'Richard, what's wrong?' Her pretty blue eyes darkened as she stood back to observe her husband. He didn't wish to inflict upon her what was weighing on his mind - not yet anyway. His eyes lowered briefly, while his shoulders gave a slight shrug.
'Oh, nothing that a good rest, clean clothes and the love of my beautiful wife wouldn't cure.' Katherine was now alerted by the tone of his voice, a look of worry clouding her face. She noticed the dried blood on one sleeve. 'But you're hurt Richard, what has happened, where...?'
'All in good time my love. First I need rest and a good clean.' Richard suddenly felt the grime and dried sweat from the journey assaulting his nostrils. His wife tried to help him off with his outer garments, after they had entered the privacy of their room. Her husband's first thought was for the child she carried.
'Easy,' he muttered, as the arm began hurting again with the movement, his mood changing with the effort. His wife called for some hot water, hoping it would relieve some of his tiredness. She felt anxious and wanted to help, realizing Richard had somehow been wounded, then noticed the bandaged arm.
'Richard! Katherine frowned looking more closely at his arm, not at all squeamish. She thought it looked serious, the area having bled again through the bandage. All Richard longed for now was rest. Everything else would have to wait a little longer.
'It's nothing too serious to worry about. I'm longing for some decent food, and with you beside me.' He sighed, tiredness etched on his face. When the hot water had half filled a tub, Richard slid under, his wounded arm left dangling outside. He enjoyed the sheer pleasure of it, in no hurry to remove himself and also too exhausted. He'd been in the saddle a long time. But after the water grew cooler, he joined his wife for a late supper. Martha brought them some roasted meat, and a few other delights, which to Richard, tasted so good, relief on his face to be home.
Katherine waited to question her husband about the journey, but let him eat first. She felt anxious as to how his wound was inflicted, realizing by now it was a deep one, troubling her still further.
Richard ate well, beginning to enjoy a few home comforts once again. He had missed the cook's efforts and longed for a proper sleep. Katherine knew she needed to be patient, helping him to bed that night, his arm being freshly bandaged. The gash was deep and she hoped it would heal if she took care of him, with Martha's help.
No sooner had Richard's head touched the pillow, than he fell into a deep sleep.
No sooner had Richard's head touched the pillow, than he fell into a deep sleep.
The morning had barely dawned, a crisp chill in the air, the fire burning low, not keeping the room warm. Heavy snow had fallen during the night, turning everything purest white. It lay across fields and low into small valleys, the air having become a lot colder, their room feeling chilled in the early morning. Outside, all was quiet, with very little breeze. Ice had formed on the odd puddle in the courtyard where it had rained several days ago.
When Katherine awoke, she called for more logs to keep the fire going in the hall. Richard had slept late beside her, so she let him be for now, not wishing to disturb him, rising to see to her duties.
Not too long after, Richard joined her in the hall to break his fast. He kissed her forehead, before sinking down wearily at the trestle table beside her.
'You slept well my lord. How does your arm feel?' Katherine's look was one of concern, for she worried about his wellbeing. Richard sighed gently to himself before swallowing another mouthful.
'There is much to tell you my love. His face was somber. 'Not all has gone according to how we expected. The wound should heal in time though.' He bit into a fresh loaf, together with a little cheese and continued. 'On the return home, we were unexpectedly set upon by a band of ruffians - ambushed you might say. There are those who have been outlawed - on the run from the King or some authority. They must have been watching us, in the hope of earning a few coins or even a ransom. With the help of young Hugh, we were able to overcome them in a woodland, inflicting our own brand of punishment.'
'Hugh did you say? He is still quite young. You must have made the decision of taking him with you at the last minute.'
'I did and he proved his worth. He more or less saved my life. Good with horses too.' Richard explained to Katherine what had happened, leaving the siege and its aftermath for later. It troubled him what the King had had drawn up in the new agreement and he didn't want his wife to learn of it just yet.
They finished breaking their fast with a simple meal. Richard rose from the table, when there was a flurry of movement by the door. Edmund his groom, accompanied by Hugh, was shown into the hall by Martha.
'I need to speak with you my lord, when it is convenient that is...but perhaps it cannot wait.. I...' Edmund gave a slight bow looking anxious, his hat gripped firmly in both hands. He glanced from Katherine, back to Richard, shifting from one foot to the other.
'What is it Edmund, you look troubled?' Richard could see the matter wouldn't wait. The urgency on the man's face alerted him.
'Lord, there's been an accident on the road by the gates...a horse...' continued Edmund. Hugh's face had drained of blood. He looked pale.
'What sort of an accident?' Before Edmund could answer, Richard was moving towards the door. 'I'd better come now,' he added. Richard pulled his cloak over his shoulders, heading for the door. He immediately felt the bitter cold walking across the cobbled courtyard toward the gates, Edmund and Hugh in tow trying to keep pace behind him. Thick snow lay on the ground and more threatened, the air bleak and bitter.
As Richard passed out of the large gates, he noticed a horse in distress, lying on the snow-covered ground, legs twitching. Under it lay a youth of about twelve years of age. He was moaning, a leg trapped under the heavy horse which was trying to get back onto its feet again, but unable.
'Help me sir...' the lad managed, obviously in considerable pain and distress. ...'please...?'
Richard hurried to where the lad was lying, followed by Edmund and Hugh. At that moment, Henry, Richard's steward joined them, his broken arm evident and bound to his chest. Together they approached the distressed animal. The horse may have broken a leg as it appeared unable to get up. Richard indicated to Henry and Edmund for assistance, being careful of his injured arm. There were three of them to help. Richard was hoping to ease the lad's leg out from under the trapped horse and encourage the struggling beast back onto its feet. He seemed to be lying in a patch of ice.
Hugh, being good with animals, soothed and coaxed the animal, while the three men managed, gradually at first, to pull the youth free. He was whimpering in obvious pain. Edmund examined the horse's legs as Hugh kept him as calm as possible. The horse gave a groan and heaved itself upright. It stood looking a bit dazed, but obviously nothing broken, much to the relief of everyone. He was a handsome looking animal, a deep bay in colour with a kind eye. Hugh had hold of the bridle, still soothing him.
'What's your name lad?' Richard was breathing a sigh of relief. After further examination by Edmund, it appeared the animal had been awkwardly lying over the boy's leg, pinning it under his belly, unable to get back up, perhaps slipping on some ice, but he was obviously not badly hurt and nothing appeared broken.
'Davydd sir' The lad was moaning, still sitting in a thick patch of new snow fallen during the night. He was slowly rubbing the top part of his leg, still in pain from his ordeal.
'That's a Welsh name is it not?'
'Indeed it is sir. I originated from the Welsh Marshes and we moved to a small village near here when my father was killed at Evesham.'
Henry was helping him up from the snow-covered ground. 'You took quite a tumble. Are you able to stand on that leg,' he enquired.
'I...I think so sir.' The lad was disheveled and gingerly placed the leg down, then stood facing the men. 'My horse tried to jump that fallen tree over there...' The boy pointed to where the tree had blocked his path. 'He slipped on the snow I think and down we both fell sir.' The lad seemed able to stand on the leg, thankful it was not broken, perhaps only badly bruised. He walked a pace or two then doubled up, pain still evident on his young face. Richard was frowning.
'What on earth were you doing on that animal all alone, and at such an early hour?' The lad was trying to put weight on the leg, still looking pained.
'Well sir, my...my mother died early this morning and I didn't know what to...'
'Oh!' replied Richard. 'I'm sorry to hear lad. Perhaps you'd better come with me for now and Edmund can see to your horse.' He indicated to Edmund, who stepped forward and took the reins from Hugh, leading the horse toward the stables, with Hugh following close behind. Richard briefly acknowledged Henry's broken arm. 'I'll be with you in a short while Henry. Perhaps you could join me in the hall soon.'
'Yes lord.' There was obviously a lot of things on Richard's mind, but for now he led the limping boy toward the house. Martha the housekeeper, met them as they passed through the door, Richard shedding his warm cloak. She looked a little stunned at the sight of the young stranger.
'Lord, may I be of assistance?'. She looked from Richard to the lad who seemed to be limping badly and frowned.
'Indeed you can Martha. There's been an accident outside the gates and the boy took quite a tumble. His horse ended up on top of him, trapping his leg in the snow.'
'Oh! Dear God!' she exclaimed, looking worryingly at the boy before her. 'You might have been very seriously hurt, or even worse! But what...?'
'Later Martha.' Richard's apparent mood remained tolerant, but he needed some time for his wife and estate duties. He hoped with her various skills, Martha would take the matter in hand and deal with it accordingly. There was more to this perhaps and although he felt sorry for the boy, needed to find Katherine.
'What's your name lad?' Martha ushered him into the kitchen where it was warmer, indicating for him to sit.
'Dafydd. But my mother called me David. She...I prefer Dafydd.' The lad looked down, his hands clenched tightly, a look of utter sadness as the colour drained from his young face. Martha could see him fighting back tears.
'Oh!' she said again. 'Perhaps you could tell me about her. Are you Welsh?' She handed him a fresh warm loaf and a little honey to go with it. The boy was hesitant at first, but obviously hadn't eaten for some time. The cold outside had made him hungry. He accepted the food gratefully. The low pewter sky outside threatened more snow.
'Yes mistress. My mother...she..., she died during the night and has been ill for a while. My father died some time ago at the battle of Evesham. This morning I didn't know what...' The lad paused as a tear escaped. I haven't any brothers or sisters and didn't know what...what to do. I saddled our horse and just rode. He paused again. 'Perhaps I did very wrong mistress, but you see...'
Martha shook her head in amazement, taking an instant liking to the boy as he seemed to have reasonable manners. Under the circumstances, she was realizing the difficult situation the boy had put himself in, feeling his anguish. She offered an oat cake and some ale which he gladly accepted. 'It may be best if you stay here for the time being and I'll speak with my lord.'
'Thank you mistress.' His quiet manner was becoming apparent, eyes lowered, not wishing to face her. 'But hadn't I better return home mistress...?' He hesitated, eyes fixed on his shoes, still covered with snow. Home was a very humble place he had shared with his mother. 'I should see to Haf. He may have been hurt when he fell heavily.' He rose to face the door.
When Katherine awoke, she called for more logs to keep the fire going in the hall. Richard had slept late beside her, so she let him be for now, not wishing to disturb him, rising to see to her duties.
Not too long after, Richard joined her in the hall to break his fast. He kissed her forehead, before sinking down wearily at the trestle table beside her.
'You slept well my lord. How does your arm feel?' Katherine's look was one of concern, for she worried about his wellbeing. Richard sighed gently to himself before swallowing another mouthful.
'There is much to tell you my love. His face was somber. 'Not all has gone according to how we expected. The wound should heal in time though.' He bit into a fresh loaf, together with a little cheese and continued. 'On the return home, we were unexpectedly set upon by a band of ruffians - ambushed you might say. There are those who have been outlawed - on the run from the King or some authority. They must have been watching us, in the hope of earning a few coins or even a ransom. With the help of young Hugh, we were able to overcome them in a woodland, inflicting our own brand of punishment.'
'Hugh did you say? He is still quite young. You must have made the decision of taking him with you at the last minute.'
'I did and he proved his worth. He more or less saved my life. Good with horses too.' Richard explained to Katherine what had happened, leaving the siege and its aftermath for later. It troubled him what the King had had drawn up in the new agreement and he didn't want his wife to learn of it just yet.
They finished breaking their fast with a simple meal. Richard rose from the table, when there was a flurry of movement by the door. Edmund his groom, accompanied by Hugh, was shown into the hall by Martha.
'I need to speak with you my lord, when it is convenient that is...but perhaps it cannot wait.. I...' Edmund gave a slight bow looking anxious, his hat gripped firmly in both hands. He glanced from Katherine, back to Richard, shifting from one foot to the other.
'What is it Edmund, you look troubled?' Richard could see the matter wouldn't wait. The urgency on the man's face alerted him.
'Lord, there's been an accident on the road by the gates...a horse...' continued Edmund. Hugh's face had drained of blood. He looked pale.
'What sort of an accident?' Before Edmund could answer, Richard was moving towards the door. 'I'd better come now,' he added. Richard pulled his cloak over his shoulders, heading for the door. He immediately felt the bitter cold walking across the cobbled courtyard toward the gates, Edmund and Hugh in tow trying to keep pace behind him. Thick snow lay on the ground and more threatened, the air bleak and bitter.
As Richard passed out of the large gates, he noticed a horse in distress, lying on the snow-covered ground, legs twitching. Under it lay a youth of about twelve years of age. He was moaning, a leg trapped under the heavy horse which was trying to get back onto its feet again, but unable.
'Help me sir...' the lad managed, obviously in considerable pain and distress. ...'please...?'
Richard hurried to where the lad was lying, followed by Edmund and Hugh. At that moment, Henry, Richard's steward joined them, his broken arm evident and bound to his chest. Together they approached the distressed animal. The horse may have broken a leg as it appeared unable to get up. Richard indicated to Henry and Edmund for assistance, being careful of his injured arm. There were three of them to help. Richard was hoping to ease the lad's leg out from under the trapped horse and encourage the struggling beast back onto its feet. He seemed to be lying in a patch of ice.
Hugh, being good with animals, soothed and coaxed the animal, while the three men managed, gradually at first, to pull the youth free. He was whimpering in obvious pain. Edmund examined the horse's legs as Hugh kept him as calm as possible. The horse gave a groan and heaved itself upright. It stood looking a bit dazed, but obviously nothing broken, much to the relief of everyone. He was a handsome looking animal, a deep bay in colour with a kind eye. Hugh had hold of the bridle, still soothing him.
'What's your name lad?' Richard was breathing a sigh of relief. After further examination by Edmund, it appeared the animal had been awkwardly lying over the boy's leg, pinning it under his belly, unable to get back up, perhaps slipping on some ice, but he was obviously not badly hurt and nothing appeared broken.
'Davydd sir' The lad was moaning, still sitting in a thick patch of new snow fallen during the night. He was slowly rubbing the top part of his leg, still in pain from his ordeal.
'That's a Welsh name is it not?'
'Indeed it is sir. I originated from the Welsh Marshes and we moved to a small village near here when my father was killed at Evesham.'
Henry was helping him up from the snow-covered ground. 'You took quite a tumble. Are you able to stand on that leg,' he enquired.
'I...I think so sir.' The lad was disheveled and gingerly placed the leg down, then stood facing the men. 'My horse tried to jump that fallen tree over there...' The boy pointed to where the tree had blocked his path. 'He slipped on the snow I think and down we both fell sir.' The lad seemed able to stand on the leg, thankful it was not broken, perhaps only badly bruised. He walked a pace or two then doubled up, pain still evident on his young face. Richard was frowning.
'What on earth were you doing on that animal all alone, and at such an early hour?' The lad was trying to put weight on the leg, still looking pained.
'Well sir, my...my mother died early this morning and I didn't know what to...'
'Oh!' replied Richard. 'I'm sorry to hear lad. Perhaps you'd better come with me for now and Edmund can see to your horse.' He indicated to Edmund, who stepped forward and took the reins from Hugh, leading the horse toward the stables, with Hugh following close behind. Richard briefly acknowledged Henry's broken arm. 'I'll be with you in a short while Henry. Perhaps you could join me in the hall soon.'
'Yes lord.' There was obviously a lot of things on Richard's mind, but for now he led the limping boy toward the house. Martha the housekeeper, met them as they passed through the door, Richard shedding his warm cloak. She looked a little stunned at the sight of the young stranger.
'Lord, may I be of assistance?'. She looked from Richard to the lad who seemed to be limping badly and frowned.
'Indeed you can Martha. There's been an accident outside the gates and the boy took quite a tumble. His horse ended up on top of him, trapping his leg in the snow.'
'Oh! Dear God!' she exclaimed, looking worryingly at the boy before her. 'You might have been very seriously hurt, or even worse! But what...?'
'Later Martha.' Richard's apparent mood remained tolerant, but he needed some time for his wife and estate duties. He hoped with her various skills, Martha would take the matter in hand and deal with it accordingly. There was more to this perhaps and although he felt sorry for the boy, needed to find Katherine.
'What's your name lad?' Martha ushered him into the kitchen where it was warmer, indicating for him to sit.
'Dafydd. But my mother called me David. She...I prefer Dafydd.' The lad looked down, his hands clenched tightly, a look of utter sadness as the colour drained from his young face. Martha could see him fighting back tears.
'Oh!' she said again. 'Perhaps you could tell me about her. Are you Welsh?' She handed him a fresh warm loaf and a little honey to go with it. The boy was hesitant at first, but obviously hadn't eaten for some time. The cold outside had made him hungry. He accepted the food gratefully. The low pewter sky outside threatened more snow.
'Yes mistress. My mother...she..., she died during the night and has been ill for a while. My father died some time ago at the battle of Evesham. This morning I didn't know what...' The lad paused as a tear escaped. I haven't any brothers or sisters and didn't know what...what to do. I saddled our horse and just rode. He paused again. 'Perhaps I did very wrong mistress, but you see...'
Martha shook her head in amazement, taking an instant liking to the boy as he seemed to have reasonable manners. Under the circumstances, she was realizing the difficult situation the boy had put himself in, feeling his anguish. She offered an oat cake and some ale which he gladly accepted. 'It may be best if you stay here for the time being and I'll speak with my lord.'
'Thank you mistress.' His quiet manner was becoming apparent, eyes lowered, not wishing to face her. 'But hadn't I better return home mistress...?' He hesitated, eyes fixed on his shoes, still covered with snow. Home was a very humble place he had shared with his mother. 'I should see to Haf. He may have been hurt when he fell heavily.' He rose to face the door.
'Haf?' Martha was a little confused for the moment.
'Yes mistress. It's the Welsh word for summer. That's when we got him many years ago and my father always called him that until he was killed at Evesham. He was a strong supporter of Simon de Montfort.' He glanced up noticing some writing on a banner. 'I well know what that means mistress,' he said, brightening up slightly.
'You know your letters then?' Martha was amazed.
'Yes mistress. My mother had been taught hers and thought it would benefit me if I knew mine as well as I grew up.'
'Well I never..!'
Martha noticed how tall the lad was, a lock of dark hair falling over his brown intelligent-looking eyes. 'I'm sure Edmund our groom would be looking after Haf with the help of Hugh. He is very good with animals is young Hugh.' She smiled at the lad. 'Now don't you go worrying yourself.'
The Christmas season was upon them and gradually Richard settled back into some form of routine. He had conveyed to Katherine the new agreement the King had unexpectedly drawn up, imposing harsh conditions upon them. She considered this an outrage, but there was not a lot he could do about it under the circumstances. He had no choice but to conform to what had been set out, or forfeit his valued lands and more. It was all too obvious that the King's agreement was not only unfair, but unreasonable.
Katherine was shocked at the terms of it, but didn't want to make matters worse for her husband and accepted the situation in her own passive manner.
Martha had met with Richard to discuss the situation they were now faced with, thinking it unfair to return Dafydd to a home without parents, or kin anywhere in close proximity. Richard duly agreed and sent someone to where the lad had lived until the death of his mother. For now the boy would stay with them and as the Christmas season got underway, Dafydd proved a likable young man to have around. He fitted in well and was becoming a useful addition to the staff and slowly he and Hugh became inseparable friends. Dafydd taugh Hugh his letters, while Hugh passed on his knowledge of horses. They were seen frequently practicing their sword fighting and learning other skills that could be of use to Richard.
The Christmas festivities came and went, celebrated in the usual tradition within the household.
Katherine's body was slowly filling out with the advent of the birth of their first child. She remained well, much to Richard's relief and busied herself with her duties in helping run the manor house and estate. It pleased him to see her so radiantly happy. His wound slowly healed and he showed no ill affect from it.
'Yes mistress. It's the Welsh word for summer. That's when we got him many years ago and my father always called him that until he was killed at Evesham. He was a strong supporter of Simon de Montfort.' He glanced up noticing some writing on a banner. 'I well know what that means mistress,' he said, brightening up slightly.
'You know your letters then?' Martha was amazed.
'Yes mistress. My mother had been taught hers and thought it would benefit me if I knew mine as well as I grew up.'
'Well I never..!'
Martha noticed how tall the lad was, a lock of dark hair falling over his brown intelligent-looking eyes. 'I'm sure Edmund our groom would be looking after Haf with the help of Hugh. He is very good with animals is young Hugh.' She smiled at the lad. 'Now don't you go worrying yourself.'
The Christmas season was upon them and gradually Richard settled back into some form of routine. He had conveyed to Katherine the new agreement the King had unexpectedly drawn up, imposing harsh conditions upon them. She considered this an outrage, but there was not a lot he could do about it under the circumstances. He had no choice but to conform to what had been set out, or forfeit his valued lands and more. It was all too obvious that the King's agreement was not only unfair, but unreasonable.
Katherine was shocked at the terms of it, but didn't want to make matters worse for her husband and accepted the situation in her own passive manner.
Martha had met with Richard to discuss the situation they were now faced with, thinking it unfair to return Dafydd to a home without parents, or kin anywhere in close proximity. Richard duly agreed and sent someone to where the lad had lived until the death of his mother. For now the boy would stay with them and as the Christmas season got underway, Dafydd proved a likable young man to have around. He fitted in well and was becoming a useful addition to the staff and slowly he and Hugh became inseparable friends. Dafydd taugh Hugh his letters, while Hugh passed on his knowledge of horses. They were seen frequently practicing their sword fighting and learning other skills that could be of use to Richard.
The Christmas festivities came and went, celebrated in the usual tradition within the household.
Katherine's body was slowly filling out with the advent of the birth of their first child. She remained well, much to Richard's relief and busied herself with her duties in helping run the manor house and estate. It pleased him to see her so radiantly happy. His wound slowly healed and he showed no ill affect from it.
Wonderful! Can not wait to read more!!!!
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