The Black Shield of Falworth Page #3

the coat of arms on the ring.

Myles, we promised Diccon.

Promised him not to ask,

and we won't.

Meg, why do you think I stay here?

Our secret is here.

Our father and our birth.

Once I find it,

to the devil with Nlackworth Castle.

I'll see if the way is clear.

Meg, watch here.

Lady Anne and Walter Blunt.

Is not my choice

to be considered, Walter?

Well choose then

and let it be with

a love to match my own.

My brother grows impatient Anne.

He desires the alliance

of our houses

as I desire you.

Do we speak of desire then,

or alliances?

One word from my brother and

King Henry will command our marriage.

I care not for a reluctant wife,

rather that you would

want me willingly.

Then be patient Walter.

I'm done with patience Anne.

I'll have a talk with

your father this night.

I can swear to Sir Hubert's loyalty,

but as for the Earl of Devon...

Nlackwonh, you're a sly one

keeping your best wines hidden here.

- Oh Lady Anne.

- Your Highness.

My apologies your Highness,

we thought his Lordship was alone.

There were matters I wish to discuss,

but it can wait until tomorrow.

With your permission your Highness.

My Lord.

From Blunt's expression the matter

must have been of importance.

He was going to ask

my hand in marriage.

Lady Anne seems none too happy

at the prospect.

I was just reminded that a word

from Alban to his Majesty

and it would be ordered.

Anne is not a child

your Highness.

She is aware of her obligations

and not offend the King.

Nor dare we offend Alban.

It's far wiser to please him.

I shall suggest

a great wedding at court.

Of course we should have

to wait until Blunt is knighted.

But it will be worth the delay.

What a wonderful excuse to gather

wine from all over the world.

By your leave your Highness,

I merely wish

to bid my father good night.

My dear...

Anne I pray you understand...

What manner of mischief

brings you to my library?

Knew you not

it was forbidden to you?

I knew my Lord

but my sister did not.

Henceforth keep this girl

in your quarters where she belongs.

- How came you by this?

- It was with the letter I brought.

Then it should

have been given to me.

- It is mine.

- You insolent young...

Back to your quarters before

I turn you over to my guards.

I thank you

for your silence my Lady.

If you're to stay out of trouble

I think we best leave this castle.

No.

There are riddles about us

that can only be answered here.

In the glorious reign of

our sovereign Lord King Henry,

My Lady.

I thought the coat of arms

in this ring looked familiar.

Falworth.

In the glorious reign of

our sovereign Lord King Henry,

Falworth was not traitor.

By the cross I swear it.

Its estates confiscated,

its coat of arms

struck from heraldry

and its every member

ordered put to death.

Falworth was not traitor.

By the cross I swear it.

The lives of his two children

are in your hands.

I have not seen this.

If Blunt thinks I'll fetch water

for him for a month he's daffy.

Could have been worse

after what you did.

I served that punishment.

Sir James worked me 10 days

on the exercise field.

This is Blunt's idea,

not his Lordship's.

I'm supposed to carry all the water.

Here. I'll lend a hand

and get you started.

That'll get you into trouble.

I'm supposed to carry all the water.

I need the exercise.

Hurry up. I have no wish

to wait the day for my wash.

By heavens,

the sluggard wastes our time.

Empty it dimwit.

You're gonna take a beating.

- Shall we help him?

- He doesn't much need it.

Get him.

Get out of the way.

Hold him.

I'll finish him.

I'll take no part in killing him.

Put it down.

What have you to say for yourself,

Blunt?

This filth has caused trouble

ever since he came here.

His Lordship ordered me

to discipline him.

Brawling and discipline

are not the same thing.

It's the only discipline

this peasant understands.

Calm yourselves.

Now forget your differences

and shake hands.

Did you hear me Walter Blunt?

Is this the chivalry expected of

one soon to be knighted by the king?

Nobody's knighting me.

I don't have to be chivalrous.

Go about your business Blunt.

And the rest of you.

I don't like your manners.

Change them.

Nor your truculence.

Drop it.

Nor your impudence.

Mask it.

As for your temper, curb it.

If I learn of your brawling

just once more,

I'll fling you from the walls

of Castle Nlackworth myself.

Lunge. Back.

Lunge. Back.

Lunge. Back.

Lunge. Back.

If you care at all

for Francis Gascoyne

avail upon your brother

to curb his violence.

Since that night in the library

I've only seen him from a distance.

Between Dame Ellen and Sir James.

I'm sure he worries about you.

At least write him a note

and let him know your well.

- Nlay I?

- Of course.

And should you mention that we're

in the garden each day at four,

it wouldn't surprise me if Myles

finds some way to see you.

Possibly Francis too.

Here it is.

I didn't dream

I could hit it that far.

It was behind the hedge.

- Dame Ellen, your stroke.

- Oh no Lady.

Yes. Don't you remember?

You follow Meg and then...

What was that?

Probably some clumsy guard

in the castle.

- It sounded as if...

- You're right. It is my stroke.

Thank you Meg.

Oh dear!

Let me help Dame Ellen.

- Dame Ellen!

- Oh my!

Let me help.

Will you ever forgive me?

I sought merely to help.

Oh how careless of me.

Now I've ruined the game.

You must change quickly,

before you take a chill.

Don't fret Dame Ellen,

and do hurry back.

And I think you two had better

start another game.

I believe we will.

- It's not chivalrous to spy on them.

- Not very.

- Not what a gentleman does.

- Far from it.

We ought to leave.

Shall we?

How can you be so rash?

You know this place is forbidden.

- What is it Myles?

- My ankle.

The bench.

That's better.

If I could just rest here a moment.

But four of us, we'll be seen.

Two would be hidden from the windows.

Francis, you and Meg,

could hide in the other arbor.

Is it the same ankle you sprained

falling from the windmill?

No, that was my other...

How did you know?

Meg told me many things

about her adventurous brother.

I never heard of anyone trying

to ride the blade of a windmill.

It seemed like an excellent idea

at the time.

- I can't be seated in your presence.

- No, please.

We'll both Sit.

Until you feel better.

What else did Meg tell you?

She said that your father

and my father were old friends.

So we were told.

But your father has

a strange way of showing it.

Why do you say that?

He's never made me feel

that Meg and I are welcome here.

It could be you who's at fault.

L?

How so my Lady?

I've heard of your trouble making

in the dormitory.

I'm Walter Blunt told

only one side of the story.

And I saw what happened

in the library.

Did you also see your father's anger

when I looked in the book of heraldry?

The coat of arms you were seeking

is not in the book.

Meg described it to me.

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