by Regan Walker
York!
Her brother would be in York. She was eager to be reunited with Steinar, but she could not bring herself to marry this Mercian to see it done. No matter it would please her brother for her to wed Morcar and escape the grasp of the Red Wolf, she knew in her heart she must return to Talisand. From there, she would seek a way to find Steinar herself.
“I would very much like to see my brother.”
Early the next morning, Serena slipped from her chamber, silently creeping to the stables. She had donned the green undertunic and gown with the wide skirt that would allow her to ride astride. The mare whinnied softly as Serena lifted the small saddle to the horse’s back. Unlike Talisand, where the Normans had posted guards at the gate, there was no guard here, so that she was able to disappear unseen into the gray light of dawn.
* * *
“She’s gone, I tell you!” exclaimed Morcar, anxiously staring out the window at the trees in the distance being stirred by the wind. “And today was to be our wedding.”
“Calm down, brother,” Edwin urged, “mayhap she took a fancy to ride alone. Brides can be nervous.”
“’Tis a possibility, but the servant who has been acting her lady’s maid told me Serena was gone when she went to attend her this morning. I wonder if she has not run north to York. She rides well, you know. Mayhap, she decided to avoid a wedding and seek her brother directly. She and Steinar were close and she seemed eager to see him.”
“I need you this afternoon, Morcar, to help me oversee the plans for the rising in Northumbria. Why not send the Norman mercenary after her and let him bring her back if, indeed, she has fled?”
“Aye, ’tis an idea. Sir Hugue was here this morning asking if we’ve another task for him, and he speaks English well enough.”
Immediately thereafter, Morcar dispatched Sir Hugue, and watched as the mercenary rode away from Adlington. Though he would have preferred to go himself, Morcar had trusted the mercenary once before with good results so he would trust him again. He had told the knight to search to the north and to watch for signs that Serena might veer east toward York.
The Norman seemed happy for a chance to regain the woman Morcar had lost, assuring him that she would soon be back at Adlington.
Chapter 16
Hearing the sound of the river, Renaud raised his hand to halt the column of men behind him. “We stop for a brief rest to water the horses,” he said to Geoff riding beside him. Dismounting, he added with a grin, “Should all go well, we will arrive at Talisand in time for the midday meal.”
“Aye,” said Geoff, sliding to the ground, as the men around them also dismounted, “though I would ride on without stopping for Maggie’s cooking, the horses will fare better for this respite before our last hours of travel.”
Renaud handed Belasco’s reins to Jamie and took the dirt path that cut through the trees, anxious to stretch his legs. Their ride north following the siege had been exhausting, particularly since he and his men were tired when they began, and the wound in his arm still pained him. A few of the days brought them rain, which turned the road into a stream of mud, but now the skies were clear and the sunlight pierced woods to light their path.
Briefly he touched his aching left arm, then dismissed the pain. It was a small wound compared to others he had received in battle. And he was comforted by the thought he would soon be home.
Troubled by William’s words as they had left Exeter, Renaud wondered to what battle his sire would next summon him. While the good citizens of Exeter had finally seen the wisdom of surrendering to the king, their resistance had come at a great cost. William had lost half his army and, to Renaud’s regret, it had changed the king’s attitude toward the English. Never again would he trust the people who had held him at bay for so long.
Renaud walked along the path strewn with yellow wild flowers and turned his thoughts from Exeter to Talisand—and to his spirited bride. He was eager to look into her violet eyes and even more eager to take her to his bed. In his mind, he saw her long flaxen hair laid out on the pillow, her beautiful body bared of clothes and her ripe breasts quivering for his touch.
Soon.
Joining Renaud on the path, Geoff rubbed his stomach. “I am anxious for the food of Talisand.”
“More important than your stomach, my friend, is that this eve I will have a bride in truth and can be about the business of creating an heir.” The prospect of getting Serena with child even now urged him on to their destination.
“’Twill please William and give his court something to gossip about. The warrior priest succumbs to the lovely Lady of Talisand. But beware lest the vixen becomes your weakness,” Geoff said with a grin.
Though Renaud knew his friend was jesting, he could not dismiss the truth of his warning. “I am ever wary.”
He’d known from the first time he’d touched her that he craved her as no woman before. He had admired her spirit, even her defiance, though at times it angered him greatly. But the maiden’s response to his kisses told him much. She may despise her Norman conquerors, but she did not loathe the Red Wolf’s touch. He would seduce his bride if he must.
Anxious to be on his way, Renaud turned and strode back to where Jamie waited, holding Belasco’s reins, Geoff hurrying behind.
“Do not take offense, Ren. I, too, have a weakness—for the lovely Eawyn.”
“Aye, I’d forgotten about the dark-haired beauty you are so fond of. Which appeals more, her cooking or her?”
“If I am fortunate, I will have both,” Geoff said with a wink. “These English women are winsome, are they not?”
Renaud just chuckled under his breath. Winsome, indeed. And difficult, rebellious and stubborn!
“Yer horse is watered, m’lord,” said his page. Renaud thanked the lad and with some pain to his arm, swung into the saddle.
The column resumed its journey north and, after a few hours, Renaud arrived at the top of the familiar ridge looking west toward Talisand. The sun was at its zenith not unlike that first day he had seen his lands. But the sight had changed. Next to the manor, a timber castle was now rising from a great motte.
Behind him, Renaud heard the horses snorting, restless to return to their stalls and their oats.
“It appears that Sir Maurin and the men of Talisand have served me well in my absence.”
“Yea, ’tis a great sight,” said Geoff. “There is no castle like it in this part of England.”
“William should be pleased. Mayhap he’ll pay us a visit.” Renaud did not have to wonder what Serena would think of William at Talisand. She would not look forward to such an occurrence.
Renaud was first through the gate, followed by Geoff, Alain with the banner, then Mathieu and Jamie and the other squires and men-at-arms. He dismounted and handed Belasco’s reins to the waiting Eric. Doffing his mail would come next but for that he would seek his chamber. He glanced at his leggings splattered with mud, hoping a bath awaited him.
“My lord,” hailed Sir Maurin, coming through the door of the manor. “I have been eager for your return. You have fared well?”
“Well enough. It took nearly three weeks and many lives, but William has his victory.” Renaud doffed his gloves and handed them to the waiting Jamie, then turned his attention back to Sir Maurin. “And Talisand?” Renaud gazed about the yard where his men were greeting those who had stayed behind. He was disappointed not to be rewarded with a glimpse of his bride. Mayhap she was occupied within the manor.
“Talisand fares well, my lord, but there has been an incident.”
Renaud was instantly on the alert, seeing the anxiety in Sir Maurin’s blue eyes.
“The news is not good.” Lines of worry etched Sir Maurin’s weathered face as he ran a hand through his hair.
Renaud narrowed his eyes. “What has happened?”
“There is no way to soften the news, my lord. Lady Serena has disappeared.”
Renaud shot a glance at Geoff then returned his eyes to Sir Maurin whose f
allen countenance spoke of regret. A storm rose in his chest. “Disappeared? When? How?”
“We know not what happened, my lord, only that one morning when her handmaiden went to the lady’s room, she was gone. A search revealed she was not within the manor or in the village.”
“What of Sir Niel?”
“The knight guarded her continuously. He never left his post. And none at Talisand know anything of it. But I believe he and the guard at the postern gate were given some kind of sleeping draught. They both suffered an aching head the next morn. I sent Sir Niel and another man to search to the north where she had gone before. Since then, he has returned and both the lady’s handmaiden and the Welsh bard have disappeared.”
Renaud stormed through the door of the manor, Sir Maurin and Geoff trailing behind, his anger rising with every step. So, she had plotted with the Welshman and her handmaiden to leave! How could she do this after her pretty speech about taking her place as the Lady of Talisand?
“How long?” he demanded.
“Three days, my lord,” said Sir Maurin, “since the Lady Serena disappeared. Only one since Cassie and the bard could not be found.”
Renaud’s stomach clenched at the thought of his bride being alone on the road that long. “Did you see any signs of Lady Serena’s going?”
“It rained after she disappeared, but seeing no sign of her to the north, Sir Niel was just preparing to ride south when you arrived.”
“South?” Why would she ride south if her brother is in Scotland? But he did not linger on the question. No, he would track her like an animal and bring her to ground as he had done once before. Only this time, he would show no mercy to his English bride.
No one defied the Red Wolf, least of all a woman who was his by the king’s command.
* * *
It was afternoon when Serena pulled reins, her growling stomach reminding her that the bread and cheese were gone long ago. She had no weapon with her and, in any event, would not want to take the time to hunt. Yet, both she and the horse needed water. Leaving the horse tethered by the stream, she walked the short distance to where she had seen red berries growing in a thicket at the side of a clearing. She plucked some and began to eat, tasting the tart juice on her tongue.
Hearing a rustle of something moving in the brush behind her, she jerked her head around.
“At last we have found ye!” exclaimed Cassie, as she stepped from the woods. At her side was Rhodri leading their horses.
“Cassie! Rhodri!” exclaimed Serena. She ran to embrace them. “You came for me?”
“Why else would we be so far from Talisand?” said Rhodri with a sarcastic smile. “This far south is no mere ramble.”
Cassie gave her a puzzled look. “Serena, I thought to find ye at Earl Edwin’s. But here ye are halfway to Talisand. Why?”
“Until early this morning, I was at Edwin’s manor in Mercia. He and Morcar stole me from Talisand for a wedding.”
“A wedding?” asked Rhodri with drawn brows.
“Yea—my own and Morcar’s, if you would believe it.” At Cassie’s sharp inhalation of breath, Serena explained, “He thought to rescue me from the Normans. In truth, I would have welcomed his plan some time ago, but not now.” Observing her handmaiden’s obvious confusion, she added, “I escaped.”
“I expect he will follow,” said Rhodri.
“Or worse,” replied Serena, “he will send his new henchman, Sir Hugue.”
“The mercenary who rode with the Red Wolf?” asked Cassie with raised brows.
“Aye. Somehow he has come to Mercia and now does the bidding of the earls, though I doubt he has told Morcar that he was sent from Talisand in disgrace.”
Rhodri’s face bore a look of concern. “He did not hurt you, did he, Serena?”
“Nay. But I was never at peace knowing the Norman was near. You heard the tale of the attempted rape of Eawyn?” At Rhodri’s nod, she said, “He was the one.”
“So you travel back to Talisand,” Rhodri said with a resigned expression.
Serena nodded.
“Are you resigned, then, to wed the Red Wolf, Serena?” he asked.
Serena smiled shyly. “Yea, I believe I am. It is what I want, Rhodri, though I cannot imagine what Steinar will think of it.”
“He will like it not,” said Rhodri darting a glance at Cassie. “Did you tell Morcar of your decision?”
“Nay. He could not envision it, I am certain. And I was afraid if he knew of my intention he would try to detain me.”
“’Tis a wise thing ye do in returning, m’lady. The Red Wolf will be good to ye. Sir Maurin says so.”
Serena smiled at Cassie. She would believe anything Sir Maurin told her.
“Are you hungry?” asked Rhodri. “We can rest for a while before setting off for Talisand.”
“Yea, I am,” said Serena, “did you bring food?”
“Aye,” said Cassie, reaching into a bag she carried and handed Serena some dried venison. It was a bit tough but, together with the berries, satisfied Serena’s hunger for the moment. As she chewed, Elfleda walked forward and nudged her shoulder. Serena stroked the soft skin of the mare’s nose.
“I’m glad you brought my horse, Cassie. I missed her.”
Serena and Cassie sat on a fallen log at the edge of the clearing and spoke of the abduction and how it might have occurred. Rhodri went off to water the horses, then returned to listen to their conversation.
“I remember nothing of that night,” confided Serena.
“They had to have help within the manor for none to notice,” said Rhodri standing at the edge of the woods. “The next day all at Talisand was the same. There were no signs of struggle.”
“I have thought on it some,” said Serena looking into the concerned face of her handmaiden. “I believe it was Aethel who altered the ale. She was the last to fill my cup. I wonder if, in her mixed up thinking, she believed it would please me. She knew of my desire to leave. She had offered to help once before.”
“Aye, Aethel might have done so,” said Cassie.
“Were any hurt?” asked Serena.
“Nay,” said Cassie. “The guards were fine, save for their aching heads. I am certain the Normans suspect me of giving them a sleeping draught as I delivered Sir Niel his ale that night. Sir Maurin has said nothing, but he sent Sir Niel to find ye.”
“Say nothing of Aethel’s involvement until I can speak with her,” said Serena.
Serena was looking at Cassie when Rhodri, who had been standing in front of a tree, suddenly slumped to the ground.
“What—” Serena rose and began to walk toward the bard lying supine on the ground when a huge shape loomed from amidst the trees.
Sir Hugue!
“Ah, two little doves ripe for the plucking,” said the mercenary as he stepped into the clearing, a wooden cudgel in his hand.
Cassie rose and Serena stepped back, pulling her handmaiden with her as she retreated from the Norman mercenary and his lecherous gaze. She remembered it all too well.
“’Tis a shame one must be returned untouched to the earl,” said Sir Hugue. “But the other,” he leered at Cassie, “aye, that one is mine to do with as I may.”
“No!” protested Serena. “I will not go with you. I do not wish to return.” Serena took Cassie’s arm and dragged her back still farther until more distance lay between them and the mercenary.
Cassie drew a seax from her waist and held it high, the point aimed at Sir Hugue. “Ye’ll not touch me, ye dog,” she said.
“Cassie, no!” shouted Serena. Her handmaiden was no match for so burly a knight.
The Norman mercenary slowly stalked toward Cassie, a sickening smile on his face.
Before he reached the handmaiden, the thunder of hoof beats sounded in the woods. Sir Hugue turned his head to see, but the riders were not yet in sight. The moment he looked away, Cassie threw her seax. The blade sank into the Norman’s shoulder. Dropping his cudgel, the Norman pulled Cassie’s bla
de from his shoulder and sent the deadly looking knife flying through the air and into Cassie’s chest.
The girl dropped to the ground as the Norman mercenary turned and fled.
With a shriek, Serena crouched at Cassie’s side. “Cassie!” Moving her hands over the place where the blade had entered the handmaiden’s chest, Serena thanked God it was lodged near the girl’s shoulder, and not in her heart. The wound poured forth blood as Serena withdrew the blade. Tearing the hem of her undertunic, Serena wadded the cloth and pressed it to the wound.
Cassie opened her eyes, dazed, and looked down at her chest. “He…he hit me.” Then lowering her head, she added in stilted words, “I thought he had…something else…in mind.”
“Likely he did. The man is evil. But we were lucky. He fled when he heard riders coming.” Cassie shut her eyes, moaning in pain. Serena kept the pressure on the wound. “Stay with me, Cassie.”
From a few feet away, Rhodri began to stir as mounted knights rode into the clearing in a flurry. Serena was alarmed until she saw the Red Wolf led them. Her heart leapt in her chest.
He came!
Serena experienced both joy and relief at seeing the Red Wolf on his magnificent stallion, but her spirits fell when she saw the anger in his eyes as he looked down upon her.
He dismounted and strode toward her. “What have you done now, my lady?” His words dripped sarcasm.
“I can explain,” she offered.
“Indeed you will,” he said with a stern look.
Sir Geoffroi and Sir Niel slid from their saddles. Sir Maurin had already dismounted and rushed to Cassie’s side where he knelt, taking her hand.
“Cassie, my love,” he said in accented English. “Qu'est-il arrivé?”
Cassie’s green eyes filled with tears at the sight of the knight’s anxious face. It was clear to Serena that Sir Maurin was as enamored with Cassie as she was with him.