The Red Wolf's Prize (17 page)

Cassie had filled a bag of food and changed to a simple
brown tunic before leaving for the stables, assured no one had seen her. She
was hoping to slip out while Sir Maurin and the other Normans were occupied.

Once inside the stables, she set the small saddle on
Elfleda, and tightened the girth. The sound of soft footfalls in the dirt behind
her caused her to turn. There, garbed in his green and brown clothing, stood
Rhodri.

“You go in search of her, then?” he asked.

She glanced around. At least for the moment they were alone.
“How did ye know?” she whispered.

“You are infrequently in the stables, lass. When I saw you
slip through the door, I was curious. I have been planning to go myself, as I
was certain Serena would not have left without telling me. And I am obligated
to see to her welfare. I made my oath to her brother.”

“Ye have seen Steinar?”

“Yea, but none know of it, not even Serena.”

“Why did ye not tell her? She has been anxious for word of
him.”

“Steinar asked me to say nothing to her until we were ready
to leave to join him. He never considered she would want to stay. Nor did I.”

Nodding, Cassie set her will to her task and finished
saddling the mare. “I want to go, Rhodri. Serena is not only my lady, but my
dearest friend.”

“It is not safe for you to travel alone. You are not Serena,
adept at the bow and dressed like a lad, whereas I can travel with few knowing
I am in the woods. No one suspects a bard has any purpose other than
entertaining.”

“I must go, Rhodri. I owe it to Serena.”

“If you insist on following after her,” he said reluctantly,
“I would go with you. You can travel as my wife to any who ask. And I am
familiar with the Mercian earl’s holding, which I have no doubt is your
destination.”

Surprised at the bard’s astute observation, and not unhappy
to have the protection of his bow, Cassie agreed. Traveling together would make
her feel safe.

“Aye, Rhodri, I welcome yer company.”

“Does anyone know you are doing this?”

“I asked Eric to deliver a message to me mother after I have
left, saying I have gone to the west manor. I would not want her to worry.”

Cassie only hoped that Sir Maurin did not connect her with
the missing horse.

* * *

Through their conversations at meals following her arrival at
Adlington, Serena learned much of what had happened to the Mercian brothers
after Hastings. It seemed the Norman king had not been constant toward them,
and his promises, freely given, had all come to naught.

Edwin was especially bitter about having been promised
William’s daughter only to have the girl’s hand withdrawn at the urging of the
king’s courtiers. And Morcar had lost Northumbria to a man of the Norman king’s
choosing. In turn, the Mercian brothers no longer believed William was owed
their fealty. While Serena had much sympathy for their plight, and shared their
view of the Norman king’s deceit, she resisted Morcar’s plans for herself. But
since he was not aware of her reluctance, she was free to roam at will over the
lands that surrounded Edwin’s manor in Mercia.

From her conversations with the servant who oversaw her
baths and dressing, Serena knew Adlington lay fifty miles south of Talisand.
She could be home in a day and a half if she had a good horse. Using the excuse
of a ride with Morcar, she intended to find one for her journey north.

The horses Edwin kept were fine palfreys any nobleman would
be proud to own. The one Morcar had saddled for her this morning was a chestnut
mare. Stroking the palfrey’s mane, she realized it was the same color as the
Red Wolf’s hair and it caused her to wonder. Was he well? Had he returned from
Exeter? She did not want to think of the powerful knight as wounded or worse,
but she shuddered to think of his reaction if he returned to find her gone.

She and Morcar rode over the green hills speaking of earlier
times, of an England free of Normans. When they came to a small rise that
looked east over Mercia, Morcar pulled rein and dismounted. As he helped her
down, he pulled her into his arms.

“I would show you something of my ardor, my lady.” So
saying, he bent his head and kissed her. She thought to resist but he was so
quick his lips were on hers before she could do so. He was gentle but his kiss
stirred no passion nor sent any shivers down her spine like the kiss of the Red
Wolf. To Serena it was more like the kiss of a brother.

“On the morrow, the priest comes, my lady,” Morcar said,
holding her gaze. “And you will be properly wed to a Mercian earl.” He smiled
as if he could think of no greater honor to bestow upon her.

She smiled back and walked to the edge of the rise, looking
into the distance while Morcar secured the horses. At one time, she might have
considered wedding Earl Morcar a great honor but unbeknownst to the earl,
Serena’s feelings had changed. Once she would have gladly married him to escape
the fate of a Norman’s wife, but that was before she had spent weeks with the
knight called the Red Wolf. She had told the Norman she would be his lady and,
though it had taken her some time to realize how sincerely she had meant those
words, with Morcar’s kiss, her course was firmly set. She would not alter it.

“And what follows after, my lord?” Serena asked. “What will
you do when the Norman knight discovers you have stolen his bride?”

The handsome earl took her hand and gave her a confident
grin. “Why, my lady, we will not tarry here for William’s wolf to find us.” He
kissed her knuckles. “I intend to take you to York where the loyal
Northumbrians are preparing even now to meet Edgar and his men. I imagine your
brother will be among them. He will be anxious to see you.”

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.

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 fallen 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
blade from his shoulder and sent the deadly looking knife flying through the
air and into Cassie’s chest.