Robert was in the war room, an area designed to accommodate the numerous people involved with planning, strategy and tactics. There were also weapons stored here as a mini armoury. He had gathered allies from the surrounding lands, including the leaders of the former Saxon rebellion, to address the issue of this traitor that had appeared. They had far more information than before and Robert suspected he knew the aims of his enemy, if not his identity.

“Gentlemen, and ladies, thank you for your presence and promised support. We’ve had trying times of late but it is our allies that help us bare this burden. I trust you are all up-to-date with the situation. Since our good King claimed his throne, there has been trouble between the Normans and the Saxons and out enemy has taken advantage of this. He has used tactics we know little about and caused the deaths of many good men, women and children. He has dishonoured good soldiers. Now it’s time to put an end to it.”

There were rumbled agreements from all sides. Robert, seeing he had their support, continued.

“I have been gathering information, what little there is, and I believe I may know the aims of this enemy. I suspect he is an agent from Normandy, sent to undermine the King whom many call “the Bastard”. He has grown in power since taking this kingdom and many don’t like it. As such, the enemy is a threat to the King and must be stopped.”

Robert paused to let that sink in. It was important that there was no hint of the northern Barons moving against King William or his line. He spotted Serenity by the wall, observing the assembly, a small frown between her brows. She was slowly regaining herself but she seemed to have developed a more serious manner. It still bothered Robert hat she had been taken while in his care. No one had been able to get from her exactly what happened during her captivity.

She seemed more angry or soldierly than traumatised by her experience. There always a firmness about her that he suspected had always been there but hidden. Now, it had come to the fore. As if she had decided to finally take action. He brought his attention back to his allies.

“Now, we cannot ascertain any single base of operation our enemy is working from so, I believe it’s best to begin a systematic search of the area. We need to find him before we can deal with him. Take upmost care, he has a history of disguise and infiltration on both sides. I want my Norman allies to each take and compass point from my lands to search, Aelfwine men will take the four direction in between. Well pool supplies and provisions in ten locations so is one group is cut off, or my lands besieged, none will go without. We cannot afford for this to be prolonged so prepare to-”

Robert was interrupted by the doors opening and running doorsteps. Robert withheld his ire at the interruption as a young man, barely out of his boyhood, ran to him and delivered a parchment. Robert patted the lad on the shoulder with a nod and looked at the parchment. Another Kings seal. A Boulder sunk his belly as he opened the message. It wasn’t good.

Robert sat down, shoulders beginning to droop before he forced them back again. The silence in the room was tense but he needed a moment to absorb this blow. What could they do now? He must tell the others.

“The King... has ordered our men to disband and us back to our own lands. He wants no further talk of a hidden enemy and to deal with those who challenge his reign. We have a sennight.”

Robert refolded the letter and hid it away in his vest. His friends an allies were petered but also indignant. King William should know their loyalty. All they wanted was to make this new life in a new land and good one. Prosperous and peaceful. And they couldn’t do that with someone in their midst intent on causing division. He let them talk among themselves.

“What now.”

“We have to obey.”

“We can’t, the King will be in danger is this continues.”

“So we become traitors ourselves?”

“Never.”

“No.”

“But there could be another way.”

“What if we each searched our own lands? There can be no objection to that.”

“What about the lands we have no right to search.”

“He could hide with any of the Barons or land owners.”

“What about a trap?”

Though her voice was soft, Robert heard Serenity. That firmness cut through the hubbub of the room.

“What was that?”

She looked him right in the eye. “What if we set a trap? It would mean less of your men out and about, obeying the Kings order. Somewhere contained where we have the advantage despite not being able to use the overwhelming numbers we’ve gathered. It seems to be one of our only options.”

On of Roberts allies piped up. “It could work. We’d need some sort of bait and a way to disguise our men.”

Lord Roger Beaufort chimed in. “We could use my daughter engagement. Have a feast.”

Robert protested, “My Lord, we cannot intrude upon your daughters celebration!” He would not risk Aelfwine happiness, but Lord Roger was immovable.

“My daughter is loyal and would be delighted to help remove this threat.”

Robert could not argue so simply accepted with a nod. “Let us make plans...”

***

Serenity left them to their planning, drawing back against the wall again. She let them do most of the work and make sure the plans were viable after with Robert. She instead contemplated the behaviour of those around her. They shouldn’t be this militaristic. The Norman era didn’t really have soldiers, just serf who were called from their friends as and when they were needed to fight. Even then knights weren’t really soldiers, just better equipped and more learned. Was this something else to lay and Wicks feet? Was it her doing, though she couldn’t think how. Or was this something they always had but no one ever found. More nuances lost to history...

The meeting broke up and the room emptied leaving she alone with Robert. They had not been alone since he had given er his ring. She treasured it. The more she learned about Robert de Montford, the more she liked him. But she couldn’t get close, it would only hurt them both. She did not wish to lower him in the eyes of his allies or men either.

“A good suggestion. But I feel remorse for Aelfwine and Evelyn. They deserve a celebration dedicated to them.”

“Lord Roger is right. Aelfwine has been harmed by this, his people have been harmed by this. He will want to do everything he can to ensure the safety of his people and the woman he loves. And though I do not know Evelyn very well yet, she seems like the kind of woman who doesn’t take nonsense from anyone. Who will do what it takes to protect her people, just like Aelfwine. It will be alright Robert...”

There was a long pause. Robert looked tired, shoulder that he had held back so well when the news hit him, were drooping here in private.

“You don’t have to do it all on your own you know.” Robert looked up at her. “You have a family here Robert, friends and allies. They can help, let them take some of the burden.”

“I am ultimately responsible Serenity. I cannot just abandon my role.”

“Of course not. But you do not have to do it all alone.”

“You will leave...”

Serenity didn’t hide the tears gathering in her eyes. “I cannot stay.”

Robert just nodded. There was nothing more to say really. He may not understand the true why, but he felt it. She had to return to her time, her family. Before she didn’t something irreversible.

“I am going to speak with Lady Evelyn. We can plan the feast together and prepared her dress. I’m sure it will all go to plan.”

Serenity smiled for him. He rose, came to her and took both of her hands in his. He stared into her eyes and smiled, warmth lighting up his face. He squeezed her hands and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

“Enjoy yourself Serenity. I will see you at the evening meal.”

Serenity smiled back at him and turned, leaving the room. She didn’t know where Evelyn and her father were lodged but she suspected she knew where to find the young woman. Turning left, Serenity walked the length of the great hall and up the stairs, passing busy servants and focuses men at arms. She opened the third door she passed and found Evelyn in the solarium. Smiling as Serenity entered, her happiness obvious, Evelyn rose a greet Serenity warmly. “Lady Serenity, please join me.”