Vengeance is sweet 13
Discontented, Vaysey compressed his lips and drummed his fingers on the table. This had not worked well. He could not possibly have Gisborne executed now, but but it was no question that he had to get rid of him. If only Bramby's daughter hadn't come back…..Word of honour? Duh! He had to think of something, if he didn't want to become a laughing stock. It would be best, if he got rid of Hyld of Bramby as well…and not only of her…"Knighton, I'd like you to accompany Hyld of Bramby back to her father. You might come up with some nice words…ladidadida… But at first there is a matter of utter importance I want to discuss with you, which might redound to your advantage."
The plan was brilliant; Cedric smiled and left the Great Hall. He had known at once that it would advantage him to keep in with the Sheriff, although the man himself was trapping on his nerves. Vaysey did not seem to understand that he, Cedric of Knighton, as a confident of Prince John, was no lesser than the Sheriff's equal. In due course, he would have to spell it out to Vaysey, but for now, it seemed wiser to bide his time.
When she heard the knocking at the door, Hyld was startled. She hadn't awaited Sir Guy so soon. He wanted to pay her his respects. He'd never been that formal before and…he'd never looked at her like that. She remembered as if it was yesterday when he had ridden into the inner ward of Bramby – the most handsome man she'd ever seen. She'd been a little girl and he had already been a man. She'd never thought….But Hyld didn't lie to herself; when he had looked at her, something inside her was blossomed and had touched her to the core.
She was still smiling when she opened the door, but the smile and the words died on her lips when she saw the man who was standing in front of her door – Cedric of Knighton. He indicated a light bow. "My lady, the Sheriff asked me to accompany you back to your parents. It turned out that Sir Guy is not the man to protect you properly. The Sheriff thinks it appropriate that you return to Bramby and I'm honoured to be entrusted with this task. I have already given order to pack your belongings. If you are ready, we could set out shortly and you could be united with your family before dawn."
What a babbler! Hyld had detested this knight form the very beginning. He had not leered at her like de Pont, but his cold snake eyes and his overbearing manner had repulsed her. She had seen at once that women were second-class humans for him. Hyld had a delicate, well-proportioned face, big luminous eyes and a gentle voice; many people were mislead by her outer appearance and didn't recognise her intelligence and her strength of will. Cedric of Knighton obviously thought he could cosy up to her with a few gallant words. It was odd; this knight's coldness repulsed her, whereas she was quite aware of Sir Guy being a cruel man. Knighton was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
It was only then that she registered why he had come. Home! She would return to her parents. Her eyes brightened. But then she realised that she wouldn't' be able to wait for Guy. Her thoughts wandered; her father would never welcome him and would never allow him to pay his respects to her…What could she do? A cough of Cedric of Knighton brought her back to reality. Who did he think he was? The only feat she had heard about was the mistreatment of his servants.
"I thank you, Sir Cedric," she replied with barely suppressed ire. "I will prepare for the ride and then come down to the hall. It was not necessary, however, that you worried about my safety. Sir Guy has always been able to protect me and I've often admired his extraordinary abilities with the sword. Perhaps I will have the opportunity to hear about your bravery at Prince John's court?"
Astonishing, Cedric thought, surprised and a little amused The kitten has claws And obviously she has developed a tender feeling for Gisborne. His cold fish eyes scrutinised the young woman….What a waste. A pity, actually…
He bowed again and Hyld closed the door behind him. How she had been looking forward to this moment when she would be allowed to return to Bramby and now, of all times, she couldn't be happy. Tears were nearer than laughter and before her inner eye, she saw Guy's face, saw his discomposure, saw his eyes looking at her as if he had feelings for her, and heard his clogged voice when he told her that he wanted to pay his respects to her. Perhaps she could send him a message when she was at home. It was not possible to do it here, since she didn't know whom to trust, but tomorrow, in Bramby….She only knew that she had to see him again.
Only an hour later, Hyld returned to Bramby, accompanied by Sir Cedric and twenty soldiers.
The warm water was wonderful, and probably this would be the last bath for a rather long time. Guy knew that he had to leave Nottingham Castle this very night. He had failed, he had failed completely. Granted, Hyld had saved his life, but his plans to avenge his family….He'd never be able again to seek vengeance towards Locksley. He was nearly thirty years old and his only possessions were his weapons and a little silver; he'd even lost his horse to Locksley, the bastard.
Guy closed his eyes. Hyld! What had he been thinking! …Paying his respects to her!…She had stood in the dark dungeon, but he had seen her face, had seen how glad she was to have come in time. Guy groaned; it was useless to agonise about her. When he had wooed Marian, he had been a knight with a future, but now he was a have-not again and would be on the run. He had no right to even think about her, but he also knew that he could not abandon her to her fate, leaving her in Nottingham Castle without any protection. He had never been a coward and he would find a way to get her out of the castle tonight but when he knocked on her door two hours later, he learned from a servant that Lady Hyld had already been brought back to Bramby.by Cedric of Knighton.
Maybe it was better that way, Guy thought. He ordered meat, wine and bread and returned to his chamber; only a few hours and he would leave Nottingham Castle for good.