The young man waited impatiently for a family with a wagon to cross the bridge. He would have liked to go over himself, but the river crossing was very narrow and it was impossible to get his horse onto the bridge at the same time as the bulky wagon.
He knew there was a ford not far downstream. But the rains of the last few days had caused the water level to rise sharply, and it did not seem opportune for him to lead his horse there. So he had no choice but to be patient.
And since he could do nothing else at the moment, he watched the other people.
He had briefly been annoyed that he could not get to the other side of the river right away. He was dead tired and wanted nothing more than to get back to his comrades as soon as possible. He knew he still had a chance to get the few hours of sleep he desperately needed if he reached the camp quickly, and any delay, no matter how short, was a nuisance to him.
Still, he did not set out immediately when the route was finally clear. He paused for a few moments. As the wagon passed him, he had seen that there were three girls in it besides the driver, and one of them had caught his attention. That was enough to make him hesitate for a moment without really realizing what he was doing.
Like other men his age, he had no objection to making the acquaintance of young girls - or at least enjoying the sight of them - but the people here did not take kindly to soldiers stalking their daughters. There had been some not very... pleasant incidents - he had almost been involved in one himself - and that had made him cautious. Especially since he could understand why the men reacted the way they did, knowing exactly how some of his comrades acted. For them, all women were fair game and they treated them accordingly, seemingly forgetting that they were supposed to protect the people who lived here.
Some of the soldiers had obviously been in the war too long, too long away from home and their families. They had apparently forgotten how to behave in a civilized manner. Others had been hardened by the atrocities of battle to the suffering of others. The young man had noticed this in himself, but he had not yet sunk so low as to assault defenseless women.
Immersed in these - not so nice - thoughts, he had not stirred. But he suddenly became aware of his surroundings when he heard a man cursing loudly nearby. This was nothing unusual, however, and the rider was just about to turn his horse to the left onto the bridge when he heard a woman calling for help. He could not ignore this, and instead of riding out onto the bridge, he straightened in the saddle and searched the area for the source of the cries.
He did not have to search long, for not far from him he spotted the wagon that had just prevented him from getting to the other side of the river. But instead of moving down the road, it was now standing in the middle of it, making a ... strange impression. It took the rider a moment to realize that the vehicle had lost a wheel when it came off the hub. This had caused it to stop so abruptly that the passengers lost their balance and fell into the back of the vehicle.
The young man hesitated only a moment - and only because he was so tired - before steering his horse to the scene of the accident to offer his assistance. The driver, an older man, had been the only one able to stay in his seat, but only because he held on to the reins - which made the horses, already unsettled by the loss of the wheel, even more restless - and now he was the only one who noticed the young man. But instead of gratitude, suspicion appeared on his face.
"What do you want?" he snapped.
Puzzled by this behavior, the rider took a closer look at the other man and was surprised to see that although he wore the simple clothes of a peasant, he acted more like a nobleman, and he spontaneously decided that politeness could not be a mistake in this situation.
"My Lord," he began, "I offer you my assistance."
But again, the man's reaction surprised him, for now he sucked in his breath in shock instead of answering. The rider's brow furrowed in confusion, for it seemed to him that the other was trying to cross the territory he and his comrades controlled unnoticed. And his behavior suggested that he was not happy to be approached, as if he had done something wrong. The young man could not imagine what was going on, for he had no idea who he was looking at.
"My Lord," he continued, "I don't know you, but I would still like to offer you my help with the cart. I have no intention of holding you and your family up." He was not sure if he had found the right words to allay the other man's suspicions. Eloquence was not his strong suit.
But before the driver could answer, one of the girls, who had since picked herself up and crouched behind the older man in the back of the vehicle, suddenly intervened. Although she was cradling her left arm, she did not seem to be bothered by it. In fact, she seemed quite relaxed. And then he realized that she was the young woman he had noticed earlier, which had prevented him from riding on immediately.
Now he took the opportunity to take a closer look at her pretty face, framed by thick dark blonde braids.
"Papa, we need his help if we want to continue using the wagon," she said, not letting on whether she had noticed that he was looking at her. But maybe she was used to it already, since he thought it was worth looking at her for a longer time. Even if it was not very polite, as he belatedly realized.
However, he had also noticed that there was nothing peasant about the way she spoke, even though she and the other two girls were dressed like peasants. The other man was obviously trying to avoid being recognized by his children.
This thought reminded him of a rumor that had circulated not so long ago. It had to do with the mercenaries who had belonged to this unit of royal soldiers and the reason why they had been withdrawn and reassigned elsewhere, even though they were still needed.
Some of his comrades claimed that the reason was a dispute with one of the local Barons. And this Baron, apparently a man of great influence, had objected to his daughters being molested. The mercenaries generally did not care who the women they were messing with were. Apparently, they felt that anything that was not sufficiently protected should be at their disposal. However, the whole affair had caused such a stir that the mercenary troop had to be withdrawn, lest the army lose the support of the local nobility. Which they could not afford.
Could this be the same Baron he saw before him, trying to return to his castle without being recognized?
Guy was suddenly certain that the only way to convince the older man that he was no threat to him and his family was to take a risk. The alternative would be to turn his horse around and leave, but - even though it briefly crossed his mind - there was no way he wanted to do that. He really meant to help this family, but at that moment he did not realize that all he really cared about was the girl he wanted to get to know.
"I am a royal soldier, My Lord. I am not a mercenary. And they were detached a few days ago and are no longer in the area."
"Papa, please," the girl intervened again, and this time her father's reaction was a sigh. He had obviously realized that he would not be able to get the wagon back on the road on his own.
"Who are you?" he finally demanded.
"I am Guy of Gisburne," the rider introduced himself.
"Sir Guy?" the girl asked curiously.
The young man felt a blush rise to his face as he shook his head. "No, My Lady, I'm just a squire," he admitted. He did not want to lie to her, even though he was not sure if he had ruined all his chances with those words.
But when she gave him a smile that made him forget for a moment that he was not alone with her, he realized that he had been wrong about her.
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Sir Guy reined in his horse and turned halfway in the saddle. He wanted to take one last look at the camp and the men he had fought alongside in recent years. Not because he would miss the sight, but to remind himself that this would definitely be the last time he would see it. And he wanted to prove to himself that there was no one he would miss.
After looking at it again for a while, he could tell himself that this was true. The only person he had any connection with had also left the camp that morning. Sir Geoffrey, whom he had served as squire for seven long years, had returned to England. He had expected Guy to accompany him and had not been able to hide his disappointment as they said their farewells. But there was nothing the young man could do about it, for he had other plans.
Finally, the knight turned and let his horse take the first steps of his journey. He did so slowly, for he still had a long way to go. But the effort was tempered by the knowledge that he would be awaited at his destination.
Over the past few months, he had often wished that the war had not taken him so far from where he was now heading. The place where he was about to start a new chapter in his life. But he had also always told himself that it could have been much worse. He could have been so badly injured in the fighting that it would have been impossible for him to travel. He could have died, like many of his comrades. Then, of course, everything would be over for him and he would have nothing to worry about, but that was no consolation.
Especially not because of Aurélie, who had always played an important role in his thoughts.
When her image appeared in his mind's eye, he could not help but curse the long way he had to travel, for he would have liked to be with her sooner. He had not seen her for several months, and the further away his unit moved from her father's castle, the more difficult it had become for him to visit her. He could only console himself with the fact that she had promised to wait for him, and he knew she would keep that promise. And he took comfort in the thought that he would be able to make the journey.
He was also glad not to have to go back to England. There was nothing and no one waiting for him there, a fact that Sir Geoffrey seemed not to have considered when he assumed that his former squire would accompany him to Gloucester. But he had made no trouble for Guy when he learned of his plans, and had not insisted that he remain in his service after he had been knighted. This must have had something to do with the fact that the younger man had told him of the Baron de Lieur's offer. However, he had made no mention of Aurélie.
Now the day had finally come when he could make his way to the Baron's castle. All that stood between the young knight and his future life was this journey, even though he knew the road was not without its dangers. After all, he was travelling alone, and even though he was armed and armored - and had the appearance of an experienced fighter - he had to expect to encounter people who would not be deterred. But he hoped - and prayed - that he would not meet anyone who was indifferent to everything, even his own life, for the war had left him with nothing. Nor anyone who felt unable to return to his old life, the life he had led before the war. Sadly, for some it seemed easier to make a living as an outlaw than to look for decent work. The terrible truth was that the fighting had destroyed a lot, not only villages and towns, but also people.
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It was late in the evening when Sir Guy was led into the Great Hall. He had briefly considered stopping to rest on the last leg of his journey, knowing that he would not reach the castle before nightfall. But he had decided against it, not wanting to arrive a day later than absolutely necessary at the place that was to become his home.
Despite the late hour, he found not only Baron Ortaire de Lieur, but also his three daughters, Aurélie, Aaliz and Amiere. But he had eyes only for the eldest of the trio. She was the one he wanted to see, and at that moment, nothing else mattered. Still, he pulled himself together and remembered to show the Baron the respect he deserved and the courtesy that decency demanded. After all, he was not only about to enter his service, but also to ask for the hand of his eldest daughter. So it was important to make a good impression, even if the young man was completely exhausted.
But before he could open his mouth, the Baron had already stood up - albeit more slowly than Aurélie - and addressed him first.
"Guy, we weren't expecting you yet," he said. "I gathered from your letter that you wouldn't be arriving for a few days."
"My Lord," the young knight replied, glad that the other man had given him a chance to catch his breath. "I made better time than I expected."
"I hope your horse has not suffered from your haste," de Lieur replied with a frown. But his words immediately provoked an objection from his eldest daughter.
"Papa!" she exclaimed indignantly. "You should know Guy better. He would never make a horse suffer."
Guy, who had a few words on the subject on the tip of his tongue, was glad he did not have to say anything about it, for he was not sure he would have remained polite in this case. There was no way he would have had the heart to cause his horse any pain, no matter how much he longed to reach his destination as quickly as possible. He cared too much for the animals.
"Of course not, my dear. How thoughtless of me," the Baron gave in to his daughter at once, and actually made a contrite impression. "Sir Guy would never do such a thing."
He looked over at their guest. "Come and join us at the table. I'm sure you're hungry after your journey. The servants will bring you something to eat and drink. And to tell you the truth, I am very glad that you have already arrived. I am expecting some important guests tomorrow and I think it is very good that you have the opportunity to meet them. But more of that later, for now sit down with us."
Guy gladly complied, but did not forget to thank his host - and future master - both for his hospitality and for the opportunity to eat so late in the evening. Not only was he tired, but he was also quite hungry, as he had stopped only a few times on his journey. In fact, he had only made sure that his mount had enough time to recover. He had paid little attention to himself, being used to it over the last few years.
He grinned as he realized that he would probably not have to do that anymore in the Baron's service, but that it would probably take a while to get out of the habit.
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Sieur Guy de Gisburne was very concerned about his father-in-law, Baron de Lieur. For several months, the older man had not been well enough to leave the castle grounds, and he had had no choice but to hand over more and more of his duties to his eldest daughter's husband. But at least he was still able to welcome guests to the castle. But now it seemed that even that was no longer possible.
That was reason enough for Lady Aurélie to send Guy a letter informing him of her father's condition. She did not ask him to return, but probably only because she knew he did not need such a summons. He had immediately ended his stay in Rouen, although he had not quite settled the matter for which he had gone there, and hurried home.
What his wife had written to him had made him fear that he might not find the Baron alive, so he was relieved when he arrived at the castle to find no sign of the family in mourning. Perhaps things were not as bad as he had thought.
As he rode through the gate, he saw his eldest son standing at the foot of the stairs. Guede waited patiently while his father dismounted, the ten-year-old making a serious face. But that meant nothing in his case, for just like his father at the same age, he tended to be a serious boy. Guy himself had always suspected that this had something to do with his less than happy childhood, only to realize that his son, who had grown up much more carefree, was very much like him in this respect.
"Maman is in her solar, Papa," he announced after they had embraced.
"In that case, please go ahead," the knight urged the boy. Of course, he would have found the way on his own, but he wanted to show his son that he appreciated his efforts to take over some of his duties when he was away from the castle and Guede's grandfather was no longer able to do so.
When the two arrived at the door of the solar, Aurélie immediately put aside her embroidery, but even in this situation she remembered to behave in a manner befitting her position. So she rose gracefully, although she would have preferred to jump up. But she could not prevent her steps from quickening as she approached her husband.
And a single glance was enough for him to see how pale she was and that her eyes were red-rimmed. That, more than the letter, showed him how much she cared for her father.
"I'm glad you were able to return so quickly, my dear," she greeted him in an unusually quiet voice.
Guy embraced his wife and kissed her on the cheek. When they were newly married, he had found it difficult to show his affection for her in public, but with her support he had managed to gain more confidence in that regard. But the Baron's trust had also contributed to the fact that he was no longer the shy young man who had come to Lieur many years ago.
"Guede," he turned to his son, "please go and fetch your brothers and sisters so that I can greet them too."
Having grown up in an uncaring home, he had vowed after the birth of his eldest son - at least to himself - that he would never neglect his own offspring and take them for granted. He had made it his responsibility to greet his entire family when he returned from a journey. And before doing anything else, since they were the most important aspect of his life.
The boy nodded earnestly and walked away with quick steps. His absence gave Guy the opportunity to kiss his wife properly as he was alone with her for a moment before asking her how her father was.
"Ten days ago, he suddenly couldn't get out of bed. At the same time, he wouldn't eat. It's very difficult to get him to take food. Of course, I had him examined immediately, but the physician couldn't tell me anything other than that his life was obviously coming to an end."
Guy embraced his wife again to give her at least some comfort.
"I'm glad you informed me and gave me the chance to see him while he's still alive." He did not want to pretend to Aurélie that everything was fine, that would only insult her intelligence. He no longer believed it either. God had obviously decided that it was time to call the Baron to himself. God did not care that Guy thought it was premature. It did not matter that he wished his wife and her sisters more time with their father, or that he thought he was not yet ready to take his place.
"What about Aaliz and Amiere?" he asked.
His wife gave him a faint smile. "They arrived with their families a few days ago and have already had time to say farewell to Father. You're the only one who hasn't had the chance."
Guy did not have the opportunity to reply to these words, for at that moment Guede returned with his siblings and the knight was now busy greeting his other children.
And taking a closer look at them.
It was not lost on him that his eight-year-old twin daughters, Mêrrienne and Madallaine, looked as if they had just walked through the grove behind the castle. But he had no intention of commenting on that, nor on the dirty clothes of seven-year-old Ortaire and his brother Arnalt, who was a year younger, which made him suspect that they had spent their time in the stables once again. He could well understand their desire to be with the horses, while he still wondered where the girls' love of the forest came from.
Finally, he turned his attention to the youngest of his children. One-year-old David was in the arms of his nurse, but as soon as he saw his father, he reached out for him, much to the knight's delight. Guy took him willingly, for he loved to spend time with his children. He knew that most of his peers did not understand and thought there were more important things to do, but he had learned to ignore that. He had no intention of changing his ways; he would always make time to show his family how much he loved them.
Unfortunately, this time he had to give him back after a short time, which the boy did not like at all and protested loudly. But before Guy could say anything, Guede had already led the others away. Aurélie and her husband were alone again.
"Before I greet your sisters, I would like to see your father," Guy asked his spouse, who immediately agreed to show him to the sick man's room. After all, it was for this reason that she had brought him back to Lieur. She also knew the place the old Baron held in his son-in-law's heart. No one needed to tell her that he would miss her father as much as she and her sisters did.
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Baron de Lieur looked at his son with pride. The twenty-year-old had been knighted that very day, and his family intended to celebrate with a great feast. The ceremony had been deliberately scheduled for a Christmas day, when everyone would be at the castle. Not only Guede's parents and siblings, but also his aunts and uncles, his cousins, and the two young men who were betrothed to his sisters, Mêrrienne and Madallaine.
From the beginning of the feast, the newly knighted could not hide how happy he was to be celebrating with his entire family, but also that his parents were showing everyone how proud they were of him.
"Who would have thought what could come of a loose wagon wheel," the Baroness whispered to her husband when she had no one to attend to. Throughout the evening, one or another of her children had come to her with some kind of request, but gradually their attention had turned to other things.
Guy chuckled as he remembered what had happened. He had not forgotten what had occurred twenty-six years ago. Especially since he was still amazed at what had followed. But he was even more amazed at his good fortune, which he could never have imagined. When he came to Normandy as Sir Geoffrey's squire, he had expected nothing ... pleasant in his future, least of all the life he would lead at Aurélie's side.
His prospects had never been good, and he had only hoped to return from the war as a knight. Now he was much more than that. He was a husband, a father, and - as successor to his father-in-law - the Baron de Lieur.
"I didn't see it coming," he admitted. "But I thank God every day for what he has given me."
"It is no more than you deserve, my dear," Aurélie replied. "After all, you could have turned away when we needed help. I remember how exhausted you were. I really thought you would collapse as soon as you got off the horse. But contrary to my fears, you held on, even though I didn't understand where you got that strength at the time." She paused for a moment and looked at him respectfully. "You looked so young to me that I honestly didn't know what to expect from you."
"Thank you for your great faith in me," he replied jokingly. But he knew himself that his decision could have been different. For him, it was pure luck that it had not turned out that way, and he would not deny that he felt rewarded by God.
He had received so much for a small deed.