Royal Feud

Chapter 51

Chapter 51

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," Delvin said, "but I will give you instructions in using a knife while we wait for Morefy to arrive."

Hermione nodded. "Aye, that is a good idea."

"So." Delvin 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 Morefy arrives soon then," Delvin said. "I would have this finished." heck and mate," Delvin declared. "Aye, you win," Hermione 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?"

"Nay." Delvin pushed back from the table. "I am far too restless. I would like to get out of this chamber. If Morefy does not arrive soon, I may have to disguise myself and sneak out of here at night." Delvin 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

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.

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 Hermione 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 Hermione 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.

Hermione went to answer the door to admit Lucy, Elizabeth, and Renwold as they entered with trays of food. Ever since Delvin's recovery, Lucy and Elizabeth had eaten with them to help disguise the amount of food a supposedly frail, distraught Lady Ishton was consuming. After the door closed behind Renwold, Lucy opened the connecting door to her chamber and Wyham joined them. Lucy and Elizabeth

Perhaps 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 Ishton," Belwick's voice rang out. "I need to speak with you." Delvin abandoned his food and stood as Hermione let Belwick into the chamber. "Milord, Morefy's forces are approaching the castle."

"How many men does he have?" Delvin 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.

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

"Hermione," Delvin 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. Hermione 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 Delvin's eyes. "Nay. I am ready," she stated.

Delvin's eyes searched her face. "Aye." He nodded. "You will be fine."

Movement resumed. Hermione assisted the other women clearing the meal from the table, while Wyham helped Delvin don his chain mail hauberk, which Belwick had smuggled into the bedchamber. Delvin went next door with Wyham to do the same for the older man. After Lucy and Elizabeth carried the trays from the chamber, Hermione pulled the table and chairs to the side of the room, setting the scene for the confrontation with her father.

Delvin reentered the bedroom, leaving Wyman in the other chamber. He strode to Hermione 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 was ready for Morefy's assault. Morefy drew to a halt on the far side of the river. "Hail the castle," he shouted,

"Hail, Lord Morefy," Belwick replied. "So you know who I am. I will see my daughter, Lady Ishton."

"Aye, milord. You may enter the castle. Leave your men outside." "Nay," Morefy bellowed. "My daughter is a widow. She bore her husband no són. My daughter's protection and property falls to me now. By rights Ishton is mine. Open the gate."

"Nay," Belwick called. "I will not admit your men unless Lady Ishton gives the order." "I will enter the castle with my knights," Morefy conceded. "The men-at-arms will

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

"All five," Morefy shouted.

"Two, no more," Belwick countered.

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

Belwick watched as Morefy's forces retreated from the riverbank. When the enemy force was far enough away, and Morefy 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 Morefy was inside. This was the signal for the king's troops hidden in the woods to advance and surround the attackers.

Morefy 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.

Morefy 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 Ishton," Belwick said to Morefy.

Morefy's eyes narrowed. "Now see here. I am in charge now. You will be taking your orders from me."

"Not until Lady Ishton agrees," Belwick stated. "Until she turns the castle over to you, you are a guest at Ishton."

"How do I know this is not a trap?" Morefy 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 Ishton alone. She has been distraught since Lord

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

Belwick led Morefy and his knights through the southeast gate in the inner curtain and up the donjon steps, two of Ishton's soldiers following close behind. The hall was deserted as Belwick escorted the enemy up the stairs to Hermione's bedchamber. He paused outside her chamber and knocked on the door.

"Lady Ishton, Lord Morefy wishes to speak with you."

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

Hermione 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 "Milord." Hermione said, "please come in."

an old man.

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