by Lynn Lorenz
My plan had worked well, and as I came up to the first outpost in the dying light of the day, pride filled me. I’d learned much on the battlefield as a mercenary and had been only too glad to use it to make Marden safer at first for my beloved duke. The longer I lived here, that safety had expanded to include our boys, my men, and the people of Marden.
I put those thoughts away. The snow-draped outpost stood, warm and welcoming, smoke curling from its chimney, and Horse picked up his pace. Even he scented a warm stall and good food.
The stable stood apart from the main building, which housed the three men stationed there. The empty paddock told me the men had already put the horses in their stalls.
As I came closer, one of the men stepped out of the woods that hemmed in the road. He wore a heavy cloak, snow dusting his shoulders, his crossbow aimed at my chest.
“Hold! Who goes?”
“It’s Drake, master of arms,” I called to him, pulling Horse to a stop.
“Sire!” The man approached for a closer look. “You weren’t expected.”
“No. That’s why they call it a surprise inspection,” I drawled as I dismounted. “Let’s get inside. Will, isn’t it?” He was the man in charge, and as one of my handpicked soldiers, I knew him to be a good man.
“Aye. It’s good to see you, my lord. Have you a message from the duke? New orders?” His interest in my arrival grew.
“No. Just a short visit to judge the operation of the outposts. You and the others can give me a brief report tonight.”
He nodded and led me to the stable. After seeing to Horse’s comfort, I grabbed my saddlebag and followed him inside.
“We’ve a guest, men! It’s Drake himself, come to inspect us!” he called out as he threw open the door.
Inside, warmth hit me, and my body drew it in as it heated my core. I hadn’t realized how very cold I’d been. My belly rumbled at the delicious aroma of meat roasting.
Two men bolted to attention and greeted me.
“Sire.”
“My lord.”
I waved them down, and they relaxed. “I see the building is more than snug.” A blazing fire burned in the hearth, wood piled next to it. Over the fire, rabbits roasted on a spit. To the side, a large table and benches for taking their meals.
At the back of the large room, three cots stood a few feet apart with a trunk at the foot of each for their belongings. I’d seen worse stations and was pleased to see its neat and clean condition, and I wondered which of the men to thank for it.
“All looks well here,” I said as I pulled off my gloves.
“Thanks to Robbie here.” One of the men clapped another on the back. “He tends the buildings, cooks the food, and mends our clothing.”
The young man grinned. “My ma was a seamstress, sire. She taught me. Surprised her when I left and joined the Marden garrison.”
“Well done.” I held out my cloak for them to take and then dropped my saddlebag on the table. “I see I’ve come at the right time. My fingers are nearly frozen to the bone.” I rubbed them to get some feeling back.
“Here, my lord. Come sit by the fire.” Will pulled a chair from the wall and set it in front of the hearth. “That’s Bryan. He’s a local recruit.” He pointed to a short, stout man with a full beard whom I’d not met before. He gave me a nod, his gaze never wavering from me—taking my measure, no doubt.
I sat and stuck my boots out toward the fire. “Thanks, men.”
“Shall I give the report?” Will asked.
“Not now. After we eat. Right now, I need to warm up.”
“Aye, sire. Bring Drake some wine, Robbie,” he ordered.
Robbie poured a goblet full and brought it to me. “We only have one drink with the evening meal, just like the rules say, sire.”
“I’m sure Will is upholding all our company’s standards.”
Bryan laughed. “He’s a devil for training and rules, that much I’ll tell you.” He sat on the edge of the table.
“Good man.” I winked at Will, and he puffed like a partridge.
“And you, Bryan. What role do you play here?”
“All around soldier, local scout, and I tend the horses.” He shrugged. “It’s a well-balanced team, sire. Each of us has a place.”
“I can see that.” I inhaled, enjoying the smell of our dinner as I eyed the rabbits. There were only three, one for each of the men. “I’m sorry for the sudden intrusion. If there’s not enough food, I can eat what’s in my saddlebag.”
“No, my lord. We can divvy up the rabbits among us,” Robbie said. “And I have some turnips I’ve boiled in a pot to add to it.”
“Good. I am hungry, and those rabbits smell quite good.”
Robbie grinned and nodded. “I was just about to prepare the meal. I’ll get to it, then.” And with that, he bustled about, rescuing the rabbits from the fire and pulling together the meal.
“I’ll see to the final feeding.” Bryan shrugged on his cloak and went out the door before I could warn him about Horse. I probably should have gone after him, but my comfort overrode my concern.
For a moment, the setting, the warmth, and the general feeling of the post took me back to the many times I’d found myself in a similar place. In the company of men such as myself. Fighters, soldiers, mercenaries.
But as for my inclinations, I decided none of the three shared them.
I wasn’t looking for such a man. I’d found the one man I wanted above all others, and I’d run from him to this place.
I wasn’t sure if that made me brave or a coward. For now, I’d choose brave.
Robbie called us to the table, and we ate, sharing the bowls of turnips and the rabbit, a loaf of good bread, and cold water, melted from the snow. Not much talk, except some good-humored bantering between the men, so I ate in peace, gathering my questions for the report.
After the table had been cleared, Robbie sat, and they looked to me to begin.
I rapped on the table. “Now, the last report we had from you a month ago was that all was well. No sightings of Weathers’s men, no reported mischief or thievery.” Will gave me a nod. “Is it still so?”
“Aye.” Bryan added, “With the holy season upon us, it’s been quiet. Everyone preparing for the winter and the holidays. There’s been some movement on the road, but mostly local folks.”
“Good. With the snow and the cold, this would be a bad time to launch an attack.”
Bryan grinned. “Aye, I doubt even Weathers could convince his men to attempt to cross the river. It’s half frozen and the ice that’s there is treacherous.”
“Good. Now, give me your report, Will.” I leaned forward, hands clasped, and listened as the old soldier spoke. All good news, and I was glad for it.
He finished and exhaled.
Robbie yawned, and Bryan’s eyelids fought to stay open. The hour had grown late, and I’d forgotten that out here, it would be early to bed and up at dawn for these men.
I stood. “Now, if you’ll give me a blanket, I’ll find a warm spot on the floor. I’d like to leave early enough to make it to the next station before noon tomorrow.”
“Sire, take my bed.” Robbie pointed to the last of the cots. “It’s farther from the fire, but that’s only because I’m the youngest in age and rank.”
“No. I’ll not put you out. I’m not so old or so high in rank to require a proper bed. The floor is fine. I’ve slept on colder, harder ground than this, not so long ago.” That was indeed true, but it’d been a longer time than I let on.
“Then, if you insist, I’ll lay down several quilts to soften it.” He moved away to prepare my makeshift bed.
As the men readied for bed, pulling off each other’s boots and undressing, I couldn’t help but notice their easy camaraderie. The match between them worked well, and I only hoped I’d find the same in the other two posts.
I settled into my blankets, pulled the covers over me, and fell asleep thinking I needed to make this trip more often, to check
on the men and make any adjustments that proved necessary.
Then I thought that might fall to someone else, if on my return, I found Duncan still housed at Marden and the door to my lover locked.
Chapter Nine
Dawn came, and I broke my fast with the men. It was Bryan’s turn to patrol, so he left before I did, but I was soon behind him. I’d come out to the stable and found he’d already saddled Horse, so I tied on my saddlebags, now filled with bread, dried meat, and a few apples from their stores, all pushed on me by Robbie.
Well fed and tended, with a wave goodbye to Will and Robbie, I turned Horse down the road to the next station. The skies looked clear, but I could smell the snow in the air.
If the weather changed, I wondered if I’d make the last post. Perhaps the dead of winter hadn’t been the best time to inspect the posts, but for me the visit had been necessary. For both me and Logan. I needed the distance of miles between us to begin to see clearly. He, to think of my parting words.
I’d been stupid to run. I should have stayed, forced Logan to speak to me, and had his decision then and there. On the other hand, I’d been so angry there was no telling what I might have done.
By the time I reached the next outpost, the skies had turned, and snow threatened. I decided to get their report, eat the noon meal, and head back to Marden, forgoing the last outpost.
As the little cluster of buildings came into sight, my heart felt lighter. With luck, I’d find the men and the conditions well here also.
But as I drew closer, no one met me. Was there no man watching the road? No one on guard? This didn’t bode well for my plan of heading back to the castle.
I came to the post, and still no one greeted me. A bad sign. Had something happened to the men? Smoke curled from the chimney, so there was life inside. I dismounted, tied Horse to the post, and went to the door.
Before I could knock, the door flew open, and a large, black-haired man holding a sword greeted me. “Hold, who goes?” I didn’t recognize him.
“Drake, master of arms of Marden. And you are?”
“Oh, sire. Pardon. Come in, please.” He backed away, lowering his sword. “Michael has spoken of you, and I can see his tales are true.” He stared at the scar on my face. Although he was a big man, I stood taller.
“Where is Michael?” I’d appointed him the lead for this post, and he’d been an experienced soldier. “Are you the local recruit?”
“Aye, I am. Thomas, I’m called. Michael’s ill, my lord.” He pointed to a cot at the back of the room where a man kneeled. On the cot, Michael lay stretched out, a blanket over him.
“What’s wrong?” I strode over to him as the other man looked up at me.
“It’s a fever, sire. He’s had it for two days now.” The worry on his face gave me pause.
“Have either of you had it?” Usually fevers spread, and if they’d had it and survived, it might tell a better story for Michael. He was a strong man in good health.
“I had it, just last week. It lasted for a few days, then broke.” Thomas shrugged.
“I’m sure he’ll be better by tomorrow,” the man tending Michael said.
“I’ve forgotten your name, soldier.”
“I’m called Morris, after my father.” He ducked his head. “I suppose I’ll be next.” He chuckled. “Will you tend me, Thomas?”
Thomas blushed. “Of course.” I looked from Thomas to Morris and caught their locked gazes. Well. Then they turned from each other, faces flushing red.
“Thomas, can I speak with you?” I walked to the hearth as he followed.
“Aye, sire?” Thomas kept one eye on the cot.
“What do you think? Will he pull through?”
“I think so. Michael’s a robust man. I can’t see this bringing him down.” Still he looked worried.
“Did Morris take good care of you when you fell ill?”
“Indeed, he did. He has some ways with herbs, and the potion he brewed worked well on me. But it doesn’t seem to be working for Michael.” Worry etched lines in his face.
“I can’t spend much time here, Thomas. But if Michael doesn’t pull through, send word to let us at Marden know. I’ll send another man to take his place.”
At this, Thomas looked stricken, the color draining from his face. “Oh, no, don’t speak of that!” He shook his head. “Michael will survive this, I’m sure of it.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know how close men can become stationed together. You rely on each other. Bonds form.”
He nodded, but didn’t speak.
“I care not how deep those bonds go, Thomas.” I stared into his eyes.
With a swipe of his tongue across his lips, he nodded. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Now, I won’t tarry. Send word about Michael’s condition, but for all your sakes, I wish Michael good health and a fast recovery.”
“Thank you.” He nodded. “Morris, Drake is leaving. He’s left instructions for me. I’ll speak of them later.”
“I know this is hard, but don’t leave the road unguarded during the day. There’s still two of you, and one can be spared.” I didn’t want to chastise them, but their duty was to keep the road patrolled.
“I’d been out this morning, sire. I just came inside to eat. I’ll be going back out as soon as I’m finished,” Thomas answered. “Tomorrow I’ll take my meal with me and eat on patrol.”
“Good man.” I gave them a salute, then let myself out. I untied Horse, swung up, and checked the sky.
There would be snow falling before night.
“Back to Marden, Horse!” I kicked him hard, and he broke into an easy canter back down the road that led to home and the man and the family I had left behind.
»»•««
I returned to the first outpost just after sunset, and the first flakes had fallen, dusting my shoulders and head. The faint light illuminated the windows of the station and even in the growing darkness I could see the smoke rising above the building.
No one greeted me, but their patrols would have ended at sunset. I put Horse in the stable, wiped him down with some straw, and left him munching fresh hay. As I made my way to the station, the door opened, and Will stepped out, crossbow in his hands.
“Who goes there?” he called out, peering into the darkness.
“It’s Drake, on my return trip, and I’m chilled to the bone.”
“Drake! Welcome back!” He stepped aside, lowering his weapon. “Come inside where it’s warm, sire.”
He turned and yelled over his shoulder, “Drake’s returned. Robbie, put another bird on the fire.”
I let my eyes adjust to the light of the room and found Robbie at the hearth and Bryan at the table, peeling turnips. My stomach rumbled at the thought of Robbie’s good food.
“I hate to bother you, but I’m trying to get back to Marden Castle before the heavy snows fall.” I took off my cloak and hung it up.
Robbie grinned at me. “I had planned on cooking an extra and saving it for you when you passed back this way.” He worked at the spit and then stood. “Bryan, peel another two turnips.”
We sat at the table and talked about my discovery of illness at the farther outpost.
“I know Michael well, sire. I served with him at Marden. He’s a strong man, he’ll pull through.” Will gave me a warm smile meant to comfort.
“I’m sure you’re right. However, I told them to send a message to let me know his condition.”
“I understand.” Will knew what my words meant. Whether Michael lived or died, I’d need to know and take action.
I sat by the fire until dinner was ready, then moved to the table with the others. We talked of small matters as we ate our dinner and then turned in. I asked Robbie for the blankets, and this time, made my own bed.
I prayed that in the morning, I would find only a light snowfall and nothing that would keep me from my destination. A knot of worry tightened in my chest as I thought of a delay in returning home.
Of Logan, I tried not to think at all. Only dark thoughts and doubts lay there, followed closely by thoughts that stiffened my cock and made me ache for his arms around me, and my lips on his.
Tonight, the floor seemed harder than it had ever felt before, and I longed for my soft bed and Logan’s body next to mine. The ache in my joints filled me with restlessness, unable to relax and find comfort in sleep.
Would I ever feel such contentment again?
»»•««
In the morn, my entire body ached, not from need but from the damned floor. It had been warm enough, but despite the blankets, I had found little cushion to ease my bones.
I rolled to my side to work out the tightness in my back, then sat up with a quiet groan. Already the others stirred and dressed for the day. Bryan went out to tend the horses and saddle my steed.
Robbie prepared the morn meal, and I caught him once again trying to stuff food into my still-full saddlebags.
“Hold, young Robbie!” I cried. “I haven’t eaten what you gave me before. Any more and that bag will either burst at the seams or spill over the top.”
“Sorry, my lord.” He shrugged. “My mum always told me never to let a man of worth wait for his meal.”
“I am no such man, but I thank you all the same.” I had a long day ahead of me, and the trek to Marden would take all of it. I waved him off and gathered up my bag.
“Godspeed, sire.” He relented at last and held his arm out to me. We clasped and let go, and I made for the door.
Will opened it for me. “Safe journey, my lord.”
“Much thanks, Will.” With that, I nodded, he shut the door, and I went to the stable to get my mount. Around me a light blanket of snow lay on the ground, and I thanked God it had not been heavier.
Horse waited for me, saddled and looking well. I led him out, closed the door, and mounted. Without much urging, he trotted out of the post’s foreyard and onto the road.
