The Heir (The King's Cousins Book 2) Page 6

  Edward steepled his fingers and became lost in thought. Landon and Nicholas sat silently, waiting for the monarch to speak.

  Finally, the king said, “Lady Cassiana wrote to notify me of her father’s passing. Now, hearing that the heir to the earldom fell in battle, it is most important that I send someone I can trust to not only be the keeper of Briargate but a man who can help keep the Scots at bay.”

  Edward looked at Landon. “Philippa has reminded me many times of your constant good faith and loyal service to me and the crown, Cousin. Although I hate to lose your steady presence and sage advice, the time is at hand for you to hold your own title and estate.

  “I am making you Earl of Briargate, Landon. You will work with your brother-in-law to see that the Scots never invade England. And since Lady Cassiana is familiar with the estate and it would make for a smooth transition, I command you to wed the lady upon our return home.”

  Chapter Six

  Landon was stunned by the king’s words.

  “Your majesty, I cannot thank you enough.”

  “No thanks are needed, Landon. I meant to give you your own estate and title all along. I only wished for the right opportunity. With the Earl of Briargate’s death and no heir apparent, who better to send to protect the north from those miserable Scots than my most trusted knight?”

  Pride swelled within Landon at hearing the rare compliment from the king. “Sire, I have striven to serve you every day of my life. From the moment you first rescued me from that blackguard Hugh Despenser, I wanted to prove to you my loyalty and win back my good name that my father tossed away so carelessly.”

  The king game him a long look. “There was never anything to win back, Landon. You are not your father and neither am I mine. History will look upon both of our sires with disdain. It is up to us to become better men than they ever thought to be and rise to our full potential. I never judged you based upon the traitorous actions of Lord Adelard, just as I hope you never found me to be anything like my weak, arrogant one.

  “We are family Landon. We will always be family. As an only child, I find you are the brother I never had, and I look upon you with love. Believe it or not, it’s hard for me to let you go even now, knowing how much I value not only your counsel but your friendship. Know that I place great trust in you and that you—as well as your sister, Katelyn—will be my representatives in the north. The Scottish threat may be greater than ever before, despite the fact that we’ve declared a truce both with both the French and Scots. Tensions will always simmer between us. I need you in the north, with your brother-in-law, to be my strongest lords that hold the line of defense between England and Scotland.”

  Landon fell to his knees and took Edward’s hand in his, kissing it fervently. “Thank you for your faith in me, Cousin. I promise I will never, ever let you down.”

  The king urged him to his feet and Landon stood, a different man than he was moments earlier. Nicholas flashed him a brilliant smile and gave him an approving nod.

  His cousin said, “I will make sure my scribes draw up the necessary papers that will award you the earldom of Briargate so that you may carry the news by official royal seal to your new estate. I will also write to Lady Cassiana to let her know you are my trusted friend and brother and it is my desire that you wed.”

  Edward rose. “I have every confidence in you, Landon. I only wish there had been more de Blays men cut from the same cloth as you. I could rule all of Europe if there had been.”

  Guilt washed over him. Landon recalled his father’s final words to him, urging him never to mention Quill to anyone. In all these years, Landon had thought often of his half-brother, the bastard son of Adelard, but he had never revealed Quill’s existence to anyone.

  Not even to the king.

  Though he trusted his cousin beyond words, this wasn’t the appropriate time for Landon to disclose that he had a half-brother. It had been hard enough to track down Katelyn after so many years. Finding Quill might prove impossible. For now, he would continue to hold close the secret his father had begged him to keep. Yet, Landon now realized he would have vast resources at his fingertips.

  When the right time came, he would move Heaven and Earth—and locate Quill Cardon.

  “Thank you again, your highness. Please give my best to the queen and your children.” Landon exited the royal tent, Nicholas close behind him.

  His brother-in-law stepped to him, clapping him on the back. “I am thrilled for you, Landon. This is long overdue. And to think, we will be within a day’s ride of each other. Kate will be so pleased. She has missed you dreadfully.”

  “It’s still hard to believe, Nicholas, as if I’m emerging from a dense fog. I will have my own land. My own people,” Landon said in wonder.

  “And your own wife,” Nicholas added, humor laced in his voice.

  “Do you know the Lady Cassiana?” Landon asked, hoping to learn more about the woman before he set eyes upon her.

  “I have met her on several occasions and can assure you that many sing her praises,” Nicholas revealed. “Her mother died when she was quite young and Lady Cassiana raised all five of her brothers.”

  “I liked Tobyn Campion,” Landon said. “My intention, once we returned from the Continent, had been to ride to Briarwood and tell her in person what happened to her brother. How bravely he fought, until his last breath.” He paused and then asked, “What do you know of Briarwood?”

  Nicholas thought a moment. “The estate lies near the coast, no more than a mile or two away. ’Tis south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, mayhap ten and five miles. The earl was a fierce fighter in his day and very protective of his people. He was injured four, mayhap five, years ago, while fighting the Scots. From what I gather, his daughter has controlled all aspects of running the estate ever since the earl took to his bed.”

  “Tobyn Campion mentioned how impressive his sister was.” Landon chuckled. “He seemed to believe that she would find more success leading the men from Briargate in battle against the French than any man could.”

  “It would not surprise me,” Nicholas said. “Lady Cassiana is the most like her father, which makes her outstanding in every way. You might also want to know that she is acknowledged as one of the great beauties in the area, as is your sister.”

  Landon shrugged. “Looks matter nothing to me. As long as the lady can give me sons, I will be happy.”

  Nicholas shook his head. “You will want more than sons, Landon. You will want daughters. I speak from experience. And more than that? You’ll long for love.”

  Landon snorted. “Love? Love? True, I have seen it between the king and his queen but even then, they came to their arranged marriage as we all do. Look at you, Nicholas. You didn’t even attend your own wedding.”

  Nicholas’ eyes gleamed. “But I have been there for the nights that followed it. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love Kate. Your sister is my life. Every breath I take gives me purpose because Kate lives in my heart. I hope you will find the same with Lady Cassiana, Landon. I pray you do.”

  The men parted, with Landon promising to send news to Northmere when his wedding would occur. Nicholas told him that his sister would have both of their heads if she wasn’t present when Landon spoke his vows. As he walked away, Landon scoffed at the idea of love between him and a woman he’d never met. Beyond seeing the devotion between the king and queen, he was too used to the machinations of the royal court. Love had nothing to do with marriages. Unions were built upon property and power and what a man and woman could bring to their alliance. Landon, relieved that his good name had finally been restored after so many years of heartache, would only bring himself and his fighting skills to Briarwood—but he would pledge to this new wife and his people that he would give everything he had to them. He would make Briarwood the premier estate in the north, Northmere notwithstanding.

  Three days later, Landon stood near the king’s side as he and his fellow royal guardsmen and an assortment of advisers and commander
s watched as Edward and Philip sign their armistice. With both countries teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, the truce the pope had demanded through Lady Joan’s intervention would be best for both nations. Much could happen in five years. This would give each country time to lick its wounds and allow the scars to heal from what fighting had already occurred.

  Standing there, Landon was aware of the two documents signed by the king resting next to his heart. The first transferred the earldom of Briargate to Landon de Blays and his subsequent heirs. The second was a missive addressed to Lady Cassiana Campion, informing her of the king’s decision to have her wed the new Earl of Briargate and remain on the property as his wife. Landon thought it a wise move on his cousin’s part. Lady Cassiana would be familiar with all the workings of Briarwood. It would ease his transition as its new earl. He looked forward to meeting everyone involved in the estate.

  His estate.

  A glow filled Landon, knowing his years of hard work had finally been rewarded. He’d never realized the king did not hold him responsible for Adelard de Blays’ treasonous actions but it made sense why he refused to do so. Edward’s father, the previous king, had been a terrible monarch. He had alienated his people and made many unwise decisions. The former king’s friendship with the Despensers, both father and son, almost toppled England into civil war.

  Now, Landon would look ahead, a nobleman in his own right, nothing handed to him by his father. He had earned his status and would continue to prove his fealty to the crown.

  He knew war, having fought for Edward for so many years. He would not let his cousin down, especially regarding the Scots. It helped that Landon already placed great trust in Nicholas, his brother-in-law and good friend. Together, along with other nobles of the north, they would defend England from any threat of Scottish invasion.

  Scribes distributed the various copies they’d made of the truce and the kings of England and France signed all of them. The French contingency vacated the premises with much fanfare and then the king began saying his farewells to the various commanders. He motioned to Landon and Landon responded quickly. Edward drew him into a far corner of the tent so no one was privy to their conversation.

  The king placed his hands on Landon’s shoulders and gazed at him steadily. “This is goodbye for now, my friend. My brother-in-arms—and in life.”

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, your majesty.”

  “It was all well deserved. I have requested the men from Briarwood meet with you before they board the ships to sail home.” The king gave him a smile. “You’ll need to bring your bride to court someday so Philippa and I can meet her.”

  “I will do so, sire. Or better yet, bring the queen and your children to the north in a time of peace. You’ve only been there when conflict has prevailed.”

  A gleam sparked in Edward’s eyes. “’Tis a sound plan, Cousin. Mayhap a future summer progress will see me at Briarwood. Until we meet again.”

  Landon gave a final bow and exited the royal tent. He said his goodbyes to several fellow guardsmen, all who knew where he ventured, then made his way toward the harbor where the English merchant ships would ferry the soldiers home for good. He found the Briarwood soldiers and called them to his side. About thirty men surrounded him. He could see by their faces that they were curious as to why they had been asked to meet with him.

  He looked across the group assembled, knowing these men were now his men. His knights. His soldiers. He took great pride as he addressed them for the first time.

  “Men of Briarwood, I am Landon de Blays, your new liege lord. As you know, Sir Tobyn Campion fell in Flanders, fighting bravely until the end. King Edward has recently received word from your own Lady Cassiana that her father, the earl, has passed. With no heirs, the king decided to grant me the earldom of Briargate and has given me Lady Cassiana’s hand in marriage.”

  The men did not react. Landon didn’t know what he’d expected, but the silence seemed eerie. Then a cheer broke out, loud and resounding. Relief swept through him. A dark-haired man with an air of authority stepped forward.

  “Lord Landon, I am Sir Baldwin Gifford and have been in charge of the Briarwood soldiers since Sir Tobyn’s untimely death. I would like to say on behalf of all of those present how happy we are to welcome you as our liege lord. Many of us have seen you in action and know your fighting skills are second to none. The threat of Scottish invasion is always upon us in the north. We will look to your leadership while we keep the Campion lands safe for all who dwell on them.”

  Landon accepted the knight’s extended hand. “Thank you, Sir Baldwin. I look forward to speaking with you and each man present as we journey home to England.”

  The men began boarding the three vessels designated to take them back to Berwick-upon-Tweed. He stood with Sir Baldwin as they did so, asking the name of each soldier and committing as many to memory as he could.

  “These are some of Briarwood’s finest men-at-arms,” his companion told him, “though many more skilled ones remained in Northumberland to protect the estate. Lady Cassiana was concerned that with so many soldiers vacating the north that the Scots might get it into their heads to cross the border and test the waters, so to speak.”

  “Are you Briarwood’s captain of the guard, my lord?”

  “Nay,” Sir Baldwin said. “That honor falls to Sir Adam Crane. ’Tis custom to leave the captain behind anytime the king requests men to join his armies. I am Sir Adam’s second-in-command and take over his duties in the training yard when he is out on patrol.”

  “Do these patrols occur often?” Landon inquired.

  “Aye. Briarwood backs up almost to the sea. Lady Cassiana schedules regular patrols to guard not only the road that runs along the coast and the one to the north of Briarwood but she also sets men at staggered points to watch the seas in case the Scots—or even the French—try to land.”

  He thought it odd a woman would set the patrols. “Sir Tobyn did not plan the patrols?”

  “Nay, my lord. Sir Tobyn only returned home a couple of months before we answered the king’s call to sail to Flanders. He had been fostering elsewhere in west Northumberland and only recently achieved his knighthood. With the earl ailing for so many years, ’tis Lady Cassiana who determines everything that occurs at Briargate. And a fine job she does of it all. No one can hold a candle to our lady,” Sir Baldwin said with evident pride.

  Landon knew when noblemen were called away from their estates, whether in battle or at court, they oftentimes left their wives in charge. Still, he couldn’t imagine one young, unwed woman doing the job half as well as a man could. He only hoped this new wife-to-be would gracefully accept that new leadership had arrived with him and that he would remain in charge of everything regarding Briarwood in the future. Landon longed to place his mark on his land and its people.

  And be a better man than Adelard de Blays ever had been.

  Chapter Seven

  Cassiana added a column of numbers, checking Hobart’s sums. The steward’s neat hand was always a pleasure to read. None of her brothers had had a head for figures. When she’d tried to teach them about adding and subtracting, their columns had been crooked and their numbers sloppy, making it impossible for them to know what to do and even harder for her to correct their errors.

  “As usual, I can’t find a single mistake. What would Briarwood do without you, Hobart?”

  The steward pinkened slightly, his bald head glowing. “Thank you, my lady. I hope you are pleased with the number of sheaves collected so far. The autumn harvest has been especially abundant this year.”

  “Our workers have labored from dawn until dusk,” she replied. “Because of that, it should be completed on time. I’m glad I decided to go forward with the tying, though, especially since we’ve produced so much wheat this year.”

  Running footsteps distracted her from their conversation. Cassiana raised her eyes and moments later, Justin arrived, out of breath.

  “My lady
.” The squire bent and drew in a long breath before righting himself. “I thought you’d be pleased to know that our men have been spotted from the wall walk.”

  Cassiana sprang to her feet. “Already?”

  Just over three months had passed since the group of soldiers from Briarwood had walked to Berwick-upon-Tweed and left for Flanders. They’d had to leave their horses behind since the motley group of assembled merchant ships had no room for their steeds. She’d had to create a schedule that allowed rotating the many horses left behind to ensure they received enough exercise. That had cut down on some of the training time with the men left behind.

  She told Justin, “Notify Cook at once. They will be hungry and thirsty when they arrive.” To Hobart, she said, “Will you excuse me? We’ll continue this tomorrow. With Sir Tobyn.”

  Now that her brother returned, she needed to see that he became more involved in the management of the estate. It would be important to include him as they completed the harvest, which included the tying, winnowing, and milling of the wheat gathered.

  Especially if Tobyn brought news of a bridegroom for her.

  Cassiana made her way outside the keep. She couldn’t help but wonder why the men returned so soon. She had prepared herself for them to be away for at least a year and possibly much longer. Even if the king’s impromptu navy had been successful in Flanders, she couldn’t see how English troops had moved inland so fast and far and dominated France so well that Philip would have yielded to his sworn enemy this quickly.

  Unless the French king had been captured. A common tactic in war was to seize an important figure, such as a king or one of his princes, from the battlefield and then call a cease-fire. The prisoner would be transported and held in captivity until a hefty ransom had been paid. If this was the case, King Edward would order his troops home while France gathered the monies necessary to free the man they called their king. There’d be no sense for the English army to remain in France for what could be months while the ransom was assembled and then delivered.