Chapter Fifteen #3
Christopher turned to him. “Brace yourself, lad,” he said.
“There is much more to this situation from de Velt’s perspective.
There is a chance your uncle is alive and living in Northumberland at Alnwick Castle.
Several men were taken after the fall of Four Crosses and not killed outright because their labor was needed, and it is possible that your uncle was one of them.
The man in question is now serving the Earl of Northumberland as his body guard.
We have sent word to Yves de Vesci to send that man, called John Morgan, to the Marches.
If he is Bretton’s father, then we intend to present him to de Llion in exchange for Allaston, and you just gave us a very definitive clue to identifying the man – the missing finger. ”
Rod’s jaw popped open in sheer astonishment. “God’s Blood,” he hissed. “I can hardly believe it. Could it be true?”
Christopher nodded. “It is possible,” he said. “Was his body ever positively identified at Cloryn? Did your grandfather ever dare to seek the truth?”
Rod was ashen with shock. “I… I do not know,” he said. “I know that he was told of Cloryn’s siege and how everyone was killed, including the garrison commander.”
“Who told him?”
Rod shook his head. “I do not know,” he said. “Rumors, fleeing villagers… who is to say?”
Christopher cleared his throat softly, eyeing Jax as he did so.
“Rod,” he said casually. “I realize this was an extremely difficult thing for your grandfather to go through, but mayhap it would be wise to bring him to Lioncross. If Northumberland’s bodyguard arrives and it is indeed your uncle, mayhap your grandfather would like to be here when he comes. ”
Rod was growing overwhelmed and saddened by the entire circumstance. “And what if it is not?” he said. “It would hurt him more to get his hopes up after all of these years.”
“Then do not tell him the truth behind my summons,” Christopher said.
“Ride to Bronllys and tell your grandfather I wish to see him. I will then keep him on hand until Northumberland’s man arrives.
If it is your uncle, then your grandfather will know it right away.
If it is not, then no harm done and I will make up an excuse as to why I summoned him in the first place.
You haven’t told him about the confirmation of Bretton’s identity, have you? ”
Rod shook his head. “Nay,” he replied. “I came here first. I am not sure what I am going to tell my grandfather. Bretton did not want me to tell him at all.”
Christopher agreed. “For now, I concur with that,” he said. “Let your grandfather live in ignorance for a while, at least until Northumberland’s man comes. Then, we will determine how to proceed in any case.”
It was sage advice and Rod simply nodded wearily. In fact, he was quite exhausted and wanted to have some time to rest and reflect on the most recent information. He was still quite stunned. Finishing up what was left in his cup, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and stood up.
“Agreed, my lord,” he said. “But there is one more thing. Since Lord de Velt destroyed Four Crosses Castle and my uncle along with it, my grandfather bears a great deal of hatred towards him. When he comes to Lioncross, inevitably, he will come into contact with Lord de Velt at some point. That will upset him as much as anything else will.”
Christopher scratched his head. “I will explain to Berwyn the way of things with de Velt now,” he said.
“He will understand that now is not the time for old grudges to play out. We have other things to focus on, to be aware of, and your grandfather will simply have to accept the way of things. If he cannot, then I will lock him in the vault until such time as I feel it is safe to let him out. Although I understand his grief at losing a son to de Velt, I cannot have Berwyn running amuck, Rod. Surely you know that.”
Rod nodded sadly. “I do,” he said. Then, he scratched his head and sighed heavily, the sign of a man with a great deal on his mind.
“For now, I would like the opportunity to wash and rest, if I may. I find that my exhaustion has the better of me and I want to be fresh in the morning for my ride back to Bronllys.”
“Bring your grandfather back as quickly as you can, Rod,” Christopher said. “I believe time is of the essence considering what you have told us.”
Rod nodded wearily. “I will return in three days with my grandfather,” he said. “A day to reach Bronllys, a day for my grandfather to prepare before he leaves, and then a day to return to Lioncross.”
It was a sound schedule. Christopher gave the man his leave, watching Rod wander wearily from the hall. When the young knight was gone, he returned his attention to Jax.
“It would seem that you and I have some waiting to do,” he said. “I was never much good at that.”
Jax snorted. “Nor me,” he said. “What can we do to fill the time?”
“We could suit up the men and have sword practice or battle drills,” he suggested. “Pit my men against yours?”
Jax had an annoyed expression on his face. “Never mind that,” he said. “Let us discuss games of the mind. At my age, those are more appealing to me.”
“Like what?”
“Chess? Fox and Geese? Nine Men’s Morris?”
“I should warn you that I am the reigning game champion at Lioncross.”
Jax let out a burst of laughter, a rude sound. “That is because you are the lord and everyone is afraid of what will happen to them should you not be permitted to win,” he said. “I am not afraid of you, so be prepared to defend your honor.”
Christopher had a massive grin on his face as he went to hunt down his Nine Men’s Morris board.