The Duke of Garwood and His Bride

CHAPTER 2 DESPERATE TIMES Part 1

The attacks on Garwood Estate had become more frequent and vicious upon the demise of the former lord. The new duke was growing restless and disconcerted. His people, too, were growing fearful day by day, and he felt powerless to subdue the attacks. He had recently lost more than ten of his men when they fought the tribes from the northern border. If he were a man without principles, he would have packed up and headed for London from the first eruption of the unrest. He would have abandoned this godforsaken land. His abilities had been tested to their limits, and he had grown weary to the point of breaking down. But looking at his people who relied upon him for their protection and survival, he just did not have the heart to turn his back on them. Despite his inability to thwart the attacks, his people never left the estate. Despite the growing threats, his people tried to put their trust in him.

He bled and cried over the loss of his soldiers and the innocent lives caught in the middle of the uproar. But with his workforce reduced, the panic was slowly creeping its way into his chest. He wanted to contain the devastation his people were facing. He wanted to put an end to their suffering and bring them peace and happiness. But no matter how hard he fought, their enemies just seemed to grow in number.

"My lord?" Miller called softly behind the door of the duke's study.

"Come in, Miller." The duke replied lethargically.

Miller pitied the duke slouching on his leathered chair. His eyes closed and his face was almost gaunt from many a sleepless night and many tiresome struggles by day. He hoped that what he held in his hand would bring the young duke a ray of hope.

"You have a letter, Your Grace." he announced. "It bears the king's seal." He added.

The duke sprang to his feet upon hearing of the king's name. In his excitement, he almost ripped the letter upon opening it. His hands trembled as he unfolded and read the letter.

"My God!" The duke murmured, his hand covering his mouth.

"Is something amiss, Your Grace?" Miller inquired.

"Perhaps." He muttered, unsure of what to make of the letter.

"Did the king deny your request, my lord?" He worried.

"I do not know. But he is summoning me to have an audience with him." He uttered and dumped himself back onto his seat.

"Perhaps, he wanted to discuss with you a solution to our predicament?” Miller surmised, his chest heaved with hope.

“But how could I leave Garwood in this situation?” Rayne smacked his palm on his forehead. “How could I leave when all of you are in danger. How will our people deal with our enemies when I leave?” he muttered, feeling perplexed.

“That is indeed a problem, Your Grace. London will take several days to and from here. The vultures out here will definitely take notice of your absence.” Miller also expressed his concern. "God forbid what they could have done!"

“No, Miller." Rayne cut off the valet's theatrical tirade. "The king appointed our rendezvous in Durham Castle, up here in the north. I think he will be meeting the Baron of Hemsworth too.”

“Hemsworth?” Miller repeated, making sure he heard him right. “Hemsworth…” he echoed in deep thought. He tried to recall the man he had often heard of from the previous duke. The memory came back vividly at the continued chatter from Rayne.

“He is my brother’s most trusted man, an excellent warrior and very loyal at heart.” Rayne mused as he recalled the man Charles had always spoken so fondly.

“The king may have actually answered your request, Your Grace,” Miller concluded. “You must meet His Majesty, Your Grace. It’s the answer to our prayers.” Miller enjoined. “The Baron himself is famed for his military exploits! He is one of the king’s best allies. The king never goes to war without a Langley by his side. The Langleys are the king’s charm...and ours too if we could bring them to Garwood.”

Rayne heard Miller’s chatter but his mind struggled to remember the man. He knew him. He had heard of him, too many times in fact. But why does the memory seem faint and distant? It seemed that he had no recollection of meeting the man. Rayne sighed frustratedly as his mind struggled to recall what the baron looked like.

“Perhaps I will remember the baron when I see him.” He uttered defeatedly.

“I have never met his lordship before, Your Grace, but I have heard many tales about his prowess in the battlefields.” Miller supplied.

“I should really meet them then,” he concluded. "Gather my commanders in the Great Hall, Miller. I should make some arrangements before I decide on anything." He instructed and the older man bowed and immediately did his bidding. He too was elated to finally receive a message from the king which could bring them good tidings. The duke should find a way to meet His Majesty.

Rayne sat and pondered over his dilemma. He needed to see His Majesty. He held the hope he so desperately sought. He must think of a way to get out of Garwood Estate for a few days without jeopardizing his people during his absence. He grabbed his sword and followed Miller into the Great Hall to see if his men had already assembled.His hurried steps brought him there in no time. He could hear some murmurings coming from the Great Hall. He unlatched the large doors and made his presence known. Everyone stood to greet him but he raised his hand to halt them. They all returned to their seats and waited for him to take his. He stood by the head of the table and waited for everyone to quiet down.

“Is Miller still summoning the others?” He inquired calmly and scanned the room for the others. There were only twelve of his twenty commanders but for sure three of them would not be able to present themselves as they were stationed to the north, the west, and the southern borders of the estate.

“I believe so, my lord. I think Miller had gone to fetch Sir Mallory, Sir Brunner,” one of the men stood and checked the crowd for those who were not yet around. “I think Sir Howell, Sir Campbell, and Sir Mullins too.”

“Thank you, Hubbard. Let’s spare them a couple of minutes more before we begin,” he said and had himself seated. He rested his elbows on the table and buried his face in his palms. His men looked at him worriedly and exchanged confused glances.

“Are you ill, my lord?” one of the men voiced out.

Rayne raised his head and regarded the man with a somber smile. “I’m fine, Drake. There’s just quite a lot that’s going through my mind right now,” he explained and rubbed his forehead with his left hand.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, my lord. You have done a great job defending our territory. It’s just that there are too many of them now. They are just testing our defenses now that Lord Henry is gone. We just need to hold out and prove to them we could fight...and fight we will!” another one grunted fiercely.

“We will fight to the very end, Clive.” Rayne promised and sent the man a very encouraging nod. Rayne turned to his right when the doors burst open and a panting Miller and five other burly men sauntered in.Rayne straightened himself and motioned for them to take their positions. “Good evening, gentlemen. My apologies for summoning you all this late.” he began and met each man’s gaze squarely. “I am quite caught in the middle of something. We all know the bind we are in when I inherited this estate. Thank you all for holding out with me this far. But you are also aware of my inadequacy. I am nothing compared to my late uncle. He was such a great warrior and I could not measure up to that.” he declared, his voice almost cracked while admitting to his shortcomings.

Everyone, however, regarded him with respect and muttered words of disagreement. Rayne half-smiled at their kindness to him. “I wanted to protect you and everyone in Garwood. This will be my home until my last breath and you will be my people to care for until my last breath…”

“You’re gonna make us cry, my lord!” one man cried out, trying to make his lordship lighten up.

Rayne smiled shyly, “I just feel really sorry for having you go through such hard times. I wish so much to restore the tranquility Garwood had once enjoyed.”

“We’ll get there, my lord. The price of peace is usually high!” another cried.

Rayne nodded in agreement, “I know. That’s why I quite gave up my pride to ask His Majesty for reinforcement.” he declared and paused to watch their reaction. Everyone straightened from their seat and waited for what he was about to say. “It’s quite a shame that I had to ask for his help but I cannot just keep on putting too much on your shoulders and I cannot go on putting our innocent people in danger…”

“Did the king respond positively, my lord?” The man, Clive, half rose from his seat. His face looked hopeful but tense.

Rayne sighed and nodded, “He’s my brother, I don’t think he had the heart to deny me.” he said and he heard everyone let out a sigh of relief. They all relaxed and exchanged smiles. Some clasped their hands in silent prayer. “But,” he cut off, and everyone tensed. “The king wanted me to have an audience with him.” He waited for anyone to speak his mind about his declaration.

“London is way too distant, my lord. It might even take you a couple of weeks to travel upon good weather.” Mallory spoke, still trying to calculate his lordship’s journey should he decide to go.

“No, Mallory. The king wanted me to meet him at Durham Castle here in the north. He is on his way to see Baron Hemsworth. He wanted me to be there when he arrived.”

“Well, that’s good news then, my lord. Durham would only take you a couple of days if you rode your steed, maybe three by carriage.” again Mallory spoke.

“Have you been to Durham?” Rayne questioned.

“I’m sorry, my lord, but I haven’t been to Durham.” Mallory looked at him apologetically.

“Has any of you been there?”

“I think I’ll be able to remember the way, my lord.” Hubbard raised his hand. “The former Duke had been there once and I had accompanied him and her ladyship,” he revealed but in his mind, he was still trying to figure out the way they went.

“Good!” Rayne’s face brightened at the revelation. “You and I could go then.” he muttered. “But will it be okay if I would be gone for a week at the most?” he asked, his gaze landing on each of his commanders, waiting for any reaction.

“It’s a crucial decision, my lord. But we cannot deny that we needed all the help we could get.” Sir Howell expressed. “Maybe we should keep your absence a secret so that our aggressors would have no idea you have gone elsewhere.”

Everyone pondered at Sir Howell’s suggestion. Everyone was in deep thought. Even Rayne could not bring himself to break the deafening silence around them. He knew that leaving Garwood would mean opening the estate to their aggressors. Knowing that its own master had left it might encourage more attacks.

“We will hold out, my lord. We’d keep your absence unknown to the others. Should anyone wonder why you are not up and about the estate we would just play around you being too occupied by your solicitor or your guests. And we will keep all borders well guarded. The soldiers will keep on with their rounds and their post. Should we encounter a greater scrimmage, we will have one of us wear your armor.” Clive suggested.

“That might actually work, my lord.” the others commented, nodding at each other.

“Very well. Hubbard and I will travel tomorrow incognito. Have our horses ready by the river, west of the farmers’ village.”

“I will have the stable boy bring the horses, my lord.” Hubbard volunteered.

“We’ll bring only a few essentials so nobody would assume we are off to somewhere.” Rayne reminded. “We will be back the moment Charles and I agreed on the arrangements.”

“Yes, my lord!” they chorused.

“Now, let it be fair. Let’s draw the name of the man who will be in charge while I am away.”

“May I suggest, my lord?” Clive intervened and Rayne acknowledged him, “I believe Maximus could be in charge. We all have confidence in him.”

“Well, is everyone amenable to Clive’s suggestion?”

“Yes, my lord. Maximus has always been very reliable.”

“Alright. I’ll see you all in the morning.”

**********

The lord of Durham Castle stood in one of the parapets of his centuries-old manor, which had seen and survived several wars from their nemeses. When he had fought his own battles, he made sure that he would not crumble down with his estate and he had sworn to keep his people safe and they would all flourish. He has done well so far to this day. But now, an enemy lurked obscurely from somewhere. His attacks were not to challenge his combat skills, knowing full well what an exceptional warrior and strategist he was. His enemy aimed to bring him down to poverty and economic destitution. His enemy had now sunk five of his merchant’s vessels in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. His losses were so immense and his recovery was abysmal. It might not be long before they hit rock bottom.

His gaze swept along his vast estate. The green fields of boundless harvests, the villages of hardworking men, the rolling hills, haven to their flocks and herds. This estate, his Eden. He will never lose it to anyone. Not then, not ever. He will not suffer to have his people bound to poverty. His heart burnt with fury against the faceless enemy who was raising havoc in his enterprise. He had to unmask his enemy before it’s too late.

“Father?” a soft melodic voice broke his musings. He turned to find the owner of that voice. He smiled gently and reached out his arm to welcome his youngest daughter. “What is it, old man?” she asked playfully and snuggled in his embrace.

“I was just thinking how I could marry you off.” he chuckled at the sour expression she gave him. “I’m serious. You’re already on the shelf for far too long. You’ll be turning thirty in a couple of years.”

“Why should I even bother getting married when I am enjoying this freedom...and I get to be with you and mother for a lifetime! I don’t have to exhaust myself looking or waiting for the kind of man who will treat me right and who will cherish me beyond himself.”

The baron snickered at his daughter’s convictions, “You just need to choose well, my pet. I know of men who would love and cherish you. Just tell me and I will hand them to you on a silver platter!”

It was her turn to laugh at his antics. “Don’t bother,old man. I am well content with my life. I don’t intend to change anything about me.”

The baron squeezed his daughter tightly in his embrace. His youngest daughter was beautiful beyond imagination. It was no secret how men flocked his home to call on her. But it was her lack of interest that had made them stop coming. She had never disguised her dislike and disinterest whenever a prospective suitor would visit her. Perhaps being surrounded by men for most of her life made her quite indifferent around them. “Well at least she saved herself from the misfortunes of heartbreak by not getting herself involved with any man.” the baron thought to himself.

“Tell me, father,” she murmured while in his embrace. The baron tensed at her sudden utterance, “what is your plan?” she asked without looking at him. “Aren’t there any reports from the men you commissioned to investigate?”

The baron grimaced at his daughter’s strong perception. There was absolutely nothing that could be kept from her. “I don’t think I could trust any of them to give me an accurate report.” he sighed, shaking his head in frustration.

His daughter squirmed and held him at arm’s length, “Then we should conduct our own investigation.”

He squinted at his lovely daughter. There was a hidden meaning to her statement. “I see that you have missed traveling overseas.” he hinted with a smile.

“Well, who wouldn’t want a little bit of adventure?” she grinned meaningfully. “I have always loved the sea, the ship and the places we anchored to.” she said and paced toward the edge of the parapet and stared at the direction of the magnificent seascape west from their castle.

Lord Hemsworth turned to the direction where his daughter came to stare at the crashing waves of the ocean. He reminisced the first time his daughter snuck among his luggages during his trip overseas. It was already too late when they discovered her presence. Their ship had long been away from the shore; it was a waste to return. She was only twelve back then. She was sneaky and mischievous; she had always outsmarted him and her brothers. He shook his head and decided to rein in her carefree and adventurous nature.

“Adrienne,” he called out softly. She turned around to look at him, her long red tresses dancing in front of her face as the strong wind kept their assault. “It’s high time you stay home and help your mother run the household.” he said calmly. He watched how she impatiently swatted her wind-blown hair away from her face. Her brows knitted and her lips pursed. She looked vexed.

“Why?” she asked flatly, a clear sign she was irritated.

He smiled, “You’re already a grown woman. You should not be roaming around the world. You know the dangers you are putting yourself into whenever you come with us. The world isn’t too kind to women.”

“You know you are just spewing nonsense, right, Father?” she said, her lip curling in annoyance.

“Please, sweetheart. Give your old man some peace of mind. I am old and I am afraid I could no longer be strong enough to protect you. It would save me a lot of sleepless nights if you would just stay home with your mother. The entire estate is the safest haven for you and your mother.”

“You need not worry about me, Father. I just could not sit back and not do anything to resolve our family’s situation. Besides, you are indeed getting old. I’d die worrying about you out there!” she countered.

The baron sighed in defeat. He knew how stubborn his daughter was. No matter how he tried to dissuade her, she would always have her way. It was one of the things she got from him. His shoulders sagged in surrender.

“So, when do we leave?” her question held a triumphant tone.

“Before this month ends,” he answered, shaking his head. “Let’s sail before our coffers run empty.”

“Our situation is that bad?” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Worse,” he replied, his hands clenched in tight fists.

“We’ll get him, Father. Whoever is the culprit, we’ll get him and there’d be hell to pay,” she vowed, her own hands mimicking her father’s clenched fists.

**********

“My lord!” a wheezing footman came barging into the drawing-room. The beads of perspiration trickled down his temple.

The baron stood and steadied the rushing footman. The ladies in the room replaced their teacups on the table. Concern crossed their faces as the man looked like he would collapse any moment.

“What’s the rush, Dawson?” Hemsworth held the man’s shoulders.

“The...the...the…” he stuttered breathlessly.

Hemsworth led the man to a nearby couch. “Breath, Dawson,” he instructed calmly.

Shaking his head, Dawson took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and collected his thoughts. His excitement had gotten ahead of himself.

“My lord,” he huffed, “the king had just crossed our southern border.”

“What!” Hemsworth roared with a start. “What are you talking about?” It was his turn to be baffled.

“His Majesty has crossed our borders. One of his men has just arrived to notify us.”

“So much for a notification!” he grunted. “He’d be here by dusk or dinner time at most.” he calculated. “Very well, let’s get ourselves ready for His Majesty’s impending arrival. Ladies,” he turned to his wife and daughters, “see to it that our dinner is fit for a king’s feast. Have his room ready. Prepare a warm tub. He’ll definitely want to soak when he arrives.”

“I’ll oversee the preparations, my dear. Do not fret too much.” Lady Marianne, Hemsworth’s wife, consoled her husband.

It was almost sundown when the king and his entourage entered the walls of Durham Castle. Lord Hemsworth stood in the Inner Bailey, overseeing the arrival of His Majesty’s party. Soldiers aloft their mounts and soldiers on foot all lined up in order upon entering the bailey. Above all the hubbub, Lord Hemsworth stood regally in the middle. Issuing orders here and there. When His Majesty’s carriage rolled in, Lord Hemsworth collected himself and waited until the king finally alighted his grand carriage.

Lord Hemsworth welcomed the king with the warmest smile from a good friend. The king returned a smile with equal warmth. His arms spread out to give him a brotherly hug. Lord Hemsworth gladly stepped into his welcoming arms.

“I see you have missed me a lot.” Lord Hemsworth muttered as he himself wrapped his arms around the king.

“That’s undeniable.” the king uttered in return and released him from his arms.

“You’ve lost some weight, my liege,” Hemsworth noted, concerned.

“Stop being too formal, Richard.” the king prompted, “yes, I might have indeed,” he admitted, his tone a bit cynical.

Lord Hemsworth put an arm over His Majesty’s shoulders and slowly guided him toward the keep. The king had his own share of worries and those were taking a toll on his constitution. Perhaps the king sought a reprieve from all his concerns. He knew Durham Castle had always been a home to him.

Lord Hemsworth’s family bowed and welcomed the king when the two men entered the foyer. The king was more than delighted to see his most loyal subjects. His smiles never left his face.

“Welcome home, Your Majesty.” Lady Marianne led the greetings and curtsied to the king followed by her daughters.

“My Lady Marianne, you are forever as lovely as your daughters.” the king complimented and reached for her hand and kissed the back of it.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”Lady Marianne candidly thanked the king.

“It is a joy to have you home,Your Majesty, after such a long time.” Hemsworth’s eldest daughter gave her greetings.

“Our warmest welcome, Your Majesty.” It was Hemsworth’s youngest daughter, Adrienne, who greeted next.

The king smiled warmly at the two young ladies. His arms reached out for them. “Alexandra, Adrienne,” he called out softly, “my angels, it had been a while.”

“It had been, Your Majesty.” Both ladies agreed and went into the king’s outstretched arms. “Alex, motherhood suits you. Your loveliness has become more radiant.”

“You are very generous with your compliments, my king.” Alexandra muttered shyly.

“Not compliments, my angel. Just the truth. And you, my love, my Adrienne, I have missed you terribly. You have grown lovelier than the last time we met.Your hair, flatters you, my love.” he said, noticing how her russet locks have grown longer.

Adrienne looked up to his face and smiled warmly. His endearment for her never ceased. She had always been right by his side for the past decades and it was no secret to her how his majesty felt for her. He had been honest to his feelings for her long before he even married the present queen. Her heart held him in high regard for he had never done anything disgraceful to her despite his obvious desire for her. He had always treated her with respect, never taking advantage of her despite being her king.

She smiled at him, “I couldn’t help growing more lovely, my king. It’s just unstoppable!” she bantered, earning a crisp laughter from the king.

“Ah, my darling Adrienne!” he laughed. “You never fail to amaze me.”

Adrienne grinned, “Enough fooling around, my king. You must be famished and tired from your journey. Would you like to freshen up or shall we head to the dining hall?”

The king paused for a moment and tried to weigh his options. “I’ll opt to freshen up.”

he decided.

Adrienne acknowledged his choice with a gentle nod. “Then, allow me to lead you to your bedchamber, my king.” she offered with a curtsy. “Father, mother, if you will excuse us.”

“Yes, darling. Lead the way.” Lord Hemsworth granted.

“I shall not be very long, Richard.” The king cautioned, dropping the formality.

“We shall await at the dining hall, Charles.” Lord Hemsworth picked up the cue to be less formal with the king.