Page 47 of Knight of Chaos
“We will find her, brother,” Reynard exclaimed in encouragement.
“Aye,” Richard reaffirmed. “If not today then on the morrow.”
Thunder clapped above them, and they brought their horses to a gallop to reach the next village. If they were lucky, they would find shelter for the night and a warm meal to fill their bellies. Hopefully they would also locate Ingrid’s farm and the lady herself.
They traveled for most of the day, nigh unto another thirteen miles before they came upon another small village. There was not much here but a few thatched roofs, but Theobald could make out what appeared like an abbey in the distance. He pointed toward the structure, and they quickly made their way to the church. Tethering their horses near a group of trees, they grabbed their satchels before making their way inside for a brief reprieve from the torrential downpour that had plagued them for days.
Puddles formed beneath their feet whilst they stood listening to the song of the monks inside the chapel. Their voices raised to the heavens had a soothing effect on Theobald’s frayed nerves, and despite the condition of their garments, he stepped forward to peer into the interior of the small church. One of the clergymen noticed their group and he made his way to the rear of the chapel. His brown robe was modestly made, and a crucifix swayed on the end of a beaded belt at his waist. And still the calming song of the monks continued.
The monk held out his hand and motioned for them to enter. “Welcome, my children. Please come in.”
Theobald shook his head and made his way back into the entrance to the abbey. “I am afraid we would only drench the pews with our sodden attire, Father.”
“Then how can I help you?” the monk asked.
“We are searching for my wife. She would be traveling with two male companions. She might be dressed as a boy, but you could not mistake her with her red hair.”
The monk stared upon Theobald for several seconds before he replied. “I cannot vouch that I have seen her myself, but I can inquire if any of my brothers have come across them. They are at their prayers, however, and will continue for several more hours.”
“Is there someplace where we may take shelter for the night?” Richard asked stepping forward.
“All are welcome here, and accommodations can be found for you along with a hot meal. ’Twill be modest, as we live a simple life here at St. Albans, but ’twill break your fast if you have not eaten this day.”
Theobald gave a slight bow. “We would be most thankful, Father. Do you perchance have a place for our horses?”
“There is a small stable out back where they, too, will be out of the rain. Come with me,” the monk stated and began making his way through a door that led to a long corridor running the length of the chapel.
He showed them the room where they could sleep, and Theobald asked Reynard to see to their horses. Richard and Oswin went with him leaving Theobald to fend for himself. He did not mind the few moments to himself as he went to his satchel and opened the bag. There was one tunic that had managed to stay mostly dry, and he quickly donned it and made his way back into the chapel.
He sat at one of the rear pews, knelt on the cold stones, clasped his hands together and bowed his head to pray. He softly whispered his petitions up to God, asking for the forgiveness of his sins and the strength to carry on to find his beloved wife. Over and over again did he plead for help from a higher being knowing that his devotion in God would restore his faith that all things were possible if you believed in Him.
He at last whispered a softamenand still the monks’ song continued giving Theobald the peace he had stood in need of. He left the chapel to find a meal with a new outlook and a better disposition than how he had begun the day.
Ingrid was near… he just knew it!
Chapter Thirty-Three
Epping Forest
Essex
Ingrid slowly maneuveredValor through the towering tress of the dense forest. She felt like they had left the road days ago instead of hours. But the way ahead was well known to her, and she only waited for the moment when they would come to the clearing of fields ready for harvest. ’Twas just ahead… home!
At least the blasted rain had finally stopped beating down upon their weary bodies. Blake and Kingsley had hoped to spend the night in Northaw and in the abbey, but Ingrid had insisted they continue onwards. ’Twas only another eighteen miles or so. What was a few more hours in the saddle after all the days they had already put behind them? She wanted her own warm bed beneath her come this eve.
“’Tis just beyond those trees,” she said pointing off into the distance. She could at last see the break in the forest and was elated that home was nearly within her reach.
They broke through the foliage that had been surrounding them and burst into a field of golden wheat. The sun decided to poke its way through the clouds overhead as though to say,welcome. Ingrid raised her head to feel the warmth of the rays falling down upon her. The sun had never felt this good.
They skirted the edges of the fields and began making their way to the village. News quickly spread that Ingrid had returned and they soon became surrounded by the village folk once they reached what could be considered the town square. She gazed upon familiar faces until she espied one in particular who was pushing his way through the crowd. She easily jumped down from Valor’s back and was immediately crushed in a fierce embrace.
“I knew you would come back to me,” Charles whispered whilst holding her tightly in his embrace.
Ingrid peered over her shoulder when she heard the sound of steel leaving a scabbard. She shook her head and Kingsley replaced his sword before he and Blake dismounted.
“Charles… please let go of me,” she said softly.
He ignored her subtle request, kissing her cheek and holding her again. His hand skimmed her hair in a gentle caress. “I told them all you would be back, and now here you are. Safe in my arms where you belong.”
