Storm Trilogy

by Ria Cantrell

  Drew stepped forward and hugged Rhianna and said, “Beautiful lady, you are a sight for sore eyes”.

  “Have you seen him?”

  “They will not permit me to. He showed quite a display of temper to the king.”

  Rhianna’s brother, Randall Du Montforte stepped forward and said, “Drew, do you think the king will listen to reason?”

  Drew addressed Randall and after clasping forearms, he said, “I do not know. He has not thus far, but he needs to. We need to free Erik from this captivity and get on to bringing things to right.”

  Slipping his arm around Rhianna’s waist, Drew said, “Lady, I promise you I will do all I can to aid you and him. You have my word.”

  Rhianna leaned into Drew easily. He had become like another brother to her and she relaxed slightly at hearing his promise.

  From behind him, Drew heard the beautiful Scottish lilt of his sweet Bronwyn. When had he decided that she was “his”, Drew wondered. Drew pondered it only a moment when he heard alarm and distress in her voice. He turned from Randall and saw Bronwyn stop dead in her tracks. Her eyes were round, and had the look of something incredulous in her expression.

  She was assailed at the sight before her, as she viewed Drew holding a beautiful raven-haired woman in his arms. She gasped further when she caught sight of the obvious sire of the Viking demon, who had been standing beside him. She began to back away from the scene which had unfolded in front of her; suddenly feeling like her heart was going to explode inside of her chest.

  Seeing her fear and distress, Drew called, “Bronwyn, wait. These are…”

  “I know who they are. T’would be hard to mistake the resemblance of the one to the other and not know who he is. And she must be…”

  The women stared at each other in a frozen moment. The last thing they needed was a clash between these two strong willed women, so Drew cleared his throat and took Bronwyn’s hand.

  “This is Erik’s wife, Rhianna Du Montforte Ragnorsen. Rhianna, this is…” Drew was actually at a loss because he did not know how to introduce Bronwyn to Rhianna.

  Rhianna said in a matter of fact declaration, “She is my husband’s betrothed.” Drew released his hold on Rhianna and drew Bronwyn into his hold. His arm slipped around her easily and he said, “Rhianna, this is Bronwyn MacCollum, daughter of the high chief and laird of the Clan MacCollum.”

  Before any further words of introduction could be spoken, Bronwyn blurted out, “I’ve no wish to marry yer’ husband. I willna’ if I can help it.”

  “Of course not, Girl. Erik is already married to my daughter-in-law”, Rurik’s voice boomed, which made Bronwyn jump. Drew’s arm tightened around her and this little action was not missed by Rhianna, who raised an eyebrow to Drew, with a trace of a smile on her lips, despite the dire circumstances at hand.

  Rhianna looked up at Rurik and said, “Father, I must implore our king to reinstate my marriage to Erik. It is time I tell this king that Erik is to be a father. That will release Erik from his prison and force the king to make right what he has wronged.”

  Drew had written to Rhianna and suggested that she come to the Royal Court and claim she was with child. He felt this ruse would be the best way to change the king’s mind since he had been adamant about there not being a child; therefore it was easy to nullify the marriage. He said, “Aye, t’is a good plan and it will buy us time. By the time the king learns the truth, you will undoubtedly be carrying Erik’s babe.”

  It was then that Drew saw a look of understanding pass between Rurik and his best friend’s wife. He wondered if Rhianna was afraid to be a part of this ruse, but he could think of no other way to gain audience with this king and Erik sat wasting in a castle cell. He knew even the most seasoned warriors were no match for castle prisons.

  “Will the king see us?”

  Bronwyn spoke up, “That was what I was coming to tell ye’, Drew. The king has summoned me but has refused to see me. I dunna’ think this bodes well for any of us.”

  Drew kissed the side of the girl’s face and he said, “Hush, no doubt he received word that Rurik has arrived. It was probably why you were summoned in the first place. The king is just waiting for all parties to be present, and now they are….”

  “Except for one”, Rhianna stated. Drew knew she was sick with worry for Erik. Rurik soothed her saying, “Easy girl, Erik is tough. He will be fine. Have faith, Angel. When he learns you are here, he will rally to the fight.”

  Randall moved forward to stand beside his sister. He knew this was the most ludicrous thing the king had done. He had bourn witness to his sister’s marriage since he had been married in a beautiful double ceremony alongside of her. Both he and his wife, Janelle were witness to Erik wedding Rhianna as they had been witness for his own vows to his wife. Randall seethed inwardly at these most unfortunate turn of events. To make matters worse, they had to now wait until the king’s whim permitted them audience with him. The longer they waited, the more apprehensive they all became. Waiting only fueled fears and speculations.

  It was hours later before they were called before the king. During that time, Rhianna secretly observed the interaction between Drew and Bronwyn. If they had not already become lovers, they soon would be. It was only a matter of time, Rhianna thought. Odd how love happened, the way it did. For Drew, Rhianna was astounded but pleasantly surprised. She had watched that ladies’ favorite interact with women in and around Ragnorsen keep and she did not think anyone would ever tame his restless heart.

  There had been Daria, but thankfully Drew put an end to that relationship, but not soon enough. Rhianna did not like to think of that malicious and spiteful woman. While she had wanted Drew to find a mate, Rhianna disliked Daria so much. She was a hateful and manipulative person who traded up men to better her standings. Rhianna did not question why he stayed with her as long as he had. Sometimes a man is ruled by something other than his heart! But here he was with this Scottish woman. This was not just a lustful thing. There seemed to be something deeper between them. Rhianna observed a certain tenderness that Drew seemed given to when dealing with Bronwyn. Somehow this unlikely girl had won over this beloved flirt. Drew was in love!

  It was obvious to Rhianna. While she was not certain she liked this choice, she was very happy for her friend. Drew deserved to find love. Rhianna only hoped that this would not end badly for all parties involved. God, she longed to see Erik. She knew he was being treated badly. It sickened her to think of him as a prisoner of this unbalanced king.

  After many hours of waiting, Rhianna was finally granted audience with the king. She stated her name as Rhianna Ragnorsen nee Du Montfort and she bowed before the king. If she was frightened, she did not show it. She gathered her strength from her love of Erik and it was about saving him that spurned her on. The king addressed her, “Madam, your marriage has been declared null therefore, your name cannot be Ragnorsen.”

  Rurik started at that ridiculous statement, but both Randall and Drew grabbed one of his arms and held him back. It would not do to have the elder imprisoned along with his son. Drew whispered, “Let the girl have her say. She is not without strength and courage. You will see what I mean.”

  Rhianna rose, quiet fury smoldering, but kept in check, but it was evident on her face.

  “That is your right, as king, Your Majesty, but I would beg you to reconsider.”

  “The decision has already been made, documents drawn, banns posted.” Bronwyn cried out in protest, “I will not marry that man!”

  Drew now restrained the Scottish girl and said, “Shhh! Do not say another word.”

  The King looked over towards Bronwyn and said, “Woman, be silent. You will be dealt with afterward.”

  Rhianna took a step forward and said, “Your Majesty, might I speak? I have good reason to be reunited with my husband. I had lost a babe some months ago, and for that you decided my marriage was null. But Your Majesty, I carry again, therefore I beg you to reconsider.”

  “
Really, you are breeding are you? Why then did Erik not claim you and this supposed babe?”

  “Sire, Erik does not yet know. We have lived together as husband and wife till the day he left to visit you. I have not told him yet.”

  A muscle flexed in the king’s cheek, drawing his mouth down errantly. He leaned over and whispered something to a scribe. The man left, and brought forth an older woman. He signaled for the woman to approach and he announced, “This is the royal midwife. She will examine you. God help you if this is a rouse. Fiona, take her and examine her claim. Report back with your findings. Be thorough.”

  At this announcement, Drew paled. He should have known that Rhianna’s word would not have sufficed. As she began to walk off with the midwife, Drew said, “Rhianna, do not do this. I cannot bear to think of you imprisoned.” Rhianna kissed his cheek and said, “It is alright, Drew. I have nothing to fear.”

  “But…”

  “Drew, I am pregnant. It is the truth.”

  Drew was stunned. He said, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I wanted to be certain.”

  She smiled and hugged him before walking away with the midwife. Drew turned to Rurik and said, “Rurik…she is pregnant. Erik will be very happy. I just wish she would have told me. I may not have had her ride here.”

  “I know, brave little thing. She never shows fear even if she is afraid. Erik is going to be furious with her for coming here to save him when she is carrying his child.”

  Drew nodded, saying, “I could think of no other way, though Rurik. I had thought to use it as a ruse. I never dreamed it was actually so.”

  After what seemed like an eternity, Rhianna was led back to Court, following the midwife. If she was not angry before, she certainly was now. Drew noticed that besides looking embarrassed, she looked furious. He was certain she had undergone a degrading examination by the woman called a midwife. He felt pity for his dear friend and wished he could have changed the course of events. The rough looking woman spoke, and said, “Your Majesty, she is indeed with child. Nearly six weeks along.”

  Miraculously keeping her anger in check, Rhianna spoke, “That is well before your decree to nullify my marriage.”

  The King flashed Rhianna a look that warned her to be silent.

  “Leave Our presence. We shall have to ponder this.”

  Rhianna could no longer keep her peace. “Erik is my husband and father of my child. You must release him. He has done nothing wrong and has committed no crime. You imprison a man for being true to his pregnant wife…you must release him. He is not free to marry another, by your decree or not. He is legally wed to me.”

  Drew dug his fingers gently into her shoulder, silently urging her to speak no more. He could see the ire purpling the King’s livid face and the last time he witnessed that, Erik was thrown into the dungeons. Rhianna turned to face Drew and Rurik. There were tears in her eyes, more from anger and frustration than sorrow.

  “He is not going to release Erik. He does not honor marriage. What should we do?”

  Chapter Ten

  A scribe approached the king and whispered something to him. He inclined his neck and listened to the report. Ire soon spread to full rage as the king listened intently to the message. When the messenger bowed and turned away, the king turned his full anger toward them once again. Now he pointed at Drew and summoned, “You there, approach thy king. Bring the Scottish woman with you.” Drew moved before the king, with Bronwyn by his side.

  “Explain yourselves!”

  Bronwyn looked stricken as her eyes met Drew’s. Neither one spoke and the king addressed them again.

  “Perhaps We can unloose your tongues. This girl is under Royal protection, is she not?” Drew nodded.

  “She is betrothed to marry your knight, Sir Erik Ragnorsen, is she not?” Drew swallowed deeply. This was proceeding in a direction that he was not taking a liking to. The monarch continued, “And as a royal ward, and betrothed woman, is it in your best interest to take advantage of her?”

  “He didna’….”

  “Silence! We are speaking to this supposed honorable knight of the realm. Speak Sir Drew.”

  “I did not take advantage of her.”

  “Oh, no? Hmmm, I see. Except that you were seen escorting her back from the garden.”

  “I was not aware that was forbidden, Your Majesty. I thought a lone lass should not be wandering the gardens at night. I only thought to escort her back to the warmth of the castle.”

  “Is that so? You have been seen talking intimately and privately with this girl. And only this very morning, were seen leaving her chambers. Do you suppose that is honorable? Can you even dare to deny it?” Drew flexed his hands into fists at his sides. He was fighting to respond in a manner that would surely make the situation worse. Not really knowing what else to say, he finally, he spoke.

  “Nay, I cannot deny it.”

  “No need to explain why you were leaving her quarters. There is only one reason a man leaves a woman’s bedchambers in the early morning hours.” Bronwyn blurted out, “He did nothing dishonorable. I am still a virgin! Have your midwife check me, too. He caused me no dishonor.” Drew tried to still her but the king turned his wrath on her.

  “No dishonor you say? I doubt your father would agree. Why his mere presence in your chambers is enough to convict him.”

  “But he…”

  Drew tried to stop her from saying anything else.

  “Hush, girl. Don’t say anything else.”

  “I willna’ be silent. This man was kind to me. He tried to protect me. He befriended me. We kissed, nothing more. I am undefiled.”

  “You, miss, are defiled by his presence!”

  “Well the fault then rests on me alone. T’was me who begged him to stay with me. I was frightened of the Viking…and lonely. I needed a friend and he was that to me.”

  “So, then you invited him to your chambers? Without regard to propriety; without regard to the dangerous situation that can now erupt between your country and England? Without regard to your clan and your status within it?”

  Bronwyn stood firm and answered, “Aye. If anyone should be punished, it should be me.”

  Drew started at her words. She had no idea how cruel and sadistic this king could be. Drew knew him to be a man who reveled in the pain and humiliation of his subjects. The king tapped his lips with a finger, as if pondering Bronwyn’s claim.

  “Very well! So be it. We believe this new development shall actually solve all our problems today.”

  Drew stepped forward and spoke up, “Please your majesty, she is but an innocent girl. Please do not punish her.”

  “Enough! This entire business has wasted enough of Our time. Guards! Restrain him. Bring him to yonder pillar and strip the shirt off his back!”

  The guards did as bidden and all present knew Andrew was about to be flogged. A flail was brought to the king. He summoned Bronwyn to approach him and he said, “Since you have begged Us to punish you, We think it would be fitting for you to meter out the punishment to this rogue. He is to receive twenty lashes across his back and you are to deal them out to him.”

  Bronwyn cried out in horror. She defied the king further by saying, “I will not do it. I cannot!”

  “Well, either it is done by your hand or one of the king’s guards. I dare say that your hand will be the gentler of the two. Guard, show her what I mean.”

  The guard all too happily, stepped forward and snapped the flail with full strength against Drew’s back. Drew cut back a groan as an angry welt appeared on his flesh. Bronwyn was horrified. She begged, “No, no, dunna’ hurt him.”

  She ran past the guard and threw her arms around Drew. He gritted his teeth against the pain and said, “Do it. They will not show me any mercy…and best make it believable so they do not redouble your efforts.”

  “Please, Drew…I cannot do it.”

  The king garnered great pleasure in the suffering of the Scottish girl and he called, �
�Guard, another lash. It seems the girl would rather her lover suffer more at your hand. Make it better than the last one.”

  The guard pulled Bronwyn off of Drew, and drawing his arm fully back, cracked the flail against Drew’s back again. Again he tried not to groan but he said, “Please Bronwyn…do as you have been asked.”

  Bronwyn faced the king; tears streamed down her face and she said, “How can ye’ ask me to do this vile thing? I love him…”

  The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. At her profession, Drew jerked as if he had been whipped again. What did she say? She loves me…dear God, she loves me.

  “If you love him, you will not let my guard enjoy the beating. Take the flail and finish it.”

  The guard pressed the flail into Bronwyn’s hand. She recoiled as if it were a snake. She wanted to drop it and run from the place, but she knew that if she did, Drew would be brutalized. She stared down at the offending item in her hand and watched as tears dripped onto the handle.

  “Now then, twenty lashes. Begin!”

  “But he has already suffered two…”

  “Twenty, I said. Do not try the patience of this Court again or I shall increase it by five for every moment you waste.”

  Bronwyn wished she had not discredited all that Morag had tried to teach her about the Old Ways for surely there would have been some magic she could have conjured to evade this growing horror. But, alas there was no magic to ferry her out of this horrible situation. With trembling fingers, she raised the flail and snapped it toward Drew’s back. She saw him jerk but he made no sound. The king counted out the strikes as Bronwyn lashed Drew. The more she struck him, the angrier the welts appeared. Droplets of blood popped out in several places, trickling down his spine, fanning out like small lightning bolts. Bronwyn felt as if she would purge her stomach with each strike. When she finally reached her twelfth strike, she felt so ill, she feared she would faint. The king raised his hand and said, “Enough. Cut him free.”