Page 79 of The Robber Knight's Love
The squire gripped the large cloth with bothhands and pulled. It came away, revealing a metal monstrosity.
Ayla had often seen suits of armor before,but never had she been so close to one, or had had a reason tocontemplate its purpose. The armor was a head taller than her, andmade out of large steel plates that were welded together in someplaces, layered in others. It only seemed to be designed to protectthe upper body, lacking metal plates to protect the legs and feet,as it hung there on a wooden construct. Ayla supposed she should beglad it didn't encase the whole body, because this would make iteasier to move in. But somehow, the fact that it had no legs madethe armor look even more frightening, like a man cut in half. Andthat half metal man looked more than heavy enough to bring youdown. Ayla didn't see how anyone stuck inside there could move aninch.
The empty visor stared at her accusingly.
“And... knights walk around in these things?”she asked in a tentative voice.
“Most don't.” Isenbard's voice was totallyneutral. “Most can't walk two steps after putting it on. They haveto be heaved onto their horses with cranes before any battle ortournament. If they fall from their horses, they are lost. They lieon the ground, helpless as an overturned tortoise.”
“But you don't. You can walk around with it?”she demanded to know.Please say yes.Please.
“I used to.” The old knight met her eye. “YetI haven't worn one of these for over fifteen years.”
Carefully, he grasped her hand and guided ittowards one of the metal arms.
“Lift it,” he said.
“I don't think that is such a good idea.I...”
“Lift it!” It was no request. She put herhand under the metal and heaved.
The steel stayed where it was.
“I can't, Isenbard. I can't lift it.”
“I know.” His voice was suddenly gentle, likeshe had heard it only on the rarest occasions.
“Why are you showing me this?” Panic welledup inside Ayla. She didn't like where this was going. She didn'tlike it at all. “Why me?”
“Because you need to know,” he said, hisvoice returning to his usual terseness. “You are the lady of thecastle. You need to know what our situation is.”
“Why? What am I supposed to do?”
He scratched his beard thoughtfully. His gazeseemed to reach far off into the distance. “Lead your people,” hefinally replied. “And pray that the Lord sends you a knight who isstill worthy of the title.”
She gave him a weak smile. “That would be amiracle, Isenbard. They only happen for prophets and saints, notfor normal people like me.”
He patted her shoulder awkwardly. “Well, theyhave been known to happen now and again, girl, even for normalfolk. Now leave me. I must prepare for battle.”
As she left the tent, Ayla turned one lasttime and saw the squire fastening the central part of the armoraround Sir Isenbard's torso. His shoulders sagged under the weight,and suddenly his face looked very old.
Ayla stepped out into the dawn to face a sunglowing the color of blood, and prayed that it might not be anomen. And for some silly reason, she also prayed for a knight tocome save her. How incredibly stupid. Her castle was under siege.She was beyond anyone's reach. And who would want to saveher, in any case?
Battle of theBridge
Ayla's tent was situated about three hundred yardsaway from the barricade, far enough back so as not to be hit by anyarrows from the battle, as long as the barricade wasn't breached.It was also situated to the side, so that Ayla could see past theirdefensive line to whatever lay beyond. She was both grateful andfrightened that Isenbard had placed it thus.
Grateful because it showed her he trusted inher ability to handle what she saw.
Frightened because it left her no choice butto see.
She saw beyond the barricade. And at thatmoment, seeing beyond the barricade meant that she could see theenemy approaching in full force.
So, apparently, could Sir Rudolfus and SirWaldar, who had joined her on the meadow behind the barricade. Theyhurried over to her.
“Milady! Milady, do you see this?” With ashaking finger, Sir Rudolfus pointed towards the opposite bank.
Ayla studied the hundreds of pikemen andarchers approaching the barricade. The sun glittered on the tips ofa forest of spears.
