Lady Thief

by Wend Petzler

  Crying out at the suddenness of his hot flesh driving inside her, Eiry dug her nails into his back at the pain of his invasion. Mentally brushing aside his own pain, he paused, allowing her to become accustomed to his presence inside her. Surprised, he felt her hips urging him to move and so he did. Drawing almost to the point of separating, he drove deep inside her hot silkiness, aching for more. Groaning at the incredible feel of her hot, wet tightness surrounding him, holding him hostage, he thrust his hips, driving them both insane as he swept them along to heaven.

  "Oh, God! Please Lucian, harder,” Eiry gasped out desperately, bucking her hips, needing him to end the infinite aching, throbbing she suffered.

  Grinning at the wildness of the nymph in his arms, Lucian complied, cupping her buttocks with both hands, ramming deep inside her, letting himself go, sharing his soul and body with Eiry. She gave a startled cry, her silken muscles clenched him tight as she climaxed, holding him captive. He gave a short, hoarse shout in triumph, pumping his hips, emptying his hot seed deep in her tight womb. His hips slowed, moving in smaller increments. The pleasure of being entwined with this vibrant creature overwhelmed him. At last, they lay breathing heavily, arms and legs entwined, the sun shone warmly on their sweaty bodies. When he raised his head, he looked deep into soft, dove-gray eyes wide with amazement. Eiry stared at him, dazed.

  Touching his sweaty brow tenderly with trembling fingers, she fitted her hand to cup his cheek, feeling the rough stubble of day old whiskers against her palm. “Is this what everyone experiences or is it unique for us?” In awe of the incredible feeling of Lucian inside her, still a formidable presence, her eyes searched his.

  Amazed as well by what they shared, Lucian froze. What should he tell her? To be honest, he had never experienced such an earth-shattering explosion with any other woman than he did with Eiry Savoy. Gazing into her shining eyes, Lucian felt whole again. Her lovely face was so innocent, her long brown hair spread about her shoulder, curling around their entwined bodies. Eiry was a woman unlike any other he'd ever met.

  There had to be a way to fix the mess Eiry was in. Could he leave England forever, never to return except as a traitor? If he abandoned his oath to Richard, would King Phillip accept him and the small force of men at his command? At age eighteen, he gave his allegiance to Phillip when he won his spurs. Does his oath remain legal if he were to come home and take the title of Duke? Reasoning kicked in. He was not the only one to leave Richard. Phillip, too, had abandoned the Crusades, returning home without offering any more help or finance to Richard, his own cousin.

  Troubled by his continued silence, she squirmed underneath him. “Eiry,” his voice was rough with emotion as he gazed down at her. “We need to go back to the castle."

  Eiry stilled at his words. What did she expect? Him to declare his undying love for her? He rose and grabbed his hose and donned the garment. Sighing, Lucian watched as she winced, her sore body protesting as she got up. Shaking off the leaves from her dress, she dressed quickly. Before he could ask her if she was well, Eiry ran from him to the castle.

  He stared after her with regret in his heart. He should have said something nice to her. Deciding he needed to take a walk to clear his thoughts, Lucian slipped his tunic over his head. Dusting leaves off, he pondered what to do with a woman like Eiry Savoy, and what lengths was he willing to go in helping her, and her people.

  * * * *

  Eiry ran to her chambers and locked the door. Undressing, she sponged off, washing Lucian's sweat and the reminder of what they'd shared away. Never in her whole life had she thought making love with a man could be so exhilarating. What he had done to her body left shivers of delight coursing through her at what enchantment he caused with just the use of his tongue.

  Lord, Eiry thought miserably, why did he not say something nice to me? Had she displease him in some way? Perhaps that was what was wrong with Lucian. Horrified, Eiry realized her inexperience must be the reason why he was so quiet. Unable to stop, she started to cry, hurt and depressed by not being woman enough to make Lucian happy.

  * * * *

  Several hours later, Lucian returned to the castle, still unsure what he was going to do. Checking in with his men, he made sure they were as comfortable as could be expected under the circumstances. Seeing to the castle's defenses, he spent the better part of the afternoon with his men, organizing the wagons of families coming in for protection and setting up tents when the buildings were full. When the hour of supper approached, he entered the great hall, seeking to clean up. Not really looking where he was going, he heard a little girl's voice squeak in protest. Lilia rocked back on her heels, her thin arms flaying to keep her balance. Catching the child, he easily lifted her in his arms.

  "Lilia, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.” The child refused to look at him. “Lilia, what is wrong?"

  "Supper is almost ready. The other women made it because Anne is still upset over Allen being arrested. Everyone is frightened by what happened today.” Lilia wrapped her thin arms around his sturdy neck, burying her face into his hair.

  Patting Lilia's narrow back, he tried to reassure the child. “Do not worry. You are safe."

  Lilia sobbed and soon was hiccupping as she tried to tell Lucian about her fears. “Please ... please be careful. I love you, Lucian. I don't want ... you to get hurt. They ... will come for you in the dark, just like they did Mama and Da!” Her mind replayed what she'd overheard happened to her parents and she shook, unable to stop the image of Lucian and Eiry dead, blood covering them

  Alarmed at Lilia's outburst, Lucian gently urged her to look at him. Her sweet features were flushed as he tucked a damp curl behind her ear. “Lilia, I promise nothing like that will happen to me. Eiry and I have decided to take you somewhere safe where you can live without being afraid anymore. What do you think?” He knew the instant he said those binding words, he had his answer of where his allegiances lay—Eiry and Lilia.

  Relief shone on her sweet features. “I would like to be somewhere where we can be a family, and Eiry won't have to leave me to do bad things anymore."

  Lucian couldn't agree more. “Eiry won't be doing anything bad ever again. I am determined to make an honest woman out of her. Now, since dinner is being placed on the tables, we shall eat.” He sat the child on her feet and reached for her tiny hand. Smiling at the way she trustingly took his, she walked with him over to the long tables where his men were mingling with the peasants, trying to alleviate their fears.

  So many people, he thought in amazement, all seeking his help.

  He found Eiry helping with the platters. She refused to look at him, giving him the cold shoulder. Bemused by her behavior, Lucian took his seat at the head of the table. The servants and his knights were quiet, all shocked by what happened today. Lucian sat, observing the wary faces of his people. His people. In a flash, Lucian was faced with the truth; he could never leave the innocent behind. He must find a way to help them.

  Folding his big hands in prayer, Lucian smiled at Lilia's widening eyes. His heart warmed considerably as Eiry's soft lips parted with surprise. Tonight, he would lead the supper prayer, feeling God's warm presence in the eyes of the sweet child by his side and the woman he was falling in love with.

  In thinking those binding words of love, Lucian Martine, the Butcher of Acre, realized he was not evil, but a very determined man.

  "Today,” he began, “we were dealt a harsh blow. I promise you, we will prevail.” “Our prayer goes out to friends and loved ones not with us. May they be kept safe until we can rescue them and bring them home. God, grant us the wisdom to outsmart our enemy, and the strength to cut them down!” Lucian was going to war, one he knew was justified and morally right.

  Amen's resounded around the table. Derrick nodded his approval, agreeing with Lucian's decision to help these people. Filled plates were passed to those sitting on the stone floor and to those who chose to take their dinner outside. When all had finished eating, he watched the
women quickly clear the tables and disappear into the kitchen.

  Lucian motioned for Anne to come to him. In a low tone, he spoke to the worn out woman. “Anne, I want you and your children to sleep in my chambers tonight. Please keep a close eye on Lilia while Eiry and I are gone."

  Surprised by his generosity, Anne snuffled, trying not to cry again. “Thank-you, my lord, I am grateful for your kindness. I shall inform Eiry of your plans."

  He smiled as the young woman dashed off to the kitchen. Derrick attracted his attention, needing to speak with him.

  "Lucian, we have even more peasants coming in. Our men are assisting them in making camp in the courtyard. It appears they feel safer with the Butcher than the Prince of England,” he grimly noted.

  Scowling, Lucian decided it time to set a plan in motion. “Derrick, we need to talk. George, I want you to come along, too.” He led the way outside, halting in alarm. Derrick wasn't jesting; the number of people in the courtyard had tripled since supper.

  "Damn!"

  "I believe they were waiting for dark to come to us. Lucian, what are we going to do?” To Derrick's surprise, Lucian Martine did something totally out of character—he offered a very reckless grin.

  "What think you about living in Normandy once again?"

  Derrick was the first to speak. “It's about time we went home! What of these people?” His arm swept to include the peasants who were putting up tents and building small fires against the chill.

  "Eiry and I will ride later this eve to speak with a man who might be able to offer us some help.” Lucian faced the younger knight. “George, what say you? Do you wish to go home with us or return to London and seek a new lord to serve?"

  For a moment, George appeared to be undecided. “My lord, I would considered it an honor to continue in your service. I know our men feel the same."

  Taking a good look around him, Lucian noticed the majority of his men were set on the walls, fully armed and ready to protect the people within the courtyard. He knew he'd ordered them to be alert, but for them to take their duty one more step was heartwarming. “George, inquire of our men who want to come with us or would rather stay behind in England. Remind them of the great possibility we might be declared traitors by Prince John. I want only those who truly understand the direness of our situation and willing to take the risk getting these people to safety."

  Derrick knew it would be hard for Lucian to hear, but he had to share what their men felt. “After what happened at Acre, many of our men felt to continue serving Richard any longer might cost them their eternal souls. I will go with George and ask who will come."

  "Derrick, if something should go wrong for me, I want you to take the gold and go to Normandy. Get the hell out of England. If I am arrested, it means we are all dead men,” Lucian warned before walking away.

  * * * *

  Stunned by what Lucian had done for Anne, Eiry could not help feel warmed by his kind consideration for her friend and her children. Lilia and Anne's little girls were tucked under the heavy quilts, and it was not long until they were all fast asleep. Anne wrapped a blanket around her thin shoulders and curled up in the chair by the fire, keeping watch over them.

  Eiry went into her own chambers and donned her dark clothes to blend with the night. Looking out her window, Eiry was surprised to see so many tents erected in the courtyard with people sitting around campfires, warming themselves. The half moon was nearing its zenith. Quickly braiding her long hair, she tucked it inside a large woolen cap and covered her head. She was on her knees, reaching under the cot when Lucian opened the door to her chamber.

  His mouth dropped open when he saw the finely crafted bow in her sure grip, startled by the way she gracefully slipped the leather case of arrows between her shoulder blades. Lucian stared in amazement, which quickly turned to consternation at being lied to. Again.

  "I assume you are ready?” he asked brusquely. He made to leave, only to halt when she shook her head and climbed out the window. Before Lucian could form a protest, she disappeared into the darkness.

  Swearing, he flew to the window in time to see Eiry drop to the ground. In a swish of her dark cloak, she disappeared around the corner of the castle.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Thirteen

  Fastening the sword belt around his chest, the scabbard resting between his shoulder blades, Lucian went after her. Scaling down the wall proved difficult wearing chain mail under his black, leather tunic and a heavy cloak to boot. How the hell did the girl shimmy down the wall so quickly?

  He dropped to the ground, scanning the busy courtyard before heading toward the back wall like Eiry had. He went to the back wall and found a wooden door left open. Passing through it, he closed it before making his way along the orchard until he found her sitting on her horse. Tom waited beside her, mounted on a dark horse, holding Samson's reins. Taking the reins from the burly man, Lucian swung up on his stallion and followed the silent pair into the Peake Forest.

  Thick, mammoth sized trees rose before them with menace intent, their torso-size branches reaching for the midnight sky. The wind had blown most their leaves off, shaping the trees into skeletal misshapes swaying to and fro. They rode in silence for the better part of an hour, senses on alert for any sign of the Sheriff's men. The further they rode into the forest the more the fine hairs on Lucian's neck rose in alarm. Suddenly, his warhorse snorted a warning. Shadows dropped from the tall trees all around them. The stallion rose on his back legs, challenging the men holding deadly looking arrows aimed at his rider and not at their companions.

  "Eiry, what is going on here?” Lucian demanded as she urged her horse closer to his, using her body as a shield against the newcomers.

  "Martine is my friend. We must speak with Robin of what's happened today.” Eiry spoke to the giant of a man with a shaggy beard and head to match.

  The giant stepped closer, holding his wood staff ready for trouble. “Friar Tuck said you'd be heading our way. Come, we'll take you to your people. By the way, your instincts saved yer people from a raid down in the caves where their lair was. We'd heard the sheriff was quite miffed at not finding them. Ye got a good head on yer shoulders, Lady Eiry."

  Lucian also noted the odd way Eiry was acting. He agreed with the man who was disturbingly bigger than him. “He's right, you know. You did the best you could. By the way, do you know who I am?” He arched an eyebrow at the giant whose grin broadened at his boldness.

  "The Butcher of Acre. Aye, I've heard of ye, my lord. I am Little John, a most unusual nickname, but in our trade of ill repute, we all have had to lose our last names until it's safe to go back to what once we were.” The sadness in the huge man's deep, baritone voice made Lucian realize how much these people had truly lost.

  "Who leads you?” Lucian asked.

  A man's voice, full of humor, answered from behind Lucian. “I am Robin of Loxley, or as mere men have grown fond of calling me—Robin Hood."

  Looking askance at the newcomer, he recognized him when a torch was brought closer for him to better see them. “Loxley? I heard you were held prisoner in Jerusalem. You were released?"

  "Hell no! What you did in Acre made the Saracens careless, and I was able to escape,” Robin answered cheerfully.

  "Why are you an outlaw? You come from a noble family."

  "When I arrived home, I found my family's castle burned out, and my father murdered in the name of Prince John's so-called justice. My lands were seized by the new Sheriff of Nottingham due to my so-called treasonous act."

  "What act of treason did you commit?"

  "I called him a murderous bastard, a vile rapist, and a coward. Also, I accidentally killed his representative. Damn poor shot on my end, I was actually aiming for the sheriff. Oh well. For my efforts, a sentence of death was placed upon my head. Hence, I took up the hood of an outlaw as did our dear Lady Thief.” His sharp eyes skimmed over to Eiry who refused to meet Lucian's astonished, though accusing, glare.r />
  Robin grinned broadly at Eiry's obvious discomfort. “I see. Tis’ appears you were unaware of Lady Eiry's short, illustrious career. If it is of any consolation, Eiry bade me take her men into my merry band of thieves because she is retiring. I see you are the reason she wants to make a drastic change in her life.” He winked at her, smiling at Eiry's consternation and the surprised look on Lucian's stony features.

  "Really? I am glad for one less worry, especially with Prince John at Peveril Castle. We need to make arrangements."

  "What kind of arrangements?” Robin asked.

  "Lucian is returning to Normandy,” Eiry supplied, searching the dark woods as they continued along the forbidding forest.

  Surprised, Robin halted in his tracks. “What will you do? You canna not hold Sanctuary by yourself!"

  Lucian answered before she could form a response. “I am willing to take those who wish to start over in Normandy. I own a ship currently docked in London and if need be, I can arrange for more. Once I have a number, I'll send riders to bring the ships to Metcalf, a sea village three hours from here. While my men ride to London, we'll organize and rescue those arrested today. Robin, will you stay or leave us?” Lucian asked.

  Robin looked at Eiry who as surprised as he at Lucian's plan. Little John appeared to be holding his breath as he waited for Robin's response, too.

  "Lucian, you have my many thanks for including me. I, however, must decline your offer. My place is here with my people. Besides, I imagine it be dull in Normandy without having Prince John to torment. I do think it a wise plan to get Eiry out of the country. The sheriff desires her and will stop at nothing to obtain her when he is made aware she is the Lady Thief he seeks. And we both know it's just a matter of hours before Louie spouts off who she is."

  Lucian's frown intensified. “Why would Louie betray her?"

  Eiry answered, “Louie has betrayed us because of his jealousy and greed. He was the one responsible for giving the names of our fellow outlaws over to Lord Robert."