You may recall that in Episode 11, Watley the squire has approached a solitary woman with an offer of friendly conversation. His true motive is to gain a kiss and win a wager from the knight he serves. He discovers that the woman is Welsh and suspects she is more than she might appear to be. The woman, a woman with royal Welsh heritage is returning south. She sought aid from her mother’s Scots relatives Clan Comyn to avoid a marriage arranged by her cousin Lewellyn Glyndwr, Prince of Wales. Laired Comyn refused. She now feels betrayed by all her family and is trying to decide what course to take.
Location—A Tavern on the Western edge of England’s border with the Debatable lands
July 1276, The Unseasonable Rain has stopped, but the fog remains and the night is very chill.
“Really? What do you offer in exchange for this warmth of the spirit you claim to seek?” Gwen studied the Englishman, as she sipped the ale he’d placed before her. Perhaps he told the truth and wished nothing more that conversation. However, she had learned painful lessons in the past two years about trusting men—both strangers and not.
He toyed with his mug for a moment.
She admired a person who took care to consider his words before he spoke.
“You know I am a squire, so you must know I have knightly aspirations. Hence, I offer nothing more than my master or any chivalrous knight would offer.
“Ah,” She set her mug down. “You offer me protection, Courtesy, Admiration and Honor. However, you are no knight. How can I be certain you mean what you say?”
He looked across the room to where his master sat alone. “Regard you, my master.”
She followed the squire’s gaze. The knight was impressive . Long shaggy midnight locks framed a chiseled face. Black-lashed lids drooped over dark eyes. The tavern light was dim, and she could not discern the color. However, she could not mistake the resolute shoulders, the broad chest, arms that stretched the sleeves of his tunic. She suspected his lower half would be just as enjoyable to view.
She shrugged and addressed her mug. “So, he is fit as a knight should be who knows his business.”
“Precisely,” said the squire. “He knows his business very well. His liege lord holds him highest amongst that lord’s knights.”
“That would be Edward of England,” Gwen remarked.
“I…should not confirm that.”
Hmm, the squire displayed some discretion. He managed to brag about his master without confirming his identity. For an Englishman this close to the Scots border, ‘twas no doubt wise.
“So, your master is chivalrous. Will he support your championing of a lone Welshwoman, of whom you and he know nothing?”
“Chivalry demands it. However.” The squire paused to sip his ale. “We should ask him.”
The squire stood, went to the knight who rose, and bringing his ale with him, returned to Gwen’s table.
“Good even, lady.” He looked at the squire and issued a single nod.
“Lady…?”
“Lady Gwenllian Glyndwr,” she offered.
“May I make you known to Sir Haven De Sessions.”
“Sir Haven, Lady Gwenllian Glyndwr.”
Gwen blinked, covered her lips with her fingertips, and stood. “Everyone has heard of Sir De Sessions. You are first amongst the hounds of Edward of England,” she whispered.
He smiled and bowed his head. “Indeed, I have the privilege of serving with my king’s most trusted knights. Thank you for keeping your voice low. The task King Edward has given me is better achieved anonymously.”
“Then why…?”
“My squire, Watley, has informed me that you are in need of courteous protection. My oath of knighthood demands I give it. Thus, I give you my name as well, so that you may be certain I can be trusted.”
“You are right, of course.”
“In what way can Watley and I best serve you, my lady?”
“Ah…please.” She swept a hand toward the table. “Let us sit and quietly discuss the matter.”
If anyone could be trusted to aid her, Sir Haven De Sessions exemplified that person. What were he and his squire doing at this tavern on the border of the ‘Batable lands? He’d promised protection, but he’d not said what sort of protection. Might he decide to return her to her uncle, or perhaps take her hostage for his own king? What have I done?
Note to my readers, Sir Haven De Sessions is the hero of A True & Perfect Knight. While his story takes place after the events here, if you'd like a bit more about Haven and his squire Watley, you can pick up a copy at Amazon or Books2Read.
He'd rather die than marry her. She's his best friend's widow and a traitor to England.
She'd rather die than marry him. It's his fault that she is homeless, powerless, and might literally lose her head.
Now the king wants them married and living in Wales to help quell the rebellion there. Edward 1 is a very smart king, but a marriage based on betrayal and distrust can't possibly bring peace to a conquered territory. It's more likely to get them both killed.
Can these two enemies overcome stubborn hatred, and a nation full of problems to earn a lifetime of love, or will their mutual antipathy and unseen enemies cause their death?