Matilda looked down from a small window of Chillon castle, horses were being laden with small coffers, supplies for the journey ahead. She smiled to herself, musing over the last time she had left the castle where she had spent most of her life with little freedom. She & her friend Catherine, were to be taken on the long & arduous journey to England for whatever reason they knew not. From childhood, they had both been taught to ride, considered part of their upbringing, long distances however had never been undertaken. This will be a new venture & they were looking forward to it, but with nervous anticipation.
Matilda felt a sense of exhilaration & excitement. Now she would be escorted, as before it had been very different. Her life within the castle had been structured, confined, when her inner self cried out for a life different to that of the past.
Catherine, standing next to Matilda remained calm but optimistic, her quiet manner never showing much emotion. She had always been placid & contemplative, her grace & gentle nature in stark contrast to that of Matilda. Catherine was a good year older than Matilda, shorter, with tresses of deep golden brown when the sun's rays were upon them, her eyes brown like Matilda's, not as dark. Both girls expressed strange unexplained similarities.
The summer's day had dawned with promise, the sun becoming hotter as the day progressed, reaching higher than in the winter, when it barely escaped the horizon beyond the tall mountains nearby. Matilda loved the mountains, often gazing upon them, noticing their boundless beauty. Several of the highest peaks were still snow-clad, their whiteness gleaming, reflecting where the banks of lower hills & valleys swept down to meet the water's edge. Flowers grew in abundance amongst grassy meadows, some bending to the silvery water of the lake, glistening & rippling in summer breezes, soft with perfumed air as the days advanced.
To one side of the lake Chillon castle had been built on a rocky bank, its walls, courtyards & semi round towers being extended as now, when work was continuing.
In the early morning, many of its inhabitants moved about preparing for the journey while Matilda & Catherine gathered the last of their belongings, making ready for departure. Several of the staff were to join the company of Pierre, who took it upon himself to personally escort the two young ladies the entire journey to England.
Alice the housekeeper, had met them as they made their way from breaking their fast in the smaller of two halls, where rush lights had lit the scene of a hastily consumed meal. The main hall was used by the count when in residence, for important business dealings & entertaining high ranked officials that sometimes visited Chillon.
Matilda & Catherine paused as Alice swept up to them full of concern, realizing that it would soon be time for their departure not knowing when, if ever, they would return.
'It is nearly time for you to leave. Have you made ready both of you?' She handed them small parcels of food wrapped in a cloth. 'I have prepared these ere you leave, something you may need later,' she added, looking from one to the other, checking they were suitably dressed. Alice appeared anxious, having a certain fondness for them, although to both girls, often brisk & decisive in manner.
Matilda answered first, smiling with the thought of what lay ahead. 'Indeed we have Alice, is it not a blessing the weather is set fine? At least our departure will be easier for it.'
'There's nothing worse than having to ride in heavy rain,' retorted Alice. 'Mantles often get soaked through & cold to the touch.' Alice gave a slight shiver. 'Many a time in my younger days the rain would never abate, roads flooded becoming slippery, mud spattered clothing, always difficult to clean. No, I'm glad it's not me accompanying you.' Once more she glanced at them, her eyes filling with emotion.
Catherine looked up at Alice from under her lashes, adding calmly, 'there is much travelling ahead, but thank you for what you have done for us. I will miss you.'
Matilda stood next to Catherine, her brown eyes bright with anticipation, her long dark hair neatly braided, covered as was Catherine's. 'We will both miss you. We have not been told many details as yet, but no doubt our journey will be a long one. I thank you also...' Alice made to leave, with a sniff & a quick forward gesture, hugged both girls, much to their amazement. She had not been demonstrative in the past & often guided them as they grew up. She had been like a mother, scolding them too for their misdeeds when necessary. Her eyes were misty, cheeks flushed pink. With another sniff Alice stepped back, 'now do be on your guard the whole time. It is expected that you behave with...' A moment longer Alice turned & without a backward glance, walked away down a small passageway & was gone from sight.
A message from Pierre was delivered at that moment. They were summoned to leave now, the morning progressing quickly, preparations nearing completion in the outer courtyard below. Both girls walked toward the exterior door that led to where the party was gathered ready to leave. As Catherine approached the horses, she noticed one young man in particular she had seen from the other side of the hall recently. She smiled to herself, rather pleased he would be accompanying them on the long journey. She later found his name to be William.
When they arrived, horses were fidgeting while tw0 young grooms held their bridles. The sun for the June departure had climbed between two smaller mountain peaks, glowing pink into the early morning. Beyond the castle a light mist hung low over the silvery water of the lake. It swirled gently adding a ghost-like appearance as the mountains rose majestic beyond.
The escort consisted of six men led by Pierre on a large bay stallion. Two extra pack horses were added to the group.
As the young ladies approached, they were helped onto their horses where they settled into the saddles, the leather creaking, reins gathered up. The party of men were mounted anxiously waiting, suitably equipped with swords at their hips, daggers carefully stored.
Pierre gave the command, it was time to depart. Both girls turned in the saddle taking one last look at the castle that had been their home for most of their young lives. Holding the reins carefully they motioned for their horses to move forward over the drawbridge crossing the moat. Each animal clattered over the wooden bridge & entered the path beside the lake. Both Matilda & Catherine felt nervous with anticipation ere the journey began for it would be a long one, the way difficult in places, crossing an expanse of sea before reaching England. Both knew there was an adequate escort led by Pierre who conducted himself with authority, giving them confidence needed for the long journey ahead.
They soon passed many local farms & villages, winding along narrow tracks through woodlands, passing streams sparkling with sunshine. After several hours Pierre signaled to stop for necessary rest & a brief meal. The girls needed to adjust to long days in the saddle, soreness already apparent as they dismounted slowly. As their mounts were tied up, immediately heads went down to eat the lush grass. They had been watered earlier when fording a stream.
The sun was now much warmer, the food prepared earlier by Alice, consumed by Matilda & Catherine with relish as they fell upon it in a shaded area, chosen for its safety from prying eyes. From a short distance away Catherine had noticed the young man looking in her direction. She glanced up briefly before lowering her eyes once more.
The first night was spent in a small abbey affording several guest rooms for travelers. Pierre had known about it in advance.
Many days were put behind them as the party headed north west where it was possible they may encounter bands of rebels intent on political gain where they would rape & pillage, taking hostages & demanding ransom. Pierre was aware of any dangers, often sending a scout up ahead to check for safe passage. Care was taken with the chosen route, the men always on their guard for any trouble.
One afternoon as gentle rain fell, they were nearing the end of the day in dim light, dark clouds were approaching from the south west obscuring the sun. A storm was apparent as the party were passing through a deep woodland, necessary in avoiding busy roads where they had been warned of possible danger. The light was fading, trees darkened their way even more as they penetrated the depths still further. Both girls gave a shiver with the quietness surrounding them.
There appeared an eerie silence when Pierre felt an unease not experienced before. He raised his arm, motioning for the riders to be on their guard. Hands went to sword hilts & the atmosphere became tense. Both Catherine & Matilda felt afraid for the first time, wrapping their cloaks tightly around them, feeling the fear now settling over the whole group. It was decided to continue in order to reach their accommodation before nightfall, when suddenly Pierre & several of the men heard a sword being drawn from its scabbard. They paused & listened when, without further warning, several figures appeared from the trees, swords raised.
Cries went up as they advanced on the party of men, the two girls being safely surrounded. Pierre motioned to the men to draw swords to prepare for whatever attack they would encounter. Matilda shuddered & tried not to call out. Each man faced an enemy coming at them with fierce intentions, raised their swords in readiness, not knowing the numbers of their attackers.
As they were set upon from several directions, Pierre shouted to his men to defend themselves with whatever means possible. The fighting began as the ambush was upon them, men screamed & swords clashed as the full force of the blades rang out. Pierre's men had been trained in the art of combat, they knew how to account for themselves in the melee, dealing out blows that surprised their attackers.
However one of the men, Henry, was not quick enough & took the point of a blade tip in his shoulder, whereupon the blood started trickling down his arm & chest. Managing to remain in the saddle his sword arm unaffected, blade on blade fighting continued. Each man warding off at least one of the attackers with speed & efficiency fearless in their quest to gain the upper hand, their sword arms parrying the blows well. As swords were wielded crashing through the air, it was apparent their attackers were weakening, as on foot they were disadvantaged. Henry was starting to tire as more blood seeped from his wound, but bravely he continued.
The men surrounded the young ladies protecting them from all angles. Catherine noticed William close by, wielding his sword fiercely & with great accuracy, for one attacker in particular had set upon him with intensity. William having the upper hand, managed to bring his blade down hard, slicing off the hand of his opponent whereupon the man screamed, dropped his sword writhing on the ground in agony.
A few moments later another attacker noticed a gap between the horses, the edge of his blade had caught the leg of Catherine & she felt it immediately, shocked as to the suddenness of it. She gave a cry as pain started to overtake her, feeling unsteady in the saddle she tried in vain to remain upright. As she started to slump, Pierre glanced over at that moment, caught her as she was gripped with dizziness. 'Dear God no!' he called out, noticing the blood trickling down Catherine's leg & motioned to another man to help her. Matilda looked on with fear & froze as she watched Catherine being pulled from her horse, blood increasing from the wound.
The men fought continuously warding off their violent attackers. Sharp steel blades cutting & slicing, blood spurting as limbs were hacked, swords thrust where possible to gain the upper hand by Pierre & his men as being mounted gave them an advantage. Pierre wielded his sword with dexterity, having no choice at that moment but continue in the throng. His attention never wavering, he steered his horse into position for a final thrust, thereby finishing off his opponent with one last cry, bringing down his sword with such ferocity. He immediately turned as another man was coming at him from a different angle. He dealt the man a vicious blow to his head stopping him dead in his tracks, never to fight again.
All the men apart from Henry, who had taken a sword tip to the shoulder slowing him considerably, were able to continue regardless, conducting themselves with enough skill, overcoming their attackers who had ambushed them with a view to unsavoury rewards. Slowly they had managed to cut them down, many were either dead or in agony.
Eventually the fierce fighting came to an end as Pierre & his men sank back in their saddles, tired & relieved. Their attackers were either dead or retreating back from whence they came, beaten in their quest for quick riches.
Pierre immediately turned his attention to where Catherine sat propped against a tree. He dismounted & walked over to where William looked anxious as he tried to stop the bleeding, glanced at the approaching Pierre who asked, 'how does she fare? I'm desperately concerned for her welfare & need to know the severity of the gash. Is it serious?'
William turned to him as he crouched down still trying to apply pressure to the bleeding wound. 'It looks deep & should be stitched. If we can stop the bleeding, cleaning it well applying a poultice & bandage, she may be able to continue riding.'
Pierre bent down & looked more carefully. Catherine was quiet, pale of skin as she glanced from one to the other.
'I'm sure I'll be able to ride' she answered timidly.
'It may be the moment to tell you something I have been holding back for longer than I care to remember.' Pierre began slowly at first, 'Catherine, my dear, I am your long lost father. I care about you & Matilda. Yes, she is my daughter too. You are sisters & I love you both dearly. I'm worried that it may come as too big a shock at this moment, but feel the time is right. I can not withhold this any longer. I had my reasons to keep it a secret for so long & one day soon I will tell you the reason. For now, we must get you better & if possible back on your horse. How do you feel? Do you think you will be able to continue? I'm sorry if I've shocked you my dear, but I was very worried to see you had been hurt.'
Catherine remained motionless slumped against the tree, her emotions in turmoil, not sure what to say at this moment. She paused a while longer trying desperately to choose her words, but they wouldn't come.
'I..., you..., you are my, our father? After all this time...?' Her thoughts were confused, her inner thoughts hesitating, she looked up slowly to see his kindly expression gazing down at her. At that moment Matilda had dismounted & walked over to where Pierre was talking quietly to Catherine. She looked up at the approaching Matilda & said, 'Pierre has just told me something of great importance to us both.' She paused, wondering how to continue. ' He is our father. Yes, Matilda, you & I are not only friends, but sisters. I don't know what to say...' Catherine looked at Matilda & saw the amazement on her face, at the reaction it caused. Matilda seemed suddenly quiet, not finding the right words to express her feelings at that moment.
Pierre stood up, facing Matilda square on. 'Yes Matilda my dear, I am your papa & have loved you both since you were born. There have been reasons why I couldn't tell you long ago, but when the time is right, it will be so, we can all have many talks together.
Matilda felt more surprise than shock at that moment as she looked up at Pierre with his brown eyes & dark hair.
'It was me Matilda, who gave you that pendant you wear around your neck. I gave it to you on your fifth birthday. Do you remember? No, perhaps you don't. You were very young at the time.' Smiling gently at Matilda, Pierre looked at her.
'You are my father?' she asked slowly, trying to take in the past fourteen years of her life, remembering only very little from her childhood. 'But why didn't you...?
'I'm sorry Matilda, I had my reasons, but I care deeply about you & Catherine, needed to tell you here & now. That is why I saw fit to accompany you to England. You will both be in my care the whole way. My brother, your uncle, awaits our visit & it is with him & his wife you will both be living for the time being.' Pierre looked down at Catherine again & said, 'they live in a fine manor house in Wiltshire, close to the Dorset border. It is a very long way to travel, but you will be well looked after from here on. No more trouble, I assure you.'
Although still very anxious for Catherine, he looked down gently continuing. 'Now my dear, lets get this leg seen to & hope you can ride once more. Its necessary we carry on a little longer, it will soon be dark. Matilda, would you give me a hand, we can talk soon, but Catherine needs our help for now.'
Matilda feeling stunned, her feelings still very confused, nodded to Pierre who smiled at her. Together they lifted Catherine to her feet, the wounded leg not yet taking her full weight. William was there looking on feeling concerned, ready to give assistance if required. He had heard everything the three had imparted to one another & didn't want to intrude on their privacy. He backed away slowly to wait with the others.
'How does that feel?' asked a concerned Pierre. 'Can you put your weight on the leg yet?'
'I..., I... think so' replied a hesitant Catherine. 'The pain has ceased & I feel much better thank you.'
'Now then, do you think you can sit upon your horse again? We can lead you, just as long as you remain upright, it won't be long before we find accommodation for the night.'
Matilda looked carefully at Catherine, then down at her leg realizing all the time that she was her sister then again at Pierre. Her thoughts & feelings were beginning to untangle from what had been a mystery for so many years. She felt concern & love for Catherine asking her. 'Is there anything I can do? Think you can ride Catherine?'
Catherine was feeling better with every moment, given several sips from a wine skin Pierre had offered. The bleeding had stopped & wound bound carefully.
'Yes, I'm sure I'll be able. If..., if I could be helped to mount, we can continue. It's certainly getting dark now.'
'Good girl,' said Pierre smiling at her. 'Then let's get you up as soon as possible & we'll continue.'
Matilda made her way to a waiting horse, the whole party were once again mounted, moving off keeping close together. Henry had been seen to, his deep gash cleaned & covered. Edward, an assistant to Pierre, had been competent in the treatment of gashes & deep wounds, had taken a look at Catherine before they proceeded. Confident that all was well, they were underway again. Shelter was sought as soon as possible. The leading man called that he had just noticed a large abbey ahead, they could make it in time before nightfall.
With relief, Pierre made it known they would accept any accommodation that was available providing it was clean & adequate for their needs.
Fortunately the storm did not affront them & passed nearby as they rode into the stable area of an old abbey. Here they reigned in their horses & started to dismount.
Matilda & Catherine had been terrified earlier, now feelings of relief & tiredness overwhelming them. Catherine was helped to dismount, her horse taken by one of the men. They had arrived without further incident, safe in the knowledge their plight was over, nobody had been badly injured or killed.
It had been an eventful day, one that will remain in the mind of Matilda as she already pondered many questions forming in her mind. Her heart too, was in a state of bewilderment, but happy in what the day had brought. She now had a father, a sister too. Exhaustion was overcoming her, they had been in the saddle a long time. - quietly she contemplated the future as indeed it would be very different to the past. For both girls, today will be one to remember for a very long time.
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