Page 64 of While Angels Slept
Tevin struggled to push through his shock. He now commanded thousands. “I… I am not sure,” he hissed. “This is a day I never thought would truly come, at least not like this.”
“The day has come. Give me a command.”
Tevin maintained his grip on Myles’ wrist. “It is strange that all I can think of at this moment is my father,” he said softly. “He wasWinterton for so long. It was always my father who would succeed as the earl, never me, at least not until four years ago when I lost both my father and Torston.”
“I remember.”
“Now that the time has come, I feel…surprise. Unadulterated surprise.”
Myles’ expression tightened. “You must put that aside,” he said. “I realize you are shocked, Tevin, but much requires your attention at the moment. Be shocked later if you must, give in to your astonishment at that time, but right now we require your level head. We need it. Much is going on and we require your wisdom in all things. What will your first command be, my lord?”
Tevin looked at the man, knowing he was correct in every facet. Too much depended on Tevin at the moment and he drew on that strength, that inner force of character, to settle himself. He had to. Forcing himself to think, he pushed himself off the table.
“Have Geoff’s body taken out of here,” he said as he moved towards the door. He couldn’t bring himself to look at his cousin lying in a heap on the floor. “Have the servants prepare his body so we can move him to Rochester Cathedral.”
“It will be done,” Myles said smartly. “But what of you? What shall you do now?”
Tevin’s mind was working. “I will be riding for Cantia and Arabel,” he said. “There is nothing more important to me at this moment, not even Anglia. However, you will send word to all of our allies, including Matilda and Stephen, informing them that I have assumed the earldom at Geoff’s passing. You will also call a meeting with all of my close allies to discuss the situation and how it will now affect them. My loyalties shall be made clear.”
Myles paused by the door, bringing Tevin to a halt. “What would that be, my lord?”
Tevin’s jaw ticked. He was gaining confidence and lucidity by the second. Now, he was doing what he was born to do. Finally, Anglia wasin the hands of someone wise and intelligent. It was time to reclaim Anglia’s good name and take a stand in this land of chaos and greed. When Tevin looked at Myles, it was with all seriousness.
“Brac Penden didnotdie in vain, regardless of who we support” he said pointedly, with emotion. “Discover who holds Dartford Crossing and tell them that I would meet with them when I return. I would suspect we are already allies. Stephen is the rightful king and I intend to support the man.”
Myles nodded, warmth in his pale blue eyes, as he marched off to carry out the earl’s orders. Tevin stood in the doorway a moment, still stunned, yet knowing what he had to do. Even though he’d never truly lusted after Geoff’s title and power, he realized he was more than ready to assume the mantle. He’d been bred for this moment.
He was East Anglia.
*
Val was deadasleep when the door to her chamber opened, creaking and old. In fact, it was stuck, making noise that awakened her. Exhausted and drugged on something the surgeon gave her, she could barely open her eyes.
Myles came into the room, kneeling down next to the bed. His fair face was serious as he put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Val?” he said softly. “Are you awake?”
She inhaled, long and deep, before nodding her head. “I am,” her eyes lolled open, looking at him. “What time is it?”
“Almost dawn,” Myles caressed her shoulder gently. “I have come to tell you that something has happened.”
Muddled though she may be, those words had meaning to her. Val blinked her eyes, struggling to focus. “What has happened?” she looked apprehensive. “Tevin? Is he well?”
Myles shushed her softly, cutting her off. “Geoff is dead,” he informed her. “Your brother is now the Earl of East Anglia. I am summoning men at this moment to spread the word, and then I amriding to Dartford Crossing to find out who holds the bridge. Your brother needs to speak with them. I am telling you all of this in case Tevin comes to you. He is somewhat overwhelmed by everything at the moment so he make seek solace with you. I wanted you to be prepared.”
Val understood most of what he said, but she was still focused on Geoff’s death. Her pale face slackened. “Geoff isdead?” she repeated in a whisper. “What happened?”
Myles sighed as he moved from caressing her shoulder to stroking her hair. “He attacked Tevin in anger,” he said quietly. “Your brother was trying to protect himself and accidentally killed him.”
Val’s eyes widened. “My God,” she gasped. “Where is my brother?”
“Inside the keep, but I suspect he will make his way out here to you shortly.”
“Is he not riding for Cantia and Arabel?”
“Aye, he is. He says there is nothing more important to him at this moment, not even Anglia.”
Val thought on that a moment. Then she tried to sit up. “I must go to him,” she grunted. “I must find my brother.”
