Medieval Master Swordsmen(456)

“That will not be necessary,” Fergus said quietly.

Derica searched his eyes, her tears renewing. “You know where he is, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“Oh… Fergus,” she began to sob again. “Where is he? I must go to him.”

Fergus was pleased that he didn’t have to lie to her. “I brought him back to Cilgarren.”

“Sweet Jesus!” Derica gasped. “I must go there at once, do you hear? At once!”

“You shall,” Fergus soothed her. “I shall return you today.”

Keller let out a piercing whistle. Fergus looked over to see that he was hailing some men-at-arms in the bailey. Keller quickly issued some orders to them, his intentions obvious.

“There is no need for your escort, sir knight,” Fergus said steadily. “I shall escort the lady to Cilgarren myself.”

Keller cast him a long look. “Though I thank you for your offer, you will not be offended if I insist on personally escorting my betrothed.”

Fergus stood his ground. “I am not offended in the least. But I assure you that I am quite trustworthy and capable of protecting my lady. There is no need to pull you from your duties here at Pembroke.”

“I have no other duties as important as my lady’s wishes.”

Fergus didn’t know what to do. Quickly, he ran all avenues in his mind and kept coming back to the same one. He had to tell them both the truth before this grew out of hand. The Marshal be damned; he could see a very bad situation rising. For Garren’s sake, he had to spill the truth.

“May we speak inside, privately?”

It was a question directed at both Keller and Derica. Keller’s reply was to cast him another long look before turning to lead them inside the keep. Fergus had hold of Derica as they entered the enormous structure. To the right, they entered the solar and Keller closed the doors. It was cold, like a tomb, but Keller didn’t light a fire, not even for Derica. He didn’t want Fergus to get too comfortable.

Fergus had been given little time to think of what he was about to say, but he knew for certain that he had to be clear. Keller de Poyer was in the more powerful position to refuse him everything. He wisely surmised that he had to plead to Derica; it was the only hope they would have of being allowed to leave Pembroke.

He therefore focused on her. Putting both hands on her arms, he physically braced her for what he was about to say.

“There is something you must know,” he said softly, glancing at Keller as he spoke. “Something you both should know.”

“What, Fergus?” Derica asked earnestly. “Is it something about Garren?”

Fergus nodded, somewhat ironically. “Yes, love.” He could feel Keller tense as he used the affectionate term, but he paid it no heed. He focused deeply into Derica’s eyes. “I want you to listen to me and understand every word I say.”

“Of course, Fergus.”

“What were you told of Garren’s death?”

She wasn’t sure how to answer. “Simply that he gave his life in the service of the king.”

“Nothing else?”

“No,” she shook her head, sudden fear in her eyes. “Why? Did something awful happen to him?”

Before Fergus could answer, Keller spoke. “Don’t frighten her, de Edwin,” he growled. “There are things she does not need to hear.”

“I realize that,” Fergus said patiently. “I would not dream of frightening or horrifying her. But I must tell you both the truth.”

“Truth of what?” Derica insisted.

Fergus chose his words carefully. He pulled Derica to sit in the nearest chair, kneeling before her, his hands holding hers.

“The Marshal was mistaken, love,” he said quietly, steadily. “Garren is at Cilgarren Castle. He is very much alive and in excellent health. He has come home to you.”

Slowly, Derica’s eyes widened. Then they widened more. It seemed to be the only reaction she was capable of. Suddenly, she bolted out of the chair, screaming at the top of her lungs. It startled Keller. Fergus had hold of her hands; otherwise, she would have surely bolted away.

“He is alive?” she cried.

“The ibis has returned. The alligators could not keep him from you, no matter what you have been told.”

“The ibis… my God, the ibis!” The old reference sang in her ears once again. “Fergus, take me to him now!”

She was like a wild horse as he tried to keep hold of her. “I will, love, I will. We’ll go this instant.”

“Alive?” Keller repeated, both confused and stunned. “I don’t understand. How could the Marshal have been mistaken?”