Behold a Pale Love is the eighth story in the Rejected by Royalty series
CHAPTER 1 : KNIGHTS TO THE RESCUE
One evening, Arthur was summoned to the king's chambers. He went accompanied by Merlin and was surprised to see Sirs Rupert, Leon and Thierry present. The king stated that there had been a disturbance at one of the larger villages to the south. Reports were hazy but it seems there had been many fatalities and they needed help. Uther wanted a party to leave the following day to assist the kingdom's citizens and demonstrate a show of force to the enemy.
"You will take six knights and two senior squires. If possible try to settle the problem and return here by the Winter Solstice."
"Sire, could you be clearer on the type of problem, we will be facing?"
"No, I only have sketchy reports brought back by travellers. I will have a council meeting tomorrow to announce my decision. Be there, with the names of the knights! You'll also have mounted guards and take anyone else you need."
They were dismissed, Arthur and Merlin returning to their chambers. "This is going to be difficult. What a time to take men away from family and friends!"
Merlin suggested, "Ask for volunteers from the unmarried men with no family responsibilities."
"That means that we will have only the younger knights and we still need senior people." Arthur sat at the table and Merlin banked up the fire and lit a few more candles. This was going to take time. Carefully they built up the numbers are finally reached their goal: Arthur wanted two senior knights maybe Gielbert's brother Sir David, and Sir Rodick Daffyd's brother along with four others.
There was a tap on the door. Merlin opened it and Thierry and Leon walked in. "Arthur, we're here to volunteer to accompany you on this mission," said Leon.
Thierry added, "I spoke with my family and they agree that I should go. Valentin also wishes to be included."
"Come and sit down, I hadn't thought of including you as I didn't want to split up your family during the festivities. We'll go over the names together. Merlin, something to..." Arthur smiled as Merlin already had goblets and a pitcher of mead in his hands.
"Your wish is my command!" he laughed as he placed the goblets on the table and the pitcher in front of Arthur.
Arthur continued, "We have drawn up a short list." Arthur knew that he wanted Leon and Thierry with him, as neither was willing to step down, he graciously accepted their offers.
Thierry looked if over, "Good list and I think that if we can get these four knights to join us we can feel confident."
"Arthur, how are you going to approach them?" Leon asked.
"Tomorrow morning before the council meeting, we call the knights together. We will ask for four volunteers mentioning that they should consider the upcoming festivities before committing themselves. If anyone has a reason to decline, it will not be held against them. Remember it has to be voluntary." Leon and Thierry agreed and went back to their families.
Merlin looked at Arthur and smiled. As few people could resist refusing anything he suggested, they should have affirmative replies before the council tomorrow.
"What are you grinning at?"
"The way people willingly accept your suggestion as gospel."
"It's well known throughout Camelot that you, Merlin, are the only person who would refuse to do what I ask of you."
"Arthur, when have I ever refused to do something?"
"Do you want the list chronologically or alphabetically?"
Merlin burst out laughing, "Come here! You can tell me about them in order of importance once we're in bed..."
-0-0-
Dawn, the following morning was bright and cold. Arthur was up, had breakfasted and was dressed before Merlin started packing the few things which they would need for a couple of days away from home
Before the council Meeting, Sirs Leon and Thierry joined Arthur in front of the knights. "I need four knights to volunteer to accompany me on the mission to Sowhill leaving this afternoon. We hope to return prior to the Yule festivities so consider your family responsibilities before stepping forward."
More than six men stepped forward and Arthur was pleased with their support. He chose those he had previously short listed, Valentin, Rook, Spenser and Gavin. "We will leave later this morning, planning to stay near the village of Wellworth. Pack lightly but remember we might have to rough it and it will be mighty cold at night. We will be accompanied by two senior squires, six guards and a variety of grooms."
The king opened the meeting by bringing all the members up to date on the situation and then asked Arthur to announce the knights who would be accompanying him. The king frowned when he heard that Leon and Thierry were included but Arthur assured him that all the men had volunteered.
The king addressed the knights, "God speed and hopefully all will be settled prior to the festivities." With that the knights returned to quarters, planning to meet up for lunch prior to their departure. As it was winter and the scarcity of food might cause a problem, packhorses would carry sufficient supplies which could hopefully be augmented by game.
Gaius dropped by their chambers and handed Merlin a packet with salves and herbs suitable for frostbite. "I expect to see the two of you back here for the Yule log burning."
Arthur said, "I don't intend to spend more time on this mission than necessary. We'll be back, I can almost taste the goose, the pudding with flaming sauce and see the decorations."
Merlin with a twinkle in his eye, said to no one in particular, "Maybe I should pack some mistletoe though, as it wouldn't do any good to get caught out!"
"Merlin, the woods are full of mistletoe, when I notice some in a tree, I'll pull you under it!"
Not to be outdone, Merlin replied, "What, in front of the squires?"
"Yes, well, I'd tell anyone not in the know, to close their eyes!"
Gaius laughed, "I'd hold him to that Merlin, if I were you!" Merlin grinned. "Anyway, look after yourselves." Then Gaius got serious, "You're both precious to me...!"
Merlin turned and hugged him, "I'll keep an eye on his lordship. You just stay here, keep warm and plan to toast our return."
-0-0-
The first night was spent in Wellworth, a half days ride south of Camelot. More news reached them there, at least one quarter of the village's residents had been killed, and another quarter was unaccounted for.
Merlin knew that this was not unusual as many of the villagers would move on if they could, in the hope of finding somewhere safe but the winter was not conducive to living rough and families with children would be hard pressed. He remembered the times that Ealdor had been attacked usually by bandits who wanted food but in some cases, greedy landowners wanted workers and even stock. He knew how unsettling it was to have your cottage burnt to the ground and lose all your possessions, as meagre as they were.
They were spending the night in a hay barn and had all bedded down on the hay. Merlin had set their sleeping bags near Leon and Thierry who said, "Arthur, it's going to be difficult for the villagers. They will welcome the knights, accept their aid but once they leave, they will again feel demoralised and abandoned."
Leon added, "That happens continually across the kingdom but the winter raids are worst."
"We can only do so much." Arthur commented, "I think the priority will be to run off or possibly kill any bandits; get the remaining villagers organized vis-à-vis shelter and food, tend the injured and help bury the dead. I have money to purchase food stocks for them and hopefully some of the livestock can be rounded up.
"Why do the poor always have to suffer so? Depending on who is left, we might have to relocate them to neighbouring villagers until the spring. A village needs a strong headman and other men willing to accept his leadership...my feet are cold."
Merlin smiled sympathetically but Leon laughed. "Luckily, you have Merlin as I'm sure his feet are warm."
"Never," laughed Arthur, "He's certainly warm hearted but alas, cold footed."
"I was going to allow you to put your feet into my bedroll, but after those unfeeling words, I've changed my mind!" Merlin stated with a smile, rolling onto his side away from Arthur."
Leon yawned and rolled over as well saying, "Now, now, boys, no fighting, play nicely!"
Arthur looked at the stars through the missing thatch. Then he decided that Merlin might be cold footed but he was warm-bodied, so he eased his bedroll over and managed to reach Merlin's and slip his cold feet under the blanket and place them on Merlin's back. There was distinct recoil but finally Merlin relaxed back against Arthur's feet...
"You'll owe me for this, Arthur," was Merlin's only comment.
-0-0-
Morning dawned, clear and cold. They ate and packed up knowing that they had a full day's ride ahead of them. Leon put some silver in the farmer's hand, thanking him for his hospitality. The farmer searched out Arthur and looking up at him said, "Thank you, Sire!" Arthur nodded, then led the knights out of the farm yard followed by the mounted guards and grooms.
They stopped around noon for lunch in a little hamlet and were pleased to see an alehouse. Arthur limited the drinking to one ale each and with the bread and cheese from their own supplies, they had a good meal.
Merlin was in trouble afterwards as he had shared his portion of bread with Gidun. "Merlin, Gidun had his quota of oats and you are depriving yourself of food. Tonight, I'm going to watch that you eat your portion. It's winter, we should all be carrying just that little extra weight to keep us warm."
"Oh, that explains why I can only buckle your belt to the fourth notch, Sire!"
"Don't be personal!" Arthur said, grinning at him, wishing that they were alone.
-0-0-
By late afternoon they had reached Chelmsford, the nearest village to the one which had been attacked. It would take them another hour in the morning to get there but Arthur and Leon decided that by spending the night here, they could hopefully get more information about the besieged village.
They were mobbed when they drew up in front of the inn. People all wanting to tell the knights what had happened. Leon announced that the prince would hear any information in the main room of the inn. The grooms took the horses, as Arthur and the knights walked into the inn.
Fifteen people lined up to talk to Thierry, Leon and Rook. Arthur moved from group to group listening and asking questions. They were assured that many others had information but that many of them were women who were shy to talk to knights. Arthur insisted that he wanted to hear from as many people as possible. He called Spenser and Gavin to also help. Measures of ale were passed out to all the men who cooperated and the women, many mothers with children, received coppers which were more than welcome.
Once all the information had been taken, the knights sat down to discuss the findings. Sowhill had been raided at night and any people brave enough to put up a fight had been killed. The bandits had taken food supplies and older children. They had set fire to farm buildings and cottages. The alehouse had been destroyed. The raid had been well organized as wagons were used to remove the stolen supplies and children.
One mother called Ruby had relocated to her sister's home in this village and she was able to name many of the dead. Her two sons aged fourteen and nine had been taken. Her husband had been killed and she was left with three young children. Her sister had held her as she had sobbed talking to Sir Rook. He had called Arthur over to hear it first hand.
To add insult to injury, the raiders had returned the next day to take livestock, including chickens. Some of the men had managed to drive their sheep and goats into the woods to hide them. Over the next few days, the villages had crowded into the shelters which were still standing and had begun to bury their dead and in some cases repair their cottages.
Arthur assured the mother that they were on their way to the village and hoped to be able to give a hand to the remaining villagers. The attacks had taken place four days ago but hopefully they might get lucky and catch some of the raiders.
Supper was served by the landlord and his daughters, Merlin remarked that it was good that Gawaine wasn't with them as both of the girls were buxom beauties. "You would have had to keep your eye on him."
"...and since when have you had an eye for the ladies, Merlin?"
"Arthur, I can assure you that I can appreciate a beautiful woman but it doesn't mean that I intend to..."
Merlin petered out and just shrugged his shoulders and blushed.
Arthur would have liked to have dragged him upstairs but thought better of it and just put his hand on his thigh under the table making Merlin blush even more as Gavin who was sitting next to him, nodded knowingly and said, "Careful, Merlin!"
-0-0-
Everyone turned in for the night. They had taken over all the accommodation available and Arthur had been given a private room, which he gladly shared with Merlin. The two senior knights also shared a room but the rest were relegated to communal sleeping facilities.
The landlord had been thrilled to have his inn fully occupied. This time of year was slow and the call for meals and board had given his income a needed boost. He had made sure that his daughters were carefully locked away as, although he appreciated the knights' presence he didn't want any trouble either. He smiled as he slipped in beside his wife saying, "Full house tonight, Dear."
"Yes and early rising tomorrow as they expect breakfast before they leave. They seem to be a pleasant group though not as rowdy as some we have had in the past."
"They're on a mission, I would think that if they stay here on their return, there will be more ribaldry and drinking. As long as they don't demolish the place, we can cope with some high spirits."
"Is the one in charge of them really a prince, do you think? Is he the one with the servant?"
"I believe so. Go to sleep, as it is, you'll be blaming me for the dawn coming too soon."
-0-0-
Arthur and Merlin were also chatting quietly.
"Had, those girls really caught your eye, Merlin? You can tell me, I won't mind."
"Arthur, as you jealous or worried?"
"Neither, just inquisitive."
"I hadn't noticed them then I saw Spenser's eyes light up and wondered what had caught his eye and I saw the serving girls. Maybe you could find him a nice young lady to court."
"Merlin, it is not within the prince's job description to act as a matchmaker. He'll have to find his own girl. Though Rupert's second to last daughter is rather attractive, actually beautiful and she seems very sweet..."
Merlin interrupted him, "Should I be getting worried? Is the bloom off the rose?"
Looking rather surprised that Merlin might doubt his affections, he tentatively reached for him and Merlin chuckled, "I guess the answer is no!"
"Wait till I get you back home. I'll better be able to demonstrate how intense my feelings are."
"Not, now?"
"No, Merlin, you would probably bring the whole contingent of knights rushing in with swords drawn figuring that one of us was being murdered."
Merlin giggled and held Arthur down on the bed while he kissed him soundly and said quietly, "I'll hold you to that, my Love!" He then rolled back beside him and they fell asleep in each others arms.
'This is how it should be,' thought Merlin as he drifted off...
-0-0-
Dawn did come too soon for many of the Camelot group and they dressed and met downstairs for breakfast. The grooms had been up at the break of day and all the horses were ready to be mounted and in just under an hour, Arthur led them back to the road. Thierry, Rook and Gavin had left at the break of dawn to do a little reconnoitering of the situation. The other three knights had remained with Arthur and the two squires.
It was bright and cold as the advance party made the hour's ride to Sowhill. They dismounted and circled the village on foot seeing no sign of raiders. The village was quiet, they returned to their horses and rode into the village setting off an alarm as dogs barked and people yelled. It was only their red cloaks and chain mail that convinced the people that they were Camelot knights arriving to help.
Gavin felt sick as he saw the plight of the people, mostly older men, women and children. Bodies had been moved out of the main village area and where piled near the woods. He was thankful that it was cold but still he knew that the stench of death was in the air. Few cottages were habitable and all the people seemed to have been crowded into three cottages and one farm building.
Thierry dismounted and made his way to the people, he had a sack of oats and told the women to cook gruel for everyone. Rook had started to check cottages and was followed by children impressed with his red cloak and shiny armour. Gavin started asking questions and one man who had been the father of the village headman, took it upon himself to answer questions and explained what had happened repeating what the mother had told Arthur in the inn the previous night. He had added that some of the raiders had been injured.
Rook returned and by then the porridge was ready and the promise of food pulled the children away from him back to the woman. Thierry explained that more knights and soldiers were on their way to help them. He continued questioning the men as they ate but none had recognised the raiders.
Three of the men who had subsequently taken livestock into the woods also had their say. Following the initial nightly raid when only supplies and the children were taken, they had expected a return raid for the livestock so they had crept off with a many animals as they could and made for caves and barricaded the animals there. They had returned to the village meeting up with four kids, much too young to have been of any use as they were between the ages of six and nine. They never saw any of the older boys. One little one said, that he had heard the men talking about something belonging to them, something about 'mine' and plenty of money if they could get owners to buy the older boys.
Rook told Thierry he would check out the children. One of the returned youngsters, a little boy was sitting by himself, spooning gruel into his mouth as tears streamed down his face. A women mentioned that little Thomas had lost his father, mother, older brother and three siblings. Rook asked if the women had been killed but learnt that she was missing, having possibly taken off to her sister's village as there was nothing left for her here.
Going over to the young lad, Rook crouched beside him, "Is your mam called Ruby?" The child's face lit up. "I met up with her yesterday, she is with your younger brother and sisters, waiting for you in the next village."
"Is Raury with her?" Rook shook his head and the boy's face fell.
"They didn't want me as I was too little but they kept Raury. Will you be able to get him back?"
There was an excited yell from outside as two more little figures straggled into view, one boy half dragging the other one. A mother screamed and raced to meet her son. Rook looked at the young lad, but he just shook his head.
Thierry came over suggesting that Gavin should write down all the names of the family members present and Rook could try to get the names of the dead and missing.
-0-0-
Arthur and company were well on their way when they noticed chickens on the road. Two of the guards dismounted and walking behind them with branches moved them to one side until the horses had passed and then continued walking them down the road in the wake of the knights. These obviously belonged to the village.
Soon the smoke from the chimneys could be seen and the knights cantered to the edge of the village, stopping as they were surrounded by the residents. The grooms took the horses and the knights and Arthur sat around the well, talking to Thierry. They had managed to get enough information to make sorting out the villagers easier.
Rook walked over with little Thomas and told Arthur that this was one of Ruby's sons. He also mentioned the two new arrivals that morning. One had obviously been rejected once it was discovered that he was lame and the other boy was blind. Possibly, over the next few days others would turn up.
The arrival of the chickens brought more relief as they were a winter staple for the villagers. The children soon had them barricaded in the shell of a cottage and a groom sprinkled some oats to convince them to stay there.
Arthur kept Leon, Gavin and the squires with him and ordered the remaining knights to scour the surrounding fields and woods in search of any clues, such as campsites and bodies of the injured raiders, paying special attention to wagon tracks and multiple horse tracks. He ordered the guards to dig a trench along the forest edge and the burials of twenty three unfortunate souls began...