Back from the Shadowlands, page 4
Today was no different. Though she tried her best to remain calm and supportive, he knew Alex bristled within. If she could have stopped him from leaving, she would have. If he’d dared refuse his overlord, he wouldn’t have come. But he couldn’t do that despite feeling an unease he’d never felt before.
Not when the king summoned him for a purpose only he could perform. Shaking his head slightly, Thor recalled leaning down from Caturix’s back to drop one last longing kiss on her lips before riding out the front gates without a backward glance.
Shuffling, Thor sat up a little straighter and looked around the chamber at the shadows on the wall. He remembered a similar night of light and shadows and the events that changed his life. Most occurred here in this room. Not all of them, but the pivotal moment setting his life on a different course.
Had he not given in to his animal urges, he would have stayed his course and kept his vow to never wed again. Once he’d sampled the forbidden fruit, he knew he’d lost the battle. While he would never admit it, he knew the truth deep inside. The woman would haunt him until he finally gave in. However, he’d intended to resist her charms as long as he could.
Not all that surprising his resistance didn’t last long as he’d hoped. His bride was nothing if not unpredictable. Several years into his marriage, he admitted his initial acceptance of that sword to his throat was due more to the titles, wealth, and power coming with the heiress of Drummond than from fear or affection.
Thor laughed acknowledging the woman quaking before him had known that more than him. She’d recognized their carnal compatibility was a mark in her favor and she’d played that card every chance she got. However, her strongest weapon was her acceptance of who and what he was joined with her unwavering loyalty.
Alexandria of Drummond had won him over quicker than he’d believed possible. While it was true that he became restless during times of peace, he wouldn’t trade the life he’d built for the life he’d had for anything the world had to offer. Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep knowing tomorrow would be a busy day.
CHAPTER FIVE
Staring around the hall, Thor looked at the extra bodies already milling about. He wasn’t surprised by how quickly the campaign had come together. David was known for his military acumen and strategic mind, so his preliminary ideas were good. The king just wanted a second pair of eyes to see the holes in his plan. There weren’t many and he had quickly taken a solid foundation to the next level with minimal effort. As amazing as it seemed in hindsight, messengers went out two days after his arrival.
Truthfully, once he’d known Carlisle was the main objective, mapping the course of the coming battle wasn’t complicated. Nor was it a simple skirmish as he’d assumed. Parameters in mind, he’d studied the rough maps on hand and worked out the proper routes to use. Intimately familiar with the landscape around their mark, it didn’t take long to decide what siege machines to use and how many knights, soldiers, and archers would be needed. The king agreed with his assessment and the plans were done. He’d sent messengers to Drummond and Alexandria had done the rest.
Heading up the stairs, Thor wasn’t surprised more men than they needed were waiting to mobilize behind their king. Chuckling to himself, he knew why. He and Lionel weren’t the only warriors ready for a good fight. Peace was hard on seasoned men of war. Channeling that energy into other enterprises worked for a while but the day always came when a fighting man needed to do what he did best.
Entering Alexandria’s chamber, he unlocked a rarely used trunk to remove rarely used armor. Quickly donning the various pieces, he gazed at his reflection deciding he looked like nothing so much as a Norman warrior when he was anything but. While not a stranger to chain mail, he rarely wore anything more than the occasional byrnie, not finding anything more necessary.
Like all true warriors, he expected to die on the field of battle even if Alexandria refused to accept that thought. She believed his mindset had more to do with his knowledge of the old ways and less to do with the reality that it was a fact few warriors lived to be hoary old men. Not that he intended to expire anytime soon. He didn’t.
He had a wife and a family to raise before he called his life done. Not that his bride would be amused to know he considered her a child still needing raising, but she was. A courageous, sensual child less than half his age witnessing far more of the dark side in her short life than she should have, but an innocent nonetheless when compared to him.
Staring at his reflection, Thor contemplated the king’s reaction to seeing him attired in the kind of armor he never wore. However, a promise was a promise and he was a man of his word. He would endure his leader’s ribbing before he would betray his vow. Tightening his belt around his waist, he lifted Móði, ran through a repertoire of moves from parries to ripostes, and satisfied he was still familiar with the heft of the weapon, inserted the sword in his sheath.
Like Avenger, Wrath was made of the finest Damascus steel and void of excess ornamentation. There was naught save the pattern on the blade and the elongated ebony-eyed pine martin decorating the hilt. While few knew why such an insignificant creature was associated with a Norse god of battle or with his sword, the pine martin was as relentless and fierce as the entity inspiring his weapon. It was a beast worthy of association with both Möði and the Golden Wolf.
While he would prefer to have Avenger by his side, he’d left the sword with his wife as she’d asked. He’d wanted to deny her request but something urged him to do as she wished. Feeling at a loss, he’d finally decided it was better to endure a brief separation than lose his favored weapon.
While Alexandria hadn’t voiced her fear, Thor knew that was it. He had similar reservations and he didn’t know what he would do without his father’s sword. Losing his most valuable treasure wasn’t something he was prepared to risk.
Known as Hevnarmaðr in his father’s day, he’d quickly learned that “Revenge Man” in the old tongue didn’t strike fear in the soul of his opponents as readily as the word Avenger in their native tongue, so he’d changed the name many years ago. Now he could happily say the sword was almost as feared and revered as its bearer. Making a sound of disgust at the foolishness of men, Thor knew there was nothing mystical about Avenger. A sword was only as good as its wielder.
However, this wasn’t the first time he’d fought with a different blade and it wouldn’t be the last. He could confidently say the sword in his hand had little impact on the outcome of a battle. His strength and skill did. Unlike most warriors, he was adept with every weapon used in hand-to-hand combat and passably lethal with a bow.
That dedication to prowess more than anything had led to his towering reputation. When he’d committed to becoming a man of war as a page, he’d committed whole-heartedly. Nothing had changed since. Shaking his head in silent confirmation, Thor locked the chamber door and headed for the stairs. The coming battle waited for no man. Taking the stairs two at a time he arrived at the landing long before he was ready. Rolling his eyes, he steeled himself for his sovereign’s reaction to a sight he would likely never see again in his life.
WATCHING THOR ENTER the great hall, the king choked back a laugh. Coughing, he ignored the nasty side eye cast his way. Since when did the Golden Wolf wear full armor? Never. Not as long as he’d known him. A byrnie and chausses, yes. Full armor, no. While he should look foolish, he didn’t. He was more intimidating than ever instead.
“Zan?” Picturing his goddaughter’s face in his mind, David smiled at the answering nod. “I thought so.”
“And the babes.” Thor nodded. “She fears I will not return this time.”
“Gruoch?” He knew of the Drummond phantasma. “Did she see the spirit again?”
“Not since the MacLaren’s demise,” Thor admitted. “Nor poor Eddie.”
“Then something else has her on edge.” That wasn’t a comforting thought. “Her mother was like that.”
“Like what?” Thor removed the conical nasal helmet. “Strange?”
“Given to knowing.” That was all the king was willing to say. “You are wise to take precautions.”
Thor nodded. While he didn’t like being encumbered with a helmet, coif, itchy gambeson, thigh-length mail hauberk, and chausses, he had no desire to tempt fate. Not when his wife asked him to have more care. It was the least he could do for his family.
Besides, he knew he would shed all of this as soon as the campaign ended. Maybe he’d wear a byrnie but that was all. There was no need for such protection once the truce was signed. Everyone would be on their way to joyfully reunite with friends and family. Fighting would be the last thing on their mind.
“Perhaps.” Thor nodded. “Now, I think it is time we get our men on the road. The sooner we finish what we set out to do, the sooner we return home.”
He ignored the knowing look the king cast his way. “Don’t start that again.”
“Have it your way.” King David fell in step beside the blonde giant fully aware of the commanding presence he made with the sun glinting off his red hair. “For now keep your mind on the coming battle.”
“You know me better than that.” Thor glanced at his king. “Carlisle and Newcastle will fall as planned.”
The king nodded. His Wolf had spoken. So be it.
CHAPTER SIX
A few weeks later, Thor motioned for Lionel to fall into step beside him. While the battle was over, the politics weren’t. He wasn’t leaving the battlefield for home as soon as he’d hoped. Though displeased by the thought, his overlord wanted him by his side while the final agreements were recorded. Not just by his side, he wanted his signature and seal to witness the conditions of the treaty.
Snarling at being so thoroughly snared when he wanted nothing more than to return home for a hot bath, a warm meal, hugs from his babes, and a torrid night getting reacquainted with the only woman in Christendom who could kidnap him and live to tell about it, Thor knew his presence was a silent threat no one could mistake. Crossing the King of Scotland meant crossing his Golden Wolf. No one wanted that. Not in their right mind they didn’t.
Picking at the snarling wolf rampant decorating his signet ring, Thor knew there was no way out of the diplomatic web David had expertly woven around him. It didn’t matter they’d taken numerous garrisons and hostages, and effectively harried the countryside for a span. Nor did it matter that Newcastle and Carlisle had fallen through crafty planning. Only fools would open the gates to a neighboring king and his army. None of that satisfied his king.
As frustrated as he was, Thor couldn’t refuse the crafty spider’s command. They both knew he would have done just that in the past and the king would have let him. Those days were over. He’d sworn his freedom away and allayed any fears his lord harbored that wedding his beloved goddaughter put thoughts of rebellion in his head. It hadn’t, but he didn’t blame the man.
That his loyalty never wavered with his marriage was the exception, not the rule. Unlike so many men, he was content where he was with what he had. He possessed wealth and power few men ever attained thanks to hard work and his monarch’s favor. He had no desire to be anything more than he was. He hoped the king knew that.
All that had changed over the last three years was that he now had a family to protect. However, swearing fealty to his king lessened the temptation his enemies would try to use his family against him. They would regret it if they did. Being the king’s sworn man added another layer of protection around what was his that they wouldn’t have otherwise.
“What has happened?” Breaking the other man’s concentration, Lionel knew there was a significant change by the tensing of Thor’s jaw. “The terms of the treaty have not changed?”
New borders were drawn, hostages released, and oaths sworn not to break the truce until spring. After that, it was anyone’s game. All standard give and take or so he’d believed.
“No, they have not.” Thor agreed. “But my king’s willingness to navigate the terms of the treaty have.”
Studying the Sheriff’s demeanor, Lionel immediately understood what had happened. Only one thing would stress Thor so. He saw that now.
“You won’t be leaving with us?” He hadn’t anticipated that. “The king wishes you to witness the terms of the treaty.”
“He does,” Thor confirmed. “And we both know why he wishes for my presence.”
“As a silent promise of the repercussions of breaking the treaty.” Unless their king broke the treaty first. “I will let Zan know you will be home as soon as loose ends are tied up.”
“Tell my wife I am not the only lord staying behind to witness the truce.” Although he had traveled alone to the royal keep, Alexandria wouldn’t like him returning through hostile lands the same way after a battle. While he worried little about his safety, like any good wife, Alexandria would not rest until his return. It didn’t help that something about this excursion made her uneasy from the start. “Let Alexandria know that I will travel with Moray’s party until I head North and they head West. I can handle the last few hours through friendly territory without an entourage.”
Few would dare tangle with the Golden Wolf even alone. His reputation had long preceded him. The destruction of the MacLarens had done the rest. The fact that Fitz Duncan, Mormaer of Moray, remained behind to discuss personal business with his king was nothing his wife needed to know. Half his retainers were returning to the Northland ahead of their lord as planned. That was the party he was joining.
“I’m sure you can.” Lionel laughed at the memory of what happened the last time anyone tried to take the Golden Wolf captive. Their men had feared for their lives until Thor finally reassured them that he wouldn’t kill them in their sleep. That had taken months, rather than weeks, to happen. Alexandria’s continuing contentment with her mate had finally reassured her men that a dangerous situation was satisfactorily resolved. “I wouldn’t want to fight you on the heath.”
“Nor I you.” Thor countered. “While we both know who would win, it would be a worthy challenge.”
While that remark coming from any other man would have made him bristle, Lionel laughed because he knew it was true. While of comparable size and strength, Thor was both more ruthless and skilled on the battlefield. He had superior endurance as well.
While such a match would be well fought, the Wolf would prevail in the end and they both knew it. For many reasons. Not the least of which was the Norse blood flowing through his veins and his ties to the old ways. If sufficiently challenged, Thor would cut his throat without a second thought and watch him expire in a pool of blood. Or drape his lungs over wide-spread ribs before calmly walking away feeling fully justified in his actions. While she’d done an admirable job taming the beast, there were parts of her Wolf that Alexandria would never conquer.
“Perhaps, but we will never know will we?” That was true as well. “You are loyal to our king and I am loyal to you.”
Thor nodded. He and Lionel had fought well together many times over the years. They still fought well together. He wouldn’t be his right-hand man if they didn’t. A mercenary of long-standing like him, he’d been surprised to find the warrior settled at Drummond.
While the idea of de Montluzin in the service of one family was disconcerting, the knowledge he’d sought to wed his lord’s daughter and settled for the niece instead surprised him more. He would never have seen that coming. Like him, Lionel wasn’t a man given to compromise when he desired something deeply. Thor knew he had wanted his lord’s daughter more than anything.
Though his loyalty wasn’t in question, knowing his tendresse for his wife, Thor kept an eye on his second in command where Zan was concerned. While Lionel loved his wife deeply, he’d loved Alexandria fiercely once upon a time. Thor was under no illusion who would step into the gap should anything untoward happen to him.
No matter how innocent the comfort offered, the thought of the other man getting that close to his mate didn’t sit well. A man of the world, he knew how quickly emotions once laid to rest could resurrect in trying times. Lines were crossed in ways that could never be undone before either party realized what they’d done. Seeing that such opportunities never occurred was the best way to ensure nothing untenable happened.
“Aye.” Thor agreed. “You are a man of your word.”
“As are you.” Lionel quietly agreed. He and Reina still resided at Drummond because Thor knew he would never cross that line of honor. Nor would Alexandria. If possible, she loved her husband more than he loved her.
Adding to the emotional complexity of the situation, the impossible occurred not long after Thor’s marriage. The Golden Wolf unexpectedly fell for his fiery bride and fell hard. While everyone tried to appear oblivious, it was no secret the Wolf returned his wife’s affections more deeply than any believed possible.
Lionel caught Thor’s eye. “I will ensure Zan knows you are well, detained by royal business, and will be home as soon as the king releases you from his service.”
“You are right.” Thor glanced in the king’s direction. “I will return as soon as I am free.”
The Wolf nodded his thanks as he turned to rejoin the royal party. He didn’t need to watch Lionel mount his destrier to know he was heading for the castle gates. While he’d rather join the other warriors returning to Drummond, his duty was to remain by David’s side. That meant the quicker his work was done here, the quicker he would be free to return to his family.
While Alexandria wouldn’t be happy the delay meant he’d be home a scant few weeks before leaving on his rounds as Sheriff of Lothian, they would have ample time to get reacquainted. Nodding at King David and the lingering nobles, Thor was unaware he wore that rare smile that, while not displeasing when worn by other men, struck the fear of God into the warriors around him.
