Page 71 of The Robber Knight's Love
Quickly, or at least as quickly as possible,Ayla banished thoughts of Reuben from her mind. When Isenbard saidthings were urgent, they were.
“You say nothing about this to anyone,understand?” she whispered to Heilswinda.
The maid giggled and nodded. “Mum's the word,Milady.”
Ayla opened the door and met the eyes of herfather's old friend apprehensively. She was sure that her shamelessaction would be written on her forehead, plain for all to see, orat least that the blush in her cheeks would give her away. ButIsenbard didn't seem to notice.
“Follow me, Milady. The enemy is flying awhite flag.”
Ayla's eyes widened. “They want tosurrender?”
For a split second, she could have sworn thecorner of the knight's mouth twitched. But probably she wasmistaken.
“No. A white flag is not only used tosurrender, but also to signal a parley. They want to talk.”
That made Ayla's eyes only widen further.“Talk to whom?” she asked, though she thought she already knew.
“The liege lord must lead such negotiations,Milady.”
Ayla knew what that meant. She knew becauseher father hadn't left his bed for years. She knew because Isenbardcalled her “Milady” in that special, deferential tone. He only didthat when official business was at hand.
“They wish to talk to the liege lord?” Shestraightened and swept her long, golden hair back. “Then theyshall. Lead the way, Sir Isenbard.”
He bowed. “Milady.”
Just as before, they took a single horse downto the barricade. Ayla still couldn't find it in her heart to finda replacement for Eleanor. She felt like, if she did that, shewould banish her dear friend from her heart, making sure that shewould never see her again.
It was silly, and she knew it, but she justcouldn't let go. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
As they rode out of the gates and Aylaturned, looking back up at the castle, she remembered somethingthat thankfully drove Eleanor from her thoughts.
“Isenbard?” she asked.
“Yes, Milady?”
“What's a murder hole?”
There were a few moments of silence. ThenIsenbard answered in a careful tone: “A contraption used in thebuilding of the most modern castles, Milady. At the very top of thewall, there are constructed platforms with holes in them. On theseplatforms men stand and drop things on the enemy.”
The way he said the word “things” made Aylasuspicious. “What kind of things?”
“Rocks. Pitch. Boiling oil. Things like that.The holes through which these things are thrown are called murderholes for a good reason.”
“I see.”
“It is one of the more devious and highlyeffective methods of siege warfare—and not commonly known. If I mayask you, Milady, where did you hear this term?”
“Reuben mentioned it.”
“Is that so?” Isenbard scratched his beard,thoughtfully. “Interesting fellow, your Reuben. I'd like to meethim.”
“He isn'tmyReuben.”
“Of course not, Milady.”
“Isenbard? Why do you sound as if you areplacating me?”
“Placating, Milady? I sound as I alwaysdo.”
