XVII
IN PURSUIT
"It is meagre information, yet enough to make a start on," the Kingsaid when they had left the room. "Perchance ere you reach the spot,you will gather more from the scouts who should be coming in. Yet itis most improbable that the villains took the main roads with theCountess. They will travel by secluded paths and through the forests;and if their destination be distant, they will not trust the highwaysinside a day's ride of Pontefract. Therefore, go slowly until thetrail be plain. Then--well, I need not tell you what to do then."
"By St. Denis, no, Sire! My sword arm knows how to slay."
"Would that I could go with you," Richard said, his ardor for adventureand danger working strong. "Yet the King may not, and I do not care toassume disguise just now. Some day . . . Peste! Some day must carefor itself and wait." . . . He drew a ring from his finger. "Here, DeLacy," he said, "this bit of gold, bearing my arms and the Boar, mayprove of use. Show it, and your least word will be obeyed--send it tome, and, if need be, an army brings it back. Guard it well; there arebut four others in the Kingdom. . . Nay--no thanks; Richard trustsfew--them he trusts to the end. Use the ring without stint whennecessary; but hark you, beware the friends of Buckingham. There ismischief afoot and, maybe, treason brewing at Brecknock."
"And Your Majesty does naught to stem it?" De Lacy exclaimed.
A cold smile crossed the King's face.
"Not yet," he answered. . . "And further, if your course should lienear Kirkstall, best be mindful of the Abbot. There may be some basisfor De Bury's notion. And now, away.--You have the Queen's prayers,the Ring of the Boar and your own good sword. You must needs prevail."
As De Lacy and Dauvrey emerged from the shadow of the barbican a buglespoke and Raynor Royk rode forward and saluted.
"Are you ready?" De Lacy demanded, running his eye along the line.
"Yes, my lord."
"Forward, then;" and at a trot he led the way.
"You know our mission?" he asked.
"Yes, my lord."
"And the men, also?"
"I ventured to tell them."
"It may be heavy duty and full of danger."
The old warrior drew himself up sharply. "Your lordship does not doubtme?"
"Nay, Raynor, never you. I only want your vouchment for the soldiers."
"Many would give their lives for you, Sir Aymer; all would die for theCountess of Clare."
"And you all may be afforded the opportunity ere the quest be ended,"said De Lacy grimly. "We take the path to the Hermit's Cell; see thatI do not miss it. Furthermore, you know this country intimately, so donot hesitate to advise me at any time."
Raynor Royk dropped back to resume his place; then quickly turned: "Twohorsemen gallop after us, my lord."
De Lacy reined around and raised his arm for the column to halt.
"They wear armor," said he, "but I discern no jupon."
Raynor Royk shook his head. "The corselets shine plain, but methinksit is Sir Ralph de Wilton in front."
"Aye, it is Sir Ralph!" Dauvrey exclaimed, "or I know not a man's seatin saddle."
De Lacy rode back to greet him.
"Did you come from London at that pace, Ralph?" he asked as they met.
"Nay, only from Pontefract to overtake you."
"You have news of the Countess?"
"Alas, no. I reached Pontefract town from London last night, but toolate to report at the castle before morning. . . Now, His Majesty canwait until we have found Beatrix. I ride with you, my friend."
De Lacy put out his hand and De Wilton reached over and took it; and inthe firm grip of their fingers was the confession of the one and thesympathetic appreciation of the other.
"We will save her, never fear," Sir Ralph said. Then his eyes fell onthe ring. "By St. George, The Boar! I salute you--for even though youare not the King, still are you almost as powerful. Whoever wears thatring has all but the title--aye, and more--he has the King's enemies aswell as his own."
"And me a stranger!" De Lacy observed tersely.
"Aye, and what with that, and the Ring, and the Countess, your life isnot worth a third that mine is."
"It is worth absolutely nothing to me unless Beatrix be found alive."
"Pardieu! her life is in no danger. At the most, she will be held onlyfor ransom."
"Heaven grant it! though I fear the plot is more deeply laid."
"In that case, my dear De Lacy, when she is rescued let the Church workquickly its sacrament upon you; there will be less temptation then tocarry her off."
"Yonder, my lord, lies the way to the Hermit's Cell," came the voice ofRaynor Royk.
Under the oaks and beeches whose gnarled and twisted arms overlappedthe path the column bent its course; and as it wound along the narrowway, the shafts of sunlight, breaking through the leaves, rippled overthe steel casquetels and trappings until it was as if a rivulet hadsuddenly gushed forth and was flowing down this forest by-path.
The Hermit's Cell was tenantless. The door had rotted from itsfastenings and lay athwart the entrance. The roof was fallen in.Mould and rank vegetation choked the place. Long since had its holydenizen come to the dark River and been lost in the Mists.
A little way beyond the hut was where Sir John and the Countess hadbeen attacked. There could be no missing it, for the turf on bothsides of the path was torn and the bushes were crushed and broken. Abrief inspection proved that the Countess had been the quarry, for theassailants had not cared enough about De Bury to pursue him. They hadgone Northward, as the hoof marks showed, and springing back intosaddle, De Lacy hurried on. A quarter of a mile beyond, the tracksturned abruptly and struck off through the forest. At length the treesgrew thinner, and presently the highway lay before them, and the trailended--nor could they find it again.
"We will on to Kirkstall and its crafty Abbot," De Lacy exclaimed.
"Surely you do not think he knows of this affair?" De Wilton asked.
"When it comes to priests in general and abbots in particular, I neverthink," Aymer answered. "It is their game, and few can play it withthem and have a chance to win. I prefer to fight them with my ownweapons," jerking his head toward the fifty men-at-arms. "If the Abbotknow aught of this business, it will do no hurt to let him see thesehonest followers of His Majesty. It may loose his tongue."
"It will take more than steel coats to make Aldam speak, if he beminded otherwise," said De Wilton.
"Doubtless; but while we hold converse with him, Raynor Royk shall havethe premises spied over."
When they reached Kirkstall no porter was in the lodge, but the gateswere open wide, and halting the column, the two Knights with theirsquires rode into the courtyard. At the further end of the quadranglea dozen horsemen were drawn up, and their leader, his foot in stirrupready to mount, was having a last word with the Abbot.
Hearing their approach they turned quickly.
"Darby!" exclaimed De Wilton. "Now what brings him here so early inthe day?"
"Penance and absolution likely," De Lacy answered scornfully.
"Well, I trust he has got them and feels more easy with the world."
"My lord Abbot," said Aymer, as they dismounted, "I am a trespasser asecond time, and an ill-timed one I fear, for which I beg your kindindulgence--and Lord Darby's," and he bowed to the latter.
"Nay, Sir Aymer de Lacy, you interrupt nothing," Darby responded; "Iwas but making my adieu before pushing on to Pontefract."
"And Sir Aymer knows he is ever welcome at Kirkstall, both on his ownaccount and because he is of the Household of the royal Richard," theAbbot answered easily; "and I trust His Majesty and his graciousconsort are in the best of health."
"We left them at daybreak much distressed over a most dastardly outrageperpetrated upon the Countess of Clare and Sir John de Bury," saidAymer abruptly, watching the monk's face--but all he saw there wasblank amazement.
"Holy Mother! my son, what do you mean?" he cried.
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"That they were set upon last evening near the Hermit's Cell by a bandof cut-throats; Sir John all but murdered, and the Countess carriedoff."
The Cistercian raised his arms in horrified surprise.
"Incroyable! Incroyable!" he exclaimed.
And Lord Darby began to swear copiously in French.
"What were the facts, and what has been done for rescue?" the Abbotasked.
Briefly De Lacy told of the riderless horse and the finding of Sir Johnde Bury. Of the story revealed by De Bury's finger and head in answerto the King's questioning and the fact that a hundred men-at-arms hadbeen searching the country since the late evening of yesterday, andparticularly as to Flat-Nose having led the assailants, he was mostcareful to say not a word.
When he had finished, Lord Darby went off again in a storm of fierceimprecation; this time, however, in good Anglo-Saxon. And the Abbotwas seemingly so stunned by Aymer's recital that he did not note theirreverence of his lordship, who was let free to curse away to hisheart's content until brought up by De Wilton.
"Take a fresh start, Darby; you are repeating yourself. Change offagain into French."
Darby turned upon the young Knight with a gesture of sharp surprise.
"None but a weakling could hear Sir Aymer's tale without a rush of hotresentment," he exclaimed.
"By the Rood! I observed only a rush of oaths," Sir Ralph laughed.
Darby's quick anger flamed up; and jerking off his riding gauntlet heflung it at De Wilton's face. But the Abbot dexterously caught theglove.
"For shame, Lord Darby, for shame!" he said, "that you, a man in life'sfull prime, should so far forget your knighthood over a bit of innocentbanter. Nor may you, Sir Ralph de Wilton, accept the gage. This isholy ground; dedicated to the worship of the Humble One; and I chargeyou both, by your vows of humility, to let this matter end here and notto carry it beyond yonder gates. Have I your promise, my lord?"
"If Sir Ralph de Wilton be willing, I am content. Doubtless I washasty," Darby answered with well-assumed frankness, his passion quicklycurbed.
"And you, Sir Ralph?" the Abbot queried.
"Am content, even as Lord Darby. I have no cause for quarrel," DeWilton replied indifferently.
Darby bowed curtly in acknowledgment; then sprang into saddle.
"I shall gallop straight to Pontefract;"--addressing De Lacy--"I mayaid in the search. Have you any message for the King?"
"Only that you left us at Kirkstall."
Darby gave him a quick, searching look. "It is a very meagre report."
De Lacy smiled. "There has naught happened since we crossed the Aire;and what was discovered between the Castle and the river has alreadybeen communicated to the King."
The Abbot watched Darby pass the gate. "His lordship would have likedmuch to know what you found at the Hermit's Cell and in the forest," heremarked.
"Doubtless, though it was little enough," said Aymer. "However, it isbut a few leagues to Pontefract and there he will learn all the news ofthe Court."
"True, my son; yet, to an ardent lover and one not without hope ofacceptance if rumor speak correctly, it would have been a satisfactionto know if you have anything that gives clue to the Countess or hercaptors."
De Lacy shrugged his shoulders. "Small comfort would I give him, then."
"Peste! my son, I am very stupid. I quite forgot that there are othersthan Darby who can see the attractions of the Lady of Clare. And of asurety will she be grateful to him who rescues her."
De Lacy made a gesture of dissent.
"It is scarce honorable, this motive you ascribe to me, my lord Abbot,"he said curtly.
"Honor and expediency go not always hand in hand," the priest answeredwith a half suppressed sneer; then without giving time for retort, hechanged his tones to grave courtesy. "But I am remiss, my lord, I havenot yet done you the civility of inquiring how we of Kirkstall canserve you."
"Not at all, I fear; at least upon the matter that brought us here; itis evident you can give us no information as to the Countess."
"Alas! no, my son. Would to Heaven I could! . . . Have you then lostall trace of her?"
"Aye, a league south of the Aire."
"I will summon the brother who was on duty last night at the outerlodge; maybe he noted something that will aid you."
But Father Ambrose had not seen a single way-farer; though as he haddozed several times during the night he thought a few persons mighthave passed quietly, and not aroused him.
"You doze!" exclaimed the Abbot in sarcastic displeasure and eyeing thegood monk's ample girth and heavy, jowly face. "Your doze would need apole-axe to awaken. An army could have marched by with trumpetssounding and you never lift an eye. Other duty shall be given you anda more slender brother assigned to the night watch. You may go. . .By my faith, sirs, I wonder if you soldiers have as much trouble withyour subordinates as we churchmen have with ours."
"We, at least, can deal out heavier discipline when occasion demandit," De Wilton answered.
"Aye! you men of war tread not after the Merciful One," the Abbot said.
De Lacy laughed shortly. "Mercy is but relative, and methinks, youecclesiastics are no slower in your judgments than are we. Thepunishments differ only in kind."
"But our discipline is a step toward Holiness and Christ, my son."
"And ours a leap toward Sin and Satan, think you? Nathless, am I quiteas willing to take my chance of Heaven in a coat of mail as in thepriestly gown."
The Abbot's eyes snapped with irritation, but his speech was easy andpacific. "You are young, my son; perchance, when you have more greyhairs there will be a change in your views. Meanwhile you and SirRalph need refreshment, to say naught of the good squires and thehorses."
De Lacy hesitated. They had already tarried overlong, under thecircumstances, but perchance Raynor Royk had not yet completed hisscrutiny of the Abbey. There was need that this should be thoroughlydone, yet so carefully, withal, as not to arouse suspicion. If Aldamwere to imagine he and his were mistrusted it would make him an enemyif innocent, and a doubly armed foe if guilty. The doubt, however, wassolved by the entrance of a strange horseman into the courtyard. Afaint frown crossed the Abbot's face as he saw him, and De Lacyinstantly decided to remain. Evidently the newcomer was eitherunwelcome or inopportune; and if it were because of their presence,then undoubtedly here was their place.
"We will accept with thanks, your reverence," he said.
Aldam smiled suavely; then went forward to greet the new guest.
"It is Sir Christopher Urswicke--the priest Knight--the confessor ofMargaret of Richmond," De Wilton whispered.
"A bit far out of his demesne, methinks," De Lacy muttered.
"Aye! too far to be passed over without report to His Majesty. WhereUrswicke goes his mistress sends him--and lately she has but one objectin life: to make her son the King of England."
"And like enough will succeed only in making him shorter by a head," DeLacy responded.
Meanwhile Urswicke had greeted the Abbot and dismounting had turned hishorse over to his two attendants--who were neither squires nor yetordinary servants, and who doubtless could either fight or pray asoccasion demanded. Their dress partook of the style of their master,who wore the ordinary riding costume of a Knight, even to the goldenspurs; the only marks of his clerical calling being his short croppedhair and the string of beads about his neck with the pendant crucifix.His frame was angular and above the ordinary height. His face was longand narrow, with a hawk-like nose, pointed chin, thin, straight lips,prominent cheek bones and deep-set grey eyes that glittered and chilledlike those of a snake. He swept the others from helm to spur with asingle glance, and Aymer saw his eyes fasten for an instant on the Ringof the Boar.
But if Urswicke's countenance were forbidding, not so was his voice.Its clear, sweet tones were in such sharp contrast to the fell facethat De Lacy was startled into showing his surprise. And the priestnoticed it, as he had m
any times before in others, and smiled inindifferent contempt.
During the refection, that was served immediately, Urswicke was mostamiable and paid particular attention to De Lacy and De Wilton. Bymost astute and careful conversation he sought to draw from theminformation as to the King's programme during the Autumn; how long hewould remain at Pontefract, and whither his course when he left there.Yet with all the art of an adept, he risked no direct question anddisplayed no particular interest in these matters, when by his verymanoeuvring they were touched upon. But De Wilton had been bred in theatmosphere of Gloucester's household and De Lacy had been trained byyears of service amid Italian and French plotters; and they bothquickly discerned that the Abbot and the Priest-Knight were workingtogether, and they only smiled and played them off against each other;and at the end of the meal, what the two had learned of Richard'sintentions was likely to be of scant profit to either Henry Tudor orhis scheming mother.
"What a precious pair of priestly scoundrels!" De Wilton exclaimed,when he and De Lacy had mounted and were trotting toward the gate.
"They will be the first knocked on the head if Raynor Royk has locatedthe Countess," said Aymer.
"By the saintly Benedict! why not do the knocking now and then hearRaynor's report?" De Wilton laughed.
"It would give me great pleasure and doubtless be altogether proper asa matter of abstract justice; but I fear rather impolitic. Best waitfor Royk."
But Royk's search was barren; and so the Abbot Aldam and SirChristopher Urswicke were left to their plotting, while Sir Aymer DeLacy and Sir Ralph De Wilton rode Westward, seeking vainly for a clueto the lost Lady of Clare.