SECRETS OF THE COURT
Chapter 4
November 23rd, 1519 - Adelton Hall
A small caravan of people made their way from Hayes to Adelton Hall in the early hours of the morning. Although the white castle appeared so near, perched upon its high cliff within the valley, it was at least an hour away. The caravan was made up of working servants, people who worked long and tedious hours within the castle walls for a small pay. They did not have the luxury to live within the fortress. They had to settle for their small townhouses within the village of Hayes.
The group of people traversed the same road every day as they had done for many years. It was a wide, dirt road, now covered by thick layers of patted-down snow. It led them through a vast meadow that made up most of the valley. The road continued up toward the cliff where the castle stood mighty, surrounded by snow-covered pine trees and standing just on the edge of the Duran Mountains. Gray clouds hung low and already, thick flakes were drifting to the ground as night gave way to day. The rays of the sun managed to break through the thick carpet of snow clouds and lighten up the villagers that walked chatting on the road.
The light of the sun shone on the white castle as well. Edward felt the first rays of daylight hit his face and his eyelids fluttered open in an instant. He looked about him and ran his hand through his hair, collapsing further into his soft pillows. The chill of the morning burrowed through the warmth of the cotton covers and furs that had protected him during the night.
The vast room still seemed foreign to him; he still had to get used to such luxurious surroundings. In the chimney, on the other side of the room, lay the dying embers of last night's fire. Every time he exhaled, a white cloud of smoke from his warm breath escaped his mouth.
Edward stepped out of the bed and onto the soft rug, its intricate details and design in red, black and gold covered a great deal of the floor under him. The room was shaped like a square, with the left upper corner shaped diagonally. It had a door in the middle that led to a sitting room that Edward had decided to change into a study. Thick, long red curtains framed the tall windows. He went to open one of them to breathe in the fresh morning air.
The window faced east, showing the Duran Mountains and the gardens below the castle. The low clouds had started to disperse as the morning slowly progressed and he saw mighty mountain peaks covered in snow. Below the castle, beyond the garden, snow-covered pine trees dotted the rocky landscape.
Edward could hear the castle come to life. The smell of bread wafted through the rooms and the distant chatter and laughter of the servants made the fairy tale like castle seem more human. Edward went to the windows facing west where he could see Hayes in the distance and people making their way from and toward the castle.
The maids and footmen ran around preparing everything that might be needed for the day and settled into a well-practiced rhythm. Mrs. Hammond took in the quietness of the winter morning as she crossed the courtyard, making her way to the lord's chambers to wake him; as he had asked of her the previous evening.
On her way to the west wing, she crossed paths with Carlisle who seemed to walk the same way. After a quick exchange of words, Mrs. Hammond left Carlisle to go to Edward's rooms by himself. The old woman was not too keen on being particularly near the master more than needed. Her dislike for him had only grown ever since he had moved in. Due to his arrogance and hot-headedness, most of the servants seemed to run in the opposite direction as soon as they saw him.
As Edward looked out through the window and glanced at the lands before him; his lands, there was a knock on the door. He guessed that it was Mrs. Hammond, there to personally awaken him, as he had requested the night before. Edward liked to be up early. To sleep the day away seemed extremely wasteful to him and he had plenty of tasks to handle throughout the day.
"General, are you awake?" came the baritone voice of Carlisle, surprising Edward. Carlisle was usually the one to sleep in as long as he could whenever he had the chance.
"I am."
Edward walked to another door in his room, which led to a walk-in closet too big for him. He did not have nearly enough clothes to fill it out. The door opened while he stepped into a pair of dark brown breeches and leather boots. Carlisle walked into the room and stopped as he saw the mask on the night-stand next to the bed. Edward appeared to be so comfortable in the new home that he had completely forgotten about his mask. Or he did not seem to care anymore. This was what passed through Carlisle' mind at first. Edward seemed to have discovered his slip up for he did not exit the closet, cursing at himself for forgetting something so important.
"Carlisle," Edward hesitated, standing in the shadows of the room. If Carlisle decided to walk in, he would only see his silhouette. "Will you… could you grab me my…"
Suddenly there appeared an arm holding his mask. It stretched through the door, blindly handing it to him. Edward grabbed it at and hurriedly put it on. He stepped out from the shadows and the room and pressed his lips together. Carlisle did not talk about it either and only handed Edward an apple while then going to sit in one of the soft leather chairs standing by the chimney. As Edward looked at the red apple and then at Carlisle who himself sunk his teeth into another one, he felt an eyebrow arch questioningly.
"They just came from Coldwick, fresh off from the merchant ship that came into port from Portugal yesterday".
Edward started nibbling at the sweet fruit while making his way to the other chair by the fireplace. It was a rare luxury few could afford; to have fresh fruit in the middle of winter.
"What news of Alan Moore?" asked Edward, discarding small talk and jumping straight to the questions, as usual. Carlisle felt a chill go up his spine just thinking about the man who had seen the face of the general and lived to talk about it.
"Better, his mind comes and goes. I just saw him this morning and he seems more cooperative today. But until now he hasn't said anything else. Actually, he barely says anything and just stares at the wall each day." Carlisle frowned as he cautiously continued. "Whenever we mention your name he starts pleading and begging us to protect him and spare his life." Edward didn't say anything, only let his eyes rest directly on Carlisle's.
"Did you really...you know?" It was a question Carlisle had wanted to ask ever since the interrogation. But he could not bring himself to complete the sentence. No one knew about Alan Moore. Edward and Carlisle kept him a secret, locked away in a deep, dark dungeon since they did not know who to trust yet.
Edward took one last bite of the apple before tossing it into the dying embers, stirring up some sparks as the wet fruit collided with the black, burning coals. He looked away from them and directly toward Carlisle.
"Yes, I showed him my face." The masked man before him showed no hesitation as he said those few words, but Carlisle was quite afflicted by them. They only served to fuel the speculations he had about the face behind the mask. He could only guess that the face had to be so scarred that it invoked terror in a grown man. The only visible area was Edward's eyes and mouth, and there Carlisle saw no scarred or deformed tissue. The skin looked normal, healthy even, now in the light of day. He was not superstitious, and he did not believe in the rumors that there was a curse on the face of the man before him. However, people speculated about everything. Some argued that Edward had broken the heart of a witch or a gypsy and received a curse from her. Others said that he had slain a sorcerer in battle and had a spell put on him in doing so. Some event went as far as saying that he had sold his soul to the Devil to win the war for Angloa against England. But those were superstitious speculations that the servants of the castle gossiped on about when they thought no one was listening.
"Carlisle," Edward said, interrupting his train of thought and changing the subject. "Have you heard anything from the group of soldier's we sent to Raven's Grove to investigate Saxton and his bandits?"
"No, they were supposed to report back to Captain Roger yesterday evening, but they never arrived. Roger said that if we hear nothing from them today, we should think about sending another patrol."
"He is right. Maybe I should have sent more than 20 soldiers." Edward grew pensive, wondering if he had perhaps sent those men to an early grave.
"Let's not jump to conclusions yet. They might still arrive today, unharmed and with information to give us. I heard from Mrs. Hammond on my way here that young Lady Swan was expected to arrive later this morning. Let me handle the soldiers for now while you worry about receiving her and her mother. Maybe you should get dressed properly before she comes."
Edward looked at himself and on his attire. He felt that the black breeches, black boots, and white shirt were formal enough.
"Since when have I ever dressed properly?" he joked, masking the anxiety at the thought of having his bride to be and her mother coming to live in such close quarters. Carlisle let out a small laugh and got up from his seat.
"I'll be by the stables, the courier should arrive with news from my own home this morning." Edward nodded and watched as Carlisle left the room.
"Oh, my lady, I can see the white towers from here!" Alice bursted with joy, while looking out the window of the coach that had just passed Hayes a few minutes ago. "It is as splendid as ever, tis like a Fairy Tale castle!" she exclaimed, practically hanging out of the window while the coach went full speed.
Isabella did not feel the same bubbly excitement as her maid did. She pulled the grey furs closer around her while staring down on her hands. Their voyage seemed to have gone by too fast and now she was back to a place she thought she would never see again.
"Soon we will be home again, all will be as before my sweet," her mother said while resting her gloved hands on her lap. Isabella did not respond, but she knew that nothing would ever be the same after the death of her father. As the coach climbed the hill that led up to the gatehouse, she felt no joy in coming back and thought that perhaps their return was a mistake. But she did not voice her feelings, she only smiled and took her mother's cold hand in her own.
"We shall be happy again mother, you and I. We will not have to worry about anything anymore." They were empty words to her, with no promise. But they managed to bring a sad smile on her mother's lips. She knew her mother was not fooled by her.
"Maybe someday we truly will be, and this death will be behind us," murmured Lady Renée.
The coach passed in through the gate and into the familiar courtyard where Isabella had played as a young girl. A footman opened the doors and aided the three women out of the coach while a familiar face stood before them with open arms. Mrs. Hammond smiled through held back tears as she went to embrace both mother and daughter. When she hugged Isabella, she lingered a bit longer, pouring all her heart into the embrace.
"We have missed you, our little Bella," Mrs. Hammond whispered in her ear. Isabella hugged her back and the nostalgic feeling of being home again coursed through her.
"I have missed you more," Isabella whispered back. They broke their embrace and Mrs. Hammond led them to their respective rooms. Alice could not help but notice the stares her young mistress got from the other maids as they walked into the castle. They seemed to be stares of malice, and she was glad that Isabella did not notice.
"His lordship has taken the main chambers, as is to be expected," sneered Mrs. Hammond, showing her clear distaste for the man. "We have prepared the purple room for you Mrs. Swan. Your old room is as you left it, Miss Isabella," said Mrs. Hammond as they stopped outside the purple room, close to the center of the castle. Isabella's room was close to where her parent's had been, where Edward lived now. It was in the same wing and even the same corridor as him.
"And where might his lordship be?" asked Renée. Mrs. Hammond only scoffed but quickly remembered her place.
"Well, he seems to be more busy chasing bandits in Raven's Grove than properly receiving his bride to be and his soon mother-in-law after such a long journey."
"Bandits? Oh, how exciting!" said Alice with her golden eyes shining bright as she turned to Isabella. Mrs. Hammond lifted a thin eyebrow and her lips pressed together, holding her tongue while being in the presence of the ladies of the house.
"It seems Cadherra has changed little in our absence," remarked Renée. She turned to her daughter and embraced her. "We are home now Isabella, go, rest." Lady Renée turned to Mrs. Hammond. "I hope that his lordship will at least have had something decent to eat prepared for us, we have only lived on salted meats and mead during this long journey. I think that both my daughter and I could do well with a refreshing cup of Madeira and something green for once."
"But of course my lady, I will call for you myself when all is prepared. You will dine with his lordship and his acquaintances tonight," Mrs. Hammond explained. Renée only nodded, trying to force a smile. But she never managed one at the thought of having to sit at the same table as Cullen.
Mrs. Hammond took Isabella through the open spaces of the castle, through many familiar rooms and corridors. The tall windows allowed for the evening light to shine through. As Isabella silently followed Mrs. Hammond, with Alice close to her, she looked around at her old home. They walked past the library, the doors that had once always stood open were now closed as they continued making their way to her room. The promenade became a sort of tedious task to her. Isabella thought that she would feel nostalgic but relieved to be home when she came back. All she felt was a burden on her shoulders. The castle evoked memories she did not want to recall, for they reminded her of what she did not have anymore. Both Alice and Mrs. Hammond were aware of Isabella's gloomy countenance and they decided it best not to push any conversation.
The closer they got to her room, the more anxious Isabella felt. When they walked past the chambers that had once belonged to her parents, Isabella looked away from the tall mahogany doors. She had no idea if Edward Cullen was currently behind those doors, and she did not want to know. But the thought of being in such close quarters to him made her even more uneasy.
"I hope you find it as you left it, my lady," came the high pitched voice of Mrs. Hammond. Isabella snapped out of her thoughts and found herself standing in the doorway to her room. She was transported back once again. The room before her could not be hers. It looked like it belonged to a young girl that still thought unicorns grazed the meadow by Raven's Grove.
By the window, next to her bed, there was still a carved bench into the stone, made more comfortable with cushions and a mattress. There someone could sit and read. Her bed still had the thin, see-through draping flying like a halo around it. The wall facing north was covered in tapestry except for in the middle, where a very ugly portrait of her family hung. She had painted it when she was eleven. It was framed by her father who had proudly declared his daughter an artist, even though it was unheard of that a woman could be a painter.
Her vast, white dressing table still had her old trinkets, useless things she had picked up in markets in Hayes whenever Mrs. Hammond would take her. They were mostly carved figures, made out of wood that had then been hand painted by a boy she had been infatuated with. There were a few dolls that had seen better days that sat framing the lower part of the mirror. Most of them had been a gift from her father whenever he returned from his trips, usually to Wessport. The south wall of her room was lined with bookshelves and all of her books still stood there.
"I shall have them fetch your belongings here, my lady," said Alice as she and Mrs. Hammond exited the room to give the girl some much needed space.
Isabella barely heard them leave as she walked to the small library her room held. She ran her fingers across the binders and let the fragrance of old paper fill her nostrils. For the most part, the bookshelves were lined with trinkets and silver. But what she appreciated most were the handful of books that stood neatly in the middle. Isabella picked out a smaller tome with a dark green leather binder. It had been her old diary. The young woman was not good at keeping one, so the book had served as her place to gather her thoughts ever since she got it from her mother on her ninth birthday. She was about to open the book but suddenly put it back again, she did not want to reminiscence in something that had passed. She went to her bed instead and lay down in it, hugging the covers close to her; she was home in a place that now seemed foreign to her.
It was night when Renée walked behind Mrs. Hammond who held the candle steady, careful of not letting the wax drip. The click of her heels against the floor sounded through the dark corridors as the carpets that served to line those stone floors had been sold off after her husband's death. The candleholders that lined the walls stood empty as she'd had their supply of wax candles sold a year ago to save money. It appeared that Lord Cullen never bothered in making sure that new ones were bought, or he simply had not noticed how dark Adelton Hall was now.
Renée walked down the all too familiar staircase that led to the main dining room. She was surprised when she entered to find that the room was lit up. The fires blazed away, the table was filled to its brim with plates of delicious food. She saw that her daughter was nowhere to be seen and instead, by the table sat three men.
One of them she recognized instantly. Edward Cullen looked threatening as ever with his black mask and wild appearance. He did not seem to dress for the occasion. He wore a loose black shirt with a dark brown leather jerkin. The man had not even bothered to close it and it only served as a reminder to Renée that even if lord Cullen bore the title of a count, he was still of low birth. He sat at the head of the table. On either side of him sat a man. One of them had sand-colored hair and bright eyes. He looked wise for his age although Renée could not guess how old he was. He was better dressed of the three, tastefully matching a doublet and breeches in red, with a light colored jerking over it.
The man to Cullen's left looked younger with raven locks and inquisitive eyes. He smiled at something the well-dressed man had just said. Edward was the first to notice Lady Renée's presence. He rose from his seat, and while doing so alerted the other two men of her presence. They followed in the count's manner and rose as well while the lady was shown to a seat next to the younger man on Edward's left.
"Lady Renée, it is a pleasure that you dine with us tonight," said Edward while gesturing for a servant to pour her some wine in her metal goblet. Renée only nodded, not too keen on speaking with the man just then. The way he looked at her made her uneasy and instead she turned her head toward the door, waiting for her daughter to show.
Isabella entered only minutes after her mother sat down and took her first sip of wine. The men around the table were quicker to rise this time. Renée had to recognize that her daughter looked quite lovely for the evening, quite innocent. She was wearing her hair half up, letting part of her long chestnut locks bounce freely on her back. She was wearing a modestly cut dress with a square neckline, with a faded swirl pattern. The dress was a soft light green, the same green that could be seen in the moss that grew in Raven's Grove. She was wearing a white shawl, modestly draped around her bosom area, but it only served to draw more attention to her delicate neckline and soft jawline. Isabella scanned the room and as soon as she saw her mother, she held her eyes on her the whole time she was led to her chair by the table. Edward could not take his eyes from her the whole time, Jacob and Carlisle took a few extra glances as well.
When they were all seated, they commenced eating without a word at first. Edward did not even bother introducing his two friends or asking about the health of the women. Lady Renée found him extremely insufferable, arrogant and rude. Carlisle caught Edward's eyes and urged him to say something to break the ice.
"It seems that it went completely past me to make introductions," Edward stated matter-of-factly while looking directly at Carlisle. "Allow me to present Carlisle Chaeld, baron I believe the title was. Alas, I commend him for being a great officer during the war." Edward inclined his head toward Carlisle who forced a smile toward mother and daughter.
"It is indeed a pleasure ladies, to make your acquaintance."
"Allow me also to introduce Jacob Black," Edward paused, thinking, "the third son of the Viscount Bilfred of Bannria."
"Actually I am the fourth child. But since one of my oldest brothers decided to become a priest, my family basically think of me as their third son now. And my father does prefer just Billy," Jacob joked. It served to break the tension for it coaxed a small smile from Renée and even a twitch in Isabella's lips.
There was not much more said by Edward during dinner after that. Isabella remarked that he scarcely touched any food that was on his plate. Instead, Jacob seemed to be in charge of most of the conversation, and Carlisle chipped in here and there. Jacob asked both Renée and Isabella about their trip and about Cadherra as he had not been to that part of the county previously. Soon, Isabella managed to open up a bit more and she and Jacob found that eventually, they were the only ones speaking at the table. When the final round of plates had been served and taken away, Isabella excused herself and retired for the night. Lady Renée followed suit and as soon as both ladies had exited the dining room the tension of the evening loosened a little. Carlisle felt himself finally breathe out.
"Well, I think that went extremely well, don't you?" Jacob said merrily, trying to lighten the mood. Edward did not even bother to say anything but went to his quarters as well.
November 25th
Isabella did not leave her room the following days because she had no wish to stumble upon her fiancé by accident. Instead, she sat surrounded by furs, with the fireplace lit, reading every book she could get her hands on. It made her immerse herself into another world where her own problems disappeared for a few hours. She lived adventures and discovered exotic new places that she knew she would never visit otherwise.
Edward, on the other hand, had kept busy preparing a small army of men. The group of soldiers he had sent a few days earlier to Raven's Grove had returned in smaller numbers. Captain Roger had been taken hostage by Saxton and his men. It was a blow to Edward's pride, a second blow that he would not let pass this time. He wanted to see the bandit leader rot away in one of the cells in the dungeons of Adelton Hall.
He remembered well the words Saxton had said to him, that he was a famous bandit in these parts, but Edward did not know for what. When they had made it out of the woods he had sent a curious glance at Carlisle, but he had looked just as clueless. At that moment, he started wondering if they had not been taken for fools by a simple villager who pretended to be otherwise.
As nightfall descended slowly upon the castle, most of its inhabitants were still working hard to prepare for the coming day, as per usual. Only a select few, the lord and his guests, sat back and relaxed in the castle's drawing room. It faced east and was adorned with themes from the Arthurian legend. The walls had tapestries depicting the tales of old and courtly love. The furniture like the sofa, table, armchairs, and seats, all in a northward alcove, were comfortable, made out of dark mahogany wood. The seats, sofa, and armchairs had geese feathers stuffing, the fabric was of a light blue and it made it very comfortable and homelike.
During the day, the drawing room received a lot of light from the sun as the windows were big and tall. There was a grand fireplace where the flames of a fire danced away, bringing light and warmth to the room as the sun had set a few hours earlier. A carpet in white, gold and reds, lined half of the wooden floor of the room, to better isolate the warmth.
Edward sat in one of the armchairs, going through the report one of the soldiers had written earlier that day. It talked about the attack the group had received in Raven's Grove. The mask did not show it, but he frowned the more he read. Carlisle sat on the sofa, by the fire, opposite Lady Renée, playing a game of chess in good spirits. Lady Renée squealed in delight whenever she managed to knock another piece off the board. Jacob sat on the other side of the sofa reading a book, looking quite bored while he tediously flipped the pages. Isabella was nowhere to be seen.
Mrs. Hammond walked in through the door with a tray holding cups. She commenced placing them next to each person as a maid next to her poured a warm ruby beverage into the cups. It was spiced wine that Lady Renée had asked for earlier that evening after dinner. As the maid poured the liquid in Edward's cup he put down the stack of paper and stared at the cup.
"Who is Emmett Saxton?" asked Edward in a general direction. The maid paled and spilled a little of the liquid on the blue mantle that lined the round table that had been next to him. She immediately apologized and started cleaning up. Alas, she never answered his question, nor did Mrs. Hammond. Edward looked at the maid directly in her eyes and asked again, making her even paler. He did not know if it was because he had only spoken to her or if the name of Saxton invoked such a reaction.
"Mrs. Hammond, thank you that will be all. You may leave," came the suddenly stern voice of Renée. Mrs. Hammond appeared to send a grateful look toward her ladyship and made haste, together with the maid. As both women left the room, Edward looked over at Renée, who'd stopped her chess game with Carlisle and met the irritating gaze.
"I did not say that they could leave," Edward remarked, pointing toward the door where both servants had left. "What makes you think that you may just order around my servants in my house?" he said, standing up and slowly walking toward her. Renée gathered her wits and stood up. She was not too keen on talking directly with the man, but she felt safe in the presence of his friends. She doubted that he would do anything to her. Yet, she felt insecure as those two holes in his mask bore into her.
"Of course my lord, it was disrespectful of me and it shall not happen again."
Edward walked over to the chair he had been sitting in and sat down again, but he did not seem pleased by her answer.
"Perhaps you know of whom I'm speaking," his dark voice boomed in that quiet room and Renée was thankful that her daughter was not there in that moment. She was positive that Isabella would have surely spoken out to defend her mother from that monster of a man.
"I do indeed," she simply said, knowing well that he would want to know more. His silence spoke for itself and Carlisle and Jacob were fully attentive as well. She sighed and sat down, folding her hands in her knees as she looked away and out the window.
"Saxton, as he is known by the locals now, used to be Emmett Saxton the third, Duke of Sorossa. He was a very powerful man in his day, my lord." Renée paused slightly, while the story of Robin's life slowly started unfolding, for it was a memory she had repressed for a while now.
"When the war started with the English three years ago, he was first in line to defend Angloa. While he fought for his country, another nobleman claimed that Lord Saxton had tried to strip him off his lands. Unfortunately, the evidence against Saxton was overwhelming. He was stripped off his title by the king, even after one of his advisors tried convincing him that it was not the right way to go. When Saxton found out that he did not have any home to return to he blamed it all on his wife and young son, who had not lifted a finger to defend his name. It is said that he went to his home, got past all the guards and killed his own family. Saxton tried then to kill the man who had received his lands but failed. His Majesty saw it as an act of treason and madness and imprisoned him on the island of Cantabria. He escaped and went on a killing spree while he made his way to Raven's Grove. There is where he currently resides with his band of thieves. Now those who pass through Raven's Grove are robbed and killed by him." She finished her story and found herself inquisitive.
"But how is it that you know of this man?" she asked.
"We were robbed by him, madam," said Carlisle without thinking. Suddenly he realized that it might be information that Edward did not want revealed and he realized his mistake all too late. Renée looked shocked, both at Carlisle and Edward. Jacob as well, for he had not known of it either. Edward had made sure that none of the group spoke of it to anyone.
"Then how come you are still alive?" she exclaimed in shock and horror. And to her dismay, a small part of her wanted Edward to have perished in that forsaken forest. That would have been the end of that arrogant atrocity.
"We were enough men to defend us from such a fatal end madam," Edward growled while looking at Carlisle. "But it seems our valuables were not as lucky," he added. He knew that any more information about this man would be simple speculation. He had gotten a general idea about Saxton, it was enough to go on for now. The man might have been impulsive when he killed his family, but now he seemed more clear of mind. That ambush in Raven's Grove had required a great deal of planning. But if it was something Edward was good at, it was planning and strategy. He rose from his seat, grabbing the report and motioning for Carlisle to follow him. Edward was determined, he would rescue Captain Roger; he never left anyone behind and he would not start now.
November 26th
Isabella woke later than usual. It was a gloomy morning when she looked out from her window. The rain that fell in big droplets from the sky washed the remaining snow away and turned the valley into a muddy mess. The landscape reflected how she felt herself: gray and gloomy.
Ever since they had arrived she had tried to keep to her room. Alice and Mrs. Hammond were the only ones who saw her for they brought her food to her chamber and tried to keep her company throughout the day. Mrs. Hammond would speak of the intrigues of the castle, and she would complain about Cullen's arrogance. Alice on the other hand was more perceptive. She noticed that whenever Isabella did venture outside from her chambers, the other servants looked at her with disdain in their eyes. They would sneer and whisper when she was near. To them she was still a traitor's daughter and, many were happy at seeing her trapped in the castle with a frightening man like Edward. Sometimes, when Alice passed her chambers, she would hear the faintest sounds of sobs, but whenever she rushed in to comfort the girl, the tears had already been dried.
Isabella chose to suffer in silence and to shut herself off from the rest of the world. Alice had no idea why she chose to suffer like that, for she still had her and her mother. But whenever she brought the subject up, Isabella would shut her out even more. In one year, the bright, headstrong girl she once knew had completely turned into an empty shell of a person. She was a frail, thin thing and both Alice and Mrs. Hammond were afraid that if nothing happened soon, she would waste away.
Isabella felt that the nights were the worst time for her. For when she lay her head to rest her dreams constantly reminded her of happier days, she saw flashes of her father and mother, all in bright and vibrant colors. Sometimes she could hear her fiancé in the corridors walking to his room. Edward had never bothered seeking her out and she was grateful for it. The longer she stayed in Adelton Hall, the weaker her resolve became.
A soft knock could be heard, three silent taps and then a fourth, stronger one. It was Alice and Isabella voiced her to come in. The raven haired girl walked in, holding folded blankets in her arms. She motioned for Isabella to get off her bed so she could change the sheets.
"My lady should dress more warmly today, it looks like it might snow later," Alice said, while removing the white linens and spreading fresh ones out on the vast bed.
"I will not go out today Alice, so I think I shall be fine in my room." Isabella wore nothing more than her night gown. It was a white simple dress with long sleeves and a low-cut neckline. It could be worn under her summer gowns, but now it was too cold for winter, and thicker fabrics were needed to isolate the body. She wore a deep red robe over it, sleeveless and no fastening in the front. The neckline was lined with fox fur to provide extra warmth.
Alice left the half made bed and placed her hands on her accentuated hips. She gave the woman a stern look, letting her golden eyes run over the frail figure of the brunette.
"I do not see it fitting that you should waste away like this, my lady. You have overcome much this last year only to finally return home and end it here. I will dress you myself if that is what it takes, and I will take you wherever you please, as long as it is not your room." There was a determination in Alice's voice that did not falter. For even if she spoke to her mistress, she was not afraid to voice her opinion, if that meant she had to insult her.
Isabella's hands turned into two fists as she kept back an unladylike retort, but there was a spark of irritation running through her eyes.
"Finally!" Alice exclaimed, raising her hands and letting out a dry, sarcastic laugh. "Some emotion." She did not wait for more and went to the wide wardrobe and proceeded to pick out clothes for her lady.
"I did not say I would go out Alice," Isabella said, feeling angrier by the minute. "And you will not speak so informally when you are with me!" She rushed over to her maid and pushed her away from the opened doors to where all her gowns hung, closing them in a swift motion.
"Leave me be and do not come back." Isabella pointed at the door and Alice looked at her baffled. She went to the bed, placed the last of the sheets and covers and headed for the door. But before she left, she turned around and looked at her mistress with pity.
"If you continue pushing away those who care for you, you will soon be left with no one in your life, my lady."
With those words, she left Isabella standing alone. As soon as the door closed Isabella collapsed on the carpeted floor and cursed herself at her foolishness. Why could she just not accept her fate and learn to live again? She knew that there were people in worse situations than she and that she should be grateful. But even if she kept telling herself that, she could still not fool herself. After a while, she glanced to her favorite windowsill and decided that perhaps she needed some air to calm herself.
Isabella dressed herself in a front laced dark green gown with black trimming. She confined her auburn tresses in a black net. She went to the door and listened carefully so that she did not accidentally happen upon anyone outside. When the coast seemed clear, she made her way to the library.
The library was grand indeed, with books lining a vast room with a tall roof. There were three stories of books and although most of them were tomes, there were many books filled with courtly love and tales of knights and their ladies of old. She went for her favorite, the Chant of Roland, and sat in one of the chairs closest to the fireplace while she commenced reading. She had yet to finish the first page when she sensed a pair of eyes on her. Isabella put the book away and turned around to see who was watching her. She met two brown eyes that smiled at her as she put the book down. He motioned toward it.
"Please my lady, do not let me disturb your reading," Jacob said as he went toward her, sitting in one of the armchairs next to her.
"You did not disturb me," she remarked.
"Yet you are not reading anymore," he retorted jokingly. Isabella remained silent while looking at him with no expression on her face. Jacob rose from the chair and bowed lightly in an apologetic manner.
"Forgive me, my lady, it seems I intruded where I should not have. I shall leave you to your books and adventures," he smiled and started walking toward the door.
"Wait!" came the soft voice of Isabella. She put down the book and moved her body so that she was facing him.
"To be honest, I could not get into the story as I was quite bored sir. But please do not think that I find your presence unwelcome," she mumbled shyly. Jacob gave her another boyish grin.
"I have tried in vain to find amusement in these books. But I find myself as bored as anyone who is not used to a quiet life of just sitting around reading." He extended a hand toward her in an inviting motion. "How about a stroll in the gardens? Most of the snow has washed away from the rain and it will be easier to move around there now."
Isabella did not answer directly at his request, she thought that maybe it might be best to just go back to her room. She also worried, she knew of the disdain the castle servants had for her. Yet, she did not want to kindle the fire of scorn further by being alone in the presence of a man without someone to chaperone them. It was unthinkable.
However, against her better judgement, Isabella put away the book and followed him. All the way to the gardens Jacob kept a tasteful distance between the two. She was someone else's betrothed and he respected that. He talked most of the time while Isabella listened. She was lulled to a sense of peaceful awareness by his tenor voice. He talked about how much he liked Adelton Hall and Cadherra and of how different it was to his home in southern Angloa, near Zafra.
As they left the castle, they arrived in the lower grounds. There a small path led them through the trees that dotted the steep hillside and took them to a secluded garden. In summer it was a splendid sight, hidden amongst the trees. It housed a grand variety of marble fountains depicting scenes from Greek mythology. There were naked hedges and carpets of dead grass lined with various empty earth plots where flowers would bloom in spring. But now all that flora and fauna would not emerge for another five months and the gardens were lifeless. Yet Jacob kept on talking about how wonderful it was there. He then went on to joke about one particular fountain that depicted three little cherubs. He remarked on the likeness they bore to his brothers whenever their mother was angry with them. Isabella felt a lighthearted laugh escape at the thought of three grown men depicted as small baby angels.
"I thought it was prohibited to be happy in this household," Jacob said as soon as Isabella let out her laugh. She gathered her wits and cleared her voice, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"How could anyone ever prohibit laughter?" her voice seemed sad as she spoke. Jacob nodded knowingly and suddenly became serious.
"I shall not pretend to know what ails you, my lady. But it is obvious to anyone with two eyes that you are not happy. I can only offer encouraging words. As far as I see it, your mother, Mrs. Hammond and that maid of yours do nothing but worry for your well-being."
Isabella glanced down on the cold, frozen ground. The chilly winter air swept past them. She was surprised that it was Jacob, this man that she hardly knew, that would be the one to make her laugh when she had not laughed for months.
"I know that they are there for me," she said.
"Edward might seem intimidating, but if you give him a chance he might present himself as more amicable," Jacob paused, noticing how Isabella was shivering in the cold. "Give it time," was all he said before suggesting that they return. On the way back they did not speak more, but it felt good to have that silence between them.
When Isabella closed the door to her room behind her she sighed; she did not need Jacob to worry about her as well.
November 29th
There was quite a stir in Adelton Hall that morning while Edward Cullen and Carlisle Chaeld were rallying twenty men. They were on a quest for honor and retribution. Edward dressed like a soldier again, in all black, to scare his enemies. He had a cape on diagonally across his back as it was commonly worn, and he had his sharpened sword and knife close next to him. Carlisle and the other men were dressed in soldiers garb as well. They sported black shirts and pants with dark brown boots, black jerkins with high collars and dark capes, diagonally placed over their backs.
They were armed to the teeth, like the mercenaries of old, with swords, arrows, knives of various sizes and plenty of throwing spears. Edward had seen to it that they were prepared for they were riding toward Raven's Grove, to end Saxton once and for all.
"What is all this commotion?" came the familiar high pitched voice of Mrs. Hammond. Her short little legs had taken her to the courtyard where the small army stood. "Oh my," she said under her breath at the sight of the men. Many of the servant women had gathered to witness the train of soldiers ride to their end. For they were certain they were going to their deaths. But the sight was indeed an impressive one. They felt themselves taken back to the days of old, when feudal lords rode out all the time, defending their lands from other invading lords, thieves, bandits or enemies from the east.
Edward mounted his gray stallion in a swift motion, even though he wore plate armor covering his chest, shoulders and upper arms. It was painted black with golden details in the edges and with ornamental embossing. Underneath he wore a gambeson in dark blue, a padded jacket constructed out of wool, to warm him in the chilly weather. He looked about himself and felt satisfied at the sight of his men: the best men that the castle held. He saw Mrs. Hammond in the corner of his eye. She stared at them with her mouth in a thin line and at the time he wondered what she was thinking about.
"Formation!" shouted Carlisle, dressed for war as well. The ones mounted on horseback formed a line of the width of three horses. Edward and Carlisle kept to the front of the line while Jacob kept the back. They set out from the courtyard in a trot and made their way to the east end of the forest, where there was no path. If they went by Hayes, the bandits might be warned of their approach.
As they neared the tree-line, the familiar rush of adrenaline he got before every battle coursed through Edward's veins. He felt his body tense at the impending fight and started taking in his surroundings. Raven's Grove was an entirely different sight when one strayed from the road. It was wilder and darker than before. As soon as they crossed the threshold and wandered in to the black depths of the forest, the surrounding became gloomier and the men grew more alert. It was almost as if an unnatural force was present there. Many huddled together and gripped their steel weapons in fear of the unknown, feeling eyes drilling holes into the back of their necks. There was no song from the birds, nor even the faint sound of the wind, that had been so strong that morning. To their better judgement, Raven's Grove was a tomb that was incapable of housing any life. The soldiers wondered how Saxton and his men could bear living under such circumstances.
Edward was on the lookout as well. The plan was simple enough. As soon as they had ridden into the forest, the group had split. Ten soldiers that had come on foot had slipped in between the trees, without any armor so they could move more silently. Jacob was amongst them, for he was an expert in keeping a low profile when necessary. The scouts would hide amongst the trees while Edward and Carlisle, together with the rest of the group, would be the bait and lure the bandits out. The idea was then to have Jacob's group attack when they were sure that no more bandits were hiding.
There was some movement up ahead and Edward gave the silent signal for that they might be watched. It did not take long for the brutes to come charging out of the trees and the battle commenced in the blink of an eye.
The soldiers fought fiercely, but the bandits were superior in both fighting style and strength. When more than half of Edward's men had fallen, Saxton himself emerged from the trees and their eyes crossed. Edward, covered in blood from the many men he had slain, picked up his sword and walked toward Saxton with determined steps. Saxton smiled and unsheathed his sword as well. The battle surrounding them seemed forgotten and in their eyes, they were the only ones there. The sound of their steel clashing seemed to sound higher than anything else in that forest. The masked man and the bandit fought on for what seemed an eternity.
"I must commend your lordship, you are either the bravest man I have crossed paths with or the most foolish one," shouted Saxton in between the clashing of their blades. Edward did not answer and continued attacking. His sword was lighter than Saxton's, and his grip was different. The other man carried a heavier broadsword, which required both hands and tired him faster.
"I must confess that I have never seen anyone use their sword in such a way," Saxton said in between breaths. He was getting tired and it showed in the sweat dripping from his forehead. "You are a great fighter indeed…"
"Never have I known anyone to talk so much while fighting for his life before," Edward growled, interrupting the other. Saxton grinned through the fatigue, he found the masked one before him to be a worthy adversary after all.
"Don't take offense, general! I take our fight very seriously, I just feel that a little conversation can never go wrong!"
Edward was getting angry, wondering if this man took anything seriously. Their blades locked in one moment and both pushed against each other while their faces neared. They stared, eye to eye, Edward frowned while Saxton grinned, showing off his pearly whites.
"You have fought honorably friend, but you have lost again," Saxton said and pushed Edward away. Up in the trees stood more men, aiming their bows at the remaining group of soldiers fighting for their lives on the blood-covered ground. This was what Edward was waiting for, Saxton had played all of his cards.
"It is you who has lost," Edward retorted and rose his sword in the air as a signal. Out of nowhere, arrows flew through the naked trees, hitting the men that stood in the barren crowns. Those hit fell to the ground receiving fatal injuries as they landed hard. During the tumult, Edward and Saxton clashed blades yet again as Jacob and his men burst through the trees, fighting off the brutes and turning the tables on the battle. Edward now had the upper hand, just as he had planned it. When Saxton realized that he was losing, he sneered.
Then, to Edward's surprise, he grinned once more. "And here I thought that they exaggerated about your strategical wit."
In one swift motion, Edward disarmed Saxton, who had loosened his grip on his sword out of fatigue. The surrounding fight went on still, the thin blade of the masked man pressed against the throat of the bandit leader.
"Yield here, and I will spare your life," growled Edward, feeling the adrenaline of victory. But Saxton did not say a word, he only stared at him defiantly, almost as if asking him to kill him. After a while, Emmett Saxton spoke.
"It seems that I hurt your pride more than I thought."
"If this were about pride, I would have slain you the moment I saw you, Saxton," came the arrogant voice of a man that knew he had won. Edward looked down on Saxton and pressed the tip of his sword further into the neck of the other man, drawing blood.
"However, I will not lie. Part of me has taken offense and there had to be repercussions. Alas, I am here because I leave no man behind when I know he can be saved."
"Ah yes, Captain Roger and his men."
"You will release him and any other of my men that you have taken as hostage and I will pardon your life," said Edward. He had to hurry, as they were speaking many more were falling in battle. He did not want all of his men to fall and the whole mission to have failed just because the man he had defeated was talkative. Saxton's indifferent attitude and sly grin suddenly went away and in his place was a pained and hateful expression.
"I would rather die here, by your sword than rot away in a cell until I die of disease," the brunette spat, rising to his feet standing taller and staring defiantly into the eyes of the other.
"Maybe you are too afraid that you will become overburdened with the guilt of having killed your wife and son," Edward sneered. He felt that killing the man before him would surely rid the world of yet another evil. Those words seemed to trigger something in Saxton and there was a spark of pure, contained, anger in his eyes.
"I suffer every day, not only because my wife and child were killed in cold-blooded murder, but also because I am blamed for it. I am a man with honor, even now as a bandit that only takes from those who can afford it so that my men and I may survive. Do not speak of things that are beyond your comprehension Cullen."
Edward could not ignore the truth he felt in those words, but he had no time to argue if Saxton was speaking the truth or not. The surrounding men were falling like flies. He had no time to idle any longer. If he had to, he would let the thieves go this time. He was sure that if he and his men went in for a second attack, they would completely vanquish them.
"If you feel that way about your family then maybe you care for the lives of the men that fight with you. Let us end the battle here, get me my captain and I will spare all of your lives," Edward offered. Saxton nodded and called his men to surrender. They did, and the fight was ended. There had been a significant bloodbath and although many men on Edward's side had not died, many had been severely wounded in battle and needed acute medical care.
Saxton had one of his men run to their camp, disappearing in between the trees. This was only after hearing from Edward that if the thief brought more men, Saxton would fall dead faster than he could say "attack". So the frightened man ran as fast as he could, bringing the captain and two other men back with him. Roger stared at the bloody scene before him in awe and then at his general and bowed his head in deep gratitude. When all seemed in order, Edward kept his promise and let Saxton go with the rest of his men.
"If I hear of another attack coming from Raven's Grove, the rest of my men and I will return in greater numbers and vanquish you all," Edward threatened. The bandits felt the dark eyes on them, making them uncomfortable and squeamish. They did not like being close to him longer than necessary, yet they respected the man deeply for having come back for one of his own.
"You are truly a man of your honor and I give you my deepest respect Cullen," Saxton said as he suddenly closed in, talking in a low voice that was only meant for Edward to hear. "They will squash you like a bug if you are not careful," Saxton whispered out of nowhere and then went away with his men. Edward stared after him and had no idea of what he was referring to.
"My lord, quickly, come!" came a voice from one of his younger soldiers. Edward turned away from the bandits that had disappeared in between the trees and walked over to his men that were tending to the wounded.
"What is the matter?" he asked, looking at the teenager before him.
"Tis Jacob m'lord, he's been badly wounded!" said the soldier, while pressing on a wound that would not stop oozing blood. Indeed, Jacob looked badly hurt and pale as a ghost due to so much blood loss.
"Have the worst wounded put on horseback and taken to the castle and make haste," Edward said calmly, he could not show worry now. But he felt it for many of his men and he knew, from experience, that many would not survive the night lest a physician was called soon to the castle.
"You." Edward pointed to one of the men he knew to be a native to the valley. "Take my horse and go as fast as you can to Hayes and bring the local physician back with you to the castle."
The man said nothing and rushed to the great stallion and was on his way. Meanwhile, the rest of the group made it slowly back to the castle, to lick their wounds and rejoice at their victory.
Note: Hi there, another update here. I would like to say thank you for all the reads, reviews and follows/favs, it really gets me going. I would like to specify that even if this is set in the 16th century, my English isn't quit mimicking how they spoke in that time. So to clear that up for everyone, I decided to make my English a bit more modern here since it will be easier to be consistent and also easier, I think, for the readers.
Another detail, I have a map for Angloa that I'll be putting on my profile for those who are interested in the geographical outlay of the land. It might be easier to imagine the country if you can actually see it before you. I would also like to note that Adelton Hall is inspired greatly by Neuschwanstein Castle, do look it up on Google and you'll understand why I chose it!
After this chapter I am going to go through the previous chapters to fix the grammar and sentence structure so please be patient in waiting for the 5th chapter. I can promise that it will be up around the beginning of October and then I'll be posting weekly again. Cheers!