Chapter 8
Ulfric rose early the next morning leaving Juliana to sleep a little longer. Passing through the Hall he saw Hilde and told her of the plan to move Alice away as soon as possible. He roused his men including de Gant and moved them away from the town to the Wolds where they could exercise their horses and practice their drill. Hilde entered the bedchamber to awaken Juliana, surprised to see her asleep in the bed she had once shared with her husband.
“Wake up, child. Wake up! We need to get Alice away whilst the men are away from the Hall.”
Juliana stretched and yawned, then remembered where she was and blushed deeply knowing that her mother would know she had slept with Ulfric. She jumped up from the bed and her mother saw the blood spattered sheet, evidence that Ulfric had taken her virginity the previous night but Hilde said nothing, just pulled the cloth away and took it to launder.
“Come, we’ll talk about this another time. Alice needs to be away and I have yet to speak to the carter and organise a wagon. I can’t do all this on my own, Juliana, come quickly.”
Juliana was left alone to dress with no time to ponder on the consequences of the night before, but she knew that in dealing with Alice’s situation it only brought everything into perspective and she felt fearful that she too might soon be sent away.
The carter had drawn his wagon into the stable yard which was loaded with provisions, whilst the horse was fed and watered still between the shafts. Alice was crying and all attempts to comfort her were unsuccessful. Hilde and Juliana fussed around them. Alice had been with the family for almost six years and had proved herself to be a reliable and faithful servant and so would be sadly missed.
“Stop crying now, Alice. The carter will take care of you and see you to my brother’s family in Jorvik. I have written a letter and you must give it to Ragn who will do as I ask and then if you want to, you can come back to us.” Hilde refused to become emotional and her practical side was invaluable in times of crisis.
“Thank you, mistress, but I won’t come back while that brutal animal is still here.”
“Don’t worry about him,” Juliana said. “He’ll never know where you are or why and hopefully he will be sent back to his own lands by the King.”
Alice managed a wobbly smile and the carter shook the reins out for the horse to take the first steps on their journey.
***
Later that afternoon there was a clatter of hooves in the yard heralding the return of the knights and their men. Hilde looked at Juliana whose heart began to beat uncomfortably and they both put aside their stitching to organise food and ale for the men. Thorvald led a horse carrying a carcass of a wild boar slung over its back. Servants appeared from the kitchen and pulled the animal down, carrying it into a separate hut where meat was prepared.
“Hang it well!” Thorvald shouted as they struggled to drag it away.
Ulfric slapped him on the back, “You killed well today, Thorvald. We will eat as richly as the King when we come back from Lincoln.”
De Gant walked into the Hall brushing past Hilde who was standing at the door. Juliana was warming herself in front of the fire as the afternoon began to get chilly. Tapestries hanging on the walls flapped with the breeze coming in through the open door as Ulfric sauntered in and came to stand next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. He bent to kiss her cheek but whispered, “Is all well, my love?”
“Yes, sire. They are well on their way now,” she replied.
Their exchange had not gone unnoticed by de Gant, “You seem to have tamed this vixen, Ulfric, but don’t forget it was me who told you she would betray you as soon as your back is turned.”
“Sir Richard,” Ulfric sighed, “Your jealousy does you no credit at all and the sooner you get used to the fact that Juliana is mine, the easier it will be for you.”
“Me! Jealous! You’re mistaken, Ulfric. You are welcome to her - much good it will do you.”
His denial was too quick and his words rang empty because everyone could see the lust burning in his eyes whenever he looked Juliana’s way.
“Alice!” de Gant shouted and nobody answered. “Alice! Come wench, bring me ale and meat,” he tried again. When no one said anything he looked around the Hall and collared a young serf who was passing. He lifted the boy from the ground by his tunic and shook him so hard Thorvald had to intervene. “Where’s Alice, you skinny whelp?” he shouted as the boy dangled in his hands.
“Leave the boy alone, de Gant. He’s only a child. We told you yesterday that Alice was unwell. She has gone home to recuperate,” Thorvald informed him.
De Gant dropped the boy to the ground. He was only about seven years-old and fell awkwardly injuring his ankle. Hilde went to help him up but he could not bear his own weight so she looked to Thorvald for help. He strode towards the lad and picked him up easily and took him to a corner opposite where the dogs were chained. The boy was sobbing in Thorvald’s big arms and he hung onto him, burying his head in his shoulder, frightened and ashamed of his tears.
Hilde came and soothed the boy once he was settled on a small pallet of straw. Thorvald examined the lad’s ankle and pronounced it badly sprained but not broken and patted the young lad on the head.
“What’s your name, lad?” he asked kindly.
“Sam, sire.” He drew a shuddering breath and calmed his sobs while Hilde noticed Thorvald had seemed to take to the boy.
Thorvald strode back to the table and lifted de Gant from his chair. “See how you like a taste of your own medicine, Norman!” He threw de Gant like a giant rag doll against the fire grate, just missing the open fire.
De Gant struggled to his feet and drew his sword, “You’ll pay for that, heathen!” he hissed.
“Enough!” Ulfric barked. He had seen the blood drain from Juliana’s face and needed to put a stop to his men fighting amongst themselves. “De Gant, put that weapon away. I’ll not have violence in this Hall.”
“He started it,” he said petulantly, still standing with his feet apart waiting for Thorvald’s attack.
“No! You started it, de Gant,” Ulfric shouted. “You will not treat servants as if they are there for your amusement or otherwise. In fact, you will not use my servants again until you’ve learned some manners, but I doubt if that’s possible after all these years. Take your men and start for Lincoln. The King and his entourage will be there by now and I will join you. It will take a couple of days for me as Juliana will be with me. Get your things and be off with you!”
De Gant started to complain that he had yet to eat and drink after their exercises that day but Ulfric turned his back and ignored him, leaving de Gant to slam his chamber door while he packed his clothes in a wooden box ready for the journey.
***
Sir Richard threw his clothes into the trunk he would take with him to Lincoln. He would load it onto a cart and one of his men could travel with the supplies they would need for the journey. His growling stomach interrupted his thoughts and he imagined Ulfric and that mountain of a Norseman eating and drinking and no doubt laughing at him behind his back. He was determined to eat something before he went even if it did mean defying Ulfric. Who was he anyway, just a jumped up peasant like all the rest. Ulfric just happened to be at the right place at the right time, and de Gant cursed his father for taking the boy into their household and treating him like one of the family. Well, he would get his revenge if it took him the rest of his life, in fact he would relish the thought and Juliana would be at the centre of his plan. How dare she reject him, a Norman noble with lands far more extensive than Ulfric’s. She too would pay for that rejection.
He lifted the trunk and went back into the Hall where the scene was just as he had imagined; all sitting down to dine and drink. He took the trunk outside and warned his men to be ready to move as soon as he came back outside. He strode back into the Hall and saw the young lad who had made such a display of hurting his ankle.
“You, boy! Fetch me food and ale. I have a lo
ng journey and the sooner I start the better. Don’t dawdle or you’ll get more than a sprained ankle.”
Thorvald’s eyes went to Ulfric’s who lifted a finger to keep him quiet. Sam limped over to de Gant and placed food and ale on a small table by the fire then scuttled away before he felt the Norman’s wrath again. De Gant threw himself into a chair by the fire and assuaged his hunger and thirst like a man who had no idea where the next meal was coming from, muttering to himself all the while which made the other two men smile. De Gant watched them out of the corner of his eye and jumped up to face them, his face puce with anger, “Don’t smirk at me, heathen, or you Ulfric. One day I’ll make you pay for your stupid grins and disrespect of your betters, just see if I don’t.”
He downed his ale and threw the horn into the fire grate shattering it into splinters and stormed out of the door, slamming it behind him.
“I think our Norman friend is upset with us, Ulfric,” Thorvald commented drily.
Juliana had watched the display with some trepidation and her stomach had tightened at de Gant’s threat. Ulfric was as relaxed as usual but said nothing, knowing that de Gant was a coward and a bully, always threatening but never carrying out those threats. He rose from the table and held out his hand for Juliana, “Come, my lady. We need to get some sleep as tomorrow will be a long day.”
Juliana took his hand and they ascended the stairs together. He opened the chamber door and led her in, but hesitated, “Get into bed, my love, I have just remembered something I need to tell Thorvald.”
Chapter 9
Lincoln was a bustling town and never more so than when the new King came to visit the people. There was a carnival atmosphere and people lined the streets buying and selling all manner of goods. When Ulfric and Juliana rode into the town just after noon they were jostled by the crowds but not with menace, as Juliana might have expected, she noted most of the people seemed to have accepted their new ruler and appeared happy to have some stability once more.
“We need to find lodgings, Ulfric,” she said, hoping that all the best houses were not taken by now.
“Don’t fear, my lady, we will have the best house we can find.”
Juliana smiled, “I wish I could share your confidence, sire, but there are so many people here for the King’s visit. I’ve never seen so many merchants doing such a brisk trade. You must invite the King to Bertone, the traders in our town would love you for such business you would bring them.”
Just then a pie-seller reached up and waved a tasty pie in front of her, “My lady, come and try my pies, they are the finest in Lincoln,” he said.
Juliana’s stomach rumbled and she looked at Ulfric. “I am hungry, sire.”
Ulfric grunted, “We will take three,” and gave the man a small coin for each one which he pocketed swiftly and passed up three of the meat pies he was carrying.
Juliana nibbled daintily on hers as she rode but Ulfric took three large bites and his was gone. “That was a good pie, Juliana. You’d better eat quicker or I might steal some of yours,” he grinned. He turned around and Thorvald had also finished eating his so he would get no help there.
Juliana smiled knowing he was joking and wondered at herself being so comfortable in this man’s company. She tried so hard to resist him but she always gave in and she could not deny the pleasure she felt during their lovemaking. She wondered what the King would think of her being Ulfric’s whore, because that’s all she was, she knew. She cried after each passionate encounter because she wanted his commitment and love but he always fobbed her off, leaving her feeling so alone and desperate. Why couldn’t he see this? Were all men so insensitive to a woman’s need to be married? The thought made her hunger disappear and she handed what remained of her pie to Ulfric who took and devoured it in one bite, laughing at her astonishment.
They rode away from the bustle of the town centre and stopped in front of a large, two-storey building which looked clean from the outside. Ulfric dismounted but told Juliana to stay where she was while he haggled with the owner of the house for a room for them. He knocked on the door and was met by a servant. Ulfric asked politely to speak to the owner but was informed that he was not at present in residence and was only expected back in a couple of weeks.
“Good,” Ulfric said. “You will ready a room for me and my lady and I will leave coin enough to cover our stay. We are here on the King’s business so I will brook no argument.”
The servant looked wide-eyed at Ulfric’s stature and felt that this man would take what he wanted whether he put up an argument or not. “Come in, sire. Bring your lady inside and we’ll prepare food for you. I’m sure my master will not mind, especially if you are willing to pay for your lodgings.”
Ulfric lifted two large silver coins between his thumb and second fingers and rubbed them together, “You will get these when we leave, if your service has been good.”
The servant fixed his eyes greedily on the shining silver and bowed.
Thorvald helped bring in the trunks and boxes which Juliana had packed for the occasion and the few men they had brought with them took the horses into the stables at the back to make sure they were fed and watered before they entered the kitchen to eat.
The room which Juliana would share with Ulfric was furnished with a large bed and tables were set to each side which held a candle on each. It was a pleasant room and the last of the summer sun’s rays came through the window, lighting her hair to flame gold. She changed into a green woollen gown and kid slippers before going downstairs to the main room where Ulfric and Thorvald were waiting for her to begin the meal which had been hastily prepared for them.
“I’ll never understand why women always have to change their clothes at every touch and turn. No wonder you’ve brought so many boxes, Juliana – but I must say the result is very becoming,” Ulfric said holding out his arms to her. “I thought you said you needed new gowns, but these are definitely fit for an audience with the King.”
“These gowns were my mothers, Ulfric and a little more care of your own appearance wouldn’t go amiss. You need to shave and change your clothes before you see the King,” she answered.
“I will do better than that. I will find a bath and you can join me in it. How’s that?”
“By all means, my lord, find a bath if you will, but I will not join you in it. Don’t you care that everyone here thinks I’m your mistress. I’ve no wedding ring on my finger so what else would they think?” she snapped.
“Here we go again, marriage, marriage, marriage – is that all you can talk about?”
Thorvald needed to take the heat out of the situation so rose to propose a toast, “To Juliana, the most beautiful woman in the shire of Lincoln.”
Juliana bowed her head gracefully at the compliment and Ulfric looked shamefaced but irritated.
Their food was eaten in near silence, the joviality of the previous few hours dissipating quickly. Juliana excused herself and went to her chamber and Ulfric sat with Thorvald until they were well in their cups. He later climbed the stairs with a heavy heart and rolled into bed where Juliana had turned her back to him and was as far on the edge as she could be without rolling out. Ulfric turned his back too and fell asleep instantly, snoring so loudly that Juliana had a sleepless night.
***
The next day Ulfric left Juliana, who had managed to drop off to sleep around dawn, whilst he roused his men and sent two of them to advise the King that Ulfric and his party had arrived and were asking for an audience. He and Thorvald then sat down to a hearty breakfast wondering when the King would see them.
“The servants tell me there’s a carnival in the town with jesters and acrobats. Shall we go and see them?” Thorvald asked.
Ulfric smiled, “Yes, we’ll take Juliana - that should bring a smile to her face and hopefully take her mind off marriage.”
Juliana appeared at that very minute and gave a cautious eye to Ulfric, “Marriage my lord? Did I hear you mention marriage?”
&nb
sp; Ulfric groaned, “No you did not, Juliana and I don’t want to hear about it again. I’ve told you that I’m not marrying you and that’s final. Instead, we are going to the fair today. The weather looks set fine and we should have a good day, if you’ll only let yourself.”
“Yes, sire. I assure you I will not beg you to marry me. I am not that desperate.” Juliana ate the porridge in front of her in silence until they were interrupted by Ulfric’s men returning with orders from the King.
Ulfric opened the parchment, “It looks like we have to present ourselves tomorrow, Thorvald. The King wants his knights to hear his plans for this town along with the bishop and various other locals.”
“I wonder what his plans are.” Thorvald mused.
“We won’t know until tomorrow so let’s get going to the fair and enjoy the time we have, because I have a feeling we’ll be busy from tomorrow onwards.”
Despite herself, Juliana enjoyed the walk into the town and was entertained by the acrobats and jesters as Ulfric had hoped she would be. Both men were feeling carefree and watched a procession of dwarves parading around and doing somersaults and back flips, clapping loudly when they bowed to the audience. There were side stalls with coloured flags draped across them tempting people to buy pies and sweetmeats, while others were set out with combs and brooches. Juliana pointed to one she liked and immediately one of the men would buy it for her, which delighted her initially, but then she was wary not to point out too much, as Ulfric had already made his position clear about his hard-earned money.
It was evening time when they arrived back at their lodgings where a messenger from the King was waiting to invite them to dine with him that evening, which threw Juliana into a frenzy of trying on different gowns and asking which would be suitable. Ulfric thought they were all very good, but she threw them on the bed and wept.
Fire and Ice Page 6
