by Sherry Ewing
“Of course, I do, silly. Who wouldn’t?”
Aiden tossed an apple up in the air and caught it as they continued their picnic under the shade of a tree. “I just do not see what all the fuss is about,” he murmured, taking a bite of the juicy fruit. “’Tis hardly anything to get overly enthusiastic about, at any rate, nor is it out of the ordinary. Do they not have castles where you come from?”
Katherine leaned over and gave him a playful push. “You’re just spoiled because you’ve lived your entire life at Berwyck, and no...we may have large houses or mansions, but nothing that could compare to what I now call my home and the history behind all these castles you take for granted. Can you just imagine the number of the souls who will walk through those passageways over the centuries?”
Gavin reached his hand out to Brianna and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. “I suppose, in the greater scheme of things, we shall one day be counted as among those souls you now speak of Katherine.”
She quirked her brow at him while the reality of his words began to sink in. “Well...that’s a sobering thought.” Lost in pondering life’s mysteries, she began to think of the life she left behind in the future. “I wonder sometimes, even as we sit here, if maybe Juliana and Emily are walking the same ground we are, only back in the twenty-first century.”
Brianna gave a sad sigh. “Don’t you mean ahead, Katie?”
Katherine gave a shake of her head. “I guess, I do. It gets a little confusing sometimes, doesn’t it?”
“I wonder how they’re managing without our sparkling conversations brightening up their Saturday mornings at the coffee shop,” Brianna mused.
“What is this coffee shop you speak of, Brie?” Gavin inquired, using Katherine’s nickname for her friend. “Is there much danger in such a place?”
Brianna’s laughter rang out, and she gave Gavin’s cheek a quick kiss. “The only danger is having to wait in line just to get your caffeine fix,” she replied briefly. He gave her another curious look before she answered his unspoken question. “I’ll tell you about it later, my love.”
“What I wouldn’t give for a white chocolate mocha right about now,” Katherine said with a heavenly look.
Aiden rose with an impatient look. “You women are making me daft with your future talk. Enough so, that I think ’tis time to get back to work.”
“Oh, come on, Aiden. Let’s just enjoy the beautiful day a little longer,” Katherine cajoled as she lounged back on the blanket she was sitting on. She wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but her backside was already pretty sore from sitting so long in the saddle all morning.
“Do not think you can get me to change my mind with such a look. It may work with Riordan, but ’twill certainly not work with me,” Aiden answered, wagging his finger at her.
“But, Aiden, I−”
“Enough, and stop your whining. Your break is over, Katherine. Get yourself back on your horse, and let us continue with your training,” Aiden ordered.
Katherine rose, knowing she had lost the battle. “Slave driver,” she tossed over her head. Taking the reins of her horse, she put her foot in the stirrup, grabbed the pommel, and swung her leg over the saddle. She tried not to think about falling off as she once again began taking the horse through the routine they had been at before their lunch. It was a slow trot and, although she was being bounced around all over the place, she had become comfortable with the steady pace.
“Grip her with your knees a little tighter, Katie,” Brianna called out, “and sit up straighter!”
Katherine took her horse around the field in a circle another time, trying to perform Brie’s instructions. She smiled in delight when she felt she was doing better. She slowed the mare and brought her to a halt, giving the animal a pat on her neck in appreciation of her patience with such a novice rider. She looked down at her friend, who now sat prettily on a small stool Gavin had brought for her comfort. Gavin was just as content, lying back on a blanket at her feet.
“Again Katherine!” Aiden demanded from the tree he was propped up against. “You may not rest as yet, my lady! We have only just started again. Now, get going.”
“Give me a break, will ya, Aiden?” Katherine smirked as she watched him attempt to make out her meaning. His perplexed expression seemed almost painful.
“Stop with your future words, or you will give me a headache, lassie!”
Brianna’s laughter rang out, as even Gavin looked at the women quizzically. “Trust me Aiden, it could be so much worse. We’re trying to be good and watch our language,” she said.
Aiden only shook his head, and Katherine again tried to muffle her laughter.
“Lady Brianna, I am afraid to ask. How worse could it be?” Aiden suggested for her to continue.
“I think, I’ll just keep quiet for the good of the cause,” Brianna murmured and received a quick kiss from Gavin, who then rose to stand next to Aiden.
“Well, I think you are doing just splendidly, Katherine, especially for someone who has an aversion to horses,” Gavin praised. “My brother will be most pleased.”
Katherine gave a nod of her head. With a complete air of confidence, she turned the mare to resume her lessons. She had only gone in a circle the parameter of the field three times before she heard Aiden shout out to her again.
“Now, flick at the reins and give her another kick and bring her up into a canter!”
“Go for it Katie! You’re ready,” Brianna encouraged with a wave.
Nervous, but thinking it couldn’t be that hard to take that next step, she did as instructed, or so she thought. She wasn’t ready for the horse to bolt forward and felt herself lose her balance in the saddle. The little mare took the bit between her teeth and before Katherine knew what was happening, she lost her grip on the reins and they now hung, uselessly, out of reach. The mare began galloping away, as if she had only been waiting for the taste of freedom. Katherine screamed for help as she heard her friends’ voices fade in the distance and the terrain blur before her eyes.
Katherine held onto the saddle as if her life, and that of her unborn child, depended on it, which of course it did. Tears stung her eyes and she cursed at her own foolishness that she would do something so idiotic as to risk the life of her baby.
The sound of thundering hooves at last began to penetrate the frightful experience she was having, and she was thankful that Aiden or Gavin had at last come to her rescue. She continued to cry out for help, as if they couldn’t see her need. Squeezing her eyes closed, she suddenly felt an arm snake around her waist as she was pulled from her saddle and settled against a warm comforting form.
Her eyes flew open as she inhaled the familiar scent that was all Riorden. Her words of expressing her thanks and to welcome him home were frozen upon her lips as she took in his frigid, blue eyes. They held pure fury. He pulled Beast to a halt. She barely saw Aiden fly past in pursuit of her wayward mare.
“Have you lost your wits, Katherine? Explain yourself and tell me what the bloody hell you think you are doing on a horse, madam!” Riorden roared. “Is this how you take care of our babe?”
“I wanted to surprise you on your return,” Katherine replied, trying to calm the fear that seemed to be stuck in her throat. She had never witnessed him looking at her in such a manner and it scared the daylights out of her to see such an angry expression leveled, by him, on her.
“How? By getting yourself injured or losing the babe?” he bellowed.
“I would never do anything to harm our baby,” she cried out, interrupting his tirade.
“Then what are you doing racing wild throughout the countryside,” he shouted. “I told you I would teach you myself how to ride.”
Katherine put her arms around his waist and felt his own tighten around her. “I’m so sorry, Riorden. I just wanted you to be proud of me,” she whispered as tears again rushed to her eyes. She really was such a pansy.
“I am proud of you, Katherine,” Riorden said with a big sigh. “Y
ou gave me a terrible fright is all.”
Aiden came abreast of them, leading Katherine’s docile mare. Katherine knew Riorden would have a few choice words for him, as well. “You and I will have speech, once we return to the keep, and I see that Katherine has rested.” Riorden’s tone was brusque.
Katherine gave Aiden a look she hoped came across as saying she was sorry for the tongue lashing he was sure to receive. He returned it in kind. It seemed they had an understanding of sorts between them. As they made their way through the village, Katherine had the distinct feeling, now that Riorden had returned, that her problems had only just begun. So much for what was once a very lovely afternoon.
* * *
Riorden quietly closed his chamber door so as not to disturb Katherine’s sleeping form. He had stayed with her ’til she had fallen into a restless sleep. He had watched her for some time and could only ponder what nightmare was currently making her sleep so troubling. He could guess at a hundred different scenarios, any of which could be accurate. What worried him the most was generally the dreams they shared tended to come true in one form or another.
He made his way up the tallest tower of the keep to try to clear his head. ’Twas a steady climb up the steep steps, but, once outside, the view was well worth it. He inhaled deeply of the brisk fall air and scanned the horizon of what was once again his home. Though he was still not sure how he felt about being back in a place so filled with ill memories.
He knew he was being unreasonable and downright ornery towards his wife. His anger with his father was getting the best of him, making him lash out to the one person he had no wish to hurt. This place and his angry emotions that assailed him from every direction were going to be his downfall if he did not get a hold of them. He was uncertain where to even start.
Feeling as if he was putting off the inevitable, he made his way back down into the Great Hall in search of Gavin. He saw Mabel and her daughter tidying up after the noon meal.
“Have you perchance seen my brother, Mabel?” Riorden asked.
“I believe he was heading to the Garrison Hall, milord. Is the mistress well after her mishap?” Mabel asked gently.
Afore he could answer, young Mary tugged at his tunic. “Ye will not stay mad at the Lady Katherine, will ye, milord?”
“Mary!” Mabel said aghast. “Me apologies, milord!”
He gave the girl a small pat on her head. “Nay, Mary. I will not stay mad at your mistress for long.”
It seemed to placate the child as she turned back to the duties her mother had assigned her. Riorden made his way outside to find his brother. He espied him just leaving the Lion Tower and met him in the outer courtyard.
“I was just coming to find you, Riorden,” Gavin proclaimed with a smile. “Good news! I just received a missive from the king, granting permission for Brianna and myself to be wed. She has been busy sewing her gown, hoping for our request to be granted. I cannot wait to tell her the news!”
Riorden slapped his brother on the back. “These are glad tidings, are they not? Have you spoken with the priest?”
“Aye. I was just going to check with Brianna to see if she could be ready within two days hence,” Gavin explained. “No offense, brother, but I am ready to get us wed so we may take ourselves to our own keep and be settled.”
Riorden chuckled, watching his brother’s enthusiasm. “I can imagine so. You have been waiting for some time now to claim your bride. I do not know how you have restrained yourself for so long.”
Gavin gave him a grin. “’Tis been hard, but I know she will be worth the wait.”
Riorden saw his brother’s impatience to be on his way to find his lady and laughed. “Well, go on with you. Why are you standing here talking to me when you have a wedding to see to?”
Perchance, a wedding was just what he needed to take his mind off his troubles. His mind wandered momentarily to his own wedding with Katherine, and how she had been a vision of loveliness that day. He thought he could not be any happier than the day they had wed ’til he learned she carried his child. Aye! A wedding was just what was needed to put the past where it belonged...in the past.
With that thought in the forefront of his mind, he made his way to the lists for some much needed practice. There was more than one way to take care of the bygone days that tortured his memory, and what better way than to spend the afternoon hacking away with a sword. ’Twas just what he stood in need of.
Chapter 18
The new day dawned bright with only a few clouds in the distant horizon, but it was of no concern to those waiting in Warkworth’s chapel. Today was a day of celebration, for Gavin and Brianna would at last become man and wife.
Standing in the shadows at the back of the chamber, Katherine gazed on her friend as Brie fidgeted with the golden belt so it was just right underneath her bosom. The gown really was a lovely blue that complimented her friend’s olive skin and black hair. Her tresses had grown in the past three or so months since they had traveled to the twelfth century, and Brianna had somehow managed to upsweep even the shorter strands into a coiffeur that was pleasing to the eye. Brie truly did have a talent for anything requiring finesse; from hair styling, to sewing finery, to fending for herself, and Katherine would miss her once she left this evening to go to her new home. By day’s end, Katherine would now have only herself to depend on, with the exception of her husband. The thought left her feeling somewhat bereft, considering she should be happy for her friend.
“Will I do?” Brianna asked with a shaky voice. She was obviously nervous, although Katherine was not sure why. Brie would be marrying her own glorious knight this day, her reason for remaining in the past.
“You look stunning, Brie,” Katherine replied with a smile. “No bride has ever looked lovelier.”
“I don’t know about that, Katie,” Brie giggled. “If I recall, you looked pretty surreal on your own wedding day.”
Katherine took her friend’s hand and held it for several moments while silence surrounded them. She tried to keep the tears from her eyes, but somehow they managed to spill over all the same. Brie wiped them away.
“Don’t cry, sissy. It’s not like we’re never going to see one another again. I’m a day’s ride inland, maybe less, and Gavin has promised, if nothing else, we can return for the birth of your baby.”
Katherine gave a weak grin. “I’m just over emotional of late and can’t seem to keep anything hidden anymore.”
“I can’t blame you, Katie, but please don’t let her get the best of you, my dear. Remember, he chose you to make his wife, not her, and he loves you.”
Katherine shook off her melancholy feeling and smiled brightly for her friend. “I just want you to be happy, Brie. I’m going to miss having you close.” They wrapped their arms around one another before Katherine gave a merry laugh. “Come on, sis. You’ve waited long enough. Let’s get you married!”
Katherine made her way to her husband’s side, giving him a welcoming smile.
“All is well, Kat?” he whispered in her ear.
“Yes. We were just taking a couple of minutes to ourselves, since it will be some time before the opportunity presents itself again.”
Before Riorden could continue their conversation, the priest began to say mass. Katherine’s eyes became sleepy as she tried to stay awake, listening to the man’s monotone voice. At least an hour or more later, Brianna and Gavin were pronounced man and wife, and they were signing their marriage contract. Her sister of her heart gazed up after she had proudly written her name with the quill that had been provided. Katherine had never seen Brianna look more radiant. This poignant moment they shared made her miss Juliana and Emily even more, especially knowing she and Brie had missed out on their weddings, as well.
They made their way to the Great Hall where a wedding feast was already being laid out. Riorden had found a few minstrels in the village, who even now were tuning their instruments to provide the afternoon’s entertainment.
Kather
ine had just made a few last minutes suggestions to Mabel when she noticed Marguerite heading down a set of stairs off the kitchen area. Although she knew the cellars were below, Katherine had never wandered down into the storehouse of Warkworth’s keep. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she wondered what her nemesis was up to, and she slowly made to follow her down the set of narrow stairs.
Darker than she thought it would be, the chamber was musky, reminding her of the smell of an old basement that had flooded once or twice and had remained wet with mold. She crinkled her nose and continued onward. Then she came to a tunnel of sorts, with only a couple of torches to light the way. If she hadn’t felt on edge with her decision to follow Marguerite before, she certainly did now.
She remembered when she had watched a scary movie in her youth and for months afterwards, she had been terrified of the dark. She shivered, hearing the movie theme music play inside her head now. Even after all this time, that terrifying tune still gave her the willies and bothered her enough to make her swallow hard. What the hell she was doing? What was she leading herself into? She felt as though something was going to jump out at her, but even though she just knew it was going to happen, she couldn’t seem to stop herself from taking another step forward when she should be turning around and going back the way she came to safety. Emily would say the feeling was like waiting for the zombie apocalypse to begin, overwhelming fear, but intense curiosity at the same time. This stupid situation seemed no different, so she continued into the darkness, wondering what Marguerite was up to.
She passed several rooms filled with food stuff, barrels of ale and wine, and all other manner of household goods. When she heard footsteps heading toward her, she quickly hid behind one of the barrels and peeked around the edge carefully to see what was going on. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she felt like anyone and everyone could hear it, loud enough to alert Marguerite if she was near.
Katherine saw Marguerite clutching a bottle of something. She supposed there was nothing strange about that. The woman might merely want something to quench her thirst in her room. But what was strange, is that she would go and fetch it herself. If she had learned anything about Marguerite, it was that the woman liked to be waited on, hand and foot. Even the servants whispered how demanding she had become, now that Riorden had returned to dwell at the estate. Marguerite had more servants at her beck and call than she had had before, and the woman thrived on the attention and power she wielded whenever the opportunity presented itself.
