He did, to the best of his ability. It was a long story and he worried that she’d tire, but she brushed aside his concerns, and listened intently, without interruptions. Once he was done, she gazed for a time at the mirrored surface of the pond, her eyes following the drift of the reflected clouds. “Richard’s release almost did not come to pass,” she said. “The emperor had gotten letters from John and Philippe, pledging to pay him even more money for every month that he’d keep Richard captive. Heinrich was sorely tempted to accept their offer, and he even dared to show Richard the letters.”
Her lip curled. “The man has no shame. Fortunately that was not true of his lords, who were horrified that he’d consider this eleventh-hour betrayal. Richard defended himself with the eloquence of outrage and when Heinrich realized that his barons were utterly on Richard’s side, he agreed to honor our pact. But for two days, my son’s fate hung in the balance, thanks to Heinrich’s greed and their treachery. John is right to be fearful.”
Justin wisely kept silent, for he admittedly did not understand the moral ambiguities that clouded the crimes of the highborn. In his judgment, John’s treachery was reason enough to cast him out into darkness. But he knew that was not true for the queen. Apparently there were sins that could be forgiven and sins that could not, and those who wielded power seemed to know instinctively which were which. He had done his duty, giving his queen an honest account of her youngest son’s troubles, and he felt he owed John no more than that.
“It would appear,” Eleanor said, with a hint of dry humor, “that you got more than you bargained for in France, Justin. I do not imagine you enjoyed pulling in harness with Durand.”
“No, Madame, not much.”
“You have acquitted yourselves well. I am very pleased with you both.”
“Thank you, my lady,” he said, wishing he did not have to share her praise with Durand, and as if reading his mind, she smiled at him.
“Durand is comfortable exploring the netherworld; he would have to be in order to keep pace with John. But it was harder for you, I know. I will not forget the service you have done me.” She’d resumed walking and he fell in step as she continued to skirt the edge of the pond. “I daresay you never expected to be pleading Emma’s case with me.”
Or John’s, either, he thought. “Lord John called it my ‘pilgrimage to Hell and back,’” he said ruefully.
“Yes, that sounds like John,” she said, and he thought he heard her sigh. “Did you hear?” she asked, after another silence. “The garrison at Nottingham has agreed to surrender. The men in command-Ralph Murdac and William de Wenneval-sent out two knights under a flag of truce to ascertain for themselves if Richard had truly returned. Once they were satisfied that was indeed so, they lost all stomach for further resistance.”
Thinking of those gallows set up north of the castle, Justin was not surprised. “So it is over, then.”
“At least on this side of the Channel. My son has summoned a great council to meet at Nottingham in a few days. Amongst the matters to be dealt with will be John’s treason. He will be given forty days to appear before the council to answer these charges. If he does not, he will be judged to have forfeited any and all rights to the English Crown, his lands already having been confiscated.”
Again, Justin kept silent and they walked on. After a time, Eleanor said, “Richard means to have a reckoning with Philippe as soon as possible. I expect that we’ll be in France ere the spring is done. But I will need you, Justin, to return sooner than that.”
“What would you have me do, Madame?”
She smiled faintly, for his matter-of-fact tone did not completely disguise his dismay. “You need not leave right away, lad. Take some time to visit with your daughter. And then I would have you go back to France, where you must do your best to convince John that his only chance of survival is to throw himself on Richard’s mercy. It will be no easy task, and not one you’d choose of your own free will.”
Eleanor paused, her eyes searching Justin’s face. “May I rely upon you, Justin, to do my bidding?”
Justin’s hesitation was barely noticeable. “I serve at the queen’s pleasure,” he said.
