Page 57 of Knight of Chaos
“There is a cave down river,” John said pointing to the parchment. “It runs the length of the castle and will bring you up from the cellars into the kitchen outside the great hall. The way should not be heavily guarded. Only those who know Calbridge will have knowledge of the secret passageway.”
“That is our plan then,” Theobald said returning to his wife. “We should make haste. Mayhap we will have the element of surprise on our side if he is not expecting us this soon.”
Richard drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “We could send for Wymar. He is somewhat close and would come to our aid.”
Ingrid shook her head. “We do not have time to spare to send runners to Brockenhurst and wait for a reply. Nay. I agree with Theo. We should gather supplies and head straight away to Calbridge. The sooner that worthless cur is off our lands, the better I will feel for our people’s safety and wellbeing.”
Theobald nodded. “I agree. The sooner he is gone, the sooner we can begin our new life together.”
Richard and John excused themselves and Ingrid stood before she plopped herself down into Theobald’s lap. His arms went around her waist, and he felt her shudder. She curled herself into his embrace, her head resting on his shoulder. He stroked her hair until he heard her give a heavy sigh.
“I will not let him hurt you again, Ingrid,” he murmured until he continued, “not that you need help protecting yourself.”
She raised her head from his shoulder and her fingertips caressed his cheek. “You are the only one I would wish to come to my aid if I ever was in need of rescuing.”
A soft chuckle left him. “Ah… sound words to soothe my manly pride.”
“’Tis the truth,” she whispered before bending forward to kiss his lips. “I swear once this is all over, I only wish to live a comfortable life with you by my side.”
“No more running off?” he asked quietly.
“Nay. I should have never doubted you and the love you have for me.” She kissed his lips again and he tightened his hold about her body bringing her closer. “Do you forgive me for my foolishness?”
“You did lead me a merry chase, wife.”
“Aye, I know. Say you forgive me.”
His hand wove its way through her glorious unbound hair. The red tresses curled around his fingers as if taking possession of him. “There is nothing to forgive. But next time, let us, at the very least, have a conversation before you decide you are angry with me.”
“I promise,” she said softly before laying her head back down.
“Then I shall look forward to a life of bliss with my wife by my side. No man could ask for more,” he said, enjoying having his lady in his arms.
They spent the remainder of the day packing for the short ride to Calbridge. Theobald could only pray that de Payne would leave peacefully allowing Theobald and Ingrid to begin their lives together. If only life could be that simple…
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Nothing was evereasy.
At least of late, Ingrid mused. The spiked portcullis had been closed at Calbridge so the opportunity to make an easy entrance was nonexistent. At the very least, she had hoped that there might be a knight standing guard above on the parapet who might be on her side and who could be persuaded to raise the gate for her. But there was no one to call. Everything was eerily silent, especially for a castle this size.
Ingrid sat on Valor, staring up at her inheritance, knowing they would need to go around the place and find the entrance to the hidden passageway. Such an option made her feel vulnerable as if she were putting herself and those with her into a dangerous situation. She was not one to do well in enclosed spaces, and the thought of being in a cave made her shiver.
She looked again at Calbridge. The stone walls were not going to be falling down any time soon even if she wished for such a miracle. Nay. They had been well made. The portcullis was just as strong, and unless someone came to work the wheel to raise up the heavily spiked gate, then they would not be entering this way. She gave a heavy sigh of frustration.
The main keep rose high beyond the walls at least six stories tall from what she could guess. What would she find once she was finally able to enter her home? What would de Payne have done in the fortnight since he had taken possession of it? Would everything of any worth have already been stripped from her and sold for de Payne’s whim? Or perchance he had hoarded all the treasures, thinking of them as his. There was little she knew about de Payne, aside from his grudge against her. But that was enough to tell her that he would not easily give way to her if she tried to claim ownership of the land. It would matter not that she carried the Empress’s seal with her. Despite Theobald’s belief that he would be able to make de Payne see reason, Ingrid knew they would have a fight on their hands before the day was done.
“We shall need to go around,” Theobald proclaimed once he rode Buttercup up next to her.
“Obviously,” Richard drawled. “I still think we should have sent for Wymar.”
“What could my brother do other than what we already know must be done? We need to head down river and find the tunnel to gain entrance.” Theobald leaned an arm on the pommel of his saddle whilst he appeared lost in thought.
“We shall have a battle on our hands once we reach the great hall.” Ingrid voiced her thoughts aloud, and her husband grimaced.
“Aye,” he agreed. “As much as I would have liked us to enter Calbridge peacefully, such will not be the case.”
Richard cursed. “We already knew we would have a fight on our hands. Any man who would attempt to take advantage of a woman has no honor. Why would he leave here willingly if he thinks of himself as king of your castle?”
