Page 9 of Halloween Knight (A Knights Through Time Romance #17)
The morning sun streamed through the window slit, awakening William. The sennight had passed much too quickly. He rose from the bed, stretching his arms overhead before quietly padding across the stone floor to peer outside.
Forty miles to York and as of this day, it might as well have been four hundred. Loathe to leave Lucy when there was sickness in the village, William looked upon the rocky cliffs and endless sea, thinking.
Nay, he could not incur the king’s displeasure by delaying, not with winter coming, and the king, impulsive as always, might decide Blackford would be of better use under another lord’s purview.
William glanced at his still-sleeping wife. Lucy’s hair fanned across the pillow, her lips parted slightly as she dreamed. He ached to return to bed, take her in his arms and spend the day together, but alas, duty called.
After washing and dressing, William bent to gently kiss Lucy on the forehead, smiling when she murmured in her sleep, before he slipped from their chamber.
Down in the great hall, servants were already bustling about preparing food for him to break his fast. William sat at the high table, enjoying a meal of bread, cheese, and ale brought by a timid new maid.
He was finishing a second cup of ale when his captain, Wymund, approached with a bow.
“The men are ready, my lord. Eighteen guards, as instructed.”
William wiped his mouth and left the cloth on the table. He’d dressed in his usual black tunic and hose for the journey.
“Let us be off then. I’m eager to procure horses worthy of the king’s stables and expand our own stables.” He met his captain’s grave gaze. “We will not tarry, not with sickness spreading across the land.”
Wymund leaned closer, lowering his voice. “The village priest is most displeased that your lady has not yet brought a priest to the chapel here. The old rumors are starting up again.”
“Father Michael does not care for my wife. She said the new priest is traveling here and should arrive within a day or so.” Lips pressed together, William clenched his jaw.
“Speak to the men. I want her guarded at all times.” He grimaced. “There are times Lucy is not careful with her words and actions.”
Knowing better than to smirk, his captain simply inclined his head. “It will be done.”
The two men strode from the hall and into the courtyard, where mounted knights awaited them as servants scurried about, efficiently filling saddlebags with supplies.
William clapped Albin on the back as the squire hurried to do his duty .
Then he swung astride the black palfrey, looking forward to the adventure, even as he wished to stay with his family. This horse had come from Silverwood Manor, where they were going, and was nearly fifteen hands high, with an even temperament.
“Shall we ride, my lord?” Wymund looked to him.
With a glance at the upper windows, he nodded. “The sooner we depart, the sooner we may return.”
The clatter of hooves on stone rang out as the cavalcade of armed men rode under the raised portcullis and over the drawbridge.
Once across, William turned for one last glimpse of his home. Blackford rose formidable and imposing from the clifftops, the stone walls smooth as glass. The old king had said even the devil could not breach them. William hoped he was right.
Their route took them east, following the shoreline. Gulls cried overhead, diving to pluck fish from the steel blue sea. The pungent smell of brine filled William’s nostrils.
As a child, he dreamed of the lands he would one day explore. Now a man grown, he had conquered foes from Scotland to France, winning riches and renown. Blackford was his and William would see it passed down to his son, along with the title.
By midmorning the sea gave way to patchwork fields and farming villages. Peasants looked up from their labors to bow as William and his knights thundered past.
Around noon, William called a halt by a shallow stream so the horses could drink and graze. The men ate hearty rye loaves of bread, which William preferred to the wheat bread he ate at home.
They had brought salted meat, fish, and cheese, along with dried fruit and plenty of ale and wine. At night they would stay at an inn and partake of the meals there, but during the day, ’twas easier and safer to stop and eat on the road.
They refilled their skins with water, preparing to ride on. One of the men called out as a lone woman driving a goat-drawn cart approached. William stood to greet her.
“God be with you, mistress.”
“And with you, my lord,” she replied, eyeing the men. “Best not to stop in the next village. Many have the pox.” She crossed herself.
William considered this news with a frown before turning to the men, who were busy packing up their gear.
“We sleep rough tonight, avoid the village.”
After wishing the woman safe travels, William mounted up, and they continued on until they found a place to make camp for the night, taking turns to watch for bandits.
The roads were muddy; the rain starting soon after they had stopped for the night, not letting up the entire way, adding almost a day to their travels.
On the morn of the third day, they came to York. The clip-clop of the hooves echoed off the buildings as they rode down narrow streets to an inn William had stayed in before.
After he secured accommodations for his men, they enjoyed a hearty supper. The innkeeper crossed himself and said the pox had already passed.
Once they had eaten, William asked for a bath and retired early, determined to rise at dawn and ride out to Silverwood Manor to inspect the horses.
The earl was known for having the best horses in the country.
He was confident he would please his king and acquire several additional horses for Blackford.
Silverwood Manor was located on the outskirts of York, situated on a vast expanse of rolling, lush countryside. A noble and old estate renowned throughout the kingdom for its beauty and the unmatched quality of its horse breeding.
The manor itself was a majestic stone structure, its imposing facade adorned with intricately carved details that showcased the wealth and prestige of the Earl of Silverwood, though he was not as wealthy as William.
Tall, arched windows graced the exterior, allowing sunlight to filter into the luxurious chambers within, and William shuddered at the thought of defending this home should a skirmish come to the gates.
Ivy clung to the aged stone walls, providing a picturesque contrast to the manor’s imposing presence.
Beyond the stables, the estate grounds extended into pasture where mares and foals roamed freely, enjoying the verdant landscape.
“The Butcher of Blackford. A messenger arrived yesterday from the king, saying you were on your way. About bloody time.”
Charles, the Earl of Silverwood, stood in the center of the stables, cheeks ruddy, belly straining against his heavily embroidered coat.
“I see you’ve run to fat.” William clapped him on the back.
“Aye.” Charles nodded, patting his belly. “My wife likes a bit of padding on a man.”
The earl was known for his prodigious appetite and love for his wife, a common merchant’s daughter, though one who came to the marriage with an enormous dowry. They had four children and ’twas said the lady wanted an even dozen.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you to Silverwood Manor. I trust your journey was uneventful?”
William returned the handshake with a gracious nod.
“Thank you, Charles. The journey was as smooth as one could hope for in these times. The pox has come to Blackford Village, so I must not tarry, as much as I would enjoy riding out and hunting with you. Another time?”
The man nodded. “Aye. Next time you will bring your wife, whom I’ve heard so much about.”
They talked and caught up on court gossip as Charles led William through the stables.
Charles’s eyes gleamed with pride as he gestured to the magnificent creatures. “Tell me, what qualities are you seeking in the horses for His Majesty and for yourself?”
William, a seasoned horseman, considered his response carefully.
“For His Majesty, I require horses of both strength and grace, animals that will carry him with dignity on any occasion. As for myself, I seek a few that possess the speed and agility required for both hunting and travel.”
Charles nodded thoughtfully. “I have just the horses in mind.”
As they walked through the stables, Charles provided a detailed account of each horse’s lineage, temperament, and unique qualities.
William listened attentively, assessing each horse as they passed. After examining several, he came to a stop before a striking bay, its sleek coat gleaming in the soft light.
“This one,” he declared, voice filled with admiration. “This palfrey has the bearing and spirit I seek for the king. What say you, Charles?”
The Earl of Silverwood nodded, a smile of approval on his face. “An excellent choice. He will serve His Majesty well.”
They continued inspecting the horses as William selected six for the king and four for his own personal stables .
After the selections were made and arrangements confirmed, Charles extended his hand once more.
“I am honored to have had the opportunity to provide His Majesty and you with these exceptional horses.”
William, dressed in his black velvet surcoat, embroidered with a hellhound, his coat of arms, clapped his old friend on the back, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.
“I thank you, Charles. The king will be most pleased.”
With business concluded faster than anticipated, William decided to let the men enjoy themselves this night and in the morn, four of the men, including young Albin, would take the horses he’d purchased to Blackford, while William and the rest of the men would travel to London to deliver the horses to the king.
The young squire had done well on this trip.
Lucy was right that the lad needed a bit of an adventure.
Albin’s eyes were huge when they’d arrived in London, and even bigger when he saw the comings and goings at court.
Since he had shown himself well, William sent him back with the men, telling him to watch over the horses.
Jason would be so excited to have his very own horse as would Peter.
The men would have his youngest on a horse before he could walk.
William sent a message with a departing merchant, telling Lucy he was leaving York in the morn to travel to London, and hoped to be home in a fortnight if all went well.