“Would you dare defile the wife of the Caliph’s nephew?”
“Name him!”
“Thayer...and the necklace is a gift from my husband’s mother, but then you are already familiar with my royal possession.”
Chad cursed beneath his breath as he glared at Concordia. The pirate leader paced before her, his hands behind his back, while his captive remained standing, her regal air evident, her impertinence annoying.
While Chad pondered on his options, Concordia was grateful that her ruse had worked, and since this pirate had heard of Thayer, she was hopeful.
“You will be well rewarded if you take me to my husband’s lands,” Concordia interjected, “and I would have my men accompany us.”
“Your men are no longer yours, and they have already been purchased, and you would bring a fine price should I choose to sell you,” Chad reminded her as he curled Concordia’s long tresses between his fingers.
“Do you think you frighten me? I dare say, not! Remember my husband’s power is far-reaching. Think carefully, my friend, if you value your life.”
Chad guffawed loudly, slapping his thigh as he looked upon his spirited captive.
“It is a shame you are taken,” Chad said wistfully. “Come, we return to the others. You must eat, and rest for we leave at first light. We have a long journey ahead.”
Soft sunlight appeared slowly upon the horizon with the dawn of a new day as Chad’s personally-chosen warriors made preparations for their journey, carrying sacks filled with provisions to the waiting horses. The women were feeding the wounded prisoners under the watchful eye of the overseer while the remaining pirates satisfied their hunger by the glowing fire.
Concordia graciously accepted a cloth filled with dried meat and bread, eating greedily while glancing upon her fellow countrymen, hoping to find Brantson’s warriors. She was dismayed because she did not recognize any of the prisoners, but her demeanor changed when she heard the ramblings of a fevered warrior that sounded like Bryce. She walked cautiously towards the improvised infirmary, taking care not to attract attention as she knelt beside her husband’s trusted officer and friend. She held his hand against her tear-streaked face, looking into his distant eyes while praying he would remember her words when she kissed him gently upon the face.
“I am to be taken to Thayer...the king would know his whereabouts.”
“My lady,” Bryce murmured as he attempted to arise.
“You must rest,” Concordia whispered as she placed his head upon the hardened ground just as Chad grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to her feet.
Concordia winced with pain, glaring at her captor with unmitigated hatred as he pushed her towards the back of the cave, not stopping until her back rested against the jagged wall.
“What did you tell him?” Chad asked while pressing himself against her and holding her hands above her head.
“What would you have me tell him?”
“Do not play games! Who is he?”
Concordia, once again, spit in his face, slamming her knee against her enemy while pushing him away. Chad was enraged as he staggered backward, keeping his balance as he stumbled upon the rocky ground, her rebelliousness intensifying his anger.
“My lord, you are needed,” one of the women shouted as she cautiously approached the formidable leader.
“Leave us!” Chad replied tersely. “See to the men.”
The woman nodded, grateful to return to her tasks unscathed while Concordia collected her thoughts. She would need to develop an understanding with her captor, otherwise, she might never reach Thayer’s estates. She was on foreign soil, a land ruled by the Infidel whose customs she must learn to stay alive. She waited until the woman was lost to her view before she spoke softly.
“Forgive my insolence...I did not mean to challenge your authority before your people...I am also grateful you held punishment, which was deserved.”
Chad was suspicious, not trusting her words and what she had planned. However, he was intrigued and somewhat bemused by her clever ploy to gain his trust.
“I feared he was dying and I sought to relieve his suffering. The only words that were said were prayers to my God for his soul. I do not know the names of any of the men you captured. They manned the ship, and kept their distance...I was traveling to Rome, the journey was sanctioned by my husband...Thayer insisted I wear the necklace because his people would recognize the Caliph’s design, which, I believe, is why my life was spared.”
“Why should I believe your words? You feign innocence!”
“I speak the truth. I will defer to your judgment while we travel...as a wife obeys her husband. I will not defy you, nor will I try to escape. There is no need. Thayer will reward you, but I would reward you now,” Concordia said as she unclasped the necklace and handed it to her startled captor.
Chad eagerly accepted the proffered reward since he did covet the gemstones, just as he coveted Concordia.
“Would you consider the necklace a suitable payment for the lives of my men?” Concordia pleaded while falling to her knees. “Surely you know they pose no threat...besides it will be months before they are strong enough to return to their homeland. I humbly beseech you to be merciful.”
Chad caressed Concordia’s face, titling her chin to gaze into her beautiful eyes while cursing Thayer under his breath. She did not flinch when he lovingly touched her neck and shoulders, but he was pleasantly surprised when she grasped his hand and kissed his bejeweled finger.
“You need not kneel before me,” Chad whispered as he pulled Concordia to her feet, “and you need not fear me. I would know you better once we are away from here.”
“I would like that, my lord,” Concordia flirted, “but dare I ask about your prisoners?”
“They will remain here until they are fit for travel...the women will see to their needs...we will speak of this no more.”
Concordia stood upon her toes and kissed Chad on his face, thanking him for his kindness while taking his hand and returning to the large chamber. She stopped abruptly when she reached the glowing fire, well aware of the women’s stares and the brigands’ licentious looks. She bowed before Chad, fell to her knees and sighed loudly.
“I recognize your authority my lord and am grateful for your protection until I am reunited with my husband, Thayer, the Caliph’s nephew.”
“Subtle and well played, but for whom?” Chad whispered as he helped her to her feet while his men mumbled amongst themselves.
Concordia paid no heed to Chad’s uncannily insightful question while glancing upon the prisoners, hoping Bryce had heard her words, but her husband’s trusted friend was not readily seen. She hid her disappointment as she followed Chad out of the cave, walking carefully along the pebbled path where the horses and his chosen guard waited.
“My lord, do you not think we need more men to accompany us?” Concordia asked as Chad helped her mount her horse.
“We will not be set upon by robbers, if that is your fear,” Chad replied as he flung himself upon his beautiful white stallion.
“How can you be so certain?”
“I am well known throughout these lands.”
“You are greatly feared then,” Concordia said knowingly as Chad’s warriors kicked their heels into their animals’ sides and headed towards the beautiful mountains that dominated the coastline.
Chad remained silent as he guided Concordia’s horse along the well-trodden path as the sun began its ascent and a soft sea breeze cooled the stagnant air. She kept her tongue because his silence answered her question, but there were so many more questions she hesitated to ask because she feared the truth. She wanted to believe the wounded men would be set free, but she doubted Chad would honor her request since most of his men had been left behind, along with the women. Were the women enslaved or were they also brigands? And the cave...she had never seen such a large cavern, and it was not randomly chosen. The provisions were more than ample, and there were comforts...she had seen
the bedding with soft pillows and warm furs. And the meals...were they not prepared in a smaller chamber that reminded her of her father’s kitchens? Concordia believed the cave was Chad’s secret refuge...a place where he and his band of pirates returned to after their raids, a place not readily found by the men who enforced the laws of the land.
Concordia looked behind her, but the cave’s entrance had long since disappeared from her view. She pondered the fate of Bryce and the seafarers, but pent-up tears spilled from her eyes when her thoughts turned to Brantson.
“Forgive me my husband for my selfishness...I have wronged you and I cannot set things right,” Concordia thought.
“Why are you weeping?” Chad asked gently.
“I have never seen death,” Concordia lied, “and enslavement frightens me.”
“No harm will befall you...you have my word.”
Chapter Twelve
The pleasant climate of Hispania’s southern coastal regions bathed by the Mediterranean Sea contrasted sharply with the unpredictable weather and changing seasons that Concordia was accustomed to. She was surprised Chad had chosen to follow the rocky mountainous path that weaved along the crest of the cliffs that dotted the shoreline. She admired the spectacular view of the bluish sea with its frothy waves breaking gently upon the sandy beaches while seagulls foraged for food. A warm sea breeze enveloped her, zesty gusts caressing her gently, her long hair swirling in the wind. Her thoughts were of happier times, of summers spent with Emidus and Brantson at her Uncle Sidonius’ villa, of winters spent mastering her lessons, of dreams yet to be fulfilled.
Concordia sighed deeply as she followed the two warriors leading the way, wishing she knew her whereabouts while guiding her mount along the serpentine path. She heard Chad and his men arguing behind her, but she could not hear their words, yet she could not help but wonder if they were discussing her fate.
Chad had kept his word these endless days, protecting her from not only his men but from himself. She had sensed his longing even though he kept his distance, but his eyes depicted his desire. She was not frightened since Chad had numerous opportunities to take her by force during this endless journey, and because he was honorable, she found herself softening towards him.
“I would have you share your thoughts,” Chad said suddenly as he came upon her.
Chad paid no heed to his men’s knowing looks as he offered Concordia a flagon of water. She thanked Chad for his kindness, satisfying her thirst in quick gulps and apologizing for emptying the container.
“There is an old dwelling not far from here...for the grape growers during harvest...it should be empty...you need not sleep beneath the stars this night.”
“You are most kind, my lord,” Concordia whispered while averting his gaze, knowing her flushed face depicted her feelings.
“I would have you call me by name when our words cannot be heard, and I would call you Cordia unless you prefer a name more suitable?”
“As you wish, my lord...Chad,” Concordia stuttered, staring straight ahead, hoping to collect her chaotic thoughts.
“We will soon reach your husband’s estates...and you must agree that time passes quickly when one engages in pleasantries...am I right?”
“I would be pleased with your friendship...and would have you tell me the customs of this land so I might be knowledgeable.”
“Were you not with your husband before departing for Rome?”
“We were wed in Britannia, but he was called posthaste to his estates, and I was to follow,” Concordia lied.
“Ah, then we have much to discuss,” Chad said knowingly, “and I would be pleased to begin your lessons this night.”
The small group of travelers did not push their mounts as the late day sun descended over the horizon. The horses moved slowly along the sloping hillside, making their way towards the cultivated grape farms as twilight’s faint glow colored the sky.
“The grapes are ripe!” Concordia told Chad as she pointed towards the massive vines. “Would it be possible to purchase a few clusters? My husband will repay you.”
“The dwelling is straight ahead,” Chad replied. “Once we make camp, I will send one of my men to pick some grapes for your evening meal.”
Chad paid no heed to the guffaws as he led his captive towards the wooden building. He lifted Concordia off her mount and walked her into the solitary room, which was simply furnished. She remained still, glancing uneasily at a bed in the farthermost corner of the darkened room while Chad started a fire in the hearth. She heard the men making camp not far from the open door, which did not have a latch, and her anxiety heightened. Her knees were weak when she pulled one of the chairs away from the table, sitting down quickly lest she fell to the floor, not wishing to acknowledge her fear. She was uncomfortable as Chad made the room habitable, knowing in her heart this was not the first time he had stayed in this chamber, especially when he retrieved a blanket from a chest hidden within the shadows.
“If you wish to bathe, there is a creek not far,” Chad told her, placing the cloth upon the table. “I will take you...and wait for you.”
Concordia fingered the well-worn material with shaking hands, keeping her eyes lowered while deciding what to do. She did need to bathe, but so did the men, and they did smell, even though words were not said.
“I would have preferred bathing in the sea, but I know that is not possible. I would bathe before the night chill is upon us...and I do trust you to protect me.”
“Come then,” Chad said with a twinkle in his eye while Concordia picked up the blanket and followed her captor out of the room.
The warriors held their tongues when they noticed their leader’s stern look as he and Concordia headed towards the creek, but once they were sure they could not be heard, they spoke amongst themselves, placing wagers as to which day Concordia would succumb to Chad’s advances, and if Chad would claim right of conquest once Concordia was presented to her husband.
The eerie stillness reminded Concordia of the night her ship was attacked. She bit her tongue to hold back her tears as visions of Brantson filtered through her mind’s eye. She remembered the Saracen’s sword held high in the air just as she was thrown into the waiting ship while screaming Brantson’s name and praying that his death was swift and painless.
“You are trembling,” Chad whispered as he pulled her against him.
Chad brushed aside her wind-blown hair and kissed her tenderly upon her lips while brushing aside her tears.
“I cannot...nor can I fight you!” Concordia sobbed. “Do with me as you will...there is no life without my husband.”
“Thayer is not your husband, is he?”
Concordia nodded tearfully.
“Your husband was slain on the ship, but you wear Thayer’s necklace because he gave it to you before he left King Alfred’s court.”
“How do you know this?” Concordia whispered.
“I was the one who dispatched the necklace...Thayer is my brother.”
Concordia grasped the nearest tree, keeping her balance despite wobbly knees, her moist eyes depicting stunned disbelief, her face devoid of color. She covered her mouth, suppressing the urge to vomit while trying to make sense of Chad’s deception, and pushing him away when he tried to hold her.
“I trusted you!” Concordia screamed, beating her fists upon his chest in an uncontrollable rage.
“You can still trust me,” Chad said, holding Concordia’s wrists firmly as she struggled to free herself from his grasp.
Concordia squirmed frantically, twisting her hands and kicking her feet until she was exhausted. She finally admitted defeat since his strength was overpowering. As her tears subsided, thoughts of controlling her emotions flooded her mind. She needed to think, to act wisely, and to discover why Chad’s words were so unsettling.
“I would sit,” Concordia whispered. “There is much to discuss.”
Chad released his grip and led Concordia to a fallen tree trunk. She was silent, sitting up
on the rough bark and gazing at the starlit heavens as Chad joined her. He, too, was silent as he watched the glowing flames of the distant campfire where his men were probably drinking themselves senseless on such a pleasant night.
“If you knew my identity, why did you not acknowledge me? Why did you let me behave so...foolishly?”
“I admired your spirit...and your ruse, which I found intriguing, and I now understand why my brother was smitten.”
“I was fancied?” Concordia asked unbelievably. “Why did he not share his feelings?”
“Our father would not approve, for one thing,” Chad replied honestly, “and while my brother encouraged your opinionated temperament while a guest of your king, he would never sanction such behavior in our country, but, then again, he might indulge your every whim, if love ruled his heart.”
“I do not understand.”
“Cordia, even though you are of age, you are a child still. You are learned because you have been taught by scholars, yet you know nothing of the world outside King Alfred’s realm. Men look to protect you because you are truly innocent of the evil that plagues our kingdoms, which is why my brother chose not to possess you. I wager your husband shielded you from the horrors, yet I did not, but I will protect you with my last breath, you have my word.”
“I trusted you because I no longer feared you, but I do fear your men,” Concordia said softly.
“Our Caliph’s gifts are well known throughout these lands. You were wise to wear the necklace because it kept you from being ravished and sold into slavery. You would have been brought before our ruler unharmed, but he would have determined your fate,” Chad replied. “Thank your God that it was my men who found you.”
“I was pleased when you rode beside me, because I am in need of a friend,” Concordia interjected. “Dare I ask you to consider my request?”
“I did not take you by force because of my brother...it was because I want you to return my desire. I would have you as my wife, but I know I do not hold your heart. I find it doubtful that you love Thayer...what you love is a memory. Are my words truthful?”
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia Page 8
