Chapter 3 #2
“Or what?” Ernald asked, amazed that anyone would speak to him like that in his own home.
“I’ll decide it’s a matter of honor,” the stranger said. He didn’t seem the least bit taken aback. Did he not understand Ernald’s rank? “You definitely look old enough to have been taught the concept of honor by now.”
“What does that mean?” Ernald snapped.
“It means we’ll fight. And lately, every man I’ve fought has either surrendered or died. I care not which it will be for you.”
Ernald inhaled, puffing out his chest in offense. “I am the only living son of Lord Otto, to be a lord in my time. You’re nothing more than a soldier. Who are you to teach me lessons in manners?”
“Sir Rafe. I’m also called the Knight of the Raven.”
That name had some effect on Ernald and the others standing within earshot. Angelet didn’t know what special meaning it held. All she knew was that no one had come to her defense in nearly ten years.
Now that defender turned to her. “My lady? What is your wish? Should I press this matter for your sake?”
She looked at the sweating Ernald, picturing him bleeding on a field, and finding a perverse and primal joy in the image. Then she sighed. “No, sir knight. He is my brother by marriage, and I would not wish to be the cause of his death.”
“His own stupidity and rudeness would be the cause,” the knight argued.
“Nonetheless, I humbly beg you to overlook his rudeness and stupidity,” Angelet said. “Trust me, no amount of education will repair those flaws.”
The knight smiled slightly at her words, and Angelet felt a stirring of satisfaction in saying them. For once, there was someone who heard her, if only for a moment.
“I am Sir Rafe,” he said, bowing. “Whom do I have the pleasure of defending?”
“My name is Angelet,” she replied, warmth spreading through her. Up close, the man had truly beautiful eyes, and she found herself blushing at his attention.
“May I defend you through supper, my lady?” he asked.
“Why…yes.” She couldn’t believe he would want to dance attendance on her. She was nobody. “That is, if you wish to spend your evening with a woman of no renown.”
Escorted by him, she walked to her usual seat and sank down on the little cushion placed there.
“I’ve renown enough of my own,” he said, taking the seat beside her. He spoke in such a way that it was impossible to tell if he was joking or not. “In truth, I wish the company of a civilized person for a few hours. The road is not civilized, and I’ve had enough of it.”
“Where have you come from?”
“Most recently, from the south, by way of Ashthorpe. I follow the tourney circuit,” he added.
“The Knight of the Raven. I know that name now,” she said, finally connecting it. “It is said you always win.”
“It is said correctly,” he acknowledged. “Do I offend with my lack of modesty? I’ve never been a modest man.”
“So long as you speak truth, I cannot see how anyone could object.”
“Truth is rarely much appreciated,” Rafe said. “In fact, it usually gets me into trouble.”
Otto and the rest of the family sat, as did the others in the room. Suppers were often large affairs, with many people partaking of Otto’s largesse. Tonight was one of those nights. The mood seemed almost celebratory.
“What brings you to Dryton?” she asked. “Are you just passing though? You mentioned travel.”
“So I did, but the fact is that my companions and I are hoping to be hired for the job Lord Otto needs done.”
“What is that?” she asked.
Rafe looked puzzled, but said, “Someone from Dryton is to be escorted somewhere. That’s all I know. You have not heard of this?”
“No, but Otto does not consult me on such matters. Why does he want to hire outside men? We’ve plenty of men-at-arms here.”
Rafe said, “He may not wish to reduce the ranks of defenders. Though the fighting has quieted down this past winter, it could flare up again, anywhere. These are nervous times.”
“That must be it,” Angelet said, seeing the sense in the soldier’s words. “I know little of the details of the struggle between Stephen and Maud. To be honest, I know nothing.”
“Excellent. Just don’t ask me about it either. I despise politics,” Rafe said.
“Don’t you need to know what’s happening?”
He took a bite of his meal and looked unimpressed. He said, “I used to think so. Now I need only know if the road ahead of me will be affected. It’s all that matters.”
She pondered that. His mode of living was so entirely different from hers.
After a long moment, he said, “The stones around your neck. What are they?”
“Moonstone.” She touched one of the cool jewels. “Have you not seen such before?”
“I don’t think so,” he said thoughtfully, as if trying to recall something long past. “Unusual,” he added, “and beautiful.”
She smiled, pleased he liked them.
Rafe laughed once then, at himself. “To think I missed that opportunity! I’m more tired from travel than I thought. You must pretend I said that they are as beautiful as the woman who wears them.”
Angelet was delighted at the compliment, transparently flattering as it was. “I thank you, sir.”
“It’s a lie, of course,” he added, the charming tone gone from his voice.
Angelet looked down. “Oh.”
“They are not nearly as beautiful as you,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “Even though they are among the more remarkable stones I’ve seen, they are nothing next to you.”
Warily, Angelet raised her eyes to look at him. Which of his statements was she to believe? Or any? Was he teasing her, just like all the others?
“It’s truth,” he said, not looking away.
She swallowed. “You say so?”
“From what I’ve seen just in this room? Yes, I say so.”
Angelet wasn’t sure how to reply, and in any case, it didn’t matter, because Otto stood up and called for attention.
“Everyone, everyone! Still your tongues for one moment, for I have something to tell you all. The dinner you are enjoying is a celebration. I wish to acknowledge someone here: none other than our Angelet.” He swept a hand toward her, and after a moment of surprised silence, the crowd began to clap.
“Yes,” Otto said after a moment. “She is such a part of the manor, and so modest that many might not think of her. But tonight is her night.”
Angelet had no idea what he was leading up to, and leaned forward so as not to miss anything.
“How desolate the manor of Dryton will be, upon losing such a singular person,” Otto went on.
“Yet it is time for Angelet to follow her destined path. I am pleased to share with you all some excellent news. The abbot of Basingwerke has agreed to accept Angelet as a postulant. She will be escorted there by these fine soldiers, who will keep her safe until she reaches Basingwerke Abbey. Then she will pass through those gates, to begin her life as a holy nun.”