“Gentlemen, if you are both full, we will talk business,” Osprey said. “Let’s see that sword, Captain Grudge. I want to show Captain Wolfgar it is only an ordinary gold sword.”
Taliesin nervously tapped her foot as Grudge removed the sword he’d hidden beneath the table, removed the cloth that covered it, and lay it in front of him. A gasp went through the crowd.
Osprey gave an approving nod at Grudge. “Captain Wolfgar, as you can see, this is not a magical sword. I grant you it is beautifully forged and worth its weight in gold,” he said. “As I told you, Captain Grudge found the duke’s sword. Make an offer and, if I find it high enough, I will ask my captain to sell the sword to you. My daughter is not for sale.” Only a few men laughed at this, and an angry look appeared on Grudge’s face.
Wolfgar stood and wiped his hand across his mouth. “In truth, I care not for the sword, Master Osprey, though I admit it is a rare find and quite beautiful,” he said. “I inquired about the sword out of curiosity. Something else was taken from the battlefield that does not belong to your clan. We are here to get it back. Taliesin took an item that belongs to the Wolf Clan.”
Osprey looked surprised, not offended, as he should have. “What did she take? Tell me.” He looked over at Taliesin. She merely shook her head, offering no explanation.
Neither the flag nor the wooden scroll belonged to the Wolf Clan, regardless of what might be said, for their dealings were solely with flesh. Only the Eagle Clan could dispute what she’d taken, and she enjoyed watching Wolfgar’s cheeks flush.
“If you are unable to tell me what you are really after, Captain Wolfgar,” Osprey said, “perhaps it is time for you to return to Wolf’s Lair.”
Wolfgar glared at his host. “Is this how you treat your guests, Master Osprey? To ask me to buy a gold sword you should give in homage to my lord strikes me as less than courteous. Chief Lykus is higher ranking than you in the Tri-Council. Our clan has always had greater prestige.” He looked satisfied when the Raven Master looked offended. “As for the item your daughter stole, she knows what it is.”
“Name it,” Osprey said, “and if it is here, perhaps I’ll give it to you.”
Wolfgar stood up from the table and tapped his comrade on the arm, motioning Udolf to rise. After putting on his helmet, Wolfgar drew out a pair of black leather gauntlets he’d kept tucked into his belt. He put on each glove, taking his time. “It is best your clan does not know what I speak of,” he said. “If you will not speak to me in private, then our business is finished.” He flipped a stray lock of blond hair out of his eyes. His companion stood away from the table and put on his helmet, closing the visor.
Taliesin applauded their sinister performance. No one said a word. Master Osprey trembled beside her, and Grudge had covered the gold sword with his cape. Hawk stood up and pointed a table fork at Wolfgar. Taliesin might have laughed had the young man not been so serious.
“You will address our lord as ‘Master Osprey,’” Hawk said.
“I mean no disrespect,” Wolfgar said, eyeing the fork. “May I speak to the girl in private, Master Osprey?” He held out a gloved hand toward Taliesin in an inviting manner. “If she has the item, we will take it and leave, to trouble you no further.”
“Taliesin took nothing that belongs to the Wolf Clan,” Hawk said. At Wolfgar’s look of disdain he smiled, a skill he had yet to perfect. “I have the honor of being the Black Wing’s second-in-command. Hawk is the name.” He stabbed the fork into the table.
“I’ll remember that name,” Wolfgar said. He nodded at Udolf.
“A moment, sir.” Osprey faced his daughter. “Taliesin, do you know what the Captain of the Wolf Clan is talking about? Did you take something that belongs to their clan?”
Taliesin felt everyone in the hall staring at her. “I took nothing that belongs to the Wolf Clan,” she said, rising to her feet.
“Be more precise, dear,” Osprey said. “I don’t want things to turn unpleasant. There are women and children present. Be a good girl and answer him, or I must allow him to speak to you in private. I dare not risk the lives of any of our clan for any reason.”
“Very well, but it’s not what you’re thinking.” Taliesin placed her hand on Grudge’s shoulder as she spoke. “I found a silver spear from Erindor, which is quite rare to find in these parts, and it is meant as a gift for Rook. I also came across two gold arrows of rare quality and workmanship, and a silver sword.”
“That’s not it,” Wolfgar said through clenched teeth.
“If you mean to inquire about the silver hand that belonged to the duke’s brother,” she said, “Grudge took it off his body and brought it home. You do know who Jasper Silverhand was, Captain Wolfgar. They say a wolf bit off his hand when he was a small boy and a skilled blacksmith fashioned him a hollow hand made of silver. I don’t know what you think I took that belongs to your clan. You should be asking why the Eagle Clan left two dead noblemen on the field to rot. In the past, I’ve known your clan to pretend a nobleman was low-born in order to collect a finder’s fee from the grieving family.”
Worried looks and soft rumblings spread like wild fire across the tables. Wolfgar looked worried. The mere accusation of the nefarious activities of his own clan was all Master Osprey needed to detain both Wolfmen for further questioning.
“Is this true?” Osprey asked.
“I don’t know what she’s talking about,” Wolfgar said.
“You carry a great and dark secret with you, Captain Wolfgar,” Taliesin said, hoping to get him to admit a crime and lessen her own guilt. “I don’t like secrets and have no need to keep them. As I have said before, I did not take anything that warrants such intrigue.” She glanced at her father. “I will let the Wolfmen search through each and every bag I filled if that will give their lord satisfaction. I have nothing to hide.”
Osprey returned to his seat. “Hillary, send a servant to my daughter’s room and return with her bags,” he said. “Captain Wolfgar, you may look through her belongings and confirm what you seek is not here, then you can return to Chief Lykus with our reassurance the Raven Clan remains friends to the Wolf Clan.”
In a few minutes, Hillary and two young men returned with the three bags Taliesin had filled with weapons. Wolfgar returned to his seat, while Udolf walked over to search through the bags. The man found it difficult to see with his helmet on, took it off, handed it to Hillary to hold, and dug through the bags. He didn’t find whatever he was looking for, snarled as he stood to his feet and snatched his helmet from the terrified servant.
“The item is not here, Captain,” Udolf said, furious.
Wolfgar pointed a gloved index finger at Taliesin’s face. “You daughter has hidden the item we seek,” he said, angrily. “I can smell lies like dung on the heel of my boot!”
“It’s a wonder you can smell anything beyond your own armpit,” snapped Taliesin.
The captain stiffened, lifted his arm, and sniffed. “There is no smell, at least none that would offend another Wolfman.”
“You wanted to know my opinion of you, sir? Personally, I don’t think you deserve to eat at our table, Captain Wolfgar. I let your companion examine my takings, and yet you are still unsatisfied. Nothing has been hidden. Would you prefer to search my body?” Taliesin walked to stand behind his chair and turned a full circle, aware everyone watched. “See anything you like, Captain Wolfgar, or should we go into the kitchen so you can feel with your hands what your eyes cannot see?”
“You are a bold little bitch,” Wolfgar snarled. His eyes turned a curious, bright yellow. “I tell you now, if this girl does not give me what we came here for, Master Osprey, I will order the Wolf Pack to raid this hall. Members of my clan do not lie, nor do we tolerate liars. Is it your clan’s desire to insult the Wolf Pack, or will you put a leash on this one and make her do your bidding? I know she lies.”
“I took nothing of yours, you mangy dog,” Taliesin shouted. “You are the liar!”
Wolfgar stood, knocking ov
er his chair, and drew his sword. He cursed through clenched teeth, the language more animal than human. His lieutenant reached for his weapon as well. Grudge stood, holding the golden sword with both hands, ready to fight. Rook had the silver Erindor spear in his hands and Hawk drew his cutlasses.
“Enough!” Osprey was on his feet at once. He held his hands out before him and said in a soothing voice, “We do not want trouble here, Captain Wolfgar. You tread on thin ice; the Black Wings are not novice fighters. You will not make it out of here alive if you continue along this path. I have tried to be civil to you. I have shown you kindness and fed you both from my table. My daughter has answered your questions and allowed you to search her bags. Unless you tell me what it is you are after, leave immediately.”
“I cannot say what it is,” Wolfgar said. “I have my orders.”
The Black Wings looked so fierce Taliesin felt certain the Wolfmen had started doubting their chances of making it out of the hall and to their horses. Osprey motioned for his men to stand down and waved at the door, signaling the unwanted guests to depart with haste.
“Very well,” the Raven Master said. “Leave by the road you came here by and do not return, Captain Wolfgar. Take the rest of your Wolfmen with you. We are not cowards, sir. Nor do we run from a fight. Come back if you must and meet our cold steel; we will be waiting for you and your Wolf Pack.”
“Brave words spoken by a man already sentenced to death,” Wolfgar said. “We’ll return and take your daughter, as well as whatever else we can carry.”
“Gentlemen, it’s time you left,” Grudge said. He pointed toward the front doors with his dagger and smiled. With a snarl of rage, Wolfgar sheathed his sword and pushed Udolf ahead of him. They were escorted out the door by Grudge, Hawk, Rook, and all Black Wings present. Osprey sat in his chair and turned to regard his daughter.
“I am displeased with you,” Osprey said, at last. “Very displeased, Taliesin.”
“I swear I took nothing that belongs to the Wolf Clan,” she said. “They accused me of being a witch and threatened our entire clan.”
Before Taliesin said another word, Osprey grabbed her arm and pulled her into his office. He thrust her into the room, slamming the door shut behind them.
“Need I remind you that those two Wolfmen are the servants of Chief Lykus? Do you know what he’s like? Have you ever met him? Well, I have, and he’s not the pleasant sort. If you dislike Wolfgar, you will hate Lykus. He is more beast than man, and I mean that literally.” Osprey shivered from head to toe and groaned as he placed his head in his hands. “I barely made it out of the Tri-Council the last time we met, and we’d disagreed over the smallest thing. I don’t know what you took from the battlefield, Taliesin, but you should not have brought it here!”
Osprey shook his head and pulled his hands away from his face. His eyes were glimmering with unshed tears—he was frightened.
“I did take two things that belong to the Eagle Clan,” Taliesin said, eager to make amends. “A flag and a scroll. I didn’t think anyone saw me take them.”
“The Eagle Clan?” Osprey said. “How many times must you be told, Taliesin? Do not take things that don’t belong to you. We have rules for a reason. You continue to break them. I am ashamed of you, girl.”
“But father...”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. I don’t want a confession,” Osprey snapped. He opened the door and pushed Taliesin into the hall. Seeing his wife emerge from the shadows, he raised his voice and pointed toward the staircase. “I want you to go to your room and there you will stay until I either come for you or send for you. Now don’t dawdle! Go to bed, Taliesin!”
“Let me have her,” Minerva said in a vicious tone. She held a small cutting knife, the type used to mold clay into bowls; nonetheless, it looked deadly in her hand.
“Shut up, you old magpie! This is none of your concern!” Taliesin bowed her head in embarrassment. She collected her bags, stuffed the weapons inside and ran past Hillary and the two servants as she bolted up the stairs. She didn’t stop running until she reached her room.
* * * * *
Chapter Five
Taliesin entered her bedroom and tossed the bags on the floor with a loud clank. The interior was large, with a vaulted ceiling and an unlit stone fireplace. Her room was already prepared for her arrival. The blankets were turned over on one corner, and a yellow spring flower lay on her pillow. Candles burned, placed around the room on shelves and tables, and a vase of fresh-cut flowers was placed on a mantle. One wall was lined with the books and old manuscripts she’d collected over the years.
She liked collecting things. Besides being obsessed with swords, she had an assortment of jewel boxes and five pairs of tall leather boots. An old trunk was filled with weapons, and the banners and flags taken off the battlefields hung on a wall. Prince Sertorius’ flag was neatly folded and placed in the middle of her bed. She picked up the dark-blue flag charged with a rampaging white lion and hung it on the wall. A loud knock on the door spun her around to stare at the door.
“Taliesin? It’s me. Hillary.”
Opening the door, Taliesin stepped aside for Hillary, holding a tray with food, and five lads carrying a large wooden bathtub and pitchers of hot water. The lads brought the tub inside and set it beside the window overlooking the courtyard. Hillary placed a basket of bread and a pitcher of ale on a table. Two large wooden chairs covered with worn maroon cushions were pushed partially under the table. The boys filled the tub with water and headed out the door. Hillary remained in the room.
“Mrs. Caldwell was quite amiss to find the Prince Sertorius’ flag in your possessions,” the old man said. “I had her bring the flag, along with the silver sword and the red leather pouch, straight to your room. When Master Osprey ordered me to bring your bags, I knew better than to bring the pouch or the flag, since I’m sure that’s precisely what those flea-biters were after. Mrs. Caldwell and I won’t say a word to anyone, but I might have peeked inside the pouch.”
“Wolfgar will return with the Wolf Pack,” Taliesin said. She wasn’t upset with Hillary. Both he and Mrs. Caldwell were more like real parents to her than they were servants. Going to the bed, she opened the pouch and removed the wooden cylinder. “This is what Wolfgar wants.”
“Little goes unnoticed by Lord Arundel,” Hillary said. “If the scroll were deliberately left behind, then it was either intended to be discovered by the Wolf Clan or the Raven Clan. Better you not read the contents and have a clear conscience. Find somewhere safe to hide it, Taliesin, and do not speak of it again. I’ll send Mrs. Caldwell up with fresh towels. Enjoy your bath.”
After Hillary left, Taliesin placed the scroll under her pillow, stripped off the gown, kicked off her boots, and slid into the bath. She rubbed a cleansing soap into her wet hair until it was frothy and then ducked under the water. She used a small wooden stick to clean the dirt from under her nails and started scrubbing with a hard brush and bar of soap. Mrs. Caldwell tapped on the door and came in, waiting silently until Taliesin finished bathing, and held a towel out for her. Taliesin reluctantly stepped out of the tub, dripping on the rug, and the stout woman wrapped the towel around her body.
“That old squirrel only brought you a loaf of bread for your supper,” Mrs. Caldwell said. “I brought you a bowl of my stew. Eat it while it’s hot. You are getting too skinny. And no reading tonight, Taliesin. You have dark circles under your eyes and look a fright.”
Taliesin waited until the door closed before drying off. She dropped the towel onto the floor and stood in front of a silver shield hung on a wall and gazed at her reflection. Her jaw was square, not pointed, and her cheekbones were too high. Her face was tan, as well as her hands, but the rest of her was white. Where she wanted curves, she was bony, and where she wanted to be soft, she had hard muscles. She slid on a soft wool tunic with long, tapering sleeves. The green shade was the same as her eyes, and the tunic fell to the floor.
She sat at the table and used the bread to
dip into the stew. When she’d had her fill, she retrieved the wooden container and pulled off the cork to peer inside. She caught a whiff of cologne as she removed the rolled parchment and gazed at the blue wax seal, imprinted with a coiled snake.
“Royal,” she said. “Looks like Almaric’s emblem. Cologne smells expensive.”
Unable to resist, she slid her thumbnail under the edge of the wax seal. Taliesin managed to loosen the seal without breaking it and paused, hearing a loud commotion in the hallway. She placed the scroll back inside the cylinder and looked around the room for a safe place to hide it. Outside her door, she heard raised voices, scuffling, and lots of banging about, as if someone were having his skull slammed against the wall. Taliesin ran to a suit of armor standing in the corner of the room and placed the cylinder inside the helmet, turning as the door crashed open.
Hawk tumbled into her room with a Wolfman clasping the young man by the throat. Taliesin grabbed a sword off the wall and stabbed the intruder in the thigh. The Wolfman released Hawk with a howl of pain, clutched his leg, and fell to the floor, bleeding profusely from the wound. Hawk staggered backwards, gasping and rubbing his bruised throat. Checking to make sure no one else was coming down the hall, Taliesin slammed the door shut, threw the bolt, and stood over the Wolfman.
“How many men did Wolfgar bring?” Taliesin asked, pointing her sword at his chest.
Hawk poured a glass of ale and took a drink. “I’m not sure. Maybe fifty or more. Grudge killed three at the door of Raven’s Hall. The Black Wings took care of the rest. This one got past Grudge and headed straight to your room. He fights dirty. He tried to bite me. Fortunately, his teeth didn’t break the skin.”
The Wolfman gazed up from the floor. His hands pressed over the hole in his leg. Blood seeped through his fingers. Taliesin threw her damp bath towel at the Wolfman. The injured man pressed it against his injury. She again pointed the sword at the man.
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