Crowner's Dilemma - Part Fifteen

[ismenin]

Hello, again! Yes, it is me. I am busy writing part 16, and enjoying it immensely. I like a bit of conflict, and there is certainly some in this story!

I feel I must remind you that this story is an AR. The time-line has been skewed by me for the purposes of my story. Richard was, in RL, at this time, held hostage by Duke Leopold, and not gallivanting about Kent, mooning sighs over Elijah's left eyebrow. I had him held thus, in CJ, cos it suited my purposes. So there!

As to the oud - the musical instrument mentioned - they were used in the middle-east at this time. There were no lutes in England in 1190, so an oud it had to be. We must try to get a bit of verisimilitude into our tale, what?

So there we go. I hope you enjoy it.






Thanks to ladysunrope for beta.



Part 15


It was fortunate for Dom that Richard liked to be foremost in everyone's attention, for, after they had dined, Richard said he had a mind for some music, and sent for an instrument.

The servant returned with one of Elijah's oud, brought back by the duke from Outremer. The man wished to give his king the best - and biggest - of what was available to him, and handed Richard the instrument and plectrum with trembling fingers, as he had never before served a king.

As Richard was carefully tuning the strings, Vincent, knowing that Dom, too, played and sang, contrived to pass by Dom's chair, and murmured, "do not attempt to out-sing him, or out-play him, Dom. Be wise."

Dom was by no means stupid; he soon realised that something of his feelings towards the king must be showing in his face. He schooled his expression, and sipped his wine, as Richard ran his fingers over the strings.

He longed to go upstairs and see Elijah, but Richard and Vincent had done so a short time before, and had said that Elijah was still asleep, and not quite as feverish as he had been earlier. To visit him, now, would occasion remark. They were friends, only - or so it was supposed.

Dom ground his teeth as Richard began to play. He was an excellent musician, and had a tuneful mid-range voice. Dom guessed, without being told, that the song he was singing had been written by him. It was about a dark haired, blue-eyed man, who was both beautiful, and good - and who was a wonderful lover.

When the song came to an end, both the listeners clapped their hands loudly in appreciation, and so Richard, encouraged by his audience, sang again. It was variations on a theme. The man now was an accomplished musician who brought listeners to tears. And, yes, Dom heard, once again, that he was dark haired, with beautiful blue eyes.

Vincent thought that Richard must have seen something in Dom's look, for when he had finished singing his third song, on a variation on the other two, the king held the instrument out to Dom and asked for a tune.

Vincent was anxious, for he knew Dom had a beautiful voice, and, if he sang, Richard would be cast in the shade by it. However, when Dom said he would play and not sing, Vincent's heart lifted, at first, and then sank as he groaned inwardly. The notes flew from the strings, but he had chosen to play an estampida by the famous jongleur, Raimbault de Vaqueiras, that Vincent knew Elijah had taught his lover. Richard would recognise it, because, unknown to Dom, it was Richard who had taught it to Elijah.

Richard, however, was thrilled to hear one of his favourite tunes, and expounded at length on the talents of de Vaqueiras until John came down to report that his patient was settled for the night, and that he was going to visit the sick in the hospital, before retiring himself.

"It has been a long day, your Grace. I will be grateful for any help your physician may be able to offer me. It is a lot of work for one man, if he is to give all his patients equal attention."

Richard bowed his head in acknowledgement of John's words. "You may repose your trust in my man, Father. He is a great physician, renowned in the Saracen world for his skills. He will undoubtedly be of use to you."

Vincent raised his eyebrows. "A Saracen physician in your train, cousin? How came this about?"

Richard shrugged. "He was a prisoner, at Acre. I released him to...to...attend Elijah, if you must know. Lij was sick of a tertian fever, and Umar was of great help to him at this time. Umar will no doubt, remember him well. He chose to follow me when I left Outremer - I did not force him to come," the king remarked, rather defensively.

But John knew that the man would not have stayed alive for long after serving the Christian king. His own people would have slain him.

That he was known to Elijah, was a good thing, for the duke would be more comfortable being left in the care of someone he knew, and the king would not have countenanced help from the man, had he not been extremely proficient at his work. John's heart lifted, for he was weary, despite the excellent help given him by the servants at Beauvallet.

Richard was himself tired, and went to bed shortly after this encounter. Vincent, bowing his cousin up the staircase, said, "I am going to visit St Aubin before I retire, Dom. Do you care to come?"

Dom sighed, for he had no doubt that Richard would go to see Elijah whether he was settled for the night, or not. The fact that he could not take the risk of doing the same, rankled. Therefore, he would go with Vincent.

Astin came into the Hall, and Vincent asked him for a cloth bag and a flask of mead. He did not say why he needed these things, but when the steward returned with them, Vincent filled the bag with food from the table, and tucked the bottle in the capacious pocket of his soutaine.

"I cannot imagine Richard gave orders for him to be fed, Dom. It is not like the king to do so. However, I am not an advocate of starving prisoners to death, however obnoxious they may be."

Dom carried two lanterns. It was very dark in the cellars at all times, but, in the night, there were no torches to guide the way. They would have burnt out long ago, and would not be replaced until morning. The torches were there for the servants' benefit, not for the prisoner.

He must have heard them coming along the corridor, but he made no sound from down in the hole. Vincent called out to him, softly, in case anyone heard. "Are you awake, man?"

A disembodied voice issued up from the depths. "I am, your Grace. I am fending off a rat who has taken a liking to my left shoe. I am not in the mind to lose it - it is one of a pair, you must know."

Dom, however much he disliked the man, could not help but be reminded of his and Elijah's imprisonment in a rank cellar by Ralph de Harcourt, and shuddered at the memory of the rats there. He put one lantern down on the grille. "I will leave this here for you, Sheriff," he said. "It helps if you can see the little devils."

An amused voice floated up to him. "I thank you, Mortain. It is very kind in you. Has his Grace brought me some food, as he promised earlier? I must admit to needing it - and a drink."

Vincent made sure the bag was tied before he lowered it as far down through the grille as he could, before letting go. "There is some capon, and bread and a piece of cheese. And mead in the bottle. Be careful you do not leave the bag out for the guards to see. Is there anywhere you can hide it? I will contrive to bring some string tomorrow, so that I can get it back."

"You are very clever, your Grace, and I am grateful for your thoughtfulness. Not many would do the same." The sound of munching floated up from the hole, and Dom could not help but smile. The man enjoyed his food.

"There are several holes in the stonework where I can hide bottle and bag. You need not fear you will be discovered in a Christian deed, your Grace."

Vincent laughed softly. "I do not fear discovery. There is no-one here who can gainsay me - not even the king. I answer to Rome, and to God, not to my cousin, and this he knows full well. But you would suffer for it, for we would be watched hereafter. I hope you can sleep a little. And my advice to you is to keep your shoes on. They are easier to replace than your toes. God be with you!"

Dom echoed the archbishop's blessing, as they left, for it was not a place in which he would have chosen to die. He hoped to die in bed, surrounded by those who loved him. What would happen to St Aubin after the king had finished with him, he could not even guess.

There was no sound as the two men passed by Elijah's room, but the door to the king's chamber was open, and there was no-one inside it, but a servant, waiting for the king. That he was with Elijah was certain. Vincent grasped Dom's elbow and stepped back, and into Elijah's room. Dom's heart lightened. The king could not object to Elijah's brother calling in to see how he fared - and if he had a companion with him, what did that matter?

Richard was sitting quietly beside the bed, holding Elijah's hand. He looked up as the men entered, but put his finger to his lips so that the sleeping man would not be disturbed. They quietly moved closer to the bed, and Dom saw, with alarm, that Elijah seemed to be sweating even more than he had been earlier.

Vincent laid a hand upon his brother's brow. "I will sit with him tonight, sire. Go you and rest."

Richard could not argue with that, for Vincent was, after all, the sick man's brother, and it was as near to an order as the archbishop dared give the king. Richard rose, and nodding to the two men, went to the connecting door and, unlocking it, passed through to his own room. Dom noticed he did not lock the door again even though it closed.

Vincent stared at the door for a moment, before whispering to Dom, "come before dawn, if you would see him. I shall be here until daybreak; you need not fear to come."

Dom smiled tremulously at his friend, kissed Elijah softly on the brow, and retired to his own chamber.

It was long before Dom slept. Elijah had seemed far more feverish than he had earlier, and Dom was worried. He was minded to seek out John and ask him what he thought of his patient's condition. But he did not do so. It might occasion remark, and one never knew who was watching, or listening, after all. For, if Astin was right, there was a murderer in their midst. One who could, without compunction, throw an old woman down the stairs to her death.

It was late into the night before he fell asleep, and when he woke he was both shocked and dismayed to see that dawn had risen. He mentally chastised himself, but remembered that it was July, the height of summer, and that dawn came early. However, he could see nothing wrong in pausing at his friend's room on the way down to break his fast, to inquire after his condition, whether Richard was there or not.

It is what any friend would do, he thought, pulling on his tunic and fastening the belt.

But he did not get as far as Elijah's room. He was just passing Vincent's chambers when an unexpected force rushed at him, pinning him to the door.

It was Richard, dark with anger and menace, and he had murder in his eyes.

Dom could not speak. He tore ineffectually at the hands crushing the air out of his lungs, but Richard was a big man, and used to fighting. His chin pressed against Dom's shoulder, and in a blurred haze, Dom realised he could not feel the floor with his feet.

"I will kill you with my own hands. I will crush the life out of you, you craven traitor! You shall not have him!" Richard hissed. His face was suffused with fury, but Dom could not see it, for his senses were leaving him. His attacker had had the advantage of surprise. His world began to darken as the pressure in his chest grew tighter.

He was saved only because he was being forced against Vincent's door, which opened suddenly, and Dom fell backwards through it, tumbling at Vincent's feet as Richard lost his grip in surprise.

Richard sprang forward and pounced on Dom's chest, but as Dom once more fought for breath, Vincent, a strong fighting man himself, pulled his cousin off, and pushed him hard into a chair.

Richard would not be denied his way without a fight. Three times he tried to rise from the chair, screaming vile abuse at Dom and his cousin as he attempted to do so, but Vincent was stronger, and his strength prevailed.

"Richard!" Vincent said, calmly but forcefully. "If you wish to bring every servant in the castle down upon us, ogling and exclaiming, continue raging as you are, and in a few more moments we will be as popular a show as the two-headed girl was on Whitsunday Fair Day. Be silent!"

Vincent's powerful voice had its effect. Richard leant back in the chair and sighed. "Very well, I will be silent, but he...he...will answer to me for his perfidy!" he said, hoarsely, pointing a quivering finger at Dom, still sitting on the floor, drawing tight breaths into lungs deprived of air.

A tentative knock came at the door, and Vincent, with a warning glance at his younger cousin, strode to answer it. He said a few brief words to the person outside, and shut the door again, and went to help Dom to his feet. He led him to a chair opposite the king's, and stood in between them like a referee at a wrestling bout.

"Well, Beau Sire?" Canterbury said in glacial tones. "Can you enlighten me as to why you attacked this honourable and faithful subject before my very door?"

"Honourable. Aye, if it is honourable to lie with the king's love, he has honour right enough!" Richard spat, still brimming with anger.

"If, by this, you mean he has taken your place in Elijah's bed and heart, I am unable to answer for that," Vincent said, mendaciously, but coolly. "But well do I know that Elijah has abjured your bed. He told me so when he arrived back from Outremer. He also told me why."

Richard bowed his head. "Get out!" he growled at Dom. "I will reckon with you later. Now, I am not safe!"

Dom wasted no time arguing. He left quickly, and, ignoring his bruises and aching throat, went to find his brother. He had to warn Matt about Richard. He cursed himself for not seeing the danger before now. The king’s temper was a vicious one, and if the king found out that Matt and his men had fought for John, they would be slain, or, at the very least, be joining St Aubin in the oubliette. They had to leave immediately.

Richard watched the door shut behind his adversary before he spoke. He folded his arms defensively across his chest, and glared at Vincent. "I did what I had to do at Acre. You are not to question my actions. I could order you and Mortain to be cut down like ripe wheat. You should fear me, Canterbury. I am not a king to be trifled with."


Vincent sat on the bed, and stared at his cousin. "Taking a leaf from your esteemed father's book, Richard? It was his way of disposing of troublesome priests - to hint that they would be better removed from this world. I had not thought of you as such a man, I admit - one that would murder to get his own way. Your father regretted Thomas Beckett's death all the rest of his life, you must know that. They had been such good friends, before they quarrelled, had they not?"

Richard went silent at this, remembering full well. He seemed to reconsider his previous words.

"I was ever hot at hand, Vince. I am sorry to have disturbed the tranquility of your rooms with unseemly behaviour. But I had hopes that Lij would have forgiven me, by now, for Acre."

Vincent handed the king a cup of wine, and the expression on the archbishop's face was not devoid of sympathy.

"I think he understands well why you had to do it, Dick. He was a soldier, too, and had slain many of the Saracen in battle. But you must know his kind heart towards the frail and the oppressed. If it had been only men, Dick - but the women and children..."

Richard put his hand up. "It eats at my heart still, Vince. Do you think it does not?"

Vincent took his wine and sat in the chair recently vacated by Dom. "The solution to your dilemma will not be found by murdering Mortain, you know. Lij is very fond of his friend, and Mortain has been of great help to him. I am sure Elijah would have died, had he been on his own in that filthy cellar, for it was Dominic who fed and watered him, and tended to his hurts. You should be grateful to him, man."

Richard wiped over his face with a trembling hand. "Are they lovers, Vince? Are they? I had hoped that I still had a chance with him. No other I have had since Lij left me has come near to..."

"I cannot answer for Lij. You will have to ask him yourself. But how did this come about, coz? Why did you think they had been lovers?"

The king finished his drink before answering his cousin. "I was bathing his head, for he has a mighty fever this morning. I sent for Barebone, who is with him, now. He...Lij held my hand, and said, "Dom - my Amis - is it you, my love?" How can it not be that they are lovers?"

Vincent looked at the floor, thinking quickly what he could say. It was not his place to confirm or deny Richard's fears. "In a mind disordered, a man can say anything. Perhaps he desires Mortain - Lij is a man for men, after all. Perhaps it was merely the fever talking. Do you remember me at Blois, when I had that ague? I wittered on, you said, about an Alys, a beautiful maiden with long fair hair. I have never known a woman called Alys in my life, except an old serving maid with no teeth, and an abundance of warts, I swear on my honour. Do not be hasty, Dick. Channel your anger - put it to better use, I beg you."

He stood up. "Forgive me, sire. If Lij is as sick as you say, I must go to him. I counsel you that you find some activity to focus your mind upon. Interview St Aubin, maybe. If Lij worsens, we will call you."

Richard shrugged his shoulders. "I will do as you say, Vincent. But I will sift this conundrum to my satisfaction, if the world ends for it. Do not think for one minute that I shall leave it at this. I will wait. It is all I can do, but I will find out the truth."

He walked down the corridor with Vincent, and as his door shut behind him, the archbishop heaved a sigh of relief at the reprieve, however short it might prove to be.

It was a good thing that neither Vincent nor Dom could see the expression of anger and malice upon the king's face as he prepared for the encounter with his prisoner.

***

Richard had been right. Elijah was in a high fever, and Vincent found John and Astin sponging down his burning body with luke-warm water. John looked up as he entered, and his face relaxed as he saw who had come in.

"How is he, John? He looks worse than he was," Vincent could not keep his fear from his voice. However used he was to doing so, when he wished, he could not dissemble where his beloved brother was concerned.

"Do not concern yourself, your Grace. It is a tertian ague, after all, and this is the third day. It is bound to get worse before it gets better." Then, in a whisper, he asked, "Where is Dom?"

Vincent sat beside his brother, and looked carefully at the apothecary priest before he answered in the same low tones. "If he has any sense he has gone to tell his brother to go whilst he still has a head on his shoulders."

He turned quickly to the steward. "Do you go and put together such things as they need to live in those cottages in the woods. Tell them I will send food there - and make sure, too, that all the folk in the castle know it was by my orders that they are to return to their work with the sheep. We can have no rumours bouncing about."

Astin bowed himself out, and John nodded. "A good thought, your Grace. They will improve more quickly in the fresh air. The men who were sick are much better, now - except for those who died, of course."

Vincent allowed himself a quick smile, and then spoke in the same low voice. The walls were thick, but Richard's ear, for all Vincent knew, could be pressed against the door.

"Dom is in some danger, my friend. Richard is not a man who makes a compassionate enemy. You know how things stand. Keep Dom out of Richard's way, if you can, and that means out of this room, should he come. I will do the same with Richard - watch his movements. Until Lij is in his right mind, again, we cannot risk it. You know what occurred here?"

John nodded. "Astin was present. He told me. One cannot stop a fevered man from raving, after all. It will be better to keep both men from Elijah, if it is possible."

"I have not the power to keep Richard away, but I have attempted to distract his attention. It may be that St Aubin will force Richard's mind elsewhere. I feel sorry for the man, and dislike using him so, of course, but conspiring with John was not a wise choice. Richard is bound to be harsh upon him"

"Nor was it wise for Matt to do so," John whispered. "He must be gone, with his men, before the king discovers how things stand. Every great house has its traitor. I doubt me that this one is any different."

Vincent got up, and after a last, fond look at his brother, who now appeared to be sleeping peacefully, said, "I must go and see to it. Send for me immediately, should he worsen."

***

It took Dom some time to find Matt, who was in the sheep pens with his men. Therefore, Dom had hardly finished apprising his brother of the dangerous situation he was in, when Astin appeared, accompanied by a servant wheeling a handcart stuffed with provisions and blankets.

"Do you be gone, now, sir," he said quietly to Matt, as the servant went back inside. "His Grace the Archbishop will see that you are well provided for. I suggest you take three dozen sheep with you. That will make your departure less noticeable. Sheep need green fields to thrive. No-one will think it odd that you leave the castle, taking the sheep to pasture."

Wat took charge of the cart. It was, to him, as light as an empty wheelbarrow.

"Send the youngest lad, as before, if you need anything, or have any news to impart," Dom said, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "And if any of St Aubin's men come sniffing around the cottages, tell them that the king is here, and has the Sheriff held in the dungeons, and has sent out his guard to search for, and bring in their troop. That should sent them scuttling away to find a safe retreat. Take care!"

No-one seemed interested in a group of shepherds going about their lawful business, and as soon as the group had left the inner bailey, Dom turned to Astin. "I must stay away from his lordship, Astin. You know why, I presume. I need to occupy my mind, so it seems a good thing to interview this girl - what was her name? - the one who said she was with Dame Wenna when she, um, fell."

"Annis, sir," Astin said as he led Dom into the kitchens. There were dozens of servants bustling about, plucking fowl, or kneading bread, and Dom saw, with amusement, the plump boy turning the spit trying to pick bits of crackling off the roasting boar that was on it, and singeing his fingers in the process.

They went off into the side corridors and through to the laundry, where several women were pounding vats full of linens and others were folding sheets.

"Annis," Astin called to one of the girls who was stirring a tub of clothing. "Sir Dominic would like a word with you. Come away, lass!"

The girl put down her stick, and, wiping her red hands in her apron, came forward, and bobbed a curtsey.

The girl was pale-eyed - they reminded him of stewed gooseberries, Dom thought - and had thin, straggling fair hair. She was dressed in the same blue-striped linen gown as all the other women there, made with a high neck, and sleeves buttoned to the wrist. Astin, seeing him look, said, "they get scalded by the water sir, if they are not well covered." Dom understood, then, why they were dressed so, even on a hot day, in the thick, steamy atmosphere. "It's only the girls doing the pressing and folding that dress more lightly."

Dom nodded absently. He was not interested in the workings of the castle laundry, but in Wenna's death. Astin perceived this, and led Dom to a quiet corner, the girl following, nervously pleating her apron between her fingers.

Astin stood well back, and allowed Dom to ask his questions.

"I understand you were with Dame Wenna when she fell, er...Annis. Is this so?"

The girl nodded her head, savouring her two minutes of importance. "Yes, sir, indeed I was. We had been changing the sheets, the Dame and I, and..."

Dom put his hand up. "Yes, I am sure you were working hard." He studied the girl closely. She had that vacant, roaming stare sometimes had by those whose minds were not quite stable, but otherwise she seemed untroubled by his question.

"Tell me, how did the Dame come to fall?"

The girl shuffled her feet for a moment, and furrowed her brow as if getting the words straight in her mind. "Well, sir, she were walking down the stairs before me, and she were complaining that her head ached. Then she just sort of, tripped, sir, and fell all the way down onto the flagstones sir. I saw her head - there were a lot of blood."

The girl licked her lips, and her eyes were shining, as if at a remembered pleasure. "It were awful, sir," she moaned, screwing up her eyes as if to conjure tears. But her eyes were dry.

"And that was all?" Dom probed. "She just fell?"

"Aye, sir. That she did. She just fell, and I watched her go. Terrible, it was."

Dom sighed. It was useless. He would get nothing more from this one. Her mind was addled, just like the girl who used to help his mother with the hens. Never a thought in her head, except for eggs.

He dismissed her, and she went hurrying back to her tub.

Astin sniffed. "She's lying, or I'm a Welshman!" he said, indignantly. "She knows more of the matter than she's letting on, that's for sure!"

Dom agreed. "She was. But that does not help us to find out what really happened, does it? I shall have to think of something else - some other way to go about it."

He wished with all his heart he could discuss it with Elijah. His agile mind would come up with a strategy for tackling the matter, he was sure. But Elijah was forbidden territory, for now, and sick into the bargain. He would be better placed thinking of a plan - now his brother was off safe - to preserve his own life.

He thanked Astin, and then went out onto the bridge to watch the fish in the water. For now, there was nothing else he could do, and he did not wish to meet with Richard until he was sure of having Vincent there to protect him.

He thought of Matt, and whether he would be safe, where he was, from the sheriff's men. And of Richard; would the king try to remove him from the castle - either lawfully, or by stealth or even by murder - to try to impose himself upon Elijah, once more? Dom did not think Richard would succeed, for Elijah had a powerful will of his own, but, he was not certain. Elijah might submit to the king to save his lover's life. Dom knew, if the case had been reversed, he would lie with the devil himself to save his Amiloun.

He tried to make some sense of the things they had learned at the abbey, but his mind was too full of Elijah, and sickness, and danger, to put things in any order, so he gave up, and leaned over the wall, to watch the fish. It was very relaxing.

He had not been there above ten minutes when the watchman shouted down. "Riders approaching, sir!"

Dom looked up. There were about twenty men on horseback who had been riding hard, but were now standing on the other side of the water, their horses steaming in the hot morning sun. Dom saw the king's insignia emblazoned on the outriders' uniforms.

Dom called for the drawbridge to be lowered. He saw one man, dark-bearded, with a Saracen's white turban on his head. At least John would now have help with the sick. He walked forward to welcome them.

Comments

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

Saved to enjoy with my tea!!!!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Hope you enjoyed! xxx

[tristanpaulus.livejournal.com]

oooh, if Richard flew into blind rage just by thinking Elijah and Dom are lovers, what will he do when he gets confirmation, as surely he must eventually? Vincent obviously has as much influence over Richard as anyone (I doubt you're going to hear anyone else call King Richard "Dick"), but if Richard completely flies off the handle and determines to do something, how much is Vincent going to be able to stand in his way?

I have to say, I admit to some small grudging respect for St. Aubin. He's taking his miserable lot pretty well. Richard will probably take out his anger at Dom on Aubin now.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I am getting to like St Aubin myself! Bless. I just wrote part 16. I know we are mercifully spared the details!

We must remember that Vincent and Richard were childhood friends together. Dick and Vince. Bless. :D xxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

“I like a bit of conflict, and there is certainly some in this story!”

Without conflict, there is no story.

“Richard was, in RL, at this time, held hostage by Duke Leopold, and not gallivanting about Kent, mooning sighs over Elijah's left eyebrow.”

Hee! Lol! You’re so funny. I think real life Richard would have been much happier mooning sighs over Elijah than being held hostage. ;-)

Poor Dom, having to listen to the King sing about the dark-haired, blue-eyed man who was also a good lover! :D

Oh! I’m suspicious of the Saracen physician!

"If, by this, you mean he has taken your place in Elijah's bed and heart, I am unable to answer for that," Vincent said, mendaciously, but coolly. "But well do I know that Elijah has abjured your bed. He told me so when he arrived back from Outremer. He also told me why."

We know this isn't going to end up well.

"I was bathing his head, for he has a mighty fever this morning. I sent for Barebone, who is with him, now. He...Lij held my hand, and said, "Dom - my Amis - is it you, my love?" How can it not be that they are lovers?"

Awwww. I wondered if maybe Elijah had mumbled something in his fever. I guess so. I feel bad for Richard, but not if he’s going to hurt Dom.

Now I’m wondering what the Saracen men with the King’s insignia could be? This sounds bad.

Looking forward to more of your treachery, Issi!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

The Saracen is a very very good guy. Promise! :D

Richard is in a right old strop. I am looking forward to Dom's encounter with him. That's part 17. Gosh! Even I have no idea what will happen. What a way to write a story!!! :D xxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Oh, I was afraid Elijah would say something in his fever. Richard's wrath is terrifying. He's capable of anything, it seems, and I'm worried for Dom.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Richard is someone to be very wary of. I'm worried for Dom, too, kiddo. :D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

Vincent said, mendaciously, but coolly. "But well do I know that Elijah has abjured your bed. He told me so when he arrived back from Outremer. He also told me why."" I was so incredibly thankful for Vincent's intervention over Richard and then saying the truth to Richard. Elijah could never share his bed willingly.
It was a vicious moment of jealous rage we saw with Richard almost killing Dom. You made the danger of this situation jump to the surface. I was afraid for them. I was hurting for Elijah, laying there, ill and calling for Dom, his love, who must be kept away from him. Deep down I was glad that Richard heard this declaration of love from Elijah. Vincent gave a brilliant cover but...I think the King will know better. It was brilliant between John and Vincent communicating the need to keep both men away from Elijah as much as possible at this time to protect both Elijah and Dom. I thought for sure the king would know the truth from Dom's chosen song. He still hasn't seemed to put 2 and 2 together there. Since he suspects that Dom and Elijah are lovers now (thanks to Elijah) I wonder if he will think back to that song. ALSO, you brought the obvious out in Dom's surmising, that Elijah may be forced to take Richard's advances because he would do it to protect Dominic. He would never go willingly and will suffer in doing it.
In all this high drama, you still managed the humor. Dom growling internally listening to song after song written by the king "dark haired, blue-eyed man, who was both beautiful, and good - and who was a wonderful lover." eewwwww that hurt! Dom knows how good a lover too.
Then the laundry girl who was missing some braincells. He had her pegged brilliantly. There must be someone who has vicious nail marks since Wenna had skin under her nails. I wondered if there was a hint in the long sleeves you mentioned they were forced to wear.
Richard does not love Elijah. He would take away that person who makes Elijah happy. He's selfish. Poor Elijah, who will need the tenderness of his love, and poor Dom, who is held away from his love when he is so sick. What a mess!!!! Don't go anywhere Vincent!! This is painful!
hugs you close. This was brilliant. xoxoo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

So glad you enjoyed it, my dear. I do try to put a few light bits in, but essentially, this part is full of tension. Poor Dom! And poor Lij too. Vincent had better stay close, indeed. :D xxx

[pattilovesviggo.livejournal.com]

Brilliant as always, and loving your story with Dom, Lij and Vincent paticularly well. Don`t like Richard though. LOL
Great to see you today, good luck at the hospital tomorrow.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Hosp was okay as I said, Bearable and at least Eilean and I had a laugh!

Vincent is being a good lad. Hope he continues to be able to protect Dom n Lij! ;D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

I'm worried about Lij's worsening fever. I hope Barebones is right, that this is only the third day of a tertian ague, but this heightened fever can't be good. Too bad about the delirious rant that Richard witnessed. I assume the outriders include the Saracen physician Richard mentioned. I hope he can help.

I agree with your comment to me in the last chapter: Richard has surpassed St Albins as the head Bad Guy. Like Vincent, I feel a little sorry for St Albins. Richard is going to use him to vent his ire at Dom. Poor John BarrowmanSt Albins! :D

We had measurable snow here today, so I'll use the appropriate icon. :) *hugs*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I feel a bit worried abt Lij, too. I want him up and doing! (Preferally Dom...coughs)
St Aubin is growing on me, indeed.

Snowed here, too, for five minutes, but it was darned cold. Huggles :D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

I suppose it was only a matter of time before Richard found out about Dom and Elijah... His wrath is dreadful!

Another riveting chapter, thank you, dearest Issi. Glad you are enjoying writing as much as we do reading :-)

Love and hugses
XOXOXOX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Oh, I am enjoying it! Had a day off today. Must get stuck in tomorrow! Huggles. :D xxx