#loxton

Sitting down at the high board he would have his own meal before returning to their quarters. The servers brought out plates bore, duck, and beef. They had fresh bread still warm from the bakery, then they were offered several cheesed, and finally apples baked with cinnamon and honey. When the meal had concluded, the Earl arose, thanked the innkeeper, and departed for their room. There he found Clair and Eyden all settled in for the evening.

“Have you eaten?” he asked her. “Was there enough?”

“Yes, my lord. They brought us good hot stew, bread and cheese, and wine,” she answered him. “I never tasted anything so good.”

“You probably have.” The Earl chuckled. “But after several weeks on the road I know that hot food does taste especially good. I have been on campaigns enough to understand that.” Looking toward Eyden he smiled. “And you my poppet, has your hunger been assuaged now?” Eyden simply gave a nod looking at him curiously. She wondered if he could tell her stories of the mother she never knew. Richard picked Eyden up, sitting in a single chair while Claire went about the business of tidying up, he cradled the child in his lap. “Are you warm enough, Eyden?” he asked her.

“Aye, my lord,” she whispered. She felt so safe, and she had not felt safe since the night her father and mother had pushed her into the escape tunnel at Thornbrook Hall.” Aye, Uncle Richard,” He corrected her gently. “All my nieces call me Uncle Richard, now tell me what happened at Thornbrook that you were forced to flee.”

“The Horde came,” Eyden began. “In the morning just before sunrise they came, and they burned the village. Then they burned the fields and barns. They drove off or slaughtered the livestock. Many of our folk were killed, others fled. My da and mama put me in the tunnel with Claire and Baron, they told us we had to leave. They told me to remember that I am Loxton, and should be proud.” The Earl nodded, then turned to Claire. “You are certain both the earl and his wife are deceased?”

“Aye, my lord,” Claire replied. “I went up to the hall myself the day after, before we departed for Theramore. I saw both the bodies laying slaughtered in the courtyard of the hall. I had to leave them there, and it has troubled my conscience ever since, my lord. But I had no means of burying them, and no one to aid me in such an endeavor. The earl had ordered me to get my little lady to safety, and that was my first obligation.” Claire wiped the tears that had begun to flow from her eyes.

“You did your duty well,” the Earl praised her. “I shall take my men north and bury the dead, put your mind at ease, you have naught regret, mistress. Why though, I wonder was Thornbrook attacked?”

Claire shook her head. “Light only knows, but the Horde does whatever it pleases, they care not for what they destroy.” Richard nodded and then, looking down at Eyden, smiling softly. The child had fallen asleep in his lap. “Poor little mite,” he said stroking her dark hair. Then looked at Claire. “I know the Wyndhams of Aitherton Isles, the Lady is kind, but the Lord is harsh and not to be trusted. He is cold and venal and will do anything to preserve his wealth and station. He will use Eyden to further his standings among other nobility. The staff fear him, for he is cruel and unforgiving. Stay with the Lady Wyndham, and keep Eyden clear from him as much as possible. Did your master give you any coin for the child?”

Claire nodded. “I wear a pouch beneath my skirts, my lord,” she told him. “And there are gold coins sewn into the hem of one of my lady's gowns.”

“Keep a few for your mistress, but tomorrow you will give me the bulk of your funds. I will place them with the bank in Stormwind.” The Earl said. “Stormwind is a city of great mercantile importance, and the bankers there are most prominent in all of Azeroth. The banker is our families most trusted adviser, his name is Avery Mountbatten. I will put Eydens little fortune to him, and the receipt will be with my own household treasurer. I will also add to her funds often so that she will have wealth in her own right. You are not to speak of this to anyone but for Eyden and myself. You are free to draw the monies for the childs care when it is needed, and know that it can not be stolen from her by any in the Wyndham household. If you are ever in need of aid of Richard, Earl of Friarsgate, mistress, you have but to ask. I was fond of my sister, Katherine. She was kind and gentle of heart, she was also strong minded and ambitious, but she was also fair and devout. I see much of her in our little mistress.” Richard smiled as he stood, Eyden still sleeping in his arms.

“Show me the childs cot, and I will put here there. I will come see her before you depart on the morrow. Mid-morning will be soon enough for you to reach Menethil the same day. I shall have two of my men escort you. “He followed Claire into another room, Baron by his side, and laying Eyden down where Claire indicated, drew the coverlet over her as he placed a kiss on her brow. “Sleep well, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” he said. And with a brief nod of his head to Claire he left the room.

When he had gone Claire sat down upon the pallet cot next to Eydens. Reaching out, she patted the wolfhounds head while reveling in the warmth coming from the wood brazier. The Gods were obviously watching over them, if today was any indication. To have been rescued from their long miserable travels by Katherine's own brother was more than simple good fortune. And to have a great lord recall his own sister with such kindness, Claire was more than grateful.

Looking down at Eyden, her little lady was warm, dry and well fed for the first time since they had fled Thornbrook. Claire whispered prayers for the souls of the earl and his wife. Then she lay down to sleep, certain they were finally safe. As long as Eyden was safe, nothing else mattered.

to be continued