Page 2 of One Knight
“Sir Henry de Vere. Bring me your baron.”
The man shook his head. “Can’t, sir. He’s gone. They left when word reached us. All of ’em. Left us here for you to slaughter.”
“We have no intent on harming anyone who does not intend to harm us, let alone peasants.”
The man’s frame relaxed. “Glad to ’ear it. We have no fight with the Normans. We work this land, no matter who we call master. This is our home. We don’t know no other.”
“What are you called?” Sir Henry asked the man.
“Baldwin, sir.”
“Where are the knights and soldiers who guarded this manor for Baron Auldwyn?”
“All gone with ’im, sir. Not a single one stayed behind.”
Cowards,Henry thought.They left defenseless people behind with no protection other than a white flag of surrender.
“Who is in charge here then? You?”
“No, sir. The Lady Elisande.”
“The baron’s daughter?” Henry asked, more than appalled.What kind of man leaves his child?
Baldwin shook his head. “No, sir. His sister.”
“He left his sister?” Disgust filled Henry as his horse shifted beneath him.
“Lady Hilda could not ride. Lady Elisande would not leave her. She is the one who ordered the surrender, sir.”
A woman ordered the surrender. That makes more sense.
“Who is Lady Hilda?”
“The baron’s daughter, sir.”
Henry shook his head.
“Does he have no honor?” Sir Sayer, one of his most trusted knights, asked from behind him, with the disgust Henry felt clear in his tone. “Who leaves women behind to surrender?”
“Saxons,” Henry said. “More worried about their own necks than protecting those God put in their care.”
Henry studied the man before him. He appeared healthy and capable, if in need of a bath. No doubt, Baldwin understood he was speaking to his new master, which was why he was being so helpful.
“Take me to the lady,” Henry said as he dismounted. “Squire, see to my horse.”
His squire came forward and took the reins.
“Yes, sir,” the older man said. “But, sir, with all respect, I must ask if you mean to exact King William’s revenge on the lady. She is a gentlewoman. She does not share the baron’s cowardice. Nor his cruelty.”
Sir Rolf, another of his best knights, replied from where he was mounted beside Sayer. “We aren’t Saxons. We don’t murder women.”
Henry was more interested in the daughter regardless. “She will be safe from harm in my presence. You have nothing to fear, and your loyalty and concern for the lady’s well-being is noted.”
“I have served her family my whole life, sir. Her whole life. She is a woman of valor. A prize, to be sure.”
“Why does she remain in her brother’s home instead of marrying her own husband then?” Henry asked.
“The Lady Hilda. Lady Elisande was not yet old enough to marry when it became clear …” Baldwin trailed off. “Lady Elisande can tell you better. It’s not my story to share.”
