End of days

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

With her back pressed against the door and her hands still on his chest, she gazed up into his brilliant blue eyes. The gentleness of his voice and the heat in his eyes caused her to catch her breath. He bent his head, and his lips settled over her parted mouth. His arms went around her, and she sank into him, into his tenderness, into his care.

"Leah Rose," the voice came through the closed door, "tis Wyham and Belwick."

"Oh, my goodness," Leah Rose whispered. "Just a moment, milord."

"You look thoroughly kissed, but otherwise presentable," Rayford murmured, giving her one more lingering kiss before stepping away from her. "We will continue this later. Go ahead and open the door."

She watched him walk toward the chairs, envying him his composure, as she moved to open the door. If Wyham or Belwick noticed her flushed face, they politely ignored it. The men had visited Rayford during his convalescence, but never before together.

Rayford returned their greetings, gesturing for them to be seated. "So," he said when

everyone was settled, "Leah Rose tells me you have something to explain to me. I must

confess, I am very intrigued."

Wyham laid out the strategy the three of them had devised, making it clear the original idea had been Leah Rose's. Alarie listened intently, all trace of his earlier amusement gone. He closely questioned both Wyham and Belwick as to the details before falling into contemplation. The others remained quiet, letting Rayford think.

""Tis a good plan." Rayford looked at Leah Rose. "Wyham is right. You do have an

exceptional tactical mind. However, your plan involves a very real threat to your safety.

"Twould be unconscionable for me to put you in any danger." She met his gaze. "Rayford, the danger to me is minimal. You will all be close by, should my father turn violent. I will have a knife with me as well."

"Would you be able to use a knife against another human being?" "Against my father? Aye, I would. Rayford, I need to do this."

A few months ago she had been frightened, fragile, broken. Today, she felt strong and resolute. She knew that with God's help she could do anything. She truly believed this was God's plan for her life. She needed to face down her greatest fears, to see her father brought to justice for his brutality and treachery. Then she could bury her past. "All right," Rayford said, "but I will give you instructions in using a knife while we

wait for Cardel to arrive." Leah Rose nodded. "Aye, that is a good idea."

"So." Rayford looked back at Wyham and Hugh. "I am dead. "Tis a passing strange thing to grasp."

"Aye," Belwick said. "And you have been greatly mourned by everyone, from the bravest soldier to the lowliest kitchen boy."

"Let us hope Cardel arrives soon then," Rayford said. "I would have this finished."

heck and mate," Rayford declared. "C" "Aye, you win," Leah Rose said. "This time."

"So, are we even yet?" "Nay, I still am one game ahead of you. Would you care to play another game to even the score?"

like to get out of this chamber. If Cardel does not arrive soon, I may have to disguise myself and sneak out of here at night." Rayford paced to the window and stood looking over the moat and the surrounding countryside. Since he had fully regained his strength, he had been like a caged bear

"Nay." Rayford pushed back from the table. "I am far too restless. I would

The endless waiting grated on him. He was a man of action, so the patience required

now did not come easily..

"I know this confinement is difficult for you. Dinner should be here soon. Perhaps after dinner you could continue training me."

He turned away from the window. The view was too restrictive to afford much information as to what was occurring around the castle. His gaze fell on Leah Rose as she gracefully moved around the chamber, putting the chess pieces and board away.

She had been with him throughout most of the days of his captivity. He had learned much of humility and service from her example. A silent prayer formed in his mind, something that happened more and more often lately.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Leah Rose as my wife. Tis only now that I see how You have worked Your good and perfect will in my life, despite me. She has been such a blessing to me. Please keep her safe. Lord, I am trusting in You. In Your love for her and in Your love for me. I ask that Your will, not mine, be done in her life and in my own. In Jesus' name, amen.

Leah Rose went to answer the door to admit Margaret, Elizabeth, and Renwold as they entered with trays of food. Ever since Rayford's recovery, Margaret and Elizabeth had eaten with them to help disguise the amount of food a supposedly frail, distraught Lady Merclif was consuming. After the door closed behind Renwold, Margaret opened the connecting door to her chamber and Wyham joined them. Margaret and Elizabeth watched the others eat, as had become their practice. They would eat later so the men would have enough food. When they were almost finished with the meal, another knock sounded on the door. "Lady Merclif," Belwick's voice rang out. "I need to speak with you."

Rayford abandoned his food and stood as Leah Rose let Belwick into the chamber. "Milord, Cardel's forces are approaching the castle."

"How many men does he have?" Rayford asked.

"There are five knights and about thirty men-at-arms," Belwick replied.

"A siege force. "Aye, milord."

"Is everything ready?"

"Aye, milord."

"Good. We proceed as planned." Belwick bowed and left the chamber.

Margaret and Elizabeth began to gather up the dishes and remaining food, stacking them on the trays. Wyham pushed back his chair and stood. Leah Rose sat frozen in her seat, staring down at her hands.

"Leah Rose," Rayford said, breaking into the commotion, "tis not too late to change your mind. You do not have to confront your father. We can carry out the plan without your participation."

The room was suddenly quiet. Leah Rose looked up to see everyone stilled, their eyes on her, waiting for her response. She was so grateful for everyone's encouragement and support. Shaking herself out of her immobile state, she drew in a deep breath and met Rayford's eyes. "Nay. I am ready," she stated.

Rayford's eyes searched her face. "Aye." He nodded. "You will be fine." Movement resumed. Leah Rose assisted the other women clearing the meal from the table, while Wyham helped Rayford don his chain mail hauberk, which Belwick had smuggled into the bedchamber. Rayford went next door with Wyham to do the same for the older man. After Margaret and Elizabeth carried the trays from the chamber, Leah Rose pulled the table and chairs to the side of the room, setting the scene for the confrontation with her father.