Free The Falls of Erith by Kathryn Le Veque Page B

half day’s ride. Garber Serroux was a close ally
until he took my money and failed to pay it back. When I discovered his deceit,
he promised me his daughter’s hand when she came of age, the fortress and his
hereditary title of Baron Kentmere in repayment.  The fool got himself killed
before we could strike the written contract, but of no matter; it was a verbal
contact and binding. My majordomo is my witness with that.”
    Braxton
took a long, steadying breath. “How did de Romille come to know that the family
was soliciting marriage offers?”
    “Because
they were sent a missive from Erith. De Romille has two marriageable sons.”
    “Yet
he knew of Serroux’s contract with you. How?”
    “De
Romille is married to my cousin. We have oft spoke of the time when Erith would
belong to me. It would strike an unbreakable line of allies between Kendal and
Skipton. So when he received the solicitation of marriage, naturally, he knew
that I would want to know.”
    It
was a struggle for Braxton not to react. “What do you want me to do?”
    Wenvoe’s
eyebrows rose. “Lay siege to Erith, of course. I am told that they have no army
and no defenses, so it should not be a difficult task for you to take the
castle.”
    Braxton
stared at him. He fought off the urge to laugh at the irony of the situation.
“You have over one hundred men here. Why do you not lay siege yourself? Why
send for me?”
    “I
will send some of my men with you, but your vicious tactics are well known. I
heard tale from Carlisle that you led a charge against Grassgarth Castle last
year that had your men infiltrating a nearly impenetrable fortress within a few
hours after the siege began.  You lay siege towers on their sides, bridged the
moat, burnt the portcullis and entered.  Lord Carlisle said it was the most
brilliant strike he had ever seen, hence my reason for contacting you. I would
pay handsomely for that brilliance, de Nerra.”
    Though
Braxton had not signed anything, by his sheer presence he was implying that he
would take on the task. That is how his sort usually worked. He wasn’t sure how
he could back out of this. Moreover, Wenvoe had a claim that would hold up. If
Serroux had indeed given him a verbal promise, with a witness no less, his
claim was quite legitimate. He had every right to seize Erith, and Brooke
Serroux, in payment for the debt. 
    Braxton’s
mind began to work quickly.
    “My
lord,” he began. “I passed Erith on my way here. It is a broken down castle and
nothing more. Certainly not worth all of the expense you are going to pay me to
claim it.”
    “Perhaps
not. But the land is worth something. What will be your fee for such a task?”
    Braxton
regarded him a moment. “How much did Serroux owe you?”
    “Why
is that of concern?”
    “Curiosity,
my lord.”
    Wenvoe
shrugged. “He had borrowed twenty thousand gold marks, a handsome some.”
    “That
is a good deal of money.”
    “Indeed.
So you can understand why I would claim my right to Erith.”
    “I
will give you thirty thousand gold marks if you will relinquish your right.”
    Wenvoe’s
puny eyes widened.  He abruptly straightened, the bench beneath him groaning
under his weight. “What’s this you say?”
    “You
heard me. Thirty thousand gold marks and you sell me your rights to Erith.”
    The
baron was clearly astonished. He opened his mouth to argue, but shut it just as
quickly. He gave Braxton a most queer expression. 
    “What
is your interest in Erith, de Nerra? You are a soldier of fortune. You are paid
to fight other men’s wars. And now you would give me money to forget about
mine?”
    “My
reasons are my own. I will pay back Serroux’s debt and then some. Enough so
that you should be satisfied.”
    Wenvoe’s
wide eyes suddenly narrowed. “But you make no sense. What is Erith to you?”
    “Absolutely
nothing. But as I said, I passed it on my way to Creekmere. It is a place
unworthy of my talents. A child could raze the place. No amount