Untilhe had been taken hostage, Brant had believed that Avery was his only enemy.Clearly, that murderous blackguard, could not beinvolved in this. Avery would have seen that Brant did not awake, this day.Yet, he was certain, that Robert and Richard, wouldnot tempt his rage, without the backing of someone much more powerful. Brantwas one of the largest land holders in the area, giving him resources to raisean army large enough, to annihilate most of the nearby landed Lords.

Brantwas startled from his thoughts, by the sound of men approaching the dungeon. Hesat, willing himself to appear calm, as the wooden door was opened, to revealRobert and Richard, through the barred door. As they positioned themselveswithin view, he glared coldly at them, waiting for one of them to speak.

WhenRichard faced the prisoner squarely, and prepared to set down his terms, he wassuddenly assailed with apprehension. The man before him, sat completely still.Yet, the cold blue eyes, tightly clamped jaw, and clenched fists, gave him the lookof a wild animal, poised and ready to strike, with deadly accuracy. Richard hadknown Lord Eric, Brant's sire, well. He had at most times, been a fair andreasonable individual. However, Richard had seen first hand, the cold-bloodedprecision with which Eric had attacked his enemies, when raiders had plaguedthe area, many years back. The younger Lord definitely possessed a similarblack temperament. He prayed Brant also inherited a similar practical nature.

Richardtook a deep breath, exhaling slowly to relieve the tension he was feeling. Thenhe began to lay out his case.

“Thisdamn war between you, and Avery, has already resulted in the demise of both ofyour sires. Then, because you had him severely out manned, Avery pursuedassistance from his father’s cousin. Lord Edmund had no love of his cousin’sfamily, and refused him assistance. A few months past, Lord Edmund wasmurdered, in a supposed robbery. More likely, twas Avery, orhis villains. Shortly after Lord Edmund's death, Avery arrived to claimthe Lady Isabel, as his ward, Avery being her closest male relative. Sincethen, he has availed himself of her people, and resources, to fight you. Whatis more, due to treaties with Isabel’s father, Avery is demanding that Justinand I, lend forces to his defense. We have only a fewmonths, before we will be required to provide our forces, to aid him. At thatpoint, his army will be nearly as large as yours. That means that you, Isabel,Justin, and I, are all likely to lose a lot of vassals. People that we need, tocare for our properties, crops, and livestock, to make our lands prosperous,”Richard paused, looking at Brant pointedly.

Brantcontinued to sit unmoving, displaying no outward reaction, though the news ofhis enemies increased resources, was troubling. Even more bothersome, was thefact that the knight, had still not revealed, who the power behind hiskidnapping was, or why he had been taken prisoner.

Afterseveral seconds, Richard continued, “Though Isabel’s mother still lives, herand her daughter, dare not attempt to oppose Avery's orders, with her people.The Lady is nearly ten and seven, and desires to live much longer. Her cousin’sdesperation, leaves that in doubt.”

Richardpaused again, looking for any reaction from the prisoner.

Thoughhe gave no outward sign, Brant was getting really annoyed. He still had notbeen informed who, besides the men in front of him, heshould be plotting to skewer with his sword. Nor, had Richard disclosed anyreason, for his capture, yet.

“TheLady Isabel has requested the protection of the Crown, and we have been givenleave, to see to her protection. Isabel has convinced me, that the onlypractical means to protect us all, from this disastrous situation, is for thetwo of you to wed. And I assure you Brant, that you will reside here, until thedeed is done,” Richard stated firmly, finally getting to the point.

Brantwas dumbfounded. He sat completely speechless, glaring at Richard for severalseconds. Then he shifted his glance to Robert, who was wearing the same biggrin on his face, that he had worn throughout Brant’skidnapping.

Finally,Brant found his voice, and asked, “This has got to be an elaborate jest,right?”

Angerflashed in Richard’s expression, as he retorted, “The men who accosted yourforces near Lasham, were from Isabel’s lands. Fifteen were killed, many moreinjured. How many did you lose? I assure you, this is no jest. I will give yousome time to consider, how long you wish to endure your currentaccommodations.”

Finishinghis angry retort, Richard turned, and walked out.

"Richardis quite serious, Brant. What is more, marrying the girl,will move her forces to your side, peacefully. And as your oldest friend, Iintend to be here, to witness the nuptials,” Robert said, speaking for the firsttime. Then, he too turned, and walked out, laughing. Brant was left to stare atthe door they had just exited through, still not sure if he should take themseriously, or not.

Ashort while later, a serf entered the jail with a tray, that was quickly pushedthrough the slot, onto the shelf inside. After the serf left, Brant tried a fewbites of the morning fare, but found he had little appetite. He rose, andreturned to the adjoining cell, to lay down on the bed, while he mulled overRichard's words.

Ifwhat Brant had just been told, was not some elaborate jest, he had beenkidnapped by these knights, at the behest of a woman. He certainly could notavenge himself, by killing a woman. He recalled Richard saying she was, 'nearlyten and seven.' Woman? At ten and six, she was achild. How did you get revenge against a child? Spank her? For a few moments,he laughed at that thought, but his surroundings put a quick end, to any mirth.

Richardclaimed they intended to keep him a prisoner here, until he agreed to wed thechild. He remembered all the times his father had approached him, about variousLadies, trying to get Brant to consider a betrothal. They all seemed to besimple minded wenches, with coy little ploys, that encouraged him to head theother way. His father had known Lord Edmund, yet Brant did not recall him evermentioning a daughter, had he? He may have. Brant knew he only half listened,when his sire was talking about him finding a wife. He would need an heir oneday, but so far, he had found it preferable, to indulge his physical pleasureswith the company of serfs, and harlots.

Brantstill could not believe this was serious. Then, he recalled laying in the wagonafter being drugged. He had heard someone say, ‘let's get moving. The Ladyawaits her groom’, after they thought he was unconscious. Very possibly theywere serious. What was more, Richard said the Lady hadthe protection of the Crown. If that was true, then he likely had no choice,about complying with them. Those who opposed the king, could meet withaccidents, or just disappear. Brant glanced around his accommodations again,realizing that this was a more than adequate place to make him disappear,indefinitely. Still, a forced strategic marriage seemed a bit of a leap,particularly when it should be easy for the King, to reign in Avery. There hadto be more going on here, than just his war with that reprobate, Brant thought.They still had not disclosed all, to him, he was sure.

Chapter 3

Brantawoke with the first light of day, streaming through the window, of his cell.After Richard, and Robert, had laid out their intentions the previous day, hehad seen no one, except the serf who brought him food last evening, much to hisirritation. This left him alone, with his mind allowed to wander where itmight. For a man use to spending his days, dealing with matters pertaining tohis lands, or in some battle camp, the forced solitude and inactivity, wasalready beginning to get to him.