The Crimson Castle Page 3

  “Lady Evelyn, I would advise you against angering the lord.”

  She stared at him, shocked at his boldness and still angered by her exchange with Tibald. “I thank you for your concern, Sir, but I have no need of your guidance.”

  “From what I bore witness to, it seems that you do!” He moved closer, hoping his superior height would intimidate her into heeding his advice.

  Instead of being intimidated, his actions seemed to rile her and she stood from her bench, lifting her chin proudly. “I have no regrets over my behaviour. I think it wise that you should question your own. Who are you to advise me?”

  “I only mean to say, my lady, that you are in a vulnerable position.”

  “One which you have placed me in!”

  “I did not force you here. I was merely carrying out orders.”

  “Orders? I suppose it eases your mind to consider yourself unburdened from your misdeeds by describing them as such.”

  “And what do you know of my misdeeds?” He stepped closer still, anger beginning to boil within him. Why could she not simply be mindful of his counsel and accept it?

  She sniffed, as if a foul odour had suddenly pervaded the air. “I know enough.”

  He let out a depreciating laugh and she stepped back slightly, noticing his temper beginning to peak. “Of course you do, my lady. I forgot that Lady Evelyn is blessed with such comprehension as to mark the character of a man just as soon as she encounters him.”

  A flush filled her cheeks and she took another step back as he shadowed her steps, looming over her like a cobra waiting to strike.

  “Nay, that’s not what-” she flustered.

  “You may well be correct about my crimes, Evelyn. Mayhap you should consider that thought before you attempt to rile me.”

  Gabriel could see her pulse fluttering in her neck, the brief look of outrage swiftly replaced with alarm at the savagery of his expression.

  You disgust me,” she whispered as if saying it to herself, but they both knew he heard and she lowered her eyes.

  He knew she had no reason to think anything of him but it irked him that she despised him so. That she had marked out his character as so deformed already. He sighed, knowing he had done nothing to disprove her notions of him with his inability to restrain his savage temper.

  Silence loomed between them, eyes connecting uneasily until finally Gabriel spoke.

  “I apologise, Lady Evelyn, I spoke out of turn. ‘Twill not happen again. “

  He regretted frightening her, more used to dealing with uncultured soldiers than noble women, and he attempted a humble look.

  This seemed to amuse her, the fear quickly forgotten as a slight smile spread across her lips.

  “See that it does not.”

  With a bow, he turned on his heel to leave but paused, remembering the task at hand. “Lady Evelyn, do you really believe your brother to still be alive?”

  “I do.”

  “Where was he when you heard from him last?”

  “In Jerusalem, I believe,” she said somewhat sullenly.

  Gabriel nodded and looked grimly at her. “I spent some time there but a few years ago. It would be wise of you to consider that he may not return.”

  He noted the fear in reappear in her eyes and, unable to bear such a look, he bid her good night. As he strode away he felt her eyes on his back and he wondered at the effect she had on him. A pretty face rarely held any sway over him and he took little notice of womenfolk in general. She vexed him more than she reasonably should, but he could not help but admire her strong manner. Knowing of the folly of his reflections he resolved to spare her no more thoughts as he climbed wearily into bed that night.

  Chapter 3

  Over the coming days, Evelyn struggled to adjust to the idleness of being a guest of Lord Tibald’s. With her father’s health ailing for many years now she had taken on most of the duties at Beldersert. For the most part managing her father’s affairs had given her great fulfilment and she had relished being looked to for aid by the villagers.

  Although she considered herself an intelligent and dutiful woman, she had not initially found the role easy. She knew little of responsibility prior to that and, although her father and brother tried to coax her into learning more of running the estate, knowing it would be necessary knowledge for when she married, she relished her freedom too much and was an unruly pupil.

  Eventually she had learnt to enjoy the role and prided herself on being a fair mistress. Although, without the guiding hand of her father, she wondered how she would deal with any strife within the village. Her charitable instincts dissuaded her from any forms of punishment, particularly when she had known these people her whole life, and her father had taken most of the decisions upon himself when she had not the stomach for it.

  Now, however, she would be appreciative of some sort of conflict to liven up her days. She was itching to go for a ride but her every step was haunted by guards and, although she was not forbidden from leaving the castle walls, it had been made quite clear that Lord Tibald would be displeased if she did so. She did not want to risk his ire, particularly with her village’s fate in his hands, so she tried her best to play the subservient lady even when it rankled her to do so. Whilst he remained courteous to her there was something in his eyes that warned of the underlying wrath that she had heard so often about.

  Watching weapons practice that afternoon, interest stirred within her when Tibald joined in and Sir Gabriel and the lord sparred with their wooden wasters, decked only in their linen shirts and hose. It became clear to Evelyn that both men concealed destructive temperaments, as demonstrated by the aggression revealed in their movements. Although Gabriel’s temper was barely concealed, she thought with a wry smile. It seemed to her to simmer under a careful disguise of indifference.

  She watched him closely, the sweat glistening off his brow, his hair slick, and puzzled over the man. His aggression and agility leant him to the role of a soldier but she had seen much evidence of intelligence in her few days in the castle. She had been surprised to discover that Tibald left nearly all of the duties of the estate to him, preferring to indulge himself with food, wine and entertainments. Tibald jealously guarded his financial affairs but it seemed to Evelyn that all other tasks were handed over to Gabriel.

  She wondered at the trust that Tibald put in this man and at the dutiful manner in which Gabriel carried them out. Their relationship was a peculiar one, with teasing amusement from Tibald and barely disguised contempt on Gabriel’s behalf. Why did he work so hard for a man he so clearly had no respect for?

  They continued on until Evelyn thought they would drop from exhaustion, their shirts soaked in spite of the cool weather, clinging to their powerful bodies. They were almost equally matched; Tibald’s superior girth making up for his lesser agility, but Evelyn could see Gabriel was restraining himself. They fought aggressively, their wooden swords crashing against each other so hard that Evelyn thought they may split. They danced around one another, parrying and feinting with great skill.

  She was disappointed when Gabriel finally conceded to his master, in spite of the obvious superiority of his skill and the weariness of his opponent. If Tibald realised that he had not triumphed through his own skill, he did not show it and Evelyn smiled in amusement at his posturing. She was astounded when Gabriel too shared in this smile.

  ***

  Gabriel remembered this shared moment that night, her bright smile burnt into his mind as he settled between his sheets. He had felt her presence before he’d seen her, stood in the corner of the bailey, watching them with fascination.

  He’d fought harder than usual, normally acquiescing to his master long before, but it was with great reluctance that he had yielded to Tibald, realising it would do him no good to defeat the arrogant lord. It angered him normally to spar with Tibald, having to play the inferior fighter, but when he had caught her look of glee it had made him look at his master’s false bravado with a new persp
ective.

  Evelyn’s ability to find pleasure in life puzzled him. He watched her with envy as she chatted with the servants with ease. She seemed to make friends with just about anyone, no matter their walk of life. He had never before questioned his own lonesome existence and he found himself angry at her for causing him to doubt the path he had chosen. He knew she’d caught him scowling at her on more than one occasion, her face a mixture of confusion and disdain. She scolded him on occasions for his lack of chivalry and he felt genuinely ashamed at his ignorance.

  Evelyn had come to dominate his thoughts and he found himself highly aware of her presence. He did not deny that she was a handsome woman and he saw many a head turned by her, but he was surprised that she caught his attention at all. He concluded that it was due to her unnerving character, having never before borne witness to such strength combined with such delicacy. With a frustrated toss under his sheets, he resolved to put her out of his mind and concentrate on his task at hand - ensuring she kept herself out of trouble, long enough to become Tibald’s bride.

  ***

  The next morning, she joined Tibald for breakfast, half relieved and half disappointed that Gabriel was not with them. Tibald informed that he was attending some business in town when he noticed her look towards his usual seat.

  Eager to leave the stifling atmosphere of the castle, Evelyn finally plucked up the nerve to ask Lord Tibald if she may go to the market. Mary had told her of the exciting wares to be found in the market and Evelyn decided it would be a healthy distraction and would help boost her waning spirits.

  “My dear lady, I beg of you come and go as you please. ‘Tis your fevered imagination that believes I wish you ever present. Although I would not complain if you chose to make it so.”

  He smiled at her and Evelyn was struck by the sinister look behind it. She suspected he was attempting to charm her and yet for all his gallantry he could not hide the truth of his character.

  “I thank you, my lord.”

  “I anticipate you may find many wares that will be to your liking, ‘tis one of the biggest markets in the county. I have but one request, my lady, if I may?”

  “As you will.” She smiled pleasantly, disguising an inward groan.

  “I will ask one of my men to accompany you, ‘twould not do for a maiden under my care to come to harm.”

  “Wherefore, my lord? I could not come to harm within the castle walls. I am not so incapable that I cannot see to my own safety.”

  “I do not doubt it, but nonetheless there be my request. Etone is not like your little township; verily our streets are fraught with danger.”

  Evelyn decided it was most improbable that there was any danger in a town under the ruling of such a man and he was as like trying to frighten her but, with the scent of freedom drawing nearer, she relented.

  Tibald could not keep the look of triumph from his face as she complied with his request, leaving for the market with a guard in tow. In truth, there were few dangers to be met with inside the walls of Etone. He controlled his serfs with a strong hand and rarely would any risk the wrath of their lord, fearful of retribution. It was unlikely anyone would be so foolish as to attack a guest of his but he did not trust Evelyn one jot. Her insolence, while he enjoyed it, could only mean a bold spirit lay within and he suspected it would not be long before she attempted some rash escapade.

  An intelligent mind lay underneath that comely appearance and no doubt she understood the nature of the deal they had struck. He cared not for the fate of her people and wouldn’t think twice about harming them should she find his terms objectionable. Still, until he found her brother, he would have to watch his step. William of Beldersert had the King’s ear and it would not do to anger him unnecessarily. At least until he could be taken care of, Tibald thought with a smirk.

  ***

  The market did indeed prove to be a sight to behold. Evelyn, being relatively ill-travelled, had little experience of such a large gathering of trade. The noise alone was surprising, each stall holder bellowing their wares, while customers haggled for the best price. Exciting aromas infused the air – freshly cooked bread, herbs and spices, mingling with, but not quite disguising, the smell of livestock.

  A visit to the cloth merchant’s stall had her enraptured, the vast display of colours and textiles, capturing her eye. The stall holder looked upon her with glee, noting her interest and attempted to coax her into making a purchase. As Evelyn laughingly declined, the merchant’s grin quickly fell as she felt the dark shadow of a man fall behind her.

  Gabriel greeted her with a half-smile of uncertainty which Evelyn attributed to their heated words the last time they had fully conversed, the awkward meetings since having been blessedly brief.

  “Good day, Lady Evelyn.”

  “Good day.” She gave him a reserved smile in return and she noted the darkening in his eyes but his smile did not falter.

  “What think you of the market? Is it to your liking?”

  “Indeed, it is diverting.” Evelyn could not help but lose her coolness at the mention of the market - it was truly wondrous. “Were I at home I would not be able to resist the temptation to buy up most of the fabrics! They are unlike aught I have ever seen.”

  Gabriel unexpectedly chuckled at her enthusiasm and she discovered she rather enjoyed the sound of his laughter, just as she liked the crinkling in his eyes as he smiled down at her. It softened his menacing aura, making him more human and less like the demon she thought he could be. However, underneath the grin she could still sense an undercurrent of something. A sensation she could not place her finger on, but it scared her slightly and she vowed not to trust such a man, even if he did have a beautiful smile.

  He noticed her study of him. “Is something amiss, my lady?”

  Caught out, Evelyn wondered if she should reveal her musings to him. “Nay, I am tired. Will you not accompany me back to the castle?”

  Gabriel looked a little taken aback by her request though she could well understand why. She was not given to behave warmly towards him and she doubted it had passed his notice.

  He motioned for her skulking guard to leave. “It would be my honour, Lady Evelyn.”

  They walked leisurely through the narrow streets, their arms brushing occasionally. Evelyn found herself highly conscious the large man at her side, sneaking glimpses of his strong profile while noticing the fearful glances he garnered from the peasants. She was certain there was good reason behind the looks, the rumours of Tibald’s tyranny could not be wholly false, and she already knew Gabriel took on most of the duties. She could only assume he was a weapon of terror, wielded by Tibald, to keep his people in line.

  As they rounded a corner, the keep now directly in front of them, a young boy dashed into Gabriel’s leg connecting solidly with his hard thigh and falling down with a bump. Fearing Gabriel’s temper Evelyn went to help the lad up but Gabriel got there before her and helped him to his feet, his large hands making the boys skinny arms look fragile.

  “Careful lad.”

  Evelyn looked on astonished, as Gabriel gave the lad a warm look while the child looked at him fearfully and, with a mumbled apology, dashed off as quickly as his little legs could carry him.

  Shaking his head he motioned to Evelyn to continue on. “Shall we?”

  Questions burned in Evelyn’s mind, the image of Gabriel helping the boy so inconsistent with what she already knew of him. And the fear in the boys eyes? She had not imagined that.

  “Sir Gabriel, that boy was petrified of you.” The words tumbled out of her mouth unexpectedly, but driven by her burning need to understand the man.

  “Aye, that he was.”

  They reached the stone steps leading into the keep and they paused at the bottom of them as Gabriel turned to her. Seeing she was not satisfied with his answer he continued.

  “‘Tis true they fear me, ‘twould do no good to have it any other way. I am not here to be their friend, Evelyn.”

  “Surely
‘tis not necessary to incite fear to wield your power? I should not be content with my villeins fearing me so.”

  “‘Tis the nature of the beast. You cannot compare your settlement to one such as Etone. These people have spent a lifetime under Tibald’s rule and they are wild. They know no other way.”

  “I do not believe it. You may play the role of the ignorant servant but you cannot pretend that you do not know there are better ways.” She eyed him, annoyed at his subservience to such a man. How could he just accept that as the way of things?

  Giving her a smirk that verged on patronising, she could feel her heckles rise. “If only it were that easy, Evelyn.”

  Shaking her head in exasperation, she gathered her skirts and started up the steps before whirling around to face him once more. “Spoken like that of a man who traded his soul to the devil long ago. Good day, Sir.”

  Before she could see his reaction, she dashed up the steps into the relative safety of the castle walls, hoping he would not pursue her, her pulse racing with annoyance and trepidation. Nevertheless, she could not help but smile as she pushed herself against the cool stone wall, wondering what affect her words had on him.

  ***

  Evelyn saw little of Gabriel the next day and for want of something to do she began some embroidery, a hobby she had usually scorned as a great waste of time much to her father’s dismay. Settling herself onto one of the benches in the Great Hall, she sat under the watchful gaze of Lord Tibald. Grateful for the excuse to remain quiet, she feigned great concentration and prayed he would not ask to examine her work as she was not at all accomplished.

  Male shouts in the courtyard drew her attention and she watched, startled, as Gabriel walked awkwardly into the hall, clutching at his side. His clothes were torn, his face smeared with blood.

  “What’s happened?” asked Tibald angrily.