CHAPTER ONE
“I do not understand. It is said you have given Gareth de Molay the position of Head Practitioner.” the female was more than upset and angry. “Why? Why would you do such a thing? Is it true?” the young woman snapped, her tone conveying the message as did her approach and manner.
“For God’s sake, woman.” the older, stately man sighed more than heavily. “What did you expect me to do? In all reality. What were my choices?” When he spoke, his hands were in constant movement, punctuating his sentences in short, concise movement.
“...I am better qualified for the position. You have even said as much to my face and yet, you offer something I have earned to another?” Isabella Kingsley was accustomed to people giving her their full attention when she spoke, which Guy LaFleur was not.
People often said he was absent-minded because he had a difficult time standing still, his nervous energy transmitted to his movements and speech.
“I offered the spot to a male.” The man spread his hands, having arisen from his desk chair, his own temper flaring. “A male. There, feel better now? That the words are said. You could not possibly have been so stupid to think it would be any other way. What is in your head?”
The silence was thick. It echoed about the man’s untidy, cluttered workspace.
Guy LaFleur instantly regretted his words, for the woman’s face was stricken and chalky suddenly, the large blue eyes filled with subdued realization.
Guy lowered his head, feeling the strain of the moment. “...The Grand Master ordered me to make the correct choice. I tried to explain that you were...that you had surpassed all expectations on my part and that in my opinion, you deserved the position offered.” His tone had softened a bit and he was hesitant now, as if his mind was searching for a better route to take.
Nor did the man lie, for he had made his case quite clearly to the head man of this establishment just the other day.
“It is unheard of, that a female be given such a prestigious assignment, as well you know.” the man accused. “A woman simply...cannot even be considered for such a placement, especially in this institution.”
Isabella Kingsley was not truly shocked by the words or the deed but her temperament was such, she could not simply accept the stupidity of such an outdated, intolerable system under which she was forced to live.
“You told my father, upon my application to ‘this institution’ that I would be given every consideration befitting my station in life.” She also recalled that stipulation, one to which she insisted an answer be forthcoming before her decision to accept her father’s decree to attend said institute. “You lied, did you not. You never had any intention of honoring your promise to him...or me.”
“I said...” Guy snapped brusquely. “I would treat you as I would any student of mine, which...I have done. Nothing was said about placing you in any position. The students of this institute are expected to earn the privilege of attending. What they do with the knowledge imparted after the courses end, is entirely upon their own heads.”
The woman closed her eyes, knowing a hopeless battle when confronted by the reality of one.
She lifted a proud head. “You sir, are a liar and a fraud. I see I have been duped. Used for my father’s considerable wealth and now, tossed aside like so much flotsam in the sea.”
“You cheeky little bitch.” Guy LaFleur did not like her tone or accusation. “Watch your words, when speaking to me.”
“I watch my words when I respect or admire a person, Sir.” Isabella grated, lifting the long skirts she wore with shaky fingers. “Which no longer applies to you.”
She took her leave, her mood one of seething fury.
Guy dropped his head, sighing heavily. He could but only allow the disrespect for he felt less a man for not having the courage to defy the Grand Master’s wishes or to fight for what he believed was right and just.
“Has she cleared the battlefield, then?” David La Roche leaned slightly, glancing about the stone wall he had taken up residence behind for the duration, having come into the scene quite early on. Sensing it was a private moment, he held back, biding his time.
Guy glanced to the other man’s arrival, shaking a woeful head. “She should be taken over the proverbial knee on an hourly basis. Which her father clearly neglected to do.”
“She has her Sire’s temperament. I have heard tales of Gerard Kingsley’s nature and disposition.” David held his amusement. “Still, she has just cause to be upset, does she not?”
“I cannot believe I am hearing this from you, David?” Guy chided. “Would any of your men deign to be cared for by a female physician?”
“I do not know one that would not prefer a female to tend their wounds.” La Roche teased. “We are not stupid, you know.”
“Be serious.” La Fleur grated. “You know good and well, no self-respecting male would allow a female about were he truly wounded, modesty aside. And a female? On the fields of battle?”
La Roche shrugged the matter aside. “Still. Is she truly as good as she claims? Better than the male you appointed?”
“How long were you outside that portal?” Guy shifted an annoyed glare, returning to his desk, moving scripts about, his manner curt and annoyed still. “She has a natural talent for the art but that does not mean she should be allowed to practice it in our hallowed halls. Let her return home to a small burrow and set up a shop. As if anyone would seriously consider her as a viable alternative to a male counterpoint.”
“Seems a pity, though.” David could allow. “It must be difficult, for a woman in such an atmosphere. A male dominated one.”
“She should know her place.” Guy stated his opinion.
“You are not that jaded.” David grinned over. “Are you?”
“Her father is a patron of our Order. A very wealthy one, or she would not have been given this much credence, as everyone...but the Lady herself, is aware.”
“I have troubles of my own.” La Roche laughed hollowly. “Beatrice is being especially difficult concerning the wedding date. It is my reason for this visit.” the man scratched his bearded jaw line thoughtfully. “To ascertain if you are still planning on our Spring nuptials.”
“Females.” Guy rolled his eyes expressively. “I have assured her repeatedly that the Ides of March belong to her and the man she has manage entrap. What more must I do? Etch the date on your backside?”
“She did not entrap me. I have no objections to the marriage.” David sniffed a bottle of brandy, he had found sitting on a nearby shelf. “Is this drinkable? Beatrice is a beautiful woman, her father a wealthy landowner whose properties will fall to me upon his death. It is time I settled down, after all. I am not getting any younger and the battlefields no longer hold the attraction they once did.”
“Does not seem likely you will give up your heathen ways to remain faithful to just one woman.” Guy shifted a sage stare. “Does not sound like you at all, my dear friend, does it.”
“Who said I would give up anything. Discretion aside, a man...these days, can have his fun and keep a wife content, surely.”
“That...is how I have come to see you, La Roche.” Guy breathed easier. Giving over two pewter vessels, the smaller man in stature watched as the other poured them both a cup of cheer.
“Raise your glass, Old Sage.” David lifted his own. “Toast to my upcoming wedding night.”
“I suppose every man should have at least one in his lifetime.” La Fleur shrugged his shoulders. “Not me, of course. I am a die-hard bachelor, happy to remain so to my death bed.”
“What a lonely life you lead, Sir.” David grinned, knowing the fallacy of such a statement.
“I have had more women than you will ever see.” Guy confirmed La Roche’s hypothesis with his wry remark. “Feel no pity for me.”
“Have not...nor never will.” David finished his liquor happily. “I am off to the fields, then.”
“A Knight Templar’s lot in life is not an easy one, I hear tell.” Guy nodded minutely. “Keep your body pure and at the ready to fight in God’s service.”
“One out of two, surely, will suffice.” La Roche lifted a concerned brow then...both men laughed for the wit displayed.
“Sir Kay, a word, if you will?” Isabella waved the young knight over, as she did not feel it right to approach such a bevy of men.
Those that surrounded the man in question already made her feel awkward to be the center of attention, but she weathered their stares and gawks.
Kay jogged over, bowing slightly out of deference to her station in life. “My Lady. How may I be of assistance.”
“My father assures me, Sir. That any Pilgrim traveling these days must surely have an escort for one’s safety, is this still the case?” The woman came right to the point, as often was her way.
“Do you ask for yourself, Ma’am?”
“I do.” Isabella had made her decision and thus, went about bringing that decision to light. “I am seeking an escort to Italy. I wish to return to my homeland.”
“Your studies are done so soon? I was given to understand, another year is required to...”
“To what ends?” she snapped then, caught the action. “Forgive me, Sir. I take my doldrums out on you.” She forced a gentle smile. “I...will forego any further studies. I wish to go home as soon as possible, with all due haste. Are you available to guide and protect a lone female on such a journey?”
The man’s brow furrowed.
“I will pay handsomely, of course. I understand an acceptable price would be 150 denarius. I will give over 300, for you, Sir.” The blue eyes softened. “For you have always treated me with kind courteousness, for which I am grateful.”
Others here had not be so circumvent in their reaction to a female attempting to fit in where one was not welcomed.
“I will gladly accompany you on your journey, Lady. I ask the 150 denarius for my men. I accept no payment for I consider it a privilege and honor to be of assistance to such a lovely woman.”
“You and I both know that statement to be erroneous in nature... I am hardly a great beauty.” The woman breathed easier. She lay her hand upon his sleeve, the cold chain mail of his hauberk feeling odd to the touch. “I insist upon paying for your services. It would sadden me if you refused my offer.”
The man moved closer, lifting her hand, kissing the cloth covering the top portion respectfully. “I would never make you sad, Lady.” her smile was returned. “But the sum you suggest is obscene for the task you ask performed. Trust me on this, please. When did you wish to depart, do you have a set date in...”
“Tomorrow?”
Kay blinked his surprise. “Eh...perhaps Friday? I have training tomorrow and the next day.”
“That will be fine.” Isabella was only pleased he had agreed to assist her. “I will await your discretion, of course. And I thank you, Sir. From the bottom of my heart.”
The man bowed most courtly, watching as the woman took her leave.
He returned to his compatriots, musing on the whims a woman’s mind could take.
“Sir Kay.” David La Roche witnessed the exchange, having been among those knights gathered for the training session which was about to commence on yon fields set aside for just such an exercise. “A moment, if you will.”
The young man approached, fitting his axe where it would be easily retrieved, if the need arose. Which it invariably would in such mock battles.
“You spoke to Lady Isabella. May I inquire as to the topic of said conversation?”
“...It could possibly be construed as private, you know.” Kay frowned over.
“Your point?”
The young man shook a woeful head. “It is only that she wishes to return to Italy. I will escort her. Is there a problem with me doing so?”
“There may well be.” David knew. “I will speak to Guy LaFleur. He should be made aware of this new development, I think.”
“Why? I was given to understand, he always disliked having his classroom defiled by a female. Surely, he will be most content to hear she is leaving these hallowed halls.”
“He may be pleased but her father, very likely...will not.” David suspected. “I do not think anyone here believed the Lady would choose such a drastic course when they made their decision to...throw down the gauntlet they chose to throw.”
“Of what do you speak?”
“I will join the training later. I should deliver the bad news in person.” The man took his leave.
“My point exactly!” Guy sniped his irritation. “Would a male react in such a stupidly, immature, irrational manner, I think not!”
“The point is moot. She has and now, you...or the Grand Master must face the consequences of her actions. What will occur when her Sire learns of your treatment of his daughter?”
Guy closed weary eyes. “Well, he will not send flowers and well-wishes will he.” It was grated. “Damnation! What a fix she has put us into.”
“She?” David chuckled. “You are the two who promised something you had no intention of delivering. What is she to think or do? Having wasted an entire year here, thinking it would be to her benefit to do so.”
“Well, it was beyond stupid to ask such a thing or believe we could possibly force her upon an unsuspecting public.”
“But it was asked.” David reminded needlessly were Guy ’s expression any criteria by which to judge. “In my opinion, it was beyond stupid to allow the woman to join our ranks to begin with.”
“Will you inform the Grand Master of said belief?”
“If you like.” La Roche had no issue with such action.
Guy La Fleur’s mouth tightened, with his mood. “You owe me.”
“...Do not drag me into this debacle!” David laughed at the absurdity. “I do not even know the woman.”
“Listen.” Guy moved closer, pulling his desk chair over to the divan where the other man sat. “I have a plan. I know Isabella Kingsley quite well. She has a temper but it fades quickly enough.”
“Does not sound like the woman I heard in this very room yesterday.”
“No, it is true. She spouts forth but then, calms and becomes quite rational and deliberate if given the correct reasoning.”
“Even so?”
“...Given a few days to think matters through, she will very likely, regret such a hasty decision on her part. She truly enjoys being here, on the whole.” Guy warmed to the idea forming. “If you could give me those few days? I will consider all debts paid.”
“And how would I manage that?” David exasperated. “My wedding is to be in a fortnight. I do not have time to go off gallivanting all over...”
“There will be no wedding if I do not officiate.”
David sat back, breathing in a long, cleansing breath, exhaling his pent-up annoyance. “You weasel of man. You gave over your word to Beatrice.”
“I am well able to live with your Lady’s disenchantment with me. The Grand Master? He expects me to handle this problem. I expect you...to aid and abet.”
“How the hell am I supposed to change Lady Kingsley’s mind about anything under the sun. I have spoken to her only once and that was in passing. She does not know me from Adam, man!”
“You have a way with women.” Guy smiled happily. “Use your evil powers for good in this instance. You will think of something. I need that woman to remain here for the duration of the next semester at least. Give me that time to persuade her of our merits. I will think of some way to sooth any ruffled features but I need time, man.”
“Why not just go to her yourself and explain that you will do as you promised, if she will give over the time?”
“She has been...distant and cold to me of late. Nor has she attended any of the scheduled classes. A first for her, by the way.” Guy ’s expression fell. “I found myself most contrite over the fact. I did not think she would be this upset, to be truthful. I feel...”
“Like the heel you are?”
“Badly.” It was stoutly corrected. “This is her fault more than it is mine.”
David shook a woeful head for such an outlook.
“Listen.” Guy could be most persuasive when he wished. “It will be only a few days, I swear. Isabella will come to her senses, you will bring her back and I will do the rest. Time away might even clear your head and you will come to your senses involving this marriage arrangement.”
“I told you, I am most content to...”
“I know what you said but I think, given time and distance, you will see the matter in another light.” The man arose. “You will thank me for this at a later date, trust me.”
“Yes? Well at this exact moment in time, I feel like hitting you over the head with my mace.”
“Violence rarely solves a problem.”
“Since when?” The Knight Templar was stumped by such a statement. “It is my way of life. One which has never failed to solve a problem.”
“You are a barbarian. I...on the other hand. Am a learned scholar. A sagely wise man who knows more than you will ever know or hope to...you must trust me on this one, friend.”
“In order to extract your fat ass from the mess you have fallen into.”
“Well put.” Guy slapped the man’s back gingerly. “Now, go convince Sir Kay to relinquish his charge to more capable hands.”
“Then give over 150 denarius to reimburse his decision.”
“You have more coin than I.” Guy was understandably reluctant to part with his own fortune. “And you owe me, remember.”
“I do not believe your gall.”
“Believe it, Sir.” The man suggested, strongly. “Run along now. I have plans to work through.”
“Get fucked.”
Guy’s brows lifted slightly. “That just might clear my head, actually. Good suggestion on your part, La Roche.”