Windsong

by Allison Knight

  “I also have two guests. They reside here only for a time then will move on.” He paused and considered his words. “Or at least I think one will. Ella and Rhys appear to be developing a relationship. She may stay.”

  Arvel chuckled. “Picking up stray creatures again, Brother?”

  “Nay, but come. A good host does not carry on a conversation in a courtyard and I try to be a good host, even to a brother.” He clasped his arm around Arvel’s shoulder, nodded to the two men who had dismounted and were greeting friends among Alwyn’s men.

  “You have a knack, Brother?” Alwyn glanced at the sky and then Arvel, “for it is nearly time for the noon meal.”

  Arvel grinned. “Aye, I timed it that way. You have a good cook, and I am hungry. So, tell me what news have you and I will tell you of Rhianna, her husband and her babe.”

  They ambled up the stairs into the hall.

  Alwyn offered a quick prayer Milisent would continue to avoid the hall as she had done for days. Mayhap he had offered his apology and demanded her presence too soon. With Arvel in attendance, the last thing he wanted was for his brother to ask about her distress.

  The nooning went well. When neither Milisent nor Ella appeared Alwyn breathed a deep sigh of relief. Now, if he could keep his brother entertained with enough hunting, engaging in feats of strength and away from the house when Milisent was present, he might avoid unwanted questions.

  “What say you we hunt this afternoon? It will be a chance to inspect part of the forest.” Alwyn waited for Arvel to agree.

  “Mayhap tomorrow we can hunt. I have been in the saddle for lo these last several days and could do with a soft chair and a few mugs of ale.”

  Alwyn clamped his lips over a groan. Mayhap his luck would hold until he could convince Arvel to engage in some games or take to the forest to hunt. In the meantime, he knew he was about to hear all about his sister, her little daughter and her husband, Garrett de Shay.

  After the ale was brought, Arvel began his discourse and they talked long into the afternoon.

  Ella arrived to aid in the preparation for supper. By the blood of Saint Winifred, if Ella was present, Milisent would not be far behind.

  He did groan when Milisent put in an appearance. Arvel straightened

  in his chair with a spark of interest in his eyes.

  Alwyn clenched his teeth to the point of pain. There was no denying the effect she had on a normal man. She was a beautiful woman and even in the poor garment she wore, her figure was a temptation.

  “My guests,” Alwyn muttered. “Do not bother with them.” He was inclined to offer a whispered please, but that would increase Arvel’s curiosity.

  “Ho, Brother, she is a beauty and it would appear she does not hold you in much regard. What did you do to her?”

  “She doesn’t want to be here.” At least that was the truth. “But for now, she has no choice.”

  “Oh, you cannot leave me with so little information. Why can she not depart this place? Where would she like to go? I can take her with me and deliver her to her destination.”

  Alwyn winced. Nay, Arvel could not offer such a temptation to the women. “Look, there is much I cannot say. Leave be. In time I will be able to tell all. But not now.”

  “Ho, a chore for the king?” He grinned. “I did not know he held you in such trust.”

  “Arvel, leave be. I will not discuss this more.”

  “Then I will say no more. Can you tell me how long—”

  “No more!”

  “I will cease. Instead, we will talk about you. Tell me, what news of you and this place?”

  Alwyn told him about the poachers and the mill fire. “Only one wall was destroyed. It has now been replaced.”

  “On the morrow I would like to see what has been done and meet with those who completed the task. According to Owain, you have several men who are skilled in construction.”

  Alwyn frowned. Sybil’s new husband was one of those men. He did not want to mention that to his brother.

  “Where is Owain?” Arvel asked.

  Alwyn released the air in his lungs. The subject was closed. So, at the moment no more information was needed.

  He knew why Arvel asked after Owain for his man had shared his youth with the Brynn Ffrydd brothers. In those days of play, how many times had they planned an attack on an faceless enemy? When the English invaded their land, their youth vanished and they had to yield swords against a real enemy.

  “He is inspecting the western section of forest. I mentioned the poachers. We but await their return, for they evaded capture in the time we sought them.”

  “What if they are Welsh?”

  Alwyn grimaced. “Then they will be punished.”

  Before their conversation could continue, servants brought food to

  the table and supper began. After the meal, a game of chess kept more questions at bay and when the hour grew late, Alwyn assigned sleeping arrangements.

  “On the morrow we will visit the mill and the village. I will show you what skill my men do possess.” With luck Sybil and her new husband would not be available and there would be no chance for her to renew her acquaintance with Arvel.

  ~ * ~

  “His guest is his brother,” Ella commented as they prepared for their beds. “The servants are all agog. It seems he is a favorite among all.”

  “I took no notice.”

  Ella laughed. “‘Tis not a truth you say.” She smoothed the furs over the straw mattress. “How could you not, for the women were talking about nothing else? Two were vying for a chance to occupy his bed or at least help with his bath.”

  Milisent muttered a groan. “‘Tis of no interest to me. He can sleep with whomever he pleases. Now, I am tired. I would like to take my rest.”

  “You need to have some knowledge of this man. I heard gossip.” Ella leaned forward and lowered her voice. “They say he and Sybil were good friends. He will seek her out when they go to the village.” Ella shrugged her shoulders. “Who knows what she will say? There is word she is most unhappy in her union. She blames you for losing her place here at Throsle.”

  “She can have it back,” Milisent snapped and splashed water over her face before stripping off her gown.

  Ella grabbed her arm before she could climb into bed. “This Alwyn is not such a bad person, Milisent. I know not why we were taken, but except for Sybil’s abuse, we have been treated well.”

  Milisent glared back. “You say that only because you have discovered you have a liking for Rhys. Until I have knowledge of why I was seized, I will reserve judgment.”

  “Have you but thought of your true situation?” Ella grinned at her. “At least, wedding de Bain is out of the question. Mayhap he will not want you. You should be grateful Alwyn took you from Fenton.”

  Milisent slid into her bed. What Ella said was truth for de Bain would have no desire to join her in marriage now. Mayhap she should be glad of that.

  She rolled into a ball and thought about Alwyn, refusing to admit to Ella what her objections were. But she could be honest with herself.

  The strange feelings that coursed through her body when she beheld his face or form were what she disliked. Admitting she wanted nothing more than to have him take her in his arms again and hold her against him shamed her.

  Above all else, she wanted his kisses. She craved them as a starving

  man craved food but she could not understand why. Of course, she had known few men, but Alwyn was so different from her brother or from any of the men he called friends. But that did not explain what caused her breath to catch, her heart to pound or why a need to rest in his arms nearly overpowered her at the strangest times?

  Confusion was her constant companion. However, she could not tell Ella any of this. Ella would think she had lost her senses.

  The only thing that made sense was what she had been trying to do, stay away from him, as far away as she could. Mayhap in time, she might comprehend why he affected her so and dec
ide how best to deal with the sensations he caused. Until then she must keep her distance.

  ~ * ~

  Shortly after they broke their fast, Alwyn herded his brother and several men out of the house.

  “Mayhap you have no desire to see my mill,” he said when Arvel waved back at several of the women who surrounded him during their meal.

  Arvel laughed. “Don’t be jealous, Brother. They are only being friendly.”

  “Why, pray tell, do women come to you like bees to a flower?” Alwyn mounted his horse. “I never could understand it.”

  “Mayhap it is because I like them, so they like me.”

  “That makes no sense,” Alwyn muttered leading the way toward the village.

  Arvel chuckled. “Try smiling.” He signaled his men to follow.

  They arrived a few minutes later and already word had spread that their master had company coming to see the mill. Among the gathering throng Alwyn spotted Sybil. He had hoped she would still be abed.

  When she pushed herself to the fore, he clamped his lips over a curse. He heard she was not happy with her new position.

  “Ho Brother, Sybil has come to greet me.” Arvel sprang from his horse and gave her a slight bow.

  “Alwyn tells me you are now wed. Let me offer my wish for a good life.”

  Alwyn gritted his teeth. Mayhap she would have enough wisdom to keep her feelings from Arvel.

  “Nay,” Sybil announced, loud enough for most of the crowd to hear. “Do not offer good tidings. I was forced from the house. There is nothing good about any of this.”

  “Sybil!” Alwyn reprimanded but she did not cease.

  “Nay, I will have my say. Your brother needs to know what you have done.”

  Alwyn wanted to leap from his horse and hold a hand over her mouth.

  “Arvel,” he shouted. “We must hie ourselves to the mill.”

  “Nay, you will not.” Sybil glared at him. “He will hear what I have to say.”

  Arvel glanced over his shoulder and Alwyn swore again, for his brother intended to listen to her.

  “What has my brother done—this time?”

  As she recited her complaints, Alwyn searched the crowd. Where was her husband? For a certain, Evan should not let her speak so but the man was nowhere to be seen. Alwyn had no choice but to let her spout her list of grievances. Then, once she finished, he would make his excuses to Arvel. Nor would he disclose the complete truth, for Sybil had no knowledge of the why of it.

  “I was forced from his bed by another whore.” Sybil’s words rang through the crowd. As she ceasing her rant, Arvel turned to him with a question in his eyes.

  “Not here,” Alwyn muttered and dismissed the crowd, sending them on their way, Sybil with them.

  Once they were through the village Arvel stopped his mount. “My thought is that what she said bears little truth. Do I have the right of it?”

  “Some is truth. But there is much you do not know, nor will I offer an explanation.”

  Arvel nodded. “Aye, but you will tell me why she is so changed. I thought at first you would offer her marriage. Now she is but a bitter woman.”

  “You know I will not wed again.”

  “Mayhap in time.” Arvel twisted the reins in his hands and urged his stallion into a walk.

  Alwyn scowled. His family knew he could never take another to wife, for he had lost his soul when he discovered the butchery committed by Chelse. But, with his revenge complete, he would dedicate himself to the care of the forest and whatever else the king demanded of him. But a wife was out of the question.

  Once more Arvel turned to him. “I must ask. Why is Sybil so bitter? It is clear she did not want to leave Throsle. The men have said she is not happy with this husband you gave her.”

  “She wanted marriage—to me. However, while I chased the poachers who invaded the forest, she abused the servants, all of them, and even the guests. She lashed one of my scullions, a young girl called Betha.”

  “Sybil did that?” Arvel’s expression registered shock.

  “Aye. She also struck one of the guests. I saw the bruise she caused.” Alwyn retreated to silence for what happened after he saw the bruise returned to haunt him often. He gritted his teeth and urged his mount into a gallop. Mayhap the wind would blow the memory from his head.

  When they returned to the house for the nooning, Arvel insisted Alwyn’s guests join them at table. For the whole of the meal Arvel was as

  charming as was his want.

  Alwyn listened shocked, for both Milisent and Ella laughed at Arvel’s jokes. He could not remember at time when either woman laughed at anything here. Milisent’s relaxed bearing was also a surprise. Her tension was gone and she appeared to enjoy the meal, simple as it was.

  He ground his teeth in frustration and knew his jawbone would be sore long before the meal was finished. At least once every minute he wished Arvel gone from Throsle.

  What a shame that all the Brynn Ffrydd brothers were not as charming as the healer in the family. Then he could be as entertaining as Arvel. Today, he wanted Arvel to be somber, instead, to his disgust, Arvel was at his most charming. He glared at his trencher and picked at his food. Oh, he had respect for his brother, younger by a year, but at the moment, he resented him greatly. Why could Arvel make Milisent laugh and enjoy a meal this once? And why was Alwyn suffering such pangs of disgust?

  Was it disgust? Nay, he stared at the tapestry on the wall. He had to be honest with himself. He was not disgusted. Nay, he was jealous. He nearly groaned out loud. He was jealous of his own kin.

  SEVEN

  Alwyn rose early on the morrow, riding with his brother into the forest. They would hunt this day, and he would not have to watch as Arvel charmed his guests. Yet, on the way, Arvel insisted upon talking about both women.

  “I think you have the right of it. Your Ella seems much taken with Rhys. And he with her.” He laughed. “Who would believe such a crusty old soldier would fall victim to a woman’s charm?”

  “She is not my Ella.” Alwyn tried to turn the conversation. “Look! We should follow those tracks over there. I have a desire for fresh meat pie for supper this day.”

  Arvel ignored him and slowed his mount to a stop. “Your Milisent is also a charming woman.” He pointed in the direction of the house. “Ella says Milisent was chatelaine before they came to you.”

  Instantly alert, Alwyn halted as well. “Before they came to me?”

  “Aye. Those were her words.” He looked puzzled but Alwyn was not about to explain. Arvel continued, “I wonder, though, why you do not have her attend your home. She seems more than capable.”

  “Leave be. I said I would not discuss the situation.”

  “Aye, you did,” Arvel muttered. “But that does not prevent her from caring for the house. With spring about to arrive, you will have much to do. It is unlike you not to take advantage of someone who can aid in your work.”

  Alwyn did not have to answer for a covey of pheasants flew above them. The twang of departing arrows meant their supper meal was assured. They collected the birds, and conversation drifted to the condition of the forest, the wet winter and the hope for a warmer spring.

  That eve, after their supper, a brisk game of chess followed with Arvel once again charming Milisent and Ella.

  “‘Twill be a good day for travel on the morrow,” Alwyn hinted as the tables were cleared and the fires banked for the night.

  “You want me gone, Brother?” Arvel asked and chuckled. “Nay, I will stay but one more day. I have need of a good mock battle but I fear you have a greater need.”

  “Why? You are always the one to lose.” He winched at the smirk on Arvel’s face.

  “I do not carry a distraction. You do, so we will see who is the one to lose.” He started for his furs. “But, be assured, I will take my leave the day after. I have my own responsibilities.”

  “You? Responsibilities. Nay, you but drift from one place to another. Where do you call home
now, if I have a need of your skills?”

  “Rhianna will know. Believe that I will come if you suffer from sickness or are wounded.”

  Awlyn was almost sorry he asked about a home for Arvel. After the destruction of the family keep in Wales, his brother had made no attempt to settle. He doubted Arvel would ever find a place to call his own.

  Thoughts of the family keep reminded him some good had come from the attack, for Rhianna had been taken by the English Baron seeking a hostage, along with Arthur, their youngest brother. Now Rhianna was happily wed to that same English Baron and Arthur trained as a squire, soon to be knighted by Edward.

  He gazed at the fire pit. “Rhianna is still happy in her union?”

  “Aye, she is that, and already Arthur makes a name for himself.”

  Alwyn smiled. It was good to hear Rhianna and Arthur were doing so well. He wished Arvel a pleasant sleep, and went to his own bed, to suffer through taunting dreams of the blue-eyed woman who slept under his roof.

  ~ * ~

  “I want to leave this place.” Milisent glared at Ella, who had not bothered to glance her way as she rearranged the straw of her mattress.

  “Nay, this is not time.”

  “You have said the same for days now. When will be the time?” Milisent clenched her fists. Ella was developing feelings for Rhys. It was becoming harder and harder to convince her they must leave this place.

  “If you must stay, so be it. I am going,” Milisent muttered as she dropped her coarse gown to the floor.

  “What awaits you at Fenton Castle? De Bain? Nay, do not think to leave this place, for what awaits is much worse than what you have here.”

  Milisent shook her head. Ella did not know of the sensations rushing through her veins whenever Alwyn came close. Nor the desire for another kiss sparking between them if they brushed against each other as they passed in one of the narrow passages. Nay, the only salvation for Milisent was to escape Throsle, and the feelings Alwyn caused. Surely it was some kind of madness, this need to have him place his hands on her and take her mouth as he had before.

  “I need to be at Fenton.” She struggled with her tattered chemise, releasing the ribbons and stepping from the garment. “We have been gone for too long. Gilbert does not know what occurred, nor if I am safe. Despite how you feel about my brother and his plans, he does love me. He will worry