Warrior's Ransom (The First Argentines #2) - Jeff Wheeler Page 0,11

“No . . . no thank you.”

“I thought not. Shall I send a writ and have Lady Elodie transferred to Josselin castle, then?”

Simon glanced at Ransom. “Of course. You know, Ransom, you look as greensick as most knights do on the eve of a battle. If I recall, you always slept like a man without worries before a big battle. You may know swords, destriers, and lances, but I think it’s time you faced a different sort of test. Go to Auxaunce tomorrow on the king’s orders. See your family on the way. Then you can stop by Josselin castle on the way back. I’ll make sure they’re expecting you.”

“We will have a room prepared for you here at the palace as well,” said Master Hawkes. “However, do not plan on staying in it for long. The king is always on the move, and you’ll be either riding with him or acting for him for some time. I hope you have a sturdy horse.”

Ransom nodded. Dappled might not be much to look at, but he was as sturdy as they came.

“May I get some paper and quills and ink? The king did give me permission to write to Claire.”

“I’ll arrange it,” said Simon. “I’m sure she’d like to know you are back.”

Ransom had arrived in Kingfountain in a rotting tunic and a damaged hauberk, with no ties except to his family and the properties he’d won. He left Kingfountain with a trimmed beard and hair, a new royal tunic bearing the Silver Rose, the title to a castle, wardship of two young nobles, and the king’s favor.

As Simon had suggested, he stopped by the Heath on his way, to visit with his family and share the news of his good fortune. He couldn’t stay long, since he was on the king’s errand, but it was a relief to see his family again. His sister had blossomed into a vibrant young woman, and his brother was working on an addition to the castle that added to its size and defenses. They were impressed to hear how the king had shown him such favor. Fortune was fickle, his mother had said, and indeed, his past ignominy seemed far behind him now.

After he left his family, Ransom and the fifty knights who’d been sent with him rode hard toward Auxaunce. He set the pace, and he was grateful that Dappled not only endured the journey but seemed tireless. They stopped at various royal castles along the way, where they were given shelter and food for the journey. They crossed Westmarch and then took the road leading past Brythonica to the duchy of Vexin. On that road, they crossed the very spot where the former constable of Westmarch, Lord Rakestraw, had perished in the battle with Lord DeVaux’s men.

Ransom reined in and stared at the place, at the hedgerow where he’d been stabbed in the leg with a lance while defending himself. It felt strange to see the place again, especially since no signs of the skirmish remained. So many men had died that day. He had a strange feeling of the past and present colliding.

“Your horse never fatigues,” said Sir Nigel, the captain of the force, riding up alongside Ransom’s steed before stopping his own. He gazed at the road that lay ahead. “How far to Auxaunce do you think?”

“A league. We’ll be there shortly.” He turned around and saw the other knights approaching them.

“Shall we ride on, my lord?” asked Sir Nigel. He looked a little confused as to why they’d stopped.

Ransom shifted in his saddle, his eyes on that hedgerow again. He wondered if he’d encounter Lord DeVaux in Auxaunce. Part of him hoped that he did. The truce had ended, and Ransom was no longer a helpless prisoner.

“Aye,” he said, “the courier will have arrived by now.” The messenger would inform Duke Benedict of their arrival, ensuring he was there to receive them when they reached Auxaunce.

The fortress at Auxaunce was an impressive structure, one that rivaled the size of Kingfountain itself. Its walls were built around a thriving town, offering the populace protection from attack. The buildings inside were timber-and-plaster structures, and a main fountain bedecked the interior square, just before the ramparts leading up to the fortress. The stone castle had turrets and buttresses, but what stood out most were the statues arranged along the ramparts, looming stone guardians that stared down at the knights as they rode.

Ransom gazed up at the stone faces as they approached the