Her Knight Protector

‘She says not,’ Alain replied with a frown. ‘She is determined to take it with her, perhaps to ask her uncle’s advice. Which means it will probably go to King Philip of France… He is a good Christian knight—but think you he is a proper guardian for such a treasure?’

‘She hath the right to do as she pleases if her father discovered it.’ Bryne’s gaze narrowed in thought. ‘Do you believe it to be genuine and not one of the relics that anyone may buy on the streets of Palestine and Rome?’

‘I do not know for certain that it is the cup Christ used at the Last Supper. It might be something of less importance—but I may know more of its provenance when I have read Baron Grunwald’s writings.’

‘You have not finished your study of them?’

‘Hardly begun. The lettering is small and not easy to decipher, and indeed some of it is in code. I dare say Katherine’s father wished to protect his discovery.’

‘It is a dangerous burden she carries, Alain. You realise what this means, of course?’

‘It means that I must stay by her side until the treasure is no longer in her possession. To desert her would almost certainly mean her death. Whoever was with Celestine last night was determined to have it, no matter the cost.’

‘Have you told Katherine that?’

‘No, for she would likely deny me the right to protect her. The lady is more spirited than most.’ Alain smiled at his own thoughts. In appearance Katherine seemed little more than a child, but as he came to know her he saw that she was brave and true, and had a fierce pride.

Bryne chuckled. ‘And her guardian a veritable dragon. I think Maria trusts no one, including me. Yet even so she and Katherine are no match for the like of Ravenshurst—and if he knows of the treasure then others soon will, for he indulges too often in his wine and in his cups runs loose at the mouth. It is a pity that this treasure, whatever it may be, was not left where it had lain since that time.’

‘Yet think of the good it might do in the right hands.’ Alain’s eyes lit with fervour. The Holy Grail was a prize beyond price, something that any true Christian must venerate. ‘Think of it, Bryne—the cup that Christ used just before his death.’

‘That is true,’ Bryne agreed with a frown. ‘The pilgrims would travel far to pray at such a shrine—but where does it belong, my friend? Who hath the most right to own it? Methinks it is too valuable for any man to possess. It would be a burden rather than a blessing.’

‘Yes, for some.’ Alain nodded. He could see Bryne’s point of view, though for him it was a find of such wonder that he could only marvel at it. ‘Always supposing that it is the cup men have sought since the crucifixion.’

‘Sometimes rumour is enough. A story of tears from a statue will bring the desperate flocking in their droves to pray—think what this cup would do,’ Bryne replied. He smiled crookedly at his companion, but there was a look of determination in his eyes. ‘Methinks we may rue the day we met with the Lady Katherine—yet, I am of your own mind, Alain. We must stay with her until the treasure has been placed in safer hands.’

‘I had thought you wanted to spend some time in England?’ Alain raised his brows.

‘It was my intention and remains so—but my own concerns may wait until this matter is ended. I would have no harm come to Lady Katherine by my neglect. I respect her too much to have her fall prey to that rogue. Ravenshurst shall not lay hands on her while I breathe, though I would beg you to keep all I have said in confidence. Speak nothing of this to anyone, including Katherine. I believe she finds my company pleasant and perhaps feels some warmth towards me—indeed, I have hope for the future—but it is too soon to speak of more.’

Alain said nothing, merely nodding his head in agreement. Bryne had been disappointed in love as a young man—he must truly care for Katherine if he was now thinking of taking a wife.

‘It is agreed then,’ he said and smiled at his companion. If it was in Bryne’s mind to marry the lady, he would not stand in his way. Yes, he, too, cared for Katherine, but he was not yet certain of his feelings. His need to protect and care for her ran deep, but he did not know if it was what men called love or merely friendship. If she loved Bryne and he her, then Alain must accept it, even if it caused him some pain. ‘Our duty is to the ladies. We shall protect them against Ravenshurst or others of his ilk.’

Chapter Four

K atherine did not know what had brought her back to the shrine of the pagan goddess, except that it had seemed such a peaceful place that first evening. That morning the sun was shining and the garden was filled with the scent of blossoms and the sound of birdsong. She stood for a moment looking out over the sea, and then, turning, found her way to the sacred grove.

A sense of peace fell over her almost at once, and for some reason that she could not fathom she found herself laying a perfect rosebud at the foot of the pile of stones. It was the kind of offering that Marcus Aurelius had said the goddess liked best.