Chapter Twenty-Two

Two riders raced down the slope away from Edmund’s castle towards the dark forest in the distance. Gradually the one on the milky-grey horse stole ahead and stayed in the lead no matter how hard the second rider urged his bay on.

As he got closer to the tree line, the first rider pulled back on the reins. Instead of fighting his horse to a stop, he urged him into a turn and slowed him down to a trot. A huge grin on his face, Arthur turned in his saddle as Ronal caught him up. Both horses blew noisily out of their nostrils.

“I swear that beast of yours has wings,” said Ronal, panting slightly. “One day, Arthur, one day.” He nodded, shaking his finger at Hero.

“There was a moment though, Jasper was ahead–”

“Yes, a moment. Only a moment.”

“And, I was about to say, he has never maintained the same speed as Hero before and then been ahead. Even if it was only for a moment.”

Ronal smiled, rubbing his beloved horse’s neck. “You’re very gracious to say that. My lord.” He lowered his head and swept his arm out.

“One must keep one’s squires happy,” replied Arthur, gazing down his nose at Ronal.

They maintained their ridiculous poses until a smile tugged at Arthur’s lips. A moment later, they burst into loud laughter. It was a game to them, pretending to be lord and lackey. Sometimes, they switched roles, with Arthur bowing before Ronal.

“Are you still bothered by that dream?” asked Arthur as they walked their horses along the border of the forest. “You seem more rested these days.”

Ronal sighed. “I still get it but not all the time like I used to.” He shook his head slightly. “Such a strange thing, to dream of a baby. I mentioned it to Ma. She wasn’t surprised, she thinks it’s because Emily has just had a baby.”

Arthur frowned. “Did you tell her when the dreams started?”

He shook his head slowly. The dreams had started five years ago, whereas, his sister, Emily, had given birth for the first time only a year ago. “No matter. Maybe I’m dreaming of my future,” he said with a wide grin.

“A future filled with crying babies? Good luck, my friend.”

Their laughter filled the air.

“I hope the weather holds for our journey this year.” Arthur tilted his head back to study the scudding clouds.

Ronal nodded. “Last year was a test, to be sure.”

The journey to Lionel’s the previous year had been hampered by heavy rains, turning well-maintained roads into muddy streams, which threatened to trap wagon wheels in its squelching grip. The weather had also affected the number of guests for Lilyrose’s birthday.

“The one good thing, I think, was not having many people around.”

“I found it more relaxing.”

Arthur raised his brows. “I’m not surprised. After all, you did have the attentions of two young ladies. Margaret and Alice, such a difficult choice.”

“I enjoyed dancing with both ladies.” Ronal’s attempts at a neutral answer fell flat as he struggled to curb a grin. “Ah, Arthur, I was flattered. Who wouldn’t be? Two noble ladies and me, a farrier’s son. That night, I could pretend I was a lord, like you and Henry.”

Arthur’s smile vanished. “Ronal. I’ve never viewed you as any less than my equal.”

“Until that visit, the thought had never entered my mind. You and Lord Edmund don’t treat me any different. But out there.” He indicated the world with his chin. “I’m the son of a farrier. And I must remember my place.”

Arthur could think of nothing to say. He wished it wasn’t so, but his opinion was not going to change the view of the people.

“If you ask me, the only reason I was blessed with the attention of Margaret and Alice is because you’re already spoken for. I fear I am only second choice.”

Pulling a face, Arthur laughed. “You credit me with too much. I am not so interesting to have women falling over themselves for my attention.”

“That wasn’t what I witnessed last year. Despite the few guests, the women who were there, young and… not so young had their attention fixed on you.”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Ronal–”

“And each time you chose one as your dance partner, the disappointment on the faces of those spurned–”

“Shut up.” Arthur aimed a punch at him as he laughed.

As they rode in comparative silence, Arthur couldn’t deny that he had spent more time than usual dancing with the other women. He hadn’t had to make excuses for Lilyrose had been approached by most of the men present.

The past few years, the worry that had begun shadowing him since the death of his mother had grown. The fear of losing someone he loved not only encompassed his father and Ronal but, now, Lilyrose also.

She had been dear to him since she was a baby. Now that he was older, it was starting to weigh on him that, in four years’ time, she would be his wife. Arthur stubbornly refused to think of the curse, that it might take Lilyrose from him. He tried to keep his distance, but it was so difficult, he enjoyed her company too much.

I wonder if Lilyrose has thought more on setting aside our betrothal, he wondered. She refused to speak of it last year when I tried to ask her. Has she found another? Lord Lionel has many visitors. Maybe one of them.

His chest tightened at the thought of Lilyrose being with another, but he clenched his jaw against it. No, if she has, it will be for the best. And I will remain on my own. That, too, will be for the best.

“What are you thinking?”

Startled, he looked at Ronal.

“I know that look.”

Arthur remained silent, eyes wide, staring past Ronal as he tugged on Hero’s reins, bringing him to a halt.

“Arthur?”

He was vaguely aware of Ronal turning Jasper. His attention was on his guardian. It had been a long time since he’d last seen her.

“Who is that?”

Ronal’s quiet question erased Arthur’s tentative smile. “You-you can see her?”

He nodded, still staring at the woman in the deep red tunic and trousers who approached them. “I’ve seen her before.”

“But I thought.” Arthur swallowed the rest of his words; he’d believed only he could see his guardian. He pulled his brows together, pressing his lips tight as his mouth turned down.

Sensing his upset, Hero tossed his head, snorting, stepped back.

“Hush, Arthur, there is no cause for upset.” She stepped forward with her hand raised.

“I thought you were–”

“I am here for you. And Ronal also. But, especially, for you.” She stood with her hands on the noses of their horses, who remained still and calm, almost leaning into her. A gentle smile on her lips, she looked up at the men.

Gazing into her eyes – she was close enough that he could see the red glints in them – Arthur quickly dismounted for it didn’t seem right, looking down at her. This was his first time so close to her, and he struggled to breathe, his heart fluttering in his chest.

Her eyes moistened, but her smile widened. “You have grown, both of you. Eighteen years, young men now. It warms my heart to see you together.”

“Who-who are you?” Arthur could barely form the words.

“One who cares for you, both of you, very much.”

Ronal, too, had dismounted and stood on her other side. Like Arthur, he was also slightly breathless as he stared.

“I used to see you all the time,” said Arthur. “I thought, as I grew older and didn’t see you, I thought I had imagined you.”

“Then I must ask your forgiveness, dear one. It has not been as easy as before to come here. But I am here now. To see you again, you cannot imagine.” She closed her eyes, still smiling, and sucked in her breath. Blinking rapidly, she seemed to steady herself.

Arthur and Ronal exchanged worried glances.

When she opened her eyes, her gaze was strong, her voice steady. “I want to tell you, and you also, Ronal. You must remain true to yourselves and to each other. There are forces that seek to interfere with you. But you must remain strong, you must remain together. Never doubt yourselves and always, always watch out for one another. I will be with you.” Her tender smile reappeared. “You may not always see me, but I will be near for as long as I am able.” She made as if to touch Arthur’s face; her hand hovered close before she withdrew it to her chest.

They remained standing long after she’d faded from view. Without a word, they mounted and walked their horses back to the castle.

Ronal was the first to speak. “She reminds me, a memory from long ago.” His voice was soft, as if speaking to himself. “Images…” He scrunched his eyes shut, as if trying to pin them down. “Someone like her, she kept me safe when I was so very young.”

Ronal’s words awakened a long-forgotten memory in Arthur. He placed his hand over his tunic under which lay the pendant against his chest. “Safe,” he whispered. But the memory proved too elusive.

As their horses were about to start up the slope to the castle, Ronal stopped. “What do you think she meant, about forces wanting to interfere with us?”

Arthur shrugged. “Hagen maybe?” Edmund had told him about the northern chief’s persistent messages the previous year when Arthur had overheard him discussing it with Bruce, the marshal. “Though I don’t know how that would involve you.”

“Could it be a threat that has yet to show itself?”

Arthur took a deep breath and straightened. “Then we meet it together. Brother.”

Ronal’s head jerked back slightly before he returned Arthur’s wide smile.