Page 49 of Knight of Havoc
A smirk turned up at the corners of the empress’s mouth. “That would be a sight to see—not that we shall be anywhere near the man to witness such a reaction. For this to work, I think ’twill be best if we keep our numbers small. No more than three or four of you should come with me.”
The men swore at such a thought and Richard held up his hand to silence them. “Think about it, men. If our numbers are smaller, then ’twill be easier to make our way unseen through Stephen’s troops.”
“We shall wear white,” the empress suggested. “’Twill provide camouflage for us to blend in with the snow.”
Blake leaned on the table whilst still viewing the map. “What of your ladies? Surely, the trek across the countryside will be too much for them.”
Empress Matilda shook her head. “Aye. You are right. They cannot come with me and will have to remain here. We shall leave Oswin here so he may watch over them to ensure they come to no harm.
’Twas Reynard’s turn to shake his head in displeasure. He did not relish leaving Elysande behind. “He will not wish to remain behind. He has been with you as long as the rest of us.”
Richard went and poured himself a cup of wine. “You will need at least one of your ladies to be with you. What about my sister?”
“Are you mad, Grancourt? I would go insane having Beatrix forced upon me. Nay. She stays here,” the empress ordered, then turned to Reynard. “Bring Elysande. That woman has endured much. A little foul weather should not hinder her ability to keep up with us on our little adventure.”
A snort left Kingsley. “An adventure, Empress?” he muttered. “We will likely be holding our breath from the moment we leave the gate and thrust ourselves at our enemies’ feet.”
Reynard saw another problem. “’Twould not be easy to leave behind Elysande’s captain. Elysande will most likely ask for Hawke de Challon to accompany her. He has been a most trusted guardsman since the time she was a young girl.”
The empress tapped a finger on the wooden table. “That’s one too many knights, I think,” she answered. “’Tis best he also stay behind with Woodwarde to help guard those who remain here. When do you propose we begin this escapade?”
Reynard was already dreading telling Elysande that Hawke would not travel with them. “We should wait until the middle of the night when their camp is quiet and Stephen’s men are asleep. Certainly, we can hide ourselves well enough to avoid any guards who are patrolling at such an ungodly hour,” Reynard suggested.
The empress gave her approval. “You are my most trusted men and I know you will see me through this. If we can make it across the river Thames, then we can make our way to Abingdon.”
Blakes’s eyes widened. “That is another six miles, Empress. Will you be able to make it that far on foot?”
The empress threw up her hands. “What choice do I have? I know this will work. Go prepare yourselves. And Norwood… make sure Elysande is ready to leave with us.”
Reynard and the men bowed and left the solar. In the passageway, the men gathered around one another.
“I will go tell Oswin he is to stay behind. Mayhap he will not be too disappointed when he learns Beatrix will also be left here,” Kingsley said before leaving to go find their friend.
Richard cursed. “Now I will have to worry whether my sister is behaving the whole time we are gone.”
Reynard laughed. “’Twill hardly be the first time you were bothered over what your little sister was plotting inside her head.”
Blake joined in. “Aye… you may need to attend another wedding soon if she is not careful.” Richard lunged at Blake who held up his hands. “Do not take out your frustration on me. ’Tis best to have a conversation with the lady before she finds we are gone come the morn.”
Reynard ran his hand over the back of his neck. “I had best find Elysande if she is to travel with us. Let us hope we can find enough white linen so we will blend in with the environment.”
They all bid a hasty farewell with an agreement to meet up at the appointed time. Reynard went to his chamber and found Elysande sitting near the hearth. There was a white cloth on her lap and she was applying a needle and thread to the garment. He should not have been surprised that she was already aware of the situation that would shortly unfold. He shut the door to the bedchamber and slid the bolt into place.
“You know…”
She raised her head whilst her blue eyes scanned his features. A small smile lit her face. “The empress told me her plan this morn after dismissing her other ladies. I assume she convinced you and the rest of your friends into accepting her escape plan.”
“’Tis a good plan,” Reynard said, crossing the room and placing a kiss upon her lips.
“Except that I will be left behind whilst you go to protect our empress. You might be captured, and I will never know your fate,” she proclaimed, heaving a heavy sigh, bowing her head.
He came to kneel before her. “Youwillknow because you are going with me.”
She raised her head and eyes to search his face. “Truly?”
“Aye, but be aware, the going will not be easy. If you think you are freezing now, that will be nothing compared to sneaking through an enemy camp and then trudging another six miles or more in the snow until we reach safety.”
She grabbed his hand. “I can do it.”
