"Why are you here, Minna?” Finally, she realized he was asking the question that had probably slipped into his mind frequently. He wanted to know her past. What had brought her to the desperate act of leaving her home and family for the life of a vagabond and wanderer.
"I have never trusted the truth to another person,” she admitted. “I know naught about you.” Minna scooted backwards on his lap, her cloak falling away from his shoulders and destroying their warm haven. “How can I share such a thing?"
Adonis’ grip loosened. “You are right. You know me naught from Adam ... or Adonis, for that matter.” He grimaced at the truth of his statement. “I will not force a confidence if you do not trust me to give it."
They sat silently looking at each other.
"My name is Garret Fitz Hugh."
Minna gaped at his revelation. God's wounds! She knew that name! He had remembered his past!
"You are a knight!” she whispered in awe. “Who hurt you?"
"I have my suspicions, but until I have proof, I cannot say."
She knew she had recognized his features. The same features he shared with the man she wanted to forget. Roget Fitz Hugh, heir to the Earl of Aberle. A man whose depravity had sent her fleeing from her home and a betrothal she could not stomach, lest she die from his tender mercies. Now she knew she could not admit to him her true identity, or the fact she knew his kinsman. But what is their relationship?
"I am trusting you to keep my confession secret, Minna."
"Of course, Sir Garret,” she promised.
He raised a hand. “Please, do not address me so in company, madam."
"As you wish."
Garret looked sharply at her. Had the tone of her voice betrayed her? With a raised blond brow, he asked her, “Are you a lady, Minna?"
Blast! Her slip had given her away!
"Certainly not,” she insisted, lowering her gaze.
Nonetheless, he looked skeptical. But he let his accusation rest.
He moved to rise, grabbing Minna and assisting her to stand. She was disappointed he had not taken her up on her earlier challenge. Although Minna's frustration was acute, mayhap it was best, for she had the feeling once she gave herself to him, she could not prevent giving the confidence he'd hinted at before. Could it be she did want what other maidens craved?
Minna swallowed a lump in her throat when Garret took the time to pull her hood forward, covering her unbound hair. Obviously, he seemed to care a little about her. Either looking to her comfort or ensuring her identity remained secret.
Garret could not fill the role she longed to give him, though. He was related to a man she despised, so he could never be her husband. She would have to leave the troop as well. Once they finished the performance at Renwar Castle, she would have to find herself a place with a new band.
His expression as he looked down at her made her realize he was tempted to kiss her. If he kissed her again, she might not be able to suppress her desire to submit to him. As if he himself realized the same, he turned abruptly and began the trek back to the camp.
"Garret?” she called out before they came too close to the others.
He stopped, but did not look over his shoulders. “Aye?"
"Do you know the family at Renwar Castle?"
Silence greeted her inquiry. The muscles of his body tensed. He hesitated, but then replied, “Lord and Lady Graven, and their only daughter, Elysonde."
His tone told Minna he wanted no further questions on the subject of this family. The strange inflection in his voice revealed more than words could supply. Garret knew this family, she did not doubt. It was apparent that something about them disturbed him.
Without another word, Garret began walking again. As Minna followed more slowly in his footsteps, she felt her heart ache at the thought of never seeing him again after the Twelfth Night celebration at Renwar Castle. Of never feeling those tempting kisses again. It would be pure hell to leave him when the time came. But alas, she had no choice. Before she left him, though, she meant to find out about the connection between him and the Graven family.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 2
Minna's heart pounded in her ears. Not even the cacophony of noise from the Twelfth Night revelers filling Renwar's great hall could drown out the sound.
How could this be happening to her?
After the surveyor of ceremonies made the last announcement, cheers had erupted from the trestle tables.
She thanked God her turn at entertaining had already passed. Had that not been the case, she would certainly have balked.
"Pray, raise your goblets in a toast,” the surveyor's voice boomed. “To the betrothal of our own Lady Elysonde to the venerable and honored Lord Roget Fitz Hugh, new Earl of Aberle."
While all the guests did the surveyor's bidding, Minna stood stunned next to the raised area at the back of the hall, which was set aside for the musicians.
How could fate be so cruel as to have thrown her once again into the presence of Roget Fitz Hugh? The knowledge that she was here entertaining for his betrothal sent a shiver of revulsion streaking through her body. Thanks to the masks everyone wore, she knew she could not have recognized him. Nor he her. Thank God in His heaven for that small recompense.
Two people rose to the uproarious applause of the guests. Bile rose in her throat, her gaze riveted to the man dressed in the guise of the good knight, Saint George. Had Roget decided to take part in the festivities by joining the mummers for the fight between the good knight and the evil knight? Who was to take the part of the evil knight?
After the applause hushed and the betrothed couple regained their seats, the surveyor called out again. “To celebrate our dear lady's betrothal, we have a very special offering. Before her betrothed, who, as a lark, has graciously agreed to engage in mock combat at the end of our evening, we will first hear the trouvère, who has agreed to be the evil knight. He has written a chanson de fin’ amors dedicated to Lord Aberle and our lady."
The guests surged, clapping and obviously excited at the thought of this spectacle.
Minna's heart leapt when she turned to watch Garret, dressed as a black knight, sans helmet, make his way between the trestle tables toward the dais. Obviously, Lord Graven had allowed one of his own knights to supply Garret with everything needed for this performance. Minna knew Garret carried no such things around with the troop. He also had a partial mask covering his face, as did most of the guests.
Despite being dressed as a black knight, he made an impressive sight. He wore a black surcoat and mantle. His movements had all the confidence and assurance with which a true knight would hold himself.
His chain mail coif hid his blond hair.
A feeling of unease settled in Minna's belly. She had the strongest suspicion something was not right. Or perhaps it was just her personal experience of Roget Fitz Hugh's character causing her to feel this way. Would Roget recognize Garret? Why was Garret doing this? Unless, at the end, he planned to reveal himself to his kin?
"I do not like this,” someone next to Minna commented.
Minna tore her gaze from Garret's impressive figure to see Tebald beside her. Tebald had many personas within the troop. Not only was he a juggler, he was also a tumbler and mummer. Tebald and all the young men in the troop admired Garret and were in awe of his skill, not only as an entertainer, but also when they performed mock battles for exercise and fun.
"Why do you say such?” Minna couldn't prevent the tremor in her voice. She felt the same, but she wanted to know why Tebald might feel uneasy as well.
"When we first arrived here, Adonis instructed me to find out what I could about the celebration. Who the high ranking guests were likely to be.” Tebald craned his neck to get a glimpse of Garret, who had made his way to the front of the great hall. “When I told him about the betrothal rumors, he seemed to change. As if rage was barely beneath the surface of his feelings. I was too curious not to follow him."
&nb
sp; "Follow him where?” Had he gone to see Roget personally? Minna wanted to know everything.
"He went to speak to Galter.” Tebald had to raise his voice because of the cheers greeting Garret's arrival. “He asked for Galter to make arrangements for this very thing."
"I wonder why he's doing this?” Minna spoke more to herself than to Tebald.
When the pure, deep sound of Garret's unaccompanied voice rose, she could no longer keep her attention from him. A reverent hush fell over the great hall. Minna listened with her heart in her throat as his story unfolded. Her mind's eye could see clearly the young knight and his true love. A young woman of virtue, who returned her knight's feelings of love and devotion. Something unknown to Minna was creeping around her heart, causing a tightness she was beginning to recognize as jealousy. Knowing Garret as she had come to know him, she realized quickly that he was singing about himself.
Minna's gaze darted to the figure of Lady Elysonde. Her hand moved to her throat. She must be the lady Garret sang of, mustn't she? Garret went on to extol his vision's sweetness and beauty. Minna could not miss the sighs coming from the females in the audience. As always, he was capturing the heart of every female within hearing distance of his strong, deep voice. Hers included.
Then his song told of a secret bond. A troth pledged between the young knight and his sweetheart. With his continued song, pages and servants began to scatter and scurry back with hand-held fans for some of the female guests. One insipid young girl swooned.
Minna grimaced. Her heart fluttered as Garret's tale, which had first been sweet, turned dark. Then entered the evil character. One who coveted the young knight's accomplishments and his sweetheart. Her gaze immediately turned to Roget Fitz Hugh. Below his mask, his lips turned down, and she had no doubt that beneath his mask a dark scowl distorted his features.
Oh, sweet Christ! No one had to tell her Roget was the man Garret sang of. Garret was courting death doing such a thing here. In her heart, Minna realized Roget had probably been responsible for Garret's injuries. She had intimate knowledge of the extent Roget would go to get what he wanted.
And death would only be a trifle to him.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 3
The atmosphere in the hall changed, as did the tone of Garret's song. It was as if the whole audience was acutely attuned to Garret's feelings: love, loss, pain, and betrayal. It no longer mattered that the hall was decorated with lush and vibrantly colored tapestries and banners. Nor did it matter that courses fit for kings had come and gone. Naught seemed significant but the anger and rage emanating from the man whose strong voice reverberated within Minna's chest—as well as everyone else's, she was sure.
When Garret began to sing of his ultimate betrayal, Minna saw Roget's hand move to the hilt of his sword. She watched as Lady Elysonde leaned and whispered something into Roget's ear.
Roget held his hand for silence. “Halt you!"
Garret sang on for several verses, ignoring Roget.
Roget bolted to his feet as the last of Garret's song trailed off. “How dare you, sirrah, dedicate such a vile tale to my betrothed and myself!"
A murmur of disquiet rippled through the audience. Were they angry at Garret or Roget?
"I am aggrieved that my humble story has given such offense, Lord Aberle. That was not my intention.” Garret bowed, not to Roget, but to Lord and Lady Graven.
The stiffness of Roget's body testified that he had indeed taken grave offense to Garret's song.
"Lord Roget, I'm sure this minstrel had no intention of disrupting our celebration so,” Lord Graven told Roget firmly. “Let us be about continuing our merriment. You can give him his comeuppance in the mock battle when Saint George defeats the evil knight.” As soon as Lord Graven's voice died down, he signaled with his hand. The musicians began to play once more, and the next course began.
The contest plays were to take place after the very last course. Since she was no longer needed for the moment, Minna meant to find Garret and ask him what he thought he was doing. Turning as soon as Garret left the hall, Minna slipped out of the suddenly sweltering atmosphere. Just by his stride, she could tell Garret was angry.
There were to be too many courses to count during this special celebration, so it was likely Garret would not have to return until well after midnight. Minna was grateful she would not have to perform again, although she would have to make an appearance every now and again.
She tried not to lose track of him as he made his way through the throng of servants and serfs, all bundled in their cloaks, as they returned from wassailing one of the fruit trees in the nearby forest, a ritual done in hopes of encouraging another bountiful harvest.
Garret was moving so fast, she had to skip every now and again to try and catch up with him. By the time he disappeared into one of the tents erected in the outer bailey for the lower-status guests and performers, Minna had almost reached him.
"Garret?” she called right outside of the tent flap. Before she could even reach for the opening, Garret's hand shot out, grabbing her arm and pulling her inside.
By the look on his face, she could tell he was fuming. “Do not call me that, Minna! Not here."
"I'm sorry,” she said with a gasp. His grip was painful, causing her to bite her lip.
Garret must have realized what he was doing, because he wrenched his hand from her forearm.
Minna rubbed her arm, trying to ease the sting.
Garret grimaced. “My pardon, Minna,” he told her as he turned away, releasing the clasp on his mantle. The fine black fabric whirled around him as he threw it onto his pallet. “I could not tolerate the hall any longer."
Minna had the distinct impression he was trying to steer their conversation to safe waters. Minna would have none of it. “What did you think you were doing? Are you hoping to have your life ended this eve, Sir Garret?” Minna wondered if she could make much of an impression, since she was still dressed in her fool's costume.
"It is time I move on with my life. And until I say what I must, I cannot do such.” He removed his surcoat. What was he doing? If he disrobed, someone would have to help him get ready again.
"What are you doing?” she asked, watching as he removed his coif and mask.
"I am feeling stifled.” Garret pulled off his hauberk, exposing the padding of his arming jacket. Obviously, Garret was not just pretending to be dressed as a knight. Did he mean to really battle Roget?
"If you harm Lord Aberle, they will kill you, sir."
"I do not know what my plans were now."
What did he mean? “Pray tell me, what is your relationship to Roget Fitz Hugh?"
When Garret stood before her in only his leather greaves, he looked at her. He contemplated her query for a moment. With a twisted smile, he told her, “He was once my brother."
Minna's eyes went round. She sputtered and then coughed. “Your brother..."
"Aye,” he told her, his voice filled with the animosity he felt toward his kinsman.
"He's the one who hurt you?"
Minna really didn't need his concurrence to know the truth of what she asked of him.
"Aye, though I have no proof. Only he had something to gain from having me killed. I am but a second son. He was my father's heir, though he has ever been resentful of my father's favor toward me. Not that I ever lauded it over him. In truth, I felt sorry our sire showed such difference in favor betwixt the two of us.” Garret motioned Minna to a nearby chair, after which he turned away and pulled a chair from next to his pallet.
"Would he truly want you dead because of such a thing?” Minna knew some sibling rivalries led to hatred and death, but the possibility that this fate could befall Garret baffled her. Everyone loved him. Women fawned over him, and men wanted to be him.
"He always disliked me, but when he returned home empty-handed after setting out to find a bride, his dislike turned to hatred. I know not why."
Minna swallowed hard. Oh, swe
et Christ!
"I mistakenly took him into my confidence about a maiden I desired to make my wife.” Garret ran his fingers through his hair, then raked them down his face.
"Lady Elysonde?"
Garret jerked his face from his hands and stared at her. “How did you know?"
"Your song left me with no doubt. And Roget was the evil character who stole her from you?"
"Christ's wounds, woman! How do you know this?"
"Though you may doubt it, Sir Garret, I know you now."
They both turned their heads when they heard a faint sound without the tent. Garret put a finger to his lips, warning her to be quiet.
Then a feminine voice called out, “Garret?"
Garret and Minna stared at each other before Garret rose and moved to the tent opening. Minna's heart clenched. This woman was the one who owned Garret's heart. The star of his lover's lament. What did she want? She was the betrothed of his brother now. She would surely be the death of him if Roget found out about this rendezvous. Had Roget not stolen her from Garret, Garret would have been a powerful lord after the death of the lady's father. Not that Minna felt Garret needed such a thing to make his way in the world. But all the great families sought after great alliances. Either way, the alliance between these two families would be a welcome one.
Garret pulled aside the tent flap, not bothering to conceal his massively built body from the visitor on the other side. A stunned silence ensued. “I am not dressed for company, my lady,” he told the woman Minna now knew as his lost love.
"I would have a word, if you would, Sir Garret,” Lady Elysonde begged sweetly. Then, without waiting for an invitation, she glided into the interior of the tent like a queen into a throne room.
She threw Minna a dismissing glance before she turned to face Garret. Her expression quickly returned to her previous sweet, serene countenance.
When Minna made no move to leave, Lady Elysonde frowned. “Would you ask this fool to leave us, Garret? What I have to say is for your ears alone."
Minna didn't like the course this visit was taking. If Roget had followed Elysonde, then he might call Garret out.
A Torrid Celebration! Page 5