The Druid Knight Tale II

by Ruth A. Casie

  But green eyes came to mind.

  While I tried to imagine Leticia in any one of several compromising positions, it was Caylyn’s face I saw. I couldn’t get the girl out of my mind. I didn’t want to. I didn’t think of Leticia in that intimate way. Faith. I ran my hand through my hair. She was my sister. But I saw no other alternative. I let out a choked laugh.

  “Did I say something to amuse you?” Arik’s question startled me back to the present. I had forgotten he was with me.

  “No, no. Something personal came to mind.” I took my feet off the stool. “There isn’t much for Fendrel to do until spring and who knows what will be by then.” My mind was still filled with the events of the evening and this new idea. When Fendrel presented me my portion I would have to protest—but only a little. After all, I wouldn’t want to appear overanxious. I finished my ale.

  “Perhaps we can remove some of the burden from his shoulders. He’s a stubborn man but if we approach this the right way we can persuade him.” Arik’s concern made me wonder. A chill crossed my shoulders. Surely Fendrel had only appeared old, maybe tired from a late night of waiting. I wasn’t ready to lose another father.

  “You may be right. Well,” I said, getting out of my chair, “we can watch him and see if something ails him other than a difficult night’s sleep. Now, it’s time we joined the banquet. Have you spoken to Father?”

  Arik’s head snapped up sharply. His eyes leveled on mine. “Yes. All afternoon.” He didn’t offer anything additionally, which wasn’t unnatural for him. Satisfied we were in agreement, for a moment we were young boys plotting and I was with my brother and closest friend.

  I opened the door and bowed him out. “After you.”

  Arik gave me his best courtly bow. “Yes, my good sir.” I mockingly kicked him as he passed me and we laughed all the way down the stairs into the Great Hall.

  “Bran, at last you make an appearance.” Marcus came over and shook my hand. Arik tapped my shoulder. I nodded as he moved off with a group of well-wishers.

  “Marcus, how good to see you.” I clapped him good-naturedly on the back.

  “It’s good to have you and Arik back with us. Fendrel and Dimia will be happy to have the family together again.” The man was a soldier’s soldier, one who followed orders and kept the men in line. He had been a group leader when we’d left and had progressed nicely up the ranks. Now he commanded the garrison. He was a man I would want on my side of any skirmish.

  The tinkle of laughter caught my ear. Following the sound led me to Leticia. Her hands covered her mouth in embarrassment. The man next to her gave her his full attention and brought me up short—I had no idea who he was. She called Arik over and the threesome shared in some jest. Logan joined them and Leticia stepped closer to the stranger. When the stranger’s hand went possessively around her waist my temper flared.

  “Marcus, who is that with Arik and Logan?” Keeping a casual tone took every effort. “I don’t remember seeing him before.”

  Marcus glanced at the small group. “That’s Lord Radulf. I’m surprised you don’t remember him. He’s from the western clan.”

  I peered closer and recognized him. He’d spent time with Arik and the tenants. Knowing who he was didn’t stop me from being annoyed that he dared touch my Leticia or that he made her eyes sparkle with delight when he whispered in her ear. With tightened fists at my side I watched the spectacle of her betrayal.

  “Good eve, Lord Bran.” I turned and stared into large green eyes. They were larger and greener than I’d remembered. She wore a dove-gray gown that clung to her figure. Her dark hair cascaded in waves to frame her face. There was more than her attractive face and form that held me, though. Something in the woman’s tone dazed me and made me ache. I didn’t want to leave her side.

  “M’lady.” My eyebrow raised in what I hoped was a captivating expression. But it was I who was captivated. I forced my hand not to rake through my hair showing my nerves. Her face, her voice, everything about her interested me. “Forgive me, but have we met?”

  Her eyebrows arched in surprise. “Most definitely.” A trace of laughter laced through her voice and made her all the more charming. “We’ve even shared a bed.”

  My mouth fell open as I wracked my brain searching for anything that would help me identify this woman. She went into peals of laughter at my obvious discomfort.

  “We were both eight at the time,” she whispered. Relieved, I was actually able to smile.

  “I hope I was a gentleman…or perhaps not.” My voice rumbled. I gazed into her eyes. They smoldered and my heart turned over.

  She pursed her lips and said nothing. Her smile said it all. She had my attention. Searching more carefully, I found her manner soothing and familiar. A burst of recognition sprang into my brain. “Cay.” I put my hands on her shoulders, held her at arm’s length, and peered at her. “During the storm, when Fendrel, Arik, and I were in Orkney. Yes, I remember. You’re Fendrel’s niece—his brother’s daughter. They covered us with the last of the furs. I told you stories to calm your fears until you fell asleep. In the morning we exchanged tokens. You gave me your handkerchief.”

  “And you gave me a leather piece for my hair. So you do remember.” My hands fell away from her. “You told me then you would be a great knight. Congratulations. You’ve made your people in Orkney proud.”

  My chest puffed a bit. There was no false humility when I acknowledged her praise with a dip of my head.

  “Ah, there’s Bran,” Arik said. He waved me over to join them. I raised my hand and acknowledged him.

  “Caylyn.” She turned to find Fendrel calling out to her.

  “It seems we’re both in demand. Enjoy your celebration.” She wended her way over to Fendrel.

  Memories of spending time with Cay crept back into my mind. I’d played knight to her damsel, her champion when we had rode the fields and sailed the small boat. Those were glorious days even in a remote and wild place like Orkney.

  I grabbed a goblet of wine from a passing lad and made my way to Arik. “Good eve, everyone.” I maneuvered next to Arik—making certain Radulf would see Arik and me as a unified force.

  After all, what were brothers for?

  “Bran, you remember Lord Radulf,” Leticia said. She was bright with excitement. The flickering torch light made the gold threads in her hair sparkle and the ice-blue gown she wore shimmer.

  She was a beauty. But the swish of a dove-gray gown behind her and the flash of green eyes made the room stop.

  My heart hammered as I repeated over and over my destiny was with Leticia. That was my plan. The only plan. I felt the weight of the pouch around my neck and silently whispered my plea for my rightful place to the Great Mother.

  I shifted my gaze back to the man beside Leticia and rejoined the conversation. “Yes, it’s good to see you again.” He looked at me with nothing but friendship. Startled, I had to force myself not to smile. “What brings you to Fayne Manor?”

  “I’ve been here for three years working with Marcus in the garrison and Alfred at the mill. Arik was telling us about your time away.”

  I plastered a benign smile on my face and listened as Radulf spoke of some amusing tale while with Alfred. But the bottom had dropped out of my world and set me spinning like a boat caught in a whirlpool. Those responsibilities had been mine before I left. I had no idea I had been so quickly replaced.

  Leticia stared at the man as if he was some sort of deity. Their fingers were still intertwined. It took every dram of my being to not walk over and yank them apart.

  “Leticia, come walk with me. We haven’t had any time together.” I stepped across the small circle and gave Leticia my arm.

  Startled like a small sparrow, she stared at my offered arm then at Radulf. The man knew propriety and said nothing. He simply stepped back and released her. Good, at least he knew his place. My standing as a family member outranked him. I took her hand that paused above my arm and gently set it down. I nodded
to Radulf and drew Leticia away. I couldn’t keep the satisfaction from my face.

  “What did you want to speak about?” Having her walk with me brought back memories of our walks together before I’d left for my training. She was once again the young girl of five years ago.

  “I wanted to enjoy the company of the most beautiful woman in the room, let everyone be envious that it is my arm you share.”

  She peered over her shoulder. I tugged her on. “Now that I’m back I think you will see many changes. Fendrel appears tired and old. We all must be ready to support difficult decisions, for the good of the family I assure you.” A quick glance let me glimpse her thoughtfulness. Satisfied that I’d set things in motion, I relaxed and enjoyed our turn around the room.

  “You sound as if Father is a doddering old man. He’s quite healthy and active.” We glided on, acknowledging people who greeted us. I had to stop myself from telling her that she was mine. I struggled to keep my boyish enthusiasm in check. Protocol and, more importantly, the plan had to be followed. I’d inform Fendrel—after all, he was her father—and then I’d tell her the good news.

  Her neck stretched to look over the heads of others. What was she trying to see? Ah, Radulf was speaking to Cay. It wasn’t the speaking that had me agitated but rather the fact that they obviously knew each other. Maybe I could use this to my advantage.

  “What has you so satisfied?” She turned to see what I found so interesting. I suppose I could have moved her away but she needed to witness the truth. Radulf’s interest already wandered. A dark thought clouded my mind. Why did he approach Cay?

  “It’s Caylyn. I’ve been waiting for her.” I was startled that they knew each other—and obviously well. Leticia never traveled to Orkney with Arik and me. “We had a lovely time picking out our dresses for this evening.”

  I had no time to say anything. Someone at the doorway caused a commotion. When the crowd cleared and gave us a view, Maximillian—the Grand Master—and his wife, Ellyn, entered with their daughter, Rebeka.

  “They arrived while you were napping,” Leticia whispered. “Mother’s been excited for months getting the lake cottage ready for them. She told me some of the old stories of how they were close friends. Isn’t it wonderful that they’ve decided to live here?”

  Fendrel and Dimia’s relationship with the Grand Master and his family were well known. The Grand Master’s scrutiny was unnerving during training, but now I had graduated. I was not certain I wanted him watching my every move. I preferred my privacy.

  We made our way to Fendrel, Dimia, Arik, and Logan as the Grand Master and his family approached.

  “Are you all unpacked and settled?” Dimia asked Ellyn, the excitement obvious on her face.

  “Yes, but only because you sent an army of people to help us,” Ellyn said. I was taken aback when I realized the icy sorceress was as enthusiastic as Dimia. It was a side of her I had never seen or suspected.

  “If you need anything all you have to do is ask.” Fendrel spoke out. He was full of pride. It was a coup to have the Grand Master in residence.

  Somewhere, a house boy pounded a staff on the floor. The room went quiet. Fendrel took to the dais. “Welcome. Tonight we celebrate…the winter solstice.” The room erupted in shouts of approval. “The coming year,” Fendrel roared above the quieting noise, which sent the room into more shouts. “The safe return of my boys.” He motioned to Arik and me. I dropped Leticia’s arm. Arik and I took our places on either side of Fendrel. He gathered up our hands and lifted them to another wave of shouts. “I have something for each of you that will please you,” he said to us quickly, then stepped forward.

  “Our portions?” I asked Arik.

  He bent his head to me and whispered, “No. Now quiet. There is more. He’s planned to draw this out as long as he can.” I was adrift not knowing what to expect but there was no help for that now.

  When the room quieted Fendrel added, “And a betrothal.” Silence was followed by loud whispers.

  “Has he asked to marry her?” the woman standing in front of us questioned her friends. They all seemed to be clucking like mother hens. Did Fendrel guess my plan? I glanced at Leticia who once again stood next to Radulf, and my stomach went into turmoil.

  “Tonight, my son Arik will fulfill his destiny. You will join me in witnessing the betrothal of Arik and Rebeka, daughter of Maximillian and Ellyn.” Once again the room was abuzz.

  “Did you know?” I asked Arik.

  “I did. Father, Maximillian, and I spoke about the betrothal this morning. I tried to wake you but you chose to sleep. So you’ll have to wait to find out the rest.” Arik appeared almost as tickled as Fendrel with the mystery.

  “Perhaps we will have a double betrothal,” I muttered to Arik.

  “That’s very possible, indeed.” Arik’s words startled me. I hadn’t spoken to anyone about my plan. I had to thank the Great Mother. She must have acted on my behalf.

  “Yes—Leticia and me.” I stared straight ahead. Arik said nothing for several minutes. His face held no expression. I tried to press my mind against his and got a mental slap in exchange. I knew it was inappropriate, but I wanted the information.

  “Don’t ever try that again, Bran.” His fury lay just below his skin.

  “All right,” I answered, trying to soothe him. “I wanted—”

  “If you wanted to know you should have answered your door. I’ve told you before, I don’t want you in my head. I thought we were clear on that.” There was ice in his voice—more than I had ever heard. His harsh words set me in a mild panic. I had been wrong but we’d played this game before and he’d never responded so heatedly. I was still trying to understand his reaction when it occurred to me. His anger was a smoke screen. What did he hide? I put the idea aside for the moment.

  “Yes, yes, you’ve told me before. I shouldn’t have done it.” I’d say anything to appease him. Right now I wanted his support in my pursuit.

  I glanced at Fendrel. He laughed openly with Maximillian, Ellyn, and Dimia. Warning signals were going off in my head. Together the four were powerful. Feelings of insecurity that plagued me for years surfaced. In the vast room filled with people I’d known for years I was alone. I didn’t belong here. Had I ever? I quieted the nagging voice in my head, determined to prove it wrong.

  Arik raked his hand through his hair. “I didn’t know you had any interest in Leticia. You’ve never said anything about her.”

  “Arik, we’ve spoken about this for years.” I put on my best face to cover my internal turmoil. He was my rock, the only one I could count on.

  “Yes. But those were childhood fantasies. Surely you see that.” The concern on his face was genuine.

  “You’re a practical man. Surely you understand it will take more than you stepping aside for me. Marrying Leticia will cement my position and our families.” Deep lines of concentration marked Arik’s face.

  “Marriage should be more than that.” We came down from the dais.

  “And your betrothal? Is your betrothal ‘more than that’? Look at her.” I gestured in Rebeka’s direction. “She’s barely a woman.” He wasn’t marrying her because he loved her. How could he? He didn’t know her. I was almost sorry for him, although the girl’s full lips brought some things to mind.

  “You know this is different—”

  “Why? Because they named you the next Grand Master?” The dam of frustration began to crack and I didn’t know how to stop it. “You know I’m the better choice. You’re too soft with people.” I struck out at him with hurtful words that were not exactly true and I knew it. I turned from him with a wave of my hand.

  “Is that what this is all about? I had nothing to do with their decision.” I ignored him, but I glimpsed him shake his head. I didn’t have to see him to know what was on his face. Pity. My fists at my side, I forced myself to calm.

  “As the next Grand Master—” Arik went on, “—my wife is selected. The marriage won’t happen for four year
s. That’s why Rebeka and her parents are moving into the lake cottage. By then we’ll know each other.” Arik took a step and stood in front of me. “This isn’t about me. It’s about you and Leticia.” His words hit me like a well-positioned lance. If I didn’t know better I’d have thought he was genuinely concerned but the voice in my head told me different. I saw through his ploy.

  If he kept me out of the family there would be more for him.

  I stepped around him and circulated through the crowd. My second in command. Maybe he needed to learn a little humility. When I got finished with him he’d be lucky if he was anywhere near his beloved Fayne Manor. Orkney. I’d send him to manage the godforsaken estates there.

  I wandered the room in my own company.

  Arik walked through the crowd with Rebeka. Everyone flocked around them, laughing and wishing them well. The girl didn’t shrink away and nor was she overpowered by his commanding presence. Over the years I had noticed that most people faded in his glow. Not Rebeka—her light burned bright. I was impressed. She held her own. I was bothered even more.

  I pressed my mind against hers and winced at a physical slap. I refused to soothe the spot. She turned and pinned me with a withering stare. Hmmm. Interesting. I had no idea she was an adept. I’d have to remember that. Arik turned and glared at me as well. I shrugged and smiled. He spoke to her—I imagine telling her she had reacted too harshly. I rubbed my temple and chuckled. They moved on.

  I took up a position in the corner. From my perch I remained out of the main fray but close enough to keep informed. A sensation of unease washed over me. Scanning the room, I searched for who had made me their target. Cay. She stood across the room near the draped window—alone. The people between us became a blur. I only saw Cay. I only wanted Cay.

  I knew then that I was lost between my two desires—Cay and Fayne Manor.

  The long moment passed and once again the blurs and streaks in front of me were people. “Lord Radulf, it’s good to see you,” I overheard the Grand Master say. It appeared everyone was familiar with Lord Radulf. Everyone but me.