Page 86 of Raven's Rise
“Because I need to practice.” Not everyone married the heiress of a manor. Alric might be able to forget about his training, but Rafe still had to make a living.
“Want company?” Alric asked.
Rafe stared at him, incredulous. How the hell did Alric expect him to respond to that? Finally, he said, “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
Alric gave a shrug. “Another time, then. Good luck.”
So Rafe practiced. Alone. Goswin did show up later in the morning, and Rafe was able to show the boy some of the rudiments of what a page or a squire did before and after a fight. Perhaps Rafe could persuade Alric to keep the boy at Cleobury. Goswin showed no inclination to return to Ashthorpe, despite Rafe’s prodding.
“Why should I?” Goswin had said. “One town is the same as another. By the time I got back there, everyone will have forgot who I am.”
“You need a trade,” Rafe told him. “Something to keep you fed.”
“Then I’ll be a soldier, like you. When did you start your training?”
“Eleven or twelve, I think. But it took years. The war will be over when you’re old enough to join an army.”
“The war will never be over,” Goswin grumbled. “The king and empress will fight until they’ve got no soldiers left. Is that why you left your lord’s service?” he asked.
“No. I had other reasons, none of which matter to you.” He then changed the subject, keeping Goswin busy answering detailed questions about the care of arms and armor.
Afterward, he tried to visit Angelet. At the door of her chamber, he saw a woman he knew.
“Agnes!” Rafe gave the older woman a smile. She’d been Lady Cecily’s nurse for years. “Did you miss me?”
“Not a whit,” the woman replied, though she still accepted a peck on the cheek. “I’ve got my hands full with all the young people running about this place. No sense, some of these maids. What’s the world coming to?”
“You’ll keep order as you always have,” Rafe assured her. “May I see Angelet?”
“She’s sleeping. My lady has given very strict orders that she’s not to be disturbed. By anyone,” she added before Rafe could wheedle an exception from her.
“Just a peek? To see that she’s well.”
“No. The woman needs rest, not to be leered at.”
“I don’t leer,” he objected.
“Ha! As if I’d forget the sort of rogue you are. Get on your way, sir knight, or face my wrath.” The old nurse crossed her arms.
“I’m going, I’m going,” he promised. “You will tell her I tried, won’t you?”
Agnes chortled. “No promises. I’m not your messenger. Now get on with you.”He left, wondering if Cecily gave orders regarding him specifically. Very probably. How irritating, to be so close to Angelet and still not be able to even speak to her.
The next few days passed in the same way. Angelet slept—he was told—and he could do nothing but wait. He practiced every day, always alone, though often some of the servants would come to watch him for a while. Perhaps Alric told them to, because Rafe had the sense he was never unobserved. Alric took his role seriously, and Rafe sneaking away would be difficult, though certainly not impossible…if he went alone. He’d never be able to spirit Angelet away, which meant he had to either brazen this whole situation out, or cut and run as he did before.
Before he made any decision, Alric summoned him one day. He wore what Rafe thought of as his “serious” expression.
“What’s the matter?” Rafe asked.
“I spoke to someone this morning, and heard an interesting tale. I want to believe what you told me, Rafe…”
“But you don’t,” Rafe interrupted, “because of who I am.”
Alric frowned. “Regarding your earlier, ah, error in judgment—”
A kind way to describe attempted murder, Rafe thought.
“—I have forgiven that. Truly,” he added, on seeing Rafe’s skepticism.
