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

to keep me informed,” Gareth said, almost demanding. “I am sorry my lord, but I did not want to give this particular report until I could substantiate it,” Ian said. Katryn held up her hand, “Do not be so hard on Ian my son, but Ian, now is not the time for worrying about hurt feelings. What is the rumor?” “I have learned that Martin may have denied the Harrison’s plea for help before Timlon and Chapman attacked,” Ian replied. “That is not a crime Ian. Our own family could not aid everyone that asked,” Katryn countered. “I understand that my lady, but the rumor implies Martin was told by Timlon not to interfere. I have sent ten men to seek out Kenneth Berham. He is the only one left that would any first hand knowledge,” Ian now stated. “Kenneth Berham? That sounds familiar, who is he?” Katryn asked. “Kenneth Berham was the captain of the guard for the Harrisons...” Katryn cut Ian off, “But I thought that all the knights of Harrison had perished! How did he survive?” “It seems Sir Kenneth was a coward. He had heard the attack was coming and ran,” Ian said.

  It took two weeks to search out Kenneth Berham. He was finally located in a squalid dwelling west of Welshire. He was cleaned up, fed, then brought to Cashell.

  “So Berham, is there any truth to the rumor,” Katryn asked, visibly repulsed by Berham’s presence. “What do I get?” Berham had barely finished when Ian slapped him, “This is not a time to bargain coward! We could take you to Thomas, he would know how to deal with you! Now answer Lady Katryn!” “Yes, yes of course! You cannot blame me for trying. It is not a rumor! Landon was told not to assist the Harrisons,” Berham conceded, wiping blood from his mouth. “How can you be so sure?” Gareth asked, not wanting to believe that Martin would side with Timlon. “The same way I know that your father would still be alive today, if not for Landon,” Berham sneered, now aware that he still might get a reward, then added, “What would that information be worth!?” Gareth and Katryn stared at each other in disbelief.

  Ian grabbed Berham by his throat, “What are you saying!?” Ian shouted. “Ian! Leave him be!” Katryn commanded. Ian looked at Katryn and released his grip. “My lady is very wise. Now, what would my information worth?” Berham asked, rubbing his neck. “You will leave here with a horse and enough gold for a fresh start. But if I find you to be lying, Ian will decide your fate!” Katryn exclaimed. “Fair enough! Ian himself is the proof!” Berham blurted out, then sat back and smiled. Katryn and Gareth looked at Ian. “What are you saying!?” Gareth demanded. “All Ian needs to do, is to think back to the battle that killed Gareth the First,” Berham insisted. Katryn looked at Ian as tears came to her eyes. “We have never spoke of that Ian. Is there anything in your memory that might help?” Gareth asked, as he went to Katryn’s side.

  As Ian thought back, he could see the tree line, about two hundred yards away. Gareth stopped the men and had them dismount. A messenger from the Kingsland guard reported that rebels were held up within the forest. The plan was for the Kingsland guard to enter the forest from the north. They would then stage the initial attack. Once the fighting had begun, Gareth’s knights would attack to the south. Martin’s knights were to protect Gareth’s right flank. The fighting was light at first, but as the Kingsland guard pushed them south, the rebels found themselves trapped, the only way out was east. Suddenly a realization came to Ian.

  “That is it!” Ian shouted, “Martin’s knights were late! Lord Gareth and I were separated! That is when the battle closed in around us. We found we had been flanked. If Martin had been on time…” Ian stopped, and glared at a smiling Berham. “Did you ever question him about that Ian?” Gareth asked, a strain in his voice. “No my lord, It had never occurred to me that we were betrayed, until now. We lost twenty-eight men that day. Martin lost only one,” Ian recounted. Katryn sat up straight, a determined look came over her face, “Give Berham what he was promised Ian, then send a message to Landon,” As Katryn finished, Gareth could see that her tears were gone.

  Martin did not come alone. Two knights and Sir Anthony accompanied him. Though he did not think Katryn would do him any harm, he was all too aware of Gareth’s anger. As they entered the study, Martin bowed.

  “Good day Katryn, you are looking well…” Martin had barely finished when Gareth, with six knights, rushed into the study and disarmed Martin and his men.

  “What goes on!? Katryn, is this how you treat your guests!?” Martin shouted, now fearing for his life. Katryn walked to him and slapped his face. “You dare think that I could have any manners left?! All these years you have acted as a friend, you are no more than a traitor!” Katryn exclaimed, waiting for his denial. “What are you talking about…?” Again, Katryn shut Martin up with a slap across his face. “Where were you when my husband was struck down!?” Katryn demanded, noticing the fear in his eyes. Martin looked at Ian, ‘They knew’, he now realized.

  “Ian! You were there! You know my men and I were on your right flank!” Martin screamed, trying to throw some doubt into their minds. Ian spit in Martin’s face, “It took me all these years to figure out what actually happened. If you would have been on time, the rebels would not have been able to surround us!” “So what now?” Martin asked, suddenly calm, knowing he was cornered, “That was over five years ago, a war was being waged. Do you really think you can do anything about it now?” He said, almost righteously. Gareth drew his sword and put the blade against Martin’s throat. “Go ahead Gareth, you will hang for murder!” Martin yelled. “Gareth, put the sword away. He is right,” Katryn said, mad now that she had not handled this differently, “I did not bring you here to kill you, just to confirm the truth. I feel sorry for Lisa and Melanie, your actions will mark them also. One final thing, what kind of man would deprive his only child of happiness,” She finished, motioning to Ian to remove them. “Katryn, if I could change any…” Martin started, but was immediately cut off by Katryn, “Get him out of here! Now!”

  When Ian returned, Katryn already had decided she would appeal to Lord Thomas for justice, “Ian, at first light tomorrow I want to travel to Lord Thomas’ castle.” “Yes my lady, I will prepare for the journey immediately.” As Ian left, Katryn went to Gareth.

  “My son, while I am gone you must keep our forces training. Though I realize I might not accomplish anything, the days ahead are uncertain and we must be prepared.” “I understand mother.”

  The word had spread quickly. As the Timlons and Bernard Chapman rode into the Landon courtyard, Martin ushered them to the drawing room.

  “This will be a fine mess!” Martin began, “It was not bad enough to be humiliated by Katryn, no, now she goes to Welshire seeking permission to take my head!” “I think your making much ado about nothing Martin,” Bernard said, off handedly. “I tend to agree.” Richard said, adding, “Do you really think Katryn will attack at the risk of Lisa and Gareth’s precious Melanie.” “You have used my family as bargaining chips for the last time!” Martin barely finished, as Richard pushed him up against the wall, "Do not threaten me Martin!” Bernard and Robert joined in and held Martin against the wall. “Oh you thought you were so clever. You thought you had hid your trail. I have to wonder what Lord Thomas would do to the killer of...” Richard stopped, he now saw Lisa entering the room. “Killer of what Martin?" Lisa asked.

  The three men immediately released Martin. “Do you mean you never told your dear wife? Oh, that is right, you did not know each other then...” “Shut up Richard!” Martin exclaimed, cutting him off. “What is it all about Martin, what is he saying?” Lisa asked, as she closed the door. “It is of no concern of yours Lisa, now please, leave us alone!” Martin demanded. Lisa walked over to him, “If it is a concern of yours, then is it not my problem also?” She insisted. “Lisa, I have asked you to leave, now go!” “Martin…” She started, but Martin slapped her and shouted, “Get out, now!” Lisa ran out the door crying.

  “My, my, you are a brave man,” Richard sneered. “Why do we even bother Richard? We have everything we want, why get involved in his new trouble?” Bernard said, as he closed the
door behind Lisa. “Bernard, my old friend, although we did not kill Lord Thomas’ daughter, we are still connected because we did not turn Martin in.” “But that was twenty years ago, how could they connect us.” Bernard insisted. Richard raised an eyebrow at Bernard, “I cannot think anymore. Martin this is your mess, the least you could do is get some food!” Richard demanded. Martin glared at Richard and walked out. As soon as he left, Richard started.

  “Bernard, I do not know what you are thinking, we need him!” Richard contended. “For what? Welshire has given us the north land, what is left?” Robert now interrupted Bernard, “It is as plain as the nose on your face! If Martin dies before I marry Melanie, Landon manor reverts to Lisa. She would then cancel the wedding.” “Robert, you surprise me. Do you understand now Bernard? All the subterfuge would be for nothing. Everybody thinks it is still about land rights not blackmail.” Richard said, “So we keep Martin safe and sound until after the nuptials.” “That is all well and good from your view point, what is in it for me?” Bernard now asked. “Your greed is what has made us such a good