Page 12 of Halloween Knight (A Knights Through Time Romance #17)

He finished giving his credentials. “I am well-versed in the scriptures, masses, and rites expected of a priest. Besides providing spiritual guidance to the castle residents, I will deliver sermons and perform sacraments. My conviction lies in serving all of God's children.

Lucy nodded. “I think you will do well here, Father John.”

He bowed his head. “I am honored, my lady. I promise to serve you and the lord of the castle, and all its inhabitants, with devoted spiritual guidance.”

As he examined the chapel, Lucy could tell there was something bothering him. The castle chapel was small, maybe he’d been expecting something grander for his first posting?

There were two small rooms at the back of the chapel, one for sleeping, the other boasted a good-sized hearth, a table, and three chairs where he could speak with any who would seek out his counsel.

During their walk from the chapel to the kitchens, she told him when they took meals and that she would have new clothes and shoes provided for him for which he was most grateful .

Finally, when he had still said nothing, she decided to just ask.

“Is something wrong? Is the chapel not to your liking?”

Father John stopped, wringing his hands. “Nay, it is most beautiful. It is just…”

He gave a small shake of his head, then stood up straight, looking her in the eye.

“I have a sister, Isabelle. She recently found herself with child. The man who had promised to marry her left. Turns out he already has a wife and two children. Isabelle claims she did not know.”

He risked a glance at her and whatever he saw in her face must have given him the courage to continue.

“She is a healer, and I wondered if she might be of use here?”

“Shut the front door.”

The man took a step back.

Lucy let out a small laugh, waving a hand in front of her face. “Don’t mind me, I’m just excited. Our healer passed from fever last year, as did the priest. She would be most welcome here.”

Father John took her hand. “I thank you, my lady.”

Lucy was so happy the castle would have a healer again, and Catherine could continue her apprenticeship that she almost skipped the rest of the way to the kitchens.

Once in the warm room, she saw him fed, then left him to get acquainted with the grounds and told let the steward know if there was anything he needed.

She made a mental note to let Catherine know a healer would be arriving in a few weeks so she could continue her training.

With plenty of time before dinner, Lucy went up to the nursery in search of her children .

When she entered the room, Jason held up his wooden horse for her to see. “Horse!”

“Such a beautiful horse,” Lucy said, taking a moment to admire the toy. It was a simple thing, yet crafted with care. A gift from Norbert, the carpenter, who had carved it for him after he saw how much Jason adored the horses.

Lucy kissed the top of Jason’s head, his soft hair tickling her lips. “You will be a knight like your father one day.”

After she’d brushed his teeth, Lucy took them on a walk outside the castle walls, laughing as Jason tried to catch a bird that flew by.

Mabel carried Peter in her arms. He was fast asleep, warm in the woolen blanket.

While Lucy played with Jason, Mabel sat on a rock with Peter in her arms and a smile on her face. The girl came from a family of seven and Lucy had taken her in when they perished from fever last winter. The fever had taken a handful from the castle and fourteen in the village.

The sound of horses thundering across the ground had her grabbing Jason, making him yelp as she pulled him behind her. Why hadn’t she brought the guards with her?

When she saw it was a guard from the castle, her heart beat faster at the look on his face.

“What? Is there word from Lord Blackford?”

The man dismounted. “Nay, lady. A messenger arrived at the castle. We did not let him in, as he had spots on his face.” He held out the message for her.

“You did well.”

Lucy noted the wax seal was of a hog. When she opened the message, the ground split and she fell into the abyss.

I am the sister you seek. Come to Beverley. I will wait for you at St. John’s Well. Tell no one, for I am in grave danger.

“My lady?” The man took a step closer.

“I am well.” Lucy shook her head, willing the blood to flow through her veins again.

How could it be? Had Melinda or Charlotte somehow traveled through time? And if so, how long had they been looking for her?

She refused his offer to ride back with him, needing the time it would take her and the boys to walk, to think about what she might do.

Why hadn’t her sister, whichever one it was, put something in the message only she would know?

Trying to appear normal, she asked Mabel about the well.

“Aye, I know the well. ’Tis a holy well and will cure what ails you.” She frowned at Lucy. “Are ye ill, my lady?”

Lucy waved a hand. “No, but I have been having trouble with my eyesight and heard in the village that a visit to the well would cure me.”

Mabel brightened. “The water will, mistress. It is most powerful.”

After they ate, Lucy talked to Thomas about the journey.

He wasn’t thrilled that she didn’t want to wait for William to return, but when she agreed to take six armed guards along with her lady’s maid, he relented.

She told him she wanted to leave tomorrow so they would be back before William returned.

She simply told Thomas that she had to seek the healing powers of the well.

Sometimes it was nice being the lady of the castle, so no one questioned her.

The next morning, Lucy kissed the children goodbye and told Mabel they would be back in a sennight.

Unable to hold the excitement in, Lucy kept rereading the note.

It had to be Charlotte. She was so adventurous.

Surely it was she who had come to find Lucy?

What had happened that she was in danger and could not come to Blackford herself?

They had to hurry. Medieval England was not a safe place for a woman on her own, no matter how adventurous.

She’d dressed warmly and made sure Margery would have the gray palfrey to ride on the journey, as the horse had an even temper and would happily follow Buttercup anywhere.

Wait until William found out. It would be so wonderful to have Charlotte here at Blackford. If anyone had harmed her, Lucy wouldn’t hesitate to bring the full brunt of the power Blackford wielded down on whomever had hurt her sister.

With a dagger in the pocket of her cloak, two more in her boots, and men armed to the teeth, Lucy was ready to find her sister and help her out of whatever trouble she found herself in.