The Crimson Castle Read online

  Evelyn gasped, “Gabriel!”

  She ran over to him, lifting his face with her hands. He was shirtless, drenched in a malodourous mixture of perspiration, blood and filth. His unresponsive eyes looked back at her from a pale face and for a moment Evelyn wasn’t sure he knew it was her. He muttered her name through dry, cracked lips and her heart wrenched at the painful sound.

  “What have you done to him?” She turned to Tibald in anger.

  He smirked. “Oh, do not worry yourself, he’s not dying. Not yet, anyway.” He chuckled to himself. “Pray tell, Lady Evelyn, what exactly was it that drove you into the arms of this pathetic excuse for a man.”

  She glared at him, loathing clear in her face. “He is more of a man than you will ever be! You pray on the weak and needy. There is no pride to be had in that. You have only ever proved yourself a coward.”

  Tibald gave an exaggerated sigh, all the while watching her obvious distress with amusement. “You will have to learn to curb your tongue woman, when we are wed. Which puts me in mind of your gift, a hanging might be a nice way to celebrate our first day of marriage, do you not think?”

  Evelyn looked at him in horror before turning back to Gabriel, clasping his head in her hands and laying it against her chest as if he were a child, trying to offer some form of comfort through his pain.

  “Did you think me a fool, Lady Evelyn?” His eyes narrowed. “I watched you both, your longing looks…” he sneered in distaste.

  He shoved Evelyn away from Gabriel so she sprawled onto the dirty ground and gave Gabriel a blinding blow around the face. He merely grunted at the blow as Evelyn scrabbled to her feet, a sob wrenching from her. Tibald grabbed Gabriel’s jaw in a punishing grip and brought his face towards him, hissing and spitting.

  “I saved your life, you pathetic little worm. And this is how you repay me?”

  Evelyn groped her way across the floor in an attempt to reach Gabriel but Tibald seized her wrist and, grabbing her hair with the other hand, he thrust her face into Gabriel’s view. She caught a flicker of distress in his eyes and she wondered how Tibald had brought such a strong warrior so low. Gabriel was a skilled fighter, that much she knew, and with such a passion behind him this morning she found it hard to believe this was the same man.

  “You think you deserve a woman such as this? You were barely worthy of licking my boots, yet I gave you power and position…and you could have had so much more if you had not betrayed me.” He huffed, “Now I shall have to find someone to replace you.”

  He gave a laugh and he gripped her upper arm so hard that it forced a yelp from her lips.

  “No mind, ‘tis a sweet consolation I have here.”

  He hauled her by her hair and pressed a hard kiss to her lips. She fought to pull away and succeeded briefly, attempting to make her way towards Gabriel, but he grabbed her again and, with a strong arm about her waist, dragged her away as she screamed Gabriel’s name.

  With no strength left, his body still numb from the poison, Gabriel could not even shout out to her as he watched Tibald haul her away. All he could do was mutter her name as he tipped his head back and closed his eyes, wishing he had not failed her.

  ***

  Evelyn was flung callously into her chambers where a warm bath was awaiting her, carefully prepared by Mary. She made a small sound of shock when she saw her mistresses dishevelled appearance, dirt and blood on her clothes and skin. Seeing the look of devastation in Evelyn’s eyes she didn’t say anything, just put a hand to her arm and helped her slowly undress.

  Evelyn rubbed at a smear of blood on her breast where Gabriel’s head had been briefly pressed and she looked at it on her finger tips with a strange sense of detachment. Lowering herself into the wooden tub, she laid back and closed her eyes, the image of Gabriel’s ravaged face etched in her mind. A quiet sense of resolution settled within her as she realised what she would have to do.

  Mary helped Evelyn change into her pale blue wedding gown, the samite garment more luxurious than any other gown she had worn before. The sleeves were tight around her arms before spilling out to almost touch the floor, and a girdle of gold links and jewels sat on her hips.

  Mary studied her mistress’s face, as she tightened the lacings, mayhap expecting tears or some sign of emotion on her face. Evelyn’s face remained impassive as Mary attempted to converse while she weaved orange blossoms into her hair and placed a floral wreath on her head. With a small sigh, Mary finished and left, shutting the door quietly.

  Evelyn stared at her image in the polished metal mirror, acknowledging grimly that she looked fully that part of the blushing bride. To anyone else, her expression might have just been that of a nervous young maid but the hollow look in her eyes had everything to do with love and little to do with her betrothal.

  Rummaging through her things, she pulled out a small jewelled dagger that she had stashed amongst her belongings before they had travelled here. Tucking the dagger into her bouquet, she gave her reflection a small, satisfied smile.

  ***

  The procession to the church seemed to Evelyn to take place in a haze, her detached mind barely registering the steps her feet were taking. Many of the locals had turned out to watch her progress and they used the wedding to alleviate some of their miseries, enjoying the celebratory atmosphere. She was highly aware of her hand upon Tibald’s and itched to tear her hand away, but the thought of Gabriel’s battered face strengthened her resolve and forced her leaden feet to continue forwards.

  It was a sunny day, the ground barren and dry through lack of rain in the past days, and Evelyn was grateful she did not have to trudge through mud in her delicate silk slippers. Every inch the noble bride, the onlookers gasped and sighed at the sight of her extravagant gown and flowing golden hair. She held herself tall, her regal stance disguising the nervousness combined with determination that fluttered through her.

  Nearing the church porch, she managed to turn to her betrothed with a smile as the priest greeted them. Gabriel stood to one side, shackled, gagged and barely standing, pinned up by a guard on either side. They had at least covered the evidence of his beating with a clean shirt but he was still a gut churning sight to behold. If the visiting nobles thought this odd, they showed no sign of it, probably more used to Tibald’s brutality than she was. He looked at her with a look of pure defeat and her heart slammed in pain. Determination replaced fear and she gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

  Easing her small dagger from the bouquet, she turned to Tibald and pressed the tip to her chest, as both Gabriel and Tibald looked at her in shock. A chorus of murmurs and gasps rippled through the crowd but Evelyn ignored them, a defiant glint in her eyes.

  “What in Gods teeth do you think you are doing, Evelyn?!” Tibald shouted and grabbed at her.

  She smiled up at him and stepped back out of his reach. “Let Gabriel go.”

  “What?” he guffawed.

  “You heard me.” She raised her brow at him.

  “Or you shall what…? Kill yourself? I believe you have not the courage, Lady Evelyn.”

  “Indeed? Do you want to wait and find out?” She pressed the knife to her breast and blood beaded at the tip. She didn’t feel any pain, just gloried in the shock written over Tibald’s face.

  Gabriel tried to shout her name but it came out as nothing more than a muffled sound, his mouth still gagged. He pulled at the shackles, wanting to run to Evelyn, to stop her madness, but the guards held him fast and he was still weakened from the poison.

  Evelyn looked at Tibald with satisfaction, noting his tense demeanour. “If I die, my land will fall to the crown and it will be lost to you. Let Gabriel go and I will marry you and you shall have all you wanted.”

  “Apart from the death of a disloyal servant…” Tibald snarled, looking at Gabriel with hatred.

  Evelyn looked at him expectantly, knife still held firmly to her breast, the same serene smile across her face.

  Tibald clenched his jaw and glo
wered at her. “Very well,” he said tersely.

  Evelyn grinned in triumph. “Release him then.”

  “Not until we are married.”

  “How do I know you will let him go?”

  “How do I know you will still go through with the wedding once I release him?” he countered.

  “I see that neither of us holds trust in the other so I have in mind a deal. I will say my vows and then you will release him. If you do not, you shall not consummate this marriage. You will never have my body and thus our union will never be legal.”

  He stepped closer to her now, his face warped by anger. “I could just take your body.”

  “I would die first,” she said resolutely. “I promise you that if any harm comes to Gabriel, I will find a way to die. You have me at my word, release him and I will willingly come to your bed.”

  Evelyn kept her grip on the dagger, her stance as cool and as calm as if she were not bargaining with her life. Purpose gave her courage and for the first time since her arrival at Etone, she no longer feared Tibald.

  Tibald gritted his teeth. “So be it. I will release him upon the exchange of our vows, you have my word.”

  Evelyn nodded. “And he is to remain unharmed.”

  Tipping his head back as he eyed her with displeasure, he reluctantly agreed, “Aye, he will remain unharmed.”

  As she smiled, Tibald regarded her with a sense of enraged admiration. Indeed, his betrothed was a sight to see, the gilded blade pressed to her breast as her eyes glittered with determination. Grudgingly, he knew he would have to release Gabriel. Knowing of her single-minded temperament, he did not doubt she would throw herself off the ramparts just to spite him.

  He would take his pleasure of her and then he would have his revenge, he determined. Gabriel could run, but as soon as their union was consummated he would hunt him down and his revenge would be all the sweeter when he paraded his dispirited wife in front of him. A sense of gleeful delight brewed within him as he considered the outcome of Evelyn’s bold stand. Her daring feat would only serve to delay the inevitable and he would destroy Gabriel of Merston once and for all.

  ***

  Gabriel watched the exchange of vows with sickness in his heart. He should have predicted Evelyn would do something rash for he knew well of her impulsive nature. Now she would exchange his freedom for her own. Why had she not just run when she discovered his failure?

  As she whispered her vows, taking her one step closer to being bound to his depraved master, he wondered if he would even be allowed to live. He knew Tibald well enough to realise that it was unlikely, but he could see the lust in his eyes and he could tell it was no longer just greed that drove him. He wished to own Evelyn, body and soul, and no doubt twist her until she was but a faded notion of the woman he knew.

  His strength was returning, the feeling slowly leeching back into his limbs. Not enough to defeat Tibald and his hoard of guards, who would no doubt take great relish in cutting down their former master, but he avowed then that he would not allow Evelyn to be conquered by the lord. If he could find just one opportunity to run him through, he would, regardless of the outcome for himself. And he would not fail her this time.

  Purpose settled in his gut, nurtured by the sight of Tibald pressing his lips upon his unwilling bride as they sealed their marriage pact.

  ***

  As they left the church, Gabriel dragged behind them, Evelyn turned to Tibald.

  “Well husband, I have fulfilled my part, now to yours - my body for his freedom. Arrange a horse for him. He is to remain unmolested or our accord will be undone and you shall not consummate this marriage.”

  Tibald gave a snarl but it was tinged with satisfaction. Whilst he urged for Gabriel’s blood, he lusted for Evelyn’s body and lands more. Besides he knew Gabriel would not evade him for ever. With a nod of his head, the guards released his arms as Tibald handed the keys to his shackles over to Evelyn.

  Evelyn took the keys over to Gabriel where the two guards were watching him warily, swords drawn. She pulled the gag from his mouth and he looked at her in despair.

  “Evie, what have you done?” he whispered hoarsely.

  She gave him a sad smile. “I could not let you die for naught. At least this way I can be happy knowing you are alive.”

  She undid his shackles and they dropped to the ground as he rubbed his wrists, prevented from leaping onto Tibald and beating him senseless by the two guards, sword tips warningly pointed towards him.

  “I’ll not leave you behind,” he told her determinedly.

  Before she could respond, the sound of screams and exclamations caused her to turn as a group of soldiers on horseback galloped down the street, their hooves hammering, kicking up a swirling mist. Villagers hastened away, fearful of these heavily armed strangers, and Gabriel stepped in front of Evelyn as the riders surrounded them. Tibald’s men eyed them warily, swords in hand. Gabriel’s eyes searched frantically, looking for something to defend them with from these unknown guardsmen. Evelyn’s dagger would do little against swords but he grabbed it from her girdle, angling it menacingly in front of him.

  Evelyn gave a shout and Gabriel recognised that the men had come from Beldersert. A shock of blonde hair weaved through them upon a fair destrier and Evelyn stepped out from behind Gabriel, recognising the man.

  “William!”

  Tibald turned from the pair, eyes darting from Evelyn to the man, and a look of disquiet flickered on his face before it was replaced with rage. Evelyn made a dash forwards to her brother but Tibald’s arm came up in front of her, unleashing a blinding blow to her face.

  Turning to his men, he screamed at them, “Kill them! Kill them all!”

  Jolted into action, Tibald’s men, already on edge, leapt forwards towards the guards of Beldersert, swords swinging and crossbows unleashed. It took mere moments for the riders to respond, slashing from their superior positions through the small crowd of men.

  Grabbing for Evelyn as she staggered back from the strike, Gabriel fell short and Tibald snatched her by the arm, dragging her from the church porch away from the chaos. Gabriel found himself pushed back from her by a sword swipe to the stomach. Hissing past him, he jumped back and felt the tip catch on the fabric of his shirt. The guard made to swing again but Gabriel grabbed the hilt, tearing it from his grasp and sending him sprawling. Mounting Evelyn’s dagger in his belt and ignoring the prone guard, he chased after Tibald and Evelyn.

  Kicking and thrashing, Evelyn was hauled towards a waiting horse, Tibald’s arm clamped firmly around her waist. Determined not to be held captive again she threw her head back in an attempt to strike Tibald’s face and was rewarded with a curse followed by a stinging slap across her cheek. Undeterred, she pushed at the arm pinioning her to his bulky chest, legs swinging, as her toes dragged painfully across the ground, her shoes lost in the struggle.

  Away from the ensuing battle, they reached the horse and Tibald attempted to throw her across it but she continued to brawl, biting at any flesh that came near her. With a thunder of anger Tibald withdrew his sword. Convinced he meant to run her through or slice the tender skin of her throat, Evelyn screamed and tore herself from him. A hand snagged at her skirts and she was thrown to the ground and dragged backwards, her hands scrabbling at the dirt, dust filling her mouth and eyes. A hand in her hair forced her back up on to her feet before the glint of light flashed on his steel and everything went black.

  The blow to her head was viewed with a sickened heart as Gabriel fought his way to Evelyn. Tibald flung her over his horse as Gabriel deflected blow by blow, unsure of whether he was now fighting his own men or Evelyn’s. Finally breaking through, he looked frantically around for a horse, a crossbow, anything! He ran forwards as Tibald was about to mount his horse and he remembered Evelyn’s dagger. With a quick breath he gave it a sharp throw and waited for fate to prove her worth as he careered towards them. The dagger hit true but Tibald had successfully straddled the horse at the final moment
and the dagger buried itself into its flank, a stream of blood trickling down its glossy coat.

  Bolting in pain, the horse threw his rider clear before running off. Evelyn’s limp body tumbled off, landing with a repellent thud, sending up a cloud of earth. Tibald clambered to his feet on tremulous legs, wild eyes looking for an escape. Seeing Gabriel, the veil of rage visibly coursing through his body, he snatched at his sword, shaking it madly at him.

  “Are you going to kill me, Gabe?” he jeered. “You have not the mettle!”

  Gabriel stepped towards him cautiously, ignoring his taunting. He was still drained from the effects of the hemlock potion but Tibald had taken a heavy fall and they were more evenly matched this time.

  Tibald took the first step, Gabriel deciding to hold back and let Tibald take the offensive, wearing himself out so Gabriel could finish him easily. He knew how his master fought; using his superior bulk to his advantage but he lacked skill and agility. Gabriel was quicker on his feet – normally anyway - and he hoped he was recovered enough to still retain flight of foot.

  With a sweeping lunge of his sword, Tibald’s steel arced through the air. Gabriel parried, pushing his sword to the ground, and brought his own weapon back up to slice across Tibald’s vulnerable side. Tibald moved at the last moment so that the blade caught across his shoulder, eliciting a cry of pain. Adrenaline borne of triumph flooded through Gabriel, driving him forward in an unplanned move, hoping to catch Tibald still in recovery. He swung his sword down, both hands on the hilt, with unadulterated power that spoke of years of frustration and rage.

  His opponent was ready with his blade held high across his body to deflect the blow. The parry convulsed down his arm but Tibald left himself exposed and Gabriel kicked at his stomach, landing a blow, lower than intended, on his thigh. The strike caused Tibald to stumble but he remained on his feet.

  The flash of light upon metal signalled Tibald’s next move and he pulled his blade upwards, the tip grinding across the gritty terrain, in a slicing motion. Forcing Gabriel to spring into retreat, the point hissed past his nose. He lunged in response, the aggression of the collision of steel upon steel sending pulsations through his upper body. Tibald’s forward jab was ill-timed and Gabriel ducked to one side, bringing his sword down in a sweeping arc, catching Tibald’s hand and eliciting a howl as his sword clattered to the ground.