Page 35 of Knight of Chaos
Leaving the royalcastle before the sun had risen, the advance guard avoided watchmen posted by Queen Matilda far easier than they had expected. Once away from the perimeter of the castle, they rode hard and fast. Thankfully, Ingrid was once again comfortable in her attire after gaining permission from the Empress to return to the clothes she had previously been wearing. She had made her point that she could serve her better with sword in hand whilst they made their escape. The Empress had reluctantly agreed but only until they reached Gloucester.
A brief memory flited across her mind when the Empress saw her other ladies in waiting outfitted in their expensive jewels and gowns as though they wore everything they owned. They obviously did not wish to leave anything behind once they fled. The Empress had pointed to Ingrid, already fitted in men’s garments, and told her other ladies to change accordingly. All three had sputtered their objections but there would be no gainsaying the Empress and the women had reluctantly done as they were told.
Aye… Ingrid felt her old self again now. Gone were the costly gems adorning her throat and ears, including gowns that stifled her ability to freely move without tripping. She could breathe again whilst back in her hose, tunic, and boots. True, the chainmail upon her body weighed her down as though she had never worn it before, but this mattered little to her. For the first time in the past several weeks, she felt useful again. Her sword strapped to her side, her trustworthy steed beneath her, protecting the Empress was once more was her main goal… as long as they evaded capture, that was.
Theobald and Richard had led the way through the city and over the River Test, scouting far ahead of the rear and middle guard. Fitz Count and Reginald of Cornwall came next. They were men of few words and Ingrid kept her own council as to the measure of their efficiency with a sword. ’Twas of no matter. The Empress trusted them, so Ingrid could only do the same.
She peered over at Blake riding next to her. He gave Ingrid the briefest of nods before his attention went to the surrounding area. He looked over his shoulder where the Empress and her ladies rode. Oswin, Kingsley, and Reynard brough up the rear, a perfect barrier for any foe who might wish to attack them from behind. All in all, their escape through Winchester went for the most part, unnoticed. Yet they were unsure what awaited Robert and the rest of the Empress’s army who had been left far behind. Her scouts would surely catch up with them once they reached Gloucester and would give her further reports.
Theobald raised his hand, and their company slowed their mounts. A stream was nearby, and Ingrid jumped from her saddle to lead her horse over for a drink. The rest of their company did the same with Richard walking over to the Empress to help her dismount. Theobald remained in his saddle alongside his brother, deep in conversation. If the frown marring Theo’s brow was an indication of what he was feeling, then Ingrid would say that any time for their reprieve from their reality would be short. Ingrid would take full advantage of the gift.
Whilst Valor drank his fill, Ingrid made her way to Eden, Rovena, and Petula who appeared as though they had had enough of their wild escapade through the woods.
Ingrid scanned the ladies and did not care for what was evident in their weary faces. “You realize we still have many hours in the saddle,” she stated whilst her hand went to the hilt of her sword. She scanned the woods around her to ensure they were not about to be ambushed.
Petula moaned in agony. “My weary backside will never survive,” she complained bitterly.
Eden rolled her eyes until she ran her hands down her hose. “Better to have a sore backside then to be captured or dead,” she warned. “Besides, look how fetching our legs are in this hose. We should wear men’s garments more often.”
A laugh escaped Rovena. “The Empress would never allow it,” she said whilst her gaze went to the Empress who was speaking with Theobald and Reynard. “The men who ride with us are most handsome. Do you think perchance one of them might favor me?”
Ingrid had a moment of jealousy sweep through her. Odd that, considering the woman did not mention which knight she was interested in. Since her gaze went to each man individually, it appeared she was not too picky. Ingrid was about to reply when the ladies broke out into laughter. Ingrid frowned, curious what could be so humorous between the women.
Eden quickly gave her the answer. “We certainly know of one knight who is already spoken for, do we not, ladies?” She smirked knowingly. All eyes turned in Ingrid’s direction.
“You know?” she asked, aghast that others knew of her relationship with Theobald. Sheknewshe should have snuck back to her own bedchamber that night before the entire castle had risen.
Rovena placed her hand on Ingrid’s shoulder. “Of course, we know, silly. We are all close in the Empress’s court. A person can barely keep a secret for very long. Did not someone tell you this?”
Petula huffed. “I learned this the hard way. Why, I still have not lived down the gossip that surrounded me when I first joined the Empress as one of her attendants. ’Twas foolish of me to give myself to a man who only wished to bed me but how was I to know he would not take me as his wife?”
Rovena placed her hand on Petula’s shoulder. “You were young and trusted him. ’Tis not your fault he abused your faith in him.”
“We have all had experiences that left us a bit… jaded,” Eden replied, honestly. “Mayhap this is why she chose us in the first place.”
Ingrid ran her hand over her eyes. “Are you telling me that the Empress knows of my current… sleeping arrangements?”
Eden laughed once more. “Sleeping? Are you really getting much of that, my dear?”
Their merriment erupted again, and Ingrid could only shake her head in shame. “I am mortified.”
Rovena once more began to console her by patting Ingrid on her back. “Do not worry overly much, my friend. The Empress is very understanding when it comes to her ladies and when they find love. She handsomely rewarded those who came before us when they left the Empress’s service in order to wed. We hope for the same when love finds us some day.”
Love… That word held so much meaning. Ingrid could only ponder when her and Theobald’s lives might become something that might resemble whatever a normal life might look like. When would their lives settle down to this new reality? Would Theobald be rewarded some grand estate by Empress Matilda? She knew that was what he wanted. But would Ingrid then have to become the lady of the manor? She trembled at the thought. She would be ill suited for such an undertaking, having had no training for such a monumental task. They had rarely spoken of what their future might hold, and they had made no plans together. And yet even though he had not proclaimed himself completely, she believed that one day they would become husband and wife. When that day came, where would they live? In a manor house somewhere? Or would they live in a palace, continuing their service to the Empress? The possibilities were endless.
“Good heavens! Just look at her face,” Petula called out rushing over to Ingrid and giving her a fierce hug. “You should not worry so, my friend. We are certain your handsome knight cares for you. Enjoy being in love and take each day as it comes.”
The ladies all nodded their heads and yet Ingrid could not find any words to offer them. Her cheeks flushed to be caught fretting over her future life when she should be more aware of their surroundings. Yet the men in their group appeared as if they had their situation well in hand. Even Theobald and Reynard had alit from their steeds to give them a much-needed break. But when he caught her gaze, his hand raised and made a circular motion that Ingrid knew signaled that ’twas time to once again be on the run.
“We best return to our horses, ladies. I have no doubt we will be leaving momentarily,” Ingrid said leaving them as Petula began complaining once more.
Ingrid returned to Valor, running her hands over the horse and then double checking that the cinches were still secure. Theobald came to stand next to her. He leaned down to place a kiss upon her cheek.
“You and the ladies are doing well?” he asked warily and with a lifted brow full of concern.
“They shall manage, for the most part. What other choice do they have?” she replied with a weak smile.
“The Empress has also fared well, all things considered.”
