A Spy For The Redeemer

Twenty-six

At the crossroads, Owen and Friar Hewald halted to say their farewells to Edmund, Sam, Tom and Jared, all Lancaster’s men and headed for Kenilworth. Owen would be glad to be quit of them. All along the way they had exclaimed about his letter, the outlawry rife in the countryside, how expensive it would be to replace a gatehouse. He wished to be alone with his own thoughts. His own worries. What enemy had he made who sought revenge by attacking his family? If he had not waited for Gwen, had not been delayed by Cynog’s death, might he have prevented it? Would his enemies have chosen to attack him instead?

Jared broke into Owen’s anxious thoughts. ‘There is no need for fare thee wells. We have resolved to accompany you.’

Sweet Jesu, Owen had dreaded this. ‘I must make haste. And your duke awaits you.’

Edmund doffed his cap, bowed from the saddle. ‘By your leave, Captain. The duke does not know of our arrival in Gloucester. He does not know to expect us.’

‘So a week, it will matter naught to him,’ Tom finished with a hopeful grin.

‘If you would have us,’ Sam said softly.

‘You are good men, all,’ declared Friar Hewald.

Owen could think of many arguments against them, but he had already wasted precious moments. ‘Keep up with me,’ he said, taking spurs to his horse.