Chapter 22
Kallen’s nerves tingled as she picked up on the men’s excitement. Griffith told her they were within minutes of Mangeron. All seemed ready to arrive back home after such a long journey. She was grateful for the uneventful day yesterday and today, having had more than enough adventure.
“Lady Kallen!” called John. “I hope ‘tis hungry you are. After being uncomfortable and poorly fed on the road, I can guarantee you that the Mangeron kitchens will be working overtime to prepare the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted.”
She laughed. “’Twould not be hard to do so, John. The convent food was edible. Barely. Believe it or not, the game I’ve tasted on our trip was tenfold better than any meal I partook of with the nuns.”
The men laughed along with her.
Kallen thought back to Cuthbert and Simmons. She hoped the two soldiers had survived their wounds and were being cared for properly. Griffith promised her he would send a messenger to check on their progress once they arrived at Mangeron.
As they came over the rise, all thoughts of the two men fled.
Her first sight of the castle left her speechless.
Far larger than Lord Percival’s, the estate stole her breath.
Mangeron sat on a hill surrounded by green pastures as far as the eye could see.
Tenant cottages dotted the land, while animals grazed contentedly.
In her wildest imaginings, she could never have conjured such beauty and grandeur.
Home... she’d finally come home.
Kallen imagined Bevia running through the castle’s halls, petting the sheep, tumbling down hills as she played with her brother—all before the loss of her innocence at the Earl of Nowland’s hands.
She wondered why he chose Bevia to suffer so and why this earl would conceive of such a horrendous act.
As they approached, many greeted them, some with curious stares, but there were smiles, too. The overall auras showed the people’s contentment, and it gave Kallen satisfaction that Mangeron was a happy place.
But her bliss was overshadowed by sudden nerves that gripped her. Now that she knew she was a child of rape, she realized Savina had informed her uncle Crispin of this. The entire family might know. Would they view her differently? Could they really want her as much as she wanted their acceptance?
The minute they arrived at the gates, the doors swung open. The gatekeeper called down to their party.
“Been expecting your arrival, that we did, Sir Griffith. Master and mistress be in a frenzy, wanting things all perfect for Lady Kallen.”
Griffith flashed her a reassuring smile. “See?” he said softly.
The group rode through the entrance and more greetings deluged them, especially ones from the guards’ families. The men began introducing her to wives and children alike. She nodded and smiled, overwhelmed that she had so many faces and names to learn.
As they made their way into the inner bailey and she could see the keep itself, Kallen realized just how impressive Mangeron really was. They had ridden by more than a few castles and had stayed at Lord Percival’s on All Hallow’s Eve, but nothing prepared her for the magnificence that was Mangeron.
At the top of the stairs, a couple and an older woman awaited them. The younger woman was large with child but waved as they approached, smiling broadly. Golden bands of yellow happiness bathed her form. The man spoke to her and then rushed down the stairs.
Kallen guessed him to be Crispin de Mangeron. She was pleased at his aura. A bright turquoise hovered closest to his body, assuring her of his compassionate yet practical nature. A wider band of purple surrounded the turquoise. This man was confident and led others with poise.
He lifted her from her saddle and hugged her so hard, she found it difficult to breathe.
“’Tis your uncle Crispin who greets you so, Kallen, and glad am I you’ve finally arrived. ‘Twas long in coming, but we shall make up for the time spent away.”
Kallen recognized Bevia in him, which comforted her. He had the same generous mouth and dark blue eyes. But where Bevia’s usually contained a blank stare, Crispin’s were animated.
“And greetings to you, Griff,” Crispin added. “I shall expect a full report from you later.”
He then took her hand and brought her quickly up the stairs, where she was greeted with more hugs from Deva.
“Ah, the sister I have longed for. I knew Griffith would someday do some good, for he has brought you to me.” She smiled at Kallen as she rubbed her belly. “And you are soon to have a cousin.
“In fact,” and she took Kallen’s hand and brought it against her belly, “see how the babe kicks in excitement of your arrival!”
Kallen beamed at the small flutters she felt.
A hand gently rested on her shoulder. “I am Alita, my dearest. Your grandmother.” She placed her arms about Kallen and held her tenderly for some minutes.
Kallen was moved to tears. She could not have expected a more generous welcome. This new family accepted her readily, without reserve. It thrilled her that she had a place to call home, surrounded by loving blood relatives. Relief ran through her.
Alita released her and said, “I beg your forgiveness, child.” Tears began to spill down her lined cheeks.
Kallen brushed them away. “There’s nothing to forgive, Grandmother. I am here with you now and so happy.”
Alita glowed with soft shades of blue. Kallen guessed her to be a tenderhearted, serene woman.
“Enough of this!” cried Crispin. “We must celebrate Kallen’s arrival. Call a halt to all work in the fields. We will feast. Food, dancing, entertainment—all in your honor, Kallen.”
She felt the blush crawl up her neck. “I am honored, my lord. I feel much like the Prodigal Son returned home.”
“Let me take you to your room,” Deva interjected. “We must wash the grime of the road from you.” She slipped a hand through Kallen’s arm and chattered away as she guided Kallen into the castle.
She glanced over her shoulder and caught a smile from Griffith. Deva’s smile was similar and made her know she was truly welcome.
“Hot water will arrive shortly. I ordered it once they sighted your party. And I’ve placed some wonderful oils here to add to the water. Crispin does spoil me. He’s the best of husbands. What scent would you like to try?”
As servants appeared and began filling the bath with steaming buckets of water, the women spoke of Kallen’s journey to Mangeron.
While Deva washed Kallen’s hair for her, she told her young aunt-by-marriage of the two men wounded by the boar and other tales of the road.
She kept the attack by the Earl of Nowland’s men and Sir Rodger’s duplicity to herself, though.
She would speak to Crispin later about that.
She saw no need to spoil Deva’s joy. She would also remain tightlipped about her role in the knight’s death.
Her conscience suffered enough as it was.
Kallen saw no need to alienate her new family by exposing herself as a murderess.
The hot water relaxed her, and she felt truly clean for the first time since she’d left the convent. As Kallen stood and allowed Deva to rinse her a final time, she repeated how helpful all the men had been.
“I should hope so. Griffith better have been particularly nice to you.” Deva paused a moment. “He seemed different to me somehow. Almost happy.”
Suddenly, Deva gave her a wicked smile. “’Tis because of you, Kallen de Mangeron. Don’t deny it. I know my brother, every smile and frown. Tell me all and leave nothing out.”
Kallen wrapped a linen sheet about her. “All right, but you mustn’t say a word, not even to your husband. Griffith said he must seek Crispin’s permission to court me.”
Deva gave a delighted squeal. “Oh, Kallen, I can’t tell you what good news you share.”
“Just promise me you’ll keep it to yourself for now. Only until Griffith has time to speak to Crispin. Then I won’t mind if the world knows.”
Alita entered at that moment. “The tenants and servants are gathering now. You should dress.” She picked up the blue surcoat that Deva had laid out after Kallen’s bag was brought up. “What a lovely shade of blue.”
Kallen winced. The clothes the two women wore were so beautiful. “I’m afraid ‘tis the only suitable gown I’ve brought, and even then ‘twas a gift from Lady Percival. The convent stressed very simple clothes. I’ve nothing elaborate as either of you are now wearing.”
Deva laughed. “Oh, Kallen, I have many clothes we may share. It will be such fun. Just like sisters.”
Kallen’s insides glowed at that moment. She wondered if her own aura reflected sunny yellow tones now, so great was her happiness.
Nothing could spoil such a wonderful day.
She would think back on it when she was an old woman and know it was one of the most magical times in her life.
No matter what came in the future, this day would be forever imprinted on her soul.
The day she found a family. The day she came home.
The women helped her to dress and brushed her hair until it gleamed.
“You are more than ready to meet the people of Mangeron,” Alita told her. “All the men will fall in love with you, and the women will want to be your friend.”
A knock sounded at the door, and Crispin entered. Gone was the happy, laughing man she’d met earlier. In his place was a solemn soldier who appeared to be on a mission.
“I must speak to Kallen. Alone.”