Chapter Twelve
Catalina stood with Amelia waiting the parade for the tournament. Her older brother had told her where to stand, and she trusted that this was a good spot. They had arrived early to ensure a good view and now found themselves bored with little to do but sit and wait. They watched the people who passed by wearing the colors of their kingdoms. They saw a fight or two break out between some of the few supporters of Leon and those of other kingdoms. They were put down quickly by Philippe's guards who had probably been stationed strategically for such a purpose. Amelia began tapping her foot impatiently. The rhythmic sounds of her shoes on the stones irked Catalina, but she pushed it from her mind and continued watching the passers-by hoping for a glimpse of the infamous Green Knight. She knew her intrigue wasn't healthy, but she watched for him all the same. During this moment of stillness, Catalina heard someone calling her name. She looked around for the source of the voice. It was Maria—another of her oldest friends. With the new addition to their party, the girls eagerly chatted away until the parade began.
"Hey, look over there," Maria said pointing at Philippe's captain of the guard. "He's cute."
Catalina shrugged. "He's all right. Have you seen the Green Knight yet?"
"No."
"He's pretty." Catalina nodded at the young man she was admiring. "That's a boy."
Maria laughed. "I like innocent, boyish charm."
"Me, not so much. I want a man."
Maria laughed a little harder until the parade began. They all stood waving their blue banners cheering for Catalina's brother while appraising the other knights of the realm. Who would provide the most competition? Who would win the prize? All the knights were smiling, waving, and throwing flowers. Well, all but one. The Green Knight of Leon had condescended to participate in the festivities, but he neither smiled nor waved to anyone except those few and small pockets of those cheering for Leon. Catalina almost felt bad for him because everyone booed him even though this was supposed to be symbolic of a friendly alliance. The only thing that kept her from feeling true pity was the Green Knight's attitude. He did not seem at all disappointed by his lack of support. In fact, he seemed to revel in it.
"Oh my God," Maria said as she watched the Green Knight pass by.
Amelia laughed. "That's what Catalina said when she saw him last night."
Catalina shrugged smiling. "I told you."
During the procession, all three girls had caught a flower and were flattered at their success. Armed with their spoils, they made their way back to Philippe's courtyard where many options of entertainment had been supplied for the guests. They passed a juggler, a knife thrower, and a merchant hawking his wares. They found themselves something to eat and sat within range of a group of musicians who were entertaining the crowd with their melodies and between songs— lewd jokes.
"I don't get it," Maria whispered to Catalina after their leader delivered a rather bawdy punch line.
"Later," Catalina replied with a chuckle not wishing to take the time to explain it at this particular time and place. Maria had managed to weave the stem of her flower through her hair in order to wear it instead of carrying it around. She offered to do the same with Catalina's. She shook her head and laughed. "No. It's fine."
Maria suddenly slapped her leg. "Oh! Now I get it."
Catalina laughed and looked up just in time to see the leader of the band approach them with a glint of merriment about his face. He motioned them to follow them to the makeshift stage. Much to the entertainment of the throng, he led them through the choreography that he and his little group had for their original song. Catalina's life was mostly lived in her head, and any outward expression of those fantasies was severely limited. But in honor of the occasion, she laughed and danced along with her friends. More people joined in and their little corner of the courtyard was filled with pairs moving about the yard. After this grand little finale, the musicians took a break, and the girls continued their wandering.
"Hey, let's go see your brother," Amelia suggested.
Catalina looked with some apprehension toward the field where the tents were lined up. It was a place of knights, squires, pages, and horses. It was sacred ground in a masculine world that she knew she was no part of. To venture among them would have been like trespassing. It was no place for them. "I don't know."
"Oh, come on. We may even see some of the other knights," Maria said suggestively.
"Yeah, Catalina. We may even see the Green Knight," Amelia added.
Catalina shook her head. "You won't find him among the others. If you wish to see him, he's over there," she said nodding slightly behind her and to the left.
They both looked in the direction she indicated and saw him sulking against a wall. "How'd you know he was there?" Amelia asked.
She shrugged. "Saw him about ten minutes ago."
Maria laughed. "You best be careful. People will think you're a witch."
Catalina rolled her eyes. She wasn't a witch. She just noticed things, that's all. She found herself growing more and more uncomfortable. "Would you stop staring? You're only going to get us in trouble."
"Catalina, everybody's staring at him. You think he hasn't noticed already?" Maria replied.
Catalina shrugged sneaking a glance over her shoulder at the man who was watching the crowd with a dark penetrating stare. "I wonder who or what he's looking for."
"You know he's looking for you," Amelia said sarcastically.
"Leave me alone. I was serious."
"Bit dramatic, isn't he? What makes you think he's looking for someone?" Amelia asked.
"He's certainly not here to enjoy himself," Maria answered.
"Exactly. Look at him," Catalina replied.
"You told us not to," Maria added, teasing her friend.
"He's miserable," Catalina added softly.
"Miserable? Why would anyone be miserable today of all days?" Amelia said adding her voice of wisdom to the situation. Catalina just shrugged. "He's not miserable, Catalina. He's just evil."
"Yeah, I guess." Catalina shook her musings from her mind. Her friends were right. "At least he's out here where everybody can see and him and not committing some dark deed. . . . Come on. Let's go."
"Go? Go where?" Maria asked at her friend's vague comment. They had just been discussing where to go next and had not reached a consensus.
"I don't know. Away from here."
"Okay, fine," Maria said beginning to walk away. "But next time he shows up you've got to let us know."
"You mean like a signal?" Catalina asked.
"Sure. Like a word or gesture," Maria explained.
Catalina laughed. "Jump up and down and wave my arms in the air?"
"That's subtle. He'll never notice that," Amelia added sarcastically.
"Well, what did you have in mind?" Catalina asked with a chuckle. The girls then began to throw out suggestions for different code words or signals to let each other know if the Green Knight had slipped into their line of sight—each suggestion becoming slightly more ridiculous than the previous one. They entered their bedroom laughing.
"I see you had a good time," Catalina's mother said with a smile. "Was he handsome?" she asked with a knowing smile nodding at the flower still in Catalina's hand.
"Not as handsome as the knight who gave Amelia hers."
"Yeah, and mine came from the dummy who can fight," Maria added with a grimace.
"Hey, don't talk about Catalina's brother that way," Amelia added pretending to be offended. Then all of them burst out laughing.
Lady del Mau just shook her head at the girls. "I'll leave you girls to it then. Don't stay up too late. We'll have a long day again tomorrow."
Catalina's mother left, and the girls dressed for bed continuing their scheming. "So, Catalina, do you think your brother will win?" Amelia asked.
"Lord no. The Green Knight will flatten him. Even the Red and Yellow Knight. I think one of those will win."
"I don't think you give your brother enough credit. But what about the Red Knight from Castille? He's famous. And I hear the Knight of Navarre is here. He and his brother are supposed to be pretty talented as well."
"And the Black and White Knight from the shrine of Santiago de Campostella," Maria added casting her vote.
"Who's he? I haven't seen him," Catalina asked with a yawn leaning back on her pillows.
"He's a warrior priest and supposed to be a gifted combatant and the head of his order. My uncle thinks he has a pretty good chance of winning. He's a cousin of the King of Leon."
"Hmm, maybe. But my money's still on the Terror of Leon."
"If Prince Tristan were here, he'd best all of them," Amelia added.
The three of them laughed again and blew out the lights. They tried to listen to Lady del Mau's advice and go to sleep, but Catalina was unable to as much as she tried even though she could hear the regular breathing of her friends. In fact, excited as she was by current events, the first few rays of morning had begun to pierce the night sky before Catalina was able to fall asleep.
Don Ernesto moved the lure in circular motions about his head as he trained one of the king's birds of prey while Philippe stood by and watched. He knew he should have been praising Ernesto on the falcon's skill, but all he could think of were memories of hunting with Tristan. His son was the hunter—not him. Matias saw him and approached him cautiously.
"What is it, Soledad?" Philippe asked.
"Temple. Do you believe him? You really think he has heard nothing?"
The king sighed. "I have no choice. I have a few squires that I have appointed to be sure he has all the comforts of home. He is too lack nothing. I also told them to keep an eye and ear close to him to see if he knows anything he's not saying."
"I know. I heard, but . . .," he sighed. "I don't trust him."
"Francisco does."
"Then he's a fool!"
"Matias . . ."
"No. He's been out to destroy you for as long as he can remember. You remember that day in the field? I do. He was five years old. He attacked you then and has been fighting you ever since. He may have been friends with Francisco once, but that was a long time ago, and I don't think he cares one whit what his king says now."
"I'm afraid all we can do is wait. I've sent riders to find Tristan, and I've also sent messengers to Francisco. He's sent riders to find Tristan too. He is suspicious of Temple as well, but Francisco has no proof either. Him I trust. We'll find Tristan. And until we know the truth, we have to tolerate our Green Knight. At least he seems to be keeping to himself and behaving."
"All the more reason to be suspicious of him. He never behaves for your benefit."
Philippe sighed. "I know. It's the reason I think Tristan may already be dead."
"Why is that?"
"Francisco said in his latest message that after the tournament, Temple plans on rebuilding his home and living there with his wife and children. You don't just wake up one morning tired of revenge. He must have killed Tristan as his revenge on me, came to the tournament to compete and finish off de Roig, and then will go home and move on with his life."
"And that is the only reason I think Tristan may still be alive," Matias replied.
"I don't understand."
"If his intention was to complete his revenge on you by killing Tristan, you would know it. He would have left his body where you would be sure to find it, and you would know he did it."
"Maybe he's waiting for after the tournament."
"If he waits until after the tournament—after the treaty is signed, there will be no going home for him."
Philippe thought for a moment. "You're right, Matias. Thank you. That does give me some hope."
"I also took the liberty of having de Roig followed. I know Temple is your primary concern, but I thought . . ."
"No, it's a good idea. . . . How many times has Leonore asked you about news of Tristan?"
"More than I can count, Sire."
"Have you told her anything?"
"No. I have done as you asked. But she knows something's wrong."
"I know. We should know something in a few days."
"Speaking of Leonore," Soledad said nodding toward the entrance of the courtyard. Leonore along with her attendants were making their way to them.
Philippe smiled. "What can I do for you, My Lady?"
"Your Majesty, is there news of my husband?" she asked.
"No. There is none."
"Perhaps we could send messengers . . ."
"Princess, we have done all we can. As soon as anyone has any news, believe me, we shall be the first to know. Now, we should go and prepare ourselves. The knights begin their sport today, and you and I will preside. Chancellor, will you act as marshal for us until Tristan arrives?"
"Absolutely," Matias replied with a slight bow of his head.
Catalina and her crew waited outside the arena for her parents and younger brother. She let Amelia and Maria have the two available seats while she stood facing them. She was in the middle of telling them a story about one of her older brother's exploits when something from the corner of her eye caught her attention. Without missing a beat in her tale, she stomped Maria's foot. "Ow! What was that for?" Catalina seemed oblivious to her remark. She continued her story but turned to look to her right and then back at Maria's eyes. Maria gave her a confused look but followed her gaze where she saw the Green Knight arrive with his retinue. Catalina never stopped, paused, or even changed her tone while the Green Knight passed right behind her. Once she completed her story and he was long since out of earshot, she grinned. "How was that? Subtle enough?"
Philippe arrived at the dais to find Leonore and Matias in private conversation. Horrified that his chancellor was telling the princess their suspicions, he looked to his Chancellor hoping for an explanation. "Sire, I am at a loss. Your son the prince had prepared an exhibition for you."
"Oh, yes," Leonore continued. "It was to be a surprise. They have worked so hard and for so long, and with our beloved still absent. . . ."
Philippe smiled in relief. "Well, then let us see this display. I am sure our guests will also enjoy the entertainment." The Chancellor signaled the heralds who called forth the captain of the guard along with his men, all wearing the colors of the prince. The king, princess, and chancellor along with the guests that had already arrived watched the presentation of Tristan's men as they demonstrated the skills of the riders as well as those of the horses. The company bowed to the king who returned their courtesy with applause. "How well they ride. My son would have been very pleased with their display," Philippe said.
"And what—save grievous harm or treachery—could keep him still absent?" Leonore pleaded. In desperation, she threw herself at her father-in-law's feet. "Oh, Father, let us away to the gates and there send a second party to horse and aid in the search."
"To this throne will all tidings come when they are known," Philippe said in frustration. He had sent search parties to find Tristan. Francisco had sent search parties to find Tristan, yet no trace of the prince had been found. The look on her face, however, shattered his frustration, and he felt guilty for his outburst. "Yet, if your heart will profit from this double search, then I shall seek out the captain of the guard and see that it is done," he said taking her hand and guiding her from the floor. He left the dais in order to fulfill her request.
"In ten day's time," she said to herself. "He promised. In ten day's time." She thought about the night that he left. He had seemed so confident about the peace with Leon, so assured that he would return safely. Something must have happened. He must have suffered from some treachery. The king must have been betrayed, perhaps by Leon himself. If so, what had happened to Tristan? Where was he?
"It is done, Good Lady," the king said upon returning. "The search redoubled. Riders dispatched anew."
"But, Your Majesty, not even one herald or guard has returned with word. I fear the hand of the King of Leon turns in this."
"No. The King of Leon and I have come to terms. The visit by my son and the signing of the treaty but a formality. Fear not, Dear Child, all will be well. Let us once again greet the knights." The King leaned over the railing of the dais in order to address his people. "My Lords, My Ladies, have you come to see sport?"
Catalina watched the knights as they played their games, competing for a chance to enter the actual tournament. She and her friends cheered for her brother, waving their blue banners, but they cheered the other favorites they had found as well. The Red and Yellow Knight from the county of Perelada was one. Due to his height, he was easily spotted in the crowd. They had known that the Yellow Knight of Navarre had a brother, but during these games they discovered that this brother was a twin. The Yellow Knight's squire had run by Catalina, and thinking that he was the Yellow Knight himself, she wondered why he was not with the others. She turned to look at the rest of the knights. Yes, she had been right; all the knights were all on the other end of the field. But then, she saw the same man whom she had just seen go by with the rest of the knights. He couldn't be over there. He had just run by headed in the opposite direction. Then she realized she had spotted twins. The two were identical except one had facial hair that was slightly more manicured than the other. They cheered him on as well. The Green Knight of Leon also did not disappoint. They found it difficult to boo him even knowing of his deeds. They did, however, find one fault in him. "Why is he wearing that thing on his head?" Amelia asked.
"The chainmail coif? I know. He has nice hair. How dare he hide it. The nerve of some people," Catalina replied with a grin.
The first game was complete and Soledad awarded the victors of the game. He seemed very displeased to announce the Green Knight as one of their number.
The second game began, and knights began galloping down the field tossing flags to each other. As the Green Knight reached the end, he slowed his large black horse. The young knight with whom he was paired didn't seem to know that they had stopped, and he tossed his flag back at the Green Knight. It hit him and slid to the ground. "What the hell was he doing?" he called out to Soledad. "I better have still won that one!"
Soledad looked back at Philippe who gave him a nod. "The winners of this game are the Red and Yellow Knight, the Blue Knight, the Yellow Knight, the Black and White Knight, the Red Knight, and . . . the Green Knight."
The games continued until the infamous small joust ring—the most difficult of them all. Very few succeeded. The Green Knight, of course, was one of them. He slid his lance to the ground and pulled off the ring. Everyone around Catalina booed him, but he just grinned. "That was pretty good, huh? You want it?" he asked offering the ring to one of his aggressors. He tossed it to his squire and laughed as he rode away. Soledad was about to announce the winners of that game when the princess interrupted him.
"Wait, Lord Chancellor, they have all ridden so skillfully. Summon them all to me."
"Very well, My Lady," the chancellor then listed all the knights who had competed. Those who watched the games cheered for their heroes. After a final cheer, they were dismissed to prepare for the tournament.
Catalina and her friends made their way through the crowd until she found her brother. "Hey, Cat!"
She rolled her eyes. She hated being called the same name as a pretentious feline. "That is not my name. I was about to compliment you, but you can forget it now."
He smiled. "I don't need your praise. They'll tally the scores, and you'll see. I'll be competing tomorrow." He then nodded at the man standing next to him. "This is my friend and fellow warrior Eduardo del Rey. This is my sister Cat and her friends."
Eduardo chuckled as Alberto's sister rolled her eyes at him again and nodded in greeting. The girl wasn't looking at him though. Something behind him had caught her attention. He turned and saw the Green Knight leaving the field.
"What are you looking at?" Alberto asked her.
"He doesn't have any friends, does he?" Catalina asked with a pensive expression.
"What?" Alberto asked confused.
"Nothing."
"Oh God, don't tell me you're like them too," he asked irritated.
"Like what?" Catalina replied innocently.
"I'm sure his wife appreciates all this attention he's getting."
"He's married?"
"Look, cheer for someone else. Anybody else. He's not worth your time or acknowledgment. I don't care how good-looking he is."
"I didn't cheer for him. He's the enemy. Why would I cheer for him?"
Maria interrupted the argument between the siblings, "And you know what—so what if we did?" She had not shied away from cheering for him. "He's not the enemy anymore. Aren't we signing a treaty? Aren't we celebrating peace?"
"An absent treaty," Alberto del Mau added defensively.
"Tristan is delayed. He'll be here soon. You'll see," Maria added, ever the optimist.
"Is he just delayed?" Alberto added guardedly.
"I don't know. Why? What do you think?" Catalina asked with much curiosity.
"Just . . . cheer for whomever you want. Just not green."
Leonore had been putting on a brave face for her guests and the others, but just the thought of food was making her ill. She had spent the past several mornings vomiting and she had managed to hide it from the king so far. She knew she was expecting a child, and she wanted Tristan to be the first to know. She needed her husband to be there. And the more time passed without news, the more anxious she became. She knew her father-in-law and Matias were keeping things from her. They thought they were protecting her, but she knew they were losing hope. She also knew the Knight of Leon was being carefully watched. She tried not to let his presence bother her, but his arrogant smirk and knowing eyes made her blood run cold. The man radiated evil. She was glad he never attended the banquets. His presence made her very uncomfortable. He knew where her husband was. She was sure of it. For now, she stood on the wall of the city looking in vain for the white banners of her husband to appear coming from across the plain.
Catalina and her friends had run to their room to freshen up before returning to the field. "Yeah, he was trying to have a conversation with me. He was looking at me like he expected me to say something, but I wasn't staying around to talk." Amelia said recounting the "conversation" with the Yellow Knight who hadn't said a word as he stood by her brother, but neither had Amelia. She had grinned and nodded along during the conversation, but she was by no means gregarious. Catalina and Maria did not comment on the "conversation" which for them was nothing more than a routine and polite exchange with del Rey seeming to have any preference for any of them in particular—or them in comparison to anybody else for that matter. They were halfway down the hall when Catalina almost swore but stopped herself. "What?" Amelia asked.
"I forgot something. Go ahead. I'll catch up." Catalina ran back to her room and grabbed her blue cheering banner and rushed out to them. As she hurried around the corner, she tripped and almost fell into the Green Knight. He stared down at her coldly while she was struck dumb.
"Catalina!" she heard. She turned and saw Esteban was calling out to her. "Catalina! We're over here! Hurry, it's starting!"
She took one last look at the Green Knight. "Sorry," she said softly and went to join her family and friends.
Soledad rode out on to the field to announce who would be competing in tournament. All cheered at his arrival, and he bowed slightly at their acknowledgement. "My Lords, My Ladies, here is peace long awaited indeed and a celebration to rival the great days past. So, I say to you, how shall you cheer the heroes that have come this day to toil in honor of your kingdoms? Give me your voices!" Catalina cheered with her family. She knew that her brother had fared well in the games, and she had confidence that he would do well in the tournament also even if she was doubtful that he would win. "Aye, it is well enough," Soledad chuckled. "Yet I will warrant that you will find your true voices as we welcome the knights of the realm."
Matias then proceeded to introduce those who qualified to make it to the next round of competition. "Undaunted. Solid. Immovable. In defense, he is a rock. In attack, he is the lion uncaged. Let the ring of steel herald his arrival and the frightening smoke of battle linger in his wake, for a legend of the realm walks among us. And he is del Rey of Navarre, the Yellow Knight!" The twin with the manicured facial hair rode out, and Amelia gave him a wink. The quiet man grinned and blushed slightly. Soledad waited for him to find his place and began introducing the next contestant.
"The Predator. Militant in his pride. His blood will not be cooled. His vengeance not postponed for those that would bring war and unquiet to the naked and the defenseless. I say to you take heart. A giant approaches. Del Mau of Valiente, the Blue Knight!"
Catalina chuckled. "A giant approaches?" she whispered to Amelia. They both laughed. They knew her brother was probably the shortest knight there. "Oh, he's not gonna live that one down."
Matias continued, "In prayer, humble. In service, loyal. In battle, invincible. He brings light where before there was only darkness. Doomed and destined to be mightiest in skill among an order of warrior priests whose arrival upon the field brings despair to the impure of heart. Greet the virtuous. Greet Santa Creu, the Black and White Knight!" The Black and White Knight rode out to cheers from his people. He had received little attention from the girls with the exception of Maria. He was more lanky than the others and had brown curly hair. No one argued that he wasn't a gifted knight, but in the presence of the others, he almost went unnoticed.
Matias began the next introduction. "Stealth. The creeping panther. The flashing lance seen by thieves of treasure or pretenders to thrones. Defeat and regret have been the reward of the countless challengers who have offered their honor and shield to the point of his lance. Behold, the unbending hunter! Del Font of Perelada, the Red and Yellow Knight!" The tall, blond haired knight rode onto the field saluting the others before finding his place.
"Bold, bold captain! Set him at liberty and paralyze the enemy. The sword is his scepter—victory his throne. With little pleasure do the ambitious see the banner of Castilla hanging in the lists. Let the tortured lament of evil doers echo into eternity. For they have met and been vanquished by de Roig, the Red Knight!" The Red Knight then rode out. He too had received little attention. He seemed older than the others, but the lion rampant on his shield was appropriate. His light brown hair was long and resembled the mane of a lion.
Soledad then paused before he continued. "I pray you, hold me blameless in this. For on a shield emblazoned such as his have many of your sons and fathers been brought from the field of battle. Oh, that I were bound in chains, my voice stilled rather than pay homage to such as he that I need now salute. He is destined to violence, condemned to besiege all that is peace and serenity. His sword steel without pity. His temper is the dragon's claw! I sue for pardon and call upon the Terror of Leon, the Green Knight!" As the Green Knight rode on to the field, the few supporters from Leon cheered, but they were quickly drowned out by boos from the rest of the crowd. The Green Knight only laughed. The other knights reluctantly returned his salute.
The Chancellor having performed his duty then allowed the princess to speak. Leonore addressed the multitude saying that one of the knights would now bestow upon a lady of the realm the honor of queen of love and beauty. She gave the choice to the victor of the day's games—the Green Knight. Temple ignored the discontent of the crowd and allowed his colors to be tied to his lance. Amelia leaned over and whispered, "He shouldn't have won that one game. If he hadn't . . ."
Catalina had stopped listening. The Green Knight rode over to where she sat, and her breath caught in her throat. He looked at her coldly but motioned for her to stand. She stared blankly at him. Surely he didn't mean what she thought he did. Maria nudged her with her elbow. "Get up," she whispered. Catalina stood on shaky legs. He extended his lance, and she took the colors from the end.
"My Lords and Ladies, raise a cheer for our queen of love and beauty," the chancellor called out. The Green Knight lowered his lance and bowed to her before returning to his place.
At the conclusion of the day's events, Matias deliberately sought out his king so that he might speak with him alone. "Did you see whom he chose?" Soledad asked.
"Yes," Philippe replied absently. "Catalina del Mau." He just shook his head. "Did he think I needed reminding?"
"He certainly appears to be making a statement, Sire."
"Yes. But what? And you didn't help the matter with that introduction of yours."
"The people hate him, Your Majesty. I cannot pretend he is other than what he is, and he didn't seem offended."
"I'm sure he expected such a reception."
"The latest news from Francisco says that's why he kept his children at home."
"Smart of him. Those boys don't need to see this. Although, I'd like to have them here. With his family here, he'd be easier to keep in line."
Soledad shrugged. "But he didn't."
"No, he did not." He sighed. "I would have liked to have met them. And his wife as well."
"Yet another reason why I'm sure he left them at home."
That afternoon, the girls declared themselves on a mission to learn more about the mysterious Green Knight of Leon. They were discussing whom they would press for information when Catalina's younger brother knocked and came in. They immediately stopped their conversation. "What?" Catalina asked annoyed.
"Father told me to come get you. He wants to see you."
She quickly made plans with her friends. They would complete their missions while she spoke with her father. They would then meet back in her room to discuss their results.
Catalina hesitantly entered her parent's room where her father was waiting. "What is it?"
He motioned for her to sit and wait just one moment. He seemed obviously agitated about something. Her mother then walked in just as hesitantly. "Ferdinand? What is it?"
"I admit I am concerned."
"About what?" they almost asked in unison.
"What did you tell him?" he asked seriously, looking intently at Catalina.
She looked at her mother for aid who looked just as confused as she was. "I'm sorry, Father. I don't know what you mean."
"Don Temple, the Green Knight."
"I haven't told him anything."
"Don't lie to me," he said harshly.
"I'm not!" she replied emphatically defending herself and thoroughly confused.
"How did he know your name?"
"I don't know. How do you know he knows my name?"
"You told him."
"I didn't, and why does it matter anyway? What does my name have to do with anything?"
"I want to know what the two of you talked about."
"I have never spoken with him about anything!" she replied frustrated.
"And your name?"
She shrugged helplessly and tried to think of something that might appease her father's insistence concerning the fact that apparently the Green Knight knew who she was even though she couldn't fathom why this would be a problem. "I . . . I almost ran into him today."
"What did he say?"
"Nothing."
"If it was nothing, then tell me."
"No, I mean he didn't say a word. I almost tripped over him. Then Esteban called out to me. That's the only way I can think that he may know my name. I swear I have never had a conversation with him longer that to say that I was sorry."
Deep in thought, del Mau finally nodded. "Stay away from him as much as possible, and I don't want you going anywhere alone. Do you understand?"
She nodded. "Why? What's wrong?"
"You may return to your room. Goodnight," he replied making his way to the door to open it for her.
Rebelling against his dismissal, she remained rooted to her seat. "No. I want to know what concerns you. What am I supposed to be afraid of? I can't avoid or fight a battle if I don't know my enemy."
"She's right," her mother intervened. "And I must say, I am curious too."
He shrugged. "The fate of another Catalina has me worried. I don't know what Temple's plans are, but if he plans on repeating history, he will be sorely disappointed."
"What other Catalina? What happened to her?" Catalina asked intrigued.
"She was seduced, abandoned with her son, and killed."
"Who was she?"
"Temple's mother, and he blames Philippe for it. He was throwing it back in his face today. I hope that's all he has planned." Catalina thought even more about what her father didn't say than what he actually said. "Just don't trust him."
"I thought he was married."
"Didn't stop his father. I didn't . . . I don't want to worry you needlessly. Just be on your guard, and be flattered," he added with a grin.
"Flattered?"
"Along with the royal family, you will have the best seats at the tournament." She smiled. "Now, go to your room. Your friends are waiting." He hugged her goodnight and watched her as she walked out the door. When the door shut, he let out a long sigh.
"You were there, weren't you?"
He nodded sitting next to her. "It was my first campaign."
"If I ask you a question, will you promise to not be offended?"
"You want to know if I seduced Catalina Temple. If I abandoned her to suffering and death because I was too young and weak to stand up for her. If I was too afraid for my own skin to claim that poor, frightened little boy as my own." He gave her a soft smile. "You want to know if he's mine. But you already know the answer to that, don't you?"
"You understand I had to ask."
"I know. I remember Philippe finding his dirty little form in the snow when he was little. He cried for awhile. Then he was silent—for days even—until we took him to his uncle's."
"Apparently, he hasn't grown out of it."
"Not much anyway. It's hard to believe what that scared little thing has become. Maybe it would have made things simpler if I had just claimed him and brought him back here instead of sending him to that uncle of his in Leon. Maybe things would have been different. Maybe he would have taken the treaty, and Tristan would be here. Maybe this war would've ended long ago."
"Perhaps. But it would have been a lie."
"I would have told him the truth eventually—why I had him, why his father remains hidden. Maybe he would have had less aversion to the man if had grown up around him at least a little bit."
"You know who his father is?"
"We all do."
"Who's 'we'?"
"All the knights who were camped there that winter. We made a pact to keep the truth a secret. And thank God we did, or his poor father would have hell to pay now."
"Do you think Temple knows?"
"I'm not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did."
"Do you think he'd really hurt Catalina? He doesn't seem the type to . . . be very . . . charming."
"He used to be. He was a very different man ten years ago. If he were mine, I'd send her home immediately. Temple's vicious acts are typically directed toward those whom he holds personally responsible for his afflictions. In fact, if he were mine, I would have kept you, Catalina, and Esteban all at home. As it is, I think he has enough on his plate dealing with Philippe and de Roig. Just keep a wary eye on her."
"I will."
Catalina was the first to arrive back at her room. She sat quietly reviewing the information she had been given and tried to decide the best way to deliver it to her friends when the two of them entered together. Catalina forced a smile. "What'd you find out?"
"Nothing," Maria said with a frown. "Uncle Matias wouldn't tell me a thing."
"Nothing? But he's the best source we had."
"Well, he told me basically what we already know. He's married and has two sons. But that's it."
"What about you?" she asked nodding at Amelia.
"Well here's where the real gossip begins: apparently at birth, Carlos Temple was cursed by an evil sorcerer. He seemed to be perfectly normal until age 25 when he was attacked and possessed by demons. He went mad, killing his whole family. He then went on a tear destroying everything in his path. Some have even seen him transform into a dragon, and the beast terrorizes lands on both sides of the border. And he killed de Roig's father. That's why they hate each other."
"That's insane," Catalina asked not believing a thing about him being possessed by demons or having the capability to transform into a mythological beast.
"Well, if you think about it, his heraldry is a dragon," Amelia replied defensively.
"If he killed his whole family, how does he have a wife and children?" Maria asked obviously siding with Catalina.
After thinking for a moment, Catalina sighed. "Maybe there is a shred of truth in this. He does go around killing everything in his path. And the Red Knight does hate him."
"But kill his family?" Maria asked doubtfully.
"With a temper like his, it probably wouldn't take much," Catalina added.
"Another version I heard was that he sold his soul to the devil for ultimate power when he learned that his wife had an affair with de Roig and that his kids weren't his. Then, possessed, he killed them all including de Roig's father. He has been unsuccessful though to kill de Roig because he's under Philippe's protection. Because he found sanctuary with an agent of God, Temple can't touch him. Oh, and his sister is the only person in his family who survived, but that's because she found favor with a bunch of nuns."
"That sounds . . . a little more plausible, I guess," Catalina replied thinking that Amelia had been listening to too many bards telling tall tales about the knight of Leon. The common thread seemed to be that he killed his family and de Roig's father, and Catalina wondered if either of these were true.
"Where did you learn all this?" Maria asked since Amelia seemed to be the most successful in their quest for information—at least in terms of quantity if not quality.
"Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to," she said smiling.
"You didn't . . ." Catalina began. She knew her friend had threatened flirting with the twins until she found her answers. Amelia just shrugged grinning. "He has a sister?" Catalina asked. Her mind was spinning with all this conflicting information—attempting to break it down and put it in categories was becoming increasingly more taxing.
"I guess. Why?"
"My father said he was a bastard. His mother died."
Amelia and Maria both crept forward on the edge of their seats. They didn't realize Catalina had found information as well. "Died? Died how?" Amelia asked.
"I don't know. He just said she was killed and that Temple blames Philippe."
"Something's bothering you," Maria added.
Catalina shrugged. "Her name was Catalina."
"So that's why he chose you?" Amelia asked.
"I guess."
"Well, who's his father?" Maria said adding to the interrogation.
"He didn't say."
"Do you think . . . it's possible, isn't that . . ." Amelia began but was unable to ask.
"You think his father is my father?" Catalina replied, voicing what was on all their minds.
"He knows all this, and well, your name is Catalina," Amelia continued.
"Maybe named after a lost love?" Maria finished.
"Don't be so dramatic," Catalina answered rolling her eyes. "It was my grandmother's name," but even as she spoke she doubted what she said. It did make some sense, and why was her father so insistent about what Temple had said and how he found out her name? Was he worried about Temple seeking out his long lost family to punish them? "He can't be my brother. He doesn't look anything like us."
"What did his mother look like?" Amelia asked.
"How should I know?" Catalina replied aggravated at the situation in which she found herself. She liked things to fit and make sense, and tonight nothing was.
Hearing their chatter, Catalina's older brother entered without announcing his presence. "Are you still speaking of Temple?" he asked extremely irritated.
"We're just having fun," she said rolling her eyes.
"You should stay away from him. He's an evil man."
"I know. We're not following him around or anything. You're just jealous that you have to grow a beard to even look old enough to compete. He's taller than you, more muscled, and is better looking." Annoyed, she stood to escort her brother to the door. "By the way, your tunic is on backwards."
"No, it isn't."
"Yes, it is," she replied giggling with her friends as she pushed him out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
Feeling protective concerning a certain member of his family, Alberto del Mau made his way to the lines of tents. He knew Temple's actions had done nothing to slow his sister's fascination with him. In fact, it had done quite the opposite. He went and found Temple who was sitting outside his tent cleaning his sword preparing for the morrow.
Temple had plans. Tomorrow blood would be spilt. He had behaved long enough. He looked up when del Mau approached, but he paid him no heed. "Leave my sister be," del Mau said firmly. Temple glanced up at him briefly but returned to his task. "You listening to me? I said stay away from her."
Temple stood slowly and deliberately and looked down his nose at the younger, smaller man. "Are you done?"
Del Mau didn't back down. "No. Not until you swear to . . ."
Temple rolled his eyes in frustration. This little man wasn't worth his time. "Look, I'm not here for you or your sister. I had to pick someone, and the girl was just as good as any, and she . . . she reminded me of someone I once knew."
"Who? Mistress of yours? Or maybe just some whore you . . ." Temple grabbed him roughly by the collar and pulled back his sword as if to strike. Del Mau held his breath because it appeared Temple might just kill him, but instead, his muscles relaxed, and he sighed.
He threw del Mau aside. "I've heard her called much worse," he said coldly and walking away. "Alfonso!" he called. A young man ran out of the tent. Temple tossed him his sword. The squire gave del Mau a hard look and followed his master.
Eduardo del Rey witnessed the exchange and along with his brother approached del Mau. "Are you all right?" del Rey asked.
"Yes." Del Mau turned to go to nurse his wounded pride in solitude, but the Yellow Knight stopped him.
"It was his mother's name. His mother was Catalina Temple. She died when Temple was a child." He shrugged. "If it's any consolation."
"He certainly isn't helping my sister's obsession with him."
"Look around. Your sister isn't alone," he replied nodding toward the line of tents where a group of young women stood whispering and nodding at the tent. "They've been watching him the past hour."
Eduardo's brother shook his head at the girls grinning. "He could be the spawn of Satan himself. It wouldn't matter to them."
"For all we know, he could be. Blood as black as coal," Alberto added.
Eduardo shook head. "He's human enough. His blood is as red as ours. You'll see."
Before the start of the tournament, Catalina went and found her father by the edge of the field. He smiled. She had been thinking. He could tell. "Father, I was just wondering. . . . after we talked last night . . ."
"No."
"So you're not? I didn't think so."
"And you asked because—"
"I don't like ambiguity."
"Are you ready for today?"
"Yes. Do you think Alberto—"
"No," he replied with a smile.
"Me either."
"He'll—"
"Put on a good show—"
"Not win though."
"Right."
His smile widened. "And after our talk, you are here alone?"
She put her hands on her hips, and changed her tone to one that was slightly defensive. "I am here with like . . . a thousand of my closest friends." He laughed. "Besides, I am not alone. I'm here with you."
He put his arm around her in a rough hug. "There's my little smart ass. It's good you're here actually. Lord Chancellor Soledad will be here momentarily, and he can escort you to the dais." She shifted nervously. "What is it?"
"Nothing. I just wish I could watch with my friends." She shrugged. "Can't have both though."
"No. Watch out for—"
"I will."
"I'm serious. When the lances break, you'll be close—"
"That's the appeal. I'll be fine."
"Here comes Soledad. I'll see you after the day's events. Be sure and cheer for your brother even if you don't think he'll win."
"I always do."