Part 21
The Forest was completely still.
Not a breath of air stirred the leaves on the trees.
It was as though every living creature, including the wind, was waiting for something.
Lady Elizabeth DeParkeville knew exactly what they were waiting for.
The end of her freedom and any potential happiness in her future.
It caused a shiver to descend Elizabeth's spine as the cortège accompanying her to her wedding wound its way down the King's Highway.
The Sheriff and Sir Kyle had determined that the wedding would take place early that afternoon at the Monastery at St. Stephen's. The large and sumptuous nuptials that Queen Eleanor would have planned for her had been discarded in favour of small and quick.
They wanted the deed done before anyone became aware of their plans, the Queen, but more importantly Maxwell of Huntington.
For as Kyle had told her this morning, "He will not let a prize such as you slip through his fingers easily Elizabeth. He has bewitched you to gain access to your dowry and you have allowed it to happen. You have brought this unseemly haste on yourself."
Elizabeth had gazed at him pityingly for a moment before replying. "You would like to think that Sir Kyle. It is sad that you do not understand love. Max would have me whether I was rich or not and I would have him - and do - despite your untruthful accusations against he and his brother."
Kyle's face had reddened with rage. "He is an outlaw you stupid whore! A thief and a murderer!"
When Kyle had seen her visage darken at his accusation he had continued. "Oh yes, he is Elizabeth. For not only were my father's men killed two days ago, the entire shipment of taxes en route to London to help ransom the King was waylaid as well only yesterday. It does not seem farfetched that a man who would convince a stupid girl to fall in love with him would not feel a qualm about stealing money that is meant to save his king."
"You are lying." Elizabeth had told him calmly, although her heart had been thundering in her chest. She knew it was not true, and yet she also knew that Sir Kyle would convince his father to lay the blame on Max and Michael as well. Thus, they were not only now charged with murder, but also treason.
Kyle had stalked forward, taking her chin in a rough grip, forcing her to look at him. "And you are ridiculous. He will not come for you. You have sacrificed any potential happiness that could have existed between us during our marriage. I will catch your lover and you will watch the demon hang." When she flinched at that, his eyes had lit with malice. "Yes, you know it is true do you not Elizabeth? Maxwell of Huntington is an unnatural freak - one who kills without weapons - and the Church WILL punish him for it. We may not have found the bodies little witch, but my father has accepted that Father Desmond spoke the truth. He WILL hang or, if the Church has its way, burn at the stake. And not even a demon heretic can withstand the wrath of God."
Elizabeth had managed to hold her composure until he had stormed from her chamber, barring the heavy oak behind him. It was only then that she allowed herself to cry.
Even then she had refused to give up. She had been about to string the sheets on her bed together in order to climb out the window of her tower, when Parkyla had appeared in her doorway.
Her maidservant had been nearly hysterical with worry over her. "Oh milady! I was sure that he would kill you!"
Elizabeth had helped Parkyla to her feet. "I am fine. And yet the worst has occurred. Kyle is going to force me to marry him tomorrow. I MUST escape. And you must help me. I have to get to Max and warn him that Kyle knows where he is. What I cannot figure out is why the Sheriff and his men have not already attacked their camp. It is passing strange."
"It is too dangerous milady. They will be watching the stables and the gate like hawks. There is no way of escaping without being caught." Elizabeth had felt tears fill her eyes again at Parkyla's words. Her maid was right. Parkyla's eyes had suddenly lit with an idea however. "There is a way however."
Now, as Elizabeth sat on her steed, her hands bound yet hidden under her cloak so that no one was aware that she was going to her own wedding against her will, she wondered if Parkyla had been successful in making it to the camp unmolested. For, at this point, Max and the others were her only hope.
The thought of actually marrying Kyle - and the wedding night to follow - made her physically ill.
From the first moment Max had ever touched her she had vowed to herself that no one else - ever - would touch her in that way. She would kill herself first.
"We are here milady." The knight who had been riding close by her side pointed ahead. "St. Stephens is just around the next bend. The chapel is only slightly beyond there."
"Thank you Matthew." Elizabeth replied sadly.
After that things progressed much too quickly for Elizabeth's peace of mind. Before she knew it she was standing at the back of a small stone chapel, her hand on the Sheriff's arm as he made to lead her down the aisle. His grip on her hand was almost painful.
The Sheriff had disappointed her in these proceedings. Where he had seemed so unwilling to accuse Michael and Max posthaste at the Fair, since he had discovered her betrayal of his son, he was now their staunchest enemy. He even seemed proud of the way Kyle had taken the initiative to claim Elizabeth as his own.
The Chapel was decorated with flowers and greenery from the Forest. For a moment Elizabeth allowed herself to envision the scene as though it was Max awaiting her at the altar. Yet, it was not to be. Kyle's face came into her field of vision too soon to allow that fallacy to continue.
Her last hope was to refuse to say her vows at the altar. And this was what she planned. She knew that the priest awaiting them there would not let her marry against her will.
It was at that moment that she caught sight of the priest and all hope disappeared.
It was Father Desmond, the one who had witnessed Michael destroying the Sheriff's men with naught but an upraised hand. There would be no succor there.
MAX! Where are you? Elizabeth thought desperately as she began to fight against the Sheriff, who was now literally dragging her down the aisle.
It took several moments for the voice shouting from the back of the chapel to penetrate the panic that was beginning to set in.
"I refuse to allow this wedding to proceed."
The entire company whirled as one to face the figure in the doorway.
Part 22
"I refuse to allow this wedding to proceed."
Max watched Alexander stalk down the aisle of the Church, his expression fierce. Max couldn't help but smile to himself. Alex was doing his best to put on a show.
Thus far, the plan was proceeding smoothly. If only they could be guaranteed that it would continue to do so.
Max elbowed Michael, who was fidgeting beside him. "Michael." He reprimanded.
"This damn robe is beyond itchy." Michael complained in a grumpy whisper.
"Grow up." Max ordered. He had to agree with Michael though. He knew that monks enjoyed torturing themselves in the name of their God, but this was ridiculous.
"You realize that this isn't going to work Maxwell?" Michael continued.
Max felt Michael bump into him as he was elbowed on the other side. "It will work if you could keep your mouth shut." Max heard Mary whisper urgently.
"Alex!" Liz was exclaiming, her relief evident in her voice. Max felt a flash of anger that she should be so afraid, forced into a situation so clearly against her will.
"What is the meaning of this Whitfield?" Sir Kyle demanded. He was glaring at Alex, who by this time had reached the altar. Max could see Liz trying to wrench her arm out of the Sheriff of Nottingham's grasp, but he was having none of it.
"I might ask you the same thing Sir Kyle." Alex replied calmly. "Is the Queen aware of what is going on here? This entire wedding seems a tad hasty to me."
"She is my betrothed." Sir Kyle snapped. "I can marry at my whim. And might I add that you have absolutely no say in this matter. You are not her brother, nor are you her guardian." Kyle grabbed Elizabeth by the wrist, hauled her up beside him. Max felt Michael clamp his hand down on his shoulder. It was a good thing too. It was taking all of Max's self-control not to go and punch Sir Kyle's lights out. "Proceed Father." Kyle said to Father Desmond, who was watching the whole proceeding with concern.
Max didn't blame him. The priest was definitely caught between a rock and a hard place. Marry Elizabeth and Kyle or risk the Sheriff's wrath. Refuse to marry them or risk the displeasure of Alexander DeLucie of Whitfield, one of the most important young lords in the Kingdom.
Max flinched when the priest began to intone quickly in Latin.
"Wrong decision you ungrateful bastard." Max heard Michael mutter under his breath. Max couldn't help but agree with him. After all, it was Father Desmond who had gotten them into this mess in the first place by exposing them to the Sheriff.
They had to give Alexander a chance to resolve this situation without blood-shed though - without compromising themselves. Max knew that that would be Elizabeth's greatest concern - that he might be captured. He wasn't about to give her anything else to worry about.
Besides, if it didn't work, there was always Plan B.
"Alex! I don't want this!" Elizabeth was saying. "Please! Take me away from here."
Alexander had an expression of anger on his face. He grabbed Sir Kyle and pushed him away from Liz. "I have every intention of doing so Lizzy." He stared Sir Kyle down. "I suggest that you let us leave and I MAY not tell the Queen about this travesty." Alexander turned to the Sheriff. "You know this is wrong my lord Sheriff. Let me take the Lady Elizabeth away and we will have the wedding in a few months as was originally planned."
Max saw Liz's face darken at the last, but she stayed quiet, clearly trusting Alexander in whatever it was that he was doing.
For one happy moment, Max thought that Plan A might actually work. He watched the Sheriff's face carefully, could practically see the wheels in his brain turning.
It wasn't really Sir Kyle they had to be concerned with anyway. It was the Sheriff who held the balance of power in this Church at this moment.
If the Sheriff let Alexander take Elizabeth away, he, Michael and Mary would just slink out the back of the Church, their faces and forms concealed by their long, brown monk's robes. They would meet Isabel at the horses and he and Liz would be reunited, fleeing happily into the Forest together.
They would leave the country. They would be happy together.
But if the Sheriff didn't cooperate...
"Proceed." He told Father Desmond curtly. Before Alexander could lodge a protest, the Sheriff turned to two of his men-at-arms standing nearby. "Seize Lord Whitfield until the ceremony is complete."
"Alex!" Liz shrieked.
"Bloody hell." Maxwell heard Michael mutter. His brother grabbed Mary. "Be careful." He ordered her.
Max could almost see Mary's face light up in her cowl.
"I'm always careful." She whispered back. "You're the one liable to fall on someone's sword Lord Incompetent."
Max heard Michael snort as he moved away from the bickering pair to take his position.
Max passed a small chapel in one wall of the Church, casually picked up the sword concealed there. He saw one of the Sheriff's men glance at him as he walked sedately past, but the soldier just frowned slightly and turned back to watch the wedding.
"Lizzy, just say no!" Alexander was yelling over the drone of the priest's voice. "It goes against every tenet of the Church to marry you against your will. If you say no, it doesn't count!" Max was pleased that the plan was proceeding smoothly. Everyone in the Church was so distracted by Alex's outburst, they did not pay attention to the three figures slowly taking up position.
"NOOOOOO!!!!" Elizabeth began screaming.
"Not now you stupid whore." Max could hear the amusement in Sir Kyle's voice. "We haven't gotten to that part yet."
Max could hear Father Desmond's voice faltering. The priest paused. "Sheriff, perhaps it would be best to delay...at least until the Queen..."
"Proceed you coward!" Sir Kyle yelled. "Or I'll finish what those demons should have let happen to you in the Forest two days ago!"
Max was almost in position. If they could only stall a minute longer...
**LIZ!** He sent it out on a tiny thought wave, not expecting her to answer. But, strangely, he was not surprised when she stopped screaming.
*Max?* The voice was tentative in his head, but it was definitely there.
**Just hold on a minute longer sweeting. Everything is going according to plan.** Max felt Liz's rush of relief flood through him. It almost made his knees weak.
Max had now reached the end of the chancel. He walked slowly up behind Father Desmond.
"Do you Sir Kyle DeValence take this woman, Lady Elizabeth DeParkeville to be your wedded wife?"
Kyle's voice was confident and cocky as he replied. "Of course I do."
"Do you promise to love, honour and keep her, forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
There was a pause. Max stopped, stared at Kyle's face. He felt a pang of sympathy for the other man. He understood why Kyle wanted to marry Elizabeth so much. He might spout about the dowry, but he was in love with her too.
Who could blame him?
"I do." Kyle said quietly.
"And do you, Lady Elizabeth DeParkeville, take Sir Kyle DeValence to be your wedded husband?" The priest continued without even waiting for a reply. "Do you promise to love, honour and obey him, keeping you only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
There was a long moment of silence. Max was still moving, but he could see Elizabeth's face. She was staring at Kyle, an expression of sorrow visible even from where he stood. "I am sorry Sir Kyle, but I canno..."
"Yes! Of course she does!" Kyle had grabbed her, clamping a hand over her mouth. Liz's eyes were wide with astonishment over his hand.
Father Desmond was staring at the farce playing out in front of him.
"Then, if there be no just cause why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony..."
Max moved into position. Concealed in the shadows behind the altar, he pulled the sword, concealed under his robe, out and gently placed it against the small of Father Desmond's back. "I suggest that you do not finish that statement," he said quietly.
Father Desmond almost went into convulsions. "Er, uh..."
Kyle and the Sheriff were both staring at Father Desmond. "Father?" Kyle demanded, sounding annoyed. Max could hear Liz struggling to get away from Kyle. It seemed likely that he still had his hand clasped over her mouth as she made no noise.
"End this travesty. NOW!" Max ordered the Priest.
"I...I'm sorry Sheriff...but I have come to my senses." The priest said, his voice becoming stronger with every word. A sword in the back had the tendency to do that to a man, Max thought wryly to himself. "This wedding cannot proceed."
"You're damn right it won't!" Max heard Michael's voice. He saw the Sheriff and Kyle both whirl. Michael had knocked out the men holding onto Alexander and was now standing next to Alex, his bow in hand. The knocked arrow was aimed directly at the Sheriff's head. "Let her go." Michael ordered.
"You heard him." Mary was on the other side of the aisle, bow knocked as well, the arrow pointed squarely at Kyle's heart.
"Mary of Whitfield!" Kyle yelled in fury. "I should have known a wench like you would get yourself mixed up with outlaws!"
Mary just smiled. "That's Martin of York to you Lord Supremely Boring." She paused. "Or was that Lord Ridiculously Arrogant Lizzy?" She turned to Elizabeth with a grin. "I keep forgetting upon which we decided!"
Kyle had blanched at the realization that the third place contestant in the archery contest two days ago had been none other than Mary DeLucie. With that, he knew exactly in how much danger he found himself. "Where is he?" He demanded instead, barely keeping control of his rage.
Max stepped forward, thrusting the priest aside. "I assume you are referring to me?" He glanced at Kyle, who still had a firm grip on Elizabeth's wrist. Max's eyes narrowed. "I suggest you let her go."
"Max!" Liz said in relief.
Kyle's nostrils were flaring. "She is mine you damned outlaw!"
Max raised an eyebrow. "Mary?"
Mary smiled like a cat with a new bowl of cream. "With pleasure. My finger was growing anxious." She let loose the arrow. It whistled straight and true, literally parting Sir Kyle's hair as it passed within inches of his skull.
"Hmmmm." Mary said assessingly. "I missed."
Kyle's face was even whiter. Max could not tell whether it was from terror or fury. He thrust Elizabeth away from him. She ran towards Max. He caught her around the waist, thrusting her behind him. "This isn't over." Kyle ground out. His eyes were dancing frantically around the small Church. "You idiots!" He yelled at the guards. "Seize them!"
Mary was clucking with disappointment. "You really are as stupid as I thought you were Kyle." She looked at the collection of guards, all of whom were staring at her in astonishment. "Leave it alone boys."
She loosed another arrow which actually shredded Kyle's cloak at the shoulder. Kyle bellowed in frustration. "And there's plenty more where that came from." She told the room at large.
Max grinned to himself as he took Liz's hand and started backing away. Michael and Alex, both with bows in hand, were backing up the aisle, guarding their backs.
"Mary! Get your butt down here!" Michael yelled at her.
"Coming dearest!" She paused at the entrance to the Church. "Thank you for having us Sheriff! We'll repay the invitation very soon!"
Max and Elizabeth were the first to reach the horses. Isabel was already mounted. "Lady Elizabeth! I am pleased you are safe!"
Max practically threw Liz onto Evander's saddle. "Not quite safe yet!" He said, climbing up in front of her. "Hold on my love!" He felt his heart skip a beat as Liz's delicate arms clutched him around the waist.
They barely left the clearing in time. The guards were beginning to stream out of the Church. Max heard an arrow whistle over his head. He felt Liz tense up against his back.
Max plunged Evander into the dense foliage of the Forest which surrounded the Church. "Max! You cannot return to the Sanctuary!" He could hear Liz talking in his ear. "Kyle knows where it is!"
Max felt his heart stop. "But we left Tess and Lord Edmund there!" He called back.
He reined in a few minutes later. Michael, Mary, Alexander and Isabel all did the same. "Michael, you need to go back to Sanctuary and tell Tess and Lord Edmund what has transpired. Bring them to the waterfall and we'll find a new hiding place from there."
"What? Maxwell, we agreed that Lord Edmund was not to know about this little adventure!" Michael exclaimed.
"I don't have time to argue with you Michael. Either they find out or they die!" Max snapped back. Michael's face whitened.
"Very well." He ground out.
"I'm going with you!" Mary exclaimed.
"No." Michael said firmly.
"Michael! You can't go by yourself! It's too dangerous!" Mary screeched, sounding on the verge of tears.
"NO!" Michael bellowed.
"Mary, I'll accompany him." Alex decided. And then... "Wait a minute. Lizzy! What's wrong!"
"Nothing. I'm fine Alex." Liz's voice was strained. Max realized that she was clutching his robe tightly.
"Oh God!" Isabel had moved her horse up near Evander. She gently pushed Liz's cloak aside. Max inhaled sharply at the sight that greeted him.
There was an arrow imbedded in Liz's side. "I'm fine!" Liz insisted. "We must keep going!"
But with those words, her eyes rolled up into her head and she fainted. Max barely caught her before she fell off his horse.
To be continued....
The Forest was completely still.
Not a breath of air stirred the leaves on the trees.
It was as though every living creature, including the wind, was waiting for something.
Lady Elizabeth DeParkeville knew exactly what they were waiting for.
The end of her freedom and any potential happiness in her future.
It caused a shiver to descend Elizabeth's spine as the cortège accompanying her to her wedding wound its way down the King's Highway.
The Sheriff and Sir Kyle had determined that the wedding would take place early that afternoon at the Monastery at St. Stephen's. The large and sumptuous nuptials that Queen Eleanor would have planned for her had been discarded in favour of small and quick.
They wanted the deed done before anyone became aware of their plans, the Queen, but more importantly Maxwell of Huntington.
For as Kyle had told her this morning, "He will not let a prize such as you slip through his fingers easily Elizabeth. He has bewitched you to gain access to your dowry and you have allowed it to happen. You have brought this unseemly haste on yourself."
Elizabeth had gazed at him pityingly for a moment before replying. "You would like to think that Sir Kyle. It is sad that you do not understand love. Max would have me whether I was rich or not and I would have him - and do - despite your untruthful accusations against he and his brother."
Kyle's face had reddened with rage. "He is an outlaw you stupid whore! A thief and a murderer!"
When Kyle had seen her visage darken at his accusation he had continued. "Oh yes, he is Elizabeth. For not only were my father's men killed two days ago, the entire shipment of taxes en route to London to help ransom the King was waylaid as well only yesterday. It does not seem farfetched that a man who would convince a stupid girl to fall in love with him would not feel a qualm about stealing money that is meant to save his king."
"You are lying." Elizabeth had told him calmly, although her heart had been thundering in her chest. She knew it was not true, and yet she also knew that Sir Kyle would convince his father to lay the blame on Max and Michael as well. Thus, they were not only now charged with murder, but also treason.
Kyle had stalked forward, taking her chin in a rough grip, forcing her to look at him. "And you are ridiculous. He will not come for you. You have sacrificed any potential happiness that could have existed between us during our marriage. I will catch your lover and you will watch the demon hang." When she flinched at that, his eyes had lit with malice. "Yes, you know it is true do you not Elizabeth? Maxwell of Huntington is an unnatural freak - one who kills without weapons - and the Church WILL punish him for it. We may not have found the bodies little witch, but my father has accepted that Father Desmond spoke the truth. He WILL hang or, if the Church has its way, burn at the stake. And not even a demon heretic can withstand the wrath of God."
Elizabeth had managed to hold her composure until he had stormed from her chamber, barring the heavy oak behind him. It was only then that she allowed herself to cry.
Even then she had refused to give up. She had been about to string the sheets on her bed together in order to climb out the window of her tower, when Parkyla had appeared in her doorway.
Her maidservant had been nearly hysterical with worry over her. "Oh milady! I was sure that he would kill you!"
Elizabeth had helped Parkyla to her feet. "I am fine. And yet the worst has occurred. Kyle is going to force me to marry him tomorrow. I MUST escape. And you must help me. I have to get to Max and warn him that Kyle knows where he is. What I cannot figure out is why the Sheriff and his men have not already attacked their camp. It is passing strange."
"It is too dangerous milady. They will be watching the stables and the gate like hawks. There is no way of escaping without being caught." Elizabeth had felt tears fill her eyes again at Parkyla's words. Her maid was right. Parkyla's eyes had suddenly lit with an idea however. "There is a way however."
Now, as Elizabeth sat on her steed, her hands bound yet hidden under her cloak so that no one was aware that she was going to her own wedding against her will, she wondered if Parkyla had been successful in making it to the camp unmolested. For, at this point, Max and the others were her only hope.
The thought of actually marrying Kyle - and the wedding night to follow - made her physically ill.
From the first moment Max had ever touched her she had vowed to herself that no one else - ever - would touch her in that way. She would kill herself first.
"We are here milady." The knight who had been riding close by her side pointed ahead. "St. Stephens is just around the next bend. The chapel is only slightly beyond there."
"Thank you Matthew." Elizabeth replied sadly.
After that things progressed much too quickly for Elizabeth's peace of mind. Before she knew it she was standing at the back of a small stone chapel, her hand on the Sheriff's arm as he made to lead her down the aisle. His grip on her hand was almost painful.
The Sheriff had disappointed her in these proceedings. Where he had seemed so unwilling to accuse Michael and Max posthaste at the Fair, since he had discovered her betrayal of his son, he was now their staunchest enemy. He even seemed proud of the way Kyle had taken the initiative to claim Elizabeth as his own.
The Chapel was decorated with flowers and greenery from the Forest. For a moment Elizabeth allowed herself to envision the scene as though it was Max awaiting her at the altar. Yet, it was not to be. Kyle's face came into her field of vision too soon to allow that fallacy to continue.
Her last hope was to refuse to say her vows at the altar. And this was what she planned. She knew that the priest awaiting them there would not let her marry against her will.
It was at that moment that she caught sight of the priest and all hope disappeared.
It was Father Desmond, the one who had witnessed Michael destroying the Sheriff's men with naught but an upraised hand. There would be no succor there.
MAX! Where are you? Elizabeth thought desperately as she began to fight against the Sheriff, who was now literally dragging her down the aisle.
It took several moments for the voice shouting from the back of the chapel to penetrate the panic that was beginning to set in.
"I refuse to allow this wedding to proceed."
The entire company whirled as one to face the figure in the doorway.
Part 22
"I refuse to allow this wedding to proceed."
Max watched Alexander stalk down the aisle of the Church, his expression fierce. Max couldn't help but smile to himself. Alex was doing his best to put on a show.
Thus far, the plan was proceeding smoothly. If only they could be guaranteed that it would continue to do so.
Max elbowed Michael, who was fidgeting beside him. "Michael." He reprimanded.
"This damn robe is beyond itchy." Michael complained in a grumpy whisper.
"Grow up." Max ordered. He had to agree with Michael though. He knew that monks enjoyed torturing themselves in the name of their God, but this was ridiculous.
"You realize that this isn't going to work Maxwell?" Michael continued.
Max felt Michael bump into him as he was elbowed on the other side. "It will work if you could keep your mouth shut." Max heard Mary whisper urgently.
"Alex!" Liz was exclaiming, her relief evident in her voice. Max felt a flash of anger that she should be so afraid, forced into a situation so clearly against her will.
"What is the meaning of this Whitfield?" Sir Kyle demanded. He was glaring at Alex, who by this time had reached the altar. Max could see Liz trying to wrench her arm out of the Sheriff of Nottingham's grasp, but he was having none of it.
"I might ask you the same thing Sir Kyle." Alex replied calmly. "Is the Queen aware of what is going on here? This entire wedding seems a tad hasty to me."
"She is my betrothed." Sir Kyle snapped. "I can marry at my whim. And might I add that you have absolutely no say in this matter. You are not her brother, nor are you her guardian." Kyle grabbed Elizabeth by the wrist, hauled her up beside him. Max felt Michael clamp his hand down on his shoulder. It was a good thing too. It was taking all of Max's self-control not to go and punch Sir Kyle's lights out. "Proceed Father." Kyle said to Father Desmond, who was watching the whole proceeding with concern.
Max didn't blame him. The priest was definitely caught between a rock and a hard place. Marry Elizabeth and Kyle or risk the Sheriff's wrath. Refuse to marry them or risk the displeasure of Alexander DeLucie of Whitfield, one of the most important young lords in the Kingdom.
Max flinched when the priest began to intone quickly in Latin.
"Wrong decision you ungrateful bastard." Max heard Michael mutter under his breath. Max couldn't help but agree with him. After all, it was Father Desmond who had gotten them into this mess in the first place by exposing them to the Sheriff.
They had to give Alexander a chance to resolve this situation without blood-shed though - without compromising themselves. Max knew that that would be Elizabeth's greatest concern - that he might be captured. He wasn't about to give her anything else to worry about.
Besides, if it didn't work, there was always Plan B.
"Alex! I don't want this!" Elizabeth was saying. "Please! Take me away from here."
Alexander had an expression of anger on his face. He grabbed Sir Kyle and pushed him away from Liz. "I have every intention of doing so Lizzy." He stared Sir Kyle down. "I suggest that you let us leave and I MAY not tell the Queen about this travesty." Alexander turned to the Sheriff. "You know this is wrong my lord Sheriff. Let me take the Lady Elizabeth away and we will have the wedding in a few months as was originally planned."
Max saw Liz's face darken at the last, but she stayed quiet, clearly trusting Alexander in whatever it was that he was doing.
For one happy moment, Max thought that Plan A might actually work. He watched the Sheriff's face carefully, could practically see the wheels in his brain turning.
It wasn't really Sir Kyle they had to be concerned with anyway. It was the Sheriff who held the balance of power in this Church at this moment.
If the Sheriff let Alexander take Elizabeth away, he, Michael and Mary would just slink out the back of the Church, their faces and forms concealed by their long, brown monk's robes. They would meet Isabel at the horses and he and Liz would be reunited, fleeing happily into the Forest together.
They would leave the country. They would be happy together.
But if the Sheriff didn't cooperate...
"Proceed." He told Father Desmond curtly. Before Alexander could lodge a protest, the Sheriff turned to two of his men-at-arms standing nearby. "Seize Lord Whitfield until the ceremony is complete."
"Alex!" Liz shrieked.
"Bloody hell." Maxwell heard Michael mutter. His brother grabbed Mary. "Be careful." He ordered her.
Max could almost see Mary's face light up in her cowl.
"I'm always careful." She whispered back. "You're the one liable to fall on someone's sword Lord Incompetent."
Max heard Michael snort as he moved away from the bickering pair to take his position.
Max passed a small chapel in one wall of the Church, casually picked up the sword concealed there. He saw one of the Sheriff's men glance at him as he walked sedately past, but the soldier just frowned slightly and turned back to watch the wedding.
"Lizzy, just say no!" Alexander was yelling over the drone of the priest's voice. "It goes against every tenet of the Church to marry you against your will. If you say no, it doesn't count!" Max was pleased that the plan was proceeding smoothly. Everyone in the Church was so distracted by Alex's outburst, they did not pay attention to the three figures slowly taking up position.
"NOOOOOO!!!!" Elizabeth began screaming.
"Not now you stupid whore." Max could hear the amusement in Sir Kyle's voice. "We haven't gotten to that part yet."
Max could hear Father Desmond's voice faltering. The priest paused. "Sheriff, perhaps it would be best to delay...at least until the Queen..."
"Proceed you coward!" Sir Kyle yelled. "Or I'll finish what those demons should have let happen to you in the Forest two days ago!"
Max was almost in position. If they could only stall a minute longer...
**LIZ!** He sent it out on a tiny thought wave, not expecting her to answer. But, strangely, he was not surprised when she stopped screaming.
*Max?* The voice was tentative in his head, but it was definitely there.
**Just hold on a minute longer sweeting. Everything is going according to plan.** Max felt Liz's rush of relief flood through him. It almost made his knees weak.
Max had now reached the end of the chancel. He walked slowly up behind Father Desmond.
"Do you Sir Kyle DeValence take this woman, Lady Elizabeth DeParkeville to be your wedded wife?"
Kyle's voice was confident and cocky as he replied. "Of course I do."
"Do you promise to love, honour and keep her, forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
There was a pause. Max stopped, stared at Kyle's face. He felt a pang of sympathy for the other man. He understood why Kyle wanted to marry Elizabeth so much. He might spout about the dowry, but he was in love with her too.
Who could blame him?
"I do." Kyle said quietly.
"And do you, Lady Elizabeth DeParkeville, take Sir Kyle DeValence to be your wedded husband?" The priest continued without even waiting for a reply. "Do you promise to love, honour and obey him, keeping you only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
There was a long moment of silence. Max was still moving, but he could see Elizabeth's face. She was staring at Kyle, an expression of sorrow visible even from where he stood. "I am sorry Sir Kyle, but I canno..."
"Yes! Of course she does!" Kyle had grabbed her, clamping a hand over her mouth. Liz's eyes were wide with astonishment over his hand.
Father Desmond was staring at the farce playing out in front of him.
"Then, if there be no just cause why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony..."
Max moved into position. Concealed in the shadows behind the altar, he pulled the sword, concealed under his robe, out and gently placed it against the small of Father Desmond's back. "I suggest that you do not finish that statement," he said quietly.
Father Desmond almost went into convulsions. "Er, uh..."
Kyle and the Sheriff were both staring at Father Desmond. "Father?" Kyle demanded, sounding annoyed. Max could hear Liz struggling to get away from Kyle. It seemed likely that he still had his hand clasped over her mouth as she made no noise.
"End this travesty. NOW!" Max ordered the Priest.
"I...I'm sorry Sheriff...but I have come to my senses." The priest said, his voice becoming stronger with every word. A sword in the back had the tendency to do that to a man, Max thought wryly to himself. "This wedding cannot proceed."
"You're damn right it won't!" Max heard Michael's voice. He saw the Sheriff and Kyle both whirl. Michael had knocked out the men holding onto Alexander and was now standing next to Alex, his bow in hand. The knocked arrow was aimed directly at the Sheriff's head. "Let her go." Michael ordered.
"You heard him." Mary was on the other side of the aisle, bow knocked as well, the arrow pointed squarely at Kyle's heart.
"Mary of Whitfield!" Kyle yelled in fury. "I should have known a wench like you would get yourself mixed up with outlaws!"
Mary just smiled. "That's Martin of York to you Lord Supremely Boring." She paused. "Or was that Lord Ridiculously Arrogant Lizzy?" She turned to Elizabeth with a grin. "I keep forgetting upon which we decided!"
Kyle had blanched at the realization that the third place contestant in the archery contest two days ago had been none other than Mary DeLucie. With that, he knew exactly in how much danger he found himself. "Where is he?" He demanded instead, barely keeping control of his rage.
Max stepped forward, thrusting the priest aside. "I assume you are referring to me?" He glanced at Kyle, who still had a firm grip on Elizabeth's wrist. Max's eyes narrowed. "I suggest you let her go."
"Max!" Liz said in relief.
Kyle's nostrils were flaring. "She is mine you damned outlaw!"
Max raised an eyebrow. "Mary?"
Mary smiled like a cat with a new bowl of cream. "With pleasure. My finger was growing anxious." She let loose the arrow. It whistled straight and true, literally parting Sir Kyle's hair as it passed within inches of his skull.
"Hmmmm." Mary said assessingly. "I missed."
Kyle's face was even whiter. Max could not tell whether it was from terror or fury. He thrust Elizabeth away from him. She ran towards Max. He caught her around the waist, thrusting her behind him. "This isn't over." Kyle ground out. His eyes were dancing frantically around the small Church. "You idiots!" He yelled at the guards. "Seize them!"
Mary was clucking with disappointment. "You really are as stupid as I thought you were Kyle." She looked at the collection of guards, all of whom were staring at her in astonishment. "Leave it alone boys."
She loosed another arrow which actually shredded Kyle's cloak at the shoulder. Kyle bellowed in frustration. "And there's plenty more where that came from." She told the room at large.
Max grinned to himself as he took Liz's hand and started backing away. Michael and Alex, both with bows in hand, were backing up the aisle, guarding their backs.
"Mary! Get your butt down here!" Michael yelled at her.
"Coming dearest!" She paused at the entrance to the Church. "Thank you for having us Sheriff! We'll repay the invitation very soon!"
Max and Elizabeth were the first to reach the horses. Isabel was already mounted. "Lady Elizabeth! I am pleased you are safe!"
Max practically threw Liz onto Evander's saddle. "Not quite safe yet!" He said, climbing up in front of her. "Hold on my love!" He felt his heart skip a beat as Liz's delicate arms clutched him around the waist.
They barely left the clearing in time. The guards were beginning to stream out of the Church. Max heard an arrow whistle over his head. He felt Liz tense up against his back.
Max plunged Evander into the dense foliage of the Forest which surrounded the Church. "Max! You cannot return to the Sanctuary!" He could hear Liz talking in his ear. "Kyle knows where it is!"
Max felt his heart stop. "But we left Tess and Lord Edmund there!" He called back.
He reined in a few minutes later. Michael, Mary, Alexander and Isabel all did the same. "Michael, you need to go back to Sanctuary and tell Tess and Lord Edmund what has transpired. Bring them to the waterfall and we'll find a new hiding place from there."
"What? Maxwell, we agreed that Lord Edmund was not to know about this little adventure!" Michael exclaimed.
"I don't have time to argue with you Michael. Either they find out or they die!" Max snapped back. Michael's face whitened.
"Very well." He ground out.
"I'm going with you!" Mary exclaimed.
"No." Michael said firmly.
"Michael! You can't go by yourself! It's too dangerous!" Mary screeched, sounding on the verge of tears.
"NO!" Michael bellowed.
"Mary, I'll accompany him." Alex decided. And then... "Wait a minute. Lizzy! What's wrong!"
"Nothing. I'm fine Alex." Liz's voice was strained. Max realized that she was clutching his robe tightly.
"Oh God!" Isabel had moved her horse up near Evander. She gently pushed Liz's cloak aside. Max inhaled sharply at the sight that greeted him.
There was an arrow imbedded in Liz's side. "I'm fine!" Liz insisted. "We must keep going!"
But with those words, her eyes rolled up into her head and she fainted. Max barely caught her before she fell off his horse.
To be continued....