Darkness Reigns

By Elizabeth K.N. Banks

Riordan Montain lives a life of faith and obsessive devotion. Consumed by a desire to serve God, he becomes an ally of the Knights Templar. Upon his return home, he settles into life with his beloved family. When the Knights lose power, Riordan finds himself and all he loves in danger. Putting all his faith in God to protect his family as he goes off to defend the Knights, Riordan is devastated when he loses what he begged God to protect.

Half-mad from grief and filled with rage, Riordan seeks revenge. But it is short lived and confined to an asylum, he begins to give into madness. Renouncing God and cursing humankind, he is sired by an ancient vampire named Calka and with his transformation into a vampire; Riordan finds a way to combat God and his followers for eternity.

Driven by the desire for blood and unrepentant about what he is, Riordan embarks on a blood soaked journey through time, intent on recreating the daughter he lost by any means necessary. Controlled by a ceaseless desire to dominate, he destroys that which he seeks to protect.

As he accumulates power and makes a name for himself within the vampire world, he is also running from demons he dare not confront. When the time comes when he can no longer fight them off, he realize not even an immortal can outlast the past.

Deciding that writing is a form of therapy, he sets out to tell his life story. As he travels from thirteenth century England to plague ridden Middle Ages and present day, he seeks an understanding of himself and a way to combat that which he fears most.

As he relives both his human and vampire lives, Riordan realizes that he must find a way to balance both lest he fall into the chasm again, and this time, never emerge.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth K.N. Banks
• Release date: Jan 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201464912

Elizabeth K.N. Banks

Elizabeth K.N. Banks is an Atlanta native with a lifelong love of horror and all that comes with the genre. A lover of books, cats and coffee, she is currently working on a variety of books in multiple genres. She is a huge music fan and playlists for novels including Darkness Reigns can be found on Spotify under EBanksHood4Life. She can be found on Instagram and Twitter sharing love of horror, musings and sometimes, utter nonsense!

Book preview

Vienna, Austria

Amidst this agony, to myself, I turned.

Her blood smelled of almonds. I would never forget the first time I drank it.

I can’t bear it.

Her death resurrected one I have run from my entire life. I have only hurt like this once before and that was when I was human. Never as a vampire did I expect to feel this anguish again.

Yet I am and as before, a gaping chasm has opened before me.

I am staring into the face of madness itself. Once, it nearly destroyed me.

For centuries, I suppressed that which haunted me.

I managed to carve out an existence devoid of human memory, which while cowardly, enabled me to live my dark life in relative peace. Now one act has taken it away.

I am threatening to come undone.

I can’t let this happen.

I remember when my mind twisted upon itself. A time when I spoke in strange tongues. I remember when I was a destroyed husk ravaged by grief. It had taken all my strength to escape its grasp. But this one act, this one death-threatened to destroy my hard-won peace. As the one death from long ago had sent me over the edge, this one was now doing the same thing.

Why had she asked such a cruel act of me?

Why had I done it?

Even with what she had done to me, I regretted fulfilling her request. Remorse is a foreign emotion to me, as I don’t feel sorrow for anything.

I am dark and cruel. I am a murderer of hundreds in my human life.

And many more in my vampire one.

Yet I am feeling it now, along with a certain amount of anger. She had my blood.

Why had she succumbed to weakness?

Why had she caused me to remember things held at bay for centuries?

It burns my tongue to say this, but in a way, her death was something I needed.

It forced me to realize that for all my power and status within the vampire and supernatural underworld, I am a coward.

I feared the past.

I feared to remember.

As I sit in my library, a few years into the twenty-first century, I find myself reflecting on the life I lived before I was sired and the one afterwards. They are very separate in my mind and emotions.

Yet the memories of the former threaten to undo the dark peace of the latter.

I remember what Cassandra and Qian had said. Running didn’t work for the past is as immortal as I am. I had to confront it and finally unlock its hold on me.

If I didn’t-if I hid again-I would never truly be free. It would always be my master. I can’t stand such a thing. Something had to be done or I would be sitting here centuries from now, still cowering like a cornered animal.

How to do this? In what way could I safely explore the past without being overcome by it?

It went against my nature to admit fear.

It’s a shameful thing for the strong-willed to admit to ourselves. I am too strong to be broken by the fear but too weak to confront it. Even the strong have things we fear. We look at the weak with contempt. Unless we keep a tight rein on our lives, we know we will become useless like them.

But how could I go on living such a cowardly existence?

There had to be a way to exorcise it.

I glanced at my books collected over the centuries. Suddenly an idea came to me.

One of my favourite writers said she kept a journal throughout her life as putting down things helped her to cope. I could mimic her and write one of my own. I could search my memories.

Being old, I had plenty to keep myself occupied.

Once I was a knight consumed by holy devotion and believed I was going to save Christendom. I was aflame with the love of God and determined to defend his Holy Land.

But that was before he failed my devotion in the worst way possible. I hate God and His followers with every part of my being.

I was such a devoted fool! All this time has passed and still  I am furious over how I behaved.

Looking back at my existence, I had seen much. If I was honest with myself, I had done much harm. I can’t change what I am. Nor could I remove the things I have done. My past had much pain and suffering, both what I endured and what I forced on others.

Yet I feel no remorse for what I wrought upon those who crossed my path.

But I do dread what I went through.

I have forced the past back for a very long time and really should leave things alone.

But I can’t. The idea had taken root along with an almost uncontrollable compulsion to review that time of pain and loss.

Why put myself through this? Even as I ask this, I know the answer.

Sometimes, it is a grim pleasure to twist the knife to dig into a festering wound, even if you are using it on yourself. Perhaps pouring out my life upon the page would help in some manner. Somehow, it seemed safer to commit my memories to paper than recall them in my mind.

Not much of a difference.

But if things become too intense, I could always stop writing. If left solely to the whims of my mind, I might not be able to stop remembering. I instinctively knew I’d be consumed.

The computer Cecilia loved was available. I had never learned how to use it. Modern things have cold sterility I find off-putting. I would write as it was done centuries ago. I went to the small room connected to my library.

Cecilia spent most of her time here conversing with learned minds, as she had done for centuries. Next to her printer were stacks of bound paper. I took six of them and went back to the library.

I settled back at my desk and in a rare moment of whimsy, wished for a quill. I’d have to settle for a pen. I opened one of the packs and hovered over the intimidating blank paper for a moment.

How should I start?

From the very beginning of my life?

Or when I was older?

Shouldn’t I get right into my story?

I had no idea why I was worrying about such things. No one would ever read it but me.

But I did have an opening.

I dip my quill into the dark well of memory and with blood-red ink, prepare to spill my life upon the page.

Riordan Montain

––––––––

I was born October 29th, 1269, the son of Lord Alaric and Lady Emma Montain. Father was a favourite of the King and used this status to enrich our family’s coffers. Due to his ceaseless ambition, he was rarely home.

My sister Bronwyn arrived and our family was closer than ever. Father never showed much physical affection. But I knew his ruthless maneuvers at court were his way of securing my future.

This future was shown to me when I reached sixteen years of age.

Sir Robert of Blackburn, my godfather and a member of the Knights Templar arrived to take me under his tutelage. This was a great honor for it was whispered the Knights had the ears of God and the balls of the king. Their deeds were legendary and their power immense. I bid my family farewell and journeyed with Robert to a Knights stronghold in France. I was raised to have a strong faith in God. Even though he was obsessed with power, Father was deeply religious. Robert was equally devoted to God.

Riordan, tell me, what is your belief? he asked as we traveled.

I believe in God, Robert. I always will.

Robert looked at me with a pleased expression.

Tis good to hear. There is a rigorous initiation ahead for you. I have faith you can withstand what lies ahead.

His words aroused my curiosity. I had heard of the initiation ceremony but it was conjecture. No one had any real idea of what went on and I wanted to know.

What will happen, Robert?

He didn’t answer. Despite my excitement at being chosen, a sense of trepidation came over me. What did these trials entail? Would they be so grueling I might shame me and my family?

Questions churned and I desperately wanted answers.

Robert’s expression was closed. I fell quiet. I knew any questioning would be fruitless.

We left England and stopped twice to purchase supplies and exchange horses.

Robert’s pace was brutal.

Through driving rain and bitter cold, he rode relentlessly and didn’t display any sign of discomfort. Though I was chilled to the bone and tired, I did my best to keep up with him. We slept upon hard ground. I longed for the soft bed of my home. I didn’t dare voice this to Robert. He’d disapprove if I uttered any complaint and that I couldn’t bear.

So, I resolutely persevered.

Eventually, we reached a small village deep in the French countryside. I spoke French very well and found a small relief to my trepidation. Beyond the village lay dense and thick woods that swallowed daylight.

I followed Robert and we emerged from the woods into a large clearing. In the middle of a cleared patch of forest, a group of men waited. They were dressed plainly and their manner anxious. Two men were dressed differently. They wore white mantles emblazoned with red crosses and were of disparate appearances. One was tall and thin to the point of emaciation. He was dark-haired with a sour look upon his features. The other was short and fair with a cheerful expression.

Dismount, Riordan, Robert commanded.

I obeyed and the fair man gestured for me to join the men. I did so and we stood there for a long moment while the dark-haired man surveyed us.

I am Hugh and I will be your instructor, he said coldly.

I take my leave, Robert said.

Godspeed, Robert, Hugh said.

Aye, Godspeed, the fair man said.

Robert smiled at me and then rode off into the woods. I was truly alone and became worried. I didn’t know what was ahead. The fair man stepped forward and though his expression was friendly, he had the same searching look as Hugh.

"I am Desmond. I will train you in the ways of war. You all were chosen to join the Knights Templar. We are members of The Order of the Lion and we conduct the training of all initiates into the Knights. You will also become a member of our order as well. You are the best recruits from across Europe. In addition, our members vouched for you.

This is a training ground. You shall be tested as to your worthiness. Insubordination and weakness won’t be tolerated. We serve God and then the king. You are expected to prove yourself with no quarter given. Obedience to God is demanded at all times," Desmond said fervently.

My apprehension intensified.

What sort of tests would I have to endure? What were the consequences of failure?

We will teach you how to fight in the manner of the order and our history. You will spend four years living with your brothers and us. There will be no women, drink, and vice. Your soul, mind, and body will be purged of any taint. You will be made fit to serve God and the order. Sit and rest. We eat within the hour, Hugh said.

They sat a short distance away from us. I sat down on the ground and tried to disguise my relief at being able to rest. The other men followed suit. None of us spoke. Perhaps we were too excited to do so. I became aware of hunger. I hadn’t eaten since the night before.

I wanted food, wine and then sleep.

Two elderly women emerged from the woods and walked towards Hugh and Desmond.

One carried a pot and the other, bowls. Hugh and Desmond greeted the women. One passed out bowls and the other woman poured soup into them. The old women cackled as they left.

I soon learned why. I sipped mine and nearly gagged. Other men spat their soup out. The soup was filled with rancid vegetables and stringy meat of an unidentifiable source.

In a soldier’s life, he will be forced to eat unappetizing things. Your body always requires nourishment. You must learn to eat what is at hand. Finish the soup, Hugh said.

I steeled myself and quickly ate. I shuddered at the foul taste left in my mouth. The other men followed suit, grimacing as they did so. My stomach rebelled and I fought desperately not to vomit.

Good, you have done well. Now it is time for rest, Desmond said.

I waited expectantly to be taken to a castle so I could prepare for sleep.

Lord Montain, did you expect the comforts of home? Hugh asked.

We are to sleep on hard ground with no protection, I said incredulously.

Yes. A soldier doesn’t have such luxuries on the battlefield, Desmond said.

I was aghast. The ground was hard and unyielding. There wasn’t even a patch of soft grass to lay my head upon.

Your training begins in the morning, Hugh said.

They settled down a few feet away. I had never slept rough in my life. I tossed and turned, trying to gain comfort on the ground, which wasn’t giving any. After many hours, I finally drifted off to sleep.

It seemed as though I had barely slept when Desmond called us to awaken. I rose from the ground awkwardly with my limbs protesting and back aching.

We will pray. The will of God is to be obeyed above all others. His name is to be defended and beloved by us. He is our shepherd, our Father in heaven, deserving of loyalty, love, and devotion. Amen, Hugh said.

Amen, I said as I crossed myself.

Today, we begin to train with weapons. Though you have learned such skills, we will take it a step further, Desmond said.

He gestured to his left where I saw weapons with which I was already familiar. This wasn’t going to be too difficult.

Step forward and take one, Desmond commanded.

I picked up a sword and was surprised. It was much heavier than what I used to. I struggled to lift it.

These weapons are heavy for a reason. Training with them will build strength, stamina, and enable you to attack much more ferociously. Separate into groups of two and I will instruct you, Desmond said.

He picked up a sword easily, stunning me because he was of small stature. It was a trying afternoon. I couldn’t swing my sword with my accustomed skill nor could I even manage any semblance of combat.

The other men fared no better. I was frustrated. How could I learn anything when I couldn’t even raise my weapon? Desmond showed no impatience. He went round correcting form and teasing while Hugh was inscrutable. Finally, the session was over. My arms ached and my hands were swollen.

I settled down and waited for supper.

The two old women reappeared.

They handed a bundle to Hugh. He opened it. To my horror, I realized it was raw meat.

Supper has arrived! Desmond said merrily.

Hugh gave each of us a piece. He returned to stand by Desmond.

On the battlefield, you have to eat whatever you can. Desmond and I once butchered a horse to eat its meat. You all will learn this as well.

I looked down at the meat. Blood seeped into my hand. I didn’t know if I could consume raw meat! I recalled Robert’s faith and trust in me.

My family’s honour was also at stake.

I couldn’t fail. I knew what I had to do. Forcing back revulsion, I stuffed it into my mouth. It was too thick to swallow completely so I had to chew. The meat was gamy and the blood pungent in my mouth. I prayed for strength as I hurriedly swallowed before I gave into my urge to spit it out.

One man still held his meat in his hand.

Is there a problem? Desmond asked.

I can’t eat such a thing! I am not an animal!

The Order requires this of initiates. Do you refuse to do as you’re told? Desmond asked.

I do! I won’t put it in my mouth and body!

Hugh moved swiftly. With one smooth motion, he slit the man’s throat where he stood, moving aside to avoid the great gout of blood that gushed forward and soaked the ground.

The man fell, an expression of surprise on his face. I was shocked and not quite able to believe what I had witnessed.

The Order doesn’t tolerate those who refuse to obey. Take care you don’t follow him, Hugh said.

We will bury him in the field, Desmond said.

We hurriedly obeyed and followed Desmond. We walked to a small area behind our clearing. I nearly dropped the body. In this field, there were too many crosses to count. I realized this was a graveyard.

Even worse, to my right, lay empty graves.

Do you see this? These fallen men failed The Order. We have already dug fresh graves for some of you will no doubt fail, Desmond said.

A chill went through my body, as I comprehended this wasn’t merely a test to pass. It was life or death. We put the man into the grave and tossed in dirt until he was buried. Desmond looked on as we finished the grim task.

I had never seen a man die and the experience disturbed me. I also knew I could die should I fail.

My high birth and title wouldn’t protect me.

Death comes at any time and in the service of God, it is never to be feared. But some deaths are foul and disrespectful. Be warned, Desmond said.

We trudged back to the clearing.

My stomach began to cramp painfully. After what I witnessed, I didn’t dare say anything. As the night went on the cramps grew progressively worse.

I got up and rushed to the woods.

There I voided my bowels and the stench made my eyes water. I tried to move but another attack came. I vomited so forcefully my body contracted.

I moved away from the foul mess I had made. I tried to rise. I couldn’t. I remained there all through the night as my bowels and stomach gave up all their contents. Morning came and I thought it would be over.

It continued.

I wretched, staining my clothes and the foul reek increased. I heard footsteps and looked up to see Hugh. I was ashamed for him to see me lying amongst my waste.

The meat didn’t agree with you.

I need help, I said weakly.

There will be no help, Riordan. It is a simple disturbance of the bowels.

I clenched my teeth as another cramp hit.

I am in pain, I rasped.

Then stay here and tend to yourself. If you don’t come out of these woods, I will take care of you, Hugh said meaningfully.

I recalled the graves and knew exactly what he meant.

You are going to leave me here, I said.

Do you think when you are sick or injured help will always be at your disposal? No, you will have to heal yourself. I will see what you are made of, Riordan.

He left. For one moment, I nearly cursed him. With difficulty, I restrained myself. I wasn’t going to meet the man’s fate from the night before. I took deep breaths in the hopes my stomach would calm itself. My hope wasn’t realized as it clenched and I vomited. I crawled away as my bowels erupted once again.

I was too weak to remove my clothes and so I lay there, inhaling the acrid scent of my shit and vomit. I was disgusted and feared I would die in these woods.

I, Riordan Montain- son of a lord and godson of a great knight- would be found covered in my excrement! I would have failed Robert and his faith in me.

I wanted to get up and march back into the clearing to prove my triumph to Hugh and Desmond. My body refused to obey my will. On and on it went, sometimes taking turns and other times voiding together. I wondered how much I had left in me.

Soon, I feared I would be voiding my organs!

Night came. I managed to sleep but not for long. The air around me was heavy and nauseous. The cold air washed over me. I was agonizingly aware of hunger. This caused me to laugh aloud. Eating had gotten me into this sorry state and here I was dreaming of food. The irony was wonderful! To my immense relief, I began to improve. I cautiously stood; half-afraid another bout was coming.

Nothing happened.

I made my way to the river and removed my clothes. I immersed myself in the icy water, cursing as I did so. I let the water run over me and removed the foulness. I got out, feeling much better to be clean. I dunked my clothes and scrubbed them ruthlessly. I spread them out on the ground and hoped the sun would dry them enough for me to wear.

I was seriously considering never eating again. I was frightened to let another piece of meat pass my lips! I donned my damp clothes and walked slowly back to the clearing. To my surprise, a roaring fire was going and I smelled a wonderful aroma.

You survived, Hugh said.

I sat down, my stomach growling loudly.

I did. It wasn’t easy, I said, eyeing the meat roasting over the fire.

Feed yourself, Riordan. You did well, Desmond said.

I reached for the meat and greedily consumed it. To my surprise, it was well seasoned and delicious.

Why the change in food? I asked.

The first two days were a test to see who would obey. You all have triumphed. It is time you were fed well. It encourages growth, Hugh said.

I was glad to see the last of the foul food and ate heartily. The ground gave no quarter but I felt a measure of success. I hadn’t failed either test. My family’s honour was assured.

I settled into sleep.

Mercifully, peasants from the surrounding villages soon built rough dwellings for us, but there were no comforts. All we were allowed was blankets and firewood. I adapted to this, as did the others. Our training truly began and went on for hours. Swords were as hard as ever to use as we learned fighting techniques I had never seen before.

It wasn’t the charging way of fighting I learned from my father’s knights. It was a style of vicious attacks designed to kill quickly. I couldn’t understand how Desmond, far smaller than I was, repeatedly put me on my back.

I don’t know how you do it, I said.

I have speed and agility whereas you have size and height. In hand-to-hand combat, you would overpower me. I must strike fast and hard using my abilities, Desmond replied.

I never was able to master his quickness but I did become proficient with the weapons.

With constant use and time, came size and strength. I was tall but had always been slender. Training with the weapons made my body hard and muscled.

More men met their fates at the deadly hands of Hugh. Some couldn’t master the lessons.

Others couldn’t conform to what was expected.

That first year, I buried six men.

The task never became easy to perform but I accepted it without question. Hugh always led us in prayer.

I took solace in this. It provided great comfort to me.

I talked to God and told Him of my devotion. For hours, I would kneel in the dirt, my face upturned to heaven. I endured the discomfort for it was a small thing to do for God.

As the months passed, I came to understand The Order and God were all that mattered in the world to me. I had to obey God and all His laws for there was no other way. I was doing well but when another trial attacked me, I was unprepared.

I began to dream of women.

Soft and perfumed women wrapped silken limbs around me, their sweet voices whispering of lewdly wondrous things. Every night, as their scent teased, they spread their sweet thighs and I wanted to bury my face in them.

Pretty faces swam before me and red lips offered kisses. They cavorted round me, their eyes yearning and speaking wicked thoughts in my ears. I wasn’t even safe during the day. I could hear them whispering in my mind, begging me to take them in any way I wished. Many a morning I awakened to find myself aching and soiled with my seed. I wanted to push myself inside a woman and let her take me over the edge. I wanted to suckle full breasts and kiss willing lips.

My training began to suffer as waves of lust overwhelmed me. It took all I had to refrain from striking out in search of a willing maiden. Desmond noticed and took me aside.

Riordan, get a grip upon yourself!

"I can’t! All I want is one! No, maybe two or three to lie with."

Lust is an invention of the devil. Women aren’t essential to a man’s life, Desmond said.

For the love of God, Desmond! I desire women. I can’t help myself!

Will you give up the progress you have made, Riordan? You have surprised us. We thought you would not make it. Do you wish to disappoint Robert and your family because you can’t control yourself?

I was pleased but their approval didn’t matter. Robert had vouched for me and risked his standing. Father expected me to stand well for our family. I couldn’t let my lust destroy their expectations.

I will try my hardest, Desmond.

I almost snickered aloud.

You aren’t the first man to experience this. You can’t be a slave to your lust. I won’t speak to Hugh on this matter. I will leave it up to you, Desmond said.

I prayed fervently and asked God to allow me the serene dismissal of women Desmond had. I failed utterly. I adored women. But I was here to learn, serve God, and become a member of the Order. I managed- through constant prayer and immersing myself in my training-to contain my lust. But at night, I was helpless to fight my dreams.

The men who remained stayed to themselves. We talked with one another but didn’t form friendships, as life here was too uncertain. We never knew who would fail and have a blade take their life away. We kept our distance.

I was intensely curious about The Order’s origin. One night, Hugh obliged. We were sitting round the fire and eating supper. Hugh came to join us, which was surprising. He never ate with us. We fell silent under his scrutiny.

I am here to tell you of The Order you will one day serve.

I have wanted to know for so long, I said eagerly.

"Then you will. In the first days of Christ, there lived a man of God named Constantine. He had a heretic wife and a monstrosity took his young son. He formed the order and chose the lion as our symbol. He pursued this unholy evil and captured it, but not without losing his own life.

No one knows what became of his wife. His last words demanded the order defend God using all our resources. We continue his wishes to this day. We merged with the Knights Templar but we also maintain our original Order," Hugh said.

He should be a saint! one of the men cried.

He wasn’t one to seek such glory. He served God and wanted good people to be protected. We fought during the Crusades and faced things that defy nature, Hugh said.

What is it you have seen? I would like to know, I said.

Hugh looked at me, his eyes dark.

I have seen things that are abominations in God’s eyes. Pray you never witness them.

What is there to fear? There is nothing God’s will and our swords can’t defeat, I said.

I am pleased with your fervour and faith, Riordan. However, trust what I say. The things I speak of move amongst us. It takes more than a sword and faith to lay them down. As we speak, an outrage to God lies outside the Holy City itself.

I wanted to inquire further but the coldness had returned to Hugh’s eyes. I dared not question him further.

Whatever he spoke of, it must have been terrible to make an impact on the unreadable Hugh. Still, I believed God’s might and my sword would put an end to any threat.

Four years passed in what seemed like the blink of an eye. I was now nearing my twenty-first birthday. I was a trained soldier and servant of God. My life with the order had taught me strength, self-control, and the knowledge God was to be served above any king or man.

More men died but illness took them and not Hugh or Desmond. After four years, only ten of us remained.

I had survived to fulfill Robert’s faith in me. I was also aware of how much I missed my family. My last day dawned bright and clear. I looked at the rough hut where I had slept through pounding rain, endured bone-chilling nights, and torrid summer heat. I said a silent prayer for those who hadn’t survived and thanked God for giving me the strength to endure. It was now time for me to leave and go back to the world I had left.

Hugh and Desmond greeted us with prideful expressions. It was the first time I had seen them express any emotion towards us. I couldn’t suppress a frisson of excitement. I would be leaving soon and reuniting with my family was uppermost in my mind.

You have made it through the storm and entered the calm. You will return to your families as fully-fledged members of the order. Should you ever have to be called to defend God and His people, you will answer, Hugh said.

Pray God to govern your lives and help you maintain what you have become. Amen, Desmond said.

Amen, I said. The men moved towards the horses, preparing to leave.

Stay, Riordan, Hugh said.

A girl of most impertinent manner has managed to find her way here to see you, Desmond said.

She said she is your sister, Hugh said.

I informed her you would be leaving soon. She stated she would wait for you, Desmond said.

I had thought of my sister. Now she had come. How she had done so was a mystery I would soon solve.

Where is she? I asked.

At the edge of the forest, Desmond said.

I mounted my horse and raced through the forest, anxious to reach her. I arrived and standing beside a ridiculously small horse, was a replica of my mother.

Don’t be angry, Riordan! I missed you so, she said and raced towards me.

I embraced her tightly, having missed her as much. I released her and she smiled up at me.

I am delighted to see you, sister. How is Robert, Bronwyn?

He is well. He has a new ward, Lady Mary. He visits often, Bronwyn said.

I want to see him. What about Father?

He is there as well. He is near to bursting with pride about your elevation, Bronwyn said.

I will speak to Father when I arrive. Where is your entourage?

I came by myself! I rode ahead of everyone else. Uncle Robert taught me some things, she said proudly.

She pulled a knife from underneath her cloak.

I was speechless. I couldn’t believe she had traveled so far on her own. She could have been raped, killed, or both!

"Bronwyn, you must never do this again!"

I won’t. I promise. I wanted to see you. It seemed like you would never come home. Now we can leave, she said and turned to mount her pony.

We moved away from the forest. I scanned the land, alert for any threat. As we neared an open field, a group of well-armed men met us. I was happy to see Father and Robert after all these years.

Welcome, Riordan, Robert cried happily.

Robert, I missed you, I said affectionately.

Father glanced at me but he directed his attention to Bronwyn.

Do you know how worried I have been? I feared you dead!

I am fine! I went to meet Riordan, Bronwyn said.

Foolish girl, you will never do such a thing ever again! I should send you to a nunnery! he said harshly.

Bronwyn began to cry.

Alaric, she is well. I knew of what she had done. She was never alone. My men were right behind her. Calm yourself, Robert said gently.

Father moved closer to Bronwyn and embraced her.

Bronwyn, you mustn’t do such things. I couldn’t survive if you came to any harm!

I am sorry, Father. I only wanted to see Riordan!

Ride with Robert. I shall speak to your brother.

I am glad! You are so proud of Riordan! Bronwyn said.

Robert chuckled. Come along, child.

They rode ahead with the men, leaving Father and me alone.

"You need to