Ares nickered softly at the sound of Daniel’s voice and when the stable boys turned around, Daniel could see they had various food items in their hands. One lad seemed to have a bucket of half-eaten grain while another had carrots. The third lad had bread crusts. All three looked startled and, upon closer inspection, rather guilty.
“We are feeding him his morning meal, my lord,” the lad with the grain said. “He seems to be very hungry this morning.”
Daniel grinned as he pushed past the boys and into the stall, slapping his big horse on the neck affectionately. “He is always hungry,” he said flatly. “Look at the size of him. He eats an enormous amount.”
The boys nodded in unison and the boy with the grain went back to feeding Ares, who stuck his nose into the bucket, crunching and snorting. Daniel, meanwhile, ran a practiced eye over his animal and, seeing that all was well, gave the horse one last pat and left the stall.
“See that he is fed and then saddled,” he said. “I will return within the hour.”
The boys nodded eagerly and returned their attention to the horse as Daniel headed out of the stable. He was just to the entry when a body appeared in his way, blocking his exit. Daniel had to step aside quickly or risk crashing into Caston, who jumped back when he realized that he had nearly run headlong into Daniel.
“Forgive me, my lord,” Caston said. “I nearly bowled you over.”
Daniel snorted. “It was not as easy as all that,” he said, jesting. Then, he threw a thumb over his shoulder, back in the direction of Ares. “I came to check on my horse. I will be departing back to Siglesdene as soon as Lady Liselotte is ready to depart. I believe I mentioned to you this morning that we left a great many stores meant for Shadowmoor back in town. I must return them to the fortress today.”
Caston nodded; he’d shared the morning meal with Daniel a short while earlier and had come to know a little about the knight from the great and mighty de Lohr family. Daniel was quite congenial, very bright, and quick of wit. He seemed to have a joke for everything. They had discussed a few things that morning, including the tournament in Skipton, and Caston was coming to think that Daniel had decided to compete although the man had given him no real confirmation. It was just a feeling Caston had.
In all, he was coming to like the wandering de Lohr son just a bit and his father was already enamored with the man, so much so that Caston was now on a mission for his father. When Daniel spoke of returning to Shadowmoor on this day, Caston held up a hand as if to beg the man to reconsider.
“I know,” he said. “In fact, that is why I am here. My father and I were talking after you left the hall and my father thinks that you should leave the lady and her brother here. Since Lord Bramley seems so apt to harass Shadowmoor, it might be safer for the lady and her brother to remain here where Bramley cannot find them. Even if he discovered she was here, we have the army to protect her. Do you think the Lord of Shadowmoor would consider this?”
Daniel gazed at the man that he, too, was coming to like. Caston was a good deal like Brighton, or at least what Daniel had seen of Brighton, but he didn’t seem to have that aggressive streak in him that his brother had possessed. Caston seemed more thoughtful, less antagonistic, but, of course, Daniel had only known the man a day or so. Time would tell if he was really less belligerent than his brother.
“That is a very kind offer,” he said. “In fact, I am in agreement with you. It would be safer for them both to remain here. Caston… I cannot tell you the poverty that Shadowmoor has faced because of Bramley. Have you noticed how attached the lady’s young brother seems to be to the dogs and the goats?”
Caston nodded. He had passed the young l’Audacieux lad on his way to the stables. “Indeed I have.”
Daniel cocked a serious eyebrow. “That is because those at Shadowmoor have been forced to kill and eat all of the animals in order to survive, dogs and goats included,” he said. “Bramley has contained them so much that they live on what wild grains they can gather and have eaten all of the livestock. I have no idea when they last had cheese or meat. I am sure the Lord of Shadowmoor will be very grateful that his children will, once again, be enjoying a steady diet in the safety of Netherghyll.”
Caston was frowning at the thought of so much poverty. “I am ashamed that we did not know any of this, truly,” he said. “They are our neighbors and we knew nothing, but as my father said, Shadowmoor has always kept to themselves. I am not sure there was any way we could know what was going on with them.”
Daniel conceded the point. “Now, you know,” he said, “and I am sure your assistance will be greatly appreciated until my uncle arrives. Your father said that the missive went out this morning.”
“It did.”
“Then I would expect to see my uncle and his men here before the month is out. Meanwhile, we must try to keep Shadowmoor alive and hold off Bramley until they arrive.”
Caston was thoughtful. “I did not want to ask this in front of my father because he is far too peaceful in his old age,” he said, “but I was thinking last night… what is to prevent you from going to Bramley and telling him that if he does not leave Shadowmoor alone, then you will bring the de Lohr army and destroy him? Mayhap the threat alone would be enough to cease his harassment.”
Daniel scratched his head. “Mostly because I do not want to go alone to Bramley Castle,” he said. “He could easily subdue me and throw me in the vault. I do not want to put myself in that position.”
Caston could see his point. “Then what if you and I went with two hundred Netherghyll troops?” he asked. “A show of force? If he has as few men as we think he has, then he will be stupid to move against us.”
Daniel grinned at the man. “Looking for a little action, are you?”
Caston laughed. “I will admit that it is somewhat boring around here,” he said. “We have very little opportunity to dole out beatings to worthy foes.”
Daniel laughed along with him. “I admire your attitude, but this isn’t your fight.”
“It isn’t yours, either, from what I gather.”
Daniel guffawed. “So we shall champion Shadowmoor together, my friend? We are quite noble and brave.”
Caston continued laughing because Daniel was. “Or foolish.”
“I would agree with that, too.”
Caston slapped Daniel on the arm. “Then it is settled,” he said. “I will arm two hundred men and we shall ride to Bramley Castle to tell that miscreant Bramley to leave Shadowmoor alone. It will be fun.”
Daniel was enjoying Caston’s humor. “Fun, he says,” he grunted. “It has been a long time since I have had fun such as that.”
“Me, too.”
“If my father finds out, he will think I have lured you into this adventure. He will think that I have swayed you into danger.”
“I will tell him that it was my idea.”
Now it was Daniel’s turn to slap Caston on the arm. “Excellent!” he said. “I like you already, de Royans, for volunteering to take the blame for this action.”
Caston grinned as Daniel pulled him along as he headed for the keep. “It was my idea.”
“If we are successful, it will become my idea.”
Caston snorted softly, shaking his head. “Now I think I know how the House of de Lohr has gained its reputation for great and noble acts,” he said. “Taking credit for other’s work, have you?”
Daniel shook his head. “Not unless it is warranted,” he teased. “All jesting aside, I appreciate your willingness to take an active role in assisting Shadowmoor. In fact, I was thinking….”
“God’s Bones, I’m not sure I want to know what you are thinking.”
Daniel laughed. “I was thinking that mayhap we should both compete in the tournament in Skipton,” he said, “and if we win the purse, then we should donate it to Shadowmoor. I do not need the money and, clearly, Netherghyll does not need the money either, so if both of us were compete, that would double the chances of Shadowmoor winning the
purse.”
Caston’s expression indicated that he wasn’t opposed to the suggestion. “I would be agreeable to that,” he said. “It has been a long time since I have championed a lady.”
Daniel came to a halt and looked at him. “Not a lady,” he said. “Shadowmoor. The only one championing Lady Liselotte is me. You may as well know that her father has offered me her hand.”
It wasn’t a lie; Etzel had offered him Liselotte in marriage. But Daniel stopped short of saying he’d accepted, instead, waiting for Caston’s reaction first to see how much further he would speak on the subject. It wasn’t long in coming.
“I thought there might be something between you and the lady,” he said. “Call it a hunch. I saw the way you looked at her last night.”
Daniel wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that. Was his infatuation with Liselotte so obvious? He thought he’d been rather clever about concealing it, hoping to keep his feelings only to himself. But it looked as if those attempts had failed. He simply lifted his eyebrows and turned away, resuming his walk for the keep and unwilling to confirm Caston’s observations.
“Then you understand when I say that I will be her champion,” he said. “But I would consider it a personal favor if you would compete and, if you win, donate the purse to Shadowmoor. They need it far more than we ever could.”
Caston nodded. “I will,” he said, following Daniel. “But when I do, I want you to do something for me.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
They had reached the great doors of the hall and Caston came to a halt, reaching to stop Daniel from entering. The men faced each other in the shadow of the hall as the morning sun rose overhead.
“Although I love my father and Netherghyll is my home,” he said, “I do not want to remain here forever. My brother, Brighton, will inherit Netherghyll upon my father’s death, so there is no reason for me to remain here. I have stayed these years while Brighton has gone about on his adventure, but I, too, want to live my life. I want you to speak to your uncle or your father to see if they would accept my fealty. I would like to find adventure and mayhap even fortune through the House of de Lohr. If I remain at Netherghyll, that will never happen.”
Daniel’s good mood fled. He couldn’t tell Caston that Brighton would never inherit Netherghyll, meaning it would belong to Caston upon Easton’s passing. Nay, he couldn’t tell him that in the least. He was becoming increasingly despondent over the secret he bore of Brighton’s death, and why he died, something he was convinced he could never share with Easton and Caston. Still, he understood Caston’s need to leave his father’s home and seek his fame and fortune. Daniel had been doing that for the past ten years. Aye, he understood Caston’s request very well.
“Based on the conversation at supper last night, it seemed to me that you were happy at Netherghyll,” he said. “Was that a conversation for the benefit of your father?”
Caston nodded, lowering his gaze. “It was,” he said. “Brighton has left him and he cannot stomach the thought of me leaving him as well.”
“But you want to.”
“I do.”
Daniel’s gaze lingered on the man. “Then have no worry,” he said. “When the time comes, I will insist that my father or uncle accept your fealty. My uncle has quite a large stable of knights, so one more would be welcome, I am sure. We will discuss this more when the time comes. You have my vow.”
Caston was visibly relieved. “You have my thanks, then,” he said. “You said that coming to Shadowmoor was fortuitous for the House of l’Audacieux. Mayhap it was fortuitous for me as well. To serve the House of de Lohr, to serve your father, would be my greatest honor.”
Daniel wondered how his father was going to react when asked if he would accept fealty from a man who looked exactly like the man who had nearly killed Maddoc du Bois and abducted David’s granddaughter. He had a feeling his father would not agree to it, no matter if Caston was markedly different from his wicked brother. He forced a smile.
“As I said, my uncle’s service would be better for you,” he said. “Much more to see and do under my uncle’s command. My father is rather boring; you would find yourself in much the situation you find yourself in here.”
Caston shrugged. “I admit that action would be more attractive.”
“Then I will speak to my uncle when the time is right.”
“Again, you have my thanks.”
Daniel simply nodded, slapping the man again on the shoulder, before heading into the hall in search of Liselotte. He hoped she was agreeable to remaining at Netherghyll and couldn’t imagine why she wouldn’t be. She would be safe, with more food than she could possibly eat. He couldn’t see why she would refuse.
He was wrong.
*
“I want to go home.”
Daniel was standing just inside the door of Liselotte’s borrowed chamber, facing a surprisingly stubborn response to what, he thought, had been a very generous offer. But Liselotte didn’t want any part of it.
“You will be safe if you stay here,” Daniel explained patiently. “You will be warm and you will be fed. You will even have Lady Glennie for companionship. Does that not appeal to you?”
Liselotte wasn’t sure she could make Daniel understand her reasons for wanting to return to Shadowmoor, but it was something she felt very passionate about. She went to him, putting her hand on his wrist as he stood in her doorway, big arms folded across his chest.
“Of course it does,” she said. “But I cannot, in good conscience, remain here while my people suffer. All of the people of Shadowmoor are suffering because of me. It is me that Bramley wants and I am the reason he has kept up his harassment all of these years. I would be a terrible person to flee Shadowmoor, to live in comfort, while my family and my people live in poverty because of me. I cannot do it, Daniel. I pray that you understand my reasons.”
He did. He’d never seen anyone more selfless than Lady Liselotte l’Audacieux. She would not cast aside suffering she had caused, even for her own safety. If her people were suffering, as she put it, it was her place to suffer right along with them. He sighed, putting a hand over the hand against his wrist.
“I do,” he said quietly. “I understand and admire you greatly for it. But there are times when you must think of yourself, Leese. De Royans is offering you safety and shelter and food whenever you want it, hot baths, a comfortable bed, and companionship. I realize that you do not want to abandon Shadowmoor, but I am sure no one would blame you if you did. And if Bramley were to be told you had left Shadowmoor, he might lose some of his zest for harassing it. Your people might return to a normal life.”
He had called her by her pet name, the name that Etzel always used. Leese. It sounded so sweet coming from Daniel’s lips. But Liselotte didn’t take the time to acknowledge it; she was focused on the serious conversation at hand.
“Bramley wants Shadowmoor more than he wants me,” she said. “It would not stop his harassment. My being at Shadowmoor was simply more of an excuse for him to do what he was already inclined to do.”
Daniel gazed down at the woman. Her wisdom, as always, was astonishing. He’d never met a woman like her, so wise and true, so beautiful and strong. Whatever was brewing in his heart for her was growing by leaps and bounds, and his bachelor’s soul, that terribly stubborn thing, was all but crumbled in her wake. She’d smashed through it as easily as an ax through fragile glass. He had always thought his bachelorhood was stronger than that. In truth, she was stronger than he was.
He knew that without a doubt.
She had changed gowns this morning and wore the dark yellow wool that was incredibly striking against her coloring, her luscious bronze hair having been brushed and rebraided, pinned up in a style that had the braid circling her head from the nap to the crown. It was a stunning style on her, emphasizing her great beauty. Daniel collected the hand on his wrist, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
“I am sure you are correct,” he said.
“But when I look at you now, glorious and groomed and well fed and happy, this is how I wish to always see you. This is what you deserve. Returning you to Shadowmoor will only return you to despair and hunger, and I am vastly opposed to doing that. Can you not understand?”
Liselotte watched him as he kissed her hand, feeling bolts of lightning race through her body as he nibbled on her flesh. “I do understand,” she answered. “And you are wonderful and gracious to be so concerned for me. But I cannot stay here and enjoy life while my people are suffering. I would hate myself for it.”
He understood that. Unhappy, he sighed heavily and kissed her hand again, but that wasn’t enough for him, so he pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly on the mouth, gently suckling her lips. He could feel her collapse against him, completely turning herself over in every way possible. It was instantaneous with her; no resistance whatsoever, and nothing had ever felt so right or natural to him, not ever. Having Liselotte in his embrace was an action that filled something inside of him that he never knew needed filling.
Perhaps it was that thing his father always thought he had been searching for.
More and more, he was coming to believe it.
“You taste like honey,” he murmured against her lips.
Dazed from his kiss, Liselotte nonetheless giggled. “It was on the porridge I ate earlier.”
He swooped in for another deep kiss, this time licking her lips, probing into her mouth gently, feeling her tremble in his arms.
“Nay,” he whispered. “It is you. You taste like honey.”
It was a seductive statement and Liselotte groaned softly as his tongue delved into her mouth, fully now, tasting all of her sweetness and then some. Her arms, usually just gripping him because she didn’t know what else to do, snaked their way around his neck, pulling him closer. To Daniel, it was like an aphrodisiac – a response from her was all he needed to take control. Taking two steps into her room, he kicked the door shut, hearing the bolt fall simply from the momentum of the movement.
The de Lohr Dynasty: Medieval Legends: A Medieval Romance Collection Page 176