Mountain Fire

By J.A.B. McCully

"Mountain Fire" a Medieval Romance, takes place in the Northlands of Europe at a time when peace agreements are being violated by an evil doer and his band of raiders.

Darwina, the beautiful spirited daughter of Lord Gerald has been banished from Herden Castle by her father and sent to live among peasants in a small mountain village. There she learns much about life and love before she is forced to honor a betrothal to a man she cannot love.

Lord Drake of Histone Castle is on a mission to right his brother's misdeeds, when he stumbles upon a mountain meadow where he discovers a beautiful young temptress with fire in her hair the color of the setting sun. His desire for her has him envying the man who accompanies her as he vows to make her his.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483522265

Book preview

9781483522265

Chapter 1

Darwina and Bolden struggled to keep up with their mother as she led them on a merry chase down hallways, around sharp corners and through secret openings. Dressed as peasants to hide their true identities, their goal was to flee Herden Castle without anyone knowing. All three had taken care to see that their beautiful crimson locks were well hidden, for even a few strands of their golden red hair would spoil their disguise.

Bolden laughed at his sister’s boyish look as he softly called, Hurry up little brother.

Darwina quickened her step to keep up with her long legged younger brother, who had just recently passed her in height, as she replied, You just wait. Mother’s next escapade may require you to dress as a girl.

Glendora’s love of adventure had provided her children with a wealth of experience. Now that they were old enough to soon be betrothed she wanted them to see the world as their subjects did. She hoped that would teach them to rule with compassion.

Their father Lord Gerald did not approve of this trip. In fact he had no knowledge of their planned journey outside the safety of their castle walls.

Darwina and Bolden managed to keep up with their mother as she charged on through the castle passageways and tunnels. Glendora knew every twist and turn as well as the location of every secret panel, all designed to prevent anyone from getting into the castle from the other direction.

Finally they emerged into the warm sun that blessed this early spring day. The winter snows that had held them captive for months were finally melting away.

Chock was there to meet them. He had long served Lord Gerald and his family as Herden Castle’s Head Carpenter. And he was honored to serve Lady Glendora’s request to show her and her children to Herden Village where he lived and owned a wood shop.

The three followed Chock down a narrow winding path and onto a road bustling with travelers, many pushing carts of goods to sell in the market. The foursome easily blended in. No one would suspect that Lord Gerald’s wife and children were among those headed for the village.

Chock took them to his sister’s home on the west side of Herden Village. There he bid them good day promising to return before sundown to escort them home. He had work to finish at the castle so it would be late after mid day before his return. Glendora handed him a gold coin to thank him for his guidance.

Chock’s sister Emerline was delighted to have visitors. She showed them around the village until it was time for her to go to work in her brother’s shop.

The threesome continued wandering through the market place, eating a light lunch of cheese and bread and enjoying watching the villagers go about their daily chores.

It’s getting late. We need to head back to Emerline’s to meet Chock, Glendora warned.

Just a little longer I want to look at those fabrics, Darwina begged as she turned to check on some bright colored cloth.

Without warning a chill wind blew through the village whipping Glendora’s cape aside. She struggled to pull the cape back in place as dark clouds swirled overhead, covering the sun and carrying a forewarning that things were about to change.

The crowd bustled as villagers hurried to gather their goods.

Glendora motioned for Darwina and Bolden to follow her as sounds of thunder rolled their way.

Bolden and Darwina struggled to keep up with their mother. Their progress was slowed by the uneasy crowd that had separated them from her. Darwina could no longer tell which cape hid her mother’s crimson locks. The force of the crowd pressed in on her as she clung to Bolden’s arm not wanting to lose him too. Her height prevented her from seeing over those who surround her. Her ears told her the roar was not thunder but horses storming through the village. Shouts rang out from the peasants pushing to clear the way.

Bolden grabbed Darwina’s free arm and directed her vision across the narrow street. She nodded as the two struggled to move toward Glendora. The swarm increased its pace and they watched in dismay as their mother was swooped further away by the frenzied mob.

Screams deafened Darwina’s ears as she was bumped from behind and lost hold of Bolden’s arm. She was carried along with the crowd, praying that she would not be crushed to death. Pain shot through her left foot as it was stomped under a larger one. She fell to the ground. Fortunately she landed away from the thrust of the panic stricken villagers. As she fought to right herself, a horse’s leg landed within inches of her hand. Pulling back to avoid being trampled, she noticed the star mark on its leg just above the hoof and took it for a lucky omen. She had been spared.

Glendora was not to be so lucky. She had seen the dark horse nearly trample her daughter and turned to cross the street to her aid.

As Darwina stood she caught a glimpse of her mother’s anguished face before the horse blocked her view. Frozen in place she stared in shock as the large raven stallion pounded her mother to the ground.

No, Darwina screamed in anguish as the beast continued on its way, leaving her mother in its tracks.

Glendora lay still, dust and dirt settling on her crimson hair that had fallen from beneath the cape that now covered her face.

Mother, Darwina yelled, but there was no response, no movement.

Darwina looked up as the black helmeted rider turned to survey the destruction his men were causing. As he rode off his laughter rang in her ears, a low evil laugh that would haunt her for some time. She fought to reach her mother, narrowly missing being trampled herself by another raider’s horse. She surely would have been if a pair of strong arms had not lifted her out of the way.

Put me down, she yelled, her feet shuffling through the air in an effort to find the ground.

Quiet, a deep voice commanded in her ear. I will not hurt you lad.

She looked up into the handsome stranger’s face. Angry dark sea blue eyes met her frightened viridescent ones.

Get off the street little one. Go hide, he ordered as he dropped her to the ground and turned to help an old woman who had been knocked down by the crowd.

Unaware that the horsemen were snatching young women and taking them off for what pleasures they desired, Darwina managed to reach her mother. Fortunately Darwina’s disguise hid her strawberry locks and recently developed figure. Oblivious to the danger she was in she stooped over her mother’s limp body, searching for some sign of life. There was none.

Bolden pulled his sister off of Glendora. It was his duty to get his mother and sister to safety.

Stay by my side, he ordered as he lifted his mother and swiftly carried her up the long hill to the protection of Herden Castle.

Darwina ran to keep up with his long strides, tears streaming down her face and praying that somehow their mother was alive.

The good people of Herden had never known such rage. Lord Gerald went mad when he learned that raiders had attacked his village, but that was nothing compared to the furor that erupted when he learned of his wife’s death. He gathered his knights and led them in search of the raiders, determined to find the villains and be done with them. Unfortunately they had disappeared without a trace. Angry and discouraged he returned to Herden to pay his final respects to his beloved wife.

This incident marked an end to the long period of peace that had been enjoyed by the people in the Northlands. The great Lords who ruled the land had long ago formed a League of Peace, a pact to insure lasting accord among their people. Many of the Lords had been taught by a great learned man, Wyzark the Wizard, who himself had studied all of the great philosophers. They had formed the League in his honor and the League was held in high esteem, even over the Roman Church, which most considered to be the most powerful force in Europe.

The Lords of the Northlands were careful to keep the clergy from gaining the upper hand and on occasion even disagreed with the church. Wyzark had taught his students to question, an act that men of the cloth did not appreciate. For one thing the Lords of the Northland castles or keeps, as their strongholds were called, maintained the right to perform weddings. Fortunately the church’s anger had subsided in time as most couples sought to have both the Lords and the Church sanctify their marriage vows.

The wrathfulness of Lord Gerald was more than most could endure. He had fought long and hard for his Lady. And now his prized possession had been taken from him by an unknown blackguard. He vowed that her killer would not remain a stranger as he sent his warriors out to cover the countryside in search of the evil doers. His men returned with few clues as to where the villains had come from and less as to where they had gone.

Darwina made several attempts to see her father but had been refused and was left to grieve the loss of both her parents. Bolden had become extremely withdrawn, refusing to talk with anyone and even turning down meals.

Lord Gerald suffered unrelenting pain. Overnight his chestnut hair became streaked with gray and his eyes lost their deep blue. Whenever he entered a room his people scurried to keep out of his way for anyone who crossed him was dealt with harshly. His servants had never seen such beatings. The worst was received by Chock when it was learned that he was the one who had escorted Glendora and her children into the village.

At night when Gerald could not sleep he would go into a vengeful rage, calling one subject to his room after another and ordering them to find some clue as to the identity of Glendora’s killers. He spent his days storming through the castle ordering servants to clean things that they had just polished. Never satisfied, he found fault with everything and everyone who crossed his path.

Lord Gerald had loved his wife more than life itself. The only source of discord in their marriage had been their two children. Glendora had indulged Darwina and Bolden beyond his patience and yet she had won him over whenever he’d objected to any of her requests. Her voice now haunted him: They are only children. Surely your children deserve the best.

He remembered their conversation the night before her death. She had pleaded with him, My Lord, Bolden and Darwina need to learn what life is truly like in the village.

Then I will have the guards escort them.

That will not do. They want to see life from a peasant’s view. We have the clothes. No one will recognize us, she had argued.

No. Absolutely not! He had stomped his foot.

Glendora refusing to heed his command, had persisted, You are the one who says that I have spoiled them. Let me show them how the commoners live. Someday Bolden will rule Herden. He will rule more wisely if he has an understanding of his subjects, first hand from experience. Let me take them. I will be able to show them much for I myself grew up in a small village. The experience will benefit us all. If nothing else it will show them how very good their life has been.

He had tried to see her point. What you say makes some sense. I will have one of my men take Bolden. You and Darwina are not to go. The village is no place for ladies.

Darwina needs an education as well. Have you not talked of betrothing her to one of the great Lord’s sons? She too will be in a position of power one day. All the better that she understand how her people live.

It is too dangerous. I will not hear another word of this nonsense, he had answered, hoping to close the subject.

But as usual his capricious green eyed, spirited wife had done things her way. He supposed he was partially to blame for he had indulged her and in turn she had indulged his children.

Glendora had been brought up in Klinderhurst, a small mountain village south of Herden, the daughter of a poor but scholarly man. Gerald had fallen in love with the beautiful redhead on first sight and had to prove himself as a scholar before her father would consent to their marriage. It had always galled Gerald that his wealth had made no impression on Glendora’s father and yet he carried a great fondness for the man who had taught him much about life.

Unlike her father Glendora had been very impressed with Lord Gerald’s wealth and it gave him great pleasure to lavish her with gifts. There was nothing he could refuse her. When the babies were born, first Darwina and then one year later Bolden, Gerald enjoyed watching his wife with his progeny. To her they were the greatest gifts on earth.

The children brought them much pleasure and because of this he’d always been quick to grant them anything they or Glendora requested. But to dress as commoners and shop in the village? No. That was where he would draw the line.

Glendora continued to argue, Sir, you yourself have often bragged about the safety of our village and you are the one saying that our children need an education. If they are to rule someday, what better lesson than to see how the villagers live?

Gerald shrugged his shoulders and sighed before speaking. As usual you make a good point. I so often hear your father in your arguments. However, I am concerned for your safety. There will be no undercover trips to the village. Now come scratch my back wife.

Glendora had done as asked and soon her soothing touch had Gerald dropping off into a deep relaxed sleep. That was the last conversation he would ever have with his beloved wife.

Darwina and Bolden, devastated by the loss of their mother, were driven deep into despair by their father’s anguish and his refusal to see them. Haunted by memories of that fateful day, Darwina played the events over and over in her mind. How they had dressed in plain clothes with hats and capes to hide their hair, for surely they would have been recognized in an instant if anyone had spotted their crimson locks. Bolden had combed his dark auburn hair forward to cover his true blue eyes and donned a large cap that shaded the true red in his hair. It was hard to hide his good looks and Darwina had teased him that there would be a trail of village lasses following him.

Chock, a trusted friend of their mother’s had taken them to his sister’s hut. He introduced them to Emerline, explaining that the three were relatives of a friend who worked at the castle. Emerline welcomed them and offered them homemade bread and tea. The bread had a deep nutty flavor and was quite tasty, although far more chewy than any they had ever had at home. Bolden did not care for the tea and left his cup full. Darwina and her mother politely drank theirs exchanging distasteful glances as the tea had a bitterness that was new to their tongues.

Darwina and Bolden had passed through the village many times but they had never been inside one of the village huts. Darwina was shocked at how small the living quarters were, especially compared to the spacious rooms of Herden Castle. The main room would not have filled half of the smallest room at home. There was barely enough space to contain two tables, one covered with cooking utensils and the other with two benches. Off in a corner was a bed, which was merely a mat with a small wood frame that held it only inches above the dirt floor. Nothing like her luxurious raised feather bed.

Emerline escorted them through the village. Along the way she told them stories about the people who lived in the huts. Soon after reaching the market place she bid them farewell pointing to where they might find lodging for the night, she said, Ask for Burl. He will set you up and see that you have work in the fields. He keeps fair accounts and Lord Gerald treats his workers well.

Glendora and Darwina had found Emerline’s tales fascinating but Bolden was clearly bored. His mood changed when they reached the open market. He was intrigued by all of the goods for sale. They had difficulty prying him away from a knife display for he had decided to make a purchase.

Why do you want a hunting knife? his mother asked.

Maybe someday I will go hunting, his blue eyes sparkled in anticipation.

That’s what father has the warriors for, Darwina chided.

Warriors should be fighting wars, her brother replied.

There are no wars, Darwina reminded him.

Not here at Herden anyway, their mother added. I hope you two realize how fortunate you are to live in a peaceful land. Your father has worked long and hard to keep our kingdom free of violence. Others are not as fortunate as we are.

Bolden was not sure he agreed. How was he to prove himself as a man if he never saw battle? He had listened for hours to the stories his father’s warriors told of their battle experiences and he envied them. He had begged his parents to let him train with his father’s Knights but his mother had always prevented it, pleading with his father that there was no need for him to learn to fight as they lived in a peaceful land. Well if they would not let him fight he would learn to hunt and no one could stop him. He tucked the knife deep in a pocket.

Mother, I am hungry, Darwina sighed.

Then we shall eat. Bolden help us hunt some food.

The three of them searched the local vendors for foods to their liking, some pickled fruits and cheese and a loaf of dark bread. They ate as they walked along discovering all that the vendors had to offer.

Do you think Father has discovered that we have left the castle, Darwina asked.

I suspect we will have a price to pay for our venture. He really did not like this idea at all, Glendora replied.

But Mother this has been so much fun. I hope we can do it again.

Yes. I agree. Thank you Mother, Bolden smiled at his mother wondering if he got his longing for adventure from her.

Darwina gave her mother a hug and said, Thank you Mother for this lovely day.

All too soon it had turned into the ugliest day of her life. One that Darwina continued to play over and over in her mind, longing somehow to change the outcome. If only there was some way to bring her dear mother back to life.

Bolden begged his father to let him go with the warriors to find his mother’s killer.

Lord Gerald would not hear of it and when Bolden threatened to run away, Gerald had him locked up for he was not about to lose his only son.

Glendora had been laid to rest in the family grave yard. Darwina spent much of her time tending the grave, talking to her mother’s spirit and making sure there were fresh flowers on the head stone. Bolden who could not bring himself to go near the grave, grew more angry as time passed. Gerald had joined his warriors in search of his wife’s killers and Bolden was furious that he had not been allowed to accompany him.

Father, I am a man and you still treat me like a child, he had argued.

I will agree that at 16 …

Almost 17, Bolden replied in anger.

Gerald looked at his son who had not yet reached his father’s height. He still looked very much the boy, but soon he would fill into a man.

Yes, I know son and that is why I must leave you here to look after your sister and our keep. If anything should happen to me, you will become Lord of Herden. I am not sure you are prepared to handle that responsibility but none the less it will be yours if I do not return. With that Gerald ordered his guards to keep watch on Bolden as he rode off to meet his warriors.

Gerald’s men had been searching the countryside for clues leading to the identity of Glendora’s murderer. There were rumors that a band of warriors had been seen in a village not far to the south of Herden, but Gerald and his men spent days hunting without finding a trace. The longer they searched without finding answers, the angrier Gerald grew. When heavy rain storms slowed their search, Gerald ordered their return to Herden.

On returning home the sight of Darwina waving from one of the castle towers tore at Gerald’s heart. There she stood with her mother’s coloring and same self assured posture. She was the image of a young Glendora. The creamy complexion, the brilliant green eyes, the high cheek bones, the delicate nose and full mouth were all Glendora’s. He brushed past her with hardly a word.

That night Gerald made a decision. His children were all that mattered to him and yet he could not stand the sight of them; a daughter who looked so much like her mother and a son who had no understanding of ruling a kingdom. Bolden would someday rule Herden and Darwina would all too soon marry a great Lord. Both children still had much to learn. Glendora had coddled them and now he would do it his way. They both needed to know more about life than their overindulgent childhood had taught them.

Chapter 2

Lord Gerald was not pleased when his sister Charlene arrived. She had a way of taking over that had always annoyed him. Eight years older than Gerald, Charlene had always acted like his second mother. One of the happiest days of his life had been when she had married Lord Detrick of Galterstaff and left Herden for good. Recently widowed she now sought to be of use at Herden. Gerald felt no need of her services but could not bring himself to send her away. He noticed that his sister had aged considerably since he last saw her. Her hair, once chestnut like his, was now gray and she had grown quite plump. Unfortunately her imperious attitude had not changed and Gerald knew that would mean trouble for he was not about to let her take charge of his domain.

Charlene tried to calm Gerald’s inflamed spirit. She ordered all of his favorite foods. Special baths and massages were provided at her request. However nothing seemed to quiet his frenzied soul and her words only provoked him.

Gerald, what of your children? You have not seen them since your return. They too are grieving Glendora’s death.

They should be, he growled as his face turned red with anger. They are the ones who brought this about.

You cannot blame them for her death, Charlene gasped.

Glendora gave them everything they wanted. They begged her to take them to the village in disguise. If only she had refused them.

They had no idea of the danger. Your villages have been safe for years. Surely you cannot hole your children responsible.

"I can do whatever I choose woman. My children make me ill. They are spoiled brats and I will not see them for they remind me of Glendora. In fact I am considering sending them away. They wanted to know what it was like to be among the peasants. Well perhaps they shall find out.

Gerald, what on Earth are you thinking?

Don’t trouble yourself sister dear. I will take care of my own children.

Charlene did not like the sound of his voice. She had never heard her brother talk so forcefully. Realizing that there was no arguing with him she went in search of Darwina. She found her in the garden praying at Glendora’s rain soaked grave and she put her arms around the girl pulling her tight to her bosom.

Darwina’s sobs grew heavier as she found a moment of relief in her aunt’s caring embrace. Darwina had always liked her father’s sister, even though she could be a bit bossy. While she was no substitute for her own mother, Darwina was glad her aunt was there.

I miss mother terribly. I know my life will never be the same without her.

Charlene knew her niece was right. She turned her thoughts to her nephew. She had not seen Bolden since she’d arrived. One of the servants had told her that he was brooding in his room, refusing to let anyone enter and turning away all meals. She had gone to his door several times but he would not answer. She would try again this evening. Someone had to knock some sense into that lad. She had no idea that it was too late to speak with her nephew. Gerald’s men had already removed Bolden from his chambers.

When Darwina returned to her room the servants were waiting. They stripped her of all jewelry and clothing and dressed her in garments similar to those she had worn to the village that tragic day.

What are you doing? I demand to see my father at once, Darwina pleaded with the servants.

Sorry miss. We must follow Lord Gerald’s orders.

But why this peasant dress?

Your father has ordered it. For your protection he does not want anyone to know your identity.

Why? What is going on? What am I to do, she asked mystified.

We were ordered to tell you that it is for your own good that you remain where you are being sent until Lord Gerald calls for your return. It is of utmost importance that you do not tell anyone your true identity.

What? I demand to see my father now.

We will take you to your brother, one of the servants said hoping to calm the frightened lass. None of them liked sending these children away but they would never disobey Lord Gerald.

Darwina was firmly escorted to a carriage where her brother was waiting and in minutes they were under way. The two rode in silence. Night was falling and they could not tell which direction they traveled as the coach moved slowly through the mud left by the melting snow.

Bolden had not fought them. He was still in a dazed state of shock over his mother’s death and his father’s rejection as well as weakened from lack of food. Even now he slept as their coach journeyed through the night.

Darwina was also stunned. She wondered where her father was. Perhaps the men who had stormed the village had captured the castle as well. After much thought, only two possibilities came to her mind; either they were being kidnapped or sent into protective hiding by their father. Neither one was to her liking.

The night grew long and tiresome for Darwina’s fearful thoughts kept her from sleep. At the first sign of light they were pulled from the coach, given some food and water and then shoved into another coach that took off at high speed. Darwina wondered if they were being followed and if so by whom; her father’s men or her father’s enemies?

Bolden looked thin and pale. Darwina tried to get him to eat. He attempted by taking several bites but the food did not stay down. They continued to move at high speed and sister and brother both suffered bruises from being thrown about in the coach. They stopped once to change horses and Darwina and Bolden were allowed to relieve themselves. Night fell and the exhausted siblings slept.

When they awoke the following morning, they were pulled from the coach by two men who ordered them to walk on foot up a steep mountain trail. Darwina did not recognize either man. One had a sharp pointed nose and long black beard and the other was bald and missing his front teeth.

Where are you taking us, she demanded. Can’t you see my brother is not well? He cannot walk far.

Do not worry. He’ll be fine, the bearded one replied.

The scenery was beautiful. They were high in the mountains and the path was lined with budding spring flowers. Darwina looked forward to reaching the palace. A castle set on top of this mountain would have the most glorious views of the lush forests and valleys below.

Bolden remained speechless as he strained to climb the steep path. Darwina did not like the way