End of days

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Rayford reentered the bedroom, leaving Wyman in the other chamber. He strode to Leah Rose and gently drew her into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder as she gratefully absorbed the comfort he offered. They did not speak as he held her.

Belwick paced along the crenellations above the main gate, watching the troops approaching the castle. The portcullis was down over the main gate and the drawbridge was up. Guardsmen and archers were aligned around the battlements, and the remainder of the garrison was strategically stationed in the outer bailey. The castle wa ready for Cardel's assault.

Cardel drew to a halt on the far side of the river. "Hail the castle," he shouted. "Hail, Lord Cardel," Belwick replied.

"So you know who I am. I will see my daughter, Lady Merclif."

"Ave, milord. You may enter the castle. Leave your men outside."

"Nay," Cardel bellowed. "My daughter is a widow. She bore her husband no so My daughter's protection and property falls to me now. By rights Merclif is mine Open the gate." "Nay," Belwick called. "I will not admit your men unless Lady Merclit gives

order." "I will enter the castle with my knights," Cardel conceded. "The men-at-arms

remain outside while I talk to my daughter." "One knight may enter with you." Belwick yelled.

"All five." Cardel shouted.

"Two, no more," Belwick countered.

Cardel, clearly displeased, sat rigid on his horse. "Agreed," he finally yelled Wheeling around, he rode back to his men, issuing instructions.

Belwick watched as Cardel's forces retreated from the riverbank. When the enemy force was far enough away, and Cardel returned with two mounted knights, Belwick ordered the drawbridge to be lowered and the gate to be raised. He also ordered a green flag to be hoisted over the castle once Cardel was inside. This was the signal for the king's troops hidden in the woods to advance and surround the attackers.

Cardel and his entourage rode into the outer bailey, where Belwick waited with

several soldiers. "Please dismount, milord," Belwick said, "and I will show you and your men to the

stables."

Cardel complied. An edgy silence pervaded the bailey as Belwick led the way to the stables. The marshal and his assistants quickly came forward to take charge of the horses,

"Your knights may remain here while you speak with Lady Merclif,"Belwick said to

Cardel.

Cardel's eyes narrowed. "Now see here. I am in charge now. You will be taking your

orders from me."

"Not until Lady Merclif agrees," Belwick stated. "Until she turns the castle over to you, you are a guest at Merclif." "How do I know this is not a trap?" Cardel demanded. "I must have my knights

with me to protect me." "The knights may accompany you inside the donjon," Belwick conceded "However, you must meet with Lady Merclif alone. She has been distraught since Lond the

Merclif's death and has remained secluded in her chamber." Cardel pursed his mouth. "Aye. Edgar, Denis, come with me."

Belwick led Cardel and his knights through the southeast gate in the inner curtain and up the donjon steps, two of Merclif's soldiers following close behind. The hall was deserted as Belwick escorted the enemy up the stairs to Leah Rose's bedchamber. He

paused outside her chamber and knocked on the door. "Lady Merclif, Lord Cardel wishes to speak with you."

They waited a few moments in silence until Leah Rose opened the door. Her face was pale but composed as she faced her father.

Leah Rose was surprised to find her father was so short. He had taken on such huge dimensions in her fears that she had not realized he was merely an old man. "Milord," Leah Rose said, "please come in."

She stood aside, holding the door wide. Cardel paused in the entrance, searching the chamber, before he stepped inside. Leah Rose closed the door behind him, shutting out the other men. She stayed by the outer door as Cardel inspected the room. When he finally came to a halt in the middle of the chamber and turned to face her, Leah Rose stepped forward a few paces but remained well out of reach of her father, as Rayford had instructed her. Fear closed its clammy hands around her heart. She took a deep breath, remembering Rayford's training.

"You will feel fear," Rayford had told her. "But you must not let Cardel see your fear. That will give him control over you. Breathe deeply. Keep your eyes steady and your face expressionless."

"Why are you here, milord?" Leah Rose asked her father, trying to follow Rayford's instructions.

"Since Merclif is dead, I have come to protect you,

"I do not need your protection."

Daughter."

"You no longer have a husband, so your guardianship reverts back to me. Since you bore no heir for Merclif, the castle rightly belongs to me as well." "Would it not be up to the king to decide what happens to Merclif?" Leah Rose asked.

"Henry is not here, while I am. You are in my power." Cardel advanced toward her. "If you do as I command, I will not harm you."

"Why do you hate me so much?" The words seemed to burst from her.

"You are a faithless slut, just like your mother." Cardel sneered. "She sent you away before it became apparent you were her bastard. But once you returned, I took one look at you and knew you were no spawn of mine. I slashed your face so no one would want to look at you."

Cardel's words stunned Leah Rose. "Who was my father?"

"Some worthless, landless knight. I have long forgotten his name." Cardel shrugged, "I got rid of him. Strangled him with my own hands. "Twas most satisfying." Horror gripped Leah Rose as she stared at his evil face. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a slight flutter of the tapestry covering the concealed door. The movement

focused her mind back on her real mission here.