A Duty Fulfilled

Chapter 5

                       ''That's impossible.'' Richard Chamberlain, Earl of Willox stood abruptly from the head place at the table in the great hall. 

''The duke escaped from the ship along with a comrade. Your guards caught tracks leading off the beach, but the rain washed them away.'' A scout, tall and lanky, said with a straight face. 

Richard clenched his jaw and wanted nothing more than to roar. 

But his wife, Marie, and son, Jonathon, sat on either side of him, their forks frozen in mid-air. 

''Where are they?'' Richard said calmly, but dangerously. 

''Your guards are searching Davenshire and the surrounding villages.'' 

''And the ship?'' 

''The captain and crew are in the dungeon.'' The scout stared blankly at the wall across the room. 

                        ''Put them under heavy guard, and watch every ship coming and leaving port. I don't know who Peter brought, and we can't allow any word getting back to the king.'' 

His wife, Marie, pressed her lips together firmly but didn't say anything. She never did. She respected Richard enough and rarely asked questions about his ways. That was what he liked about her.  

''Of course, my lord.'' The scout nodded and took his exit.

The earl clenched his fists by his sides. He'd always suspected his nephew would make his return to Holt. It was why his guards had always been alert and trained to notify him should Peter,  the son of his deceased brother Baldric, arrive. 

He'd always known Peter would return. After all, he had his father's blood running through his vains. A tenacious, strong spirit. 

''Where might he go?'' Jonathon spoke, narrowing his eyes and staring out the large stain glass window overlooking the cliffs and waves. 

                ''If he's smart, which he is, Mercury Cliffs. Though I doubt he has made it that far yet.'' 

Marie excused herself just then, her lips still thinned, and she didn't so much as glance at Richard. 

Richard watched her walk through the large double doors, and turned to Jonathon. 

''You will lead ten soldiers to the Mercury Cliffs and await Peter. Kill him when you see him.'' 

Jonathon didn't flinch or hesitate, ''of course, my lord.'' 

The boy, now a man, had shoulder-length hair, ebony black. His eyes were a piercing blue, and a dark, thick stubble coated his square chin. Jonathon had been a warrior since he'd first held a sword. Richard had known it. 

                     ''On the second thought...bring him here.'' Richard rubbed his pointed beard. ''I want the people to see him before I kill him.'' 

Marie and the priest would likely protest about Richard killing his own flesh and blood. And turning Jonathon against his cousin. 

Blood was thicker than water, but power and respect were greater. 

''Yes, my lord. I will bring him back within the week.'' Jonathon pounded his fist across his heart and held out his hand. A gesture that showed him to be making a sacred promise. 

Richard took his son's hand and clasped it, and a small strain of pride swelled in his chest.  

''I expect nothing less.'' 

Jonathon nodded his head in acknowledgment proceeded to walk through the double doors through which his mother had exited. 

Edward watched his retreating back for several moments before moving to the windows overlooking the cliffs and coastline of Holt. The sun had just risen over the rocks, casting orange light across the land.