Page 79 of The Darkland

Le Vay shook his head to Spencer’s question, holding out a hand as the knight tried to climb out of bed. Recovering from his bout with Kirk, he was still rather weak and the physic had prescribed bed rest. Still, the man was fully prepared to rise up and do his lord’s bidding no matter how poorly he was feeling. Mustering the troops to leave with Connaught had just about finished him.

“It has been years since I have entered the knight’s quarters,” Lionel said, eyeing the small, windowless chamber with its dark stone walls and dirt floor. It was a dark chamber except for the fat tallow candle near the bed. “I had forgotten how dismal they are.”

Spencer looked around the room as well. “I have not noticed,” he replied. “Other than sleep, I do not spend any time in this room.”

Lionel wriggled his eyebrows as he looked around for a chair. “I shall have you moved into the keep. That is where you belong.”

Spencer didn’t reply. He was more interested in why le Vay had come. The man was correct; he hadn’t been to the knight’s quarters in years, so his appearance had Spencer curious and, if he thought about it, perhaps on edge. It was an odd happening. Something was afoot.

But le Vay wasn’t looking at him. He was more interested in finding a chair. All he could locate was a squat stool, so he pulled it up next to Spencer’s bed and sat heavily. He lifted the ends of his fine robes and tried to keep them out of the dirt. When he finally focused his attention on Spencer, the knight was watching him intently.

“How can I be of service, my lord?” Spencer asked quietly.

Le Vay shrugged. Then he sighed and scratched his head. “Are you well enough, Spencer?”

“I will heal. In fact, I suspect I will be back to my regular duties by this evening.”

“That is good.”

“Do you have a task for me, my lord?”

Le Vay sighed heavily again. He seemed contemplative or, at the very least, ill at ease. He paused for several seconds before replying.

“With all of the conflict between you and Kirk, I have not yet had the opportunity to tell you why the man came to Quernmore,” he said. “Kirk and I had a lengthy conference yesterday afternoon and it would seem that he came on behalf of Edmund to solicit support for a revolt on his lands in Ireland, as you well know. You saw the result last night and this morning when the army was mustered.”

Spencer nodded. “I know, my lord.”

Lionel eyed the young knight. “I told you to remain behind but I did not tell you why. I felt that your wound should be allowed to heal. You are still quite weak.”

“My wound is not that bad.”

Lionel cocked an eyebrow at him. “Then I shall be plain. I did not send you to Ireland with Kirk given what happened between the two of you. That would be a volatile situation and a bad decision on my part. That is why I sent Albert in your stead.”

Spencer knew as much but he still wasn’t pleased with the directive. He had been excessively furious when the brash young knight had ridden off with Connaught.

“Albert d’Uberville is a young knight, my lord,” he argued feebly. “He does not have excessive battle experience.”

“He will learn. Kirk will teach him. The call him the Master, after all.”

“Albert can be reckless.”

“He will not be for long with Kirk as his commander. The first time he makes a foolish decision, Kirk’s wrath shall be fierce.”

Spencer could see there was no changing le Vay’s mind. With nothing more to say, he simply nodded his head and averted his gaze. His disappointment was obvious. “As you say, my lord.”

Lionel watched Spencer’s face for any sign of rebellion but saw nothing other than the displeasure. He continued. “There is something else,” he said softly.

Spencer turned to him, struggling to force the disappointment aside. “And that would be, my lord?”

Lionel averted his gaze and looked at his hands. It was apparent that he was searching for the correct words to describe whatever ‘something else’ was. It took him several long seconds before he spoke again.

“You have served me for six years,” he said.

“Aye, my lord.”

“You are aware that I had a son who was killed in battle shortly before you came into my service.”

“I am, my lord.”