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All I could think was how England would be the better if our people were rid of him, for it has been a time of seething emotions and great unrest in our land. So many of us have grown weary and outraged by his unceasing demands for taxes and the call to arms, that John might regain his lands across the Channel.”
    His expression was tortured. “I was so angry when the Great Charter failed to rein in John’s power as king. I fear it will but make him stronger, all the more determined to oppress the people of England. There are rumors that he seeks mercenaries from across the Channel; that he has promised them the castles and lands that belong to us, the people of England, in return for the defeat of those who gathered against him at Running-Mead.”
    He shook his head. “But once again, the barons can agree on nothing. I was convinced the easiest way would be to see John struck down now, and with the opportunity so close at hand… Ah, Gillian, I thought only of success, and never of failure. And in my zeal, I was reckless. You and Clifton are innocent, yet now I fear I have condemned you for the rest of your lives.”
    Gillian listened numbly as he seized her hands.
    “We are in danger, all of us. I know the king, and he will not rest until he finds those responsible. Indeed, ‘tis my worst fear that John may vent his wrath upon you and Clifton as well, for he is a man of venom and spite. That is why we must flee, all of us, now while we cannot be seen.”
    “Now?” Her gaze slid apprehensively toward the shutters. She had disliked storms since she was a child, but as if to underscore the question, a flash of blinding lightning ripped across the sky; the crash of thunder shook the very walls of her chamber.
    “Yes, child. I fear it cannot be helped.” His hands tightened around hers. “But we cannot be together, Gillian, none of us. I have entrusted Clifton to the care of Alwin, for I know he will protect my son with his life. They have already departed.” Alwin was his chief retainer.
    “Where have they gone?”
    ” ‘Tis better that you do not know. Brother Baldric awaits you in the stable,” he said gently. “Gather several warm gowns and your mantle. There is neither the time nor the room for more.”
    Gillian was still reeling from all that had transpired. In the space of a moment, her life had changed forever, it seemed. “What about you, Papa?”
    “Once you and Brother Baldric are on your way, I will make my own way.”
    “Alone?”
    “It is best that way.”
    “Papa, no! Let me stay with you,” she begged. “Let me help you!”
    “Nay, Gillian.” He was adamant. “It must be like this. At least this way, if one of us is caught, the others will live.” He ran his fingers down her cheek. “Be wary, child. Put your faith in no one but Brother Baldric. If I am able, I will find you and Clifton.”
    But that was not to be. It was not to be, for as he’d predicted, he’d been discovered and caught by the king’s men.
    His life was forfeit.
    At the remembrance, an odd prickle curled down her spine. Her father had not been alone in his endeavor to kill the king. He had shielded someone, but who … Who?
    “The other assailant,” she said slowly. “Has the king discovered his identity yet?”
    Baldric sighed. “It would seem not,” he said heavily, “and I do not know if that is a blessing or a curse. Your father gave his life to protect this other man. Was it worth it? May God forgive me, but there are times I wonder if Ellis did not give his life in vain.” He shook his head. “Before he died, the king’s guard swore that he saw two men when the attempt on the king’s life took place. Yet what if he was mistaken? What if there was only one man?”
    “My father.” It was a quiet statement of fact, not a query.
    Baldric winced. “Yes. What if the guard’s eyes deceived him?”
    Quietly she said, “They did not.”
    Brother Baldric peered at her oddly. “Why do you say that? How