Emeline: A Gisborne Tale

Chapter Eight

Edward followed Guy through the forest as he picked his way to the road that led to the port. He stopped to listen for the sounds of horses' hooves, and he was not disappointed.

A contingency was coming from Nottingham but there was another coming from the port. Dismounting and tying their horses to some trees, Guy and Edward waited in some brush to spy on the two groups. Guy did not want to risk being wrong about either side.

Prince John was heading up the road. Guy and Edward followed on foot as the prince approached the group from the port. Edward whispered. "King Richard!" Guy nodded in agreement.

Prince John dismounted and strode to his brother. With a bow, he said, "My king." Richard replied, "My brother." King Richard dismounted and the brothers stiffly embraced. "How did you know of my return to England?"

The prince replied, "I have my sources. I came down to meet you to personally ensure your safe passage to the castle after your landing, but I can see that you are already well guarded." He smiled at Richard, then walked closely by his side as they started towards Nottingham.

Guy and Edward strode back and remounted their horses, taking up position at the rear of the procession. So far there seemed to be no trouble, but Guy was on edge, ready to make himself known at a moment's notice. Readying his steed, Guy gestured to Edward, "Come on. We may as well join them. Then we may be sure no harm will come to the king."

As they approached, King Richard was first to see them. "Sir Guy, did John send for you?", enquired the King, a look of suspicion crossing his face as he looked from Guy to John. John glared at Guy.

"No, your majesty." said Guy replied. "Sir Edward and I were patrolling for outlaws. They are known to travel this road or very near it." He glanced at the prince and John looked away.

Unbeknownst to Guy, the twin ravens had been following the prince's entourage. However, on seeing Guy join with both battalions, they slunk back into the woods.

King Richard took his brother aside. Guy watched as the two men leaned closer, putting their heads together and, for a moment, both appeared agitated.

"Our nephew, Arthur, is now a ward of Philip Augustus of France. He was to be my heir.", Richard revealed to John. "But I will not allow a ward of a French king to take over England when I die. I might as well tell you now, John, I have decided that you are now my heir and will inherit the throne upon my death."

Both surprised and elated by this news, John was able to keep his composure and maintain a grave face.

"I am sorry our nephew has disappointed you, but I am sure you will reign a long time before I am to take the throne. And should that day come, I will endeavour to serve and protect the kingdom of England as you have done, my dear brother."

John felt like jumping for joy! He hoped his brother would go back to the crusades and become a martyr to the cause, but he would not allow those thoughts to show. "Does Mother know? She will be here soon."

Richard replied, "She has already been apprised and we shall celebrate at Sir Guy's abode where we will be reunited as a family."

Only Guy and Edward were privvy to this informationfor now and they exchanged wry faces as they followed the king and the prince back to Nottingham Castle.

Sheriff Robert was already waiting impatiently in the courtyard. He stood tall and obedient as what looked like the entire country of France came clip-clopping past him. Then, at the end of this parade, came a regal and opulent carriage, draped in the finest velvet and brocade and pulled by four palfreys.

The carriage stopped in front of him, where a footman ran around to open the door and set a block on the ground in front of the carriage day. The footman held his hand out to the grand lady within, assisting her as she stepped down from the carriage.

Though now past 70 years of age, her figure was as slim as a girl's and, despite the deepening lines around her mouth and eyes, it could be seen that she was still a beautiful woman. Robert bent his knee and bowed his head in greeting.

"Your Majesty. It is my pleasure to welcome you to your home in Nottingham. May I escort you to your rooms?" He held his arm out and she took it as they crossed the courtyard to the entrance to the castle.

Queen Eleanor acknowleged the sheriff's presence and responded, "No, thank you. I shall wait in the Great Hall to greet my son when he arrives." She took his arm as a guard approached, whispering in the sheriff's ear.

Robert nodded his head with pursed lips then addressed the Monarch.

"Your majesty. both your sons will be joining us soon. The prince had decided to greet the king as he was apprised of the king's return earlier today." He smiled insipidly, then resumed their march and entered the Great Hall. Robert led the queen to a throne-like, comfortable chair to await the king and the prince regent.

Servants and maids rushed to offer her fruits and cheeses, wine or ale. She was pleased with the efficiency and took a goblet of wine.

When the king and the prince arrived the queen mother had already been escorted to the Great Hall where she awaited her two sons.

Guy turned to Edward as they reached the beautiful stone structure.

"I'm going back to Locksley, my friend. I have much to do before the feast."

He clapped Edward's shoulder. "Will you give them my apologies? I think the queen will understand how busy things are at the manor right now." Guy smiled as Edward accented.

"Yes, my lord. Good thing we got there when we did. I'm not so sure Prince John had good intentions upon meeting the king."

"I did not think so either, Edward. It was wise of you to let me know." He clasped Edward's hand and said, "Why don't you join us at the feast? You'll have to sit at the lower table, but it would be my honor to have you there. "

Edward gave a shy smile, "You honor me, Sir Guy. May I bring my wife.?"

Edward was excited to be asked to such an occasion and his wife would rise greatly in the eyes of her peers once they found out that she had supped with the Royal family.

Guy squirmed a little in his saddle for he was itching to get to London before day break, but he wanted Edward to feel comfortable. "Of course, you may bring her. I would be pleased to meet her. Now I must go."

Guy turned the great destrier around and with a nod to Edward, galloped off to the Old North Road.

Back at the manor, Emeline sat in the Great Hall. With her chin in the palm of her hand she wondered what could possibly have happened to cause Sir Guy to rush off so late in the day. He and Sir Edward had been gone for several hours now. Guy had promised he'd be back long before the day the guests would arrive.

Emeline stood and with a heavy sigh left the Great Hall to say good night to Rose, then slowly climbed the stairs to her bedchamber. She decided not to worry about Guy. He was a grown man who could take care of himself.

With these and other thoughts running through her mind, Emeline finally drifted off to sleep.