"What is that?"
"I have just the thing in mind for you, McLeish, but I will make you pay when the time comes." The swish of Kendrick’s blade cut through the still air and connected with McLeish’s with an unparalleled ferocity. Isabeau’s heart hammered in her chest. Who would be the victor?
* * * *
"All right, Kendrick, you win. I give up," Ian proclaimed as he threw his gloved hands up in mock surrender. Kendrick moved his foot from Ian’s chest and allowed the man to stand up.
Kendrick stepped backward and re-sheathed his sword. "Now you owe me, Ian, since I am allowing you to live for your offense but I will warn you only once--stay away from Isabeau. Do you understand me?"
Ian nodded then bent at the waist with his hands on his large, metal encased thighs as if to catch his breath. "Aye, I will not even cast a glance at the wench."
"Good," Kendrick replied as he moved toward her with a quick step, "then let us return to Henstrige. I have grown quite an appetite."
He helped Isabeau on his horse and mounted after her. "Forgive me, Kendrick, but I was unable to prepare this morning’s meal…."
"I was not thinking of food, Isabeau," he whispered seductively in her ear. She was stunned. After all this, he still possessed the energy for lovemaking?
With that, Kendrick dug his heels in flanks of his black horse and urged the beast toward the castle.
* * * *
Gardana watched the sword play from the thicket of trees surrounding the clearing of the practice field. She crouched low in the bushes to avoid detection. Thorns and prickly shrubbery pricked at her legs and hands but she cared not. All that mattered was that the Duke survived the melee.
His body worked harmoniously as though it was well oiled. Her mind drifted back to the time she spent in his bed and shivers of delight coursed up and down her spine. Those times might be distant but they would soon be a reality again. She cast her gaze to Isabeau. The blonde girl stood there with her fingers tentatively on her chin while she chewed on her lower lip. Gardana smiled. There was one obstacle she must rid herself of soon. With Halden’s help, a potion could be concocted so that Isabeau would lose her child. Aye, that was the trick! She would make Isabeau lose the child now! The Fates could be changed if one so believed in it. The corners of her lips turned upwards. There were certain roots in the forest that would be needed for the potion’s creation. Now came the trick. Where to find them. I think I know where they grow wild. Halden’s teachings have served me well, she assured herself.
Gardana sighed dreamily. How lucky it was she stumbled upon his old rambled cottage during her bleak childhood. He had caught her trying to steal a loaf of fresh baked bread from his window. She could not help it. Her parents had died of fever several days before and she had wandered the forest ever since, tired and hungry. When she told Halden her story, he immediately took her into his house and raised her as his own. When she was of age, he taught her all his tricks and took her into his bed as payment for his kindness. He seemed the same age then as he did now.
After that, she had become employed at Henstrige and worked her way into the Duke’s bed. It was not easy. His heart was an open wound after the woman he had loved preferred the company of the squires. With a few glasses of wine, she had won him over and shared his bed for a time. That was until a few months ago, long before he met the blonde wench who had captured his heart. She had tried with all her tricks to coax him back into bed but he refused and she could not understand why. Did he not have the same needs as all men do?
Gardana waited until the practice field cleared before she moved from her spot. The less anyone knew why she was out here, the better off she was. Now ‘twas time to find the proper roots. She clapped her hands together excitedly. Normally she hated going into the thicket but this was a journey she was going to enjoy.
* * * *
"Halden, ‘tis time to wake up! I have a task for you to do!" she called as she knocked on his door. Inside, she could hear his mumbled grumbling and the sound of him rising from the bed to answer the door. It flew open to reveal Halden standing there in just a tunic. His once fiery red hair was in the process of turning white, almost as if overnight. It hung down in two braids on either side of his face.
He yawned and exuded noxious fumes as if something had died in his mouth. A grizzled hand scratched at his frayed head. "What is it this time, Gardana? I grow tired of your continuous interruptions of my sleep."
Her hand swept across the plane of his bony cheek. "I have something for you to do, Halden. I have decided I want to do away with the wench’s brat now and not before it is born. I have brought all the necessary ingredients for the potion." She opened the hem of her cloak to reveal the potent herbs and roots.
Halden’s gaze moved toward the veritable trove of ingredients in her hand. "No, Gardana, I refuse to participate. To tempt the Fates is something I do not wish to do." He waved at her in a dismissive fashion and went to close the door.
Gardana prudently stuck her foot in between the door and jamb. "Nay, you will help me or else I will use your tricks on you, Halden."
"Nay, you will not, Gardana. I have not showed you enough for you to do so."
The corners of her thin lips turned up perniciously. "Then so be it. Remember I warned you." With that, she mumbled the words used to twist his insides as her hand moved in rotation. Halden paled and his stomach drew in as his face contorted in a mask of pain.
"Stop this, Gardana," he gulped as he held onto the door for support. "You are killing me."
Her words stopped and she glared at him. "Are you willing to help me?"
"Anything to stop the pain."
"I knew you would see reason," she chirped as her hand moved in the opposite direction and she reversed the words. "There. You should feel better now."
Halden straightened up slowly and stared at her through murderous eyes. "Never do that to me, Gardana or else I will be forced to reign such a punishment down on you…."
She grabbed him roughly by the tunic. "Never threaten me again, Halden. I could kill you easily. I know all of your tricks, some of them you taught me. Others I learned from your books. If you are not careful, I could tell the Duke ‘twas you that tried to get his woman to miscarry his child."
His eyes widened and caused the creased valleys around his eyes to deepen. "You would not dare."
Mirth escaped her throat in wicked streams. "I would if I were pressed enough, Halden," she thrust the potion ingredients at him. "Now get started."
With a rough hand, he took all the herbs from her and slammed them into a vacant wooden bowl. She glared at him. Good, now he understood who was in control. He would make this potion if it killed him. She smirked slightly. It just might at that.
Chapter 16
The fire crackled in the open pit of the fireplace. Kendrick stared into the flames with fierce abandon. His hand was propped against the stone mantle for support. Why could Isabeau not get over these feelings and just marry him? It would be so much easier if she did.
"My son, ‘tis good you have come to see me," echoed the familiar female voice at the end of the hall. He turned to face the sound. In the doorway stood the small form of his mother. Her jet colored hair, much like his own, was tied back into a beautiful braid and decorated with many strands of multicolored ribbon. A gown of pale ivory covered her still slim body. Somber gray eyes filled with joy then her arms extended and she came toward him.
He embraced her tiny form warmly, nearly engulfing her. "It has been entirely too long since the last time we were together."
Matilda held onto him tightly and released him, her gaze going over his form with a scrutinizing stare. "You have grown so since the last time I saw you!" she exclaimed as she spread his arms out wide. "Not only in stature but in width as well."
Her dark Celtic eyes narrowed then widened as he cleared his throat and shifted his weight. "Yes, Mother, I am well but I wanted to speak to you about something," he said as he stepp
ed back from her slightly. "I am having…."
A small finger on his lips silenced him. "I know, Kendrick. There is not much going on in Henstrige I do not know about."
Kendrick’s eyebrow rose. "How do you know?"
A slight chuckle escaped her throat. "You forget that some of the servants in your employ are also in my employ as well and bring me news of you," she murmured softly as she brushed a lock of hair lovingly away from his eyes. "You remind me so much of your father, Kendrick. As a matter of fact, he was here just a fortnight ago and inquired about you. I told him all that I knew and he was pleased."
Kendrick pulled back from her and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "That is good, Mother, but I am not here to speak about Father. I need some help in getting Isabeau to marry me."
Her warm hand crept up his back and her fingers landed near his shoulder. "Come sit down like we used to when you were a young boy and we can discuss this." Matilda moved to a small chair and gestured for him to sit before her.
Kendrick was startled. "Mother, I am a grown man…."
"But you are still my son and sometimes require a soothing touch now and then. Sit down."
Kendrick knew it was no good arguing with her. He lowered his large frame down and settled against her knees. Stretching his long legs, he crossed them at the ankles for comfort. Immediately, her hands ran through the damp tendrils of his hair. His mother was right. Her touch soothed his mood. "If only I could make her see reason, Mother. With the child coming…."
Her movements stopped. "There is a child?"
"I thought you knew."
Slim fingers danced at the nape of his neck and spun through his hair again. "Nay, I did not which makes the situation all that much more dire. Hmmm, I think you’d better send the girl to me for a while and perhaps I can make her see reason."
"Do you think that is wise?"
"Aye, it is. I think a while without you by her side, she will realize how much she wants and needs you."
Kendrick twisted around to face her. Grasping his mother’s hands, he kissed them gently. "Much thanks, Mother. I knew I could count on you to aid me."
Her hands embraced his face lovingly. "Of course I would, Kendrick. I love you beyond all measure and always will. You are the one reminder of your father’s love that will remain closest to my heart," she replied softly as her eyes stared into his. "Are you feeling well?"
"Other than the slight ache in my head, I am well."
The corners of her red lips curled into a familiar smile. "Then sit back and let me take the ache away like I used to when you were a child." Without further urging, Kendrick resumed his seat. Her hands sought the thick cords at the nape of his neck and went to loosen the stiff muscles. Suddenly a wave of tiredness overcame him as the ache left his head. This was one battle he may not be able to fight.
* * * *
Kendrick blinked sluggishly as the crackle of the fire hissed in his ear. What time was it? He looked around and noticed his head lay on his mother’s knee. He peered up to see her staring into the fire. Suddenly, her eyes went to him. "I trust you slept well, Kendrick."
He yawned, stretched then nodded as he ran a hand through his unruly locks. "Aye, that I did. How long did I sleep?"
"A few hours I suppose. You looked so peaceful that I did not want to wake you," she stated softly as her fingers danced over his head.
Kendrick turned and leaned back on his haunches. "Your poor leg must be tired, Mother. You should have woken me. I could have lain in a bed."
Matilda shook her blue-black hued head. "Nay, Kendrick. I was just sitting here thinking about all the times when you were a child and troubled. You would come to me and I would rub your head just as I did now. Every time you fell asleep with your head in my lap. Sometimes I yearn for the boy," she said mildly as she arose, "in the man I see before me." She sighed heavily and crossed her arms. "But that is past. What is important is to get the girl to marry you before the child is born. Why is she resisting you?"
Kendrick turned hastily away, not wanting to tell her anything. He was ashamed of himself. He had treated Isabeau badly and it was his fault she refused to marry him. "I … I … have not exactly been treating Isabeau as I should. After all, she is the Queen of Castile," he stammered as he waited for the usual chastisement to come.
Matilda smiled at him for a moment then spoke. "And do not forget she is a woman as well. How can you tell her that she belongs to you and not take into account her feelings as well?"
His eyes widened. "I suppose the servants have told you all then."
A slight chuckle of mirth escaped her throat. "Aye, they have including when the girl dumped your wine on your head. If I were Isabeau, I would have done the same thing. Oh, Kendrick," she cupped his chin gently, "when will you learn? You must give her room to breathe and treat her like a woman with thoughts and feelings of her own. Not like property." Her eyes softened as tears formed in the corners. "That is one of your father’s traits. We will, however, have to curb that." Dainty fingers wiped the last vestiges of moisture away from her eyes. "Now, where is the girl?"
Kendrick rose to his feet. "At Henstrige serving in the kitchen."
A raven’s wing colored eyebrow rose. "I take it you thought to break her spirit by making her serve you?"
Kendrick nodded slowly. "Aye, ‘twas the only way I knew how."
"My son, there are other ways of affecting people than destroying their pride. There is so much I still have to teach you. What I want you to do is bring Isabeau here and leave her with me for a fortnight. Do not come or write her letters."
His heart fell to his feet as the words of his mother’s decree reached his ears. "But why? I will need to know of her condition every waking moment or else I will go mad!" His hands clenched in fists of rage but he kept his fury under control.
Matilda patted his arm reassuringly. "Do not worry, my son. I will write you every day about her condition and her demeanor. At the end of the fortnight, you will find a remarkably different woman than the one you brought."
His spirit soared as the thought of Isabeau reconsidering her decision erupted in his mind. He was finally going to have what every man dreamed of. A loving wife and child. That was all he wanted, nothing less. "I trust your judgment, Mother. I will bring her here straightaway. Shall I bring her clothing with her?"
"If you mean her servant’s clothing, then nay. I still have my old gowns from when you grew in my belly. They should fit her if she is showing. If not, then she can fit into my regular gowns."
He kissed Matilda’s forehead warmly then engulfed her in his embrace. "Much thanks, Mother. I could not do this without you."
Her finger chucked the underside of his chin. "You have done all the work, Kendrick. I am just helping you put on the final touches."
* * * *
Isabeau stirred the last of the apples with their sweet spices in the bowl as her mind spun. Where was Kendrick? He had left early this morning and mumbled something about having to see someone but in the depths of her sleep, she was not quite sure who it was. Who else occupied his mind these days?
She stopped and stared at the darkening countryside. The days seemed shorter now and with the chill in the air, winter was not far away. She sighed. When would the child be born? Early summer, perhaps? She was not entirely sure. All she knew was that her course was now two months delayed.
Isabeau shook her head in an effort to get her head out of the clouds. Suddenly, a tanned finger dipped into the bowl. She turned around in time to see Kendrick put the errant digit, filled with spice, in his mouth.
"Ah, this is most delicious," he pronounced. "Almost as good as you." He took the spoon from her hand and laid it against the hard edge of the wooden bowl. "There is something I need to tell you, Isabeau."
Her brow furrowed as her heart thumped uneasily in her chest. Was it the time for her to be cast aside like discarded rubbish? "What is it? I no longer appeal to you and you have found another to replac
e me?" She could see the sting of her words in the expression on his face and suddenly, she found herself wanting to take it all back.
Kendrick shook his head slowly. "No, Isabeau. You are one hard woman to replace. You have been working hard these past months and I have not treated you well. I have decided to send you somewhere that I will not be, at least for a fortnight."
She began to shake with a slight motion. "What do you mean?"
"I am sending you to my mother for a while for some rest. I know things are not well between us," Kendrick murmured. His hand reached out and softly caressed her belly. "I want our child to know his mother and father love him just as much as they love each other. Perhaps, with a little time away, you will realize how much you need me and want me."
Isabeau turned, stunned by his words. Was this some sort of ruse? Her nerves were erratic while her mind spun crazily. What should she do? Stiffening slightly, she turned to face him. "How will I know you are not just trying to send me away so that another can warm your bed?"
Kendrick cast his gaze to the ceiling then returned to capture hers. His hands gripped her arms tightly. "Isabeau, is it so hard to imagine I want you and only you, in my bed? No other woman exists for me, only you. Believe me, this will be harder on me than it will be on you. For that fortnight, I will not come nor write you letters so that will give your mind time to clear without me clouding it. It will be all I can do," he murmured as he drew her tightly against his velvet-encased chest, "to keep from kidnapping you so that I can make love to you. Do not be too surprised if you see me before the fortnight is up. Mother will be angry but I do not care. Being separated from you is like cutting off my own limb."
Isabeau pushed away slightly as her mind filled with a whirlwind of confusion. "Why would your mother be angry?"
"Because she suggested it," he whispered as his lips descended on her ear where it nibbled at the ready curves. "I must get my fill of you tonight because it must last a while."
Isabeau leaned into him as her senses swam in the waves of ecstasy brewing inside of her. She was not really sure about staying with Kendrick’s mother but perhaps it would give some more insight as to why he acted the way he did. He explained about his first love and the gamble but that did nothing to build her trust for him. It only served to make it more brittle, more fragile. She purred huskily into his chest as his lips burned a trail of hot kisses down her neck. She was not sure how long she would last without his touch either.
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