Bretton didn’t say anything for a moment. “Why areyouhere?” he asked again. “I asked only for de Velt.”
“And he is here,” Rod said. “He received your demands and has come. But first, I have been instructed to see his daughter to ensure that she is in good health. Will you produce her for me, please?”’
“And if I do not?”
Rod cocked his head. “Do you really think that every demand you make will be met without question?” he asked. “There are times when you must give a little in order to receive. It is not an unusual or terrible request to want to see if your hostage is stillin good health, is it? You should not be reluctant to show that she is.”
Bretton was displeased by Rod’s reply but he sent Teague, who was standing near him, to fetch Allaston. As the big knight headed off the wall, Bretton remained fixed on Rod down below.
“She is in very good health,” he finally said. “You saw her when we met in Newtown.”
Rod nodded, pulling off his helm and wiping at the copious amount of sweat on his forehead. “I did indeed,” he replied. “But I want to make sure she is still healthy and whole before we move forward in this process.”
“And what would moving forward entail?”
Rod put his helm back on, looking up at Bretton with a rather guarded expression. “I would like to relay terms but I will not shout them for all to hear,” he said. “Will you come down off the wall and face me? Or do you prefer hiding away to meeting me face to face as you did in Newtown?”
It was a moderate insult, surprising from usually-congenial Rod. Bretton sighed heavily. Nay, he didn’t particularly want his men hearing everything that was spoken, especially where it pertained to Allaston. He thought it best to keep control of the situation by not having communication between him and Rod so spread out. Meeting the man face to face was a better alternative.
“Remain where you are,” he told Rod. “I will come to you.”
With that, he climbed off the wall and made his way to the gatehouse, instructing the sentries to lower the heavy drawbridge. As the ropes and chains holding the panel in place began to creak and groan as the bridge was lowered, Bretton stood in the entry, waiting for Allaston to be brought forth. The bridge was almost down entirely by the time Teague brought her out of the keep. Bretton could see them heading towards him and the sight of the woman, after what had happened between them earlier, had his heart racing. The emotions, the love he feltfor her, were running wild and he was having difficulty keeping his head.
Allaston had changed from the yellow wool and back into the dark blue brocade that made her pale skin look smooth and milky. Teague had her by the arm as he brought her to Bretton, who waved his commander off as he took Allaston by the wrist. Their eyes met and the flood of emotions burst forth, each one feeling so much more than they ever dreamed possible. Making love that morning had been a glorious mistake. Now, things were even more entrenched between them. Bretton’s heart ached simply to look at her.
“My cousin, Rod, has come as a messenger from your father’s army,” he told her quietly. “He has been sent to ensure you are still in good health.”
Allaston nodded reluctantly. “Is my father here?”
Bretton led her towards the portcullis, still lowered, as Rod remained on the road just beyond the drawbridge.
“He is,” Bretton said. “I have not seen him yet. Rod has been sent as an advanced messenger to relay their terms.”
Terms that would involve her. Allaston stood against the portcullis, peering at Rod on the other side. When Rod saw the lady looking at him, he waved at her.
“My lady,” he said. “I have come to makes sure you are well.”
Allaston’s eyes met the well-armed knight. “I am,” she replied. “Where is my father?”
Rod turned around, looking over his shoulder at the field behind him. He could see four riders there, in the distance, watching him from amongst the green grass and scattered trees. He returned his attention to Allaston.
“Out there,” he said, pointing back to the field. “Bretton, may I come closer so I may speak privately to you?”
Bretton nodded. “Come forth.”
Rod dismounted his charger and, leaving the animal to graze next to the road on fat green grass, he made his way across the drawbridge, his boots creating great clodding noises as he walked. When he came to within a few feet of the portcullis, he came to a halt. His bright blue eyes met with those of his cousin and he could feel himself becoming emotional about the situation. After a moment, he shook his head as if suffering a loss of words.
“So much of my family is involved with this,” he finally muttered. “It is very hard not to feel badly for what is happening. I have been instructed to tell you that de Lohr has no intention of attacking Cloryn and will keep the army at bay providing you bring de Velt’s daughter and meet him on neutral territory, away from the walls of the castle.”
Bretton looked over Rod’s shoulder, seeing the four horsemen in the distance. “Who has de Lohr brought with him?”
Rod was careful in how he answered. “De Velt is with him,” he said, avoiding most of the question. “That is who you want to see, is it not?”
Bretton’s gaze still focused on the men in the distance. “There are more than just two riders there,” he said, looking at Rod. “Who else is with him?”
Rod met his gaze steadily. “No one who will hurt you or be a threat to you,” he said quietly. “Bring Lady Allaston and whoever else you feel you want to accompany you and come with me.”
That wasn’t the answer Bretton was looking for. Now, he was becoming suspicious. “Whoelse is there, Rod?”
