by Regan Walker
“Nay, Maggie,” insisted Serena. “The woods are full of fleeing Saxons.”
Cassie wrapped the drying cloth around Serena’s head. “Would it not be better for us to flee than to stay and fall prey to the Bastard’s men? Have we not heard the tales of their terrible deeds as they ravaged Wessex?”
Maggie nodded, her countenance fallen. “Aye, I have heard of the killing and the burnings. They even robbed churches. ’Tis a gift from God we have escaped such, and only because Talisand lies so far north. I pray the new Norman lord will not harm the villagers. They will now be his villeins, caring for fields that are his.”
“I will worry for you,” said Serena fighting the urge to stay even as she knew she must go.
“Ye must not worry about me and Angus,” said the cook. “The Red Wolf will need me to feed his men and Angus to keep his horses shod.”
Cassie nodded to her mother. “Aye, ye both will be needed.”
“At least the young women I take with me will not be here to face the Red Wolf and his men,” encouraged Serena. “We will search for my brother and accept the sanctuary offered by Scotland’s king.” Serena finished blotting the moisture from her dyed hair and unwrapped the drying cloth. “I wish I could take all of the women, but not all want to go. Like you, Maggie, some have husbands.”
“Do ye know where yer brother, the young master is, m’lady?” asked Maggie.
“Steinar’s last message said he was at King Malcolm’s court in Dunfermline, north of Edinburgh, where many Englishman gather, hoping for an opportunity to return to fight for Edgar Ætheling, the true heir to the throne.”
Maggie sighed. “At least ye and the young women will have protectors traveling with ye. And I will pray ye stay safe.”
“We welcome your prayers,” said Serena. Looking into the faces of the two women who were so dear to her, she added, “I am glad for all you have done for me. Your friendship has meant more than your service. And your company, Cassie, will be most welcome.” She thought of those women who would travel with them, and the face of another rose in her mind. “Do you think Aethel would want to go with us? Her knowledge of herbs would be welcome.”
“Aethel? Nay lass.” Maggie gave Serena a wry look. “That one would lift her skirts for any Norman who would have her. She’ll nay be running from them.”
“I suppose you speak the truth,” Serena admitted. “Since she went to my father’s bed, she has not been the same.”
“Or ye just didna see what she really was all along,” chided Maggie.
The words saddened Serena. It was true that after being rejected by Theodric, the captain of Talisand’s guard, Aethel had changed. The dark-haired beauty attracted many men, including Serena’s father, the lonely thegn, but Aethel did not seem to be happy even with him.
“That leaves only Cassie and me and the three other women,” said Serena. “Leppe and Alec will go with us, disguised as village cottars. Of the Talisand fighting men that still remain after the slaughter at Hastings, they are among the best and will be faithful to protect us.” Wanting to assure Maggie they would have protection, she added, “Theodric and the other guards will stay to defend Talisand, if need be. I have asked steward Hunstan to visit the other manors to warn them of the Normans’ coming.”
“How soon do they arrive?” Maggie asked, glancing anxiously in the direction of the main gate.
“I know not the day,” said Serena, “but I expect it will be soon, so we must be away this hour. I fear I have waited too long as it is.”
Maggie nodded and looked at her daughter. “Send word as soon as ye’re able.”
Cassie’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced her mother. “I will.”
Blinking back her own tears, Serena sought to keep her voice steady. “Do not worry for us, Maggie. I have my bow and my seax. We will be well. And we will see you again, for I intend to return with Steinar to chase the Normans from Talisand.”
Serena glanced once again at her reflection. Her hair now bore the color of the brown stain and was nearly dry. She felt changed inside as well as out.
“Ye look so different!” exclaimed Cassie as she formed the newly dyed tresses into a long plait.
“Aye, she does,” said Maggie. “But the color does not hide her beauty.” Mayhap a plain tunic will help. Maggie handed Serena a dark green tunic, and she slipped it over her shift.
As the folds of the rough wool settled around her, she felt her new life settled around her as well. The servant’s garment was a stark contrast to the soft wool of the fine gowns she had worn as the Lady of Talisand. She looked down at her ankles that showed beneath the hem. The borrowed tunic did not fit well, either.
Seeing her shrug, Maggie said, “It will do ’til ye reach Scotland.”
Serena sat on the chest at the end of her bed and pulled on the woolen hose and soft leather half boots the female servants wore. Cassie handed her a leather belt, which Serena wrapped around her waist. She secured to it her seax, the single edged blade her brother had given her last Christmastide. Grasping the polished wooden handle, she silently vowed to use it if threatened.
“Let me help ye with yer cloak.” Cassie said, draping the dark wool mantle around Serena’s shoulders and fastening it with a plain metal brooch. “ ’Twill serve to keep ye warm against the night air.” Smiling, Cassie took a step back and examined Serena’s disguise. “Ye make a convincing servant, m’lady, dressed as ye are. Except ye’re too fine of feature. So remember to keep yer head bowed and yer eyes down should we encounter any men. And since yer speech is a wee bit proper, say nothing, lest they wonder if ye are truly one of us.”
“I will try and do as you say, Cassie. In time, I might be able to disguise my speech as well.” She would do whatever she must to escape the plans the Normans had for her. “You will have to be my guide in this new life.”
“It is time,” Maggie said, turning toward the door. “I will have a word with Leppe and Alec afore ye go, though I know those two will protect ye with their lives.”
An hour later, Serena left the manor to begin the journey north. Seven walked along in silence: Serena and Cassie, three other women and the two men. The morning mist still clung to the wild grasses under Serena’s feet, dampening her leather boots. She was glad her borrowed tunic was as short as it was, else her hem would also be wet.
When they reached the edge of the woods, Serena paused and looked back. The sun cast its rays on Talisand, making the manor, hall and thatch and wattle cottages appear to glow. To Serena, it was like something out of a dream, like a village descended from heaven. The place of her home and her heart and the memories of all she held dear.
Tears brimmed in her eyes and escaped down her cheeks. Would she ever see her beloved Talisand again?
Garbed in a belted tunic and short brown cloak a shade darker than his long hair and beard, Leppe gently touched her arm. “My lady, we must hurry.”
She nodded and let him lead her away. Away from her past and the dreams she had once for her future. Soon the fierce knight called the Red Wolf would descend like a devastating storm to claim his spoils. Nothing she could do would prevent it. Concern for her people weighed heavy on Serena’s shoulders. The Red Wolf’s reputation was that of an undefeated warrior, as vicious in battle as the animal whose fur he wore.
She prayed he would not harm the people he would need to work the land.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. She has six times been featured in USA TODAY’s HEA column and four times nominated for the prestigious RONE award (her novel, The Red Wolf’s Prize won Best Historical Novel for 2015 in the medieval category).
Walker writes historically authentic novels where her readers experience adventure and love. She lives in San Diego with her Golden Retriever who she says helps her to smell the roses every day.
www.ReganWalkerAuthor.com
BOOKS BY REGAN WALKER
The Red Wolf’s Prize
Rogue Knight
Rebel Warrior
King’s Knight
The Agents of the Crown series:
To Tame the Wind (prequel)
Racing with the Wind
Against the Wind
Wind Raven
Echo in the Wind (coming in 2017)
Holiday Stories (related to the Agents of the Crown):
The Shamrock & The Rose
The Twelfth Night Wager
The Holly & The Thistle
A Secret Scottish Christmas (coming in late 2017)
Inspirational:
The Refuge, an Inspirational Novel of Scotland (coming December 2016)
The photograph of Merewyn on the back cover of the paperback is used with the permission of artist Laura Olenska (all rights reserved 2013)