Fire and Ice

by Christer, J. E.

  “Juliana, why are you crying? You look perfect in all of these gowns. Please put on the lilac one, it suits your colouring.”

  “No! I will wear the green – it will bring out the colour of my eyes. Do you think the King will like it?” she asked, unsure of herself yet again.

  “The King will love everything about you, now come on or we’ll be late. The sun is already low in the sky.”

  Ulfric waited downstairs for another half an hour until, pacing the floor and uttering oaths under his breath while Thorvald laughed at him. “You should have left her at Bertone, Ulfric.”

  “If I thought de Gant would not try and get back to her before I could, I would gladly have left her behind. I’d forgotten how trying women could be!”

  He heard a gasp from Thorvald and turned round to see Juliana, a vision in dark green velvet, gold braiding running down the sides and under her breasts. Her fiery red hair had been combed into submission and was shining with gold and green ribbons trailing from her head rail. Her feet were clad in gold coloured kid slippers with green trim and Ulfric felt his heart quicken and held his breath while he surveyed his lady.

  “My dear Juliana, you are beautiful and well worth the wait, but we must hurry now.” He dropped a kiss onto her lips and she smiled winsomely, pleased with his reaction.

  ***

  The royal court was assembled at the Bishop of Lincoln’s Hall, which was the biggest and grandest house available to them. Tapestries festooned the walls, and tables were set around the room. The King himself had claimed the central seat of the long table and posed a formidable figure on the large carved seat. His knights were positioned at intervals along the tables with local dignitaries and their ladies or daughters sitting between them. The meal was about to begin when Ulfric and Thorvald arrived with Juliana. Their names were given to a page who announced their arrival in a loud voice but nobody took any notice until the King rose to his feet and beckoned for Ulfric and Thorvald to come to him.

  Juliana stayed and waited in the background and a lump came to her throat as she watched Ulfric kneel before his King and kiss his ring. She was very proud of him at that moment and her heart softened towards him once more. Her mind began to wander as she thought of how wonderful their lives could be together if only he would change his mind and marry her. Her musings were such that she was caught off-guard when Ulfric approached and took her arm, leading her towards the King to be presented. She felt her colour rise as she curtsied before William and blood rushed to her face and neck making her ears ring. What would he think of her, she wondered. How could Ulfric present her like this, with no wedding ring on her finger, the King would know she was a whore and think her shameful to have accompanied one of her knights to this gathering of Norman nobility. Her head began to spin and her face paled at the thought of her shame, but the King was speaking to her and she had not heard a word he had said.

  “Pardon, your majesty. I am overcome by your welcome and I think I took too much sun today.”

  William raised her from her curtsey and lifted her hand onto his arm, leading her to the central table where, he told her, she would take a seat beside him with Ulfric and Thorvald on the other side. She calmed her nerves at his kind manner but noticed Ulfric’s frown deepen as the servants led them over to their chairs.

  The King rose and proclaimed, “My people, I am deeply honoured to be with you and I have great plans for this town which I have discussed at length with your Bishop and Reeve. I will reveal these plans eventually but for now let the feasting begin.”

  Servants rushed around bringing course after course of finely cooked food for their pleasure and Juliana was delighted by the King’s chivalrous demeanour, and he was delighted with her knowledge of his own language. When he was not speaking with her he was complimenting Ulfric on choosing such a beautiful and talented lady but Ulfric himself did not seem to appreciate his King’s words. After one such conversation he scowled and frowned to such an extent that Thorvald clapped him on the back and laughed, “Enjoy yourself, Ulfric. The King is happy with you and will no doubt give you more land around Bertone if you ask him nicely.”

  “I care not for more land,” Ulfric muttered, “he’s just told me he’s keeping Juliana at court for a while and will send for her trunk tomorrow. He is too delighted with her and wants to know her better.”

  “You have nothing to fear from William. He is totally committed to Matilda and will not dream of a dalliance with the fair Juliana.”

  “I know that!” Ulfric snapped. “But de Gant is here and I don’t trust him an inch.”

  Thorvald looked around the room and spied de Gant eating quietly and drinking his wine sparingly, but all the time looking at Juliana from under his brows. “I see what you mean,” Thorvald said worriedly.

  “I’ve a good mind to slap his face with my gauntlets and wipe that smirk off it.”

  “No, you must not let William see your anger with de Gant. You know he likes to think his knights all get on well.”

  “I have a bad feeling about this, Thorvald.” Ulfric threw down the meat he had been eating, his appetite completely gone.

  Chapter 10

  Ulfric received orders to attend meetings the following day and his spirits recovered with the hope he might see Juliana and perhaps be allowed to speak with her. The previous night had been a cold and lonely one, feeling the loss of his lady deeply by her absence. By the time they set off, Thorvald was silently contemplating Ulfric’s demise due to his bad temper. His men had felt the brunt of his anger and were sent out to practice their drill, even though there was no need and they had been given leave to attend the fair that day so grumbles abounded. Ulfric dressed in his finest clothes and he and Thorvald presented themselves at court, but he was to be disappointed as the only glimpse he saw of Juliana was her back as she walked with the other ladies of the court. She was wearing a woollen gown the colour of golden amber and he could see it was her because he knew those curves so well.

  The King called his knights, advisors and local dignitaries to order, “My lords and ladies, I have called you here today to unveil my plans for this town. If you have been into the centre of the upper town you will know that I have ordered the present wooden fortress to be taken down and replaced with a stone structure, built by Norman and Saxon alike. There are many skilful craftsmen who can contribute to making this town a fortified city, and my men will be garrisoned here, work has already begun and I am hoping another year will see it complete.”

  The King paused to give his words time to register then continued, “I have also taken counsel and advice from the Bishop of Lincoln, who reminds me of the spiritual needs of the men and townspeople here. I intend to construct a cathedral outside of the castle which will be one of my offerings to God for delivering England to me – to us! Craftsmen will be employed from near and far, I want the best men to work on it and the people will also help to bring the stone in and shape it. Plans have been drawn up and I have given my approval. The people can pay their tithe in labour as well as coin until the construction is complete and I will need to leave the supervision of this work to all of you.”

  The assembly looked around, some of them shrugging their shoulders as if to say they knew nothing about building, so what could they do.

  “Sir Ulfric and Sir Thorvald,” the King went on, “You will divide your time between here and your lands further north. There is still a threat from the Norse warriors north of the Humber and the men will need good leadership. De Gant, you too will take your turn here before I decide what to do with you.”

  William looked pointedly at Sir Richard de Gant and it was noted by all that he did not use his title to address him. De Gant had not missed the slight and made an exaggerated bow. “You can depend on me to get the best out of the workforce, my liege,” he smiled ingratiatingly.

  Silence fell in the room but William chose to ignore the jibe this once, knowing that de Gant was spoiling for a fight and of his reputation as a cru
el leader on and off the battlefield. He had noticed the knight’s attentions to the lady Juliana earlier in the day and saw how she had stiffened at his approach, and wondered what had occurred to make her so nervous around him.

  The King continued to speak about his plans for the shire in broader terms but Ulfric had stopped listening, wondering how he could keep Juliana safe from de Gant. His mind worked overtime but was brought back to the present by a nudge from Thorvald. Ulfric started and looked around noting that the King was looking at him expectantly.

  “Forgive me your majesty. I was thinking about er... Bertone,” he said hastily.

  The King smiled benignly knowing that Ulfric was probably wondering about Juliana, “Relax, sir knight, your lady will be presented to you at dinner tonight.”

  The assembly began to laugh and Ulfric’s colour rose but he smiled with them and eventually laughed out loud, “You know me too well, your majesty,” he said in response.

  William smiled at his favourite and nodded, “I was saying that I would like you to reconstruct the tower of St Peter’s church in Bertone. The current spire is of a wooden construction I believe and the Bishop tells me it is constantly in need of upkeep. I want you to oversee the construction of a stone tower which will weather the storms better than wood. Monies will be given to the Bishop to finance the changes. Now, do you have any questions?”

  “No, Sire. The priest, Father Matthew, will be grateful for a new roof I’m sure. He complains frequently about the water dripping through the spire.”

  “He has every right to complain, Ulfric. It is your duty to see to the spiritual and physical comforts of your priest.”

  “Yes, your majesty.”

  Ulfric was suitably chastened but the meeting dragged on and it was early evening before they were released to find their ease in the grounds of the fine house and it was in the gardens where he finally met with Juliana. He saw her from a distance laughing and playing with a small white dog whose fur was thick and looked soft to the touch.

  “Juliana!” he called, seeing her turn in answer to her name. His heart began to pound in his chest and he hastened to her side.

  “Ulfric,” Juliana smiled at him. “Look at this pup, isn’t he beautiful. The King said I can keep him as a gift. I’ll call him Kyle – what do you think?”

  “He’s certainly a good dog and I cannot gainsay what the King has already given. If he pleases you, you may keep him.”

  Juliana squealed her delight and Ulfric was mesmerised by her girlish behaviour. He had never seen her so relaxed. She reached up to kiss his cheek which surprised and delighted him. “Thank you, Ulfric. William said he was from somewhere high up in the mountains but I’ve forgotten the name of the place.”

  Other ladies approached Juliana and drew her away but she looked back at Ulfric saying, “I have to go and ready myself for tonight’s feasting. I’ll see you there.”

  He raised a hand to wave but she had already turned back and was hurrying with the others into the house, the dog jumping and bouncing alongside her. He lowered his arm and sighed wistfully, wondering what it was about this young woman that had captured his heart. She was certainly beautiful but he had known other women with a similar outward beauty, but none could measure up to Juliana.

  “Well, Ulfric. I see your lady has deserted you once again.” The mocking voice of Richard de Gant reached his ears and he turned to face the loathsome knight.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, de Gant, but she will be joining me at the feasting table tonight and has gone to ready herself.” Ulfric was angry with himself for even explaining why Juliana was not with him.

  In a low and threatening voice de Gant murmured, “Take heed, Ulfric. She will yet be mine and when she is, I will marry her and she will have my legitimate children, but you won’t see her or hear from her because you will be dead and Bertone will be mine by default!”

  De Gant walked past him brushing his shoulder against the other man’s, causing him to stumble. Ulfric was momentarily stunned by the menace in de Gant’s threat but his mind could not think further than Juliana being forced into a marriage with this evil man and so made no reply.

  Thorvald appeared around the corner of the house and found Ulfric sitting on a stone bench under the shade of a large leafed creeper which climbed up the house. “Come, Ulfric. The King wants to speak with you privately.”

  ***

  Ulfric found William in a private courtyard which had an ornamental stream running at the bottom. They walked for a while discussing their lives since they had last seen each other but gradually William brought the conversation round to Juliana.

  “Your lady is of tender years, Ulfric. I hope you are treating her well?”

  “Yes, your majesty. I have never beaten a woman yet and I don’t intend to start now.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, but I sense a problem with de Gant and wondered if you would care to enlighten me.”

  “I can handle de Gant, sire.”

  “I’ve no doubt, Ulfric, but what are your intentions towards Juliana? I feel that if you do not put this precious gem in the finest setting, then you must release her to find happiness elsewhere.”

  Ulfric stopped and stared at his King. “Has she been complaining, my lord?”

  “By no means, she has been a delight and not one word of complaint has passed her lips, but I see she has been brought up as a lady and I know your aversion to marriage. Now, I would not interfere in your private life, my friend, but I know what an asset a woman can be, especially an educated one like Juliana.”

  “You refer to your own Matilda, I know, but she is exceptional is she not?”

  “To me there is no woman in any land who comes close to her, she is my wife and that is my point. Ulfric, this is hard to say even to a friend, but I would not see you lose your lady for the sake of your stubbornness. You have served me well, Ulfric. Many times I have relied upon you and Thorvald to lead the men into battle but it’s time you settled down with the right woman and brought fine sons and daughters into the world. They will either be as brave as their father or as beautiful as their mother.”

  “Sire, I will think on what you have said but I beg leave to take Juliana back to Bertone tomorrow. I do not trust de Gant even though I respect his father.”

  “You have my permission to withdraw from court tonight, Ulfric. I will give orders for Juliana’s things to be brought to your lodgings after the feasting. Now, let’s speak of other things – tell me about your Bertone. I might even call to see you when I move north to meet with the Danes, although they are very quiet at the moment you never know when they will bring their ships and do battle again.”

  Chapter 11

  Juliana was very quiet on the way home to Bertone the following day, even though Ulfric tried to make conversation and Thorvald played the fool for her, she just smiled and looked around at the countryside. Much of the land had been cleared for farming but there were still areas of forest and copse littering the landscape. Ulfric gave up on his attempts to amuse her with conversation and it was a very quiet party which entered the stable yard back at the Hall in Bertone. A strange wagon was drawn up to the stables and Ulfric wondered who might be calling on them but his curiosity was put to rest when a woman ran out of the Hall chasing the young boy, Sam. She caught him and was about to deliver a blow to his head when Thorvald shouted, “Leave him alone, Giselle! He is but a child; go and pick on someone your own size.”

  The woman stopped and let the boy go who scrambled out of reach and ran away. “Well, if it isn’t the lord of the manor and his pet Norseman. It’s about time you turned up, this place is a disgrace and the servants are as worthless as you.”

  “In that case, you won’t be staying long I presume,” Ulfric commented drily as he slid from his saddle and handed Elding over to the stable lad. He reached up to help Juliana down from Randolin and saw her look questioningly at the other woman. “This is Sir Richard’s sister, Giselle,” he mumbled,
noting the look of horror on Juliana’s face at this latest revelation.

  “So this is your Saxon whore is it? Her mother was going to refuse our entry until I put her in her place.”

  Juliana’s face paled at the woman’s words, “What did you do?” Juliana jumped out of Ulfric’s arms and fled into the Hall to find her mother.

  “Giselle!” Ulfric growled, “You’ll watch your tongue while you’re here and show Juliana some respect. She is the lady of this Hall and you have no right to abuse her or her mother.”

  “No right! What do you mean, Ulfric? We are the conquerors! Have you gone soft since I last saw you? Since when have you cared about women’s feelings let alone respected them?”

  “Since your brother killed her father by disobeying my orders. I’ve given safe refuge to the lady Juliana and her mother.”

  “I bet you have!” she scowled and turned on her heels to return to the Hall, her features pinched with anger.

  “Trouble seems to follow me wherever I go. Now we have two de Gants sharing our home,” Ulfric sighed as he looked at Thorvald.

  Even Thorvald could not see the funny side of this particular problem and they both dragged their heels approaching the Hall.

  There was no sign of Juliana or her mother when they entered and Ulfric noted an air of discontent among the servants, although no one dared to speak of it. Erik sat before the fire scowling into the flames and jumped when Ulfric spoke to him.

  “Sire, forgive me. We have been waiting for your return and now you find us unprepared.” He jumped up from his chair and bowed to Ulfric. “As your Reeve I would like to speak to you privately, my lord, as soon as possible.”

  Ulfric did not miss the sideways glance he gave to Giselle and wondered what other mischief this unwelcome guest has caused in his absence. Just then the ball of fluff named Kyle, bounced into the room and sniffed around until he found Juliana’s scent and bounded up the stairs.