Gavin lifted her from the tub and lay her on a bed of fragrant leaves. Sunlight filtered through the trees overhead and danced off the beads of water on their naked bodies. His smoldering gaze warmed and dried her flesh, and hers did the same for him. He joined her, and their hands and lips began to work lovingly and urgently on each other.
Gavin moved atop her, and her welcoming thighs invited him to possess her. Their eyes met and they smiled, then the dream faded in Alysa’s mind in her castle bed… and in Gavin’s mind on his sleeping mat in the forest not far away…
Seven
On hearing the bard had taken violently ill during the night, Earnon, Isobail’s sorcerer, went to Guinn’s room to check on him. He asked the bard questions and examined him, and was alarmed by his findings. “What did you eat and drink, Guinn? When and where?” he asked. “And leave no morsel or drop untold,” the sorcerer demanded sternly.
“Soup and wine in the kitchen last evening,” the poet replied in writhing agony. “Leitis was angry with me for taking those she had prepared for herself and left on the table, but I told her to fetch herself others. I missed the noon meal, so I was ravenous and could not wait.” Guinn cradled his raging belly and groaned in pain. His fair complexion waxed ashen and beads of sweat glistened on his face. “An hour or so after I ate, I was feeling terrible and wanted to go to bed, but his Highness commanded me to sing him to sleep. I obeyed, but my throat became dry and then felt encased in flames. The prince was feeling strong and he wanted more music and singing, even though I told him I was ill. When he was not looking, I sneaked a drink of the wine near his bed. Before the night was half gone, I was hot and cold, and my innards were screaming for release. Perhaps I went too near Prince Alric and he shared his illness with me. Help me, Earnon, do not let me waste away as he is,” the bard pleaded.
Earnon handed Guinn the drink he had prepared in case his suspicions proved correct, which they had. Somehow Guinn had ingested the drugged food meant for Prince Alric. Alric had been given small amounts for months and his body was accustomed to the mild poison, but Guinn’s was not. Earnon resolved to discover how this mistake had been made and to be assured it would never be repeated, as it could expose them all. “Drink this healing potion, Guinn. Remain in bed, and take this second potion before your next meal. Drink no wine for several weeks. It is only a bout of gripans, but wine intensified the pain, and it can make it return even after you heal. Drink ale instead.” Earnon hoped that his warning would keep the bard away from Alric’s wine in the future.
Earnon then questioned the servant who was supposed to be utterly loyal to Isobail. The apprehensive man swore he had prepared the food and drink himself and taken it to Prince Alric, but in the evening instead of at noon. The servant explained that due to the birth of his son he had been called away from the castle during the morning and had not returned until late afternoon. Guinn had confessed to sneaking Alric’s wine, but neither man could surmise how the bard had gotten the soup meant for Alric.
The servant swore he had added Earnon’s herbs to the bowl of soup. He said he had retrieved the empty containers later, so Alric must have consumed them. Yet the prince did look much improved…
Earnon accepted the man’s explanation but cautioned him against another lapse. The sorcerer knew why Alric was feeling better; for almost two days the prince had escaped his doses of poison. Earnon grinned satanically, and thought, Weakling of a ruler, you will be in torment again before dusk.
Earnon went to the kitchen to speak with Leitis. He was satisfied no trickery was involved when Leitis told him that the server who was distracted by his first son’s birth, took so long fetching the bread that she assumed the soup was chilled. She had prepared another bowl and set aside the other one to warm for herself later. While she was finishing her chores, she explained, Guinn ate it. Leitis asked Earnon if she had done something wrong, since she had fetched the soup from the same kettle…
“No, Leitis,” Earnon said, “but we must be careful with all things that go to our sick ruler. When Guinn took ill and told me he had eaten soup here in the kitchen, I had to investigate any curious matter pertaining to Alric’s food. But Guinn has nothing more than gripans, and it will soon pass. One important matter we must follow in order to protect our ruler, Leitis. If the server misses his task again, make certain no one touches Prince Alric’s food and drink except you.”
After Earnon left the kitchen, Leitis sighed heavily in relief. She had not anticipated the threat of discovery so soon, and lying to the sharp-eyed man had been difficult. Only by feigning surprise had she concealed her terror of discovery. She had realized instantly that Guinn’s reaction to the meal intended for Alric corroborated Alysa’s suspicion that her father was being poisoned. She would have to watch the servant to see where he concealed the deadly herbs, and exchange them for the healing ones Alysa had given to her. Then she would not have to worry about finding clever ways to insure that her beloved ruler did not ingest any tainted food. She would take any risk necessary to prevent his untimely death.
Leitis felt sorry for the bard, even if he was sullen at times. She prepared a goblet of warm milk and added some of the healing herbs to it. Guinn was so miserable that he was delighted with her compassion, and as he drank the soothing liquid, he related the same information to Leitis that he had told Earnon.
Alysa was sewing in her sitting chambers when Leitis came to see her. “What is wrong, dear Leitis?” she asked. “Do you hesitate with bad news?”
Leitis explained in minute detail what had taken place, including Earnon’s visit to her kitchen and her conversation with the bard. On hearing she was right, but wishing she were wrong, a bittersweet feeling filled Alysa. “How could anyone be so wicked as to plot to slay her own husband and ruler? It will become harder to guard his food, but we shall defeat them. And when Father recovers, we will tell him everything. Now that Earnon is on guard, we cannot make mistakes that might alert him to our actions. If only we knew when and how they are poisoning Father…”
In a castle the first meal of day was a light fare which was served early: bread and ale for most, plus a slice of meat or cheese for the rulers and high-ranking retainers. The main meal of the day was served from about eleven o’clock to noon; it consisted of a variety of meats, among them mutton, pork, beef, bacon, wild game, fish, and fowl, as well as fruits, berries, vegetables, and freshly baked bread, butter, and cheese. There was also ample drink—wine, ale, and milk. At dusk a small meal was eaten, unless there were guests to be entertained.
As Prince Alric’s illness had worsened, most of his meals were small and light, and usually served in his chambers. When he was at his weakest, he was compelled to remain in bed and accept his server’s assistance, which usually occurred after the noon meal…
Now Alysa’s eyes widened in comprehension. “When Father first took ill, Isobail was always with him at the midday meal. Even now that her trusted servant has taken over his care, Father is always sickest during the afternoon. By dusk he is so weak that he nearly passes out until noon the next day. No doubt the dose is given to him at noon. You must concentrate on swapping the main meal. Once—” Alysa halted and frowned. “My reasoning cannot be right; Guinn received the poison at the evening repast. Oh, Leitis, I thought I had solved our mystery.”
“You have,” Leitis said excitedly. After she explained how she had served Alric his noon meal yesterday because the servant had been called away, it made perfect sense to them, especially when Leitis revealed how nervous the man had been about missing the midday meal but not the dawn or dusk meals. “I know you are right, Alysa. When I asked him moments ago if he wanted me to serve the prince at noon while he tended his wife and child, he immediately refused. Do not worry; I will find a way to thwart him again today, and I will watch him to discover where he hides the poison:”
“I shall be grateful forever, dear Leitis,” Alysa exclaimed, and hugged the woman. “But you must take no unnecessary risks. I could not
bear it if you were harmed for helping me.”
“If I am exposed, pretend you know nothing of my deeds,” Leitis commanded. “If you come to my defense, it will put them on guard against you, then you could not save our ruler after I am gone.”
Tears blurred Alysa’s eyes as she realized that Leitis was willing to sacrifice her life to save her father. She embraced her once more before the servant left.
Alysa paced her chamber anxiously, for she had grasped another fact that she knew she must handle herself. She recalled how her father had reacted violently after drinking wine that night she had visited him, and recalled what Leitis had said about Guinn sneaking sips of her father’s wine last night. While the midday meal had to be the main source of poison, the ever-present goblet of wine also had to be laced with it. Somehow she would summon the courage to use the secret passage to exchange the wine in her father’s room.
There was another whose intrigue had been seized by Guinn’s illness: Kyra. While boldly visiting the handsome bard in his chamber, Guinn again related all that had happened to him. Kyra was pleased with her cleverness when she enticed the guard to reveal that Prince Alric seemed slightly improved today. She needed to ask questions about such things, and knew Earnon was not the one to approach. The woods witch would know such things, she decided. Yes, she must visit that old woman and buy some information, and perhaps a potion or two.
“Are you sure you want to go riding with Kyra?” Thisbe asked her mistress as she helped Alysa change her clothes.
Alysa frowned and shook her head. “No, but yesterday I promised I would go with her. She is dangling friendship before me, and I must discover why. I know she is up to some mischief, and this is the only way to seek answers. A truce with her might provide them.”
Alysa was surprised but relieved to learn Kyra had just ridden off by herself. Obviously her stepsister was not afraid of the fierce bandits who roamed the countryside and had attacked nearby only the day before. She decided to follow and observe her stepsister.
Alysa was shocked to discover that Kyra had gone to Giselde’s hut. She remained hidden, watching for her stepsister to leave so she could discover what she was doing there.
Meanwhile, inside the hut, Giselde disguised her voice and manner, as she usually did with Kyra, asking in a shrill tone, “Why came ye ‘ere, girl? Who tol’ ye where tae fin’ me?”
Kyra eyed the hunched figure with wild hair and the scowling face which could terrify a child. She stared at her gnarled and dirtied hands and her torn dress. The old woman’s skin was wrinkled, and her distorted expression implied her sight was bad. “I have been here before,” Kyra replied. “Have you forgotten me? Has your mind faded like your dress?”
Giselde dramatically shrugged and snorted. “Tae many come ‘n’ go tae bother with names er faces. What be yere needs?”
Kyra asked, “Tell me how I would know if someone is trying to poison another slowly and secretly. I will pay you well for such facts.”
Giselde squinted and looked the girl over intently, “Ye be tae pretty an’ colorful tae be gittin’ pazzin.”
“Not me, old woman… a friend of mine. How would I know?”
Giselde decided to be honest about the effects of poison to see how Kyra would react. She watched the astonishment, then pleasure wash over her face, and realized that Kyra had guessed the truth and was trying to decide how to use her newly found secret. “If it be pazzin, all ye kin do is git it away from ‘im. I got nae potion tae kill pazzin. I kin sell ye ae curse on ye foe, or ae amulet tae protect yeself,” she suggested.
“Yes,” Kyra replied, “make me an amulet of protection.”
Giselde took a dried rose from a basket on her work bench. She held it between her cupped hands and chanted, “Keep safe from ‘arm tha one who ‘olds this charm; if ae soul sends ‘er pain, make ‘im melt in tha rain.” She handed the flower to Kyra and warned, “Keep it in ye pocket dae an’ nite. Tae save ye friend, ye must do as I sae, zackly as I sae. Magic is dangerous, girl, but mistakes er worse; stray not from my words er ye kin be harmed. Steal ae possession of ye foe, wrap it in henbane, burn it tae ashes, an’ bury them near ae well. If nae one disturbs tha magic grave, ye friend will not die. If tha grave be disturbed, ye friend will enter ‘is.”
“You said I had to remove the poison to save him,” Kyra reminded her.
“Tha spell cannae heal ‘im, only keep ‘im alive. Tae heal ‘im, ye must allow nae pazzin tae cross ‘is lips. Listen closely, girl,” Giselde chided harshly. “If Black Magic comes back on ye, ye kin die.”
“How can I destroy this enemy?” Kyra asked unexpectedly. She held out several coins and an expensive jewel. “Give me a spell or potion to kill h—him, and these are yours, old witch.”
Giselde was glad she was able to conceal her shock at Kyra’s real intention for coming. Joy flooded her entire body and soul. What sweet revenge to have Isobail slain by the hand of her own child! Yet she read indecision in the girl’s eyes.
Giselde fetched several items and turned to Kyra. “If ye be brave an’ sure, girl, I kin teach ye tha killin’ spell.” She waited for Kyra to respond eagerly before she continued, “Pull ae piece of yarn from ae garment still warm after ye foe’s wearin’. Prick tha ring finger of ye left hand an’ catch ae tipple of blood. Pour ye blood into this liquid an’ shake it good before ye soak tha yarn in it. As ye chant, tie ae knot in tha yarn for each dae ye foe tae have left. On tha last dae, wash tha bloody yarn in ae goblet of wine an’ let yere foe drink it. Afore tha new morn comes, ye enemy will die, an’ nae one will guess tha truth. I cannae tell ye what will happen if ye speak tha chant wrong er dinna carry out tha castin’ spell just as I teach ye.”
“Teach me the casting chant, old woman,” Kyra ordered. Giselde swayed and murmured:
“Acumla me Ra, when this curse is begun,
Acumla me Ra, grant me power till it is done.
Acumla me Ra, knots of weakness and of hate.
Acumla me Ra, let death be their fate.
Acumla me Ra, let no one change my spell.
Acumla me Ra, Acumla me Ra.”
Kyra asked, “What if I change my mind after I speak the chant?”
“Ya can change your mind till tha last dae,” Giselde replied, slipping back into dialect without Kyra noticing. “Oncest ye mix tha wine, blood, an’ potion an’ give it tae yere foe, ye cannae halt tha spell. After it is done, all that was yere foe’s will belong tae ye,” Giselde said temptingly, knowing it would be the poison, not the spell, which would slay Isobail, if Kyra possessed the hatred and courage to use it. “Ye best do it quickly, girl. When ye hates deep, it gives off forces which ye foe kin feel. If ye wait long, ye foe will defeat ye first.”
Kyra took the items from Giselde’s hand and repeated the chant twice to make certain she knew it word for word. She asked the woman a few more questions, paid her generously, then left. With the rose amulet in her possession, Earnon and her mother could not dupe her to do their bidding. As to saving Alric, she would have to consider that good deed a while longer. Her next task was to convince Earnon to teach her all he could about his skills, no matter what she had to do for the sorcerer in payment. Whatever happened, she had the means to rid herself of one enemy…
Alysa waited for ten minutes after Kyra’s departure before approaching Giselde’s hut. When she entered, Giselde looked at her and sighed heavily in displeasure. “Do not scold me, Granmannie. I was following Kyra and she led me here. What did she want? Does she know who you are?”
Giselde warned, “It is dangerous to trail her or her mother, Alysa. If you are seen, they will know you suspect them of evil. I fear you are going to defeat us with your blind intrusions.” Despite the hurt look on Alysa’s face, Giselde did not apologize or soften her words. “Kyra came to see the witch, not Giselde,” she disclosed, then related the girl’s visit, except for her teaching of the “Acumla me Ra” chant.
“Why would you help her, Granmannie? You know Kyra was speak
ing about my father. Do you think she will try to help him?”
“The burying spell and rose amulet are harmless tricks to fool her. I would never help Isobail’s daughter hurt those we love. She suspects her mother’s black deed, but I do not think she would thwart it. Why did you not listen at the back door?”
“I feared it would creak and warn her of my presence. You were right to warn me not to come here at this dangerous time. I shall obey you now.”
“Is your father better today?” Giselde inquired.
“I do not know, but others say he is. I thought it best to wait a few days before I try to see him again.” Alysa told Giselde what had happened to the court bard and what plans she and Leitis had made.
Giselde worried over Alric’s returning health. If Leitis was swapping the drugs, Alric should remain abed. How, she fretted, could he be getting better? “I know you wish to help your father, Alysa, but is it right to endanger your life and those of your loyal servants to do so? Do you realize what Isobail could do to you and to them?”
Alysa’s expression revealed that Giselde’s words had struck home. “Do not worry, Granmannie. After Leitis exchanges the poison for your healing herbs, she will take no more risks. I did not tell her I also suspect Father’s wine is being drugged. I will use the secret passage to swap the wine jugs each day. As soon as he is stronger and realizes what has been happening, he will put a stop to it. We only need a few days and it will be over.”
Giselde knew about the secret passage from her daughter Catriona, but she had not given it thought since leaving Malvern Castle. Later she would think about the secret passage and its possible use. “What if you carry out your plans and Alric does not get well?”
“If they are poisoning him and we stop it, he must recover.”
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