by Morgan Henry
Within a few steps he was in front of her, wrapping his arms around her, surrounding her with his strength and warmth. He smelled of leather and horse, and for some reason Aenid found this comforting. She couldn’t help herself and she started to sob. It was such a relief to see a friend, someone she could trust to help her, that the stress, terror, and pain of the last week burst out of her. It felt frighteningly good to be in his arms. She felt safe for the first time since Bruson appeared at Clawynd. She also felt the stirrings of something else, a deeper feeling than relief or safety, perhaps even deeper than affection.
“God and goddess, Aenid! What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?” The questions burst out of Merrin as he held her and stroked her hair through the kerchief.
She struggled to get her breath and to stop crying. It took a few moments, but Merrin sensed her effort and gave her the time she needed. Aenid didn’t see the gesture he made to the king that pleaded for a little patience.
As she began to breathe more normally, Merrin gently tipped her head up to look at him. “Tell me,” he said gently.
“Bruson took me. I didn’t want to leave, but he forced me. He kept me in the tower, put a collar on me. Turok helped me escape, but I thought you were Bruson’s men.” Aenid could barely get out the few sentences to explain her presence on the road.
Merrin frowned. “You were imprisoned?” Aenid nodded. “And he put a collar on you? What do you mean?”
“It’s from Torquin. It makes you obey…” she trailed off, shivering and barely able to keep from crying again at the memory of the hated thing.
Merrin exchanged glances with the king. Aenid suddenly recognized her liege and was horrified that she hadn’t greeted him properly. She struggled out of Merrin’s hold and began to curtsey.
The king stepped forward and grasped her arm gently, guiding her back into Merrin’s arms. “No need for that right now, Baroness,” he said gently. “We can do proper greetings later.” He nodded at her and turned to Merrin. “Let’s get out of this pass and find somewhere to camp for the night.”
From the comfort of Merrin’s arms Aenid spoke up. “It’s at least a half an hour walk to the end where I came from.”
“It’s shorter to go back then, Sire, and there’s a forest where we can hide, with a stream to water the horses,” Merrin suggested to the king.
“Yes,” agreed the king and he strode back to the rest of the men to inform them plans had changed slightly.
Merrin looked down at Aenid. “This wasn’t quite how I was planning on seeing you again, but I’m glad I was here. The god and goddess must be watching out for you.”
“I’m certainly blessed that you found me before the duke did.” Aenid shivered.
Merrin kissed the top of her head and led her over to his horse. He mounted the warhorse, his favorite, a large beautiful black with powerful muscles and big enough to carry Merrin’s large frame and all his armor with ease. He pulled Aenid up behind him. “It’s not a long ride back. Are you all right there for a short trip?”
He heard her agreement and they set off with the rest of the party, quickly arriving at a somewhat-hidden area to set up camp. Micha started a fire immediately and Merrin settled Aenid in front of it. He admonished her not to move while he checked over the men and helped with camp. She was cool enough in the shaded forest that staying beside the warm fire appealed to her. Within a few minutes, Micha appeared with a kettle and started to heat water for coffee. He handed her a small piece of bread and cheese to consume while waiting for dinner.
She listened to the sounds of men setting up camp. There was the jingle of horse tack and the knickers and stamps of hooves as the horses were tended to. She heard the rustle of tents being pitched and the chopping of wood for fires. Throughout all of this was the murmur of deep male voices punctuated with occasional low laughter.
Merrin and the king joined her shortly after the coffee was ready. They each helped themselves to a mug, seeing that Aenid already had hers. Three other men joined them. Aenid recognized Duke Arto and Merrin introduced Count Valko and Count Falk.
“Now that you are safe,” started the king, addressing Aenid gently, “could you please tell us how you came to be on the road in Dyfal? And dressed as a commoner, at that.”
Aenid haltingly started the story of her imprisonment. Her voice grew stronger as she told her story. The men listened carefully, occasionally interrupting if they wanted clarification on some point. There was a bit of silence when she was done.
Merrin had seated himself beside Aenid and took her hand in his as she told her tale. “Well, Sire, that confirms our suspicions about Dyfal. It’s more a question now of how far he’s gone.” Merrin’s mouth was set in a hard line.
“He’s gone far enough to warrant charges for treason, kidnapping, imprisonment, and torture.” The king’s voice was cold, but held some measure of regret as well. “I’ll have to confirm his treachery myself and learn how far his plans have gotten before I can hang the man. Baroness, you know I believe you, but I must have some corroboration before I mete out final justice.” The king looked at Aenid, his eyes clearly hoping she understood.
“Of course, Your Majesty, I understand.” Aenid did understand the need for confirmation of her story. “I believe that Sir Turok may give you the evidence you need. He seemed so convinced he could not be redeemed, but I just don’t think that’s true.”
The king and Merrin looked at each other. Aenid didn’t like what seemed to pass between them.
“We’ll discuss Turok later,” the king said with some finality.
Valko spoke up for the first time. “What if there are already troops at the keep? Or coming into Kerban across the border with Clawynd? We’ll need more troops than this to defend our land if need be.”
The king ran his hand through his hair. “There’s no question about that. I propose that Merrin, Valko, and their servants head back south. You will collect as much of the army as can be raised in a day or so and head to Clawynd. That’s the most likely place Torquin would send troops across the border if they’re in collusion with Dyfal. I will continue on to Dyfal and deal with the traitor. Baroness, I wish for you to head back with Merrin and Valko and stay in Kerfaen until this business is over with. Are there any other suggestions?”
“I would rather be protecting you, Sire. That is my duty as Champion,” Merrin objected. “If Bruson is already this far gone, he will not hesitate to kill you.”
“I know, but I wish for you to command the army,” the king stated.
“Please, Sire, may I finish?” At the king’s nod, he went on, choosing his words carefully. “Bruson likely has troops at the keep already. They will slaughter a small force given the least opportunity. Bruson already is planning to overthrow you. Killing you will merely hasten his arrival to the throne. This small party was acceptable when we were scouting for information, but is not when there is a higher risk of war. We have testimony of his treachery. That’s enough to bring a larger number of troops into Dyfal. Please, Sire, we need more men.”
Valko, Falk, and Arto murmured their agreement.
Aenid spoke up. “Sire, I didn’t see troops with my own eyes, but I did hear the guards speaking of extra men when I was escaping. The risk to you is too great, My Liege.”
The king sighed. “Merrin, that’s why you’re my Champion. You’re brave enough to disagree with me, and you’re right in this instance. So then, what would you suggest, since you don’t agree with my plan?”
Chapter 9
Merrin sighed with relief that the king wasn’t going to walk into a potential slaughterhouse. It was never easy choosing to disagree with his sovereign, but at least King Graydon didn’t behead a person for speaking his mind.
“You, Falk, and Valko and just a couple of the men head back to Kerfaen to raise the army, sending a portion to help us. Arto and I head to Bridgend and Clawynd to gather a force to patrol the borders. We can check to see that they are secure
and then head north to meet you in Dyfal. The baroness can go with you and stay in Kerfaen where she will be safe.” Merrin eyed the king to see what he thought.
“Arto, Valko, Falk, what do you think?” King Graydon asked.
“I agree with Merrin,” Arto replied with a smile, “and not just because he’s my brother. It’s a solid plan that defends the borders quickly and still snares Bruson.”
Valko nodded. “We’ll keep the baroness safe so she can testify against the duke of Dyfal.”
Falk merely nodded his agreement.
“That’s settled then.” Graydon nodded, apparently satisfied with the changes.
“It most certainly is not, Sire.” Aenid spoke with vehemence.
“Oh?” Graydon’s right eyebrow raised.
Merrin felt Aenid’s hand tremble slightly. He was curious what his feisty lady had to say.
“I realize you have not heard my oath of fealty yet, Sire, but Clawynd is my holding. It is on the border with Torquin and my family has always done our duty defending Kerban. I will not allow my people to be collared and enslaved by Torquin. I will discharge my duty as Baroness and be there to summon our troops, if not directly lead them. I will not hide behind the walls of the castle in Kerfaen. I will also need to be close to testify against Bruson. I have the right to face my torturer and see him answer for his crimes.” Aenid gathered momentum as she spoke. Merrin was impressed that she would speak her mind to the king. “I will not be hidden away. If women are allowed to rule their holding in Kerban, then let me discharge my duties.”
King Graydon had listened to Aenid, watching her closely. Merrin knew his King well enough to know by the look in his eyes that the sovereign was impressed that she would stand up for herself. Merrin himself was impressed at her strength. She had been through a great deal, but she was not defeated. She had escaped, ran for her life as well as to save her homeland, and was still fighting for her holding and her people. He didn’t agree with her, though. If he had any say in the matter, she would be headed back to Kerfaen. Tied to her horse if necessary.
“You are correct on many counts, but you cannot fault me for wanting to protect the women of my kingdom.” He held up his hand as Aenid started to open her mouth. “As much as I dislike the idea of you being in Clawynd right now, I cannot deny your determination to ‘discharge you duty’ as you put it. You may go back to Clawynd, but you will allow Lord Merrin to protect you as he sees fit. You may consider his commands to be from me regarding your safety, and you will obey him. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Aenid said as she bowed her head, acknowledging his right to command her.
It was now evening. Micha and Doan had served dinner while Aenid told her story, and the group had eaten while planning.
“We all have a hard ride ahead of us tomorrow, so I suggest we head for bed,” King Graydon advised the group. “I’ll see all of you tomorrow before we part ways.” He nodded at the group, who stood as he rose and headed for his tent.
Merrin still had Aenid’s hand in his. He tugged lightly on it to get her attention.
“You must be exhausted. Let me show you to your tent,” he suggested.
Aenid looked at him gratefully. “I didn’t think you would have a spare tent.”
Merrin smiled and pulled her over to the small canvas structure. He held open the flap as she went inside and he followed her. There was a pallet of blankets already set up for her and a small oil lamp gave a soft glow to see by. They were on their knees, unable to stand in the low structure. He watched Aenid look at the bed, not sure what her expression told him.
“Where…” She paused. “Where are you sleeping?”
“I’ll be out beside the fire with Micha. Not far away, I assure you.” Merrin stroked her hand gently.
“Oh. Then this is your tent.”
Merrin looked at Aenid’s face. She was clearly not happy, but he wasn’t entirely sure why. He decided to take a chance. “You don’t wish to be alone tonight?”
Aenid was silent for a few moments. When she spoke her voice was halting and her mouth was twisted in an unhappy line. “I don’t wish to be alone and I don’t like that I am so weak as to want company.”
“You have been through a great deal and borne it all alone. I would be surprised if you didn’t want the company of another person right now. I realize I am one of the few people you have any acquaintance with here in the camp. Would you like me to stay with you?” Merrin kept his voice even and gentle.
“I can’t be”—she paused—“intimate. Not yet.”
Merrin took her hands in his and caressed her palms with his thumbs. “I’m guessing you haven’t taken a lover before.”
“I have not,” Aenid whispered, looking down at their hands.
He let go of one of her hands and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at him. “Then I would not have your first time be on the ground, in a tent, surrounded by the king’s warriors. If you allow me, when I make love to you for the first time, it will be when we are private, and safe, and much more comfortable.”
There was obvious relief on Aenid’s face at his words.
“If you want, I will stay here with you, but I won’t make love with you. Is that your wish, My Lady?” Merrin asked.
“Yes, Lord Merrin. Thank you for understanding.”
The thought of staying here with Aenid had Merrin painfully aroused. The more he knew her, the more he wanted her. She was strong and resilient, but could show him her vulnerability. She was beautiful, but not vain. Right now, she was dressed in the plainest dress yet he hadn’t heard a peep out of her about how unsuitable it was for a Baroness. He hoped she would find him worthy of her.
“Well.” He tried to lighten the mood a little. “I hope you forgive that even the amazing talents of Micha couldn’t come up with a feather bed for you. And I would like you to call me Merrin in private, My Lady.”
Aenid gave a little chuckle. “Only if you will call me Aenid. And I certainly didn’t expect to have even a tent. Last night I slept in a haystack, so this is a dramatic improvement. I won’t be picking straw out of my dress tomorrow.”
“I’ve slept in a haystack too, and blankets are a definitely better. I’ll go and get my bedroll.” He ducked out of the tent.
When he returned, Aenid had removed her boots and was sitting on her blankets. Her back was to the tent flap and she was wiggling her toes in the soft wool of the top cover. For some reason, Merrin found the sight of her bare feet very sexy.
She looked over her shoulder when he came in. A gust of cold air entered the tent with him.
“It’s getting quite cold out, Aenid,” he commented. “At the risk of sounding self-serving, I would suggest that we cuddle together under the blankets to keep you warm enough. Or is that too much for you?”
She smiled at him. How he loved to be the recipient of such a lovely expression. “No, it’s not too much. You’ve given me your word that we won’t do more and I trust you.”
He leaned over and kissed her lightly. He was so grateful she gave her trust to him. He went about spreading blankets down to pad the hard ground as she removed her dress. He tried not to watch, or drool, as he didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. She left on her chemise and crawled into the makeshift bed.
Merrin removed his boots, tunic, undershirt and trousers, but left on his underbreeches. He slipped under the blankets and gathered Aenid in his arms. She was cold so he tucked the blankets around her back and pulled her even closer to him. She snuggled into his embrace, tucked her head under his chin, and sighed.
“You’re warm,” she said, her voice muffled by his chest.
He chuckled. “You’re not. But we can fix that.” He started to rub her back with his large hand. She felt wonderful against him. Aenid was all soft curves against his hard planes. Her skin was silky. He could feel her bare arms against his chest. He couldn’t wait to have her naked under him, then he could worship that velvety skin properly.
He hardened as he thought about her body beneath him. He knew she wasn’t entirely unaffected as he could feel her nipples pebble against his chest under her chemise. As his cock enlarged and bulged outward from his body, he felt Aenid stiffen and try to pull away from him.
“Stop,” he said softly. “It’s all right. I can’t help my body’s reaction to you. You’re beautiful and feel very, very good in my arms. But I said I wouldn’t make love to you tonight and I won’t.”
She was still stiff for a few long moments, then he felt her relax again. “Thank you,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. As a healer you should know it’s not fatal.” He heard a whisper of laughter from her. “And I wouldn’t miss the chance to be next to you for anything.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now sleep. We have a long day tomorrow.”
Chapter 10
It was late on the third day when their party arrived at the manor house in Clawynd. The party had split up the morning after Aenid had encountered the king’s group. Arto, Merrin, and most of the knights headed to Clawynd and Bridgend, while the king and the rest headed for Kerfaen. They had ridden hard over the past two and a half days, pushing themselves and the horses as much as possible.
Aenid had found the travel challenging. She was not a novice horsewoman, but the long days in the saddle exhausted her. To add to the difficulty of the journey, her feelings were in turmoil as well. She was somewhat irked that both Merrin and King Graydon seemed to think she needed special consideration and protection to discharge her duties as Baroness of Clawynd. It was clearly her responsibility as the leader of Clawynd to gather her troops, check the borders, and participate in bringing Bruson to justice. Yet, Merrin’s first thought was to send her as far away as possible leaving her unable to fulfill her obligations. This was galling at the least, infuriating if she dwelt on it.