A Duty Fulfilled

Chapter 6

                   No amount of sleep was likely to convince Peter's head this was reality. Nothing would be able to convince him that the narrow dirt tunnel Avelina and Adam was leading him and James through was reality. In fact, he wasn't even sure how the past twenty-four hours had even happened. He was supposed to be enjoying a warm hot meal in the great hall with his uncle, aunt, and cousin. NOT creeping slowly through a dirt tunnel that ran under a manor house. 

''Who is this man again?'' This from James who seemed to be increasingly doubtful of the rebel cause. 

''Lord Grimald. He is a key leader in the rebellion and holds meetings in his storeroom.'' Avelina said, holding the torch higher above her head. 

Peter couldn't help but admire her. She didn't cower in front of him, despite their different stations. And she wanted to help her people. So much so, she was willing to do almost anything. Including risking her life to attend forbidden meetings. 

 She was certainly someone he wanted on his side in trying to get the dukedom back. 

                ''How are you certain he isn't betraying you to Lord Richard?'' James questioned. 

''Lord Grimald was a close friend of my father's.'' Avelina didn't seem surprised that James had questioned her word. 

''May I ask where your father is?'' Peter spoke this time, though cautiously. 

''He's dead, Duke. As is my brother who was also called James. It has been only myself, and my mother and sister for several years now.'' 

Peter wished he'd bitten his tongue. Fool. Of course, her father had died. Three women didn't live together in the forest without a man by choice. A slithering sound above his head seemed to agree with him. Snakes. Along with bugs, spiders, and likely, any other rodent one could think of.

''I am sorry, I did not know.'' 

Avelina only offered him a sad smile before stopping and glancing up.  She stood on her toes and rapped her knuckles against a wooden square wedged in the top of the tunnel. 

Seconds later, the square was removed, and yellow light spilled into the tunnel. 

Avelina handed the torch up and was boosted by Adam into what he assumed was the storeroom. James went next, then Peter, and finally Adam. 

Peter was hoisted into a small room. Stone lined the windowless storeroom, baskets filled with squashes, and clay pots dotted the shelves and floor. Several lanterns hung from hooks in the ceiling. Despite the small space, there were perhaps five men within the room. All eyes were on him. 

             ''Duke Peter,'' an older man with a graying beard stepped forward. He wore a black waistcoat with tight leather breeches and a felt hat that tipped to the side of his head. 

''Welcome back to Holt, we are enthralled with the return of your presence.'' The man, whom he assumed was Lord Grimald, gave him a slow neck bow. 

Peter watched him, feeling very humbled at Lord Grimald's words. 

''I knew your father,'' another man stepped up, though this one was dressed in peasant's clothing. ''Duke Baldric was a good leader, and we all have faith that you will follow in his footsteps.'' 

''Welcome back to Holt, your Grace.'' Every single man in the room bowed at the neck. And Peter felt a swelling in his chest. Of both pride and humbleness. It was an odd combination. 

''I thank you for your loyalty.  I know that only with your help will I be able to take back what is mine.'' 

                ''I'm afraid we can only do so much for you, your Grace.'' Lord Grimald said, ''For only God will be able to grant us true victory against your uncle.''