Windsong

by Allison Knight

  “Don’t worry so.” Rhianna gave her another quick hug. “The men with Alwyn are well trained, and Chelse can do naught but agree to the union. You are wed, the marriage witnessed, the contracts drawn and sealed. You are a wife in every sense. Your brother must accept what has taken place.”

  “I can not shake this feeling something will go wrong.” Milisent fought the lump in her throat. She was such a coward. Rhianna and Garrett were right. Alwyn would be fine.

  With spring approaching there was much to do at Knockin. Milisent wanted to visit Throsle to make certain affairs were going smoothly.

  Since Owain had fully recovered he and Garrett decided she could make a quick trip to Alwyn’s property with Owain and sufficient soldiers as escort. The trip was to be quick and hopefully without incident.

  When she arrived, she realized all was as it should be. Alwyn had trained his men well and the forest was well protected. According to Rhys, deer were flourishing, and dead wood had already been cleared. Ella had the household running with her usual skill.

  When Milisent told her what all had happened at Knockin, Ella expressed contrition for informing Alwyn of the document held by the abbot. “But I am glad you have a husband you can abide.”

  Ella frowned. “What if de Bain had insisted there was a betrothal? Alwyn is honorable enough he would have handed you to the man.”

  “I do not fault you, Ella. But I do wish you had told me what you had done. Now I ask, what of you and Rhys?” She frowned. “Are you to wed?”

  “You are not the only one who had their union blessed.” Pride

  flowed from Ella’s voice. “Rhys summoned a priest last week. We said our vows then.”

  “You should have sent word.”

  “Enough was occurring in your own life. I did not want to bother you. Now, Owain said you have to return to Knockin immediately.” Ella frowned. “How soon must you travel?”

  “Owain wants to return in a day or two. I told him we must stay here for at least a fortnight but he refused.” She glared at the man standing in the hall, talking to Rhys and a number of Alwyn’s men. “People do not come and go so quickly, but I could not sway him.”

  “Mayhap it is best. Alwyn will send word to Knockin when he is ready to talk to Chelse. It is best if you are there.”

  Despite her protests, Owain had the soldiers ready to leave two days hence. She had no choice but to leave with them. Especially since both Rhys and Owain threatened to tie her to a horse for the trip. Ella, traitor that she was, agreed to secure the rope.

  The only thing Milisent was able to accomplish was a promise she could return before summer had passed.

  The return trip was without incident and in no time they were once again at Knockin. The following week was full of duties in preparation for all the activities surrounding spring. Rhianna spent her time recording money spent, the births of both animals and those who peopled Knockin. Rhianna announced she was expecting another child and tired easily. The duties of directing servants, caring for the activities of the stillroom fell to Milisent.

  During the second week, Milisent’s anxiety grew as she waited for a message from Alwyn. Finally, well into the third week, word arrived. Edward’s ministers in London had secured an audience for him. He would leave for France within the week.

  “As soon as he returns to England, he will have to go directly to your brother,” Garrett said. “News of your marriage will not remain a secret for long. Alwyn should be the one to tell your brother.”

  Milisent’s heart fluttered with dismay. Since Alwyn must wait to travel to France, even if the king was agreeable, it was taking more time than they thought. Why he could be gone for the whole of the summer.

  And then there was her brother.

  Why she feared for her husband she did not know, only that she did. Another question she wanted to ask was, where was the missing de Bain? He caused her more concern than Gilbert.

  No one had heard from de Bain since he attacked Alwyn’s house. When she questioned Owain, he assured her de Bain had not been injured, only the mercenaries with him. Nor did Owain have any idea how de Bain found out she should be at Throsle. It was common knowledge among the villagers she and Alwyn had gone to Knockin days before the attack.

  Her greatest worry however was for her new husband. All she could

  do now was wait for word he was returning from France. His message gave no indication how soon he thought he would be able to return.

  “Nay, do not look so downcast. It will not take much longer,” Garrett assured her. “I would think only a few weeks at the most.”

  Why his words offered no consolation, Milisent didn’t know. She could do nothing but wait and pray. She did a lot of that.

  ~ * ~

  Finding Edward in France was no problem. Alwyn was able to secure an audience with even less difficulty.

  “You are brother by marriage to Garrett de Shay, Baron of Knockin?”

  “Aye, your majesty.” Alwyn knelt before Edward, his head bowed as he answered.

  “The squire Arthur is also kin?”

  Alwyn nodded. Why was Edward asking these questions when he had been informed of the relationships?

  “Now, tell us again why you took this sister of Chelse.”

  Alwyn took a deep breath and confessed his plan. “It was not a wise move, your majesty.”

  “Aye, ‘twas stupid, but if she is as comely as you say, we can understand why you had the wrong impression. Now, we would see these documents and the names of the clergy involved in this secrecy.”

  Edward didn’t sound pleased. Alwyn’s heart sank.

  “Why were we not informed of the documents?” He turned to one of his ministers of whom Alwyn had no knowledge. “See to this. We want all the details.”

  Alwyn clenched his fists. Would he be told to wait until Edward had all the information he requested? It didn’t bear thinking about.

  Edward stroked his chin and turned to his wife who sat at his side. She nodded and the king turned back to him.

  “As de Shay offers his support we must acknowledge this union.” With the king’s words Alwyn breathed a sigh of relief and lifted his head.

  The king’s countenance gave him pause.

  “However,” Edward continued, “the court must exact a recompense for your taking this woman from her home against her will, even though we agree Chelse did you harm. He acted during war, therefore we will accept no less than your pledge to stand at our side.”

  Alwyn nodded, but knew there would be more.

  The king stroked his chin again. “We insist on funds to undo the harm you have caused. The sum will be determined later.” Edward stood. The interview was finished.

  Alwyn stood also and bowed low. At least Edward had said nothing about Throsle or insisting the marriage be annulled.

  Eleanor smiled at Edward and then at him. Something told Alwyn he

  should probably thank the queen. Obviously she was the reason it had gone so well. If only his visit to Fenton Castle would go as well.

  ~ * ~

  June arrived, and with it a missive from Alwyn detailing the meeting with Edward.

  Milisent was not worried about the fine. Her dowry was large enough to provide whatever sum Edward demanded. First though, her brother would have to release her moneys to Alwyn—and that might be a problem.

  Doubts filled her mind. Her brother had championed de Bain and she was certain money was the reason. Also, he, like most men, did not like to have his plans disrupted. Gilbert would be furious that Edward now knew about her father’s contract for her future. Such documents should never have been kept from the king and would call into question the loyalty of her father. Would it reflect on Gilbert? Oh, her brother would be furious about that, if nothing else.

  With Alwyn’s delay she asked if she could travel to Throlse to see to his property.

  “Let us wait for several more weeks before you venture north,” Garrett said. Owain who stood at his side no
dded vigorously in agreement.

  “Milisent,” Owain said, “we have no knowledge of de Bain or his whereabouts. Until this matter is settled, you must stay here.”

  “But I must see to Throsle. Rhys and Alwyn’s men can protect me at the house. And, we had no trouble when last we traveled. You said it went well.”

  “Aye,” Garrett said. “But that was some time ago. Who knows what information has reached your brother, or de Bain?”

  He smiled. “Alwyn should be returning soon and then you can both leave for Throsle, with my blessing. Until we know more, you must stay here.”

  ~ * ~

  “I say to you, she is married.” De Bain paced the hall at Fenton, his expression furious.

  “She would not do this. She would tell me. I should have kept her locked away in a more secure location.” Gilbert felt weak with fear. De Bain had threatened to disclose his sins to Edward, and if that occurred, his future would be gone. “There must be something we can do.”

  “We? There must be something you must do. You know what I will do if Milisent is not wed to me. The fact that marriage may have been consummated...” He nearly choked on the word. “She will pay.”

  Gilbert bristled. “You will not hurt her.”

  “You will not have a say in this. I will not kill her. Nay, do not fear I will do that. I want her alive and capable of bearing me a son.”

  Gilbert grimaced. “A child happens by the will of God. Mayhap she

  will be barren.”

  “She is still young and healthy. I will get her with child; have no fear. In the meantime, what do you think to do with this husband of hers?” de Bain sneered at him and plopped on a bench before he shouted for ale.

  “How can you be so certain she has wed?”

  “The whole of the village is abuzz with the news. Besides, do you not know I would have a contact in that village? I know what goes on with those who seek to defy me.” De Bain glared at him then reached for the mug one of the servants held out to him. He pinched her bottom as she tried to whirl away. “Nice arse on that one.”

  Gilbert chanced a disgusted look at his guest. If he stayed the night, the baron would probably demand one of the maids to serve him in his bed. But there was more to worry about than a servant. If Milisent or her husband got word to Edward about this union, his life as he knew it would be finished. He would have a hard time explaining to Edward why he kept the information about his demented father’s will from his king.

  Even worse, if de Bain carried through with his promise, all his efforts toward making a name for himself would be for naught. He had to get to this husband of Milisent’s before the man could seek out the king. At least Edward and Eleanor were in France and would remain there for some time. He would have time to formulate a plan to rid his sister of her choice of husband and convince her she had to wed de Bain. But how? That was the problem. He paced the length of the hall punching the fist of his left hand into his right, over and over. There had to be a way.

  When no thought surfaced he turned back to de Bain. “What say you? How would you deal with this situation?”

  “You handled Edward’s priest well enough.” De Bain’s voice was full of scorn.

  “And I’ll burn in hell for that even though I did not order him killed.” Gilbert shivered and continued his agitated steps back toward de Bain. “I knew nothing about withholding food from him. Nor did I give such an order.”

  De Bain gave a shout of laughter. “You dumped a man of God in your dungeon, you did not feed him or see to his needs, and when he died you claim you knew nothing? You will not convince the king of that string of lies.”

  “I told you before, I did not know he was a priest until he was dying.”

  “Still.” De Bain steepled the fingers of his hands together and tapped his chin. “You did not bother to summon a priest so your visitor could enjoy his last rites. Edward had better not hear of this.” He smirked, grabbed his mug and quaffed his ale, then swiped his hand over his face. “I would hate to tell Edward this shameful tale. But if Milisent is not wed to me, and soon, the king will learn all about the holy man who passed on in your dudgeon.”

  “You can not. You said you would say nothing. I am keeping my end of the bargain. No one knows of Father’s final directive.”

  “Nay, your priest knows. Does this one know what you did to the other?”

  Gilbert shook his head. “Nay, and he is not to know. I will figure out a way to secure Milisent’s consent, but it takes time. You are aware I have been serving Edward in his battles with the Welsh for some time now. He will not turn away my aid.”

  “Ha! Without your funds, he will turn from you.” De Bain stood and slammed his mug on the table. He glanced around. “Without your sister in residence, this place appears as slovenly as the poorest serf’s abode.” He kicked at the old rushes on the floor. “Get someone to clean this up.”

  “You can not claim this castle as yours just yet.” Gilbert strained to keep his temper from erupting. How dare de Bain think to give him an order?

  De Bain stomped toward the castle doors. “I will leave you now, for you must decide how much you like your present existence. I will hie myself off to the north and wait for your stubborn sister to surface. When she does, she will be mine.”

  His smile seemed cruel.

  “Just be certain she no longer has a husband.”

  Gilbert sputtered for a moment. “How do I sever a blessed union? It can not be done.”

  “Such a marriage is a valid union as long as both live. And, since you can not kill your sister without ensuring I will go to Edward, I suggest you eliminate her new spouse.”

  As de Bain strode from the hall, Gilbert shuddered. Aye, he had killed in battle, what warrior had not? A time or two he took a life when the blood lust seized him. But to kill a man without a fight? Could he do that?

  He gulped, remembering that raid into Wales when his sole objective was as many dead Welshman as he could find. To this day he could not understand why he attacked that woman. Especially after she begged him to spare her life so she could bear her child.

  At the time all he could think about was that he could not allow another Welshman a chance at life, not when it might one day attack his England. Nay, he had killed her and her babe. He wondered what the missing husband thought when he returned to the devastation wreaked on his small abode. Well, it was over and done with. He supposed he would pay in hell for that as well. In the meantime, he had to find a way to dissolve Milisent’s marriage. Aye, and if it meant killing the groom, then so be it. He could not afford to lose his king’s regard.

  For a brief time he considered sending word to Edward and asking his liege for aid. Nay, it was impossible, completely out of the question. Edward would demand to know why such aid was sought. He could not tell the king what prompted his request. It would necessitate telling Edward a lot of other things. Edward would condemn him on the spot. His lands, his title, his position would be stripped from him and, if he escaped with his life, he would surely be faced with exile.

  ~ * ~

  Alwyn tossed and turned in his blanket. The night was warm and he was restless. He missed Milisent more than he thought possible. When he slept, his dreams were full of the woman he claimed to wife. When and how had she become such an important part of his existence?

  All his thoughts centered on returning to her as quickly as he could. He smiled with thoughts of how she would react to Edward’s punishment. According to Garrett, her estates were wealthy even beyond what he held, which meant she was an heiress of some import. No wonder de Bain wanted her. Nor was it a surprise her father tried to guard her fortune.

  Well, he didn’t want her money, nor her property, but it would greatly help with Edward’s demand for compensation. Milisent would insist the funds the king assigned be paid from her dowry. His own brothers could meet the sum if needs be, and he would tell her that as soon as they were reunited.

  Oh, how he longed for tha
t day. But, it would have to wait. The thought of meeting the man who destroyed his home did not sit well. However, without Gilbert’s actions he would never have met Milisent and in truth, Milisent meant more to him than Essylt and his first home.

  Guilt stirred to life. He would never forget Essylt and the child she carried, but she was gone and there was nothing to bring her or the child back.

  His thoughts turned back to Milisent. What had begun as revenge had altered his life. The moments of their time together replayed through his head centering on her surrender to him in his bed. Immediately the ache in his groin flared. Aye, he had to finish with Chelse quickly so he could once again take his wife in his arms and love her the way she needed to be loved.

  Loved! The word startled him for a moment and he jerked into an upright position.

  “Sir,” one of the men with him jumped up. “Do you sense trouble?”

  “Nay, ‘tis only my thoughts of what is to come that had me stirring. Ignore my action and take your rest. I need to walk for a bit.”

  The man settled back into his furs and Alwyn stood. He could check on the soldier standing guard and relieve him for a time. There was no way now he could sleep. He had to examine his feelings for Milisent much more thoroughly.

  Once he had seen the soldier to his bed, Alwyn sat with his back against a tree and thought about his wife. Aye, she had beauty, grace, compassion. She was not afeared of hard work.

  At that thought he remembered the first time he had kissed her, that time he found her in the ale house. He smiled. Aye, she would willingly do a task if it needed to be done. Their meeting with Benedick drifted through his thoughts. She recited her skills and not without some pride. He had not known she was so well educated, and it surprised him. Only another reason to be proud of her.

  Then there was the giving way in which she took him to bed. She was as eager for his loving as he was to share her body. He should not be surprised that what he felt for her was a love, a deep and abiding love.

  He had felt affection for Essylt, but wondered if it was only because she was his wife and carried his child. For one thing, she never enjoyed their mating. She was a good worker, but would have balked at some of things Milisent had seen to in Throsle. Nor did she have Milisent’s strength, nor the loyalty. He remembered how Milisent was quick to defend Ella.