to soothe her. “No need to fret. Nothing will happen for quite some time yet.”
