by Kara Griffin
“If I don’t have Katy, none of that matters for I have nothing.”
“Are ye saying you love Milady?”
“I suppose I am. In time we will figure out who wants my kingdom. They will make a mistake and we shall be ready. In the meantime, I need to find my wife.” He continued to pace around the fire, disturbed by his thoughts. Admitting love was an inconsideration, but there it was. He loved Katy more than anyone, more than his kingdom, more than himself.
“I never thought you would say the words…love. But then your heart softened toward her the moment she fell into your arms all those years ago in her barn.” Sawyer bellowed a laugh.
“One day you will find a woman who will cause you as much grief.”
His commander grinned. “Aye, perhaps I already have. God help her for I’m not an easy man to please. Winning the woman is an arduous task and I doubt I will do anything about my affliction.”
“Is Careen the woman you love?” Rhyder forgot all about her until their discussion reminded him of Sawyer’s liaison with her.
“No, she was nothing but a diversion and couldn’t hold a light against… But Careen insisted on taking me away from my duties. I had to break off my tie to the lass, especially after she attacked my…ah, Milady. I may not have agreed with you regarding our queen, but she never instigated Careen’s attack. And I won’t wed a shrew.”
Rhyder chuckled. “I should have banished Careen.”
Sawyer sat up and peered at him across the fire. “I took care of it, Your Grace. She now resides on a farmstead at the far stretch of our land. Jacob was pleased to be given a wife especially since we took his farmhands, Gwill and Dillon. Although, I doubt Careen was as pleased with the arrangement for she likely won’t take to farm life. She shrieked at me the entire trek.”
“Jacob is a good man and will treat her well. She’s fortunate he accepted her. God, I hope Katy is at Wulfar’s.”
“Rest, Your Grace. I’ll wake you when it’s time to leave.”
Rhyder lay on his bedroll and folded his arms behind his head. Exhaustion forced him to close his eyes. Within seconds, he submitted to slumber. When he awoke, the sun peeked over the trees and midmorning brightened the day. He shot up and jumped to his feet. After rubbing the sleep from his face, he peered about the encampment.
His soldiers sat in small groups, eating their morning fare. Others readied the horses and checked the steeds, ensuring their harnesses and hooves and didn’t wear on the journey.
Sawyer approached. “Your Grace, we will be ready to leave soon. Here, eat.” He handed him a small pot of pottage.
“Why didn’t you wake me? I wanted to be on the trail at sunrise.”
“You slept heavily. I called you, but ye didn’t stir. Besides, we rode as if the devil were after us yesterday. The men needed a good rest as did you. They’ll be ready to combat should we come to blows with Wulfar.”
Rhyder ate quickly even though he had little appetite. He finished and set off to leave the camp behind. They traveled fast, but not as swiftly as the day before. It wasn’t that he was anxious about arriving at Wulfar’s holding. It was more of what he’d find when he got there or wouldn’t find.
Their pace afforded them to keep their ears focused on their surroundings. Wulfar’s sentry had to be somewhere nearby. Rhyder took the lead and formed the procession. His men, even amounting to over forty riders, made little noise as they rode through. The horses trod silently and the men uttered not a word. At least they wouldn’t give themselves away.
Rhyder held up a hand when he heard a rustle in the wood. Riders passed near and the ground echoed with their haste. By the sound, at least ten horsemen rode past. As soon as silence came, he continued on. Wulfar’s walls came into view an hour later. He stopped at the gate and bid his men to keep their arms concealed.
The guard ventured forward and tilted his head. “My lord, Pendragon, we’ve been expecting you. My lord, Wulfar bid me to allow you entrance, but only you and one other may accompany inside our walls.”
He turned and signaled to Sawyer. “Stay here and see to the men. Have them ready in case the call to arms comes. I will go alone.”
“Nay, it’s too dangerous. I should at least go with you, or take another.”
He shook his head. “I will meet Wulfar alone. He could’ve killed me when he met me in the woods. I doubt he intends to harm me when he besought an alliance. But if I don’t return by nightfall, you can infiltrate and…”
“…and rescue you?” Sawyer shook his head vehemently. “You cannot trust him, Your Grace, even if he begged a treaty.”
“If I go alone, Wulfar will be more trusting of me.”
“I will wait until dark, Your Grace, and by God, we will raise his damned roof if we don’t have a sighting of you.”
Rhyder clasped his hand. “Worry not.”
Sawyer guffawed. “That’s about all I’ll do. You’re walking into a bear’s den. Och, it troubles me mightily.”
Rhyder ambled forward and crossed the gate’s threshold. He peered at the buildings and assessed the easiest route to the gate as he followed Wulfar’s soldier. All the building’s doors were closed and nary a soul stood in the lane. The quietness of the holding alarmed him. Was he going to be ambushed? The hair on the back of his neck prickled in anticipation.
“Where are all your followers?”
The guard turned on the lane and proceeded down a wide thoroughfare. “All were given the order to remain inside their homes until you and your men leave.”
“I am no threat to your hamlet.”
“Nay? Our lord doesn’t see it that way. Best we take precautions. Come, Wulfar is in the last building on this lane.” They reached Wulfar’s home, and he was bid to enter.
Rhyder stood near the door and sent his gaze about the abode in search for Wulfar. The one-floor building was long and various sections designated for cooking, dining, sleeping. Toward the back, several doors led to antechambers. The home was modest and bore no decorating except for a few ornate jugs that sat upon the table. Flanking the table were two long benches and across a stone hearth with no fire. A young lass tarried by a bucket of water washing bowls.
“You have come.”
He turned at Wulfar’s greeting. “Aye, I—”
“Before you speak, I need to explain. But first, how did you come to learn Katriona was here?”
Rhyder’s shoulders eased, and he was relieved to hear she was safe and well. How would he answer Wulfar’s question? He couldn’t tell him his dragon showed him where Katy had gone. Being in his enemy’s home forced him to fabricate an answer. “I was on my way to Baldach and wanted to tell you that Cenwahl came to see me. He professes his innocence and claims not to know of a spy or of my men’s murders.”
“And you believed him?” Wulfar led him to the large trestle table and motioned to the lass. “Daughter, serve us mead and then join your mother.”
“I know not whether I believe him. He seemed confounded by my accusations.” Rhyder raised a brow for he didn’t know Wulfar was married and had children. His daughter was at least ten or so in years. The lass set a cup in front of him and scampered away.
“I want your vow not to overreact—”
He raised a brow at Wulfar’s request. “Speak, for I’m wanting your news and to learn how my wife came to be here.” Rhyder took the cup in hand and pretended to drink. He wasn’t about to swallow a drop offered by Wulfar.
“Katriona is here.”
He scrunched his eyes and securitized him over the rim of the cup. “Aye, so you said.”
“My wife found her on our land and brought her here.”
“Is she well? Where is she? I want to see her.” He stood.
“Sit ye down. Katriona knows you’re here.”
“You didn’t answer me. Is she well?”
Wulfar pounded the table. “I had nothing to do with her being here.”
“I know you didn’t. It was my stupid fault for not explainin
g my reasons for… Regardless of my error, I need to see her.”
“And I didn’t cause her injuries; likewise, none of my clansmen had a hand in her ill-gotten—”
“Injuries? Tell me she’ll survive?” He practically growled his questions and leaned over the table. Rhyder wanted to grab hold of his enemy and thrash him until he got the answers he sought.
Wulfar point at him. “Sit ye down. Aye, she was struck with an arrow and stabbed. My wife tends her and she guards her as a mother hawk. She lives for now.”
“For now? Oh, God, my poor sweet lass.” Rhyder tensed and his gut coiled. He hadn’t expected to hear that and even though anger coursed through him, he maintained a calm mien. “She lives. Katy was struck with an arrow and stabbed. Who hurt her? She has no enemies.” His words came out in a soft rush.
“Och, but you do.” Wulfar leaned forward. “You need to find your foe and soon. She didn’t recognize the two men that attacked her. Her dog found my wife and led her to Katriona. We brought her here and tended her wounds. She was under the medicinals for days and only just awoke to find herself here.”
“What of Lloyd, my solider? I hoped he was with her.” Rhyder furrowed his brows when Wulfar took long in answer. With Lloyd missing, he suspected the man suspicious.
“He’s dead.”
“Dead?” Even as the word passed his lips, Rhyder was in disbelief. Someone killed his soldier?
“Aye, that’s what I said. Dead. He died trying to protect Katriona and unfortunately failed. His attackers lay siege with many arrows. I had his body retrieved and placed him in the stable for safekeeping until he can be laid to rest. I assumed you would want to take him home.”
Rhyder nodded but couldn’t bring himself to say the words. Lloyd was dead and Katy was attacked? His head throbbed with one troubled thought after another.
“He tried to protect your lady. Katriona was broken when I told her of his demise.”
“I want to see her.” Rhyder stood and tried not to let his anger get the better of him. Yet his breath labored and he shook in the deepest part of him.
“She doesn’t want to see you and vowed to never again. Aye, and kept saying that you sent her away and you care not for her.”
He pressed his eyes and tried to remain unruffled, but her disdain tensed his heart. “Katy misunderstood. I wasn’t sending her away, but moving her to our new home. She’s my wife, by God. You cannot keep her from me.”
Wulfar cursed and poured himself more mead. “I’m not keeping her from you, my wife is.”
“Explain to your wife that I will not be put off. I want to see Katy now.”
Wulfar grinned. “You tell her for I’m already walking a thin line. She hasn’t left her sister’s side since—”
“Sister? You’re wedded to Katy’s sister Mali? I met her when she came to the wedding.”
Wulfar sat back and crossed his arms, appearing content at the situation. “Aye, I married her sister without Baldach’s permission. My wife is the daughter of Baldach. Not Mali, but Heloise.”
“Damnation, Wulfar, does Baldach know?”
“If he doesn’t, he soon will because your wife insisted we send for him. I had no choice but to send a missive. Baldach is likely on his way here with a large army.”
Rhyder patted his tunic and retrieved the amethyst he’d given Katy at their betrothal feast and set it upon the table. “She’ll see me. Give my wife this and remind her that she took vows with me.”
“You deem this will change her mind? I doubt it will do any good, but I’ll give it to her. You might want to tell your men to make camp and settle in.”
Rhyder lifted his chin and smiled. “And ye can tell Katy that she’s not the only stubborn one in this marriage. Remind her of that, too. I won’t leave without her even if I have to stay here the rest of my damned days.”
Wulfar laughed. He grabbed the amethyst and was about to walk off when he stopped him.
“She’s going to thrive, won’t she? Are her injuries grave?”
“Grave enough, but there’s no infection to her wounds. Heloise has done all she can. We must hold hope her wounds don’t fester and she doesn’t get the fever.”
“That isn’t the answer I hoped for. She cannot die. She hasn’t my permission to do so. Tell her that, too.”
“Mayhap prayers are in order. I’ll relay all, rest assured.”
“God almighty.” Rhyder set his forehead in his palms and sighed woefully. His sweet wife was attacked by two men. She was struck with an arrow and stabbed. Katy had to survive, for he couldn’t bear it if she didn’t. The thought of her being hurt by his enemies enraged him. He wanted to rush forth and find whoever they were and enact his form of justice.
But more important than seeking vengeance, Rhyder wanted to ensure Katy recovered. He needed to tell her the truth about Shrisy and how much he cared for her. Rhyder wanted more than ever to give her his heart. And he would if she lived.
Chapter TWENTY
Katriona awoke to silence. Groggy from the medicinals Heloise insisted she take, muddled her mind, and she clutched her hand when she felt something in it. She raised her hand and studied the amethyst Rhyder had given her so long ago. She’d almost forgotten about it but recalled her tossing it back to him when she fled after he’d teased her. Such a memory to hold on to, but she’d never forgotten his gift.
She looked about the small chamber and her gaze shot to Rhyder. His head settled on the bed beside her. She set the pendant on the cover and reached to touch his hair. His wavy locks soft between her fingers.
Rhyder lifted his head and peered at her. Great sadness lurked in his gaze. She detested the sentiment. It wasn’t the regard she’d ever wanted to see in his eyes. If only the Gods hadn’t abandoned her for she could gain insight into his emotions. Her aura remained silent. Yet there was no mistaking the distress in his gaze.
“Sweet lass.” He leaned forward and gently kissed her lips.
“You stayed.” She thought he’d leave when she refused to see him. Even the amethyst did little to change her mind. She thought he placated her and would tell her he no longer desired her. Even as the nonsensical thought came to her, she realized he had to care even if a little to come all the way to Wulfar’s land.
“I will not leave without you.” His voice stern and yet touched with a heavy sadness.
She tried to unwrap herself from the tightly bound covering her lower half. “Unbind me, please. I wish to move my body and legs.”
“Heloise said—”
She practically growled in her frustration to free herself. “I care not what she said. Please, I promise to be careful and not undo her care. I need to move and can’t get the cover from beneath me.”
Rhyder stood and gently tugged the cover surrounding her. When he finished, he shook the cover and set it loosely over her.
She flexed her toes and groaned at the relief of being able to move. Her shoulder wound itched from healing, but she could resist the urge to scratch. The wound didn’t pain her. Her leg hurt with even the slightest movement and so she refrained from doing so.
Katriona grabbed Rhyder’s hand. He retook his seat by the bed and watched her silently.
“I caused you much grief and understand why you wanted me gone.” She vowed she wouldn’t weep in his presence and was about to cry like a babe. “I had to leave because I couldn’t stand the thought of hearing you speak the words.”
He tightened his hold on her hand. “You mistook the situation entirely. When I asked you to ready to leave, I wanted to surprise you with our new home. The building where the man fell…that day when you collapsed… They were building our home. I’d had my soldiers construct a smaller home where we would have more privacy.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? You said I’d leave in the morn. I thought you were displeased that I caused trouble betwixt you and your followers. There is verity in their claims.” As much as she wanted to keep her gift from him, she had to tell him the truth.
It was time he knew, and besides, now that the awen left her, there was no reason to withhold the truth. “I can sense people’s emotions when I touch them and sometimes if someone is hurt near me, I sense their pain. I sometimes get visions which foretell happenings that have yet to…happen. And now my awen is gone. Olor told me that if I repudiated my gift, it would leave me.”
He pressed his warm hand on her cheek and kissed her. “I am aware, sweet lass, what you are. You don’t have to tell me if it bothers you. You’re distressed and I won’t have it.”
She took a reassuring breath. “I’m distressed because I’ve always had my gift ever since I was wee and now it has left me. It’s just…I’ve always kept my gift to myself and only those closest to me know of it.”
“Am I not one of your closest?”
“Do you want to be?” Why had she asked such a foolish question?
Rhyder sat back and stared at her. After a moment of unnerving silence, he pressed his hands over his face. “You’re my wife and of course I want to be. You should be able to tell me anything, even something as weighty as your gift.”
“Even if that something goes against your beliefs and against what your followers believe?”
Heloise entered the chamber with her arms weighed down with covers.
Rhyder turned hastily toward her. “Give us a moment.”
Her sister glanced at her and she nodded before Heloise stepped back through the doorway.
Rhyder continued to clasp her hand. “I’m gladdened you have beliefs and they cannot go against mine because I ceased devotion to any God long ago.” She wanted to ask why but he held up his other hand. “I was abandoned by my God and lost faith when my parents were killed. Mayhap one day I will regain my devotion. Nothing will come between us. Not your worship of your Gods, my follower’s deity, not your gift…nothing. When you left me, sweet lass, all ceased being important. I thought I lost you forever…”
A smile twitched at her lips until she remembered a most distressing fact. “There is something that may affect that sentiment. You were wed to me, but I am nothing but a standby. My father had intended Heloise for you, but she fled and married Wulfar. If you would rather not be wed to me you have a right to undo the vows—”