Martin snorted and Lia noticed his eyes were burning with anger. “Abducted, Aldermaston? You mean returned to her rightful place. She was abducted from Pry-Ree and treated worse than an orphan instead of given her due right. It is wrong to say otherwise.”
The Aldermaston’s face hardened. “I will not argue the point, Martin. I certainly do not have the authority to determine her whereabouts. She resides at Muirwood for a time but then we will move her again to another Abbey. The rumor is spreading that she will linger here for a year. The utmost secrecy is required in this matter. When it is time to move her, we will assist. No one must know where she is going or when. As I mentioned, the king’s family hate the Demonts. While her existence was primarily forgotten, by design, it is in the open now. Friends of the old king may seek her life. That is why, Lia, you must stay here. You are needed to protect the Abbey, protect the earls, and protect this girl. I trust Martin’s abilities. If Scarseth is still lurking in the Bearden Muir, he will be found. But I feel impressions that you must stay near the Abbey.”
Martin leaned back, his arms folded. “You should send the girl to Pry-Ree. There are too many daggers in this land. Too much blood. She would be safer among her own people.”
“Thank you for your advice, Martin. You know I trust you and I respect your wisdom. It is not the time for such a course at the moment.”
Martin muttered under his breath and shook his head. “It is not right. It is not right to play such games with the life of someone so young.”
“Martin,” the Aldermaston warned, his voice growing sterner.
“I have heard you. I will obey. But I do not agree. I cannot agree.” He rose from the window seat. “Pry-Ree grovels for crumbs now when she used to feed princes. That ill-made king destroyed us. He is cold under the soil now, and no one mourns him. This girl is the last chance to make Pry-Ree bloom again, by Cheshu. She is the key to its re-birth.”
The Aldermaston’s gaze was icy. He said nothing, only waited for Martin to finish.
With a sigh, Martin returned to the window seat and sat next to Lia. “I speak my mind, Aldermaston. It is no secret I have my opinions. But I will obey as obediently as Prestwich. You can trust that.” He waved his hand at the Aldermaston. “I have interrupted you. There is more you had to say.”
The Aldermaston motioned to Prestwich who withdrew another scroll. The steward’s voice was thick and cultured. “This letter informs us that the Queen Dowager will be attending Whitsunday at Muirwood this year. We expect her arrival in a fortnight. Her retinue will be joining her as well and we have been asked to provide lodging for them at our expense.”
Lia looked at the Aldermaston in alarm. “Does she know that Ellowyn is here?”
“I do not know. I can and must presume that somehow she does know and that her retinue will be prepared for many possibilities. They may try to abduct her, poison her or the earls, or determine what they can about our defenses – to plumb the depth of our commitment to protect her. They may test the strength of our thoughts. That is why the earls are staying here and not in the village. That is why they will only eat from my kitchen. And that is why my own hunter will be responsible for their safety while they are here. If any threat emerges, you are to flee to the tunnels and use the orb to find a safe haven for them. Martin, you do not have long to find your quarry, for you must return before the festival so that I have both of you here when the Queen Dowager arrives. Remember, she was the slain king’s wife. I understand that she has been visiting the towns and Abbeys in surrounding Hundreds in recent months. She is a…cunning woman. Be on your guard with her.”
Martin leaned forward. “It would be safer to move the girl now then, Aldermaston.”
He shook his head. “I would rather she stay under Muirwood’s protection while it still is strong. We have time yet, Martin. There is still time.”
Lia’s mind was burdened with too many thoughts and worries. She folded her arms and looked down at her lap, feeling the weight of her responsibility.
The Aldermaston’s voice intruded on her thoughts. “So you see, Lia. I have not sent Martin on the harder errand after all.”
CHAPTER SIX:
Promise