Free Two Heirs (The Marmoros Trilogy Book 1) by Peter Kenson Page B

my lord,” she shrugged. “They knew, of course, that this was the day we were due to return. They may have prepared for that but even so, I would not have expected a reaction such as your man has described. Perhaps if I could see for myself, maybe talk to them.”
    He nodded in agreement. “Bern, bring the wagon and the men up but stop short of the top of the rise, out of sight of the villagers. And have the men stand ready.”
    Held turned back to the scout. “Jerome isn’t it?”
    “Yes, milord.”
    “Well then, Jerome, you’d better show us the situation. Jaks, you come with us”, he added as an afterthought.
    As soon as they crossed the ridge, they could see the truth of the report. A group of men, about fifty strong, stood blocking the path to the village. When they saw Held’s party they began to scream abuse and brandish their weapons. The village itself appeared largely deserted but he could just make out frightened faces peering from behind wagons and tent doors.
    “Something has happened, my lord. I don’t know what it is but I fear the worst. I must go and talk to them.”
    “Wait, my lady, please. I beg you. I am afraid for your safety if you ride down there alone.”
    She rounded on him indignantly. “These are my people, Lord Held. They will not harm me.”
    “They are an angry mob, my lady. And angry mobs do not make rational decisions. They have bows down there. One hot-headed bowman could bring you down before you get near enough to talk to them.”
    “Then what do you suggest I do? Sitting here is doing nothing. I want to know what has happened to them.”
    “I appreciate your frustration, my lady. But a rash move now might only inflame the situation and make matters worse,” he said.
    “Look, you see that clump of gorse ahead on the right?” He indicated a bush about thirty paces in front.
    “That is still out of bowshot of even their best archer. We will ride down there together, you and I, so that they can see you clearly. If they recognise you and stop waving those weapons about then I will allow you to ride on alone. Is that acceptable, my lady?”
    “I think you are being over-protective, my lord. But, yes, I will agree to your conditions.”
    “Thank you. Jaks, Jerome, you stay here.” He nudged his horse forward into a gentle walk as did Lady Falaise. As they neared the bush, he dropped back a pace to allow Falaise to take the lead. To his great relief, one of the swordsmen lowered his weapon and, pointing at them with his other arm, started talking excitedly to the other men. Gradually the shouts changed to cries of recognition and then died away entirely as they stood there, waiting to see what would happen next.
    Falaise turned her horse to face him. “You see, my lord, you worry too much. But I thank you for your concern.”
    “Then it appears I must say goodbye to you, my lady. The food and supplies will be unloaded at the top of the rise behind me. Your people can collect them whenever they are ready. Once more I apologise for the treatment you have received at the hands of this company and I wish you and your people well in the future.”
    “Thank you, Lord Held and I wish you success in your leadership of the company.”
    With that she wheeled the chestnut round and trotted down to the group of men who closed round her, all talking excitedly. He could not hear what was being said but suddenly she kicked the horse into a gallop and headed for the centre of the village.
    Held rode slowly back to the top of the rise where Bern had joined the other two. “I don’t know what’s going on but I’m not taking the wagon any closer to the village. We’ll unload it here on this side of the ridge where they can see it. They can come and collect their supplies themselves.”
    While the wagon was being unloaded, Held took the opportunity to study the village. It was not a permanent village in any way. There were no buildings as such anywhere in sight; only wagons and tents.