Page 46 of Lion and the Lamb: Easter

Chapter 15

“Well, I’m sorry I didn’t believe you, Winifred, and that I accused your boyfriend of being part of the smuggling ring,” said Lionel the next day as everyone congregated in the courtyard of Castle Hatchet. It was Holy Saturday and they had all attended mass, and then watched a passion play depicting the life of Christ that was put on by the children.

Even though tomorrow was Easter, the celebration had already begun. All the hard-boiled eggs being collected from the past six weeks had been decorated and were being used by the children in egg rolling games, or egg tapping, where the last egg to crack signified the winner.

It was a happy day for Lionel. They’d managed to catch the smugglers and lock them away in his dungeon for now. Father Anthony even confessed that he wasn’t really a priest at all. He’d used the opportunity of Father Ezekiel’s death to pretend he was the new priest. That made it so much easier to find out things from people during confession, and to help smuggle the goods through the tunnels, hiding the stolen goods at the church. After all, no one would think twice about trusting a priest.

The man had indeed used his nephew, Gilly, to find out from Winifred things he needed to know about the shipments and where Lionel stored things that they later stole from him. It seemed even though Winifred and Gilly were feeding the man information, they didn’t realize what they were doing.

“Watch this, Father,” said Drew, pulling a wooden sword from his belt, using it to spar with another young boy.

“You’re learning fast,” said Lionel with a chuckle, ruffling the boy’s hair. “Before you know it, you’ll be a knight.”

“I can’t wait to be a knight,” said Drew, his whole face lighting up with Lionel’s praise.

Lionel reached out and took Rachael’s hand in his as they walked across the courtyard. He’d never felt happier. After all, tomorrow was Easter and he’d be able to eat all his favorite things again. Not to mention, he’d finally be able to make love to his sweet wife.

“Look at the eggs we dyed, Father,” said Winifred, pointing to a basket of hard-boiled eggs that Gilly carried for her.

“The brown ones were soaked in onion skins and the red ones were dyed with beets,” said Gilly, pointing them out. “I even painted Winnie’s name on this one,” he said, holding one up to show them. Winifred smiled so much that Lionel wasn’t even sure she was really his daughter. She had gone back to wearing gowns again, and her hair was growing longer. She no longer wore boy’s clothes, and spent a lot of time in the ladies solar, and caring for her new little cousin.

“I can’t wait for Hocktide to begin,” said Winifred, smiling at Gilly.

Hocktide consisted of the few days following Easter. On Monday, the men could tie up a woman of his choice, and in order to be released, she had to give him a kiss. On Tuesday, the tides were turned. If the chosen man wanted to be free of his binds, he would have to make a donation to the church.

“No kissing, Daughter,” warned Lionel. “I’ll be watching you.”

Winifred’s face blushed as she and Gilly exchanged glances and she giggled.

“Lionel, he’s here. Charles has arrived!” shouted Lily, running across the courtyard cradling Baby Lionel.

“Be careful, my lady,” yelled Agnes, running after her with outstretched arms as if she thought the baby would fall.

“Now who’s worrying too much, Agnes?” Rachael called out, teasing her handmaid.

The trumpets sounded and Sir Charles rode over the drawbridge into the courtyard, accompanied by several other men that Lionel had never seen before.

“I wonder who came with him?” asked Lionel.

Rachael was laughing and looked up, and her mouth dropped open wide. “That’s my father and my brothers!” she shouted, letting go of his hand and running to greet them.

Rachael hurried across the courtyard,throwing herself into her father’s arms as soon as he dismounted.

“Father!” she said, kissing him on the cheek. It had been five years since she’d seen him and she was so happy to have him back once again.

“When we got back to the castle, Uncle told us you and Drew were here,” came a voice from behind her.

Rachael turned around to see her brothers standing there.

“Milton! Simon!” she cried, hugging her brothers, getting swallowed up between them. They were tall and big, and very strong. “It is so good to see you again. I am so happy that you are here.”

“We brought someone with us,” said Milton, stepping aside as another man walked up.

“You remember my good friend, Sir Clifford DuPont, don’t you, Sister?” asked Simon. “After all, he is your betrothed.”

“Oh. Sir Clifford. Of course,” she said, her eyes darting over to Lionel who was walking up to greet them. Winifred and Gilly were at his side.

“Grandfather!” cried Drew, running to Rachael’s father.