together in a cage. Ransom wondered if he’d appeared the same way to Lord Kinghorn when he’d first arrived at Averanche to begin his training as a knight. They both seemed to be waiting for him to speak first.
Ransom approached them, the sense of being an imposter shuffling in his chest. His first concern was putting them at ease.
“Welcome to Josselin castle,” Ransom said. “I’m sure this change of events has been a surprise to you both. But I look forward to getting to know you.”
The young man, John Dearley, nodded quickly in agreement. “I’ve been here two days. Lady Elodie came yesterday.”
“And I’ve only just arrived myself,” Ransom said in a pleasant tone. He directed his comments to Elodie. “I’m certain once I leave this room, I’ll become lost immediately. Have you walked the grounds yet?”
“Yes, my lord,” said the girl, giving him a guarded look. She glanced back down again quickly.
“We both have,” said Dearley. “It’s a beautiful castle. I’m rather envious. My given name is John, but I actually go by my family name, Dearley. There was another boy, another child, who lived nearby, and he had the same name. We were both called by our last names instead, and I’ve come to prefer it.” His explanation came out in a great gush of words, after which he flushed with embarrassment and looked away.
Ransom wasn’t sure what to say. He saw the discomfort in both of them. They seemed so innocent, so young. He thought it best to end this first conversation quickly.
“Well, I’ll call you Dearley, then. As for the castle, I should like to see it myself.” He looked at Dearley. “We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning to rendezvous with the king and report back on my mission to the Vexin. Be ready to ride by sunrise.”
Dearley lifted his head, his eyes widening with surprise. “You mean . . . you wish me to come as well?”
“Yes. You’re part of my mesnie now. You go where I go. It’s just the two of us for the time being. I want to see how well you can handle a blade. There may be trouble in the near future. You must be ready for it.”
The look of surprise turned to one of excitement. “I will . . . of course! Yes! Tomorrow at dawn. I should bring my armor?”
“That would be a wise thing. Now, Lady Elodie. I will leave instructions with Westin . . . he’s the steward . . . ?”
She looked at him and nodded, her brows knitting in confusion.
“Good. While I am gone, you are the lady of the castle. You are in charge.” He gestured to the room. “My younger sister, Maeg, is someone you can rely on for advice. You can write to her at the Heath and even invite her for a visit if you wish for company. I don’t know how often I will be here, but I’ll always try to let you know in advance before I come. Does that suit you?”
She swallowed, but her look of nervousness didn’t fade. Was she wondering whether he would force her to marry him? According to Simon, that was the usual way of things. He had no intention to follow through, but he suspected it would be a mistake to address the matter so soon. It would embarrass her, no doubt, and she already looked desperately uncomfortable.
“That is all. I bid you both good day.”
As he left, he found himself remembering the young man he’d been. Feeling the wheel of time turning.
Ransom and his troop of knights left at dawn as planned, and John Dearley was the first one in the courtyard ready to go. They rode into the morning together, keeping a slow-enough pace that they could speak comfortably, and Ransom discovered the young man was quite adept at diplomacy, languages, and the history of treaties. As the day progressed, Dearley became more comfortable with him, more affable and friendly. Still, it was not until they arrived at Beestone castle to rest for the night that Dearley broached a delicate topic. The castle stood on a bluff, easily seen above the tree line.
“I’m grateful for the chance to serve you, Sir Ransom. I was surprised to hear you were chosen for the king’s council so quickly, but now I understand. I just . . . I’m curious . . . if you plan on taking Lady Elodie as your . . . well, you know . . . as your wife?”
Ransom