Crowner's Dilemma - Part Twenty

[ismenin]

Hello there! ladysunrope is sitting near me drinking lemon ginger and honey stuff cos she has a sore throat, but even so, she as beta'ed this for me, so here it is! Bless her cotton socks!! :D

To try to describe the magnificence of McKellan and Stewart in Godot is futile, as the write-up on tweedle_'s LJ is better than anything I could say. Go read there. It was a fantastic evening - indeed a fantastic weekend all round. Thank you, dear friends, Lisabellex, LSR and Tweedle for an amazing time. Hugs you all tight.




thank you LSR for on-the-spot beta. xxx


Part 20

Vincent was past anger as they rode away from Beauvallet and from his desperately weak brother. He rode ahead of Richard, not waiting for his king to ride alongside on the journey.

Elijah was lying a-bed, sick - perhaps unto death - and Richard, the bastardly knave - had refused to leave the castle without Vincent. His selfishness knew no bounds.

Vincent could not believe that his entreaties to his cousin to go to Rivenhalt on his own had been refused. But Vincent knew that if Dom were to come to Beauvallet - and Dom had to come, if Lij were to live - then Richard had to leave. Vincent knew he could not trust Richard with Dom, and his brother needed Dom.

He ignored Richard's urgent shouts from behind him, and rode on regardless of his king's call for him to slow down.

Damn him! He has no power over me; whomever else may be subject to his whims, I am not! Vincent thought, angrily, as they rode down the road to Rivenhalt.

He left Richard grumbling in the Hall, and made his way swiftly to the chapel attached to the palace. Here he would pray for his brother, if the king liked it or not.

Passing the dove-cote he was surprised to see his falconer waiting in the shadows for him. The man looked swiftly about before slipping a rolled note into the archbishop's hand as he knelt to kiss it. "A bird just came. It has the secret mark on it, your Grace. I thought you should have it immediately. No-one knows it has come, but me..."

Vincent thanked the man, and swiftly walked into the chapel, and closing the door, unrolled the scrap of parchment with unsteady hands.

Your Grace. The duke has woken, and is now presently resting in a natural sleep, beside Dom. He has taken some nourishing broth. All will be well with him now - you need not fear.

Astin said he will send this note in some way unknown to me. He assures me that you will get it almost immediately. Heaven be praised! I think you should not tell the king that Elijah thrives. Keep him away for a few days, until the duke has further recovered. John Barebone.

Vincent, thanking in his heart the God who sent the knowledge of the carrier birds to him, tucked the note away, and kneeling at the altar, wept for joy.

Richard crept in a few minutes later, and knelt opposite his cousin. If he thought that the tears Vincent shed were those of sorrow, Elijah's jubilant brother was not about to disabuse him.

Time and enough for that. Dom and Elijah would have peace in each other's company for a while yet.


***

Dom lay awake beside Elijah and thought of his brother. Astin had told him earlier that one of the lads had come as soon as Richard had ridden out, and after collecting their foodstuffs, left a message that all was well with them.
Dom could not help but be relieved, though his brother had not been foremost in his mind during recent days. When he had recovered enough to think at all, it was Elijah who had filled his whole heart, and now that he was on the mend, Dom's concerns were allowed to take other directions.

He wondered how long Matt and his men would be safe in the pastures of Beauvallet. Were St Aubin's men still searching for suspects now that their leader was ill? Or had they left the area and returned to Canterbury? How was St Aubin faring? Dom had not liked the man at first, but his courage and humour in the face of a real personal danger had impressed Dom. He determined to ask the next person who came to them how the sheriff was recovering.

He felt he could have got up, for now Elijah was healing, he felt none of the lassitude that had overtaken him since Richard had beaten him. He wished to be up and doing, but Elijah needed him nearby, that was clear. Even when Dom rose to visit the garderobe, Elijah became restless, even though he was asleep.

Umar, who had called in for a moment to check on the patient, said Dom would be better staying where he was until Elijah woke. "One does not know where his mind had gone, during his...absence. It is better that he be kept calm for a while," he had smiled at Dom. And Dom had agreed. If his Lij had come back to him, the least he could do was to be there when he awoke.

No-one else disturbed them that day, except Astin with a tray of food. "Get his lordship to drink this, if you please," he had said. "It is a fortifying drink that Wenna used to give to him when he was ill. It is very good. I took the liberty of bringing a cup for you, too, sir."

Dom had drunk it. It was not unpleasant - it tasted of cherries, and Elijah swallowed his, along with another cup of broth, before falling into sleep again.

Dom, still holding his lover's hand, joined him. Rest was good. It meant a clearer head for the morrow.

***

In the Great Hall, the Abbess Gertruda spoke in low tones to her companions. Satisfied that her nephew was truly on the mend, she wished to know what should be done next.
She had visited St Aubin, who was to be allowed out of the infirmary the next day, and wished to know what the others thought to do with him.

"I do not think it wise," John had said, firmly, "that he remain here. The king - if you will forgive me for saying so, Venerable Lady - cannot be trusted not to repeat his treatment of the man."

Gertruda inclined her head in acknowledgement of the truth of this remark. "Take him to the abbey. He can rest there, in peace, and potter around trying to solve our mystery to his heart's content."

Anselm, Orlando and Umar looked mystified, until she explained the murders to them. As she did so, she could not help but notice the tender way Umar's eyes rested on Orlando's animated expression as the young priest listened to her story. Being blind, Orlando was completely unaware of the hungry gaze upon his face. If he could have seen it, mayhap he would have been as puzzled by it as was Gertruda.

It was a strange look, the abbess thought, but she was not made uncomfortable by it. She had been in the world a little, and knew men, if she had not lain with any. It would be interesting to find out what secrets lay behind it all.

***

Elijah woke, shortly after daybreak, to the sight of Dom lying beside him, his blond hair covering his face, still holding his hand. He struggled out of bed to use the garderobe, unlinking his hand as gently as possible from Dom's slackened grip, and, holding tightly on to the furniture - for his legs were trembling like aspen leaves - achieved his goal.

But it was beyond him to make his way back, and he slid down the wall onto the floor, cursing his weakness. He leaned against the tapestry that fortunately was there as a cushion for his sore body, and gazed lovingly at the man still sleeping on the bed. It was a pity he had to wake him, but Elijah did not relish sitting on the floor for long. His limbs were still aching, although his head was clearing.

Dom heard the call as if from far away, and rose in the bed, frantically searching for the owner of the voice which had woken him. He saw Elijah leaning against the far wall, saw his rueful smile, and brushed his hair out of his eyes to better observe his love upon the floor.

"Dom, I am sorry to wake you, but I cannot..." The voice drained away to silence. Elijah had seen the wounds on Dom's face.

As Dom came to him and, ignoring his own aches and pains, lifted Elijah up and helped him to the bed, the man in his arms regained his breath.

He sat, resting against the pillows, and tenderly touched Dom's wounded face and head.

"Dom," his voice was weak, but filled with love and anger. "Did he do this? I will flay him alive for it!"

Dom held a cup to Elijah's lips. "Here, drink this. Astin says it is a powerful fortifying mixture. It will give you strength."

Elijah obediently drank all that was in the mazer, and encouraged Dom to pour himself a cup. "For you look as if you need it, my love."

Dom kissed Elijah gently on the brow, and did so. Then he sat still as Elijah examined his body - as well as he could for the night-robe Dom was wearing, and exhausted by his efforts, sank back on the pillows, his eyes blazing with fury.

"How dare he! How dare he touch you, and in such a manner! Are you much hurt, my love? Do the injuries still pain you?" Elijah reached for Dom again, and drew him close.

"Nary a bit!" lied Dom, valiantly, quickly changing the subject. "You should rest, Lij. You have been....far away." His voice grew soft as he looked into the pale face of the man lying next to him, his huge blue eyes shadowed round with blackness.

"I know," Elijah whispered. "I thought you were dead because you did not come to me. I knew that nothing short of death would keep you from me. I had not thought Richard would so debase himself as to hurt you in this fashion. I shall have much to say to him..."

Here, he ran out of breath, and Dom rested quietly in his arms, and they lay silent, except for their breathing, for some minutes, each man rejoicing in the presence of the other.

"Could you eat something, Lij?" Dom asked at last. "You need to build up your strength."

Elijah pulled himself up o the pillows and shook his head. "No, Dom, not eat - but I could manage some of Astin's broth. He makes a very potable brew. I am certain he has made some for me."

Dom went to the door and called. Soon Umar was there, smiling broadly, and a few minutes later both men held a large mazer filled with steaming broth.

Elijah's hand trembled as he handed the empty cup to his steward, who wisely bowed himself out of the room and left his master with Dom to recover from the effort of drinking the broth.

The sun was rising, and the room was filled with a soft morning glow, as Dom rose and said he would dress, and go to find the abbess and report on her nephew's condition. "For she has been much worried about you, Lij, although you might find it hard to believe it."

Elijah smiled. "I do find it hard. She has never before given any thought to my welfare. Dom?" he ended, for Dom was smiling and shaking his head.

"It is her story, Lij, and I hope she will share it with you as she did with me. Anselm and Orlando are here, too, but you must be stronger before you can see them. I will not have you worn down by visitors, not just yet."

Elijah's eyes were already closing, but he smiled nonetheless. "My love..." was all he managed before he fell asleep, and Dom slipped out of the chamber to his own room, where he washed himself and donned a clean set of clothing, before venturing downstairs to the chapel. If he knew anything of the lives of the religeuse, he knew the abbess would be there, and so she was.

He knelt beside her to give grateful thanks for Elijah's return to him, and then waited until Gertruda crossed herself, and rose to her feet.

She patted him on the arm. "He is well, or you would not be here, Dominic. Come, let us break our fast and talk a little, together."

As they were leaving, Anselm and Orlando approached the door. "We are an hour later than we had planned, Venerable Lady. Orlando here, slept like the dead!"

Orlando smiled. "It was not I who snored like a Martinmas hog, all night, your Grace." There was a smile in his voice, although his face was composed.

"Nonsense!" Anselm retorted, half laughing. "I do not snore!"

The two priests bowed themselves into the chapel, and the abbess and Dom went into the Hall, where the ubiquitous Astin awaited them with boiled bacon and cabbage.

"I thought, Venerable Lady, you might feel the need of something more than the abbey breakfast fare, today, so I took the liberty of preparing your porridge with raisins, honey and cream. Of course, there is plenty of bacon, and..."

"Thank you, Astin," Gertruda said, stemming the flow. "That is very thoughtful in you. I am certain that Sir Dominic and I will do justice to it all."

Left alone to eat in peace, it was Dom who picked at his food, causing the abbess to stop nibbling at her portion of bacon, and study her companion carefully.

"What is it, Dom? You tell me Lij is sleeping after drinking a large bowl of broth, so it cannot be concern for my nephew which is spoiling your appetite this morning. What is it?"

Dom smiled. "Nothing much escapes you, does it, my lady?" He pushed his plate away and drank a cup of the small beer instead.

"I am still worried for him. He is furious with the king and intends to confront him concerning my injuries. I fear the king will lose his temper with Lij."

The abbess laughed. "Dom, Dom, you know little of Richard if you think that he would rail at Elijah as he did at you. Richard is as putty in the hands of his cousin. He would no more harm a hair of his head than cut of one of his own fingers. I promise you that Lij is more than a match for the king, as am I."

Dom, relieved, reached for a slice of cheese and soft bread. "I noticed that the king's grace was silenced in your presence, Lady. How comes this about?

The abbess gave what in a lesser personage would be called a grin. "He sees his mother in me, and Eleanor of Aquitaine is a formidable lady, I promise you. She is my sister, you see."

Dom's mouth fell open, so he popped some cheese into it to avoid seeming foolish. "The Queen Dowager is your sister, lady?"

"Half-sister, Dom. There has been a few double marriages in our family. Our lineage is tangled, but Nell and I are very much alike, both in appearance and temperament. We can be - or appear to be - cold and calculating, if we so wish. Elijah can also present the same cool exterior when he chooses. It is a gift, sometimes, a curse at others."

She said no more, as Umar and John entered, closely followed by Anselm and Orlando, and the talk centred around Elijah and his continued improvement, until a newcomer presented himself at the table.

"Venerable Lady, I beg to be permitted to join you," Jefroi St Aubin bowed low before the abbess, who inclined her head gracefully. "Certainly you are welcome, sheriff. I hope you are feeling much improved this morning."

As he answered her, Dom examined the man carefully. He had lost much flesh, and his face was still bruised and stitched, as was Dom's own, but one of his arms was still strapped upon his chest, and he walked with a decided limp. Dom decided that whatever injuries the king had committed upon his body, St Aubin had fared much worse.

"It is very kind to offer me the protection of the abbey, my lady," St Aubin said as he accepted a few slices of bacon that she had cut for him. "I am anxious to be from here as soon as may be."

There was no need for him to explain why.

He turned to Dom. "I have sent my troop back to Canterbury, de Mortain. There was no point in them all sitting like lummocks at Mottage. When I am not around to chivvy them up, they rattle about the countryside like a flock of demented ducks."

Dom laughed. "Yes, I have had troops like that under my command. Some of them could not find their arse...arm..." he amended swiftly, suddenly remembering his company, "...with both hands."

He glanced quickly at the abbess to see if she was offended by his remark, and was surprised to see a slight smile hover over her lips, which was swiftly suppressed. She stood, and everyone rose with her.

"I am going to see Elijah. You need not fear that I will wake him if he still sleeps. I just wish to see him, that is all." She bowed and quickly walked up the stairs.

If she had remained, she would have seen, once more, Umar's gaze resting upon the young priest. She was not there to see it, but Dom was, and he wondered at it. He might speak to his dear friend, John, of it, later, when they were alone. Dom had grown to love Orlando as a dear brother, and would not have him trapped on the horns of an impossible dilemma.

He knew Orlando was all spirit, and had little or no desire for the physical, but that did not mean he would not be disturbed if someone else desired him. Dom did not understand what was brooding in Umar's mind, but determined that no harm would come to either man, if he could help it.

He went upstairs and found Gertruda talking quietly with her nephew, holding his hand. Both seemed to be very moved by what they were discussing, for the abbess wiped her eyes as Dom came in. He tried to back out, apologising for interrupting, but both encouraged him to enter.

"I was asking Elijah if he could eat some of my syllabub. It is very nourishing, and it seems that there is still plenty of Wenna's cherry cordial to be had." Her voice faltered as Elijah's gaze fell to his hands, and he studied them both with interest.

"I am more sorry than I can say that your Wenna is gone from you, Elijah. I know I am a poor substitute for all the unstinting love she gave to you over the years, but I hope you will let me try - if it is not too late."

She stared anxiously into his face, and was rewarded by a warm smile. "It is never too late to love, aunt," he said, squeezing her hand. "Never think that. I will miss my Wenna more than I can say, but that does not mean that there is no room in my heart for others."

She kissed him at that, and hurried from the room murmuring something about fresh cream, and cherries, whilst Dom carefully examined Elijah for signs of undue weariness. There were none. Elijah was weak, and he was sleepy, but he looked happy, and content, and that was quite enough for Dom.

***

Dom was not the only one who had noticed Umar's eyes resting upon Orlando. John had seen it, too. When they were leaving the infirmary after checking on their two remaining patients, John drew his friend aside and questioned him concerning it.

"What is it that draws you to the young priest, old friend? Do not forget I know you as well - or better, may be - than any man alive. I have seen you staring at him."

Umar leaned against the nearby wall, and sighed. "If I tell you what is in my heart, John, you must promise me that you will not discuss it further until I am ready to do so."

John nodded. "You may trust me. You always have - I hope you always will."

Umar led John into a room nearby, and closed the door. When he had finished speaking, John stared at him in amazement. "Are you certain, Umar? Absolutely certain?"

Umar laughed. "Are you as blind as is poor Orlando? Of course I am sure!"

John thought carefully, and sat down in the nearest chair. "You are right. Good God, I must have been blind all these years, for I have known him since he was a young lad! What will you do, now?"

Umar folded his hands across his chest as if holding himself in check. "I will wait until the right time presents itself, then I shall speak. Until then, we remain silent. We still have the sick to tend. Lij will not recover his whole strength immediately. He must be thought of first. My concerns can wait."

John rose, and put his arm around the physician's shoulders. "I am here, if you need me - I always was, you know."

Umar's eyes were bright as they rested on his friend's gentle face. "I know. May you be blessed for it. Come, let us go to our work - we have much to do. And you must take St Aubin to the abbey today."

Silently, they left the room, and prepared to go about their daily tasks. Umar was a patient man - he could bide his time. He had to. There were others to think of, and he was a man dedicated to the cares and concerns of others.

As he crossed the Hall, he saw Orlando walking beside Anselm. They were going to see Elijah for a few moments.

Umar lowered his eyes. No-one must see him looking at the man, again. He had been remiss. His secret was his, until he spoke of it. His - and now John's as well. He trusted John with his life - he had done so, before.

He went outside for a breath of air. Soon. It would be soon.

He cut off the thought before it dared develop further, and went back inside to check on his medicines.

Comments

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

What secret did Umar share with John? I'm really curious about that.

This chapter was such a relief after the worry and distress they all suffered in the past two. I'm glad Gertruda and Elijah have made peace between them. Now if they can only keep Richard from killing poor Dom.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

Richard wants Lij. Dom is equally determined he will not have him! We'll see! :D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

What an interesting chapter. I'm glad to see Dom and Gertruda becoming closer, not to mention seeing her reach out to Lij, now that Wenna is no longer there to care for him.

Eleanor of Aquitaine is the sister of the abbess! What a lovely surprise! Heh. No wonder Richard was cowed, if Gertruda is anything like Eleanor. I'm happy that she offered St Aubin a safe haven, too. It's good to see that, severe though his injuries were, he is recovering. ;)

The mystery of Umar and Orlando deepens! I guess we will have to tune in next week for a resolution. :D

*hugs for you and LSR*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

No resolution next week, either! Cackles evilly. Maybe the week after that? Even I don't know yet. :D xxx

[tristanpaulus.livejournal.com]

Some nice developments...Elijah and Dom reunited, St. Aubin released, Elijah and Gertruda making up...

but what does Umar see in Orlando? I thought he just lusted after him, but it seems it may be more than that. Hmmm.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

It is an enigma, no? Enjoys the suspense. ;D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

RU! We got Xiocom in our room on the beach today! I was insistant since I had to read my story. I wanted Vincent to kick Richard's ass. I loved how Vincent took the good news of Elijah in his heart and didn't share a bit of his tears with Richard. Leave the bastard to think of it as sadness.
I could see poor weak elijah being horrified at the injury to his beautiful Dom and then weakly demanding he search out his body for more.. The way Elijah held onto Dom and had to have that connection and Dom knew. It was lovely and so incredibly loving in the most basic human way. I felt such happiness in the connection and interaction with Elijah and Gertrude. It is not too late to love, never to late to open one's heart. I think, there is something of this with Orlando and Umar. His father? I am curious and loved how everyone saw what Umar couldn't hold back. It will be intense when revealed.

Hugs you so close and can't wait for more. I am traveling back on Easter day, 13 hour drive. Will catch this later. xooxoxox (I have Son of Sun with me) v

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking Umar is Orlando's father, too. At first, like tristanpaulus above, I thought it was lust but there does seem to be something else going on. Umar seems to know Orlando somehow. Hmmm...

How's PC? Those are my old stompin' grounds. :) My grandparents had a house on the beach until a hurricane blew it away. :( Have fun and have a safe trip back!

[verangel.livejournal.com]

heehee I just left you a note on the wonderful Geek out episode in your lovely honor. PC is cold today. We are at Regency towers. Its fun. Surf is rough this week. We were out all day in sun yesterday but today it will be later if we do it and blocked in. Its only going to 59 by 3pm. Tomorrow will be better. I love PC. We're hitting Schooners tomorrow.
hugs you tons and Happy Birthday again. xoxoxoxo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

Damn that Richard for hurting my bois. Want him to get his just desserts SO much.

You're travelling right now, I expect. At least there's a new part for you to come home to. Hugses ;D xxx

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

Glad you had a good time - saved part 20 to read later. *hugs*

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Printed off this chapter to read on the sofa :-)

Btw, I am probably being really thick, but when I click on Tweedle's LJ link I don't see anything about the Godot weekend, sorry!

[http://users.livejournal.com/tweedle_/]

try now. :)

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I will!

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

You have really piqued my curiosity with Umar's secret, you clever story-teller, you! ;0)

It's good to read of Elijah's recovery and his new-found relationship with his aunt Gertruda which may help a little to fill the void left by Wenna's death.

Thank you for this and thanks as always to Ladysunrope - hope she feels better soon.

*hugs*
XXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

Glad you liked it! Hugs back. :D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

No worries! ;0)

XXX

[poplij.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this chapter and the previous one. I read them in one go as I'm a bit behind with stuff etc. Well, I was up reading this till 2am last night, your story is such a joy to read. I'm most curious about Umar's secret now !
I'm glad you had a wonderful weekend with your lovely friends, Issi :)
Love
XXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

We had a great weekend! :D

No rush to read. Take your time. Hugs ;D xxx

[random-fandom.livejournal.com]

Hun, I sent you a couple of messages a few days ago. They're in your 'in box'

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Nope, my love, they aren't! LJ is being BAD. Please email me at my Yahoo addy, will ya? Hugs Ru xxxxxxxxxx

[random-fandom.livejournal.com]

I can't find your yahoo address, hun. LJ is being real pain.

I replied the same in your inbox as well

[random-fandom.livejournal.com]

Oh this is good news! I'm so glad you like the second piece!

I'm only going to charge you $10 EU which will cover the cost of the pendant, antique silver bead caps & larger silver toggle clasp. I'm not going to worry about the red jasper beads and labor costs, to make for the problems with the other necklace.

I'll send the invoice and ship the two out today! I have new bags & a box to ship them in.

Nora

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

Oh, mysterious Umar! What is his secret?

I'm so glad that all seem to be on the mend.

Gosh, you posted this on Monday, and here it is Friday, and I'm just getting to it. Where did the week go?

Thanks, Issi. I just love this tale.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love! I thought I'd answered these comments! Duh!

I'm so happy you like it. :D xxx