Kingdom of Dragons Read online

  Carwyn laughed. “It’s not that bad,” said Carwyn. “In fact, it’s rather nice,” he smiled.

  “Nice,” said Merry. “You’ve got to be joking. What scar is nice?”

  “It sort of, I don’t know,” he grinned and traced his finger over the scar. “It sort of adds to your character.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “It’s true and besides it’s hardly noticeable unless you point it out and your beautiful hair covers it most of the time.”

  “Well, perhaps we could make him a few recommendations then. Or I could tell him I’m barren which in all courtesy could be the truth. I was married for eight years and never produced a child. Surely the king at his age will want a fertile, young woman and I’m neither of those.” Carwyn burst into laughter and his two companions turned around with anticipation.

  “Did we miss something?” asked Sir Blackley.

  “No, nothing,” said Carwyn. “Stop telling tales, Merry! You’ll get me in trouble.”

  “But with all due respect sir, you should seriously consider my position as well. Like I said, I never produced a child. Perhaps someone else would be more beneficial to you. You know some young pretty fertile thing.”

  He rolled his eyes and sighed wearily. “Don’t say such things Merry, it’s you I want,’ he whispered. A very serious glance passed between them and it seemed as if Merry was back to normal but she hid her worried state within her as she went upstairs that night and the following morning she was surprised to find Carwyn and Crew and Blackley had departed once again.

  “Where’s Lord Carwyn?” she asked when he didn’t come downstairs. Agnes was about to reply when her mother cut in.

  “He left early this morning with Lord Crew and Sir Blackley.”

  “Really? They only just returned.”

  “Yes, well, a messenger came in the night and they saddled and left straight away.”

  “Where did they go?’

  “I don’t know my dear but do not worry. I’m sure they can look after themselves. They will be back soon.”

  “Oh . . . of course,” Merry agreed amidst feelings of uncertainty.

  It was late evening when Sir Jamie arrived with an army of men and the news that Sir Lionel had fled across the channel to safety for fear of being arrested by the Duke’s men. Lord Godwyn went directly to the Great Hall and a guard came through the door and announced, “Sir Jamie, of Mercia of the house De Winter.”

  “Send him in,” said Lord Godwyn anxiously for he knew Sir Jamie brought news of the state of the kingdom and his son Lionel who had gone to London.

  Jamie walked in briskly and stood before him, his eagle banner was vibrant on his cape and he sighed deeply in regret for what he was about to tell Lord Godwyn. “Sir, I…” and he paused.

  “Yes, Sir Jamie. What news have you? What of my son Lionel? Have you heard anything?”

  “Yes sir. I will tell you what I know. Sir Lionel arrived in London to find that his wife, the Lady Elizabeth had been arrested for spying and was sentenced to be executed. He snuck into the tower under cover of night and helped her escape. He is now wanted by the crown.”

  “I’ve been informed of that news,” said Godwyn. “I had a visit from Sir Roderick Whitlock, and Lord Payne. What else have you heard? Where is he? Is he safe?”

  “I can assure you both are safe mi’lord. He escaped on a boat and went to France with the Lady Elizabeth.”

  “France?” said Godwyn in surprise. “They are both in France.”

  “Yes, mi’lord. He’s gone to the estate of Henri Marchant.

  “He will not return then. It would be too dangerous.” Jamie nodded in agreement and dread filled Lord Godwyn. “Who would have thought he would be driven out in such a way. My eldest son. He would have been Lord of Berwyck one day.”

  “When all of this is over sir, he will come back.”

  “Yes, of course. He will. Have you any other news, Sir Jamie?”

  “The Duke’s army is advancing. It’s only a matter of time before his army reaches the north sir. I’ve brought with me men from the houses of Rhinehart, Rochester, Allan, Lord Roderick Carver and some others. He is waging war around the kingdom and threatening death to any who oppose him. We’ll be ready when he arrives.”

  “Good,” said Godwyn. “And hopefully we’re fighting an army and not a dragon.” Then he turned to his son. “Gilbert see that the men are set up in the knight’s quarters and the rooms at the back of the castle. See to it that they have whatever they require.”

  “Yes sir,” he replied.

  As we expected. Anything else?” he asked for he feared there was something else he wished to tell him but hadn’t.

  “Well, I also came to inform you mi’lord that….”

  “Yes, Sir Jamie.”

  “Well . . . Sir Simon has been arrested for treason and placed in the tower.”

  “Sir Simon? In the tower?” He was truly shocked. “This cannot be!”

  “I’m sorry sir.”

  “Sir Simon has been my dearest friend, like a brother to me.”

  “I know Sir, I’m sorry. He has been like a father to me and to many I am sure. The kind of man who was always quick to take the orphans, the forgotten and the rejected under his wing.”

  “God bless him for it,” said Godwyn with tears in his eyes. “We must advance for the sake of the kingdom and to maintain freedom. The time we anticipated a few months ago is here and if we do not fight we shall lose the kingdom.”

  “The riders sent out by Lord Carwyn are making progress and shall report back here when there missions are complete. There has been a lot of indifferent behaviour to Edward’s return.” said Jamie. “I shall report back to you within the next week sir and with me an army ready and able.”

  And no sooner had Sir Jamie left that another visitor arrived. It was a visitor that Lady Meridyth and any other Godwyn for that matter would not have expected on Godwyn soil. His arrival came like any other with the steward entering the great hall at evening time and approaching Lord Godwyn who was enjoying the evening meal and entertainment and conversations with family and Meridyth had joined her family this night but she was still unsettled about this idea of betrothal and what her future held for her.

  “Mi’Lord, a visitor, sir.”

  “Ah yes, who?”

  “Sir Benedict Greyson, sir.”

  “Benedict Greyson?” he asked in bewilderment. The Greyson’s were enemies of the Godwyn’s and all the Lion clans. To have one visit Berwyck was a strange occasion indeed. The last time Godwyn had dealt with a Greyson was when Lord Tybalt Greyson who had deviously tricked Sir Hywel Handel out of hundreds of gold coins. It was a devious treachery and the news of it spread though out the Isles like a wildfire leaving a devastation in its wake as it seemed every Greyson did wherever they went. And now there was a Greyson at his very doors and not to mention the very Greyson that was mentioned in relation to his daughter Meridyth. Was this some trick or deceit of the enemy? He knew he had to find out. “See him in,” he responded awkwardly after several seconds of thought.

  The steward disappeared and Godwyn’s eyes met Meridyth’s momentarily and she looked away quickly as if she was unraveled by this news. Her confident stance seemed to freeze , her tone paled and her eyes looked exasperated.

  He walked in smoothly like a slithering snake and he grinned at Meridyth on the other side of the table. Godwyn sat up straight in his chair and waited for him to speak. Meridyth noticed he hadn’t changed much in appearance. He was tall and good looking with fair hair and nice strong bones and he wore the fine clothing of a wealthy merchant’s son.

  Greyson bowed and nodded. “Welcome, Sir Greyson or should I address you as . . . the elfgar?”

  “Benedict please. Lord Godwyn, sir. I am most grateful to be received here at Berwyck. Thank you for your kindness sir, in spite of…our family differences.”

  “I am a man of fairness,” said Godwyn. “I believe in living as the scr
ipture says that we must forgive our enemies as the good Lord forgives us. But I am not ignorant, Sir Benedict. Don’t forget that.”

  “Of course sir. I know our families have had their differences and believe me I regret the stand of my family in the past in consideration of your family and this kingdom. I come to you now with a transformed heart in the sight of God. I wish to express my sorrow for past actions and ask your forgiveness. I inform you I have deserted the allegiance of the dragon and wish to join the Lion forces.”

  There was extreme silence for several moments and Merry’s eyes scoured him thoroughly and he glanced at her and softly grinned. “We have much to talk about Sir,” said Lord Godwyn. “But sit and eat, have some wine. I can tell from your eyes you have journeyed long on the road.”

  “Thank you sir for your kindness.” He sat in the nearest chair and the servants came and attended him with food and wine. “Sir, I feel I must tell you of the degree of my circumstances which have led to this sudden transformation.”

  “The degree of your circumstances?” Godwyn surmised suspiciously and Greyson nodded. “Please enlighten us,” said Godwyn.

  “Yes sir. You see I was travelling on the road heading towards London. It started off no different than any other road journey. A little fun here and there. However this journey was slightly different than all the others.”

  “In what way?” asked Godwyn with curiosity and the room was very silent and all were listening intently. Everyone at the table and even the servants and the guards for Greyson was a notorious scoundrel.

  “Well I was heading towards London and I had just had an altercation with Lord Coombes and I had just beat him at a game of chess with a victory benefit of a hundred pounds. I was on my horse and galloping down the coastal road when suddenly my vision went blurry. I pulled over and hopped off the horse and by the time I did I couldn’t see a thing. I sat there in utter despair totally unaware of my surroundings. I sat there in complete darkness and for the first time in a long time I realized how helpless and foolish I was. One minute I had it all and the next minute, the light went out and it was all gone. Can you believe that Sir?”

  “It must have been frightening for you. What did you do?”

  “Well I sat down on the side of the road and prayed for the first time. Suddenly all my wrongs were laid out before me and I realized how very wretched I really was and I prayed earnestly and asked God to help me. And after several moments I heard a voice call out to me. Benedict, Benedict. I replied, I’m here. I’m here. A hand reached out and grabbed onto mine and pulled me up and I stood to my feet. He said where are you going? I said I’m heading to London, but I can’t see. My sight is gone. I was very upset but his voice was soothing and peaceful and I calmed down considerably as we walked along hand in hand. And he asked me, do you believe? And I thought, believe what? So I asked him, do I believe what? He answered do you believe in the God of heaven and earth? I said well yes, generally. He said do you believe that the good Lord died on the cross for your sins? And I replied well that’s what I was taught as a young man and he said but do you believe it and I said I don’t know. He was quiet for a moment and he said, why are you persecuting the lord your saviour? I was astonished and I knew he was referring to my questionable behaviour and the way I had treated many in recent months and years. I suddenly felt very grieved for my behaviour as the memory of things came back to mind and I sat there on the road pondering my life and grieving for my past actions and sins. I am not sure what length of time passed and he finally said. Your sins are forgiven. Receive the grace of the Lord. I said what did you say? But he didn’t answer me and after a few moments my vision cleared and I could see a great light in the heavens. This man who had spoken to me was nowhere in sight. He vanished and I never saw him at all. I’ve never been a religious man nor a superstitious one but I believe he was an angel of the Lord sent to help me in my hour of need. And I had a desire to put right my wrongs, Sir. That is why you find me here thrust upon your doorstep at such a time as this. I am your devoted servant, sir.”

  Godwyn considered his words with deep thought but Merry eyed him suspiciously for she knew a side of Sir Benedict that many did not know. She knew he could be scheming and unscrupulous. He was the kind to get one in a well trusted position and then use intimidation and pressure to take everything they had and held dear to them. She doubted his allegiance with all her heart. She was now on guard more than ever and she knew a confrontation with him would be inevitable but what would she say to him.

  The following morning Merry rose and dressed with an urgency to proceed to the library. It was a cold morning and the fireplace in that room was large and sitting near it gave great warmth and she pulled a shawl around her shoulders and raced down the hall. It was very early and there were several stewards about moving up and down the halls and she made her way quickly to the maze of halls to the back of the castle and to the library on the second floor. She walked in and sighed deeply for it seemed as though she was escaping an enemy and this was her place of refuge and she moved closer to the fire and the warmth immediately enveloped her and she collapsed into the comfort of a high backed chair. And no sooner had she sat down that a shadow appeared from the doorway and with it, Sir Benedict. He walked in slowly and smiled at her warmly as if nothing had ever happened between them. Merry was very startled as a rush of coldness flushed over her. The warmth of the fire seemed to shrivel and she sat very rigid in the chair and said nothing but her eyes studied him very judgmentally.

  “Lady Meridyth,” he smiled weakly. “How can you stand it in this cold place set apart from the rest of the house?”

  “I love it here,” she replied as she flicked the book in her hand closed and placed it down.

  His eyes glanced down at the book and up at her and she smiled. “I’m glad to see you are well.”

  When Meridyth said nothing he continued. “I heard you had returned home and I’m glad that you made it here safely.” At that moment Agnes arrived with a steaming drink for Merry but as soon as she heard the conversation she paused by the door and listened.

  There was another moment of silence and Meridyth stood to her feet in fury. With belligerence words rolled off her tongue. “Glad, I made it safely! You’re wrong Mr Greyson! I made it here under the most severe circumstances! I was lucky I made it out of my circumstances alive! If it wasn’t for the mercy of God himself I would be dead right now thanks to you! The last time I saw you, you declared your love for me and then disappeared with everything I had! How dare you come here and pledge your allegiance to my family! You’re nothing but a thieving scoundrel and I will be glad to see the back of you!”

  “Meridyth, please, let me explain.”

  “Fine, explain! But I assure you I will not fall for your tricks again!”

  “I’m sorry that you are under the impression that I am a scoundrel and you have every right to believe so. In fact the reason I came here was to right myself with you. I’m sorry I left you when I did. I was involved in something that I cannot give you all the details of. It lead me to France and others involved pursued me there which I did not expect. When I realized they were there I didn’t want to involve you in it. In fact, I left there quickly on purpose to draw them away so they wouldn’t hurt you. Truly, this is the truth and you must believe me.”

  “Believe you? I spent months working in the most horrible conditions, a slave!”

  “I know,” he said and cringed. “I’m sorry. I’d like to make it up to you.”

  “No, you don’t have to do that.”

  “Do you accept my apology? You do forgive me, don’t you? It is the good Christian thing to do, is it not?” he smiled

  She sighed deeply for she knew that God would expect her to forgive him. He was right. It was the Christian thing to do for the good Lord said, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. “Oh yes, you are a Christian now. I can see the halo over your head,” she said derisively and he
smiled at her comment. “Just below the devil’s horns!” Agnes was chuckling softly in the hallway at her mistress’s boldness.

  “Meridyth, that’s not true.”

  “Of course Sir, I forgive you,” she responded with firm sweetness.

  “Thank you,” he said with a grin and he moved close to her and picked up her hand. “You always did have a sharp wit about you. I hope that someday our love . . . ”

  “No,” she interrupted and pulled her hand away with years of regret. She would not be swindled by him again, by sweet words and false promises. She had learned her lesson the hard way and come out of it alive. “That is a vain hope indeed! I said I forgive you but I do not love you! I love someone else.”

  He smiled again. “Your reluctance is thrilling. I shall see your father about an arrangement.”

  “You! How can you say this? You are already married, are you not?”

  “I was married. My good wife has passed away.” Then he smiled at her sweetly and he picked up her hand again and gently kissed it.

  “You think my father will say yes?”

  “Of course he will when he hears my proposal. He will not refuse.”

  “Then you are indeed a fool! My father is not stupid and just because you come here with your so called changed behaviour and sweet words and wondrous proposal, it will not impress him. I assure you, my father can see through walls of false humility.”

  “Can he indeed?” said Benedict and he remained very calm. “Then I shall have to prove it to him. Excuse me, Lady Meridyth.” Then he quickly bowed and left the room Meridyth made a sour face behind his back.

  Sir Benedict went directly to request Lord Godwyn’s company in private and within the hour he walked into the scriptorium and quietly closed the door. Godwyn was seated at his desk and his attention instantly drawn to this peculiar man who most would have thrown in the dungeon upon setting foot over the threshold as he hailed from an enemy clan and if he had understood the extent of his participation in the decline of Merry’s circumstances, Godwyn would have had him excommunicated from the house. He studied him carefully as he sat down certain that there was some underlying reason for his sudden appearance in their lives. Godwyn was not convinced yet that he had repented of his former sins. “What may I do for you Sir Benedict? I hope your sleeping arrangement is beneficial?”