Midnight Warrior

by Iris Johansen

  She was bristling at the expected mockery, and yet there was something touching and gallant in her defiance. He abruptly turned away, picked up one of his blankets, and tossed it to her. “I’m not laughing.” He blew out the flame in the lantern. “For God’s sake, go to sleep.”

  Five

  The next afternoon the sun was shining brightly, and Brynn arranged to have four of LeFont’s soldiers carry Malik out to lie on a pallet outside the tent.

  Malik blissfully lifted his face to the sun. “Good. I almost feel alive again.”

  Brynn smiled. “I thought you’d like it. We’ll come out for a little while every day now. The sun is a great healer.”

  “No better than you.” Malik smiled. “What a sweet, modest lady. You give credit to everything and everyone but yourself.”

  “I’d say that was a very safe course.”

  Brynn turned to see Gage coming toward them.

  He continued. “And shows the lady is wise as well as modest.”

  The words were barbed, but the tone lacked Gage’s customary mockery when he addressed her. It was almost … warm. He might have been speaking to Malik. It was the second time he had surprised her. Last night she had convinced herself that moment of gruff kindness had been a whim, but now he was looking at her as if—oh, she did not know. She was probably imagining that sudden softness, and this yearning for a dream to become reality was very dangerous.

  She pulled her gaze away. “It doesn’t take wisdom to tell the truth. Clean air and the sunlight is—”

  “Ho! Permission to approach!

  Brynn knew that voice. Dread chilled her as she turned to watch Lord Richard ride up the hill. He was smiling broadly and dressed in his best blue wool surcoat with the ermine trim. The sunlight caused his hair to gleam golden and he was altogether the most splendid and pleasing-looking of gentlemen.

  Gage stiffened beside her, and she thought she heard him mutter a curse beneath his breath. He strode forward and motioned for the soldier to permit Richard to pass.

  “Who is this?” Malik murmured.

  “Lord Richard of Redfern,” she said absently. Why was he there? Did Adwen need her? No, he would not have dressed in his best and made the journey for Adwen. He had some other purpose.

  Malik gave a low whistle as he watched Richard ride into the camp. “A very comely lad.”

  “Yes.”

  Gage shot her a glance over his shoulder and bit out, “I might remind you that ‘comely lad’ tossed you to me without a qualm.”

  She frowned. “I expected nothing else.”

  “Then you show a meekness to him you never showed to me.”

  She remembered Richard’s scathing words on the ride to Hastings. “He does not think me meek.”

  Those words failed to please him as well. “Yes, he told me you often displayed a skill that—” He broke off with another curse and strode forward to meet Richard.

  “You did not handle that well,” Malik said disapprovingly. “Gage is in a most delicate state at the moment. You should not have taunted him.”

  Her brow wrinkled in confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t taunt him. I merely told the truth.”

  “Then perhaps it would be best not to speak of your former master at all. Gage does not like it.”

  She shook her head impatiently. She couldn’t care less what Gage did or did not like at present. All that was important was to learn why Richard was there.

  Gage stopped before Richard’s horse and said curtly, “I thought we’d seen the last of you. What do you do here?”

  Richard kept the smile firmly on his face. “I come with an invitation.” His gaze wandered to where Brynn stood beside Malik’s pallet. “Ah, Brynn, I see you’ve used your skills to full advantage. How is our wounded soldier?”

  “He is better,” she said reservedly.

  “You’re looking well.” He smiled. “But then, you always look well to me.”

  “What invitation?” Gage asked.

  “Redfern,” Richard answered him. “I invite you to come to Redfern.”

  “Why?”

  “I hope you will choose it as your boon from William.”

  Surprise flickered over Gage’s face. “How generous,” he said with irony. “You wish to give me your lands?”

  Richard shrugged. “As you said, William is bound to give my property to one of his barons. I’ve assessed the situation and decided it would be better to deal with you.”

  “I don’t have to deal with you at all. I can take the land and send you on your way.”

  “But why would you do that? I know everything about Redfern. You could have no better agent than me.”

  “Agent?” Gage’s eyes narrowed. “You would go from master to agent?”

  “As a start. I’m a practical man.”

  “I’d also judge you to be an ambitious man.”

  Richard’s pleasant expression didn’t change. “Of course, but one must begin somewhere.”

  “You’re a Judas. Why should I take on an agent in whom I have no trust?”

  “Judas was reputed to be a very clever man, and clever men are useful. Besides, Christ wanted to be betrayed. You would not tolerate it. You’d watch me every minute.” He added persuasively, “Come to Redfern and see what I have to offer you. It’s a fine, rich property, isn’t it, Brynn?”

  “Yes.”

  Gage didn’t look at her. “Stay out of this, Brynn.”

  “Has she displeased you?” Richard asked. “Now that she has done her duty toward your man, perhaps you’d like to be rid of her. I’ll be glad to take her back.”

  “No!” Brynn’s eyes widened at the violence in Gage’s tone. He recovered quickly and said curtly, “She has not displeased me. Find another slave. This one is mine.”

  Richard shrugged. “I merely sought to ease your burden. Will you come to Redfern?”

  “I will think on it.” He turned on his heel. “It’s not likely.”

  “I wonder if I might—” Richard hesitated. “You understand I would not infringe on your rights or property, but may I speak to Brynn alone?”

  “No, you may not,” Gage said flatly.

  Adwen? Brynn wondered in alarm.

  Richard nodded resignedly. “I merely wished to give her news of Redfern, but, if it offends you, I would not think of—”

  “It offends me.” Gage strode up the hill toward Brynn and Malik. “Good day, Lord Richard.”

  “Good day.” Richard turned his horse and began the descent down the hill.

  “Wait!” Brynn ran after him. “Wait, I want to—”

  “No!” Gage grabbed her wrist, bringing her to a halt. “You will not go to him.”

  “Let me go!” she said fiercely. “Didn’t you hear him? He has news. I must—” She broke free and flew down the hill. “Wait!”

  Richard reined in and turned with a smile. “Rebellious as ever. I didn’t think you’d let him stop you.” He glanced past her. “But I don’t think we have much time. The Norman is stalking down that hill, looking like a thundercloud.”

  She didn’t look back. “What of Adwen?”

  “Ah, she’s not good. She had another bout of fever two nights ago. She cried out for you, but you weren’t there.”

  “Of course I wasn’t there.” She glared at him. “You brought me here.”

  “But that doesn’t alter Adwen’s dilemma. She needs you. You must come back to Redfern.”

  “I’m trying.”

  “Try harder,” Richard said. “The Norman seems quite possessive of you. You must have given him a great deal of pleasure. Convince him to bring you back to Redfern.”

  “Who is taking care of Adwen? Alice?”

  Richard shook his head. “Alice has other duties now.”

  “Then, who—”

  “Get back to Malik.” Gage’s hand closed on her wrist and whirled her away from Richard. “Now!”

  “I need to talk to—”

  “
We have had our discussion,” Richard interrupted. “We mustn’t anger Lord Gage. I hope to see you both at Redfern.” He put spurs to his horse and cantered down the hill.

  Brynn stared after him in an agony of concern. She did not need to ask what duties Alice was performing. Did that mean Richard had designated no one to care for Adwen’s needs? Even he could not treat his wife with such indifference. Adwen’s only desire was to please and be allowed to love. She remembered that night of the comet when Adwen had curled next to her and called her friend.

  “Stop looking like that!” Gage said roughly. “He’s gone and good riddance.” He pulled her toward the camp, “You will never disobey me again. You will never run after that—good God, you’re weeping.”

  She had not been aware of the tears running down her face. Tears were a weakness, and she must show no weakness to him. She had to run away and hide. Hide and think … Poor Adwen …

  “Let me go!” She jerked away from him and tore down the path toward the dense stand of trees that bordered the forest.

  The woods …

  She would be safe there, as she had been those many years ago.

  “Brynn!” Gage’s call rang after her. “Come back here!”

  She returned to camp close to midnight. It appeared deserted, she noticed dully. But she had never been abroad at this hour. Perhaps it was always this quiet.

  “Thank God,” Malik said in relief when she entered the tent. “Are you well?”

  “Of course I’m well.” She knelt beside him. “You should be asleep. How do you expect to heal if you don’t rest?”

  He chuckled. “How do you expect me to rest if I have to lie awake and worry about you? I would far rather have been out scouring the forest with Gage.”

  “He’s looking for me?” She wearily ran her fingers through her hair. Of course he would go after her, she thought bitterly. She was property.

  “Ever since you left and with most of the men in the company.” He shook his head. “He is not going to be pleased at the trouble you have caused him.”

  “He didn’t have to come after me.”

  “He would say you didn’t have to run away.” He clucked reprovingly. “You look as if you’ve been rolling in the leaves. Your face is smudged and you have twigs in your hair.”

  “I wouldn’t run away. I still have my duty to you.” She poured water from the pitcher into the wooden bowl. “Lord Richard brought troubling news. I had to think.”

  “I would say this Lord Richard seldom brings anything but trouble. You are well rid of him.”

  “I’m not rid of him.” In those hours in the forest she had realized she would never be free of him as long as Adwen was in his power. It could not go on. She must do something to alter the situation. She splashed her face with the cold water and then wiped it with a clean, soft cloth. “Better?”

  He nodded abstractedly. “Gage thought you might have gone to Redfern after that young stag.”

  “Why would I do that? He would only chase me down and bring me back.” Her lips curved scornfully. “Fine lords don’t allow their property to wander off.”

  “I’m glad you realize that.”

  “Oh, I realized many things while I was in the forest tonight.” She blew out the lantern and lay down on her cloak. “It does not make them fair. Good night, Malik.”

  “You’re just going to sleep?”

  “Why not?” She pulled the blanket over her. “I’m very tired.”

  “While Gage is out beating the shrubbery in search of you?”

  “It will do him good. I judge he has a great deal of energy he has not been able to expend of late.”

  There was a moment of silence and then a chuckle came from the darkness. “Oh, yes, a great deal of energy.”

  Gage did not return until the last hours of night.

  He was towering over her, the lantern in his hand lighting the grimness of his expression.

  He was very angry, she realized sleepily. Well, what was different about that? It seemed he was always angry or annoyed with her.

  “I’d like to throttle you,” he grated.

  Violence and rage … and something else. She could not deal with any of it then. “Go to sleep,” she murmured. “We will talk in the morning.”

  “Did it never occur you could have lost yourself in those woods, that there are beasts that could tear you apart?”

  “I was safe.”

  “Alone in the woods, with no means to defend yourself?”

  He didn’t realize that none of that mattered. The forest always accepted and protected its own. “Safe …” She rolled over and closed her eyes. “We will talk in the morning.”

  “We will talk now. It’s time you realized who is master and who is slave.”

  “Tomorrow …”

  She could feel him looking at her, sensed the waves of frustration and explosive violence he was emitting. She half expected him to tear aside the blanket and jerk her to her feet, to shake her, to throw her to the ground and—

  He turned away and strode toward his own pallet.

  She had never seen him more fierce or dangerous.

  He had never been more angry with her.

  Why had she not been afraid? It was as if some subtle change had taken place between them. Trust? Impossible. He certainly had no trust in her and should not; she had resolved to use every means possible to free herself and Adwen. How could she have trust in him when he wanted only to use her skills and her body, to own her? Yet in that first moment of waking, even though she had seen the threat, she had somehow felt safe.…

  Nonsense. It had probably been numbness that had dulled her fear of the Norman. Nothing had changed. He was the enemy and must be treated with the same wariness as Delmas and Lord Richard.

  No, he wasn’t like them. Gage Dumont might be ruthless, but he would never connive and use the helpless as the means to an end. The swiftness with which she instinctively rejected the comparison startled her. She must not soften toward him now. She must use him as he wanted to use her. He was the enemy.

  She did not wake until nearly noon the next day, and when she opened her eyes she saw Gage sitting a few feet away.

  “May we talk now?” he asked grimly.

  She came fully awake in the space of a heartbeat. She sat bolt upright and threw off the blanket. “Presently.” She glanced around the tent. “Where is Malik?”

  “Outside in the sunshine. The day is warm. It’s almost like summer.”

  “I’ll go fix his meal.”

  “LeFont has chosen a man to care for him. He doesn’t need you.” He paused. “What happened yesterday must not happen again. We will talk, Brynn.”

  “I’m not arguing with you.” She grabbed her cloak and a scrap of soap and strode toward the tent entrance. “But I feel filthy and half asleep. I’m going to the pond and wash. Come with me if you like.”

  She hoped he would refuse. She was not prepared for him yet.

  “I most certainly shall.”

  The sun was as warm as Gage had said, and she noticed Malik contentedly dozing. She ran down the hill and into the forest. She knelt beside the pond and started to splash her face and then grimaced as she saw her reflection in the water. The scanty ablutions she had made the night before had scarcely scratched the surface. Her hair was matted with dirt and leaves and her face—

  She tensed when she heard the crunch of Gage’s boots on the dry leaves as he came behind her. She was not ready. Perhaps she could find a way to— No, she must stop this caviling. She had come to a decision yesterday and, if it was to be done, it must be done boldly and by her will, not his.

  She stood up and faced him. “I will be with you as soon as this dirt is gone.” She reached up and unfastened the leather tie that held back her hair. “I hate being dirty.” Her hair fell about her shoulders and she ran her fingers through it. “I’ve noticed you have a similar dislike. It surprised me. According to rumor, Normans bathe only once a year.”

 
“And Saxons have two heads and spit fire and brimstone. Only fools believe rumors. Now that we’ve finished with this discourse on cleanliness, will you tell me why you were so upset that you ran away and lost yourself in the forest?”

  “I didn’t lose myself.”

  “Don’t be evasive. What did that bastard say to you? He was— What the devil are you doing?”

  “Taking off my gown.” She didn’t look at him as she discarded the garment and then bent down to untie her shoes. “I told you I didn’t like—” She strode naked into the pond until she was waist high. The water was icy but she didn’t feel cold. Her flesh was burning.…

  “Look at me,” Gage commanded hoarsely.

  She didn’t want to look at him. She wanted to dive beneath the water and cool her flushed body. She forced herself to turn and meet his gaze.

  She inhaled sharply and stood there, helplessly looking at him.

  “Why?” he asked. “Why now?”

  “It’s necessary.” She swallowed. “I must go to Redfern and you said you must be … compensated.”

  He stood staring at her, a flush mantling his cheeks, his nostrils flaring slightly.

  She could not bear this. She turned away, dipped her head in the water, and feverishly began scrubbing her hair. “Though I’d think the chance of gaining a treasure would be compensation enough.”

  “Not nearly enough.”

  “Then you’re as greedy as all men.”

  “Probably more greedy.”

  Brynn heard a splash. She braced herself and watched him stride naked toward her. Power. Muscular thighs and calves clove the water as if it were a battleground to be conquered. A black triangle of hair thatched his broad chest and encircled his—

  She quickly jerked her gaze up to his face and at once wished she hadn’t. His expression had changed, intensified, become almost blindly sensual. He stopped beside her.

  “I am greedy,” he said thickly, “and more full of lust than any man you’ve ever had. At times I’ve wanted to devour you, absorb you.” He reached out and took the soap from her. “I still do.” He soaped his hands and then tossed the soap to the bank. “Don’t move.”