Letia heard the scowl in Raik's voice. He railed at them all for scurrying about where they did not belong. He stopped when her son's cry added to the tumult.
Letia jumped out of bed and swept her hands over the floor, searching for the robe she'd so carelessly thrown there earlier. Locating it, she fumbled around until she found the sleeves and drew it on.
The door opened wider, and Raik backed into the room.
"Yer foolishness has awakened the bairn. Maud, yer mistress will be ready in a short time." He shut the door as soon as his body cleared it. "Lucifer's shriveled prick! Ye would think half the keep camped outside our chambers."
Raik muttered and cursed as he stalked over to the window to wrench open the shutters. When the moon's light streamed through, he went over to the linen Maud had set on the table to bind Letia's breasts. The beam from the window shone on his far-from-flaccid tarse and stones that hung heavy. He growled and wrapped the cloth around his waist before he crouched down at the fireplace and set a twig aflame to light a candle.
He held the light high, and seeing she was decently covered, yanked open the door and commanded in a voice filled with disgust, "Come, Maud. All else should hie yerself off to yer pallets. I expect each man to meet me on the practice area at first light." He glared at the faces around him. "Be there!"
Sir William stood aside for Maud to carry the babe into the room. Cormac stopped at the entrance and bowed toward Letia then winked at Raik. He said a senseless thing.
"'Tis glad I am the wayward carrot turned to a rod again!"
Cormac snickered and pivoted to disappear in the darkness. Sir William nodded and pulled the door shut, muffling the sound of men returning to their own sleeping arrangements.
"Shh, Aubrey. You will make yourself sick with your keening," Letia crooned as she took her son in her arms. She was so anxious to feed him she shrugged the robe from her shoulder, exposing her left breast. Aubrey halted in mid-squall when his nose bumped her milk-wet skin. He latched on as if he hadn't nursed a short time earlier. She sighed and sat on a small chair beside the solar door, suddenly tired.
"Is the bairn always so greedy?"
Raik's voice was so soft she near missed it. Her eyes flew open to find he stood so close his knees near touched hers. There was naught but interest in his eyes as he watched the little cheeks suck and swallow as fast as the babe could. Her face heated remembering his full, sensual lips and hot, wet tongue on that same flesh that now was feeding Aubrey.
"When he first awakes. But he soon slows and is easily filled."
Raik walked back around the bed. She at first thought he meant to return to it, but Maud was busily straightening the sheets and blanket and plumping the pillows, a satisfied smirk on her face. He seemed surprised at the old woman's expression, shook his head and went to sit on the ample window seat.
Her new husband stared out at the night, breathing deep of the cool air. Sadness slowly drifted over his face. His lips thinned. Curious. What thoughts could have caused it? He had attained more in this one short day than any man could hope for—a castle and keep larger than most with ample warriors, castle folks, servants, craftsmen, serfs, fertile lands, farms, cattle and villagers to make the castle productive.
And if she did say so herself, he'd acquired a wife that was not hard to look at.
Though she lowered her head and pretended interest only in her son, she studied Raik through thick lashes. He took deep breaths of the night's cold air, scraped his fingers through his thick, dark hair and stood. Not even glancing at her, he released the cloth around his waist and settled between the sheets. 'Twas not long before she heard his breathing deepen and the soft puffs of his snores.
Aubrey finally finished nursing. After Letia heard his resounding burp when she patted his small back, she motioned for Maud to take him back to his cradle. Sleepy now, she sighed and yawned, grateful to join Raik in the warm bed.
He had rolled to the middle and sprawled on his stomach. With what space he'd left for her, she had little choice but to lay close. She inhaled his arousing scent from the arm so close to her cheek. His leg moved, restlessly rubbing against hers. Feeling the warm roughness of his calves against her bare legs, her heart tripped. He mumbled, draped his arm across her and pulled her close, then threw his leg over hers. The hot bulge of his sex nudged her hip.
He had brought her body against his length as he would a long pillow. She did not protest nor did she try to slip from beneath his arm and leg.
She could have.
With the cold breeze blowing through the room, she had need of his heated flesh.
Or so she told herself.
o0o
Raik wriggled his nose then batted his hand at whatever tickled him there. Too late, he realized where he was. He was not alone, for his fingers were entangled in a woman's hair. He stilled, hoping he had not awakened her. A slight ache in the head reminded him he'd had more wine than usual the night before.
'Twas his custom to rise early to greet the awakening sun with a sword or mace in the practice field. Cormac, knowing his habit, would likely meet him there. Sir William, if he was not an early riser, would soon learn to be. It was with him who Raik intended to loosen his muscles this beginning day.
He slipped his arm from around the supple flesh he'd been clutching. His cock stirred, reluctant to part from the warm buttocks it rested against, but he did not want to tarry. Ranald would arrive by the noon hour. He planned to discuss his plans for the castle's protection with his cousin to be sure they were sound. When Ranald returned to Hunter Castle, so would the men he had sent to protect Seton until Raik arrived.
The shock of his feet touching the cold floor pushed the last dregs of sleep away, clearing his mind. Needing more suitable clothing than the finery he had worn the day afore, he padded over to ease open the solar door. Much to his surprise, Leofwan and Edulf were already within. The one-armed advisor watched as Edulf busily warmed clothing draped over a wooden rack standing close to the peat fire.
"Good morrow, Baron." Edulf looked up, his face tense. "I did not know if I was to serve you or if you'd be wanting another squire?"
"I dinna wish another squire. If ye serve me as loyally as ye served Baron de Burgh, we will do nicely." Tension eased from the young man's face.
"Will you need normal attire for the practice field? I heard you would be meeting Sirs William and Cormac this morn." He looked questioningly at Raik.
"Aye. Over a fortnight at the royal court has left me stiff. I need to swing a sword."
"I thought as much. I have cleaned your chain mail and," he stopped to cover an embarrassed cough, "uh, removed the arrows and repaired your shield. The stable boys have checked your saddle and harness, and the armorer has honed your battle sword. Do you wish help donning your clothing?"
"Nay. I dinna require aid."
The young man had done a fine job of selecting clothing for him. The brown breeches and tan sleeveless tunic would do for a start. He would strip to a plaid for practice. His movements were sure and swift as he dressed.
Footsteps approached the outer door, but before they could even scratch, Edulf threw it open. Two servants carried in trays with hot porridge, hard cooked eggs, bread fresh from the baker, honey, fruit, ale and a small pitcher of milk.
Raik looked at Leofwan, who was trying to hide a smile. "Is Edulf always this efficient?" He watched the servants spread the food out on a table and place two chairs there, then Edulf and the servants quietly left the room.
"Always."
"Good." He motioned for Leofwan to sit as he finished lacing his boots.
"The late baron went through this routine each morn?"
"Aye. He liked to plan his day as he broke his fast."
"Might as well. Eating would be wasted time if one sat and only stuffed his belly." As he poured honey on a hunk of hot bread, he looked up at the older man.
"I have settled on the chain of command I mentioned yestermorn."
Leofwan nodded his head
and studied him with his one eye. "Do you wish me to retire to the village?"
"Nay. If you would serve as my advisor, I would value you a great deal. I have need of your experience and skills. In more ways than one." He had not missed the fact that this one-armed man seemed to have understanding and influence over Letia. He might have need of his advice on how to curb her. "I understand Sir Edmund was the late baron's first in command and also oversaw the castle defenses. 'Twas a heavy burden to place on one man."
As he talked, Leofwan ate his porridge, not flinching when the steaming gruel entered his mouth. Raik, thinking it wasna as hot as it appeared, tried to do the same. He needed to grab a mouthful of ale. Once he swallowed, he poured milk over the rest, cooling it a bit.
Leofwan smiled. "Aye. Edmund took over my duties as commander after my injuries. A one-armed man cannot be the first to lead men onto a battlefield."
"Sir Cormac will assume that duty. Sir Edmund will lead the castle defenses." Raik downed several spoonfuls of porridge before biting into an apple. "Starting on the morrow, all will meet here as we have this day. What think ye?"
"A solid plan, my lord."
Raik stilled, hearing sounds of cursing and scrabbling coming up the rear stairwell. A youthful voice broke, frustration apparent from trying to sound commanding.
"Hold back, you massive pile of black shite! Umpf." The clatter of Giles falling on the floor and then sounds of scuffling followed.
Raik threw open the door and, hands on hips, watched in sympathy as Freki hauled Giles behind him, the young man holding tight to the rope he had tied about the beast's neck.
"Freki. Stay!" Raik commanded.
The dog stopped, turned baleful eyes up at him and bared his teeth.
"Ssst!" Raik bent, his hand flashed out and his fingertips prodded hard at the side of the beast's neck before they latched on to the flesh there. Freki tried to snap. "Ssst!" Raik yanked. Hard. The dog lowered himself to the ground, submissive.
"He did not like being separated from his lady last eve." Giles stood and dusted off his legs. "I had to lace his meat with a small sleeping potion."
"Where has he passed the nights afore?"
"In a corner of the baron's sleeping chamber."
Raik turned to Leofwan, his face questioning.
"Aye. Warin allowed it, saying he was swifter than any sword as protection for his lady."
"Hmm." Raik frowned. "What of the bairn?"
"When Aubrey was born, Freki took one sniff and settled beside the bed to guard him. You would think the babe is his pup."
Raik nodded his head. "I see no need to change his sleeping place then."
He looked toward the lightening of the sky outside the solar window and buckled on his belt and sword. He was pleased when Leofwan followed him out of the room. As they hurried down the stairwell, the familiar pounding of his boots on the steps and his sword clattering now and again against the stone wall, gave him a surge of pride. 'Twas the first time he heard the sounds of his starting a day's work at Seton castle.
His castle. Not another's.
o0o
As dawn was breaking over the forest behind the rear barbican, Raik leaned on his sword set firmly in the ground and studied Sir William. They had fought for a goodly time, but now he had drawn first blood, so 'twas his right to ask the first question.
"I was surprised de Mortimer would gift me with three score of his finest warriors. But you. He sent you for another reason. Certainly not to fill out my ranks. You are here to spy?"
"Spy? I do not think I would call it such."
"Nay? When ye lurk outside my bedchamber door?"
"Lord Symon knows little about you. Still, he acknowledged you. He would know the man who is his natural son."
Raik grunted. "That is no reason to tarry outside my bedchamber on my wedding night."
"If that was a question, I have already answered one." Sir William grinned and saluted Raik with his sword.
Raik watched for his next opening, the questions burning in his mind. He knew the door had opened last eve, even if it was for a few heartbeats. He saw his opening and nicked the man's upper arm then stepped back.
"Answer about last eve. Remember, ye swore to tell the truth."
"Rumors of your dislike for your wife-to-be were numerous. Stephen wanted assurance that the wedding was consummated—since there would be no virgin's blood on the sheets."
"Pfft! Spent seed is proof enough without virgin's blood."
"Aye. Too, had I known you would both be so, uh, vocal, there would have been no need to see you coupling."
Raik's growl was warning enough for William to grab his sword and quickly parry Raik's strike. Raik's anger made him careless. It was William's turn to ask his first question.
"You fostered with the Morgan's. 'Tis said you near killed a young man while there. Why?"
"He called me bastard and claimed my mother a common slut who followed Laird Douglas' army. I broke his nose and near choked the life from him."
Sir William's expression hardened. "You should have broken his arm while you were at it."
As they continued their contest, Raik learned Symon de Mortimer did not foster his sons with other noblemen, as was the custom. Sir William had charge of the boys training from the time they were pages until they were competent squires. They were now excellent archers, swordsmen and horsemen. Both were good at wrestling and all fighting skills.
William did not have to tell him all. Symon's sons lacked but one thing. Love of England. Once grown, they spent most of their years in Normandy and even found their brides there.
o0o
Letia and Giles stood atop the corner turret gazing out over the practice field. Two men battled. The rest of the warriors formed a ring, calling encouragement from much further away than was usual. Edulf stood between the outer ring and the combatants, a small pile of tan and brown clothing at his feet.
"Have they been hacking at each other all morn?" Letia was truly puzzled.
She had easily picked out Raik as one of the two fighting warriors, for he wore a colorful flame-red and sun-yellow plaid wrapped around his waist and held there by a knotted leather thong. He wore no chain mail, helmet or protection of any kind.
The second man wore a shirt and breeches, and though his back was to her, she recognized Sir William by his dignified bearing even while wielding a sword.
Wet and wild dark brown hair flew about Raik's face. Sweat glistened on his body and matted the hair on his chest. Small stripes of red crisscrossed his flesh where his opponent had drawn blood. From the looks of Sir William's stained and tattered shirt, Raik had the upper hand.
"Aye, they have, milady." Giles voice bubbled with excitement. "Look, Lord Raik has again drawn blood."
The minute Raik's sword tip nicked Sir William's shoulder, he drew back and lowered his weapon. His opponent bowed and lowered his own blade. Raik appeared to ask him a question. Sir William hesitated before he responded. Raik pondered over his answer then nodded. She thought it would be the end of the match, but the men hefted their swords, saluted each other then circled and resumed their skillful dance, striking and parrying.
"Why do they stop and begin again?" Letia frowned, studying them.
"'Tis the rules the baron imposed when they first started."
"What rules? Are they not honing their skills?"
"To be sure." Grinning, Giles nodded. "The rules are for seeking information from each other."
"Information? Why do they not just ask?"
"I deem they are things neither man wants to discuss openly. That's why all who watch them are kept far from earshot."
"Giles, must we also have a match for you to tell me all?"
"Oh. I thought I had." Giles tilted his head and frowned. "The rules are that they will fight until blood is drawn, but the injury must be no more than a nick. They will halt, and the man who has won the hit asks a question. The other is honor bound to answer. Then they resume until the nex
t strike."
"Humph! What fools men are to draw blood over answers they could easily obtain by asking."
Her curiosity settled, Letia went about her normal routine. Instead of training the young slingers at their usual spot on the wall walk to the left of the bailey, she led them to where archery targets dotted the field. She soon became thoroughly engrossed in training them to perfect their aims with stones.
o0o
In the practice field, back and forth Raik and Sir William had gone, both learning more than if they had sat swilling ale through the night. Satisfied with how his morning had progressed, Raik retired to the keep to prepare for Ranald's arrival. He had a hot bath brought to the solar and washed the blood and grit from the small cuts dotting his flesh. He near had to stifle a chuckle over Edulf's delight in selecting Raik's bright clothing.
Ranald would no doubt tease him about his colorful attire, as he often did, for the squire laid out a long-sleeved shirt and a sleeveless tunic that fell to near cover his boots. The tunic was made with four divided sections, using both heavy gold and wine colored cotton cloth with crosses embroidered on both the front and back in opposite colors. He combed his wet hair, gathered and tied it behind his head with a crimson band.
He had heard Aubrey cry when he first entered the tub. He talked with Edulf while bathing and the sounds had faded. But now the squire had gone and the room was quiet. The child still cried. He sounded frantic. Raik's brows drew together in a hard scowl. Why had the bairn not been comforted?
He stalked to the bedchamber door and threw it open. Maud stopped her frantic pacing. Her face worried as she jiggled Aubrey and patted him on his back, trying to soothe him.
"Is the child ill?"
"Nay, my lord."
Raik walked over to stare at the wee red face. Tears ran from Aubrey's blue eyes, and as they stared into Raik's, they seemed to plead with him. For what, he didn't know. His heart twisted. He reached out and gently took the bairn from Maud, though she was reluctant to let him go. At first, he felt unsure how to hold the small bundle, but remembering seeing Catalin with her son, he laid Aubrey back on his left arm and cuddled him close. When he touched the little cheeks, seeking to soothe him, the babe tried to reach Raik's hand.
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