Masked

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The cloud had dissipated into small wisps and the sun shone brightly through the wooden shutters in the main hall. The night before had been like any other apart from it was Devon’s last night in Loxley, she had slept better knowing she would be safe at home with her family and knowing she could be away from Guy and his constant shifting tempers. The door opened as Guy strode in, his grey tunic obviously resembling the stone cold mood that hung around him, the sun seemed unable to brighten his mood and Devon was in no mind to attempt to lighten it.

“I thought we could go hunting today Lady FitzMiles” he slumped into the lord’s chair and picked at the bread that lay on the silver gilded platter. She nodded and looked to Adam who also nodded his agreement

“I did not think there was a lot of game to hunt here in Loxley my Lord?” de Lacy genuinely raised his brow to Devon who laughed and shrugged at him.

“Well there is, Deer, rabbits, boar occasionally, there will be no shortage of prey believe me” Guy smiled into his mouthful of bread, looking up at Devon he focused his gaze shooting her a small tainted smile.

“What time do you suggest we leave today my Lord?” Devon placed her small slice of bread back onto the platter and shifted her gaze to a letter that was addressed to her. Focusing on the letter itself she flipped it over taking note of the red waxen seal, the letters imprinted on it were of royal status emblemising a roaring lion, that of the monarchy.

“Well by sundown, it takes perhaps two hours ride so maybe if we leave just after noon then arrive for dinner” he smiled looking out of the bay windows onto the moorland. Devon nodded her agreement and proceeded to cut open the envelope on her lap.

“What is it my Lady?” de Lacy casually took an interest into Devon’s life thinking briefly it would be word sent from Lord Robert.

“It is just an invitation from King Richard stating I am to attend the Michealmas festivities in Westminster” she smiled “I think I am going to need some new gowns”

“The amount of times we have stopped to buy material and you are telling me that you have no gowns my Lady” Adam laughed finishing his juice to the dregs.

“Now Adam every Lady needs a new gown especially if it is for presentation to the King” she smiled and bit her lip as Adam raised his brow “Isn’t that right Lord Guy”

“Well if my wife demanded new gowns all of the time I would not be so lenient” his voice was gruff and deep but he attempted to lighten it “I will have the horses saddled, we shall leave on the hunt when you are ready” he smiled darkly nodding to Devon as he exited the room.

“Well as always he is in a delight able mood” de Lacy flashed a brilliant smile and Devon could not resist in belting out a healthy laugh

“Adam we only have to be here until tonight and then everything can be forgotten” she looked to the door thinking of the brisk way Guy had handled himself. He knew she was going to report everything back to her grandfather and she guessed he was worried, after all Devon strongly disliked Guy now after his aggression and power hungry behaviour.

***

“How much will it be?” Robert handed Creeper to a small groom; he nodded and led the large stallion into the forge.

“Well three shillings but it would have been a lot more if the sheriff had taken my tax as well as all of the men’s money. The smith shook his head and wiped his sweating palm down the front of his apron.

“Why didn’t he?” Robert frowned, he knew the sheriff’s reputation and he certainly knew Lord Guy so some charity on their part was highly unlikely.