Chapter Nineteen #3
“When I arrived at Black Castle after I left Glenteige, all was quiet for the most part,” he said.
“Since I had no produce for delivery, I tried to get in to see the cook under the pretense of finding out what he needed so I could supply the appropriate things. I managed to get into the fortress because they knew me but shortly after I arrived, Black Castle was besieged and I was trapped inside.”
It was mostly the truth, at least about being trapped inside. De Noble nodded in understanding.
“We heard that Black Castle was besieged,” he said. “Did she hold?”
Devlin nodded. “She did,” he replied. “Say what you will about Black Sword, but the man is a master tactician. Brilliant. In any case, once the siege was over, there was general chaos. I heard talk about killing the English prisoners because they could no longer feed them, so I managed to get into the vault and released them. We escaped through the postern gate and here we are.”
It was a simplified tale, one he prayed de Noble wouldn’t demand more details to.
He honestly wasn’t sure how much more he could tell the man and not start tripping himself up with lies.
But then, de Noble asked him a question that completely stumped him, more than any other question could have. It was very simple.
“But why?” de Noble wanted to know. “Why would you do this?”
Devlin was momentarily stumped. He did look at Victor, then, to see that the man was gazing back at him. He had heard the question, too, and was curious to see what Devlin would say. Weakly, Devlin smiled.
“I’m not sure, to be truthful,” he said.
“My grandmother was English and I loved her very much. Then, I found an Englishwoman on the shore and saved her life. I brought her here and met a great many English who were kind. Why did I save Black Sword’s English prisoners?
Because I couldn’t let them die. I just couldn’t.
I cannot explain it any better than that, my lord.
You’ll just have to take my word for it. ”
De Noble, fortunately, did. He smiled at Devlin. “Then you are a truly noble and self-sacrificing man,” he said. “We are grateful. But I did send you to Black Castle with a task in mind, John. Do you remember?”
Devlin knew what he meant; he had been waiting for the man to get to this line of questions. “I do,” he replied.
“And?”
“And I heard or saw nothing that would interest you,” he said, quite honestly. “It seems to me that Black Sword has his hands full with the O’Byrne. He’s not planning anything against Glenteige.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I just told you; he’s consumed with the O’Byrne. The English are of little consequence right now.”
That seemed to satisfy de Noble, at least initially. But it was clear his mind was working. “Very well,” he said, still chewing on the information. “Finish your meal and then we shall speak more when you are finished.”
Devlin was grateful for the momentary reprieve but there was something else on his mind, something he wanted very much.
“And the Lady Emllyn?” he asked. “You said I could speak with her if I completed my task satisfactorily. I would hope that freeing Black Sword’s English prisoners will buy me a few moments with her. ”
Jealousy shot up de Noble’s spine; he could read the interest in Devlin’s face and it cut him to the bone.
How could he compete with this big, handsome man?
He couldn’t, of course, and he knew it. He’d suspected that the Lady Emllyn had romantic intentions towards the man even though she had denied it, and now he could hear that same amorous hope in Devlin’s voice.
It inflamed him. He turned away from Devlin, struggling to control himself.
“Mayhap later,” he said, almost coldly. “She has not been feeling well. I will see if she is willing to receive visitors.”
Devlin wasn’t happy with that answer at all.
He could see the man’s demeanor change when he brought up Emllyn and immediately, he suspected that de Noble was deliberately denying him.
He fought back his rage; he was so close he could nearly smell her.
He wasn’t about to let this insignificant English commander deny him his heart’s desires.
He was a man who was never denied anything, by anyone. His quick mind began to concoct a plan.
“Thank you,” he said, although he didn’t mean it. “Since I face the prospect of visiting a fine lady, I would like to wash me hands and face. Is there somewhere I could accomplish this?”
De Noble was moving for the pewter pitcher of wine on the table.
He glanced at Devlin as if to see for himself that the man was dirty.
Where there had once been pleasantness between them, the mention of Emllyn’s name had erased all hint of that.
Jealousy was in each man’s mind. Now, there was tense politeness.
“Aye,” he said. “There is a well outside and soaps in the knight’s quarters. Ask any soldier or servant. They will assist you.”
“Thank you,” he said politely. “If you will excuse me, then, I’ll go wash.”
De Noble let him go; at the moment, he seemed more interested in speaking with Victor, who suspected where Devlin was going.
He also suspected he’d better occupy de Noble for as long as he could.
He certainly didn’t want de Noble following Devlin or, worse, showing up at Emllyn’s door and hearing things he shouldn’t.
He had to keep the man busy.