“But it will take days to get word to them, then several more days for them to reach us.”
“Then we must round up as many men as we can and go ourselves to rescue the king and Muriel.” Evangeline had not planned to speak, but the words flew out of her mouth anyway.
They all stared at her.
Frederick spoke first. “I would be terribly grateful if you did, Lord le Wyse.”
“How many of Lord Shiveley’s men are at Berkhamsted Castle?” Lord le Wyse asked.
“Only about twenty when I left.”
“Twenty armed men trained to fight against however many of my men—mostly farmers—I can convince to go with me.”
Evangeline seemed to lose all the breath from her lungs.
“We can do it, Father.” Westley looked around the small circle. “We all know how to use a longbow.” He even glanced at Evangeline.
Lord le Wyse was silent as they looked to him to speak next. Finally, he said, “Perhaps we could use stealth to sneak into the castle. I could go and speak to the king while the rest of you free Muriel.”
“Yes,” Evangeline said as her breath returned to her. The other men nodded and mumbled their agreement as well.
“But we must be as discreet as possible,” Lord le Wyse said. “Anyone you speak to about coming with us must agree to keep our plans quiet. No braggarts or loudmouths are to be told anything. I prefer you get young men without families. Once we have fifteen to twenty men, we will set out.”
Lord le Wyse and Frederick moved away, talking and making plans. Evangeline turned to Westley. “I will come too.”
“No, you will not.” His brows drew together. “You will stay here and keep out of sight. I’ll set some men to guard you, Mother, and the children at the castle.”
“But I know how to fight.”
“You have been through a few hours of learning how to defend yourself. You cannot fight soldiers and knights with weapons, men who have trained all their lives.”
“I can use a longbow. I can help.”
“No. You will stay here. Shiveley’s men are looking for you. If they were to capture you, all would be lost.”
She slammed her fists on her hips and stomped her foot. “I am going. I can help save Muriel. It is my fault she is . . . is being tortured.” Her voice hitched at the thought.
“Evangeline, this is madness.”
“Perhaps it is best if she goes,” Frederick said. “The earl is after Evangeline. Perhaps we could offer her as a trade.”
Her blood went cold.
“Begging your pardon, Evangeline.” Frederick’s eyes were round and desperate. “We could rescue you after we’ve spoken to the king.”
Westley gave Frederick a tight-lipped scowl. “Excuse us for a moment.” He grabbed Evangeline’s arm and pulled her a few feet away. “You see? It is too dangerous,” he said in a harsh whisper. “You heard what the man said.”
“But you would protect me, and I can shoot a longbow and give you and the other men cover if you have to storm the castle.”
“This is ridiculous.” Westley stared out over the courtyard, still keeping hold of her arm. “I know you are brave and very capable, but I cannot let you risk your life.” He expelled a harsh breath. “I have to go help round up men for this trip. But you are to stay here. Do you understand? Stay. Here.”
She would never win this argument. Better to let him think she would be obedient. “Yes, Lord Westley.”
He narrowed his eyes at her.
“You should go help your father.”
He sighed. “You know I only want you safe. That man over there would throw you into a pack of wolves to save Muriel and the king.”
“He cares about Muriel.”
“And I care about you.” He pursed his lips and looked away. “All the more reason—”
“But I cannot bear to do nothing when Muriel is being tortured.”
He reached out and brushed his fingers over her cheek. “I have to go.” But he didn’t leave. He kept staring at her face.
Her thoughts were churning. She would not be left behind, not when it was her fault Muriel was in danger of being killed.
Westley waved at someone over Evangeline’s shoulder. Nicola advanced toward them.
“Take Eva to the castle and make sure she is safe,” he said to her. “Will you do that?”
Nicola looked confused. “Of course.”
He placed his hands on Evangeline’s shoulders. “You will understand later.” He stared into her eyes for a moment longer, kissed her quickly on the forehead, and ran off in the direction his father had gone.
“Did he just kiss you? And why did he say you would understand later? Eva?”
Evangeline took Nicola’s arm and turned her toward the castle. “Come. He’s watching us. Make him think we are obeying.” They started walking.
Evangeline quickly told her the whole story. They entered the castle, which seemed empty except for one manservant who appeared to be guarding the front door, and were walking toward the back of the house when Evangeline whispered, “Can you help me find some men’s clothing? And I’ll need a longbow and arrows—and a horse.”
“Oh, I just happen to have all those things stuffed under my bed.”