The Wretched of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood #1)

Colvin led her through the muddy field and towards the canopy of pavilions she had watched the night before. It was the king’s pavilions, with pennants and poles and the battle flags of fallen foes assembled together.

“Demont knew our trouble, that if we were attacked on all sides while facing the king’s army, he knew we would be overrun. In that hour, he remembered a tactic he had learned from his father. A tactic he had discussed at the battle of Maseve, but did not feel confident enough to try. Demont believed that his father had failed that day because he did not trust the inspiration from the Medium. The tactic is called a shiltron square – you use pikes and spears in a tight box. That way, you can repel the attack from any side. It is brilliant but requires great courage. Standing fast when knights are charging you with lances is not easy. It helped offset their numbers and withstand their first charge without breaking.”

He guided her around the twisted remains of a soldier with a death-grimace. “The Medium wanted us to prevail. That became clear during the fight. Lia – none of them could touch me. I felt the Medium coursing through me like fire. It gave me strength to do things I had never dreamed of. It protected me from harm.”

It protected all of you, Lia thought. She wanted to tell him what Maderos had told her. But his words of warning kept her silent.

They reached the curtain of pavilions and Colvin led her to one of the smaller ones, a rich blue color with gray trappings, richly furnished inside with rugs, a table, candles, and a pallet to sleep on, cloaked with fur-lined blankets. The smell of tallow overwhelmed the stench of the field beyond.

“You must be tired, Lia. There – rest on my pallet. There is food on the table and drink. I will send a horseman to Muirwood to tell the Aldermaston you are safe. If he will not take you back, then I will make sure you are cared for, even if I must take you on in my own household.” He stood by the opening, staring at her pointedly. “And you will read, Lia. Even if I must teach you myself. Get some rest. There is much to be done today.”

“Send a horseman to Billerbeck Abbey as well,” Lia told him. “Tell your sister you are safe as well. Tell her what you could not tell her before.”

His eager smile lost none of its radiance. “I will. And I will tell her about you.”



When Lia awoke on the warm and comfortable pallet, she found she was being watched by a young man she had never met. His eyes blinked as did hers, and she sat up in alarm.

“Do not be frightened,” he said, rising quickly from the chest he sat on. He held up his hands in a placating gesture and backed away. “Your name is Lia. I know of you from Colvin. He asked me to watch over you, to see that none disturbed your rest.”

She rubbed her eyes, feeling awkward and embarrassed, for his was a handsome face. Younger than Colvin but older than her. Probably sixteen or seventeen. His hair was long and fair, the color of straw. It was unfashionable, but he was still handsome. His features were slender.

“How long have you been watching me?” she asked, aware of the filthy dress she wore. Part of the sleeve was ripped and she wore a man’s bracers and girdle. “Who are you?”

His eyes widened. “I have embarrassed you. Forgive me. I have had sufficient time to mop the blood from my face while you kept vigil all night. I should have remembered that my sisters are keenly aware of their appearance, yet I thought nothing of it. Again, forgive me. My name is Edmon. My older brother was the earl of Norris-York.” He stepped closer, looking into her eyes pleadingly while fidgeting with his hands. “I am now to hold that estate, humble as it is.” His expression became pained. “Let me explain. My brother was sent to bring Colvin Price to Winterrowd. Our domains border each other. My brother was to find him near Muirwood and bring him here. I have since learned that it was you who led Colvin here because my brother was murdered by the sheriff of Mendenhall. You are the one who found where his body lay in a garden near Muirwood.” He looked down for a moment. “I am indebted to you. Because of you, Colvin brought me our father’s sword and chaen shirt. His blood-stained tunic. I am not yet a maston, but I will be within the year, if the Medium wills it.” He stopped, turned red in the face, then bowed his head. “I wanted to thank you in person, Lia of Muirwood. My gratitude may be small compared to Colvin’s, but I feel it most keenly. You made it possible for me to fight this day and win my collar. I will always be grateful to you and count you as a friend.”

Lia had no idea what to say, she was so dismayed by his gratitude. She had not suspected the maston sent to fetch Colvin would be another earl of the realm. Like Colvin, he had refused to say his name and reveal his identity. “I am grateful to meet you, Edmon,” she said, and it felt hollow. She felt filthy, unworthy of the look of kindness on his face.