Chapter 1
FOUR YEARS LATER, SALTWOOD CASTLE, HYTHE
T oday was the day that Lord Evan Blackmore would finally be knighted, and he couldn’t be any happier. The satisfying feeling of true pride expanded his chest. Now he was following in the footsteps of his respected father, Lord Garrett Blackmore, who was also a knight, not to mention the king’s Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.
Standing next to Evan was his cousin, Daegel Blake. Both of them were dressed in long white tunics that depicted purity, truth, and loyalty. Over their tunics and hose they wore red cloaks. The red color symbolized sacrifice, the blood of the battle, and valor.
They’d spent the night praying in the chapel of Saltwood Castle, after having first bathed and cleansed themselves of their sins. This needed to be done before taking their knightly vows. They’d been required to place their swords atop the altar, while they prayed and asked for God’s forgiveness and his blessing during this important and special time. They’d been locked in the room together all night, neither of them getting any sleep. But this morning the doors were opened by Brother Ruford, who was Daegel’s uncle. The monk was joining them today to conduct the dubbing ceremony alongside the bishop. King Edward III should have been the one to give them the accolades, since Evan was a son of the king’s Lord Warden. Unfortunately, King Edward was deathly ill, and couldn’t even get out of bed.
“It is time,” announced Ruford, in a soft and gentle voice. He was a short, round man who liked to eat. He usually had a cheery disposition. “I will retrieve your swords from the altar and follow you to the outdoor dais when the ceremony will be conducted. Your sponsors are already waiting there for you. So is everyone from the castle, the servants, and all the townsfolk, too.”
This was already proving to be a huge celebration today. Both Evan and Daegel’s fathers barred no expense with preparations, and opted to invite everyone, as well as feed all the people with an elaborate feast afterward. The onlookers were also asked to join in the excitement of viewing the joust that immediately followed the knighting ceremony.
The men slowly made their way out of the castle and across the courtyard to the raised platform where the ceremony would take place. Atop the dais was a small altar where the Bishop of Hythe stood silently waiting. with his hands folded in prayer. Dressed in long white robes and a tall mitre, or hat, the bishop looked overly tall and saintly, or perhaps even angelic.
The crowd in the courtyard watched in silent awe with wide eyes, not wanting to miss a thing. This was an honorable ceremony, and they all cherished the fact they’d been invited to be there.
Garrett Blackmore, Evan’s father, would be his sponsor today. Daegel’s father, Lord Corbett Blake, would serve as Daegel’s benefactor.
This June day was thankfully dry and warm, with no threats of rain to ruin the celebration. The sun shone strongly overhead, warming the air. There was not a cloud in the sky and only a slight and gentle breeze. The strong scent of cinnamon and spice drifted from the kitchen to the courtyard in the summer air.
Evan nodded to the nobles as he walked, smiling fondly as he passed the servants as well as the merchants, craftsmen, and commoners from the nearby town. He wanted to think they all cared enough about him to want to be there for him today, but in reality he realized they were probably only there because they didn’t want to miss out on a free meal and a tankard of ale.
“This is it, Cousin,” Daegel whispered from directly behind him. “We’re actually about to become knights. Can you believe it?”
“Quit talking so much,” mumbled Evan, not bothering to even look at Daegel, since his cousin was much too excited about this, and in his opinion often acted too immature.
Both Daegel and Evan were twenty-one years of age. It was the age when a nobleman was usually knighted. At seven years old, they’d served as pages. At fourteen, they’d moved on to being squires for other knights. Their training consisted of learning to use weapons to fight, protecting their lord, jousting, learning the codes of chivalry, and even exposure to courtly etiquette that included music and something Evan never care for—dancing. They both more than possessed the skills needed to become an honorable knight. Evan was quicker than his cousin with a blade in his hand; however, Daegel tended to outshine him when it came to the joust. Either way, it didn’t matter. After today, they’d both go from being lords to ‘sirs,’ and their lives would change considerably for the better.
They ascended the stairs with Evan leading the way. Once atop the platform, Evan looked down at the crowd, feeling choked with emotion. Becoming a knight meant everything to him. He wanted to make his father and mother proud. This was the first step. Next, he’d be betrothed to marry a noblewoman for the purpose of alliances. Hopefully he and his bride would quickly have an heir and possibly at least six sons to follow in his footsteps. Every knight wanted sons, and many of them. Evan was no exception.
His sister Eleanor’s red hair caught his eye from the scores of people watching from below. Eleanor stood at the foot of the dais with their mother, Echo, on one side and her husband, Connor, on the other. Connor cradled their six-month-old daughter, Elizabeth, in his arms. Evan’s cousin, Edgar, or Gar, who had been raised as his brother, was right behind Eleanor, holding the hand of his wife, Josefina. In the crook of Gar’s muscular arm was nestled their six-month-old baby boy, Eliot. It seemed that using the letter E for names ran rampant in his family. He’d have to come up with more E names to add to the tradition, once he had children of his own.
Brother Ruford followed them up the steps, still holding their swords. The monk took his place next to the bishop.
“Shall we start?” asked the bishop, raising his hands in prayer. Everyone gave the bishop their attention as the holy man spoke of what was to be expected of the men being knighted today, and what a responsibility as well as an honor it was to not only serve the king, but to be called Sir.
“Bring forth the swords, please,” instructed the bishop. Ruford held out the men’s swords for the bishop to bless them one at a time. The sponsors then girded the sheaths for the swords around Evan and Daegel’s waists. Next, they helped to don them in their armor, also attaching their new spurs that were a sign of being a knight.
“Please kneel in front of your sponsors,” instructed the bishop.
Once they did, their sponsors had them say their vows.
“Do you promise to always serve God, the church, your king, and your liege lords?” asked Corbett.
“I do,” replied Evan and Daegel.
“Do you promise to protect the weak and defenseless, as well as to give succor to widows and orphans?” asked Garrett.
“I do,” they answered together.
The vows that continued included never turning their back on a foe, never attacking an unarmed man, and never refusing a challenge from an equal. They also promised to live by honor and for glory.
Brother Ruford handed the swords to the sponsors. Evan’s father held out the weapon for Evan to kiss the flat side of his blade. Daegel followed suit.
“Remember to always be loyal, true, and trustworthy to God and to your people,” Corbett reminded them.
“You will serve them both now,” added Garrett. “The duality is symbolized by the two edges of your blade.”
“Remember to always give to the poor and to help those in need,” both Garrett and Corbett said together, ending this part of the ceremony.
Then Evan’s father took the sword, and using the flat end, touched first one of Evan’s shoulders and then the other. “I dub you, Sir Evan,” said Garrett. “Please stand.”
When both Evan and Daegel had received their accolades and stood, their sponsors handed them their new and shiny helms.
The crowd cheered wildly as the sound of the long trumpets filled the air, announcing the end of the ceremony.
“Squires, bring forth our new knights’ shields, lances, and horses,” commanded Garrett. The two boys who would now be squires to Evan and Daegel came forth with the equipment as told. “Everyone will now head to the lists, where our new knights will partake in the joust,” Garrett continued. “The joust will be followed by a grand feast right here in the courtyard to celebrate our new knights, Sir Evan Blackmore and Sir Daegel Blake. Everyone is gratefully invited.”
Cheers went up again from the crowd. Children began to run around and several dogs started barking.
“Sir Evan, Sir Daegel,” said Corbett in a loud voice. “It is time to go to your horses and partake in the joust.”
“Congratulations,” said Evan’s father, reaching over and kissing Evan on the cheek as was custom. Corbett did the same to Daegel. More excitement and lots of noise came from the crowd, making Evan proud that he was now an honored knight. He slapped the helm over his head and headed down the stairs.
“Charles, where is Emma?” Maggie panicked, seeing that her thirteen-year-old brother no longer held the hand of her four-year-old daughter. The crowd inside the courtyard of Saltwood Castle started pushing, eager to get to the lists to watch the new knights joust. Maggie worried, since a little girl could easily get crushed.
“I don’t know.” Charles brushed his long blond bangs out of his eyes. “She was here just a minute ago.”
“You were supposed to be watching her!” Emma snapped, moving to her other arm her basket that held her instruments of being a midwife. She and her brother had been taking turns carrying Emma when she got tired. On Maggie’s back were some of their belongings wrapped in a blanket and held around her by a large knot. Charles carried two oversized travel bags that held clothes and bedding. The food that had been in there keeping them from starving was long gone.
“I’m too tired from walking and too hungry to even think straight,” complained her brother.
“Well, look for her! Quickly. Emma! Emma!” cried Maggie, pushing her way through the rowdy crowd.
They had spent the last two days walking here from Arborfield after having to leave their temporary home because of lack of work. With no father since they were young, and after the death of their mother four years ago, Maggie had to raise and support Emma and Charles on her own. They moved from place to place often, mainly for their own safety. It was a hard way to live, but Maggie needed to keep her family on the move. Even after four years, she feared the guards at Ashenden might be trying to find her.
They’d stopped in many towns on the way here, hoping to find work for her along the way. Sadly, each town already had an established midwife, and Maggie’s skills were not needed nor wanted. Maggie longed for a permanent home, but was sure they would never have one. Charles was old enough now to be helping bring in an income, but sadly Maggie never had the time to teach him a skill. Both Charles and Emma were more or less loners, because they never stayed in one place long enough for them to make friends.
They’d approached Hythe this morning, hoping for the best. They were out of food and money, and Maggie prayed for help in finding them their next meal and a place to lay their heads. That’s when they saw groups of villagers and commoners all heading to the castle. When she’d asked where they were going, she’d been told there was a knighting happening today at Saltwood Castle for Lord Daegel of Steepleton and the Lord Warden’s son, Lord Evan. Everyone was invited to join in the celebration and also to attend the feast. Charles had heard this and begged her to let them go. Desperately needing food and wishing to find work, Maggie wholeheartedly agreed.
“Emma!” shouted Maggie, spying her young daughter just up ahead. The little girl was crying and rubbing her eyes, not looking where she was going. “Let me through! Move aside, please. I need to get to my daughter.” Maggie fought the crowd, pushing her way closer to little Emma. No one was listening to her and quickly once again her path was blocked. The people were all shouting and cheering and waving their hands in the air. Strolling minstrels passed by her plucking lutes, and one banged loudly on a naker, or drum. A juggler tossed balls in the air, catching them with his eyes to the sky as he danced through the crowd. One ball came so close that it almost hit her on the head.
Finally, she managed to break through the crowd, hauling her belongings with her, trying to keep dirty, raggedly dressed children and seedy-looking men from trying to steal from her. Maggie’s muscles ached, creating spasms of which she could not control. Her feet felt swollen and her shoes had holes in them so large that she could actually see her toes.
“There she is,” she said to herself, once again getting a glimpse of her daughter. But before she could get to Emma, a knight with a helm atop his head bounded down the stairs of the raised platform, barreling into the little girl and knocking her to the ground.
“Emma!” screamed Maggie, running to her daughter who was sitting in a mud puddle bawling.
“Whoa, there,” said the knight, realizing just what happened. He stopped in his tracks and lifted his visor, looking to the ground. “Get out of my way, little girl. You’re going to get hurt.”
The man’s insolence infuriated Maggie. She placed her basket on the ground and scooped up her crying daughter, holding her against her chest. “Mayhap you are the one who should watch where you’re going,” she spat. “My daughter is only four. She was lost and scared.” She glared at the knight as she rubbed her daughters back, not caring that the little girl’s muddied dress was soiling her clothes as well.
The crowd around her settled down. Seeing the knight, some of the people stepped back as if they were expecting trouble. Mayhap she shouldn’t have spoken this way to a noble, but she was too tired and hungry and frustrated to even care. Her daughter was in danger and as her mother, Maggie would stop at nothing to protect her.
“What did you say?” The knight turned his head to look at Maggie now. Through the slats on his visor he peered out at her, perusing her with bright green eyes. Those eyes were much too alluring for such a haughty, arrogant man.
“You heard me,” she said, her gaze lowering as her confidence started to waver. She’d heard gasps and whispers from behind her, making her start to rethink things because of the crowd’s reaction.
“What is that foolish girl doing?” a woman asked her husband. “Lord Evan is a knight. She cannot speak to him that way.”
“She’ll get what’s coming to her,” the man replied to his wife. “No noble will allow a commoner to talk to him like that. She’ll be punished for sure.”
Maggie’s stomach twisted into a knot. She was already down on her luck and didn’t need to be imprisoned or fined because of how she just spoke to a lord, only trying to protect her daughter. If she was taken away from Charles and Emma, they surely wouldn’t survive.
“I—I’m sorry, my lord, but you knocked into my daughter and I was afraid she was hurt.” Emma continued to cry.
“Evan, what’s going on? Why did you stop?” A second knight wearing a helm came up behind the first. “Our squires are waiting with our horses. Everyone is anxious to see us joust.”
“Go on, Daegel,” said the man called Evan. “I’ll join you in a minute.”
“Nay,” protested Daegel. “We are expected to go to the tiltyard together.”
“Maggie, Maggie,” called out Charles, pushing his way through the crowd to join her. “Oh, good, you found Emma.”
“Who are you?” asked the knight.
Before Maggie could answer, Charles spoke up. “Sir Knight, I am Charles Whitlock and this is my sister, Maggie, and her daughter, Emma. Is there really going to be a feast today that anyone can attend?”
“Charles, be quiet,” scolded Maggie, finally managing to get her daughter to calm down. “Lord Evan, we don’t want to stand in your way.”
“It’s Sir Evan now,” he said, removing his helm, exposing his thick brown hair that fell down the back of his neck, ending in a wave or slight curl. He had a smattering of whiskers on his face, as if he’d forgotten or hadn’t had the time to shave today. Exhaustion showed on his face. He looked as tired as Maggie felt right now. Still, those bright green eyes continued to stare right through her.
“I’m sorry, Sir Evan.” Maggie attempted a curtsy with the bundle on her back and still holding her daughter. It was awkward to attempt this in the crowd and her ankle twisted. “Oh!” she gasped as she started to fall. The knight reached out with one hand and grabbed her arm, keeping her from falling and from dropping Emma.
“You seem to be a traveler.” He eyed up all the things that she and Charles carried. “Are you from Hythe? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you before … Maggie,” he added, causing her eyes to snap up to his when he used her name.
“We’re looking for a new home,” Charles blurted out. “My sister is a midwife.”
“Really.” Sir Evan reached out and picked up the basket at Maggie’s feet. “You don’t want to lose this. I suppose these are your supplies?”
“Yes. Or at least what I could carry since we’re traveling on foot.”
“From where do you come?” he asked curiously.
“We’re coming Aborfield, but our real home is in Ashenden.” Charles freely spilled their personal business to the knight before Maggie could warn him not to divulge such information. Her eyes swept the crowd, hoping to hell that no guards from Ashenden had followed them here.
“Charles, please, stay silent,” warned Maggie, not wanting anyone to know they were originally from Ashenden. After all, her mother died there. Maggie’s reputation would be sullied if anyone realized she was related to the midwife who was blamed for the loss of a noblewoman and her baby. “We have been traveling for years and living in many places,” Maggie told Evan. “Now if you’d kindly let me have my basket, we will be on our way.”
“Nay, Maggie! I’m hungry,” whined her brother. “We haven’t eaten in days. I want to stay for the free feast.”
“You haven’t eaten in days?” asked Evan with a frown. “Is this really so?”
“My brother exaggerates,” said Maggie, faking a laugh even though the information was true. Still, she didn’t like feeling so pathetic in front of so many people. Especially not the nobles.
“Everyone is invited. By all means, you should stay for the feast,” Evan told her, extending an arm to encompass the crowd.
“Thank you, but it’ll be night soon and we need to find a place to stay before the sun sets.” Maggie hated traveling in the dark. She also despised sleeping on the ground, exposed to any bandits or ruffians who inhabited the night. It was too dangerous, and she fought hard to protect her family in any way she could. They’d thankfully managed to secure sleeping arrangements in barns the last two nights. But the thought of bedding down in soiled hay and animal droppings yet again was just too much to bear. She needed to find somewhere better for her family to stay.
“Where is your husband, Maggie?” asked Evan, looking down at Emma.
“He’s dead,” she answered softly.
“Ah, a widow.” Evan nodded and put a hand to his chin in thought.
“Yes,” she answered. “I am a widow, Sir Knight.”
“Are you the sole provider of both your daughter and your brother?” asked the knight.
“Yes,” she answered softly, her mouth so dry she could barely swallow. “Since the death of our parents, I have been raising them on my own.”
The knight’s brows raised in surprise. “So you are orphans, too.” He seemed deep in thought.
“Evan, the crowd awaits,” said Daegel impatiently. “Leave this woman be. Let’s get to the joust.”
“Hold on,” said Evan with a raised hand. “We just took our vows, promising to help both orphans and widows.”
“Aye. So?” Daegel wrinkled his nose and shrugged.
“I knocked into the child and I could very well have hurt her.”
“Nay. She’s fine,” Maggie answered, realizing everyone was staring at them now. She didn’t like all this attention. It could only bring trouble upon them. “We’ll be on our way now. Thank you, Sir Knight.”
“Evan,” he said, making her look back up at him.
“Pardon me?” she asked.
“Call me Sir Evan. Maggie.” He’d used her name again, and for some reason it gave her a warm fluttering feeling in her belly. The man was a noble, a knight, and very handsome. Why was he paying her so much attention?
“Thank you. Sir Evan,” she said, hoping to suffice the man so he’d leave her alone.
“Maggie, can we stay for the food? Please?” asked her brother. “I am so hungry that I could retch.”
“Nay, Charles,” she said from the side of her mouth. “Now let’s go to town to see if we can find a place to camp for the night.”
“Nay,” said Evan in a form of finality. “You will be my guests and stay here at the castle tonight.”
“What?” Maggie’s eyes opened widely. Had she heard him wrong?
“Evan, you fool! What are you saying?” grumbled Daegel in a low voice.
“I have knightly duties now. I am going to help this widow,” Evan insisted. “These poor orphans.”
Maggie didn’t like to be called a widow and hear Charles and Emma called orphans aloud in front of so many people. She also didn’t appreciate the condescending tone the man used, and the pity he held in his voice. It made her feel even worse than pathetic.
“There is no need for that, I assure you,” she said, her anger and annoyance growing again. “I am a survivor, my lord. I have raised and supported my brother and daughter before, and I will continue to do so, even without your help.” She turned to go, but stopped in her tracks when she heard his next words.
“The castle is in need of a midwife. I’d like to hire you, Maggie Whitlock.”
“What?” she asked, feeling her heart about beating out of her chest from excitement. Was he really offering her food, a place to sleep, and now a job too? She slowly turned to face the man. This could be the answer to all her problems.
“Of course, if you take the job as castle midwife, you’d be required to live here at the castle,” he continued.
“I would? What about my brother? And daughter?” she asked, looking at him from the side of her eyes. “I won’t abandon them.”
“And neither shall you have to,” he answered with a smile. “They are welcome to stay here with you.”
“Will meals be included?” asked Charles, basically drooling at the thought.
“Yes. Yes, they will,” said Evan with a low chuckle.
“Cousin, what are you doing?” asked Daegel, giving Evan a disapproving gaze. “Your father won’t like this. Besides, the castle already has a midwife.”
“You do?” Maggie’s heart sank. So, this really was too good to be true. “Then I suppose you won’t need me after all.”
“Nay, that’s not true,” Evan told her. “My cousin, Lady Martine, is in residence at Saltwood Castle right now. You see, she is eight months pregnant and in need of proper care.”
“Really?” This got Maggie’s attention.
“Yes. She could use her own personal midwife. I’d like to hire you to be there for Lady Martine when she births her baby.”
“Do it,” Charles urged her. “Say yes, Maggie. You’ll have a job and we’ll have food again and a warm place to rest our heads.”
“I’m hungry and tired, Mama,” came Emma’s little voice, as she looked up at Maggie with those sad, big brown eyes.
“Well, I don’t know,” said Maggie letting out a deep sigh. “Sir Knight, are you sure your father will agree to this?” After hearing Daegel’s warning, she half-expected trouble. “After all, I hear that your father is the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. A very important man. Shouldn’t you discuss these plans with him first?”
“Nay. Not at all.” Evan laughed and waved a hand through the air. “Now, are you going to accept my offer or not?”
“I’m not sure. Would this just be a temporary position? Until Lady Martine births her baby?”
“I don’t know. It could be. Or it could mayhap last forever. I mean, let’s just see how it goes. Do you want the job?”
“You haven’t even asked me my fee yet.”
“It doesn’t matter,” said Evan. “No fee is too much when it comes to my cousin, Lady Martine.”
“My, I’m sure Martine will love to hear you say that,” sneered Daegel.
“I have a joust to get to, so please give me your answer anon.” Evan stared at her with those bright green eyes, and every second felt like eternity to her. Her heart kept beating quickly and the sound of her blood rushing to her ears was so loud that she no longer even hear the voices of the gossiping crowd. Charles tugged at her sleeve, urging her to give the right answer. Still, Maggie wasn’t sure this was really a good idea at all. She didn’t even know if this knight really had the authority to hire her and give them meals and a place inside the castle to sleep. Once again, it sounded too good to be true and that made her more than a little leery.
“Mama,” said Emma, raising her head from Maggie’s chest. The little girl’s arms wrapped around Maggie’s neck. “That knight is nice. Can we stop walking all the time and just stay here with him?”
“Is that what you want, sweetheart?” She pushed a stray strand of blonde hair from her little girl’s eyes.
“It’s what I want,” said Charles, looking upset that she hadn’t asked him.
“Me too,” said Emma, sadness showing on her face. “I saw other children here, so mayhap I can have a friend. And the dog I chased wanted to play with me.”
“You wanted to play with a dog?” asked Maggie. “Is that why you strayed from Charles?” Her heart went out to her daughter. The poor little girl was so lonely and her brother was so hungry that it made her want to cry. Accepting the knight’s offer, she’d have a job again and could stop looking. They’d have a home and a place to sleep that was safe and secure. It wouldn’t matter if the money was all gone, because living at the castle they’d have plenty of food and drink. She wouldn’t have to worry about any of these things anymore. Even though a little voice in her head warned her not to do it, she looked up at the knight and nodded. “Thank you, Sir Evan. I think we will accept your offer.”