Knight Dreams

by C. C. Wiley

  “We will stop at my mother’s home, Mallows Marsh. I don’t know if she is in residence. If not, then we will move on as soon as I’ve arranged transportation to England.”

  “And how am I to meet your mam, dressed as I am?” She brushed the stained leggings and dusty jerkin. “Meeting me would make matters worse for my sisters. She’d think we were no better than a pack of slattern wenches.”

  James threw his head back and laughed until tears rolled down his cheeks. Holding her as close as he could manage while on horseback, he said, “She will love you as I do.”

  Hours later, Terrwyn was still not convinced traveling to Mallows Marsh was a good plan. She did not like the idea of meeting his mother. There was something in the way James spoke that told her he was keeping something from her.

  She may have shared most of her secrets, but she knew he still kept more of his own.

  Her concerns were softened when she recalled his words. Did he mean what he said earlier? He had grown quiet as soon as he mentioned his love for her. Although it warmed her own heart, she did not tell him her feelings. She still needed to sort them out.

  Thoughts of their afternoon of lovemaking at the Bloated Goat heated her blood. She shifted uncomfortably next to James. Did he recall the thrill of it as well? Her breasts brushed against his forearm. Her nipples hardened, drawing her attention back to the things he had done to her body. She had never felt so alive.

  James’s hand stole up her ribcage and over her breast. Her breath caught as his fingers teased the raised flesh. He chuckled when she groaned and shifted on Zeus’s back. She thought she would go mad when he began to lick at her neck. Frustrated that she could not reach what she wanted, she let out a curse and twisted to gain his lips.

  “We have not far to travel. I’ll come to you once we are there.”

  She shivered as his words blew across her damp skin. “Aye. When your mam sets her eyes on me, you’ll not get within an inch without her knowing.”

  James grunted. He hated to admit she was right. His mother would make sure he kept his distance from Terrwyn’s skirts. He did not like that idea one bit. Yet there were ways to get around the rules of the keep. He smiled into Terrwyn’s hair and turned Zeus into a familiar glen.

  Mallows Marsh was over another hill or two. He could not enter through the gates with his arousal pressing through his leggings. One look at him and his mother would set to lecturing him about a man’s honor and integrity.

  He reigned in near a clearing. It had been several years since he had the opportunity to laze about the pond. The trees he remembered were now taller. The brush he had cleared with his own two hands had returned, determined to take over. But the pond remained. The fresh underground stream kept the water cool and fresh.

  Terrwyn leaned forward, gasping at the beauty before her. “’Tis a wondrous sight.”

  James enjoyed knowing she saw the same beauty that he did. He dismounted and, after seeing she landed safely on her feet, turned her in his arms. Cupping her chin, he lifted her face to catch the afternoon sun. “Beautiful,” he whispered before placing his mouth over hers.

  Terrwyn stretched her arms overhead and shivered as a cool late-afternoon breeze brushed her skin. She rose slowly and tested her limbs for soreness. Her stomach growled, announcing it was time to feed again. She picked up her clothes, shaking the bits of grass and dust off. The thought of putting them on her clean body did not appeal.

  She stood at the edge of the pond and let her eyes skim over the lovely shape of James’s strong thighs, his firmly muscled buttock. He slept upon the thin blanket they’d purchased from the tavern. His forearm covered his face, shielding him from the light.

  She grinned, recalling his surprise when she grabbed him and drew him in. She touched her mouth where his lips had sucked and pulled. Her hand stole to her abdomen. The thrilling memory of where he’d placed his mouth and hands was fresh in her mind. When the tender places began to throb at the thought, she knew it would be a sad and lonely life if she never received his caresses again.

  The shivers that had woken her from her nap rolled over her skin. Senses heightened from their lovemaking, she tensed to listen to the wind. Zeus lifted his head at the sound of thundering hooves. Terrwyn ran toward James to shake him awake.

  He had heard the riders too. He was up and moving before she took two strides. His leggings and jerkin remained where he had impatiently stripped them off. He scooped up the pile of clothing as they ran behind a hedge of bushes. He embraced her to his chest and placed a gentle kiss to her ears and then her lips. “They ride toward Mallows Marsh. If you can manage it, we will take to the more rugged terrain. I would that we reach my mother before they do.”

  “Who were they?”

  “I don’t know. Couldn’t see their faces or their colors. But anyone riding like they were does not bring goodwill.”

  Terrwyn’s backside was sore in more places than she cared to think about for very long. As promised, the terrain they rode over was rugged. The meadows were green as emeralds. Pale slabs of rock stood out of the ground like broken bones. She ached to ask James to let her walk out the cramping in her muscles but did not want be the one to slow him down.

  Terrwyn saw the keep as they crested the last hill. Nestled on a cliff overhang, it perched over the water. The white of the stone walls glistened from the spray of the channel of water below. A flag with a red dragon surrounded by a wreath of red roses waved over the highest point of the keep.

  The portcullis stood open and unattended. The yards were eerily silent. Wary, they rode Zeus into the bailey.

  The mistress of the keep walked out and stood on the top step. The only movement was the hem of the forest green gown rippling under the breeze. Her raven hair remained uncovered by a mantle. It was not held back in a neat hairstyle but hung down to her waist and surrounded a face that was pale and strained.

  James lifted his hand in salutation. His breath caught when his mother did not move toward them but gripped the railing for support.

  “Stay alert, my love,” he whispered as he let Terrwyn down and then dismounted.

  Keeping Zeus’s reins in his hand and holding Terrwyn’s in the other, he walked up to the steps of the keep. “Mother, have I offended you in some way? Do you not offer hospitality to me and my friend?”

  A small sound came from his mother before she collapsed to her knees. James and Terrwyn rushed to her side. They knelt and together lifted her into his arms.

  “Where is everyone?” Terrwyn asked over his mother’s head.

  “I don’t know but intend to find out. No matter the calamity, the gates should not be left unprotected.”

  The sound of weeping came through the doorway that led to the main hall. She looked over her shoulder to see the men and women of the keep, leaning on each other in sorrow.

  His mother’s eyes fluttered open. “Oh.” Her lips trembled as tears formed and streamed down her pale cheeks. Her smile deepened as she placed her palm over his heart and held it there. When he covered her fingers with his hand she looked up into his face. “You live! James, my son, you’ve come back from the dead.”

  “Nay, mother, I’m as hale and hearty as they come. Soon as you are feeling up to it, I’d like for you to tell me how you heard of my death.”

  Curiosity turned her attention to Terrwyn. “And who do we have here?”

  “Lady Mary Frost of Mallows Marsh, may I introduce Terrwyn.”

  Lady Mary caught the look between them and smiled again. “She’s a pretty maiden. Too pretty to traipse around in men’s clothing. We will rectify that as soon as I’m set back on my feet.”

  With her son’s help, she righted herself and hugged him tight. She gripped his arm and strode to the doorway. She stood not much above Terrwyn’s own height, but her posture and energy made her appear taller.

  “People of Mallows Marsh, behold, our James yet lives!”

  A cheer rang out and they rushed through the doorway to pay
their respects. Terrwyn shrank back as their joy for the lady’s son filled the air. Hearty laughter erupted as they came to give their best wishes to the lady and son of the keep.

  When all had settled and the household members had returned to their duties, James turned to his mother. “Come. Let us sit in the alcove. You will tell me what has taken place in my absence. More important, how you came to mourn my death.”

  Lady Mary held her gaze on James as if he would disappear. “A brawny man of stature and a mane of gold rode in. He stayed only long enough to water his horses and mount up again.”

  “Did he give his name?”

  “Aye, said he’s called Simon of Norwich. He had terrible news but felt it necessary ’twas delivered properly. Chose to do it himself.”

  James leaned forward, clasping her hands. “Did he say anything else?”

  Lady Mary shook her head. “I didn’t hear much after he said one of my own countrymen ended your life. Dear Lord, but I prayed they were wrong and that your father was here.” Life was returning to her bones and sinew. Fear and sorrow faded from her face. “Part of my prayer has been answered. I didn’t lose you after all.”

  “My lady,” Terrwyn asked softly, “did he mention where he was headed in such a great hurry?”

  “Aye. He and his companions were headed for the water, looking for transportation to take them back to England.”

  “His companions? Did you recognize them?”

  “Nay. I sent them on their way with nary a drink to quench their thirst.”

  James lifted an expressive eyebrow. “You didn’t offer the pinnace for them to sail?”

  “And why should I? They had an air about them I didn’t like. I knew they’d not treat my ship well. Nor would they sail it back to me intact. I need it for deliveries to the merchant in Cardiff.”

  “Mother, you are a treat. It tears my heart to know I have to leave you so soon after my resurrection, but I must procure my own transportation to England.” He turned to include Terrwyn. “It will take me but a few hours to set our plans in motion. Stay here, rest and keep my mother company while I’m away.”

  “Oh, I don’t think ’tis necessary. We but bathed in the pond a few hours ago.” Terrwyn felt her neck redden as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

  Lady Mary caught the look between them and smiled brightly. “Come lass. I’m sure you won’t want to pass up an opportunity to remove the travel dust and change your clothes. We’ll have a wee bite before our supper.” She looked over their shoulders, searching the floors. “But where is your luggage?”

  Terrwyn was certain her skin was now the color of the salmon running in the stream at spring.

  “She hasn’t any, mother.” At her gasp of surprise, he quickly added, “I’ll right it as soon as there is time.”

  His mother rose to stand over her son. “Do you mean to tell me you brought this wee maiden without a gown? She has nothing to her name?”

  Terrwyn wished the faeries would perform their magic and make the floor swallow her up. As well-meaning as his mother’s intentions might be, Terrwyn certainly did not need her pity. “I have bow and arrows,” she said under her breath.

  Lady Mary turned, hearing the pain in Terrwyn’s voice. “Ah, my dear, forgive me. ’Tis the thought that he did you wrong that sharpens my tongue.”

  James pressed a kiss to his mother’s forehead. He bowed gallantly over Terrwyn’s hand, turned it and placed a lingering kiss to the inside of her wrist. Leaving the two women speechless, he withdrew and nearly ran out the door.

  Mortified, Terrwyn cast a furtive look toward the mistress of the keep. “My lady—”

  “Come, child, while you bathe you can tell me about your family and how you came to be with my son.”

  “Please, I don’t wish to intrude on your duties.”

  Lady Mary shook her head and laughed. “’Tis a cause for celebration. A few hours ago, I thought my son was lost to me. Instead, he returns to me with a beautiful woman on his arm.”

  Lady Mary called out orders to two of the serving girls, who ran off to do their lady’s bidding. A flurry of work commenced as the mistress of the keep led the way to a bedchamber. She chattered companionably, informing Terrwyn about the keep’s history and the location of each room. The joy pouring from her words was contagious.

  “Oh, ’tis lovely, my lady,” Terrwyn said, in awe of her surroundings. Someone had arrived ahead of them and pushed the drapes from the windows. The room was set afire with the reddish glow of the setting sun. Although two large chairs sat by the fireplace, it was the bed that held Terrwyn’s attention. Thick pelts of fur were mounded at the foot. Overstuffed pillows were propped against the massive ornate headboard.

  A small side table held a highly polished plate of metal. She picked up the looking glass and gasped. Saints’ bones, she hardly recognized her reflection.

  Lady Mary came to stand beside her. The strain of the day was evident in her expressive eyes. “No need to worry about what to wear. I’m sure I’ve a gown or two that will fit you fine.” She patted Terrwyn’s hand. “Tell Mille when you are ready for me. I’ve some tasks to see to.”

  The mistress of the keep walked out into the passageway and turned to the chambermaid. “Mille, I will be in my private solar. I would have a word with my son. Find him and have him sent to me at once.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Dread filled her empty belly. Terrwyn did not know whether to beat James about the head or cover him with kisses. The gown his mother sent to her was made of midnight-blue wool and lined with a soft fur. The cuffs of the sleeves were decorated with white brocade lace. She could not ever recall having worn a gown as fine.

  Her ablutions completed, she nodded to the chambermaid that she was ready. Mille led the way to the solar and pushed the door open when Lady Mary called for them to enter.

  The solar radiated the remaining heat of the day. The heady perfumed air was warm and moist. Flowers filled every corner of the room. Lady Mary motioned for her to sit down by the fire, where a pair of chairs flanked the hearth. Set out on the table beside her were a pitcher of ale, two mugs and a loaf of bread.

  Lady Mary filled a mug and held it out.

  Terrwyn took a sip of the bitter brew. “Heavenly,” she said, licking the ale from her lips.

  Lady Mary smiled at her appreciation. “You are welcome to come here anytime you need peace and solace to think.”

  “Thank you, but I cannot imagine we will be here long enough for me to intrude in your special room.”

  Lady Mary set her mug of ale down on the table and sat straight-backed in her chair. “Why is that?”

  “James and I mean to sail to England as soon as we can.”

  Lady Mary leaned forward and patted Terrwyn’s knee. “My wee dear, didn’t my darlin’ boy tell you he intends for you to stay at Mallows Marsh until he returns?”

  “James left without me? Nay, that is not what was discussed.” Terrwyn rose suddenly from her chair. She swept back the ale, drained it dry and slammed it on the table. Fury ate at her bones until she thought she would explode. “He is not my husband to tell me what I can and cannot do.”

  “Perhaps we can rectify that when he returns. I understand there are to be a few children added to the keep. ’Twould be a lovely time to welcome your sisters and brother.”

  “You don’t mind that they’ll invade your home?”

  “James told me a bit of the situation before he left.”

  “My father—”

  “Has made poor choices and dangerous alliances,” Lady Mary finished for her.

  “Some that can never be forgiven.”

  James’s mother motioned for Terrwyn to retake her seat. “Come. We will work through this. For now, take ease in knowing that it pleases me to have young life returning to Mallows Marsh.”

  “They are good and loving children.” She paced the solar, stopping at the hearth to warm her hands. “Though the English king stripped our lands
and the power that goes with it, the children were raised properly. They won’t disgrace themselves or your home.” She could not seem to make those blasted tears go away. She scrubbed at them with her knuckles and still they streamed down her cheeks. “Saints’ bones, what you must be thinking.”

  Lady Mary put a consoling arm around her. “’Tis presumptuous of me to ask, but do you love my son?”

  At Terrwyn’s jerked nod Lady Mary said, “’I know ’tis out of his love for you that he desires your safety. You must stay here until he has set things right for King Henry.”

  “Your son will be safer with me at his side. Without me to protect him, he is bound to place his hide in danger.”

  “Indeed.” Lady Mary studied Terrwyn, her eyebrow cocked in curiosity. “Although he is often secretive about his travels, I imagine James knows how to wriggle out of any snare set in his path.”

  “Why did he not bid me farewell?” Terrwyn scrubbed her hands over the chill growing in her blood. “Where is he now?”

  “Trying to convince the captain of my little pinnace that Zeus won’t stamp a hole through the wooden hull. It would not do to have our shipments of wool and spice sink to the bottom of the Bristol Channel.”

  “Then he has not set sail, yet, has he?”

  “They may weigh anchor at any moment.” She shivered expressively. “’Tis my desire that James does not sway the captain to his plan. The channel can be a dangerous one in daylight. To travel under the dark skies is more treacherous.”

  “I would have liked an opportunity to say farewell. Do you suppose we can find him so that I might speak with him?”

  James’s mother patted her shoulder. “It has taken me many years to understand the importance of letting your man go when he already has his mind set. We must follow his wishes. We will try to free our minds from worry by keeping busy with preparations for your wedding.”

  Terrwyn paced back and forth, her agitation filling the solar. What could she tell his mother that would not cause the woman to send for the parish priest? James said his mother had spoken of dreams and night visions as gifts. She took Lady Mary’s hand and braced herself for the worst that might come after her explanation.