Disclaimer: I neither own Reign, nor profit from this story.

Ch 23 - The Beating of War Drums

The next day Catherine was finishing up a few things in the garden, peaceably alone for once as all of the children were inside changing after their trip to the stream.

They had planned to go together as a family but Henry ended up having to deal with an emergency from one of his long time customers. He did however, send Francis on ahead and as soon as he got there the whole group of them headed off for a picnic and an afternoon of relaxation.

As the heat during the day increased, so did the heat in the house and Catherine appreciated the reprieve from working inside.

There was also little shade around their property except right near the one side of the garden. and so even just sitting under a tree and feeling the breeze go past was a welcome treat.

The few times that one or a few of the children had decided to take advantage of the shade near the garden they were promptly sat down and told very plainly that hastily placed feet attached to running legs had no place in Mother's garden, make no mistake.

They had all gotten back finally and Mary and Francis had offered to take care of the little ones. As Catherine now knew why she had been getting so exhausted she did not complain and allowed herself the time away from her rambunctious lot.

She was just about to head in when she heard the hoofs of several horses approaching.

Turning to face the visitors she was not at all pleased with what she saw.

The three men that had come around several weeks ago, this time armed with swords and moving quickly, had returned and the looks on their faces did not sit well with Catherine.

Shoring herself up for the confrontation she rose to her full, albeit still somewhat diminutive height, planted her feet firmly and prepared for the initiated guests.

The addition of her pregnant belly could have had one of a few effects as well, in either direction. She did hope however that it might deter them from taking any serious action if that was their intention.

Anyone who saw her handle the few number of situation that required such a show of strength might think that she liked such interactions, but in reality she would have withered away and hid if she had the choice. Assuming though that they were after Mary, and she had not intentions of simply allowing them to take her away.

They dismounted just like before and the leader approached her with a face that said he meant business.

"Good day m'lady, I have returned about the inquiry I had many weeks ago, though I come now with some additional information."

The tenor in his voice made her uncomfortable, and his certainty didn't help.

Catherine's mind was racing as she considered the ramifications of his return, clearly with more information this time. It would seem that the strangers who Bash saw lurking around were the same as these that had visited some time ago and that they had not yet left.

She and Henry certainly had never thought that taking Mary in would result in this. That a good deed might end up tearing through their family and their hearts.

Catherine tried to think of something, anything that she could to counter his presentation of 'information' that could result in Mary's removal from their care. Catherine would do anything in her power to save her children, but even with Bash and Francis learning to fight and their good standing with the others in the village, there might be little they could do to stop them from forcibly removing Mary once and for all.

"After speaking with you I asked around further and it would appear that the red head lives here, and I must say your oldest girl does not look much like any of the others. Her coloring is much fairer except for the striking locks that rest upon her head."

Looking behind her Catherine plastered a confused look on her face hoping to buy enough time to come up with a convincing counter.

She was quite certain that Mary should not go with thee men, but she needed a feasible reason to refuse them.

"Oh, you must be referring to Mary, our maid."

Catherine nearly choked on her own words.

This was not a good idea, but she could think of no better one that would do.

"We acquired her when she was young and will soon be a bride for my eldest son. Until she comes of age she has been serving us in payment for her room and board. Her family was unable to care for her anymore and so we provided her a home in exchange for her work and this promise. We did not know there was any despite over her guardianship."

Taking on what she hoped looked like a more calculating expression Catherine continued.

"I believe it has been a beneficial arrangement on all sides. You are are welcome to ask her yourself if you are concerned for her treatment, and of course you can return to her family to inform them that she is being well take care of and will soon be a married woman."

Clearly not expecting this answer the man frowned but decided to play along for a time.

"That is agreeable, why don't you bring her out here so that we might speak with her, I am certain that if she…"

"Forgive me, but anything regarding business my husband insists on being here for. Why don't you come back and join us for our evening meal and we can discuss this then." Gesturing behind her Catherine continued, "Then you can tell us all more about Mary's family and what she would be returning to so that a decision may be made from there."

Glaring at her mildly, clearly disapproving of this turn of events the man frowned but assented, "We will return this evening with an additional horse ready for the lass's return."

The threat clear in his voice, it took all of Catherine's energy to keep her calm as she watched he and his men ride away.

This was not good.

Her mind spinning, Catherine began thinking of the many avenues of where this may lead.

First and foremost in her mind though was that she needed to speak with Henry.

"Francis" she called as she entered the house.

"Yes mother?"

"I need you to go and retrieve your father."

Standing with a concerned look on his face, Francis walked over to her and further inquired, "Mother, what is going on? I saw you with those men out there, what did they want."

Trying to sound calmed than she felt, Catherine implied him,"For the moment that is not what is important, please just go and get your father for me."

Still not understanding why she would not explain further, Francis agreed and began to make his way to the front door.

As he passed she grabbed his arm firmly, "Francis, please hurry."

Nodding he hastily put his shoes in order to make his way into the village.

"Oh and Francis," she called out as an afterthought."

Meeting her eyes Francis paused.

"See if our priest and Nostradamus might come for an late lunch. If either implies that it may be an imposition, tell him that I very much desire their presence for the sake of our family."

"Yes Mother." he replied, already well on his way.

Catherine did not consider herself a religious woman, but she began praying in earnest then.

This might take a miracle.