by Kara Griffin
After supper, Katriona took Wynn out for a bit of air. Lloyd remained quiet and followed. The hamlet settled down and there weren’t many people about. Rhyder had yet to return from the earlier incident. Katriona despaired at the thought another was killed and wondered why she hadn’t gotten an inkling of the attack. She considered the man must have been too far from her or he was likely dead before she’d entered the lane. Her aura hadn’t beckoned her at all.
Back at the house, she changed and readied for bed. In her husband’s chamber, she slipped beneath the coverings and tried to wait up for Rhyder, but he didn’t come to bed until the wee hours of the morning. She felt the bedding shift, and he took her in his arms.
Katriona fell into a deep sleep a moment later and the rest of the night visions plagued her dreams of fire, brimstone, massive sharp teeth, and glowing eyes.
She whimpered in her slumber, “I don’t want to be eaten.”
Chapter TEN
After a week of preparation, the spring festival was upon them. A wooden stage was erected for those who participated in the story’s retelling of Jesus. Father Matthew oversaw most of the hamlet’s religious ceremonies. For days they endured fasts and lengthy sermons on their sins and how to covet God’s will. She was able to avoid the clergyman, and thankfully, he was too busy now to care to speak with her.
Then there was the preparation for the feast. Poor Luella worked for days in making jellied tarts, roasted boar, and helped Malin prepare the goose which would be served to the king and his company. Katriona spent hours in the kitchens making sweet bread and jellied fruit for spreads.
The day of the festival greeted them with sunshine and her heart joyous at spending the day outside. She wanted to find the most beautiful rabbit to sacrifice to the Goddess Eostre. Alone in her chamber, she readied by dressing in her new spring frock, a light green plain-woven gown. The nearly white overdress embroidered with small knots which resembled flowers and speckled the expanse of the material. It was the perfect outfit for the occasion. Fortunately, the old tailoress in the hamlet that fashioned Merrion’s gowns finished her garment in time for the festival.
Before she left her chamber, Katriona frowned at the realization she had no bow to use for the hunt. She knocked at Merrion’s door and she called ‘enter.’ Katriona opened the door to find her friend dressed in an exquisite gown shaded in a blue likened to the deepest color of the sky. She’d never seen such a fine garment. Hers couldn’t compare to its glory.
Merrion gasped. “Oh, you look…quite beautiful in that gown. I knew it would appear so fetching.”
Katriona laughed and hugged her. “But yours—”
“Doesn’t come close to rivaling the prettiness of your dress. Rhyder will swallow his tongue when he sees you. Shall we test him?”
She giggled at the vision of her husband’s astound, but that wouldn’t be likely since he barely noticed her of late. “There is something I must do before I search out my husband.”
Merrion turned and waited for her to continue. When she didn’t speak right away, Merrion set a hand on her shoulder. “What is it?”
She couldn’t tell Merrion that she was off to perform frowned upon deeds. Most of the hamlet that attended morning mass would certainly condemn her choice of deity. During Father Matthew’s speeches, she reminisced of festivals gone by and those spent with her family. How she missed the revelry and wondered if Rhyder’s kingdom would celebrate as jubilantly. She couldn’t imagine his clan’s women dancing naked around a bonfire.
“Katy, what bothers you? It’s not like you to be so quiet.”
She giggled. “I’m sorry, I got caught in my thoughts. I was thinking of home. Would you have a bow I might borrow?”
“This is your home now. No sense in making yourself unhappy with such thoughts. I do have a bow. It’s small but works well enough.” She knelt next to her bed pallet and pulled out a long satchel from beneath. “My father gave this to Rhyder when he was a lad. He gave it to me years ago. I rarely used it. There’s a small bow and at least ten arrows.”
“I shall take good care of it. The morn is warm. It is a perfect day for the festival. I shall be an hour or so. When I return—”
“We will join the revelry.” Merrion thrust the satchel at her. “And make new memories.”
Katriona nodded and took the satchel and hurried to leave the house, relieved that Merrion hadn’t expected more of an explanation.
Lloyd chased after her.
“Where are ye off to, Milady?” He practically trotted next to her.
“I am going hunting.” She hadn’t lied to her friend, she was going hunting, but not for the purpose Lloyd would approve of.
“You cannot. His Grace would not want you outside the walls. For he’s given orders and I—”
She stopped in her tracks and caused him to dig in his heels. “There he is. I shall gain his permission, Lloyd, so you’ll cease scowling at me.”
Rhyder stood near a building that was being built, the one the dead man fell from. She placed her hand over her heart in solemn prayer for his acceptance by the Gods. Rhyder didn’t hear her approach and she couldn’t resist tapping his shoulder. He turned abruptly and grabbed her arms. As soon as he realized it was she who startled him, he yanked her against him and grinned. He stared at her with a bemused expression.
“I expect you are too busy this day, my lord, but I wish to do a wee bit of hunting. It is important to me and—”
He clasped her hand and pulled her toward the newly erected building. “You look fetching and I’m never too busy for you.”
“Lloyd won’t take me to yonder woods. I won’t be long. Will you tell him I have your permission?”
Rhyder turned and signaled to Lloyd who marched forward.
“Your Grace?”
“There is no need to take Milady to the woods. You may join the festivities, Lloyd.”
He bowed his head and scampered off before she might raise an objection.
She scoffed. “You won’t allow me to go? But I must. I cannot celebrate the spring festival unless—”
Rhyder tilted her face back and held her tenderly with his strong hand. “I shall take you, sweet lass, as long as we won’t be more than an hour or two.”
She flashed a brilliant smile. Esotre surely blessed her. Rhyder wasn’t one to shirk his duties and that he was willing to spend time with her nearly burst her heart. He clasped her hand and led the way to the gate. The only thing that concerned her was how she would make her sacrifice without him watching. Somehow she would get a moment alone. Now if only she might think of a reason for him to.
“What is it you wish to hunt? A boar, a stag?”
“Nothing as challenging as that. I need a wee rabbit. But it must be fair looking and young, but not newly born.” Her description rushed forth in her excitement that she would spend time with Rhyder and appease the Goddess.
He gave her an inquisitive glance. “That’s indeed specific,” he said with a laugh. He motioned for her to lead the way through the gate, but they were stopped by his commander.
“Your Grace, we’re ready for the exhibition,” Sawyer said.
Rhyder gave his commander a baffled gaze. “What exhibition?”
Sawyer smirked. “I told ye the soldiers wanted to display their skills. And I thought the festival the perfect day to do so. There will be a competition and rewards.”
“I had forgotten.”
“I beg your pardon, Milady.” He pulled Rhyder aside and a fair distance from her.
Katriona couldn’t hear their hushed discussion, but it appeared to be heated. Rhyder returned to her within minutes and Sawyer marched past with a glare to show his wrath.
“I don’t want to take you away from your soldiers. Lloyd can take me hunting.”
“Nay, Katy, we won’t be long and I wish to spend time with you. I’ll attend the competition when we return.”
“Your commander seemed most irked.”
“He’ll
get over it.” Rhyder retook her hand and guided her through the mass of people beyond the gate.
She hesitantly followed even though she agreed with his grumpy commander. They ambled along and in the opposite direction of the sea. The lane stopped by a large copse of trees. Beneath the canopy of the newly sprung leaves, streaks of sunlight filtered through and gave a magical essence to the woods.
Katriona stepped lightly hoping she didn’t scare off any rabbits. Rhyder took her deeper into the woods.
“There’s a small firth nearby where we can wait.” He stopped abruptly, shoved her behind him, and pulled his sword free. “Someone comes.”
Katriona tried to peer around him but Rhyder started off. He called over his shoulder, “Stay here. I’ll find out who lurks.”
She sat in the fresh grass near a wide tree and grew bored in waiting. A blackbird landed on a large rock and squawked. She spotted the raven and followed it until the bird landed in its nest. The tree where the raven made its home was only a short distance from where Rhyder left her. She climbed the small tree, and the raven screeched at her intrusion. Inside the nest lay four blue-speckled eggs.
“Where is your mate? Off ‘eh? So is mine.” She revered the large bird for ravens were wise and the fact that they mated for life earned her girlhood admiration of the feathered creatures. Besides, many of the Gods and Goddesses valued the birds. It would only do well for people to worship them as well.
Katriona had to take one of the eggs to add to her offering to Esotre for the spring rite. “I’m sorry, mistress raven, but I must take one. Forgive me.” She snatched the smallest egg hoping it would suffice. The raven wasn’t pleased and tried to peck at her. It hopped on her shoulder and used its black bill and sharp talons to try to injure her. Katriona quickly put the egg into her frock’s seam and shooed the raven away.
The raven flew to her nest and looked upon her disapprovingly.
“I said I was sorry. Believe me, I give your egg a great honor.” Katriona landed on her feet and startled to find Rhyder standing behind her.
“Who were you talking to?”
She pointed upward. “The raven.”
He shook his head and took her hand. “The firth is this way.”
“Who was in the woods?”
“Two of my men, Dillon and Gwill. They told me the sentry reported seeing others in the woods. They’re on a search.”
“Should we return? If it’s dangerous—”
“Nay, the trespassers are near our land’s border. We are afar and will be safe. Come, let us find that hare.”
At the firth, Katriona pulled out the bow and notched an arrow.
“My old bow,” Rhyder said and took it from her. “My name is etched here on the end. I killed many an animal with it when I was a lad. I haven’t seen it in years.”
“Merrion loaned it to me. I hope you don’t mind.”
He handed it back. “Not at all. I’d forgotten I gave it to her. I’ll find you a hare.”
Before he slunk off, Katriona stopped him. “I must find it on my own.” She couldn’t tell him the sacrifice must be made by her alone.
“This is as good a spot to lie in wait.” He motioned to a large rock and beyond a small clearing of newly sprung grasses. Rhyder sat back against the tree and closed his eyes. “Wake me when you’re ready to leave.”
“I will.” Katriona took her position and readied the bow. She sat for a long time. The serenity of the woods relaxed her. She tried to clear her mind of any woeful thoughts. With her focus deeply centered on the clearing, she almost startled when a brown-haired rabbit hopped into the dell. She held her breath. As much as she respected animals, she had to do her duty and needed to kill the animal for her offering to Esotre.
The arrow whizzed with haste and missed the rabbit. Embedded in the grass, the arrow’s tip burrowed. The rabbit hopped away. Katriona took a resigned breath of defeat. She notched another arrow and slunk along the brush. In a small patch of blooms, a fat rabbit nibbled on a woody plant. She released the arrow and struck it true.
Katriona retrieved the offering and knelt on the ground. As she prepared the ground by digging a small hole, tears streamed her cheeks from the treachery of killing the beautiful animal. Using some twigs she found, she encircled the hole and placed the rabbit and egg. She snatched a handful of dianthus shaded in bright pink to add to the collection. The objects signified new birth to the land and would be coveted by the Goddess Eostre.
Goddess Esotre, I offer this rabbit as a symbol of fertility. May it bring such to me so I may bring forth new life when you deem me blessed. I offer this egg to symbolize awakening and ask that you do so to my heart as well as my husband’s. As you scatter the land with your bounty, may you bestow your gifts and renewed spirit upon me.
Katriona swayed her hands over her gifts and covered the sticks and offerings with dirt. In her haste to return to Rhyder, she hadn’t heard him calling. She approached and put away the arrows and bow. “We can return now.”
“Are you certain you want to return? Were you weeping?”
She quickly swiped her palms over her cheeks and lied. “No, it’s rather warm.”
“Your cheeks are rosy with color. I aim to make them brighter.” He pulled her against him and kissed her passionately, so much so, she lost her breath.
Katriona returned his kisses and groaned at the desire building within her. How easily he won her over. Perhaps Goddess Esotre was already working her enchantment?
He tilted her face back and whispered against her mouth, “You make me forget time and duties.”
“We should return. I don’t want to keep you.”
“The hell we should.” Rhyder settled his mouth on hers again and caressed her until she writhed against him with longing.
She pulled away breathless and with desire swarming her. “Rhyder, don’t torment me.”
He laughed as he helped to disrobe her. “Aye? What do you want, sweet lass? This,” he said and blew a heated breath on her nipple. “Aye, you want to be loved.”
She moaned and held him tightly. “To be loved.”
Rhyder held her face in his hands and kissed her. His desire evident in the way he pressed his body against hers. “I need you to touch me. Make me burn for you.”
His words more than stirred her desire but also forced her to acknowledge and pledge her heart to him. Katriona fondled his arousal and took delight in making him moan. She took her sweet time caressing his body and teasing him with each seductive stroke. Awakening abounded for them both.
Chapter ELEVEN
Rhyder put the spring festival behind him as the hamlet returned to normalcy. All remnants of the celebration disappeared as most returned to their duties tending to the sprouting fields or practice of arms. The kingdom prospered and survived the long winter. Most would decree they were blessed by God, but he equated it to the hard work and dedication of his followers.
He avoided meeting with Cenwahl long enough. With Wulfar breathing down his neck, it might be sensible to make the alliance with his neighbor. Both Cenwahl and Wulfar would benefit having his eight-hundred-strong force as friends rather than foes.
He awoke early and sent Katy to her bed. She didn’t mind and grumbled about her dreams and needing more sleep. Sitting at his table, he peered at the missives and reread them. Both neighbors claimed to have a need to meet with him, but with Shrisy’s behavior, Katy arriving, and the recent murders, he avoided making a decision. He could put it off no longer.
The meeting with Cenwahl needed to be kept a secret to thwart the traitor within his hamlet. He called a gathering of his father’s old council, the men whom his father counted on for their discretion and the most trusted in his kingdom. They arrived sooner than expected. Rhyder let them in his chamber and before he closed the door, he motioned to Lloyd.
“Your Grace? Milady is within, still sleeping.”
“Lloyd, keep all out of this hallway. None are to interrupt this meeting or know of it.”<
br />
The soldier nodded vigorously. “Even Sawyer, Your Grace? He usually comes to find out the day’s orders.”
“Even Sawyer. Tell him I left orders with Dillon and Gwill. If my wife rises, tell her I will find her before I leave. Have I your discretion?”
Lloyd dipped his head and agreed. “Of course, Your Grace, none will know of this.”
Rhyder closed the door and faced his fellow clansmen. “I’m glad you came. There are decisions to be made.”
The elders stood around his table for there wasn’t enough chairs or even a bench for them to sit upon. He hadn’t realized how lacking his chamber was until that moment. But their meeting wouldn’t last long. Even if he’d had a bench to offer, he doubted his cantankerous followers would take them for they rarely sat in his presence.
“I mean to make a treaty with Cenwahl and need the protection of your sons on the journey. Wulfar’s been reaching out and I deem he might be against us. With the murders of my parents on his lands, I trust him not. I want your view on this matter.”
The elder men looked at him as if he grew horns. Much time passed since he’d asked for their guidance, but Rhyder didn’t want their interference. He had to show force and instill his rulings if he was to take leadership of his kingdom. The alliance situation called for him to look to others and he didn’t hesitate to seek their counsel. Stephen, Robert, Lew, and Joseph debated the issues before returning their attention to him.
“It’s been eight years since your parents’ deaths and about time we right the wrong,” Joseph said with vigor. “Wulfar is responsible for the foul deeds. Your father often took that route when traveling from the north.”
“Aye, and Cenwahl’s army is as large as ours, it would be advisable to make a pact with him,” Robert said, “Especially if Wulfar is threatening war. Merica will swallow us whole and all our people subjugated by their laws and probably enslaved.”
“I’ve considered it possible that Wulfar is behind the recent murders here and that is his intent. Aye, for he is the only neighbor who would benefit from our numbers decreasing. He must have an insider to do his deeds. I say it a sound venture to seek Cenwahl’s alliance,” Lew said.