Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Read online

  Since she’d returned from Sara’s wedding, she kept better track of it. The dagger reminded her of the warrior. She replaced the weapon beneath the pillow and curled up to sleep. That night she dreamt of him and the dream became fanciful. He rescued her from a tower and once on the ground, he kissed her as boldly as he had in the woods. Julianna smiled in her sleep, reliving the magic of that night.

  The next morning, when she recalled the dream, she scoffed. Returning to her father’s manner should occupy her thoughts, not cowardly girl’s whimsical dreams. God help her, she had to be strong.

  *****

  The months passed quickly even though Julianna prayed everyday that the time to go home never came. She knew someone would come to fetch her soon. Each day she anticipated her father’s escort and each day she was relieved when they hadn’t arrived.

  Sister Margarite came and told her Mother wanted to see her. Julianna walked leisurely to Mother’s offices, suspecting the unfortunate time had come. She hadn’t done anything to warrant Mother’s lecture and the only reason she’d call her was the inevitable. Though Mother did enjoy lecturing her, Julianna didn’t want to sit through her long-winded speeches. She wouldn’t much mind being reprimanded today if only that meant no one had come for her.

  When she entered Mother’s office, she noticed the sadness on her face. Julianna’s heart sank. God above, the escort had truly come.

  “You must leave without delay. The sisters will pack your belonging and shall be sent later. We cannot have men staying here. Come, I will walk ye to the gate.”

  “Nay, I cannot leave. Mother, pray let me stay.” She clutched Mother’s arm, hoping she could change her mind.

  “I’m sorry, Julianna, ye must go with the escort.”

  “Will you pray for me?”

  “Everyday, Julianna. Remember God will lead ye to your path. You will know where you are supposed to be when ye get there. Take care, child.”

  They reached the large gates—the gates to hell. Soon she’d face the devil himself, the monster she’d seen in dreams. With that thought, Julianna turned and ran back to her room. Mother called after her, but she kept running.

  A few minutes later she returned and felt much better.

  “What were you doing?”

  “I forgot something, Mother. I have everything I need now.” Julianna patted her side. A promise was a promise and she wouldn’t go back on her word. She would keep the awful dagger with her always.

  After giving Mother a quick hug, she turned and walked through the gate. Bleeth stood beyond the sacred ground of the abbey, looking more handsome than she remembered. Relief washed over her when he enclosed her in his arms.

  “I missed ye, my lady.”

  She closed her eyes at the feeling of his acceptance. Her dear friend always came for her.

  “Father allowed you to come for me? You’re the only one?”

  “Nay, others await in the wood. Your father thought ye would be more agreeable if I came.”

  “Why is he being kind? Alas! Do ye think he arranged a marriage?”

  “I don’t know, my lady. Come, let us be gone. We have a long journey ahead.”

  Julianna mounted her horse and started off. “I would rather delay the journey. Let’s take our time. How fares Laila?”

  “Laila is well, but she keeps to herself. There’s no news to impart.”

  As she rode for home, Julianna tried to think pleasant thoughts. “Remember when I met Aunty the first time?”

  Bleeth laughed. “Aye, ye were around eight. I remember you spilled all those oats.”

  Julianna smiled at the memory. “I wanted to give the warhorse the oats. How was I supposed to know the bucket was so heavy?”

  “When ye reached the center of the hall, you lost your hold and dropped it. Oats were scattered across the floor. We had to remove the rushes. Ye cried, fell to the floor, and covered your head. That’s how Aunty found ye.”

  “How many times have I told you this story? I remember Aunty helping me scoop up the oats. Then she took me outside and let me feed the animal.”

  Bleeth grinned. “Ye learned how to trust that day.”

  “I learned that someone loved me and …” Emotions lodged in her throat. “I wish Laila had been allowed to go with me for visits. She wasn’t able to escape like I was. She is the only reason I’d ever return.”

  Chapter Six

  Winter chills filled the air, bringing the longer days of the season. Julianna took her usual afternoon walk, no matter how chilly it was. This day she especially needed it. The household became stifling with her father expecting everyone to keep the noise level low so he could partake his midday meal. He never approved of noise in the hall, but her father was usually the only person making a ruckus. The January wind blew briskly, fluttering her cloak, making her pull it tightly around her.

  Being home, she’d lost all freedom. She longed for the day when she could ride again, but since her father forbade her, she wouldn’t be able to. Aunt Mathilda and Uncle Walden surely missed her. She wanted to visit, but didn’t dare ask. Thinking of them made her forlorn and she didn’t want to be melancholy today. Humming a tune, she entered the stables, and went directly to her mare’s stall. Aunty had given Chestnut to her two years ago. The beautiful Shiremare had attractive coloring with light honey-colored coat. Her mane, a dark woodsy color, matched her hemlocks. Poor Chestnut was in dire need of exercise. She’d have sneak out again in darkness to take her for a ride. She gave her mare a fat carrot and filled her trough with fodder.

  Nothing out of the ordinary happened at the manor, except Bleeth’s attempts at magic. Although she found him humorous, she despaired at being there. Aunty’s home was always filled with visitors and festivity. Julianna would suffer being here, as long as her father forgot her. Hopefully, he wouldn’t arrange a marriage. That kind of excitement she could do without.

  As she walked back to sneak into the manor, she noticed Laila exiting the keep. Laila waved and she smiled, returning the greeting.

  “Julianna, can I walk with ye?”

  “I was going inside, but of course. What are you about?”

  “I am avoiding the hall.”

  She laughed at her sister’s retort. They walked the well-worn path beside the wall. Julianna picked a stone from the ground and threw it at a tree out of sheer boredom.

  “I didn’t get a chance to ask how ye were when I was gone.” Julianna had tried many times to speak to Laila alone, but somehow their stepmother always knew when they were together.

  “I snuck away so I could talk to you. Edwena won’t leave us alone for a moment. Father and Edwena didn’t bother me much, and sometimes I went to the village to get away from her.”

  “You didn’t get caught, did ye?”

  “Oh, nay, nobody notices me.”

  Julianna’s heart cried at her sister’s tone. “I notice you, Laila. I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long, but I may have to leave again. If father betroths me, he shan’t marry me well, as he has threatened. I cannot be wed to someone of his manner, a monster.”

  “He hasn’t made the arrangement yet, but I know that day shall come. I don’t want to think about it. You’ll leave and I’ll be alone again.” Laila stopped and leaned against the wooden wall.

  “I will find a way to come for ye. I promise, Laila. One day we shall both be free of Lord Bentley, no matter what it takes.”

  “I’m afraid father will be wrathful once ye are gone. I’ll have to hide.”

  “I promise to come back and take you away. I cannot take ye with me right off because I might encounter danger. Father will be wrathful, but if you’re not with me, he mightn’t harm you. Promise me, if he strikes ye, leave here and find safety. Go to Aunty’s.”

  “Aye, I promise. ‘Tis better that you leave and return for me later,” Laila agreed.

  “You are so brave, Laila.”

  “I will do anything to help ye, Julianna, even if it means sitting on that fiend, Edwen
a. I should go before she searches for me. She doesn’t know I’m out here.”

  Julianna waved to her sister as she walked inside the manor. Shortly after, she followed and stopped short when she entered the kitchens. Cook was yelling at a poor servant who had dropped a tray of sweetmeats. Food scattered over the floor and the girl was crying. The young kitchen help was always harangued for one thing or another. Neither noticed her slip by, because they were too engrossed over the poor girl’s mishap.

  She snuck up the back stairs and ran into her stepmother. Edwena grasped her arm with vigor as she balanced laundry on her other arm.

  “Will ye watch where you’re going? I’m tired of looking for ye. Where do ye sneak off to? Nay, don’t answer. We’ve no time for excuses. Your father has the servants looking for ye. He awaits ye in his office.” She continued down the steps.

  Julianna wondered what her father wanted. He hadn’t spoken to her in weeks, and barely greeted her when she had returned. She was thankful for that, but what if he’d arranged a marriage?

  “He couldn’t have found a husband so soon.” She settled on that issue and hastily walked to his office, knocking lightly, and hoping he wouldn’t answer. His voice sounded, calling for her to enter. She approached his desk, where he looked up from his parchment and nodded to the chair.

  “Sit.” He finished his conversation with his steward and handed him the parchment before turning to her. With a look of loathsome, he all but sneered.

  Julianna’s stomach fluttered as she watched the steward leave. The prospect of being alone with her father sent chills through her. A sick feeling overcame her, and she found it difficult to breathe. Breathe, breathe.

  Lord Bentley couldn’t stand the sight of her. She felt the same as he did. He should have sent her to his sister-in-law’s holding. Aunty, at least, cared for her. Julianna knew her father didn’t want her stirring his household, what with his wife doing enough medaling.

  “Finally, here you are. Where do ye hide? I’ve been waiting for you and can finally share my good news.” He loomed over her and didn’t seem to expect answer to his questions. “Your quiet demeanor doesn’t fool me. Underneath, you’re like your mother. She was quite courageous.”

  Was her father giving her mother a compliment? His tone didn’t imply such. “I took a walk in the garden. I didn’t know you expected me, my lord. What is this good news? Shall I travel to Aunty’s?” She hoped so.

  “I found ye a husband. He’s known to be abrasive, but it’s what you deserve. I convinced him to marry ye, even though you’re unworthy.”

  Julianna tried to remain unconcerned, but was scared to her toes. Breathe, she reminded herself again.

  “You’re to marry and will journey to his keep in three days. It shouldn’t take more than five days travel then you’ll finally wed. I made the contract and he’s accepted. Go and prepare.”

  Disbelieving what she’d heard, she told herself to remain calm. “Marry who, my lord?”

  Her father leaned close and slapped her cheek. She rose from her seat, trying to avoid the next strike, but it wasn’t to be. She felt her head tilt from his second slap. Falling back against the chair, she cried out when he kicked the wooden leg. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, he yelled, shaking her head with each word.

  “Lord Devlin is a powerful lord. You’ll do well to remember that.”

  Her father released her and moved to his table. Sobbing now, Julianna looked at him with revulsion. She slid off the chair, hoping to protect herself if he should strike again.

  “He’s a hard man, but will make ye a fine husband. Not that I should explain that to you. Be off so I can do my accounts.”

  “I won’t marry him.” Until that moment, Julianna hadn’t known she had the courage to stand up to the monster. Her father returned to her and kicked her side. Julianna swore she wouldn’t cower to him, but he did frighten her. She was afraid to look at him, his face surely reflected his hatred.

  “You will not gainsay me. You’ll do as your bid.” He walked off, letting her know the interview was at an end.

  Pain shot through her ribs and she put her arms around her middle to ease it. Someone’s hands lifted her. Bleeth, she thought hopefully. Suddenly standing upright, she glanced behind her and saw Edwena.

  “You’re not worth the trouble. You’d better do as your father says.” Edwena led her to her chamber and closed the door.

  Julianna flung herself upon the bed and wept. “Oh, God help me. This is not my path.” Continuing to weep at the thought of marrying her father’s chosen groom and at the pain from the attack, she shuttered. Crying certainly wouldn’t help, she thought, drying her eyes.

  Bleeth entered her chamber, stopping abruptly at the sight of her. “My lady, what happened?” He sat next to her, holding her face lightly. “He is pure evil.”

  “Bleeth, please, ye must help me. I’m to leave soon for the wedding.” Julianna sobbed with each word.

  “Worry not, my lady, I will send him to another realm.”

  She sighed at his attempt at humor. “Be serious, Bleeth. My father intends to marry me to Lord Devlin, a monster. I must escape and go to Aunty’s.”

  “I’ll make the arrangement. Rest and I shall return shortly.” Bleeth went to the basin and applied a cold cloth to her face then left the room.

  Aunt Mathilda would be able to hide her until she could figure out what to do. Julianna would devise a plan to get herself to Scotland. Placing a few items in her satchel, she grabbed her letters from Sara. The letters contained Sara’s whereabouts, and since that’s where she planned to go, she didn’t want him to find them. Somehow she would reach the Highlands.

  Her stepmother arrived sooner than anticipated and banged the chamber door upon entering. Julianna was certain her stepmother wanted to be rid of her this night.

  “Your father wouldn’t beat ye if you were a good daughter. Finally …” She laughed harshly. “I will be rid of ye. You will only take what’s needed. Where is that lazy maid of yours?”

  Julianna didn’t answer.

  “Agnes, bring in the small trunk. We shall be done before nightfall.”

  The maid, Agnes, came through the doorway, pulling a trunk behind her and set it beside Julianna’s wardrobe. Her stepmother pulled garments from the wardrobe and tossed them on the floor. Edwena had always been harsh, since she had married her father when Julianna was but seven. She would spank her for naught and would complain to her father. Julianna never understood why Edwena disliked her. Edwena deserved to be married to her father—they were two rotten apples in a basket.

  Sitting beside her window, she watched her stepmother pack. It hadn’t taken long, and the horrid woman would soon leave.

  “I will let your father know ye can leave sooner than expected.” With that, Edwena walked to the door, laughing in her undignified way. Agnes followed and pulled the door closed.

  Julianna composed herself after Edwena left. Now she could continue with her plan. She went to her table and decided to write her father a missive in hopes he wouldn’t come after her. In her letter, she told him she would never follow his plan to marry Lord Devlin. He could keep her dowry and forget her altogether. Would that take the sting out of leaving? Hopefully, he wouldn’t come after her. Who was she deceiving? He’d come after her—she was certain. She finished the letter and sealed it with wax, then placed it upon her bed where the servants would find it.

  Scampering to the hiding place where she hid her mother’s letters, she retrieved them and held them against her chest. Mama. Her chest tightened. There was no telling what her father would do if he were to find them. Somehow, her mother kept her real father’s identity a secret. At least Lord Bentley never let on that he knew of her parentage. With that in mind, she placed the packet inside her satchel.

  While she waited for Bleeth’s return, Laila came into her chamber with opened arms. Her eyes were wet with tears. “Oh, Julianna, I cannot believe what’s happening. The servants are gossiping
about your betrothal.” Laila hugged her tightly.

  Julianna’s side hurt, but she bore it in front of her sister. “Don’t worry for me, Laila.” She returned her sister’s embrace. “I plan to leave this night.”

  “You mustn’t worry about me. I know how to stay out of everyone’s way. You must make it to Aunty’s for both our sakes.”

  “I will, Laila, and I shall return for ye as promised. It may take time, but I will.”

  “It would be too dangerous.”

  “I said I would come back and I shall,” Julianna said sternly.

  “I must return to my chamber before Edwena finds me here.”

  Julianna hugged her one last time. Laila moved through the doorway, glancing back, before closing the door.

  A moment later her maid entered. “My lady, I …” Gasping, Doris couldn’t hide her dismay. “Bleeth told me what happened. He said he’d come for you at the midnight hour and to be ready.”

  “Doris, pack what ye need. I’m leaving for my aunt’s keep and I shan’t leave ye here. Aunt Mathilda will be happy to see you.”

  Doris wiped the edge of her eye with her sleeve. “Oh, thank ye, my lady. I’ll return soon with my things.” She left hastily.

  Julianna picked up the cool cloth and placed it on her face. Exhausted and frightened, this night she would gain her freedom no matter what the cost.

  Chapter Seven

  The night continued getting darker and Julianna forced herself to be undaunted. She kept telling herself repeatedly to be brave. Doris returned to wait with her. Neither said a word. The later it became the more tense Julianna got. A noise in the lower bailey sounded—the time to go had come at last. She went to the window to peer below. As promised, Bleeth set the ladder against the window casement. Doris went first and reached the bottom, then held the ladder for her. She climbed down, ignoring the throbbing pain in her side.