Tales of the Echo Forest, Hold Me Not Through The Night

alliance Bernard. After the wedding, and after Martin has been disposed of, you will annex what is now Timlon manor,” Martin said.

  Martin returned with wine and cheese. Not much was said as they ate. The plan had already been set, only Martin was not aware of it. But then again, nobody was aware that anyone was listening.

  “Mother!” Melanie cried, “Mother!” “Melanie, what is wrong?” “Mother, when father hit you, I almost ran away.” “You saw then.” Lisa’s heart sank. “Yes, but I stayed very quiet. I was afraid of what father would do if he knew that I had a hiding place in the drawing room.” “Melanie, your father has much on his mind…” “No mother! I have heard of more then his betrayal of Gareth’s father. Richard Timlon said that father had killed Lord Thomas’ daughter twenty years ago! Then, when father went for food, they talked of killing father after I was wed to Robert.” Lisa’s Mouth dropped. She had known that Richard and Bernard had something on Martin, but she had never dreamed, “Get a bag and pack some clothes. We will go to the only safe place I know!”

  Lisa had decided from the beginning that Melanie would not marry Robert. Martin had destroyed any love she felt for him years before, and vowed he would not destroy Melanie's life too. There were many caves near Lost Man’s Ravine. During the war, Lisa would take Melanie there to hide. After Martin had announced the engagement, Lisa again began visiting the caves.

  Lisa and Melanie’s disappearance did not sit well with Timlon who demanded that Martin send a message to Gareth to meet near the entrance of Cashell. Though Martin tired of Richard’s ranting, he too wondered if Gareth had any idea of where his wife and daughter were.

  “What could you possibly want to talk about Landon!?” The hate in Gareth’s voice made Martin wince. “Gareth, the knights you have behind you, make your chest swell…” “I need no knights traitor!” Gareth cut him off, “It is you who needs protection. I would suggest you state your business and leave before I cut out your heart!” “Would you tempt fate, boy!?” Richard Timlon now demanded, riding up to Martin’s side. “So Martin, you have sided with the devil again. I trust, that not one of you, would dismount and do me battle, man to man!” Gareth now challenged. “This is not the time Gareth!” Martin exclaimed, “Lisa and Melanie are no where to be found. They have been missing for a week, are they at Cashell?” Gareth’s heart sank, “No. What are you saying Martin?” “I would have expected no less!” Richard interrupted, “He wants Melanie and now that mommy is off to Welshire, he thinks he can spirit them away without retribution!” Gareth could hear his archers drawing their bows. “No!” He commanded, “This will not accomplish anything! Martin, will you accept…that we talk?” Martin motioned for his men to retreat. Gareth then did the same. They were alone, Martin with his guilt, Gareth with his pain.

  “Martin, you have said that Lisa and Melanie are missing. Why come here?” “Gareth you have known of the trouble between Lisa and me. When I promised Melanie to Robert, I was afraid to go to bed, I thought she would kill me in my sleep!” Gareth tired of his rambling, “Martin, what do you want of me? You killed my father, you have stole my life from me. What is it Martin, what do you want!?” “Gareth, I have asked you here to clear the air. Your father was a dear friend. Withholding my troops that day, causing your father’s death, has ate at me.” Gareth held up his hand to stop him, “That is all well and good, but you should go to Devon for absolution. He may even ask that God forgive you!” “You need to listen to me Gareth! I am going to tell you a terrible secret…”

  Martin never had a chance to finish, an arrow ripped through his chest! The surprise on his face was final, he died instantly. Gareth looked to the direction of where the arrow came from. He could see Bernard Chapman pulling another arrow from his quiver. All was clear now. With Lisa missing and Martin dead, there was nothing to stop them from taking Landon! Lisa had unwittingly taken Richard’s side. There was only one hope, but Richard had already thought of that! As Gareth called for his men, he started to maneuver, but too late, an arrow slammed into Bernard’s neck!

  “Imagine that!” Richard exclaimed, smiling, as he walked into the opening, “There was a murderer among us! I am glad I was here to avenge poor Martin!” Gareth now realized Richard had planned everything. “You could have just wounded him, animal!” Gareth shouted. The smile on Richard’s face disappeared, “Careful Gareth and I may let you live!” “Archers!” Gareth commanded. Within a second, thirty archers had drawn down on Richard.

  “No Timlon! Although you have killed today, under the guise of honor, the only other death would be your own!” Gareth shouted. Richard could see that now was not the time, “It is not my intention to engage in a fruitless battle, on the contrary Gareth, as new neighbors we should put things in perspective…” “Neighbors!?” Gareth yelled, “You may think you have won this day. But no Timlon, this is not over!” Gareth finished and turned to go. “That is it boy, walk away! Next time we meet, be prepared to fight!” Timlon hollered after him.

  Lisa had stored water and food stuffs enough to last months. The heavy blankets she brought on the last trip would keep them warm, a fire would be out of the question.

  “Mother! Knights from Landon and Cashell approach!” Melanie exclaimed. Lisa came to the mouth of the cave and looked in the direction Melanie was pointing. From their vantage point, about a hundred and fifty yards away, they could see clearly, but had no idea what was being said between Gareth and Martin.

  “They may be flying the banner of Landon, but I do not recognize any of the knights,” Lisa observed. “Yes, you are right mother…” Just then, the arrow felled Martin! Melanie started to scream, but Lisa quickly put her hand over her mouth.

  “I know it is painful my daughter, but we must stay quiet!” Melanie shook her head and Lisa lowered her hand. The tears were flowing from Melanie’s eyes, “Mother, do you think he is dead…” “Melanie look!” Lisa whispered. They now watched Richard Timlon let loose an arrow and Bernard Chapman fall. “Mother, Gareth is going to attack Timlon!” “No, I do not believe so. Sir Ian is not with him. Although Gareth is a very capable fighter, I do not think he would battle blindly.” As Lisa had predicted, both parties retreated.

  “Mother! They are leaving father!” Melanie exclaimed. “No daughter! It is Timlon who leaves him! If I ever get the chance, I will see him hanged!” Lisa seethed, now realizing how completely unscrupulous Timlon was.

  As night fell, Lisa and Melanie left the cave, planning to bury Martin, then continue on to Cashell. As they approached his body Lisa could see his eyes were wide open. She put herself in front of Melanie and quickly bent down to close them.

  “Melanie gather rocks while I dig a shallow grave,” Lisa commanded. Melanie cried softly as she went about her task. After they finished burying Martin, Melanie bent and prayed. “When it is safe, we will have Devon bless this spot. Come Melanie, we must not linger any longer,” Lisa asserted. “Mother, what of Chapman? Surely he deserves better.” “We cannot risk staying any longer, there is no tell…” Lisa never finished, an arrow out of the darkness split her shoulders with a dull thud!

  “Mother!” Melanie screamed, as she ran to Lisa’s side. “Melanie, run! Do not worry about me, seek out Gareth! Hurry!” As Melanie turned to run, Robert grabbed her by the hair, “If I did not know better, I would think you did not want to marry me.” He sneered. “Let me go you pig!” Melanie demanded. “It seems your betrothed is upset Robert,” Richard said, with an evil laugh. He then turned his attention to Lisa, who he could see was still breathing.

  "Ah yes! Lady Lisa! You thought you were so clever. But you were seen this afternoon!” Richard scoffed “Stay away from her Timlon! This will mean your death!” Melanie hollered, trying to break free of Robert’s grip. “Do not struggle my love, I do not want to hurt you,” Robert said, laughing as he put his arm around her waist. “If Gareth were here…” Melanie began, but was cut off by Robert. “But he is not here!” Robert yelled, throwing her to the ground. “Easy Robert, save
that for your wedding night!” Richard said with a howl, “Now, let us return to our new home.” “But what of mother!?” Melanie demanded. “She is practically dead and of no use to anybody.” Richard said, then accentuated that by kicking Lisa’s limp body. That was too much for Melanie, who let out a scream and slipped into unconsciousness.

  Two yellow orbs watched as they rode away.

  Gareth could see the tower watch waving his arms wildly and ran to see what was the matter. “Lord Gareth, Lady Katryn returns!” The watch yelled. Gareth mounted Sojourn and rode out to meet her. As he rounded the manor, he could see that forty or fifty of the royal guardsmen were accompanying them.

  “Mother! What is happening!? Is there trouble!?” Gareth shouted. “Only for Martin Landon!” Katryn exclaimed, “We will talk after we get to the manor. Ian please have a squire ride ahead and have the kitchen prepare for our guests.”

  After they dismounted, Katryn instructed the squires to see that the guardsmen were fed and made comfortable. She then gave Gareth a hug, “Let us retire to the study, Ian and I have much to tell you,” She said, glad to be home. “Yes mother, and I am afraid I