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Tied In Knots
Roland and his companions were dressed and ready when word came at daybreak. Horses were waiting and their men had been alerted.
He’d slept fitfully, worried about Adelina. Resentment too had kept him awake. His ancestors had fought to establish Norman rule in England. The family patriarch had been rewarded with an English earldom for his faithful service to the Conqueror. He and his countess had sacrificed a great deal to bring prosperity and stability to the Marches. In all likelihood, Ram de Montbryce had visited Chester, seat of a fellow earl, and been received as an honored guest.
Now, Roland and his kin were fugitives, hidden away and obliged to flee at dawn.
“At least we know there are some honorable men left in England,” Terric said, apparently sensing Roland’s turmoil. “John hasn’t tainted them all.”
Some of his anxiety fled when Adelina came straight into his embrace as soon as they entered a small courtyard. “I missed you,” she whispered.
“I missed you too,” he replied, stroking her hair.
A loud cough from Terric broke them apart. “Good morrow, sister. Can you spare a kiss of welcome for your brother?”
Roland decided it was time to let Terric know he and Adelina had committed to each other, but de Lacy came upon the scene, a small rolled parchment in hand. “You are official couriers, bound for Ellesmere with an important message for the earl,” he explained, handing the document to Roland. “It’s doubtful anyone who challenges you will have the temerity to break open my seal. Be sure to give William my best regards.”
Roland shook the Constable’s hand. “It will be many a year before we can adequately repay you for the risk you are taking in aiding us,” he said.
De Lacy shook his head. “There are few Norman families like yours that still embody the ideals of honor and nobility. I am glad to be of service. One day…”
Adelina stood on tiptoe to bestow a kiss on the older man’s cheek when he seemed unable to continue. “We all pray for that day, my lord,” she said.
Terric and Adrien shook de Lacy’s hand.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to double up on the horses,” the Constable lamented. “The provisions should last if you’re careful.”
Roland seized the opportunity. “Adelina will ride with me,” he declared.
Terric opened his mouth, but quickly closed it when he saw the bright smile on his sister’s face.
* * *
Dressed in a clean gown—one of Marguerite’s—and protected by her mother’s cloak, Adelina felt more confident about the road ahead. She considered herself a good rider, having galloped across the South Downs since childhood. She’d slept for a few hours, though the isolation from her companions hadn’t made for a deep sleep.
She was only too happy to put her arms around Roland’s waist, nestle into his broad back and let him control the horse.
The stern set of Terric’s face showed his displeasure for the first hour or two. When they stopped around midday to water the horses, Roland cocked his leg over the horse’s neck, quickly dismounted then helped her down. Terric sneered, took his share of bread and smoked meats and sought a place by himself on a fallen log.
“He’s struggling,” Roland whispered, handing her one of the sacks of provisions. “Talk to him.”
She accepted the food and walked to sit beside her brother. “Don’t be angry,” she said.
He continued to stare into the swiftly flowing water.
“Do you begrudge my happiness?” she asked, fully aware such a questions would rile him.
“You know I don’t,” he replied wearily, still avoiding her gaze.
“Do you not like Roland?”
“I love and respect him like the brother I never had.”
“But you aren’t happy that I love him too.”
He inhaled deeply. “Unworthy wretch that I am, I confess I am jealous.”
She linked his arm and leaned into him. “Unworthy is something you will never be, Terric. You have taken care of me since I was a child. We’ve depended on each other for so long, it’s perhaps difficult to make room for another.”
