Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 by A Knight of Valour Page B

struck the justice, it would not matter if the lady were willing.”  
    “Did the archbishop grant the annulment?” Talan asked.
    “He did not even question the justice’s account,” Chaucey said. “After conferring with the king, the archbishop declared the marriage nullified.”
    “I think we are all in accord that de Glanville slayed the lady,” Leofrick said. “What we need to do now is discover what he did with her remains.”
    “Tis no secret to me,” Chaucey said. “I know where the lady rests.”
    “You know?” Anger was once again evident in Talan’s tone. “If that is the case, why did you not do something about it? Had you provided evidence directly to the king, we would not now be here.”
    Chaucey looked suddenly fearful of the knight leaning toward him across the table.
    “What Talan means to say,” Leofrick said, “is that we know there was nothing you could do about it. What did the justice do with the lady’s body?”
    Too drunk to sort out the truth of the situation, Chaucey instantly relaxed. “My employer had a large padlocked trunk in his chambers where he kept his coin and important documents. Less than a senight after Lady Kaylein’s disappearance it was the source of a foul stench. Even had it not been locked, I would not have found the courage to look inside.”
    “Because you knew what it held,” Leofrick said.
    “Aye,” Chaucey admitted, “it could have been naught else buy my lady’s remains. After the smell became unbearable, the justice ordered me to summon two strong serfs from the stables to move it to the manor’s cellar. If you are not yet aware, my employer takes delight in breaking people. He had his own personal torture chamber built beneath his London residence. Oftentimes he experiments with different forms of torture in private prior to unveiling the method in public.”
    “After witnessing his dealings with Lecie,” Leofrick said, “I thought the justice would be a swift executioner.”
    “He saves torture for his personal enemies.” Chaucey once again averted his gaze. “His greatest aspiration is to have Baron Erlegh in his grasp. My employer truly despises him.”
    “Your employer would have to go through me first,” Talan sneered.
    “So, Chaucey,” Leofrick diverted the clerk’s attention. “You were saying the lady’s remains were brought to the cellar?”
    It took Chaucey a moment to recollect his train of thought. “My employer had an oubliette dug into the floor of his torture chamber. After a few days of being locked into the lightless hole in the earth would have the most defiant of men begging for mercy.”
    “We know what an oubliette is,” Talan said.
    “Of course you do.” Chaucey swallowed convulsively. “I must be rambling.”
    “Go on,” Leofrick coaxed, “Talan will not interrupt you again.”
    “Indeed I will not.” Crossing his arms, Talan sat back.
    “My employer ordered the two serfs to place the trunk inside the oubliette, only it would not fit. They were then forced to tip it on its side. When they did a foul smelling liquid began to seep through the cracks.” Chaucey began to sob. “God help me, I knew what it was, who it was.” 
    “The man is a vile fiend.” Leofrick slammed the earthenware cup in his hand against the table. Splintering in pieces a shard sliced into his palm.  
    “He shall be held accountable,” Talan seethed. “No man is above the law.”
    “The justice will not be held accountable,” Chaucey uttered. Oblivious to the rage emanating from his two drinking companions he took a long swallow of ale to calm his nerves. “When Mistress Mylla fails to produce an heir I fear the same fate awaits her.”
    “I will see the justice in hell first.” Talan slammed his palms on the table.              
    A look of awe slowly registered on Chaucey’s face as he peered up at Talan. “I have never known anyone to even dare think such a thing, let alone put voice to