The lower level of the building was partially below ground, and consisted of a kitchen, where many of the serfs ate, and storage, for food and grains. The second floor held the Lord’s private chambers, plus the bed chambers for other family, and guests, arranged along either side, of a central passageway. On the top floor, there were a few more bed chambers, as well as the weaving and sewing rooms. Those work rooms, were where most of the castle serfs slept on mats, on the floor, at night.
Tears sprang to her eyes, as her mind drifted over the past six months. How could she know, when her cousin Avery came to ask for her father's assistance, that her world was about to be turned upside down? Avery was in a war with the Lord of Rothstam Castle, which had already led to the deaths, of both their fathers. Her father, Lord Edmund, had refused to aid Avery. He said Avery's father got only what he deserved, for stealing from Eric's fiefs. He was not about to lend assistance, to protect Avery, from his father's thievery. Three months later, Edmund, and five of his vassals, who were riding with him, were murdered in a supposed robbery.
Within a sennight of Edmond’s death, Avery arrived to claim ward ship of Isabel, and her lands, as her closest male relative. She was her father's only living heir. He had then encouraged her mother, to go to one of her father's other properties. While Avery had made no direct threat, he implied that Isabel, and her mother, would be fine, as long as they did not, cause Avery any problems.
Lady Isabel was startled from her morose by Sir Richard, one of her father's oldest, and most trusted friends. He had insisted that Avery allow him to see to her safety, and fortunately, Avery had agreed, probably, just to allay suspicion.
"Three riders approach, My Lady,” Richard said. "Hopefully, they have word of your cousin."
Isabel left the hall to await the messengers, or in other words, her and Richard’s spies, on the stairs outside. Isabel had been carefully schooled by Edmund, that Avery and his father, though relatives, were not to be trusted. The messengers who were let inside the castle walls, also quickly confirmed the treachery, of Isabel's cousin.
Avery, even with some of Isabel's forces, had once again, been outmanned by his enemy. So, he had cooked up a scheme to kidnap the half-sister of his enemy, to demand a ransom. When the Lord was drawn out to pay the ransom, Avery intended to kill him in ambush. This Avery felt, would allow for the Lady Esme, who would be the sole remaining heir to Rothstam, at only one and four years old, to become the ward of someone friendly to him. It would also bring the property, and resources, of Avery's enemy, over to his side by deceit, thereby ending the war. While Avery had offered no details about how this kidnapping was to be accomplished, he had seemed confident of success. This information from the messenger, though vague, was sufficient to confirm to Richard, what Isabel had claimed she overheard. She had been present, when Avery was talking of the same general plan, with a very disgusting man that Avery claimed was a Duke.
Isabel was finding her cousins' murderous bend, rather appalling. Her father had been a good and honorable man. His properties and people had thrived under his control, and he had carefully instructed Isabel, in dealing honorably with people. Edmund's cousin, on the other hand, according to her father, had mismanaged his lands, and mistreated his people, reducing his wealth. This in turn, had lead to thievery, from Eric's more prosperous lands. Still, murder seemed a big leap, from incompetence and theft. She could not help but wonder, if this long standing animosity with Lord Eric, and now his son, had not driven Avery a little mad.
After the messengers left, Lady Isabel turned to Richard, and said, "Kidnapping sounds like a pretty good idea. Do you have some competent men available?"
"What do you have in mind?" Richard asked, eying her uncertainly.
Lady Isabel laid out her idea, explaining how it could prevent, a good deal of bloodshed. She watched as Richard's expression changed from mildly disapproving, to considering, and finally to resigned acceptance. He offered Isabel a weak smile, as he questioned her conviction. She assured him, if he could make it so, she saw her part as her last, best hope. Convinced of her resolve, Richard nodded in agreement, before turning to leave the hall, to make the arrangements.
Chapter 2
Brant rode east on his destry, with his long time friend, Sir Robert, and his squire, on either side of him. Robert's squire, and another vassal, rode behind them.
"We have traveled for nie on two hours, without one mention of the Lady Katherine, Robert. Does your love for the fair maiden wane?" Brant teased his friend.
Brant had only seen the Lady once, but she was quite lovely. Robert talked about her all the time, leaving no doubt, that he was hopelessly enamored with the maiden.
"Most certainly not," Robert retorted. "If anything, it grows stronger with each passing day."
Brant laughed at the other man's plight. Although he was from a wealthy family, as a younger son, Robert was a landless knight. Claiming inheritance, required paying the Crown for the privilege, so in most instances, the entire estate passed to the eldest son. Therefore, the Lady Katherine's father opposed a match between her and Robert. She would have a sizable dower property, so Robert was in no way, the Lady's equal. Katherine was approaching ten and eight, and would likely, soon be pressured to make a suitable marriage, though she purportedly desired to wed Sir Robert.
As the five riders rounded a curve, three men, approaching on horseback, came into view. Brant cautiously surveyed the tree line along the road, for any indication of others, who might lay in wait to ambush them in the waning twilight.
"Do you recognize the crest on the destry?" Brant asked Robert.
"I believe it to be Sir Richard's," Robert answered. "He also has issue with Avery. Or, so he claimed, when last we spoke."
"I do not recall ever meeting the knight, myself. You are sure, he is a friend?" Brant asked.
"Aye, he is a friend to me," Robert answered, as the three riders drew near.
"What brings you out here this evening, Richard, business, or pleasure?" Robert questioned the leader of the new arrivals.
"I fear it is business, Robert," Richard replied.
Brant, who's caution had begun to relax, suddenly felt his mount's reigns jerked from his hands, and his dagger pulled from its sheath. A similar fate had befallen his squire, who was struggling against two vassals, as they tied his hands behind him.
"Aye, Sir Richard is friend to me. You Brant, are someone whom I greatly admire, and respect. As such, I have no desire to see injury come to your person. To achieve this end, all you need do is cooperate, and tis likely, you will live, to see if you can someday forgive me, my friend," Robert said, smiling at him warmly, as if he viewed this turn of events, some great lark.
His squire’s mount was moved, to where Brant could see a dagger was being held against the youth’s throat.
"Will you cooperate, and place your hands behind your back?" Richard queried.
Brant, seeing greater danger in resisting at this point, complied. Placing his hands behind his back, he felt his wrists being bound, with a strong strip of leather, leaving little hope of him breaking free.
"You are truly a wise man, Brant," Robert said, as he bound his friend's wrists.