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

Gareth said sadly.

  “You wish to talk with me about Martin?” Lisa asked, as she entered the study. “Yes my lady. I am sorry for your ordeal, but in light of the charges, I must seek out evidence,” Geoffrey said, pulling out a chair for Lisa. “I understand. As Gareth has probably told you, my daughter overheard a conversation that involved Martin in that terrible crime against Lord Thomas’ daughter,” Lisa said, looking to Katryn. “It is clear that I must speak to Melanie. It is also clear to me, that Richard and Robert Timlon, may have over stepped the limits of the law by seizing Landon,” Geoffrey offered. Gareth’s heart jumped, “What do you mean Sir Geoffrey?” “It is only a thought my lord. After I have gathered all the facts, I will report to Lord Thomas. Are you able to travel Lady Lisa.” “Yes! The sooner the better,” She answered, feeling a little relieved for the first time in weeks.

  “Ian, I want you to prepare the knights and archers for travel,” Gareth said, knowing a showdown was coming. “That of course is your option my lord, but they will not be allowed past the boundaries of Cashell,” Geoffrey intervened. “I understand, but I want them as close as possible in the event of trouble.” “Agreed. Lady Katryn and Lady Lisa will ride in a carriage, driven by Sir Ian. You may also come to the manor, but be warned, I cannot allow this to turn into a brawl,” Geoffrey finished and left the study. Gareth then turned to Ian, “Leave only enough men here to defend the manor. I am afraid that Geoffrey has too much faith in the law.”

  Richard and Robert stood atop the manor wall. The wooden gates were shut. Gareth did not like the looks of it, “Ian turn the carriage, something is amiss. At the first sign of trouble, do not look back! Get mother and Lisa back to Cashell and rally the troops!” Gareth commanded. “Yes my lord, but what of you?” “Ian, you have been as a father to me. Please my friend, do not question me now.” “I understand Gareth, your mother will be safe.” They shook hands, and then Gareth jumped down from the coach. As Gareth mounted Sojourn, he could hear Geoffrey shouting.

  “Open the gates in the name of High Lord Thomas!” Geoffrey demanded. “What business does the High Lord’s knights have here!?” Richard shouted. “I have questions that will be answered my lord. I would speak to Melanie Landon immediately!” Richard smiled at that, Lisa had already been taken care of, “Melanie Landon and her mother have been missing for weeks.” “I think not my lord, her mother survived! Lady Lisa is in the carriage. Now, will you open the gates my lord, and let me enter, or would you rather Lord Thomas come here!?” Richard's jaw dropped. The situation had suddenly became tense. Richard’s plans were falling down around him. Geoffrey also realized they could not remain in this stalemate.

  Gareth went to the carriage, “Ian go now!” Katryn now hollered, “No! Gareth! You will come also!” “Ian! You have your orders! Go!” Gareth exclaimed. Ian whipped the horses and the carriage lurched forward. In a few minutes, they were a mile away. “Ian, I am telling you to stop!” Katryn demanded. “No, my lady! Gareth has given me orders! Would you counter them and risk your life!?” Katryn relented now aware that her son was well in control.

  Back at Landon, the situation became intolerable. It had been a half an hour and Geoffrey was not getting anywhere. “You have given him too much time Geoffrey. We should leave!” Gareth urged. But it was too late! Timlon could do no less now than attack. His archers now appeared.

  “Fire!” Richard commanded. The arrows rained down on Geoffrey’s knights. “Regroup!” Geoffrey shouted. Richard had caught him completely off guard! “Back to me!” Geoffrey commanded, as he headed for the safety of the trees. The gates now opened, and fifty of Timlon’s knights forged forward. “This day is over!” Geoffrey declared. “No Geoffrey! Retreat! Follow me, now!” Gareth implored. The battle was over, almost as quick as it had begun.

  Geoffrey and his knights followed Gareth. Twenty of the guardsmen already lay dead or wounded. They quickly out distanced Timlon’s knights, and stopped to rest the horses.

  “You stood no chance in the trees! Timlon had us out manned two to one!” “You are right Lord Gareth, I just never expected that Timlon would attack the High Lord’s troops!” Geoffrey conceded. “There is no time for blame. What now remains is how do we continue?” Gareth asked. “With all due respect my lord, I cannot do anything.” Geoffrey said, knowing he had let his men down. “What are you saying!? He has attacked Lord Thomas’ knights!” Gareth argued. “I must report back to Welshire,” Geoffrey insisted. “That will take weeks! Timlon will be able to fortify his defenses. No! You must consider your options now!” Gareth demanded. Geoffrey had his men remount and they headed to Cashell. As they approached Lost Man’s Ravine, Gareth could see Ian riding hard toward them with Cashell's knights.

  “Gareth! What happened!” Katryn shouted, running to him as he dismounted. Gareth told her of the quick, lopsided battle.

  “Ian, you know Landon Manor as well as anybody. Is there an area we could attack with a reasonable possibility of success?” Gareth asked. Geoffrey now countered, “I have told you my lord, an attack is not allowed.” “There is one thing you have over-looked Sir Geoffrey, Lisa Landon has asked for my aid to take back Landon Manor,” Katryn said slyly. Geoffrey now saw what Katryn was driving at and relented, “If any initiative is undertaken, I will have to lead.” “He is right my lord. If we attacked Timlon alone, it could be construed as unprovoked,” Ian stated as fact. “Yes, I understand. Geoffrey, my men are at your disposal,” Gareth allowed. “Now that the formalities are out of the way, Ian, I believe you were going to show us the layout of Landon Manor.” Geoffrey said, slapping Gareth on the back. “And let us not forget me!” They turned and looked at Lisa walking toward them, “Ian may know logistics, I know of a secret tunnel!” Lisa declared.

  As soon as Geoffrey said that Lisa was still alive, Richard knew that talking was no longer an option. He needed reinforcements and called for Jonathan.

  “Yes, my lord. What do you need?” Jonathan asked as he entered the drawing room. “Take a message to Timlon and Chapman. I want all the knights and archers to travel here.” “You want to totally abandon the other two manors, my lord?” “Yes! Do not question me Jonathan! Just go and do it!” “Yes, my lord, at once!” “Is there anything I can do fa…sir?” Robert asked, remembering to say sir. “No! As always Robert, you are of no use!”

  “Ian, I did not see any of Martin’s knights during the attack,” Gareth said, as they went over the battle plan. “It is possible that Richard decided he could not trust them, and split them up between the other two manors.” “Yes of course! He would not want any loyalty for Lisa to interfere with his plans.” “Lisa’s revelation makes victory almost a certainty. Her only concern now, is Melanie.” “Yes Ian, mine also. Sir Geoffrey, would you join us so we can go over the final plan?” Gareth called out. As Geoffrey joined them Gareth motioned to the map, he and Ian had just finished.

  “I have sent a messenger to Welshire. Although the battle will be over, Thomas must be made aware of why I am taking action.” Geoffrey now said. “I understand. Now as Ian was showing me, Richard probably has ninety or so knights and about forty archers. I expect, he has also sent word to Timlon and Chapman for reinforcements,” Gareth finished. “As would I, Gareth. But they will not make it in time if all goes well tomorrow.” Geoffrey pointed out.

  The plan was simple enough. Well before dawn, Gareth, along with Ian and twenty knights would enter the tunnel, which led to the kitchen. The archers would take a position in the woods just west of the manor. Geoffrey and the remaining seventy knights, would stay behind them, until the gates were opened.

  The knights that would accompany Gareth were hand picked by Ian. Sir Douglas and Sir Philip were the first two chosen. Both were accomplished swordsmen and both were deadly accurate with the bow. Douglas stood as tall as Ian and every bit as powerful. His mildly pocked face attested the fact that he came from the north, where the fever had hit over twenty years ago. He had thinning brown hair and deceivingly innocent brown eye
s. Philip on the other hand was of medium height and build, but in combat, the speed he displayed was extraordinary. His blue eyes and good looks made him a favorite among the maidens in the area. After the remaining knights were chosen, Gareth went to Katryn.

  “Mother, if anything goes wrong, you must promise to take Lisa to Welshire,” Gareth said, kissing his mother on the forehead. “Yes my son, but have faith, all will be well,” Katryn said, giving Gareth a hug.

  They had reached the kitchen without incident. Gareth opened the door slightly and looked across the courtyard. Suddenly he realized it was not going to be very easy at all.

  “Look Ian, Richard’s knights are sleeping in the courtyard!” Gareth said in disgust. “Yes! I should have considered that! Maybe we should go back and rethink our plans,” Ian offered. “No! Richard could have reinforcements if we fail now. We still have the element of surprise. You men stay here, and keep watch for my signal. Come Ian, I have a plan,” Gareth commanded.

  They stayed close to the wall, as they made their way around the courtyard. Gareth could see two guards about twenty feet away and he motioned to Ian to slip