Page 5 of Forgotten Secrets (Secrets of the Heart 4)

Chapter 2

Castle Rothbury

Morag was surprised to see the scattering of tents already pitched outside the curtain wall when they rode up to the gate of Castle Rothbury a few days later.

“Why are all these tents here?” she asked Branton.

“Those are the tents of the knights wishing to win the favors of Lady Rothbury. They are hoping they’ll have a chance to claim Lord Rothbury’s castle and holdings as their own,” explained Branton.

“But I thought the decision wouldna be made for nearly a fortnight yet.”

“That’s right. However, it will take some time for all of the men to have an audience with the lady of the castle. I am sure they will start early. There is a lot at stake and only the first fifty knights to register will be eligible as agreed upon between King Richard and Lady Rothbury.”

“Only fifty? Why?”

“The king wants to narrow it down because he is a busy man. He has let the earl’s widow send invitations to her husband’s most trusted friends and allies. However, if some of them decline, then anyone can take their spots. It looks like there are a lot of knights who don’t want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity.”

“That’s right,” grunted one of the guards. “Earl Rothbury had one of the largest castles in all of England as well as some of the most prestigious holdings. He was favored by the late King Edward.”

“How is Lady Rothbury goin’ to decide which knight will take it all?” asked Morag. “And will she make the decision alone?”

“Nay.” Barnaby spoke up this time. “She will make her choice and the king will have to agree. She is going to have private audiences with the knights, talk to them, and test their skills on the practice field to determine who would best be granted the holdings. Then she’ll recommend a few men to the king and he is the one who will decide who gets it all.”

“My, this is even bigger than I thought.” Morag looked around the grounds as they rode over the drawbridge. Squires busily staked their lords’ colorful tents and tended to the horses, while servants busied themselves making cook fires and preparing food. Everyone bustled about busily, but still they watched as she rode into the castle. “I wish my faither would join in the competition. He deserves a castle, although he would never live in England. Were my Uncles Rook and Rowen sent a missive as well?”

“They were,” said Barnaby. “However, they both turned down the invitation.”

“Why would they do that?” asked Morag, appalled at hearing this.

“I think they were being modest,” Branton told her. “Even Willow and Maira’s husbands were invited to compete but said they were happy with what they had.”

“That’s absurd,” spat Morag. “I think they all declined only because they ken Richard has never liked them. Either that, or love must have addled their brains. What about Alastair? Fia’s husband? Was he invited, too?”

“He’s a Scot,” growled one of the guards.

“So is my da, but he was sent a missive,” Morag pointed out.

“That’s only because your sister and you were once wards of the earl, and your father was the Black Prince’s bastard cousin,” explained the second guard. “We all have suffered much because of the death of the Black Prince as well as by the death of King Edward.”

“Ye make it sound as if ye dinna like Richard bein’ king.” Morag noticed a bit of animosity and wanted to find out more.

“He’s not the man his father or grandfather were,” mumbled another of the guards.

“Haud yer wheesht,” spat Morag, telling them to be quiet. “That is yer sovereign ye are talkin’ about, no matter what ye think of him. I am a Scot and yet I still respect yer English king.”

“You are right, my lady. Guards, back to your posts,” said one of the men and they all dispersed.

Morag smiled inwardly being called my lady. She liked the title even if she wasn’t sure it was real since her father wasn’t a knight and she was only a bastard cousin of the king. “I miss Lord Beaufort.” Morag thought about the man who had been her guardian for many years. “The earl was a kind man. His wife is even nicer.”

“You should try to convince your father and uncles to come to Rothbury,” said Branton. “I don’t know any knight who wouldn’t want Castle Rothbury and the earl’s lands as his own.”

“Do ye think so?” asked Morag, looking around the crowded courtyard. Castle Rothbury was, indeed, one of the largest and most majestic castles in all of England. She had lived here while growing up and gotten lost within the mazes of corridors until she got used to her new surroundings. “Just seein’ all these knights and squires, it might be too late by the time they even get my missive askin’ them to come.”

“Then you can sign them up while you’re waiting for their reply,” commented Barnaby.

“That’s right,” added Branton. “I think I’ll sign up Lord Jacob while I’m here. Then I’ll send him a missive to change his mind about declining the offer.”

“Perhaps I should,” said Morag, not really thinking of castles, lands, or competitions right now. All she had on her mind was getting back to the secret garden to see Mazelina so she could start her training.

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