Back from the Shadowlands, page 2
If he didn’t miss his guess, she’d also had a few nips of cook’s lethal strong ale to fortify her against the words she didn’t want to hear. Stepping into the kitchen, he caught Bertie’s eye and motioned for her to leave. Watching the woman depart to check on Greggorius, he silently rested his hand on his wife’s shoulder. While confident she was aware of his presence before he touched her, Alexandria refused to look at him.
“This won’t help.” Thor drained Alexandria’s goblet unsurprised he was right. “Strong ale is the last thing you should drink when I need your help.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Here, read this.”
“Why?” Alexandria glanced at the letter in Thor’s hand. “It will only say what I don’t want to see.”
“Are you sure about that?” Thor placed the letter on the table beside her. “Maybe you were expecting the king to send you a personal message in my summons, but I wasn’t.”
“Fine.” Alexandria nodded as she accepted the document. “I wasn’t either.”
Skimming the whole missive, she smiled as she read her godfather’s words at the bottom of the page. While it stated exactly what she expected, his words of open affection and vow to release her husband as soon as the battle was over soothed her ruffled feathers.
As displeased as she was with this latest turn of events, her loyalty lay with her king and Empress Matilda. If that meant putting her husband and her comfortable life at risk, so be it. She would do what she had to do. That was the way of the warrior and of the warrior’s wife. Handing the vellum back to Thor, Alexandria rose to her feet and looped her arm through his.
“It seems we both have work to do.” He needed to meet with Lionel while she needed to raid Bertie’s emergency stores for enough viands to pack for his journey. “Let me know what you and Lionel decide as soon as possible. I’ll need to make arrangements for the extra men.”
Thor stopped midstep and looked down at her. “That won’t be necessary.” He shook his head. “Not yet anyway. As you have already read, I’ll be leaving later today but Lionel will remain. He will see to alerting our vassals that war is imminent. As soon as our plan of attack is decided, I will send you an update with the king’s seal. Check that it isn’t tampered with before you open it. If all is well, do as it says.”
While he knew the king’s messengers were loyal, he trusted no man implicitly. It wouldn’t be the first time a seemingly loyal servant flipped to the other side. While complicated seals were a great deterrent, they weren’t infallible. He’d been on the receiving end of more than one such message. He was fortunate he knew what to look for since he’d been known to intercept and tamper with messages himself in the past.
Nodding, Alexandria knew that a sealed missive would contain her final instructions. While he might not trust any man completely, her husband knew she would only act once she determined the message was real. If events followed the usual plans, she would send messengers alerting their vassals to where and when to meet their overlord. They, in turn, would do the same with their men and so on.
Once the men were notified, they would likely converge on whatever royal residence the king occupied and go from there. Once they amassed enough men, David would lead his army into battle with Thor flanking him on one side and Prince Henry on the other. While there would likely be stragglers joining the fray late, none would be from among Thor’s vassals.
His men understood the importance of being at the right place at the right time. Many still retained their lands because the Golden Wolf and his warriors aided them at that pivotal moment when all should have been lost. That meant they weren’t casual in their loyalties. To their overlord or their king. Alexandria was grateful for that. Their dedication meant greater security for everyone.
“I need to meet with Lionel.” His second in command was likely working with the squires in the north bailey. “I’ll return when I’ve finished.”
“Aye, and once I’ve raided Bertie’s stores,” And received an earful for her trouble. “I’ll be in the sewing room working with the girls on their stitches.” She now had three rambunctious young charges in her care. “When I’m sure they’ve settled down, I’ll leave them in Adela’s hands and retire to our chamber to repair Sweyn’s tunic.”
The one already stretched across her frame. Rather than trust the tiny garment to less skilled hands, she’d decided to mend the tear herself. The outcome would be better for everyone. A smaller replica of one of his father’s, the shirt was one of her son’s favorites. Unfortunately favorite didn’t mean a thing when it came to a rough-and-tumble boy.
Heading for the kitchen, Alexandria pondered everything she would lose if anything happened to Thor. He had brought more to her life than affection and protection. She recognized that now. While unorthodox, their union gave her legitimacy she’d never had.
One that grew when Thor put Ruthven in her hands. While meant only as an opportunity to rest and recuperate, her exile from the keep where she’d lost so much presented her with a healing challenge instead. One that allowed her to prove herself a worthy mate to the Golden Wolf.
In the end, no one expected the miracle she and Reina pulled off at the derelict estate. Especially Thor. Ensuring everyone knew the turnaround at his keep was due entirely to his wife and her more unusual attributes caused society to view the crossdressing firebrand with new respect. That he had the foresight to wed such a woman had only enhanced the Golden Wolf’s reputation as well.
Somewhat unexpectedly, aristocratic parents now clamored to send their sons and daughters to Drummond to foster. While none of them expected their delicate flowers to return riding massive destriers attired in men’s clothing, they did expect them to have insights into running a household most young girls lacked.
She and Reina did their best to fulfill that obligation. If anyone knew how competitive the marriage market was, she did. The MacLarens had ensured she remained unmarriageable until her father’s death forced her to take matters into her own hands.
As much as they might protest otherwise, any lord worth his salt appreciated any edge that made beneficial marital alliances more attainable. While rare in their world, her husband knew many men such as himself who would appreciate a wife who could do more than run their household and birth children. A strong woman capable of leading their men in times of crisis would be a godsend.
Thor knew that firsthand. He had no qualms about leaving their lands in her hands. His men respected her. They would follow her to the death as they followed him. If he ever felt that wasn’t so, Lionel would remain behind to take her place. She expected nothing less. However, that had yet to happen and she doubted it ever would.
Deciding she had better things to do than dwell on possibilities she’d rather not contemplate, Alexandria prayed Bertie remained in the hall with Greg. The last thing she wanted was to get caught raiding the pantry. She’d never hear the end of it if she did. Looking around, she decided so far, so good.
TURNING THE CORNER, Thor decided he could easily find his wife when the time came. The sewing room and their chamber weren’t that far apart. Right now he needed to talk to Lionel. Catching the other man’s eye, he watched the warrior inspect a final piece of armor before dismissing the pages and squires in his charge.
From his smiles and nods, the boys had done well maintaining their assigned pieces of armor. Thor reached out to pat one blonde head in passing. He was fortunate to have Lionel in his ranks. A deadly warrior in the field, he was an equally talented teacher who took great pleasure in instructing the boys how to be men of both honor and war.
“From the look on your face, I don’t need to ask why Greggorius was outside our gates before the haar dissipated.” Lionel fell into step beside his lord knowing the longer they stayed in motion the less likely it was that anyone would overhear their conversation. “When do we leave?”
“I leave shortly.” Thor corrected his false impression. “The king wishes to take advantage of my tactical skills before the battle.”
“I see.” Lionel nodded. “That leads me to think his objective is in an area you are intimately familiar with.”
“I suspect you are right.” Thor agreed. “Once I know the lay of the land, I will send instructions.”
“In the interim, I know what to do.” Send messengers to their vassals alerting them that war was imminent. “Once you give leave, I will join you with a contingent of men.”
He already knew which men he would choose and which he would leave behind. While he’d prefer leaving their best men to guard Drummond, that wasn’t how his lord operated. He had a system in place that he’d followed for years. One that ensured he always had the freshest warriors at hand. Their best men would be rotated between the keep and the king. The men fighting in the last skirmish would remain behind to guard Drummond while the guards would now fight.
“That sounds like the plan.” Thor stopped and looked Lionel in the eyes. “If anything changes, and it may, you’ll know what to do. I suspect we won’t be fighting together. I have an idea what David’s up to. If I’m right, we will need you leading our men into battle from a different direction.”
“Then I await your instructions.” While he preferred fighting beside his lord, there had been many times when that wasn’t possible. “Until then, I will watch over Drummond in your absence.”
Thor nodded his thanks knowing the man would watch over his wife and family as well. Just not too closely. Where other men would feel threatened by Lionel’s unwavering devotion to their mate, he was grateful for his presence. The story would be different if the warrior were a less honorable man. As it was, he trusted his wife and her ardent admirer until there was reason not to.
“Good.” Thor nodded. “Now I have to beard the lioness in her den. I’m afraid my wife isn’t happy with my coming departure.”
“She has grown used to your presence.”
They all had. His overlord had proven surprisingly hands-on with every aspect of his demesne. His people love him because he wasn’t above joining them in the fields and his family adored him because he adored them. While strict with the security of his estates, Thor was fair and generous to everyone.
He kept his finger on the pulse of his lands and rewarded his people well for their service. Keeping his villages provisioned was a priority. In return, his villagers did their best to ensure his storehouses overflowed to the benefit of everyone.
“Reina won’t be happy when I depart either.” Lionel shook his head.
“No, she won’t.” Thor agreed. “But Reina and Alex know we must fulfill our duties to the king.”
“No matter how they feel.” Lionel stopped by the entrance to the keep. “I will see that your mount is ready when you are.”
Standing in the open doorway, Thor nodded before turning toward the stairs while Lionel headed toward the stables. There was no reason to stop by the great hall. He knew exactly where his wife would be. She’d already told him. Glancing into the sewing room, he nodded to the tittering women before closing the door behind him. As usual, Adela had her charges, and his wife’s ladies, well in hand. They wouldn’t be disturbing them any time soon. There was too much sewing to be done whether they wished to do so or not.
The thought brought the familiar twinge to his heart. Bridget pretended to hate every moment she spent in the sewing room. He suspected she secretly craved the companionship of the other women instead. Though his daughter's memory was still bittersweet, the darning of the clothes was a necessary evil.
Not only for practical reasons but because it was an opportunity for young ladies to perfect their stitches. Once they did, they could move on to bigger and better challenges like creating beautiful new bliauts. Fortunately, Adela ensured her charges were proficient before they touched the finer fabrics lining Drummond’s coffers. Not a bad idea in his opinion. Some bolts were irreplaceable.
Pushing gently on the door, Thor was surprised when it swung open. In her petulance he expected Alexandria to lock the door against him. While not something she’d done often since the memorable night he’d learned of Siward’s existence, he no longer shattered the door on the rare occasion she did.
He’d quickly discovered her anger burned hot and quick. It was more rewarding to let Alexandria’s moments run their course. She was far more likely to reward him for understanding if he did. Locking the door behind him, Thor saw that Alexandria was true to her word. The tiny tunic stretched on her sewing frame was the one his son had caught on a twig running hell for leather across the heath two short days ago. From the finely wrought stitches already in place, the small tear would be all but invisible when the repair was done.
“I assume you have spoken with Lionel,” Moving the frame to the side, she rose to her feet. “And he is getting your mount ready for the journey.”
While she knew the animal in question would be a seasoned destrier or a courser, she didn’t know which it would be. She did know that the horse he left riding would be the one he rode into battle. However, that animal wouldn’t be Wotan. Not anymore. The main reason was to avoid being readily identified.
While Thor’s size ensured he stood out in a crowd, several fair-haired warriors of similar height and build had joined the king’s forces over the past year. More would likely come from the Isles in the future. While not something she would admit aloud, Alexandria was grateful for anything that made her husband less of a target as both of those things did.
“I have,” Thor smirked. “And you have assumed right.” But he would take his time about it. “However, Lionel knows I won’t depart without a suitable goodbye.”
“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Alexandria rolled her eyes as she released his locks from the familiar leather thong. “A suitable goodbye?”
“Something like that,” Pulling his tunic over his head, Thor slowly backed her against the wall not surprised when her thighs automatically encircled his hips. “I suspect he will act similarly before his departure.”
Burying his face in her hair, Thor knew that event would come sooner rather than later. He knew as well that Reina would appreciate her husband’s attentions as much as Alexandria was appreciating his. He knew as well that both men would eagerly anticipate being welcomed home in much the same way.
CHAPTER THREE
Dragging a hand through his unbound hair, Thor rolled on his side, kissed Alexandria’s shoulder, and rose to his feet. Washing up, he quickly dressed before turning to face his wife. Watching her stretch in a way that left nothing to the imagination, he contemplated succumbing to temptation before dismissing the idea.
If he didn’t leave now, he wouldn’t make it to the royal keep before nightfall, and traveling alone after dark wasn’t wise even for the Golden Wolf. Besides, his king expected him sooner rather than later from the tone of that letter. However, worshipping his wife had already shot that plan to hell. Not that he regretted it. He didn’t. But he mustn’t do it again.
“As much as I’d like to take you up on your offer,” Thor kissed her lips. “We both know I can’t.”
“As much as I wish things were different, we do.” Alexandria wrapped her arms around her sheet-covered knees. “I’ll get the bairns and meet you in the bailey.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Thor grabbed the bag abandoned just inside the door and glanced inside. Just as expected there was a leather flask of ale, a cloth-wrapped loaf of bread, and a chunk of cheese neatly packed inside. He didn’t need anything more. Any clothing he might need for any occasion was already in their clothes trunk at the royal keep. Any weapon he might need was safely locked away in a separate trunk. The keys to both were tucked safely inside the pouch at his waist. “Don’t be too long.”
“I won’t.” Alexandria watched him leave before she quickly dressed and headed for the nursery.
While none of their offspring was old enough to understand what his leaving meant, they would realize their father was gone soon enough. Especially Siward. He was his father’s favorite little man.
No, that wasn’t fair. Thor adored Maryse and Sweyn just as much, but Siward was older. He could do more with his firstborn son than with the other two. That was closer to the truth. Opening the nursery door Alexandria saw that everything was exactly as she expected. Maidlin and Annas were rocking Sweyn and Maryse while Sweyn played with his tiny wooden sword. One day he would be as big and strong as his father. Maybe bigger. She already saw the resemblance between them in looks and mannerisms.
“Thor is leaving for the royal keep.” Setting his toy aside, she lifted Sweyn in her arms. “He’d like to say goodbye to the bairns before he goes.”
“Yes, my lady.” Rising to her feet, Maidlin finger combed Maryse’s fiery hair grateful she wasn’t expected to curtsey at home as she did at court. “Are we going now?”
“As soon as you are ready.” Alexandria smiled. “I don’t know how long the Sheriff will be gone, so we’re meeting him in the stables.”
“Do you want us to go with you?” Copying Maryse, Annas propped Sweyn on her hip. “Or should we follow in a few minutes?”
“We’ll all go together.” There was no reason to do otherwise. “Then we’ll let the bairns play in the South bailey for a while.”
There was nothing they could get into there. While Siward preferred remaining in the stables with the horses, that wasn’t a good idea. He was a bright, adaptable child capable of getting into far too much mischief on his own. Her younger brothers were the same at his age. Walking down the stairs, Alexandria glanced over her shoulder satisfied her nursemaids were taking every step with care.
Respectfully inclining her head in Greggorius’s direction, Alexandria exited the keep and headed for the stables. She would have been offended to know she reminded the royal assassin of nothing so much as a mama duck leading her ducklings down the garden path. Then again, wasn’t that what a mother did? Lead her offspring to safety? Everyone knew there was nowhere safer than in the presence of their father.
