Silence fell in the hall as Broc entered. Obviously, the inhabitants of Elmstead had heard of the change in ownership. Their expressions said it did not sit well with them.
He chose to ignore the scathing looks sent his way and went to take a seat next to the thane. The older man acknowledged him with a nod.
Once seated, a female serf placed some fresh-baked bread and a couple of wedges of yellow cheese in front of him. She put a tankard of ale next to the food. After tasting the fare, Broc found it delicious, even the ale was good.
Out of the corner of his eye, Broc noticed the thane watching him. “The food is very good.”
“I am glad it meets with your high standards.”
Apparently, Swein was not happy with his presence as lord there either. “I know you are not pleased with my being here. Let us just make the best of the situation.”
“Fine with me, but there is one thing I need to know. What is to happen to my son and myself?”
“I will not expect you to leave Elmstead, if that is what worries you. You know this land better than I. I would like you to help me with the running of it.”
“What of my son?” It seemed Swein was still not satisfied with his answer.
Broc remained silent as he thought of the best way to word what he wanted to say. “I understand Wulf is very talented with a sword. Enough for him to have been chosen as a house carl. I would like to further his education in arms. I will make Wulf my squire, and when I feel he has learned what he needs to know, I will knight him.”
Swein did a double-take, as if he did not think Broc was serious. “Why would you do that? Wulf is a Saxon, your enemy.”
Broc shook his head. “Nay, he is not. Neither are you. I feel it would be a waste of talent if Wulf did not reach his full potential. Do you think he will accept my offer?”
Swein took a few seconds to answer. “Aye, Wulf will do it, but I suggest you ask him whether or not he will become your squire.”
“I will do that.” Broc rose after he finished his meal. “I think I will go to the village and have a look around. It is time the people of Elmstead got to know me better.”
* * * *
The village was small, but it sported its own mill and salt-house. There were beehives as well. The honey collected from them was used to make mead that the thane and his family used. The villagers kept goats and sheep as well as farming the land.
Broc felt the villagers’ gazes on him as he walked by their homes. He did not stop and talk to any of them. Even if they understood him, they probably would not speak to him. He was the outsider, and they would not let him soon forget it.
Two newer-looking huts sat at the edge of the village. Broc figured there would not be much more to see beyond them. Just as he decided to inspect the fields, he noticed a woman sat on a chair in front of one of the huts with a baby on her lap.
She seemed familiar. Broc soon realized that this woman had been in the hall last night. Maybe he would get some answers from her.
Occupied with the baby, she did not notice him until he stood before her. Once she did, his presence seemed to startle her. A blanket was draped over the back of her chair. She reached for it and casually covered the infant with it.
Now that he had a better look at her face, he noticed she was young. She had the typical Saxon looks—blonde hair and blue eyes. Her gown was made of rough homespun. The blanket wrapped around the baby had been made of much finer stuff. Broc wondered how she came by it.
“Can I do something for you, my lord?” The girl spoke in perfect French.
“What is your name?” Broc was surprised and pleased the girl understood him.
“Lily, my lord.”
“Do you live here alone with your child?”
She hesitantly answered. “Aye, my lord.”
“What happened to your man?”
“He died last winter. He took sick and never recovered.”
Broc could not help but think it was very convenient, or the girl was not telling him the truth. “It must be hard for you. To be alone.”
“My family lives in the village. The thane and his son look out for me as well.”
“The thane must be a good man.”
“Aye, he is. He always looks out for us in the village. We are his people.”
The jab at his taking over Elmstead was unmistakable. “I am sure he does. Do you know if the thane has a daughter as well as a son?”
“I do not know what you mean, my lord.”
Lily looked up with a slightly confused expression. Broc figured she had no idea where he was going with his line of questioning.
“I came to Elmstead over a year ago and I met a girl. I think she lived in the village. She looked a lot like Wulf. It made me think maybe Wulf had a sister.”
“Nay, my lord. The thane only has one child. Just one.”
The way Lily stressed those last two words, Broc had to think she tried to tell him something. Maybe the thane did have an illegitimate daughter stashed away somewhere who the villagers wished to protect.
“I thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Since I am to take the thane’s place, we will see more of each other.” Broc left Lily and walked to the fields.
Chapter Seven
The move did not go as smoothly as expected. Ariel still could not believe the arrogance of the man. When he had found out about the new hall, Broc had refused to let her leave.
That morning, everything had gone according to plan. That is until Broc had come to see how she was doing. He had not missed seeing the serfs had collected up her belongings, leaving her chamber virtually empty.
“What is going on here, Wulf?”
“Since you have taken over as thane of Elmstead, Father and I are moving to the new hall he had built for me while I was away. We need not be under foot. The hall is yours.”
Broc sat beside her on the bed and signaled the serfs to leave. Once alone, he turned and smiled. “Before you go, I would like to ask you something.”
“All right.” Ariel held her breath.
“How would you like to be my squire?” At Ariel’s questioning look, Broc quickly added, “I forgot Saxons do not have knights. As my squire, you would serve me at table and in my chamber. You would help maintain my coat of mail and sword. In return, I will teach you how to fight on horseback and anything else you need to know. When you have learned all that I can teach you, I will knight you.”
Ariel’s jaw dropped. Broc had just offered her something she had never hoped to attain—knighthood. With the Normans ruling England, the Saxon order would not stay the same. If she became a knight, her father and son would never have to worry if they were forced to leave Elmstead. She could attach herself to some lord’s household and provide for them. The only part of his offer she felt reluctant about was serving him in his bedchamber. If it would help her reach her goal, she would manage somehow to get through it.
“I accept. How long would I have to train before you knight me? Being a house carl should give me some standing in the training.”
Broc chuckled. “Let us first see how fast you learn. If you pick it up quickly enough, probably in a few months.”
“When can we start?”
“Wait until your shoulder heals. If we start too early, you could do more damage than good.”
“I could start with the other duties, the ones that do not include arms training.”
“All right. If you feel up to it, you can serve me in the hall and bedchamber.” Broc stood and started toward the door. He stopped before he reached it. “I will tell your father you will not be moving with him.”
“What do you mean?”
“As my squire, you will stay with me at all times. I have to know where you will be. I will send the serfs back to finish packing your belongings.”
Now very confused, Ariel asked “If I will not be going with my father, then where will I be moving to?”
“A squire sleeps on a pallet in his master’s be
dchamber. I might have need of you in the middle of the night. It makes things easier. So you will be moving into my chamber.”
Ariel wondered who it would be easier for. It sure as hell would be difficult for her. She wondered how she would be able to keep her secret from him. They would be practically living on top of one another. She would have to talk to her father. He would know what to do.
* * * *
Swein did not give her the answers Ariel wanted. Her father had put it quite simply. If she wanted to be a knight, she would have to work through the hard parts.
Once all her clothes had been moved into Broc’s chamber, which had at one time belonged to her parents, she had been allowed to go to her father. Broc had only stipulated that she return by the evening meal. Using her free time, she went to see Colwyn.
The new hall was a smaller version of the main building. Ariel found it cozy, and wished she could stay with her family there. Until Broc knighted her, she would try to spend most of her free time with them.
At first, Colwyn had been a little leery of her. That was understandable, considering how long she had been away. As an outgoing child, it had only taken a few minutes of being around Ariel before he had reached for her. She would never forget that moment. Holding her son close, she made a vow to never leave him again.
They had played together until Colwyn grew sleepy. Ariel picked him up and cradled him in her arms. She gently rocked him until he fell asleep. Lily reached to take Colwyn. With a kiss across his cheek, Ariel passed him to her.
Her father gazed at her. There was wistfulness to his expression. She knew what he thought. The first time she had caught him staring at her so, she had asked what was on his mind. He had told he did not know if he had done the right thing by letting her go off to fight. She had changed, and it was not because her hair was shorter and she dressed as a man either. Inside she seemed changed. Ariel had quickly reassured him that the changes in her had been for the good, not the bad. She was happy with the way she was now.
Ariel stood and stretched. She winced at the pain in her shoulder. It was mending, but she would carry a scar there to her grave. It would always be a reminder of what she had done.
“Well, Daughter, now that you have a slight reprieve from the new lord, what would you like to do?”
Since waking from her fevered sleep one thing had been on her mind. “I want to have a bath. I cannot very well have one with Broc around. That particular indulgence I greatly missed while away.”
Her father laughed. “A bath it is then.”
* * * *
She was in heaven. Her father had arranged for a large wooden tub to be dragged into the hall and placed in front of a roaring fire. Since he had left the hall and Lily was watching Colwyn, Ariel had decided not to use the privacy screen. She was alone and did not expect anyone to bother her.
She had washed her hair and body and decided a good long soak would be in order. It was glorious. What she enjoyed even more was having the bindings removed from her chest. She had to tie them so tightly, she felt as if they were steel bands. She never could take a deep breath while wearing them.
Ariel let herself sink under the water. After coming to the surface, she stiffened. Broc stood with his back toward her. He faced the hearth, watching the flames.
She quickly pressed herself against the side of the tub, shielding her body from Broc’s line of sight. “What are you doing here? I thought you would not need me until later.”
Broc turned. “I came to see your father.”
“He is not here. So if you do not mind, I would like to finish my bath.” Ariel hoped Broc would leave without too much preamble. The water had started to cool, and she would soon be forced to get out of the tub.
“Continue your bathing. When you are finished, we will look for your father. What I want to talk to him about concerns you as well.”
What was she going to do? She could not very well tell him to leave. She was supposed to be a man. “If you look for him, I will meet you later.”
“Nay, that will not be necessary.”
She was in trouble. There had to be something she could say to make him leave, but nothing readily came to mind. Stuck, she found herself unable to do anything, except stare up at him.
“Well? Continue with your bath. You have only just recently recovered from wound fever. It will not do you any good to sit in cold water.” Ariel made no move to comply, and Broc stepped closer. “Must I remove you myself?”
Broc was just about to reach for her when something stopped him. He seemed to take in her wet hair, which she had slicked back off her face. His gaze moved to her cheekbones and chin. It seemed to hover over her lips before he moved it to her eyes. Ariel’s breath caught. Surely he saw her for the woman she was now.
He continued to stare with what Ariel slowly recognized as longing. He bent closer. His gaze became focused on her lips. His breathing grew quicker. He lowered his head until his lips came within mere inches of hers. Her involuntary sharp intake of breath effectively broke the spell. Broc jerked upright and took a quick step back.
Ariel could not believe what Broc had almost done. It only made her body ache for his. As he quickly stepped away, she felt the loss. Even though she knew very little of men, she could tell he had not been unaffected by the encounter. His breath came in shallow, rapid puffs, same as hers. Her body throbbed with desire.
They stared into each other’s eyes, the silence hanging between them. Neither one moved. Broc finally broke the mounting tension. He mumbled something about maybe it would be best if he went in search of her father, after all. After turning from her, he practically ran out of the hall.
Ariel stepped out of the tub and then quickly dried herself. She bound her chest before she donned a fresh tunic and trews. It was not hard to figure out Broc had thought he had almost kissed a man. He could not get away from her fast enough. His mind might have perceived her as male, but his body knew she was all female. Lily had been right. He could not be very observant.
As it turned out, Broc was not with her father and could not be found anywhere around Elmstead. Ariel guessed he needed to be alone to recover from their brief encounter. She had to admit she did not feel quite herself either. The mere thought of that almost kiss made her heart beat faster.
* * * *
The evening meal came and went and still Broc did not return.
Since Ariel was not going to have to act the part of a servant that night, she sat with her father before the hearth, drinking ale. Even though she told herself there was no need to worry, her gaze kept drifting to the door. Where can he be? It had been hours since he had last been seen.
Swein raised a brow in her direction when he caught her looking at the door for the tenth time in as many minutes. “All right, what happened?”
Ariel jumped. “Nothing.”
“Come on now. Your Norman has been gone most of the day, and you look as if you lost your best friend.”
“He is not my Norman. Why should I care where he goes?”
The look Swein gave her said he did not believe her. “Maybe you do because you still have feelings for him. He must feel something for you. Lily told me that he asked if I had a daughter. She said he looked as if he did not want to believe her when she had told him I had only one child. So, what happened between you two?”
Reluctantly, Ariel replied, “He walked in on me while I bathed.” Swein’s face lit up, and Ariel narrowed her eyes at him. She could not believe it. Did he want Broc to find out her secret? “Stop looking so happy. He did not see anything. I thought you had agreed with me that I would stay being Wulf around Broc.”
“I had, but I have come to know him better. Maybe you should tell him.”
That was all Ariel. Now she had to worry where his loyalties would be. “Are you telling me if I do not tell him, you will?”
“Nay. You are and always will be my daughter. I would never betray you. I only feel if he finds out on his own, he could make i
t go badly for you. What if he decides since you lied to him he cannot trust you? He could very well try to take Colwyn from you. It is within his rights.”
“All the more reason to keep Colwyn from Broc. I will not take that chance.”
“Fine, it is your decision. Tell me what made him run off?”
After a couple of deep breaths and a sip of ale, Ariel continued. “As I said before, he did not see anything. I tried to make him leave, but for some reason, he decided he would wait until I finished. All I could do was stare at him like a fool. Something came over him that caused him to almost do something else. Let us just say he left in a very great hurry.”
Swein let out a roar of laughter. “So he wanted to kiss you. No wonder he ran. He thought he almost kissed another man. That would be enough to have any male question his masculinity, and that explains where he went.”
“Then where is he?”
“If that happened to me at Broc’s age, I would search out a willing woman to prove I was still a man.”
Ariel reached for her tankard. She finished what remained in two large gulps and then got more. She could not stand the thought of Broc with another. No matter what she said, she had started to care for him. She did not like it one bit.
* * * *
She tried to ignore the sounds coming from the hall. All Ariel wanted to do was sleep. After talking with her father, she had had a little too much ale. So far, she had only managed to sleep a few hours, which had not done much to stop her head from spinning.
The noises from the hall came closer. Ariel had already figured out who had finally returned when the chamber door slammed open. Broc practically fell into the room. It looked as if he had downed too much ale as well, and he was not alone. Two women clung to his arms. She tried not to be noticed, and lay completely still with the hopes they would assume she slept. That was not to be. Broc walked to where she slept on a pallet on the floor in the corner. She tightly closed her eyes.
Lady Knight Page 7
