Beatrix of Clare eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 303 pages of information about Beatrix of Clare.

Beatrix of Clare eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 303 pages of information about Beatrix of Clare.

Meanwhile Dauvrey, minding the arrows rained upon him no more than so many feathers, had caught the last rope, and so both lift-chains were encircled by a running loop.  In a trice a flagon was fastened to a strand of each and drawn quickly over until it rested close against the bridge.  All this time the ropes were kept swinging irregularly to prevent them being cut by arrows from the walls; though the defenders had ignored them entirely, thinking, doubtless, they were to be used for crossing and being quite content; for then their assailants’ armor must come off and they be easy marks.

But when the bags went over they scented danger, and the darts began to hiss about the ropes.  And the gate was flung back and the bridge lowered a trifle, and up it two men worked their way toward the chains.  They were protected by the flooring from the fire of those at the barbican, but Dauvrey, foreseeing just such a move, had stationed archers on each side to meet it; and ere the two had reached the middle of the span they were pierced by half a score of arrows and rolled back into the gateway.

“Now!” cried De Lacy.  “Up with them”—­and seizing the rope nearest him he gave it a quick twist that flung the bag upon the bridge and against the chain; and Dauvrey did the same with the other.

At the command two archers had sprung forward with lifted bows and barbs wrapped with burning tow and oil.

“Shoot!” Sir Aymer ordered; and straight into each bag a blazing arrow sped.

Then came a sullen roar—­a burst of silvery smoke—­a rush of flying bits of iron and splinters; and as those before the barbican leaped back at the Knight’s warning cry, the drawbridge crashed down upon the causeway, its lift-chains torn clean away.

Instantly De Lacy dashed forward with waving axe; and beside him went Sir John de Bury, and at his shoulder were Dauvrey and Old Raynor Royk.  And they were none too quick; for already those at the entrance were trying to remove the planks that formed the flooring.  But with a cry of “Clare!  Clare!” Aymer and the others were upon them and they fled within the walls, swinging the gate shut just as the two Knights flung themselves against it.

“Keep an eye upward lest they loose a turret and destroy the bridge,” De Lacy shouted, and fell to work on the gate with his heavy axe, while Dauvrey made haste to prevent the dropping of the portcullis by driving a spike into the grooves in which it worked.

But the gate was made of heavy, seasoned oak, studded thick with iron and bound deep around the edges with well-wrought steel.  And though De Lacy’s blows thundered upon it until it swayed and rattled on its massive hinges, yet it still stood staunch and firm.  Presently he paused, and Giles Dauvrey sprang forward to take his place.  But he stayed him.

“It is too strong to waste good time and strength upon,” he said.  “We must use the powder again.”

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Beatrix of Clare from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.