Page 125 of Bold Angel
“Nay,” Beltar said with a smugly lecherous grin. “The wench belongs to me.”
Ambra opened her mouth to argue, but Caryn clamped hard on her arm.
“I am hungry,” Caryn said. “I am also thirsty and tired. ’Tis certain Lady Ambra feels the same. Unless you intend to inflict further cruelty upon us, I ask that we be allowed to refresh ourselves.”
Beltar started to object, but Stephen’s raised hand gave him pause. “Take them to the smaller tent. See they are fed and allowed to tend their needs. Then tie them up and leave them until they are summoned.”
Beltar relaxed against his high-backed chair. “You may be certain that you will be called,” he said to Ambra. “I intend to enjoy your charms before this night is ended. ’Tis my plan that you provide the evening’s entertainment.”
Ambra bristled, but Caryn propelled her forward. “Do not be foolish,” she warned. “We are naught but women. There is little that we can do.”
“Naught but women!” Ambra fumed but the man behind her merely shoved them out the door. Caryn heard Beltar’s rumble of laughter as they were marched across the camp toward a smaller tent at the rear.
“How can you let them—”
“Do not waste your strength when you are so badly outnumbered. Let them believe we will not fight them. In the meantime, take stock of what you see, what might be of use to us later.”
Ambra smiled with understanding, but her smile was gone by the time they reached the second tent.
“There are forces enough here to wage a small war,” she whispered. “Far more than would be needed were ransom their only purpose.”
“Aye,” Caryn said, disheartened. “’Tis a siege they intend. ’Tis obvious they mean to take the castle, and I fear it is not far away.”
Both women said nothing more. Even was Ral yet alive and unharmed, there was no way he could defend against such a force as Stephen and Beltar had assembled.
“We must find a way to warn them,” Caryn whispered as the men thrust them through the small tent opening and lowered the flap. One knight took up a position out front while the sound of footsteps meant the other man stood at the rear.
“How can we warn them? They are certain to watch us closely. Beltar has… plans… for me, and there is no telling what Malvern intends for you.”
Caryn shivered. She had seen Lord Stephen’s cruelty the night he had taken the novices from the convent. He would see her pay doubly for having escaped him… and because she now belonged to Ral.
“If we are careful, we may yet find a way. Do not be discouraged.” But even as she said the words, her pulse beat dully. Sweet Blessed Virgin, how could they possibly escape?
***
Ral saw the heavily guarded walls of Braxston Keep and knew that in his absence, Odo had discovered Malvern’s presence. He hailed the wardcorne, who called for the bridge to be lowered, then motioned for his men to follow him in.
It hadn’t taken long to reach the castle. They had been close to home when Stephen’s men had attacked them, which meant Malvern and his men were far too close at hand. Odo met him in the bailey, Richard beside him, both men’s faces lined with worry.
“We feared for your safety, my lord,” Odo told him. “I am glad you are returned.” He took in the four injured men being helped from their horses. “Malvern?”
“Aye. He fell upon us near the crossroads. Two men are dead and they have taken Caryn.”
“Sweet Jesu!”
“Ambra has also been taken,” Richard said. “In our search for her, we discovered Stephen’s men. There were too many for us to fight so we were forced to return.”
“I had hoped we had seen the last of him,” Ral said bitterly. “Were it not for William’s friendship with his father, he would have tasted the thrust of my sword.”
“There is more,mon ami,”Odo said. “I fear Lord Stephen is not alone. He has joined forces with Beltar. ’Tis a virtual army we face outside these walls.”
“And they have our women,” Richard added.
Ral’s jaw clamped. “Aye, that they have.” He turned and started striding toward the stable. “They will start by demanding a ransom, but I fear ’tis Braxston Keep that they are truly after.”
“I believe you are right,” Odo said.
“We must get word to William. His support in this is crucial, though against such forces as Malvern has assembled, his help may come too late.” Ral turned to his squire, who followed along in his wake. “Ready Satan for me. ’Twill soon be dark. I would see for myself what we must face.”
