The Price of Freedom by Carol Umberger Read Free Book Online Page A

the devil himself when opposed.”
    Kathryn braved another look. Even at a distance, she could see the size of the man. Those of his men who were mounted rode small, Scottish garrons. The menacing knight was mounted on a large, well-bred steed of considerable proportions.
    The voice boomed once more. “Gatekeeper, fetch the earl at once!”
    Frightened but determined, she took a deep breath and said, “He’s but a man, Fergus. A very fearsome man, no doubt, but a man nonetheless.” She smiled, and said a short, fervent prayer that her show of bravado made her appear more confident than she felt.
    â€œLord Carleton will be here any minute, Kathryn. Yield to the knight.” His deepening scowl gave proof of his opinion of Rodney.
    Gentling her voice, she said, “I understand your feelings for Sir Rodney, Fergus. I don’t much care for him either. But allowing this warrior inside our gates might bring us all to death. We’ve both heard the horrible tales of his brutality.”
    The thought of Rodney caused her headache to return. The very real possibility of marriage awaited unless she yielded to the knight on the causeway. The knight whose legend had grown until he’d become the subject of the very lullaby she’d sung to Isobel not two weeks ago.
    Isobel. Could she trust Rodney’s avowal that he’d changed?
    She would delay until her course became clear. “Tell Sir Bryan who holds Homelea.”
    Fergus reluctantly complied. “Sir Bryan, the earl was buried this morning. This stronghold is held by his daughter for her king, Edward of England.”
    The knight stood in his stirrups. “My condolences on the lady’s loss. However, you should remind her that her home lies in Scotland, and Robert the Bruce is king of Scots and all who do dwell here.”
    Where was Rodney? Surely he’d heard the commotion by now. She said to Fergus, “Go see what is keeping Lord Carleton.”
    â€œI say we are in more danger from Lord Carleton than we’d be from the Black Knight.”
    â€œEnough. You overstep your place. Now do as I ask.”
    She’d never spoken with such authority before and Fergus looked suitably stunned. Kathryn watched him pivot on his heel and stalk away. Perhaps she would grow into the role of countess yet. She just hoped it wouldn’t cost her Fergus’s friendship. Though she was sorry to have been so curt, she had to believe that Rodney was a better choice than Bryan Dubh. Had he not killed every man, woman, and child at Roxborough when they resisted him? Heaven help her if she was wrong.
    Black Bryan spoke again. “I grow weary of shouting.” He paused to steady his restless horse. “Tell your lady she must yield to me. No one will be harmed, I give my word.”
    Kathryn’s mind raced. According to the stories, Black Bryan had successfully captured several heavily fortified castles. How could they hope to hold him off with Homelea’s modest defenses?
    Finding no answer to her question she decided to speak with the man. She took a deep breath and willed her body to stop shaking, but still her voice quavered. “Sir Bryan, I am Countess Kathryn de Lindsay, and I hold my home for my liege laird, Edward. I am quite prepared to withstand a lengthy siege if you care to waste your time on such an endeavor.”
    The manor had been built during the peace and prosperity of Alexander III’s reign. Just now Kathryn wished her father had built it for defense instead of comfort. She imagined Black Bryan laughing at her audacity—he must know how pitifully inadequate Homelea’s walls would be against a protracted siege.
    Still, she couldn’t just give in. She might well be forced to yield, but not without a show of resistance. She couldn’t allow his reputation alone to win the battle.
    She had prayed for rescue—a champion to protect her home and person. As much as she didn’t