Chapter Sixteen

 Astrid woke with a sore face and stiff muscles; with a groan she threw back her blankets.

Her dreams had been strange and disturbing, filled with blood and death, but

also with Reid. As she swung her feet to the floor there was a knock on her

chamber door and a moment latter it opened and Leif’s head appeared.

“You’re awake.” Leif stepped inside and opened her door

wide, behind him two pages carried in a large wood tub that they set in the

middle of her chamber, followed by ten maids carrying buckets of steaming water

that they poured into the tub. Each giving Astrid a swift smile before hurrying

silently from her chamber. Leif closed the door after them and then stepped

forward holding a mug of hot cider out to Astrid.

“Megwyn put something in it for your aches.” Leif gave her a

critical look. “And sent up the bath, with all the quests in the keep she

thought you’d want some privacy.”

Astrid nodded her thanks and blew into the hot tankard, and

remembered the events from the night before with both dread and joy. Reid was

here, and she’d see him soon, but she’d also made a fool out of herself in

front of her family.

“Did I make a complete fool out of myself?” She asked and

saw Leif shake his head.

“Nay, Helen is the fool. Eric near strangled her. He locked

her and her maid in her rooms all night, and has yet to let them out.  Now get up. Megwyn has need of you and your Norman will be up soon. Eric and I have spoken to father and he has agreed to

let you take him for a ride to see Nairn, just as long as your not gone to

long.”

Astrid gave Leif a smile of thanks and quickly drank the

tankard of cider before handing it back to Leif. She threw back her blankets

and slid her feet to the sheep skin covered floor.

“Thank you, and thank Eric for me, now go away. Go annoy

Alarick and let me nurse my wounds and pride in peace.” Astrid gave Leif a push

towards the door making her burly brother laugh. As soon as Leif left her

chamber Astrid eased out of her night rail. She dipped a toe in the water and

smiled, it was perfect. Grabbing a bar of rose scented soap from her table she

stepped into the tub, easing down into the warm water with a sigh. After an all

too quick bath she got out, a linen towel wrapped about her, as she stepped

before her largest chest of clothes. She wanted to look her best today, not

only was the keep full of quests but Reid was here. After nearly two years

apart he was finally here and she wanted to look pretty for him. Many of the

lords visiting had brought their wives and daughters along, so there were many

lovely women about, she wanted to look special for Reid so he would notice only

her.

Astrid flipped open the chest and looked inside, then she

spotted the perfect gown. It had been her mother’s. She pulled the dress out

and gave it a good shake before holding it before her. It was made of a deep

sapphire blue silk, with a matching linen over gown, it had a low square cut

neckline trimmed with gold and a fitted bodice. Her mother had looked like a

vision in it. She hoped she would look half as lovely. With a smile she dropped

the towel and began to get dress.

Reid had been met in the morning by a smiling MacDougal who

had given him and Brent a tour of the keep. The castle was soundly built of

well dressed stone, and large, with over thirty sleeping chambers, private

meeting chambers and a huge banquet hall large enough to sit a good two hundred

people. Many of the sleeping chambers and meeting rooms even had glass in the

windows. After a good hours exploring MacDougal lead them to a large enclosed

garden in the center of the keep.

“From the smells I would say they are serving breakfast.”

MacDougal said.

“I should go check to be sure Stephen and Grant haven’t

gotten into any mischief. Are you coming ?” Brent asked.

“No, not yet. I was hoping to find Astrid.” Reid replied,

looking about the garden. He had been impressed with the massive keep, but had

hoped to find Astrid.

“She is usually helping in the kitchens. I’ll tell her you

are here and looking for her.” MacDougal said and gave Reid a nod before

disappearing into a door partially covered by vines.

Reid surveyed the immense garden seeing roses on his left

and a large herb garden on his right. He was surprised to see the roses growing

here, he’d thought the cold winds would be to harsh for them. Perhaps the high

sheltering walls allowed them to grow. As a boy he had always loved the garden’s

of his father’s keep, he’d found the delicate roses and other flowers

fascinating, and would stop to admire there beauty when ever he could. Despite

the fact it was not something a knight was suppose to do.

The air was filled with the mingled scent of roses, mint and

the subtler fragrances of a myriad other herbs. Reid hesitantly touched one of

the roses, afraid to touch the fragile pink blossom with his calloused hands,

beauty such as this was not for him. His father’s second wife had made it all too

clear that an ignorant, bastard born beast such as he, deserved neither beauty,

nor love for who could love a beast?

Though he touched the rose gently, the petals fell, drifting

to the ground. Reid cursed, he had destroyed it, he always destroyed beauty. He

pulled his hand back, wondering who the garden belonged to. Perhaps it was

Helen’s, his Viking seemed to wild to have anything as lovely as this.

“The roses are lovely but fragile.” Reid spun to see Megwyn

behind him watching him with a cool, look, that made him feel like a

mischievous boy caught in a naughty act. Megwyn bent to inhale the fragrance

from a pink rose besides Reid’s hand. “They are my Lady’s pride and joy, as is

the herb garden.”

“I would expect no less from a lady such as lady Helen.” Reid

replied.

“This is not Lady Helen’s garden, but Astrid’s. Lady Helen

rarely leaves her chambers except for her meals. She has made it abundantly

clear that she finds us all beneath her.” Megwyn replied.

“It is from these herbs and plants that the Astrid makes

medicines to tend the sick and flavorings for the meals. But come she is

waiting for you by the gate. She has been given permission to take to Nairn.”

Reid saw Megwyn point towards a wooden door in the north

wall of the garden. “Go through there and the tunnel will take you to her.”

Reid followed Megwyn’s directions, the wooden door lead to a

short dark tunnel that let out onto the large open yard before the great hall.

Reid saw his horse, and two other’s tied before the stone stable and the man

Gothwyn. Then he saw a hint of blue and Astrid stepped about a large black

horse and his heart stopped for a moment. She was beautiful, she was wearing a

gown of deep sapphire blue, with a light cape over her shoulders. Her glorious

hair hung down to her waist and was pulled back from her face, with a small

braid wrapped around her head keeping the wild, brilliant mass out of her face.

Reid looked at her for several moments, remembering as he’d last seen her and

comparing his slim little Viking to the young woman before him. She was still

thin and toned, but her hips and breasts had flared to give her an hourglass

shape. Astrid turned and saw Reid and a wide smile lit her face, she hurried to

him, throwing her arms about his waist. Reid returned her embrace before

reluctantly pushing her away. There were to many people about for him to kiss

her as he wished.

“Father told me I was to take you to Nairn and show it to

you. But we can’t tarry long as the council is to meet after lunch and you

should be there.” Astrid smiled up at Reid, thinking how handsome he looked.

“Yes, your woman Megwyn told me. I’m pleased but surprised

at your father’s action.” Reid was indeed happy to have some time alone with

Astrid, but curious as to why her father would let them leave the keep

unchaperoned.

“I was surprised too, perhaps it is a sign he won’t break

the betrothal after all.” Astrid gave Reid a quick smile. “Gothwyn is going to

ride with us as chaperone.” Astrid turned to pull a clothe bag from off her

saddle horn and handed it to Reid. The unmistakable smell of fresh bread wafted

up to him and his stomach growled loudly.

“This is for you to eat as we ride, bread and cheese. Megwyn

had said you’d not eaten yet, and I don’t want you to starve.” Astrid gave Reid

another smile, then turned back to take her reins from Gothwyn and slipping her

foot into the stirrup swung herself into the saddle. Once she was seated she

adjusted her full skirt so her legs were covered, despite the fact she was

riding astride. But Reid had caught a flash of shapely leg, in hose of deep

blue before she’d pulled down her skirt. He couldn’t wait to get his Viking

alone and peel off her gown and see how she’d changed since they’d last seen

each other.

Rid took his reins from Gothwyn then looped the strap of the

bag about his saddle horn and then pulled himself into the saddle. He watched

Gothwyn mount, then turned to receive a nod from Astrid, the trio rode at a

quick walk through the gate and down the cause way.

When Ceo Danach was behind them Gothwyn gave Astrid a grin.

“I will ride with you both to Nairn and then I’ll give you some time alone. I’m

sure after two years apart there is much you want to say to each other.”

“Thank you Gothwyn.” Astrid returned Gothwyn’s smile and saw

Reid frown.

“May I ask you a question Astrid?” Reid was confused by

Gothwyn and Astrid’s relationship. She’d called him her man at arms last night,

but that seemed an odd thing for a girl of sixteen to say about a man who was

as old as Reid was.

“Why did you introduce Gothwyn as you man at arms? Why,

though I am delighted, is your chaperon offering to leave us alone?” Reid

demanded and saw Astrid and Gothwyn exchange looks.

“Because I serve lady Astrid, my life and sword are sworn to

her alone.” Gothwyn replied.

“I don’t understand, she is only a young woman.” Reid

protested.

“My lady saved my life five years ago, since then I have

served no one but her.” Gothwyn replied.

“She saved your life?” Reid asked.

“Yes, I was thirteen and out riding. I found him in a ditch,

he’d been badly beaten and left to die.” Astrid looked over at Gothwyn.

“She saved my life and cared for me for many months, even

sleeping by my bed.” Gothwyn stated. “The men who attacked me had tried to

cleave my head, and as such I can remember nothing. Not my name, where I came

from, nothing. I could not even speak or feed myself for weeks. My lady tended

me, and once I was well enough to stand and walk I would follow here

everywhere.” Gothwyn gave Astrid a sad smile. “I do not even know if Gothwyn is

my name, it was written inside the belt I was wearing when my lady saved me. I

have no memory before my lady. She is the first thing I remember, her face

smiling down at me.”

“When I came to King William’s keep, Gothwyn was to weak to

travel. But now he is fine.” Astrid gave Gothwyn a smile, that caused Reid a

moments pang of jealousy.

“When I recovered, my lady showed me how to use a sword and

bow, how to ride. She has been my savior and my teacher. So I swore my life to

her.” Gothwyn gave Reid a nod. “Now I will ride ahead so you two can speak

alone.”

Reid watched Gothwyn ride a head and was again plagued by

jealousy. Gothwyn was not that much older than he from his looks, and handsome.

It bothered Reid to think that Astrid spent a great deal of time alone with

him.

“Is something wrong? You are making such a face.” Astrid

asked, seeing Reid was scowling.

“Your body guard is a man of my age and obviously devoted to

you. What man would not be worried about his betrothed so close to a strange

man?” Reid replied, he saw Astrid appear surprised.

“I think of him only as my friend. You need not be jealous.

I do not think he even notices I’m a girl.” Astrid replied.

“Then you are naïve, he notices all right, it would be hard

not to notice.” Reid reached over and grabbed Astrid’s reins pulling Bran to a

halt. Then leaned down to kiss her. How could she not know what a beautiful

woman she’d become. He thought of her again as she danced before the fire and

felt himself growing hard. It had been too long since he’d had a woman. There

were plenty of maids at the keep, who from their smiles would satisfy his

needs, but he would be betraying Astrid. He had meant what he’d said, she was

in his heart his wife already. He sat back breaking the kiss and saw her flush.

“Come catch me if you can.” Astrid gave Reid a grin and

commanded Bran to run with her mind. Bran let out a loud snort and lept

forward.

Reid cursed watching Astrid race ahead of him across the

bracken covered moor. He gave his own mount a hearty kick and set it racing

after Astrid. He passed Gothwyn at a canter and heard him laugh, then his eyes

were on the bumpy ground ahead and Astrid. He pushed his mount to a run, divots

of mud flying up behind him as he raced after her. Astrid was standing in her

stirrups, her weight shifted over Bran’s sleek neck, every now and then she

would look back over her shoulder to see if Reid was gaining.

Reid heard heavy hoof beats and realized Gothwyn was racing

to catch up with them. He looked ahead seeing a small stream was in their way,

he watched as Astrid and Bran sailed across it in a black blur and then his own

mount lept it. They landed hard on the other side and Reid had to grab a

handful of mane to stay in his seat. He watched Astrid race to the top of a

hill then reign Bran to a halt. Reid slowed to a trot, and rode up to her. He

didn’t know whether to be furious with her or praise her for her skill. She was

obviously a skilled rider, but she could have been injured or worse in her

race.

“You win.” Reid said, as Gothwyn rode up. Astrid gave Reid a

glowing smile and turned in the saddle to point ahead.

“There is Nairn, is it not grand?” Astrid pointed north and

looked across the moor to where Nairn rose black from the green and grey moor

to break the cloudy blue sky.

Reid looked ahead and his breath caught in surprise. He’d

once again been expecting a simple keep, but what he saw was much more. A fine

square, stone keep rested on the edge of a cliff over looking the shimmering

sea. At each corner of the massive keep a square tower rose high above the rest

of the battlements.

Reid could see what appeared to be workmen moving about the

front of the keep and realized that they were extending the outer bailey. In

front of the keep was a dirt road that snaked away over the moor, while a

village of about twenty houses sat clustered along the road perhaps a quarter

mile from the keep. A narrow stream could be seen cutting across the moor, past

the village and disappearing on the far side of the keep.

“It shall be yours once we are wed.” Astrid saw Reid starring

at it in obvious surprise. “I have been increasing the size of the outer

bailey, per the suggestion in one of your letters. What do you think of it?”

“It is more than I could dream of.” Reid said.

“I am glad. I know you are marrying me for my dowry, I’d not

want you to be disappointed.” Astrid said and saw Reid frown.

“Astrid.” Reid wanted to tell her she was more to him than

just land, but he couldn’t say what he felt, not in front of Gothwyn. “You know

you mean more to me than that.” Reid saw Astrid look away, her eyes troubled.

“Forgive me, since we parted many men have asked father for

me, wanting to gain my lands. I have begun to think of myself as merely an

object and not a person, come, there is much to see.” Astrid eased Bran down

the hill towards the keep and Reid frowned. He would have to remind Astrid that

she was more to him than her dowry. She was his future, she was going to be the

mother of his children and the founder of his legacy. She was going to help him

show everyone that he was more than just a low born bastard.

Reid gave Henry a kick and followed Astrid down the hill at

a slow trot. As the neared the keep he could hear the sound of hammers and

men’s voices. About a hundred yards from the keep a sentry on the wall waved to

them and yelled something in Scot, to which Gothwyn yelled back in Scot, that

caused the workmen to lay down there hammers and wave at both Astrid and Reid.

“What did he say?” Reid asked, riding closer to Astrid.

“He told them you were my betrothed come to see the keep.

The men have heard me speak of you, so don’t mind if they stare at you, after

the wedding you shall be their lord.” Astrid gave the workmen a wave and lead

Reid through the construction area, and under a massive stone arch way, then

into a large open court yard covered in flagstones.

Gothwyn dismounted and stepped up to take Astrid’s reins.

She threw her leg over Bran’s neck and was about to jump down when Reid hurried

forward and wrapping his hands about her waist lifted her down. He set her on

her feet and keeping his hands on her waist stole a kiss.

“I will stay here and let you show Sir Reid the keep.”

Gothwyn said.

“Thank you.” Astrid turned and resisted the urge to take

Reid’s hand, there were to many watchful eyes about.

“This way.” Astrid motioned, then picking up her skirts

began walking across the large flagstone courtyard towards the main door.

Reid looked about for a moment taking in the piles of ropes,

buckets and planks stacked neatly against the far wall. The keep was strangely

empty, and he wondered where everyone was. He caught up with Astrid as she

reached the door to the great hall. He stepped in front of her and lay his hand

on the door handle, pausing a moment to study the carved oak door, bound by

thick iron bands. The head of a wolf looked down at him and he grinned.

“Is this for me?” He asked, opening the door for Astrid.

“Yes, you told me you were called Reid the Wolf. I hope it

pleases you.” Astrid paused in the open door to see Reid nod.

“Does your father not care that you spend gold so freely?”

Reid asked stepping inside the keep.

“This was my aunt’s keep, it came with it’s own inheritance,

so no father does not care.” Astrid said, moving into the large entrance way.

“We will start with the great hall and the chambers down here and then go

upstairs.”

Reid grunted in agreement and looked about again struck by

the emptiness of the place. “Where is everyone?”

“There is only a small staff here now. Care takers, and

kitchen women who keep the place clean and feed the workmen and the guard. When

my aunts were killed many of the villagers moved away.” Astrid shrugged looking

about the dark entrance way. “But once we come to live here many of the

villagers from Ceo Danach shall move here with us, so we won’t be alone.”

“ I see.” Reid replied. He followed her through the huge

entrance hall and then under a huge stone arch way. Reid looked about to see

they were in a large hall, long plank tables running down the sides of the

room. Massive fire places were at either end of the hall, and circular iron

chandeliers hung over head. Some ten feet up in the far wall were a series of

recessed windows with thick beveled glass in each of them, letting in slanting

shafts of sunlight.

Astrid let Reid take every thing in and stepped back as he

began to explore the hall. She followed him as he opened doors, entered

chambers and peered into storage rooms with equal interest.

In the kitchen his good looks garnered him smiles from the

kitchen maids and the cook. After much rambling they stopped before a heavy

wood door, a serious of roses carved on it. Reid pushed on the iron handle and

stepped inside. It was a large chamber, with two built in stone window seats,

with the wide windows again covered by glass. A large fire place was on the

left and on the right was a huge canopied bed.

Reid walked up to the bed and a smile tugged his lips, it

was the master bedroom he realized. He turned to see Astrid lingering in the

door, her cheeks tinted red.

“I had the master carpenter make it for you. I remembered

how you were even taller than Eric.” Astrid turned a deeper shade of red as she

remembered lying ***** in Reid’s arms. “I hope you like it.”

Reid nodded and sat on the bed, smiling at the softness. He

turned to look at the head board and saw the same wolf head emblem carved there,

that as was on the door of the keep.

“It is wonderful, why don’t you join me.” Reid held his hand

out to Astrid and saw her shake her head.

 “There are to many

people about, I dare not do anything that would anger father.” Astrid was finding

it hard though to resist Reid’s smile. “If you don’t like the bed or anything

in the keep please let me know and I will see it changed to your satisfaction.”

Astrid looked down feeling plain. “I would not have you unhappy when we wed.”

Reid frowned seeing her divert her gaze. “Why would I be

displeased, this keep is more than I could of dreamed of.”

“But I am not, I shall never be more than this.” Astrid

turned and walked down the hall. Stopping she looked out the window at the end

of the corridor, watching the sea in the sunlight. She heard a heavy footfall

and knew it was Reid.

“What is it?” Reid had been over whelmed by everything he’d

seen, and knowing that in less than two weeks it would all be his was heady. He

was struck again by how lovely Astrid was, beams of sun light were shinning off

her hair making it glow like bright polished copper. She would also be his,

this amazing elfin woman would belong to him. The thought he was very lucky

came to him again, but he could see something was bothering her.

“Nothing, I’m just feeling sorry for my self. I had hoped to

be taller, to have grown into the kind of woman you would truly want. The kind

of woman you would be proud to have as your wife. But I’m afraid I have

probably disappointed you, as I have my father.” Astrid sighed. “I have always

know my dowry comes first in your heart. That for you this is not a love match,

and it never shall be.” Astrid saw Reid move to touch her and shied away. She

had realized as they walked through the keep that she and Reid might never wed,

and had decided to steel her heart for such an eventuality. “I’m just being

foolish. We had better go, there is one more place I’d show you.”

“Astrid wait.” Reid saw her shake her head turning to walk

away from him. “I said wait.” He said it louder than he meant, and with more

anger and saw her cringe. “I did not mean to frighten you. You know that I care

for you. That I have come to think of you as more than just what you bring me.

You are more than I deserve, don’t you know that?”

“No, I don’t. I shall always be simply the girl you won and

not the woman you want. And you don’t know me, know the true me. We shared

three days almost two years ago that meant everything to me, to you I was just

another woman in your bed, just a naïve and ugly girl and nothing more.” Astrid

watched the sunlight sparkle off the sea. “But as my father often tells me I’m

a stupid girl. I don’t want to loose what is left of my heart to you, if we are

not meant to be. Come we had best go.” Astrid head down hurried down the

corridor and towards the steps. Reid mumbled a curse, he would have to find the

courage to tell her how much she meant to him.

Astrid had watched the joy on Reid’s face as she’d shone him

the keep. At first she’d been happy at his near child like delight, but it had

only reinforced the fact that she would never be first in his thoughts. That

she would always be just a bag of gold and a strip of land to him, just as she

was to every other man. She fleetingly wondered if any man would ever want her

just for her and not her dowry.

Reid followed Astrid through the keep and out the huge door

into the sun lit courtyard. He saw Gothwyn greet her warmly, and her give him a

smile, that again made Reid feel a twinge of jealousy. He saw Gothwyn move to help

her mount and hurried forward to grab her about the waist and all but throw her

into the saddle.

“Thank you Reid.” She said giving him a surprised look.

Astrid watched Reid mount, her heart heavy, for so long

she’d dreamed of him coming, remembering what they had shared in those stolen

moments. But now he was here, and her father was as like as not to take her

from him, and give her to another man. She would have to fight the feelings she

had for him. She was afraid that if she gave into her feelings she would go up

like torch oil, and when her father took her away she’d shatter into a hundred

pieces, she couldn’t let that happen.

“To the west tower Gothwyn.” Astrid eased Bran forward and

out the gate, not looking back. As they rode past the workmen they stopped in

their labors to wave to her and she returned their greetings, then pushed Bran

to a canter. With the wind flying in her face Reid couldn’t talk to her, and

she didn’t have to think.

Reid mumbled another curse as he watched Astrid ride away. Something

was obviously upsetting her, he remembered her words that her father might

break the betrothal. Not if he could help it he wouldn’t.

They rode south along the cliff top and Reid realized the

land had begun to dip down, that Nairn was built upon a higher plateau than Ceo

Danach. Ahead a light grey, square tower rose from out of the heather to stand

watch over the land. In front of the tower was a stone enclosure, with a small

stone shed, obviously meant to house horses. It was towards this tower that

they appeared to be riding.

Astrid slowed as they approached the tower, and then stopped

Bran before the wooden gate of the enclosed paddock. She dismounted quickly so

Reid would have no excuse to help her and opening the paddock gate lead Bran

inside.

“I will wait for you on the beach.” Gothwyn said and road

away as Reid dismounted. He too turned his mount into the paddock and then

followed Astrid to the large stone tower.

“What is this place?” Reid stepped up to the door and pushed

on the heavy iron latch. There was a grating noise and the heavy door swung

inwards, revealing an entrance way in front of them and a narrow spiraling

staircase to their right. Astrid followed Reid inside and stood looking towards

her left where there was a guard room.

“It is a look out tower, my grandfather use to keep men

here. On the roof there is a large stone fire pit, if the watchmen saw ships

approaching they would light the signal fire and the watchmen at Nairn or Ceo

Danach could sound the alarm. There is a wonderful view from up top I thought

you would enjoy.” Astrid stepped away from Reid sensing a tension building in

him. “Come, the climb is not hard.”

“Talk to me, you are not the same girl I parted with.” Reid

reached for Astrid only to have her walk into the guard room. He followed her

seeing three cots along the walls, with fresh blankets neatly folded at the

foot of each. “That girl was not so timid.”

Astrid stepped further into the large square room and

watched dust moots dance in a beam of sunlight as it came in through one of the

narrow windows.

“That girl was naïve and foolish. I have grown up some since

then.” Astrid heard Reid step into the room.

“I didn’t find you either. I thought you were amazingly

clever and trusting. Tell me what is wrong?” Reid moved closer, only to have Astrid

step away from him again.

“I was foolish, I held my heart out to you and you didn’t

want it. Those nights in your arms, when you loved me it meant everything to

me. But I have been made to see that you didn’t want my heart or my love.”

Astrid closed her eyes, feeling stupid and ugly. “You were simply using me so I

would like you, so I’d not break the betrothal. You did not care for me then,

and you don’t now. When you look at me do you even see me, or just what I’ll

bring you?” Astrid demanded, thinking of her father’s words.

Reid felt something cold grip his chest and cursed. He

stepped up to Astrid and grabbing her by the shoulders spun her about.

“Who was been telling you I don’t care? Who has been filling

you with lies?” Reid saw Astrid’s face fall, fear filling in her eyes. “You are

my woman. There has been no other but you since we parted I swear it. Those

nights were special to me too. I told you things about myself I have never told

another. Now who has been making you doubt my feelings?” Reid realized he was

squeezing her arms too hard and eased his grip, fearful he’d bruised her.

“Helen said you would never love me, that I was small and

ugly.” Astrid closed here eyes feeling foolish again. “And Birkett, the day

he.” Astrid stopped seeing anger rise in Reid’s eyes.

“What did he say, what did he do?” Reid growled and saw

Astrid flinch.

“He had pretended to be my friend. He would come and tell me

stories about the two of you, and make me miss you all the more and then.”

Astrid bit her lower lip.

“Tell me, I’m not going to hurt you. Is that what you think

that I’m going to hurt you.” Reid saw her nod and gave a mental curse. What had

happened to her since they parted, what had her father been doing to her.

“The last day, he told me you’d never want me. Not me the

girl, that you had made sport of me with him and the other knights. That you

only wanted my dowry. I tried to deny it, but I remembered what you’d said.”

Astrid shook her head. “ And I had seen you and Helen kissing in the garden, I

remember you saying you loved her. I have grown no taller. I’ll never be like

Helen, I’ll never be tall or fair, never be the kind of woman you want.” Astrid

closed her eyes not wanting to see Reid’s face. “The kind of woman you’ll be

proud of or love.”

Reid cursed and saw Astrid cringe felt her body tense as if

waiting for a blow. Dear God her father must be beating her to make her act

like that. He pulled her into his arms and held her against him.

“For give me for not telling you how much you mean to me.

You and not your dowry. Your father could keep it all and I would be happy with

just you.” Reid heard Astrid gasp. “I was afraid then to give you my heart. I

had trusted Helen and she had used me. I wasn’t ready then to take what you

were offering me, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t want it.” He stroked her back

feeling her relax against him. “It matters not to me that you are tiny, you are

lovely to me.” Reid sought her lips only to have her turn away. “What is it? Do

you still doubt me?”

“My father, if he finds out we were together he would punish

me.” Astrid looked up at Reid. “And I don’t think I could stand it if we made

love and then we were made to part. My heart would shatter.”

“I won’t let him take you from me, I swear it. For two years

I have thought of you, dreamed of you. It is agony for me to have you so near

and not be able to touch you.” Reid captured her face with his hands kissing

her hard, forcing his tongue into her mouth. He felt her hands tighten on his

arms, and for a moment she resisted then she was kissing him back, her tongue

twining in his. They kissed for several moments before Astrid pulled away, her

breath coming in ragged gasps, her heart once again thundering in her chest.

Reid grabbed her about the waist pulling her against him. He

bent lower nuzzling and kissing her neck, and felt her squirm in his arms. Reid

inhaled deeply, she smelled like flowers and sun shine, and her skin was as

soft as he remembered. Reid kissed his way back up to her mouth, before

claiming it with another demanding kiss.

Astrid returned Reid’s kiss with a hungry passion of her

own. She pulled him closer to her and began pulling at his shirt, desperate to

have him *****, wanting to feel his hot smooth skin beneath her hands. She felt

Reid tugging at the back of her gown, pulling the laces open, she lowered her

arms and let him slip it off her. It pooled about her feet and she kicked it

aside, quickly followed by her under dress and then her breech clout and

stockings. She stood before him ***** and unashamed and smiled up at him,

seeing his blue eyes take in her body. She saw him smile, this eyes lowering to

her full breasts. She’d not grown much taller since they were last together but

she’d grown a woman’s body. Her small pert breasts had grown into lush ripe

melons, tipped with the same pink nipples that he remembered. God she was

beautiful, absolutely beautiful he thought. Her waist was still so small he

could wrap both hands about it and have room to spare, but her hips had flared

into a woman’s hips.

“Do I please you? I am no taller but my hips are wider now.”

She brazenly caught his hand and placed it against her abdomen. Reid groaned

and silenced her with a kiss, his right hand was between them as he cupped and

squeezed her full ******, feeling the ****** pucker under his touch. Her lush

breasts and soft pink nipples were still the most erotic thing he’d ever seen.

He felt himself growing hard as desire coursed through him. She was his, this

lovely little woman was his, all his for this moment in time and he could do

anything to her he desired. He knelt before her, hands on her back and hungrily

began to suckle her right ******. Astrid moaned in delight and had to place her

hands on his shoulders for support.

“I dreamed of you every night, of you loving me.” She felt a

hungry longing begin deep inside her and spread her legs apart. “Did you dream

of me?”

She felt his hot mouth trail across her chest to her other

******, when he took it in his mouth she moaned in excitement.

“Do I please you Reid?” She felt Reid gently bite her ******

and then lavished it with his tongue. His hands slid down her back, then his

right hand was between her legs, rubbing and caressing. Then she felt his

fingers slid into her hard as he continued to suckle her ****** and the

pleasure tore through her. She cried out and felt her knees buckle, felt Reid

wrap his hard arms about her and carry her to one of the cots.

“Aye you please me, you please me a great deal.” Reid began

kissing his way down her body. “Your breasts drive me mad. At night as I lay in

my cold room I would think of your sweet little face, and your wonderful little

mouth, and then your breasts.” Reid stopped to caress her between her legs

again making her squirm. “Your breasts are beautiful. Your breasts drive me

mad, they are the most perfect I’ve ever seen.” He trailed kisses down her then

stopped and with a wicked smile bent to kiss her nether lips. He slowly tasted

her and smiled, she tasted like sweet honey, and he leaned forward to circle

her nether lips with his tongue.

 Astrid gasped,

arching her back all her fears and protests vanishing. Waves of pleasure

coursed through her as Reid continued his assault till she was thrashing and

moaning in pleasure. He slid his fingers back into her hot core and she cried

out as she found her pleasure in a sudden burst of intensity. Reid watched her

come, felt her spasm around him and smiled. It was only then he noticed the

thin gold chain about her waist and reaching out with his fore finger found his

ring and the pendant he’d given her. She’d not lied, she was wearing it. He

tugged on it as on the cot Astrid came back to herself. The ring and pendant

hung low on her abdomen as if guarding what was his and his alone. He leaned

down and ran his tongue up her, from the junction of her thigh to his ring. He

kissed it, and then her abdomen as his fingers descended to stroke her again,

she was wet and swollen from his first possessions of her and she moaned at his

slightest touch.

Once they were wed he would give her such pleasure and in

return she’d give him bliss, she would love him and only him. He caressed and

circled her swollen flesh till she was thrashing on the little cot and then he

buried his fingers in her hot core and a scream tore from her throat, and he

smiled.

Reid crawled back over her and gathered her in his arms

while she still lay trembling. Astrid wrapped her arms about his neck and

kissed his neck. He couldn’t wait till he could claim her completely, till he

could bury himself in her lithe body and fully take his own pleasure. He bent

to capture her lips again, enjoying the feel of her ***** breasts against his

skin. Several moments latter Astrid pushed him onto his back and climbed onto

his chest *****, her hair gleaming in a bright shaft of sunlight streaming in

through one of the high windows.

Astrid gave Reid a wicked smile and wiggled backwards down

his body, stopping to tug at the laces on his breeches. “It is your turn my

love.” Astrid pulled down Reid’s breeches and then his breech clout. His erection

was full and hard, she licked a finger and ran it down his hard shaft and heard

Reid groan in pleasure did. For a heart beat she considered mounting Reid as he

lay back on the cot, his eyes closed. She would no longer be a maid and if her

father did take her from Reid at least she would have given herself first to

her true love. But she knew Reid would be furious if she did, so she simply

leaned forward and kissed his shaft, hearing him groan in pleasure, then slowly

took him into her mouth.

Reid thought he would die from pleasure as Astrid’s lips

closed over him, her mouth was so hot and warm. It was even better than he’d

dreamed, than he’d remembered. He propped himself up on his elbows and reaching

down caught the back of her head, tangling his hand in her silken hair as she

loved him. When he found his own release he pushed her away and bellowed as

pleasure washed over him. He saw her sitting back watching him with her huge

blue eyes, and he grabbed her about the waist to drag her against him and plunder

her mouth.

Reid tightened his arms about Astrid, enjoying the silken

feel of her skin, while he nuzzled her neck. “I am mad for you. I can’t wait

till we are wed. I will carry you to our chamber and we shall **** **** for

three days straight.” He slid his hands down her back to squeeze her small

bottom making her giggle.

“I will like that. I want to give you strong handsome sons

and beautiful tall daughters with blonde hair and blue eyes.” Astrid lay her

head on his chest. “Good Norman sons and daughters you will be proud of.”

“I would love them just as much if they had your hair. I

have decided I like red hair very much.” Reid captured her mouth again with

another hard kiss. With great reluctance Astrid slipped off Reid’s chest and

cast about for her clothes. Reid watched her scamper about the room ***** and

sighed in combined satisfaction and self disgust. She was seventeen, true in a

week she’d be eighteen but he was a man of twenty nine almost thirty making

love to a seventeen year old girl. Astrid must of sensed something was wrong

and stopped dressing to give him a puzzled look.

“Did I do something wrong? Did I not make you happy?” She

saw him shake his head and pull up his breech clout.

“No. It’s just my conscious is bothering me. I am twenty

nine and you are seventeen.” Reid pulled up his breeches and crossed to her as

she pulled up her gown. He bent to nuzzle her neck. “I feel guilty and blessed

at the same time.”

“I enjoyed it too much to feel guilty and at least for now

you are still my betrothed.” Astrid was suddenly over come with fear, if her

father found out what she’d just done, nothing would spare her from his wraith.

Reid frowned sensing something was wrong. “You are worried

about your father?” Astrid nodded.

 Reid released her and

saw her look away. He turned about and pulled his shirt from the floor to slip

into it, Astrid watched him dress and smiled at him strangely.

“What is it?”

“I never thought I would ever have a man as handsome as you

care for me, or even notice me. I know I’m plain, I know when I walk by men

don’t look at me the way they look at Helen. I know all the men who ask father

for me only want my dowry.” Astrid turned unable to look at Reid. He was so

handsome and she loved him so much it hurt to think he didn’t love her back. “I

don’t even know why you are with me now. Or why you loved me before. You did

not need to do it to make me want you, or to prevent me from asking father to

break our betrothal. I would have agreed to marry you even if you had never

apologized.”

“Astrid.” Reid pulled her into his arms. “Has no one ever

told you how beautiful you are?” Reid cursed himself for his thoughtless words

so long ago. Astrid was a sensitive girl and he’d obviously wounded her deeply

that day. His words had festered in her.

“You think I made love to you because I wanted you to like

me?” Reid saw her nod, he groaned and wrapped her in his arms. “My poor

innocent little one, your father has kept you sheltered for too long. I loved

you then as I did now because I find you beautiful and desirable.” He rested

his cheek on top of her head. “A man can not fake his desire for a woman. The

desire I have for you is real, and I meant what I said, once we are wed I plan

to have you constantly.” He heard her breath catch. “There are many ways a man

can love a woman, I have yet to show you. Once we are wed I plan to have you in

every possible way a man can have a woman. Is that not enough proof that I want

you? If not for my vow to wait till our wedding, I would take you now. Now no

more foolish talk.”

“It is growing late, and I want to show you the view from

the roof before we leave.” Astrid slipped from the stone chamber and began up

the wide winding stone stair case, Reid on her heels. When she reached the top

of the tower she stepped onto a wide stone landing and then up to a heavy wood

door. She pushed it open and stepped out onto the slate covered roof. She was

amused to see Reid having to bend low and squeeze his impressive bulk through

the door.

Astrid took a deep breath letting the wind off the sea fill

her lungs and tried to calm herself. She had a horrible feeling that something

evil was coming, that she and Reid would be separated for ever.

Reid marveled at the view and was glad Astrid had brought

him up, despite his hate of heights. He could look out to sea for miles, watch

the clouds being driven in off the churning sea. Reid watched as the wind made

breaks in the thick clouds, to let shafts of golden sunlight lance down to

illuminate areas of the sea brightly. Behind him was the grey green moor, with

its rolling hills and patches of purple heather.

“It is a wonderful view thank you.” Reid stated as Astrid

walked closer to the wide casement and look down at the sea breaking on the

jagged black rocks below.

“Alarick and I often come here. We like to stand up here and

watch the thunderstorms as they roll in off the sea.”

“You don’t find them frightening.” Reid asked moving closer

to the casement, though the height made him nervous.

“No, Alarick and I were born in a terrible storm according

to Megwyn. She said it was the worst storm any one had seen in several

generations.” Astrid turned to look towards Nairn. “ I was born in Nairn too.”

“You were, was it your mother’s keep?” Reid asked.

“No, it belonged to her sister Rutha. Ceo Danach was her

keep, father got it when he married mother. Mother was very rich.” Astrid

looked over at Reid as he digested the information. “Mother was some eight

months gone with Alarick and I, she and father had, had a huge fight. She

stormed out of their chamber and down to the stables and grabbed her horse, and

rode to Nairn.”

Reid gave her a look of disbelieve. “Your mother rode away

when she was eight months gone with child?”

“Aye, according to Megwyn and half the keep. She told her

sister father had been kissing a serving wench, and not to let him in. So aunt

Rutha lowered the gate and refused to let father enter.” Astrid saw Reid give

her a smile.

“They apparently made up?” Reid asked stepping closer.

“Yes, but not till father stood outside the gate and shouted

his apologies to mother for three days. By then Alarick and I had decided to

come, so she forgave him.” Astrid sighed. “Mother was very wild and strong

willed. When I was younger father would say to me you are just like your

mother. Like it was a good thing, like he was pleased. But now.” Astrid felt a

lump in her throat and turned to watch the surf again.

“But now? Now what?” Reid could see something was troubling

Astrid.

“Now when he says it he beats me. He says your just as wild

as your mother and then he hits me.” Astrid heard Reid gasp.“ When we came back

from England. He said what had happened was my fault. That I shouldn’t of saved

you, that I brought shame to the family.”

Reid went cold, her father had punished her for saving his

life, for tending him. It had never occurred to him her father wouldn’t be

pleased with the match.

“What did he do to you?” Reid asked and saw her turn to

avoid his gaze. “What did he do to you? Tell me. What happened was my fault not

yours.”

“He said he was ashamed of me, embarrassed I was his

daughter. That I was a disgrace to him. He took me to the dungeon and beat me

till I could no longer stand then locked me inside. He kept me locked inside

till I promised to be better, to be less wild. He let me out two months later.”

Astrid looked out to sea, her emotions in a turmoil. Behind her Reid gasped in

shock. “When I was younger he encouraged me to act like my brothers, to think

for myself, to speak for myself. But these past years he beats me if I do and

it confuses me. After, after.” Astrid had to take a deep breath to find the

strength to go on. She’d not planned to tell Reid what had happened, but now

she had to.

“Go on tell me. There should be no secrets between us.” Reid

stated.

“After I recovered from being stabbed, father took me aside.

He said it was all my fault. That I must have done something to encourage

Birkett. He said I was a stupid girl, that I was wild and head strong like my

mother and he was ashamed of me. That he regretted I was his daughter, that it

would have been better if I had died that day on the field, the day my mother

died. He said it would be better if I’d not survived being stabbed.” Astrid’s

voice broke and the tears rolled down her cheeks. “Then he bound my hands

together and he.” Astrid couldn’t go on any more, it hurt too much to speak.

Reid felt like someone had splashed ice water over him. No

wonder she was so confused by his desire for her. Her father was constantly

degrading her how could she think anyone would want her.

“What did he do to you?” Reid reached out for her but let

his hand fall, knowing she needed to talk. “What did he do?” Reid growled angry

beyond belief.

“He took me back down to the dungeon and he beat and then he

locked me in for a month. He again told me he wished I was dead, that he was

ashamed of me. He asked me why I bothered to live. That it would have been

easier for him if I’d died, better if I was dead. I told him I lived because I

loved you, that I wanted to be your wife. He only hit me again and told me I

was a fool, that you didn’t love me or want me, that you only wanted my dowry.

Then he locked the door and left me alone in the dark, he didn’t let me out

till I told him you only wanted my dowry.” Astrid couldn’t bear to look at

Reid, she was too ashamed, afraid to see what would surely be contempt and

disgust in his eyes. “I have tried to be good. He only let me go dancing last

night because the people in the village expected me to be there.” She heard

Reid step closer. “I shall try to be a good wife. I’ll try to make you proud of

me. I’ll try to do what a good Norman lady would do I promise I will.”

“Astrid.” Reid said softly. Astrid had cause to not only

doubt her looks but his feelings for. She was also being made to feel ashamed

and worthless by her father. It angered him beyond belief that her father could

beat her with such impunity. That her father could practically torture her and

no one stopped it. “I don’t want you to change. Once we are wed I’ll never let anyone

hurt you.”

Astrid shook her head, still afraid to meet Reid’s eyes.

“You cannot keep such a promise .” She closed her eyes remembering her visions

of late. In them a man was beating her and asking about the treasure, before

stabbing her.

“Astrid, do you think I will hurt you? Do you fear me? Do you

think I would willingly let anyone hurt you?” Reid demanded and saw her

shoulders slump. Hell what had her father been doing to her these past years?

Why had he been trying to crush her spirit?

“No, I don’t fear you. That is why I love you. I know you will

never hurt me. I know you will be kind to me. It is just so confusing.” She

wanted to throw herself into Reid’s arms, to let him hold her and kiss her,

make everything better. But she couldn’t, what if her father did break the

betrothal? She couldn’t let her feelings for Reid grow any deeper. She’d been a

fool to **** **** with him knowing what could happen, but it had felt so

wonderful and she’d missed him so.

Astrid dashed tears from her cheeks and climbed up onto the

wide parapet wall and standing only inches from the edge lifted her face to

catch the wind.

“Perhaps my father is right, I’m just a stupid girl. I have

lived locked away for so long. I have watched my brother’s die one by one, and

lived all these years knowing I had duties to do. Duties to my family, to our

people.” Astrid forced herself to be calm. “Then I let myself fall in love with

you, thought I knew you despised me.”

“Astrid, I never despised you.” Reid took a cautious step

closer. He cursed wondering again what was wrong with her. She’d always been so

brave and self assured. Earlier they had been laughing and enjoying the day.

Perhaps she felt guilty about them making love.

“But you did, because I was not Helen. Because I was not

Norman. You should not deny what we both know is true.” Astrid looked back out

to sea hating herself for being weak, hating herself for being all that she

was. “I think some part of you still despises me, and always will.” She could

end things here and now, one step more and it would all be over. Reid would be

free and her father would be free, all she had to do was take one more step.

Astrid stood on the top of the parapet and looked down at the surf pounding

against the rocky beach below. She heard Reid breathing heavily behind her and

knew he was as confused as she was.

“Astrid, please. I know something is troubling you. And what

your father did and said was wrong. You know I care for you, what we just

shared cannot be faked. Now Please come down.”

Astrid shook her head. When the day had started it had been so

full of hope and promise. But a feeling of dread had begun to fill her and she

knew something bad had happened. She felt the gentle touch of Alarick’s mind in

hers, felt him calling to her even over the distance. She closed her eyes

opening her mind and letting Alarick in. She could feel something was troubling

him even over the distance between them she knew he was upset, upset for her.

The council had decided her fate, they were going to take her from Reid.

Something on her face must have given her away.

“What is wrong?” Reid demanded seeing a strange look cross

Astrid’s face.

 “Alarick is upset,

something is wrong.” Astrid closed her eyes so she could concentrate on her

twin’s thoughts. “My father lied to you, the council met already while you were

out with me.” Astrid shook her head in disbelief. “Father let us ride out

together, not to be kind but so you wouldn’t be there to protest.”

“What are you talking about?” Reid demanded.

“The council met while we were away, that is why father

wanted you gone. They have had him break our betrothal. They are taking me away

from you.” Astrid shook her head, she didn’t want to live if she wasn’t married

to Reid.

“Astrid, you don’t know that.” Reid reached out to Astrid,

tugging her off the wall to set her down before him.

“But I do, I can hear Alarick’s voice inside my head, feel

his thoughts.” She saw Reid shake his head. “I am my mother’s child, I am a

witch. As my mother was before me, as her mother was before her.” Astrid turned

away so she wouldn’t see the contempt in Reid’s eyes, when he realized the

truth about her.

“I don’t believe in such things. All I know is I care for

you, and you for me. That you are my woman.” Reid was nervous now, Astrid’s

predictions and words in the past had always been unerringly correct.

 Astrid once again

felt Alarick’s anguish, knew her hopes had been dashed. “When we return you

will see. The council met already, and despite what your brother said, despite

what Eric said our betrothal is broken.” Astrid felt Reid tighten his arms about

her. “They shall make me marry someone else, and it will be like a living death

for me. I’ll have to let another man touch me and kiss me, and I can’t bear the

thought.”

“No, I will speak to your father. I will fight for you if I

have to, you are mine.” Reid couldn’t stomach the thought of her being taken

from him and given to one of the huge hairy men he’d seen in the hall that

morning.

“It will do no good. I would rather be dead than let another

man have me.” Astrid shivered in combined fright and loathing.

“Don’t say that, as long as you live there is a chance we

can be together. Do you understand me?” Reid bent and kissed the top of her

head. Several moments passed and Astrid’s words began to fester in Reid’s mind.

“Astrid, why do you claim to be a witch.” Reid demanded, he felt her shake her

head. “Why did those men call you one the day of the tourney?”

“You will think ill of me if I tell you.” Astrid turned

breaking Reid’s hold. In the time that they had been a part her gifts had

grown, just as her body had. She’d wanted to deny them, to deny what her mother

and aunts had been, but she couldn’t.

“How can you think that?” Reid leaned down to nuzzle her

neck, his hands slipping about her waist.

“You see while I love you, you don’t love me.” Astrid’s voice

caught for a moment. “While you are the man of my dreams, I’m not the woman of

yours. I’ll always be just the woman you settled for.” She pulled from Reid’s

hands, it was too hard to think when he was touching her. She could still feel

Alarick inside her head, his confused thoughts making it even harder to think.

“Astrid.” Reid reached for her and she moved further away.

“You need not lie to make me feel better. I know I’ll always

be the second choice in your heart. I’ll always be that wild Viking girl you

won. If I tell you, if I show you, you will think even less of me.” Astrid

looked out at the sea beyond. “It doesn’t matter if you like me any more, for I

know father shall take me from you.”

“How can you think that, you know I care for you. No matter

what you tell me my feelings for you will not change.” Reid placed his hands on

her shoulders. “You mean a great deal to me, you shall always be more than a

bastard like I deserve. Now tell me.”

 “Come I will show

you.”  Astrid slipped inside the tower,

and hurried down the steps, Reid close behind her. She stepped outside, then

turned to face Reid and took a deep breath trying to clear her mind.

“What I tell you, what I show you, you must keep a secret.

Only Megwyn knows what Alarick and I can do. We have kept the truth hidden from

even our father, for fear of his reprisals, for fear we would be scorned and

punished. I have visions, dreams of thing to come, both awaking and asleep.”

Astrid saw Reid shrug.

“Though I don’t understand these visions of yours I know

that they saved my life. This is nothing that would make me turn from you.”

Reid took a half step forward and watched Astrid back away from him.

“I can speak to beasts with my mind, as can Alarick. Make

them do my bidding.”

 “You have a way with

animals. That is all.” Reid took another step forward and Astrid stepped back

again.

“Then I must show you, and I pray you will not despise me

for it.” Astrid closed her eyes trying to calm her mind. She pushed Alarick out

of her thoughts, forced everything out till her mind was as open as the moor

itself. She felt a hawk, high above their heads soaring on the up drafts.

“There is a hawk above us. Look up do you see it?” She asked

her eyes still closed. Reid frowned and looked up, not sure what point Astrid was

trying to prove. All he knew was that they had made love and now she was acting

oddly, and claiming that the council had already met, that their betrothal was

broken.

“There is no hawk. Now you are frightening me, something is

wrong and I would help if you would let me.” Reid watched Astrid shake her

head. She held her left arm out and Reid saw a dark shape streak across the

clear sky. Magically a hawk was above Astrid’s head trying to hover, then it

dropped to land on her out stretched arm.

Reid froze as the hawk turned it’s head to look at him, it’s

black eyes studying him. He watched it’s talons tighten on Astrid’s arm,

piercing her gown and the skin beneath, but she barely flinched. Astrid opened

her eyes then reached over to stroke the hawk’s downy chest.

“I have tried to deny what I am, to be what you would have

of me, to be the kind of woman you would truly love, but I can no longer do

that. This is what I am, though I wish I was not.” Astrid looked over at Reid

saw him watching her oddly.

“As I can feel the hawk’s mind I can feel Alarick’s. We use

to just feel each other’s pains and joy, but this last year the bond we share

has grown. I can hear his thoughts in my head.” Astrid continued to stroke the

hawk’s chest. “That day at the tourney those men called me a witch, they spoke

the truth. Though I have tried to deny it, to fight what I truly am, I am a

witch. I am the White Witch of Ceo Danach. I have tried to be a simple girl, to

make my father proud of me, to make you proud of me. But my mother’s blood,

runs to strongly in me, that is why it would be better if I was dead.”

“Don’t say such a thing.” Reid paused seeing the pain in her

eyes. He didn’t care, he’d known she was special and unique, he just never knew

how special. “It matters not to me. I don’t care that your not Norman, that

your hair is not blonde, that your not tall. I want you just as you are.” Reid

stepped closer keeping a wary eye on the hawk. “You are my little love, and I

would not change you. It was you I have dreamed of these past two years and no

other.”

Astrid inhaled sharply seeing the

truth in Reid’s eyes, he really did care for her.

“Would you like to pat it? It will let you if I ask

it.” Astrid saw Reid nod and willed the hawk to be calm, to let Reid touch it.

Reid eased forward and with a tentative finger stroked the hawk’s chest,

marveling at how soft it was. He looked down to see blood was dripping from the

hawk’s clenched talons.

“Send it away! Send it away, it is hurting you.” Reid

couldn’t stand it any longer, he wanted to pull Astrid to him and comfort her.

He saw her close her eyes and a heart beat latter the hawk flew away. Reid

grabbed Astrid’s sleeve and with a tug ripped it apart baring her forearm.

There were eight deep punctures in her arm that were bleeding freely. Reid

cursed at the injury and reached down to rip a length off his shirt tail, then

wrapped it around Astrid’s bleeding arm.

“It is all right, it doesn’t hurt to much.” Astrid was

touched by Reid’s concern for her. “I don’t disgust you? You don’t hate me

because I’m fey?”

Reid shook his head and wrapped his arms hard about her

holding her tight against him. “You thought I would no longer care for you

because you are different? Because you are special? I knew you were special in

England, I just never knew how special.” He cupped her small face with his

hands forcing her to look up at him. “No matter what your father says, I want

you just as you are.” He tightened his hands on her, seeing the pain in her

eyes.

“You have been hurt too much Astrid ” Reid bent to kiss her,

still holding her face with his hands. “Something is still troubling you, I

would be your friend as well as your lover and husband. Tell me what it is?”

Astrid wrapped her arms about Reid’s waist and nodded. “Just

I fear for us, and I fear that someone still means to do my family harm.”

“We will ride back and I will speak to your father. I will

do what ever it takes to see you become my wife. Do you think I want another

man to have you?” Reid saw her shake her head. “You are mine. I’ll not let him

take you from me with out a fight.” Reid gave her a hard, passionate kiss

letting her know how much he wanted her. The released her but keeping a

possessive arm around her guided her back to their horses. Reid helped her into

the saddle, before turning to mount Henry.

Reid gave her a smile and saw there was still a deep sadness

in her eyes. “Astrid, can you call other beasts?”

“Yes, but you can’t tell anyone, not even your brothers. It

would go ill for Alarick and I if people knew.” Astrid looked away over the

wind swept moor for a heart beat. “Not even Leif knows, only you and Megwyn

know all the truth.”

Reid felt deeply touched by her trust in him. “I will keep

your secret.” He rode up to her and leaning from the saddle kissed her. “I wish

we could just ride away, that I could find some village priest and have him

marry us.” Reid didn’t want to go back, he was afraid that Astrid spoke the

truth. That something had happened in their absence and that she was no longer

his. “But we can’t. You are a Baron’s daughter, and not a girl I can just

spirit away.”

Astrid felt the ache in her arm from the hawks talons, it

matched the pain in her heart. She nodded and guided Bran into a trot, making

for the distant beach where she knew she’d find Gothwyn waiting. As they neared

the beach she saw Gothwyn sitting on a large boulder, watching the surf. She

waved to him and saw him nod head, and then mount and ride up the embankment to

join them. He frowned seeing Astrid’s face and then her bloody arm.

“My lady?” Gothwyn demanded alarmed.

“I had an accident. I was showing sir Reid the tower and

slipped on the steps.” Astrid replied.

“Of course my lady. I’ll ride ahead again.” Gothwyn frowned

again as if not believing her answer, but didn’t question. He eased his mount

it to a trot, putting distance between him and the others.

 Reid shook his head

watching Gothwyn ride ahead of them. “If I dragged you from the saddle and had

you on the spot what would Gothwyn do?” Reid asked watching Gothwyn ride off.

“Nothing, unless I called him. As I said he serves me and

not my father and brothers.” She gave Reid a sly smile. “If my father asks he

will swear that he never left us alone.”

“Then he is a very loyal man.” Reid resisted the urge to do

just what he’d said. Instead he leaned down to claim her sweet little mouth

with a kiss. He felt himself growing hard just looking at her, remembering what

they’d just shared. “Remember no matter what Astrid, you are my woman, and I

will always care for you.”

They rode back to Ceo Danach in silence. Reid and Astrid

exchanging quick glances from time to time, that said more than words ever

could. As they rode across the stone cause way Brent and Grant appeared,

quickly followed by Alarick. There faces all looking grime. Reid followed

Gothwyn and Astrid into the keep and dismounted in the open court yard, three

boys running out of the stable to take their horses.

“Reid, damn it where have you been?” Eric demanded running

up to him.

“The council has met all ready and my father means to break

the betrothal.” Astrid said seeing Alarick nod.

“How, did you know?” Brent demanded looking at Astrid, his

eyebrows raised in suspicion.

 “Because it was my

father’s suggestion I take Reid to see Nairn. I should of know he did not do it

to be kind.” Astrid saw Alarick give her a sympathetic smile.

“I tried Reid, I tried, as did Eric. He argued most

eloquently on your behalf. But with the trouble William is having now, the

lords argued that Lady Astrid is too valuable a prize to be given to a Norman.”

Brent mumbled a curse under his breath.

Reid watched Astrid turn from him and look down. “It is as I

feared. Who is to be my husband?” She asked nervously, looking up at Alarick.

“They haven’t decided yet. They nearly came to blows over

you. Several lords desire you, lord Cormac and Lord Indulf being the most

vocal. At the moment it seems to be going in Cormac’s favor. I’m sorry.”

Alarick gave her shoulder a sympathetic squeeze.

Reid gave a mental curse, damn he should of said the hell

with his duty and come sooner. He looked over and saw Astrid’s eyes had grown

wide in recognition of the names, the color draining from her face.

“There is my angel.” A voice boomed and Astrid turned to see

Cormac striding up to her, as her father stepped out onto the steps of the great

hall. Reid was about to tell Astrid he would fight for her when a huge hairy

man, with black hair shot with grey strode up. The man gave Reid a passing look

and then leered at Astrid.

“Soon angel you shall be mine.” Cormac grabbed Astrid about

the waist, kissing her sloppily on the mouth, his hands sliding down to squeeze

her small but shapely backside. Astrid struggled in Cormac’s grip as Reid

reached to grab him.

Eric appeared from now where to push Cormac away from

Astrid, who was now shaking with combined anger and fear. “Lord Cormac, you

forget yourself. My sister is not yours yet, and you insult Sir Reid. He has

yet to learn Astrid is no longer his betrothed.” Eric was seething in anger, he

gave a nod to Reid. “Astrid go inside father needs to speak to you, and sir

Reid.”

Reid felt his ire rise, and it was all he could do not to

launch himself at the hairy bear like lord who’d just mauled Astrid. Reid

clenched his teeth as he studied his revival. The man was old enough to be

Astrid’s father, from the grey in his hair and beard he was at least fifty

summers old, if not older. The man was also burly and round with an over

hanging belly, and large rough hands. Reid’s stomach crawled at the thought

that this man was trying to take Astrid from him.

Cormac gave a hearty laugh, turning he gave Reid a

challenging look. Reid was about to confront Cormac when Brent’s hand appeared

on his chest holding him back.

“Reid if you have any hope to salvage this you had better

come inside.” Brent whispered. Reid swallowed his pride and turning on his heel

followed Astrid into the hall.

“Sir Reid, Sir Brent.” Baron MacClaine rumbled and motioned

for the brothers to follow him down the corridor. Reid looked over to see

Astrid repeatedly scrubbing her lips with the back of her right hand, trying to

wipe away Cormac’s kiss, and his anger rose again. She was his damn it, had her

brother not stepped in the way he’d of flattened the burly lord Cormac for

daring to touch her.

They followed Baron MacClaine into a medium sized stone

chamber, a large table filling the middle of it. Huge maps made of animal hides

hung on the walls, and Reid instantly recognized the largest as a map of Ceo

Danach.

Baron MacClaine turned to glower at Astrid once they were

alone in the chamber. “Did you behave l?” He demanded in Scot and Astrid nodded

her head. “If I ask Gothwyn will he tell me you too were alone at any time?”

“No, father he was with us. I was a good, I swear.” Astrid

was terrified her father would know what she and Reid had done. Her father

stepped closer giving her a hard look and she held her ground. He reached down,

grabbing her left arm and pulled it up for his inspection. He looked at the

makeshift bandage stained with blood and squeezed her arm.

“What happened? Do not lie to me.” He twisted her arm

forcing a gasp of pain out of her, and dropping her to her knees.

“My Lord.” Reid exclaimed, stepping forward to intervene,

only to be brought up short by a black look from the Baron.

“What happened to your arm? You weren’t up to any of your

tricks were you. You know I forbid you to do them.” He was now gripping her

forearm so hard it had started to bleed again.

“No father. I fell on the rocks and cut my arm, I was good.”

Astrid replied in Norman.

“Your lying to me, and I’ll have your hide for it.” Baron

MacClaine smacked her open handed across the face, the sound loud in the stone

room. Reid cursed, stepping forward to try and free Astrid when Eric stepped

forward.

“Damn it father, your going to snap her arm, let her go.”

Eric grabbed his father’s hand and pried it off Astrid, she gasped in pain and

sank to her knees cradling her arm.

“She was up to no good with this Norman, I can see it on her

face.” The baron snapped, glowering at Reid, before turning to back hand Astrid

across the face. Reid had, had enough he lept forward and grabbed Astrid,

pulling her to his chest.

In his arms Astrid shook her head, her eyes wide with fear,

she crawled out of his arms to kneel before her father. Reid felt unimaginable

anger boil up in him. No wonder she’d been so fear full, she’d been afraid her

father would punish her for loving him and apparently he was. If her father

treated her like this before others, what in the name of god did he do to her

in private?

“Baron MacClaine, Astrid and I simply went for a ride. She

showed me Nairn and a tower, and we walked on the beach. We did nothing that

would cause you to beat her.” Reid growled leveling a dark look at the Baron.

The Baron returned his steely stare and Reid could smell ale on the man. Her

father was drunk and it was just past lunch.

 Baron MacClaine gave

Reid a contemptuous look and then reaching down tangled his hand in Astrid’s

hair dragging her up.

“Did you do anything I should know about?” He thundered

shaking Astrid hard. Astrid reached up trying to grab his wrist, as Eric once

again lept forward to help her.

“Your going to kill her.” Eric shouted, prying his father’s

hand off Astrid, who once free dropped to the floor.

 “This is all your

fault you stupid witch.” Baron MacClaine said in Norman, then kicked Astrid in

the side. Reid had, had enough he lept forward and wrapped his arms

protectively about Astrid. “I’m plagued by countless lords asking for her hand,

because she is rich. I rue the day she was ever born. She is nothing but a

witch like her mother, a stupid, ugly little witch who is more trouble than she

is worth. If she really cared about her family she’d have the decency to kill

herself and save me all this aggravation.” Baron MacClaine thundered.

 “Stop it father, it’s

not her fault. You knew mother was rich when you married her. You agreed with

grandfather that your first born daughter would inherit everything.” Eric

protested, stepping before Astrid, trying to shield her from their father.

Reid was horrified and angry, and so full of rage it was all

he could do not to turn and beat the life out of baron MacClaine. Only a short

time ago Astrid had lain in his arms and he’d kissed her silken skin and

worshiped her little body. Now he had to stand back and watch her father beat

her, it was more than he could stomach.

“I shall come straight to the point Sir Reid, by now your

brother has told you I mean to break the betrothal.” Baron MacClaine gave him a

hard look and walked up to the map hanging on the wall. “My daughter owns all

that you see.” He lay his hand on the map as if to emphasize his point. “All

around us are powerful lords. Lords who have been less than pleased that my

daughter and her considerable amount of land shall belong to a Norman.

Especially now that William is faltering on his throne. It has come down a

choice between Lord Cormac or Lord Indulf, both are powerful men. She will have

to wed one of them.”

“Then keep her damn land, keep her gold. Keep it all, I will

take her with nothing but the gown on her back.” Reid said trying to keep the

anger out of his voice. “I am very fond of Astrid, and she me. Keep everything

just let me have her. I’ll take her from here today.”

 “It would be better

she died than married a bastard such as you.” Baron MacClaine sneered at Reid,

who balled his fists in rage.

“Father, damn it, you can’t do this. Sir Reid has honored

your agreement. You can’t just tell him it’s over.” Eric stepped forward to

glare angrily at his father. “Besides there is something you don’t know, they

are all ready wed.”

“What do you mean they are already wed.” The Baron shouted,

and Eric stepped back as if he was struck.

“My wedding night, while you were drunk I hand fasted them.

I saw how much Astrid loved Sir Reid, and how much he’d come to care for her.

You had been wrong, you should of let them wed that day.” Eric took a deep

breath meeting his father’s eyes. “So I hand fasted them, Leif was there he can

vouch for it. So you can’t take her from him.”

“Your lying. The mid wife examined her when we returned

home, she is untouched.” The Baron barked glaring at Eric.

“He tells the truth, we were hand fasted. Though I didn’t

take her innocence, we did **** ****, and more than once.” Reid stepped

forward, his anger barely in check. He wasn’t going to let Astrid be hurt any

more.

“You *****.” The Baron charged for Astrid only to be blocked

by Eric.

“Stop it father, stop it she did nothing wrong.” Eric

shouted back, shoving his father back hard. Father and son exchanged heated

looks for a moment. “You hurt her again and you’ll loose all your sons. We

shall leave you, we’ll sail away and you’ll never see us again. She’s a good

girl and you know it. She has done nothing wrong.” Eric stepped forward to

stand toe to toe with his father. “I’ll not stand by any more and let you hurt

her. She is a lovely gentle hearted girl and you have done nothing these past

years but degrade her. She has been a good and dutiful daughter. She keeps the

keep warm and clean and tends any who is ill.” Eric put his hands on his

father’s chest and gave him a hard shove. “And how do you thank her? By telling

her she is dumb, ugly and worthless. When you know its all lies.”

Baron MacClaine cursed and swung his fist at Eric, who

caught his father’s hand in his and twisted hard. For several heart beats the

men battled each other and finally Eric won. Baron MacClaine staggered

backwards nearly loosing his balance.

“I will tell Lord Cormac and Lord Indulf that Sir Reid is

still a candidate, and I must decide what to do. Till I have, he stays away

from her.” The Baron gave Reid a withering look, then strode towards the door.

 “I’m hungry daughter,

go to the kitchen and fetch me food.” He bellowed at Astrid, then the Baron

yanked open the door and stormed off.

“Thank you Eric.” Reid said.

“If I could I’d let you carry her off.” Eric looked over at

Astrid his face full of sadness. “Say good bye quickly.” Then Eric too hurried

from the room closing the door after him. Reid hurried to Astrid, bending to

examine her face. Her cheek was bruised and her bottom lip cracked and

bleeding. Blood was running down the back of her left hand to drip on the

floor.

“Astrid forgive me. If I’d know he was hurting you I’d have

come sooner. I’d have told the King to go to hell and come for you I swear it.”

He reached to take her in his arms and she shook her head.

“No, don’t father will only punish me again.” Astrid

couldn’t bear to look at Reid, to see the pity in his face. “Did you mean what

you said, that you’d take me with nothing?”

Reid nodded, he ached to take her in his arms, to ease her

pain.

“Thank you for today, it meant a great deal to me. Just

knowing you think me pretty means everything to me.” Astrid pushed herself off

the wall. “I want you to know that I love you Reid, and I shall till the day I

die.”

“Astrid I’m going to fight for you, do you hear me. Promise

you won’t give up.” Reid waited several heartbeats, then saw her nod her head

ever so slightly.

“I promise.” Astrid said then limped from the room her head

down in misery. Reid watched Astrid go and turned to level his anger and

frustration on a nearby chair. He kicked it hard, sending it flying across the

room to smack into the wall with a loud thump. No wonder Astrid had become so

strange after they’d made love, she was fearing her father, fearing what he’d

do to her if he knew they’d been alone.

“Reid.” Brent said, he looked stunned by what he’d seen.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for both of you.”

“I am too. I thought she was safe with her family. I didn’t

know her father was using her so ill. Hell fire!” Reid swore. “Did you hear

what he said to her? How could he say such vile things?” Reid looked at Brent

who shook his head. Reid’s own father had been a hard man, but he’d at least

said he was proud of  Reid.

“While you were out, Alarick took me aside. He said he was

glad you had come. That these past years their father’s anger has begun to spin

out of control. That he blames all the families misfortune on Astrid. Alarick

thinks, the deaths of all his sons has unhinged the baron’s mind.”

Reid fought the urge to break something. “I’m not going to lose

her. I’m going to do what ever it takes to make her mind.” He heard a sound at

the door and saw Gothwyn.

“I take it from your faces the Baron not only told you the

news but hurt my lady again.” Gothwyn said his dark eyes sad. “Before we rode

out today I promised my lady I would give you your gifts, regardless of what

happened today.” Gothwyn looked at his hands for a moment. “And you should

speak to brother Fenton, he is Norman. He might be able to help you.”

“What gifts?” Reid demanded in surprise.

“My lady bought you several wedding gifts. She told me I was

to give half of them to you today, no matter what. I think she sensed her

father was going to break your betrothal. Please come, it will give her some

pleasure to know you have them.” Gothwyn stepped to one side and motioned for

Reid and Brent to proceed him out the door.

“We might as well Reid. There is nothing else we can do

today.” Brent watched Reid’s jaw clench and then with a nod of defeat followed

his brother from the chamber.

Astrid stifled her tears of shame and regret and made her

way to the kitchens, holding her arm to her chest. The kitchen was empty except

for Mary, who was hovering by the large iron stew pot. Astrid snatched  up a length of clean towel from a neat pile

by the wash stand and wrapped it about her arm before hurrying up to Mary. Mary

was not allowed in the kitchens, not since both Gothwyn and Megwyn had seen her

putting something in the food and acting oddly. Astrid knew that Mary was not

to be trusted Birkett’s admission that she had poisioned Reid at the tourney.

Mary spun to face her, a guilty look on her face.

“You know your not allowed in here Mary. What do you want.”

Astrid snapped and the blonde maid drew her self up haughtily looking down at Astrid.

“My lady is the first wife here and as such out ranks a mere

daughter of the family. She is hungry, I’ve come to fetch her some stew.” Mary

snapped icily.

“If Helen wishes to claim her rights as first wife she needs

to start fulfilling her responsibilities first. The day she appears to help

make the bread or scrape vegetables then and only then can she be considered a

first wife, till then she is no more than a guest. Now get out of the kitchen.”

Astrid said through clenched teeth. Her arm and ribs were throbbing in pain and

as was her breaking heart, she was in no mood to deal with Mary and her

treachery.

“My lady is a true lady, it is beneath her to do menial

labor.” Mary retorted hotly.

Astrid bit her tongue so as not to say what she thought of

Helen. She snatch up a bowl from beside the hearth and filled it with stew,

then shoved it into Mary’s hands. “Eat it now. I think you have been poisoning

my father’s food. Go on eat it.”

Mary caught the bowl, some of the gravy sloshing over the

side onto her gown.

“No.” Mary shook her head and Astrid gave her a shove with

her right hand.

“I said eat it.” Astrid snapped channeling her anger with

her father into dealing with Mary. Mary mumbled a curse and dropped the bowl to

the flag stone floor sending stew every where, before fleeing, just as Megwyn

and Anna the head kitchen woman entered.

“I gave orders that she was not allowed in here. I caught

her tampering with the stew pot.” Astrid said and saw Anna go pale.

“I will check it my lady, and I’ll post a guard to see that

she doesn’t come in here again.” Anna said hurrying to check the stew.

“Do that, in the mean time my father wants something to eat,

he is in his chamber. Please have something taken to him immediately.” Astrid

said and saw Anna nod. Astrid hoped the stew hadn’t been poisioned, it would

take hours to prepare something else for lunch and she didn’t want to garner

her father’s wraith again.

Megwyn made a face and stepped up to Astrid wincing at her

bruised cheek and bleeding arm. “My lady, come with me. Let me see to your

arm.”

Astrid followed Megwyn through the kitchen, trying to keep

her face calm so no one would see her cry. She followed Megwyn into her small

chamber at the back of the kitchen, holding her turmoil in check. Megwyn closed

the door behind Astrid and pulled her into her arms giving her a hug.

“I’m sorry. I heard what happened.” Megwyn tightened her

embrace as Astrid made a small choked sob, burying her face in Megwyn’s

shoulder.

“I don’t know how I’ll bear it if I can’t marry Reid.”

Astrid let the tears she’d held in check come. “The thought that I will have to

submit to a man like lord Cormac turns my stomach. What shall I do?”

Megwyn placed her hands on either side Astrid’s face,

whipping away her tears. Then forced her to look at her. “You shall do what you

must. You shall have to swallow your pride and screw up your courage. Men don’t

understand what it is like for a young girl.” Megwyn shook her head. “On your

wedding night you are to drink my lady, drink more than ever before. Then when

it is time close your eyes and pretend who ever the man is that he is your sir

Reid. Just keep your eyes shut till it is over.”

Astrid bit her lower lip as she sought to control her tears,

she was a Baron’s daughter after all, she would do her duty no matter what she

felt.

“Now let me see your arm.” Megwyn gently began unwrapping

the crude bandage. When her arm was bare, Megwyn made a hiss of dismay seeing

the wounds. She gave Astrid a questioning look.

“I called a hawk for sir Reid. I told him what I was and he

didn’t care.” Astrid winced as Megwyn began washing the blood from her arm. “He

didn’t care that I am fey. He likes me just as I am.”

Megwyn gave Astrid a small smile, then turned to lift a

clean cloth from atop her table. Ripping it down the middle she began winding

it about Astrid’s arm. It hurt to see Astrid suffer so, to know her father now

punished her for what he once encouraged. Megwyn and everyone in the keep were

horrified by the Baron’s violent out bursts that he turned on Astrid. The

entire keep and everyone in the village loved Astrid and hated seeing her so

ill used.

“That is wonderful. Now I will see that the evening meal is

under way, and that your father has his meal. Then I will come to your chamber

and help you dress for tonight. You will want to look your best.” Megwyn gave

the bandage a finale tug.

“Have the musicians arrived. I don’t want father angry

because we have no entertainment to offer.” Astrid demanded, in her joy at

being with Reid that morning she’d forgotten to check.

“Yes, they are all here. There is even a master bard here,

named Banning. Everything shall be ready. No go wash and I’ll come to you as

soon as I can.” Megwyn said.

“Thank you Megwyn. I don’t know what I’d do with out you.”

Astrid stood on tip toe and gave Megwyn’s cheek a kiss, then hurried away, her

heart still heavy.

 Chapter Seventeen

Banning sat upon the low cot he’d been given, his

back to the chill stone wall and silently fingered his lute. A heavy partition

hung from the ceiling, separating his back corner from the rest of the long

sleeping hall. His title as a master musician had earned him the corner, a cot

covered with a thick straw stuffed mattress and a locking wood trunk for his

meager possessions.

Through the partition, he’d heard men, all warriors, talking

in thick rough voices full of brag and bravado. They spoke of war and battles,

of women and wives, of sport and their leaders. But what he heard most often

was that the lady of the keep was a rare beauty. That she was a fine

swords woman and horsewoman and that until that morning she’d been betrothed to

a Norman knight. Her betrothal to the Norman was widely viewed as a bad idea,

but of the lady herself no ill word did he hear. He also heard much of her

three brothers and lastly of her father, who was thought to be a gruff and ill

tempered man.

Banning had met none of the family so far, having arrived

late at night and been shown to his quarters by the chatelaine. Soon it would

be time for him and the other performers to be called to the great hall. Then

he would see the lady who caused such debate. He paused in his strumming to

imagine what the lady must be like, from her description she was a hulking

shield maiden with a lovely face. With a smile he resumed his strumming.

Astrid took a deep breath and plunged her face into the

bucket of tepid water. A few heartbeats later, she flung her head back, sending

a shower of crystal drops about the room. Blinking water from her eyes, she

dried her face upon a clean linen towel and straightening turned to take the

gown Megwyn held out to her.

Astrid had hoped to go to her rooms after leaving her father

earlier and prepare for tonight. But two more lords had arrived for the

gathering and she had to see that they were found space in the already crowded

keep. Then see that an area was made available for their men to set up camp.

Because of her duties she was now late for the evening banquet and feared her

father’s wraith. But at least she’d hardly had a moment to contemplate her

fate, or her breaking heart.

“We’d best hurry, there is little time.” Megwyn said

tightening the laces at the back of her gown. Astrid smoothed the deep blue

silk gown into place, then fastened a gold girdle about her waist. The girdle,

like most of her jewelry had been made for her by Leif’s large and loving

hands.

Megwyn ran a wood comb through Astrid’s wild curls,

murmuring under her breath all the time. “So like your mother’s, never could I

keep it untangled or tame.” Megwyn slipped the comb into her mouth and then

with nimble fingers began to braid a length of blue ribbon into a plait down

Astrid’s back, braiding tiny gold bells into it as she went. With a final tug,

she tied the long braid off with another length of ribbon.

Megwyn spun Astrid about and putting her at arms length gave

her an appraising look. Astrid was as lovely as a fairy queen, all eyes would

certainly be on her tonight.

“Your mother would have been proud, you look lovely.” She

said with a motherly smile.

Astrid did not feel lovely, her face still ached from her

father’s smack and her ribs and arm were tender. Her heart was also to full of

sorrow to smile, but for Megwyn’s sake she forced a smile.

“Everything is ready? The cooks have prepared all father’s

favorite dishes?” Astrid asked running down her mental list. Megwyn nodded and

opened the door of Astrid’s chamber.

“The entertainers are all ready?”

Again Megwyn nodded.

“And Helen is not up to her usual tricks?” Astrid asked.

Helen was a constant thorn in both her and Eric’s side. She was lazy and

insulting to everyone in the keep, to make matters worse she would openly flirt

with visiting lords in front of Eric just to spite him.

“No, I had a word with her. I threatened to take a cane to

her backside if she got out of line. She was most indignant, but she will mind

her manners.” Megwyn said with a grin. She gave Astrid’s appearance a last

critical look, giving her belt a straightening tug. “Come it is time to see to

our quests.”

The great hall was crowded to overflowing. The original

U-shaped table from the morning had been expanded, an extra two tables added to

the head table to accommodate more lords. A double width of tables had been

added along the arms, with extra tables in the back corners, and along the

sides of the room to accommodate the men at arms, lesser merchants and those

whose rank or wealth did not accord them a place at the main tables.

The main chandelier burned bright with the light of over a

hundreds candles, while torches flickered in wall scones, every little draft

making their flames shift to cast dancing shadows upon the nearby tables and

walls. The tables had been set with ceramic mugs and the finest pewter dishes,

which groaned under the weight of bread, rolls, fruit and steaming sides of

beef, roast pork, mutton and lamb. A mixture of herbs and rose petals had been

scattered over the floor rushes, scenting the air with a heady perfume, while

bunches of heather were tied to the walls, or sat in pewter vases. A small army

of servants stood in readiness along the walls or by the tables, all scrubbed

squeaky clean and dressed dark blue, the color of the MacClaine family.

Astrid, with Megwyn but a step behind, hurried down the

steps to the first landing, where her father and Eric waited, a scowling Helen

behind Eric. Helen locked eyes with Astrid for a moment, then she gave Astrid a

withering look and looked away. Baron MacClaine examined Astrid, and she

stiffened preparing for her father’s scorn, to her surprise he smiled and

stepped forward to kiss her own the head.

 “Forgive me.” He

said.

 Astrid managed a

smile, seeing some of her father from old again. He use to love her fiercely,

his love had always been so comforting, making her feel secure and protected.

It had just been since Helen and Mary had come that he had changed towards her.

Together the group descended the steps and swept through the arched entrance

way into the great hall, their entrance brought instant silence as all eyes

settled upon them.

Light from the iron chandelier lit them brightly, cast it’s

orange glow into the great hall and shimmered like molten gold in the hair of

the Baron and Astrid. Wood grated on stone as men, lord and commoner alike,

rose to their feet pushing back chairs and benches. At the side of the hall

Reid looked up from his tankard, that he had been toying with and followed

everyone else’s gaze. Baron MacClaine, Eric, Megwyn, Helen and Astrid emerged

in the wide door way. At first all eyes immediately fell upon Helen, she was

beautiful, her long silver blonde hair falling unbound to her knees, a gown of

midnight blue revealing her full figure. But while her fair looks drew all

eyes, they held few, there was a haughty coldness to her face that seemed out

of place with her beauty, so the eyes slid to Astrid and lingered.

Astrid had not the beauty of Helen, but her smile and huge

blue eyes full of warmth and laughter were far more engaging. Her hourglass

figure, flattered to it’s fullest by her sapphire gown and gold belt, left no

doubt she was a woman and left many wondering what it would be like to have her

warming their bed.

Astrid saw the men turn to look at Helen and gave a mental

sigh, she was use to it. She was use to being plain, to having men look past

her. She tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter, that Reid thought she

was fair, but she knew she was lying to herself.

Baron MacClaine sitting started the banquet, and the

servants began filing in bearing platters of loch salmon, roast beef and

pheasant. Serving wenches moved nimbly between the crowded tables, often having

to twist to avoid the grabbing hands of overly friendly men.

Reid watched the procession of food bearers, mentally

calculating the wealth it would take to put on such a feast. Astrid and her

family were rich indeed to pay for so much, richer than he imagined. No wonder

so many men wanted her, no wonder the others had challenged for her hand. He

looked down the length of table and caught her eyes. He gave her a quick smile

hoping she’d recovered from her father’s wraith. He could still remember the

feel of her silken skin under his hands, her cries of pleasure. Something in

his eyes must of given away his thoughts, for he saw her flush and give him a

fleeting smile before raising her goblet to him.

Astrid could barely taste her food. She tried not to look at

Reid, tried not to think of what they’d shared. She had been so full of joy

only a few days ago, eagerly thinking of her birthday and wedding, now she was

full of dread. She’d do her duty, she’d marry who ever was chosen for her and

try and make the best of it, but she’d always love Reid. She looked to see Eric

was equally unhappy, Helen was ignoring him while openly flirting with one of

their guests. Her eyes traveled further and to her amusement she saw Leif was

whispering in the ear of their cousin Lana. Lana had come with her father from

the Orkney’s and taken an immediate liking to burly Leif, much to his surprise

and pleasure.

At the end of the hall, the doors opened, and the

entertainers began to file in. Astrid took a deep breath, at least she would not

have to suffer in silence anymore. She’d hired a full score of musicians to

entertain during the gathering and for them to stay through her wedding feast.

She sighed again at the thought of her upcoming wedding and pushed her plate

away. Perhaps some music would lighten her spirits, forcing a smile for

appearances sake she looked down the row to where Reid was seated. She locked

eyes with him, saw him give her a smile before he looked away. Astrid looked

down at her plate again, it was going to be a long night.

Banning swept his eyes across the head table, easily

spotting Baron MacClaine by his size and ruddy hair. There were many beautiful

women present but only one drew his attention. She sat at the head table,

dwarfed by a dark haired man on her left. Perhaps it was the mass of red hair

that drew his eyes, but it was her sad smile that held it. Then the man next to

her bent to whisper in her ear and she laughed, her face lighting from with in

and Banning felt his heart leap in his chest. The lady had to be Astrid

MacClaine, but it was difficult to equate the small woman with the shield

maiden he’d imagined. The other musicians began to play a dance tune and he

hurriedly joined in, all the while watching the red haired woman.

Leif noticed Astrid’s unhappy look and frowned, he walked to

her chair, and held his meaty hand down to her. “Come Astrid, I wish to dance.”

Astrid gasped in surprise, as Leif pulled her from the table

and into the open area before the tables. She was about to protest but Leif’s

smile was contagious and dancing might help to take her mind off her misery.

Soon others joined in and Astrid was spun from one pair of hands to another,

till she was dizzy and breathless. The music stopped abruptly and she found

herself in Lord Cormac’s arms. She froze as he smiled down at her, and his

hands closed upon her waist.

“Now what have I here? It would seem the dance has rewarded

me with a fair prize, eh my lords?” Cormac asked holding her fast.

The other lords laughed, their faces flushed from drink and

dancing, shouts of forfeit and kiss her rang loudly. Astrid’s eyes widened and

she tensed, still remembering the hard kiss he’d given her that morning. Cormac

bent, crushing her lips under his, his beard rough on her skin. He released her

and she staggered backwards, still feeling his rough kiss. Astrid slid her hand

over her mouth and ran, pushing through the crowd that had begun to laugh. She

had to get away before she was ill, his breath had been rank and nearly made

her gag. She needed air and a moment to compose herself, she couldn’t let

Cormac know he made her skin crawl, know his touch made her sick. She darted

down the side corridor as she scrubbed Cormac’s taste from her lips with the

back of her hand

Reid had seen the kiss, seen Astrid run, heard the big Scot

lord laugh. Cursing Reid rose to his feet meaning to follow Astrid, only to

have both Brent and Grant hold him back. He angrily jerked out of their grips.

“It was only a kiss, I know it is galling but calm

yourself.” Brent whispered in his ear and poured more ale into Reid’s tankard.

“Simply a kiss? Till this morning she was my betrothed. You

ask me to calmly sit here and watch her be man handled and do nothing?” Reid

growled.

“I ask you to keep your head and do nothing to garner her

father’s anger for both your sakes. We don’t want to insult anyone. Now have a

drink and be friendly, we may needs some of these people’s help to win her

back.” Brent whispered and watched Reid grunt in acknowledgment. It was going

to be a long night he decided and reached for his tankard.

Banning had seen the burly lord kiss the tiny lady Astrid,

seen her run from the hall in obvious distress. He decided to follow her,

though she was a stranger to him, to see if he could lend some comfort. He

found her sitting on a wide stone bench, not far down a side corridor.

“Lady, are you well.” He asked stepping forward.

Astrid heard the crunch of stone and looked up to see the

dark haired bard who’d smiled at her earlier that night. “It is Lady Astrid

isn’t it?”

“Yes, thank you.” Astrid whipped away her tears motioning

for Banning to sit beside her. “But I don’t know your name.”

“Banning, my name is simply Banning.” Banning hesitated for

a moment, usually his kind and the gentry did not associate, however the lady

intrigued him.

Astrid smiled as the wiry musician sat beside her, his lute

under his arm. “Hello Banning, simply Banning. You play very well.”

Banning grinned, the lady had a sense of humor it seemed.

“Thank you. You are upset.” He gave her a smile. “Many have said I have a good

ear”

Astrid felt herself warming to the musician. “I suppose as a

musician, that tis a benefit.”

“Endlessly beneficial, it hears many things. Did you know as

a bard, I’m rather like a priest that I can never betray something told to me

in confidence.”

Somehow Astrid felt she could trust him, though they were

strangers. “I have need of a good and patient ear, Simply Banning. You see the

man I was betrothed to is Norman, a landless knight. Though at first he only

wanted me for my gold we came to care for each other.” Astrid felt the pain

well up again. “I have come to love him dearly, but today because of pressure

from the other lords my father broke our betrothal. He told me that I must wed

another man, it is not a thought that sits well with me.” Astrid shivered in

fear. “My father told me I am foolish that I must wed who is best for our

people, but doing my duty gives me little comfort when I think of my wedding

night.” Astrid looked down at her hands, afraid to meet Banning’s eyes. “I

suppose I sound pathetic.”

“No, you don’t.” Banning looked at Astird in the moonlight

trying to judge her age. She was young perhaps sixteen or seventeen, he

remembered what it felt like when he was that age. He’d fallen in love with the

daughter of his lord. She’d been forced to marry a much older man to bring her

father an alliance, he still remembered her tears and his own. It had taken a

long time to get over his first broken heart, it sounded like the lady’s heart

was breaking now.

“Thank you, you are very kind. Will you stay for awhile

Banning, it would be pleasant to have a friendly face to look at and a

sympathetic ear to talk to.” Astrid asked, hoping she didn’t sound foolish. “In

under fourteen days is my birthday and my wedding, would you at least stay till

then?”

Banning wished he could offer the lady more than just a

smile or a nod for comfort. “Yes thank you. I have no other engagements. It

will be nice to sleep in the same bed for more than a few days, and not to camp

under the stars.” Banning sighed. “But such is the life of a wandering

musician.”

Astrid was about to ask Banning if he would consider staying

as Ceo Danach’s permanent bard when she heard the heavy thud of booted feet and

looked to see Leif. He stopped before her and held out his hand to her.

“It is all right little Val, come back and dance

some more.” Leif pulled Astrid to her feet. “You are not a coward, come and show

Lord Cormac you don’t fear him.”

Astrid wanted to say no, Cormac’s kiss had shaken

her to the core. Reid’s kisses always made her melt and yearn for more,

Cormac’s kiss had been anything but pleasing. It had been painful and

violating, she didn’t know whether to run or to hit Cormac for his action,

instinct had told her to flee.

“Of course, he might be chosen as my husband I

should not fear him.” Astrid heard Leif grunt and felt his hands grip her

shoulders.

“If I was a girl I wouldn’t want him to kiss me

either. If he tries to kiss you again he’ll have me to deal with.” Leif

rumbled.

Astrid let Leif take her hand and lead her back to

the dancing. As she walked away she paused to give Banning a smile of thanks,

then let Leif lead her back into the hall.

“Reid there are other women you know.” Brent said jolting

Reid from his thoughts.

 “What?” Reid had seen

Astrid return, to begin dancing with Leif again, he was glad to see she was all

right. He set his tankard down and scowled at Brent.

“I said there are other women. Between the title the king

gave you and the gold you have, you could go back to Normandy and find another

woman. Some merchant’s daughter or even a lord’s younger daughter.” Brent had

noticed that Reid hadn’t stopped looking at Astrid all night.

“No.” Reid growled, Astrid was his, she was more than a

friend, more than a lover. He couldn’t stomach the idea of another man making

love to her. “I want Astrid, she has become very dear to me. She saved my life,

and gave me her friendship. I will not betray her trust.” Reid didn’t have the

words to say what he really felt for her. That he yearned for her, that he dreamed

of her as he’d never dreamed of any other woman.

Brent cast a furtive look towards where Astrid danced with

Leif, and his heart stopped for a moment. She had grown from a lovely girl into

a beautiful young woman.

“We will find a way Reid. Even if we have to kidnap her, we

will find a way.” Brent heard Reid gasp in shock. “I don’t want her to be

forced to wed that old bear any more than you do.” Brent said and saw Reid nod

his thanks.

Leif lead Astrid in several dances, till she was smiling and

out of breath, refusing to let her leave. As a wild circle dance ended, Astrid

tripped over her gown to stumble into the back of a dark lord. The man spun and

she found lord Indulf scowling at her, his eyes widened upon seeing it was her.

His gaze slid from her face to her bosom, exposed by her fashionable gown,

Astrid flushed, covering her chest with her hand. She didn’t like the way he

looked at her, it made her skin crawl, but then she’d never trusted him.

“My apologies.” Astrid stepped back, as his hand shot out catching

her wrist in an iron grip.

“You are lovely.” Indulf tried to pull her closer and Astrid

resisted trying to tug her arm free. Astrid felt his hand close tighter, and

she felt a wave of lust come from him frightening her. His lips brushed her

neck, then her cheek and she increased her struggle. “Come I only want a kiss.”

Indulf said as his lips smashed into her.

 “Get your filthy

hands off her.” Cormac’s voice rang out, as he appeared beside them, to grab

Indulf’s forearm hard. Indulf released Astrid, then swung his other hand up to

strike Cormac. Cormac blocked the swing with his forearm and shoved Indulf

away. Indulf fell back wards crashing into a trestle table covered with

platters of food. The table tilted sending platters to the floor with a loud

crash, bringing silence in it’s wake. Indulf struggled to his feet, his hand on

his belt knife his face red with rage.

“She is not yours yet. The only reason we are here is

because you pressured her father.” Indulf pulled his knife. “She could just as

easily be mine.”

Eric appeared his sword drawn and pressed it against

Indulf’s throat, Indulf sputtered curses and glared at Eric and Cormac, as

Baron MacClaine pushed his way through the crowd.

“You dare insult my daughter in her own home.” He gave

Indulf a black look. “You shall leave now, take your men and leave at once.”

“Tis night time, I’ll not leave.” Indulf protested giving

both Cormac and the Baron hard looks. Leif, Gothwyn and several of the

guardsmen stepped behind the Baron, adding their support.

“You have no option. My men shall see you and yours from the

keep, you are no longer welcome.” Baron MacClaine folded his arms before his

chest, glaring at Indulf.

Indulf’s  hands

clenched white knuckle tight. “You’ll pay for this MacClaine.” Indulf slid his

knife back into his belt. “I curse all of you, do you hear me.” His threat

still hanging in the air, he spun to stride towards the entrance way, people

parting before him.

The Baron nodded to Eric and Gothwyn who turned to follow

Indulf from the hall leaving silence in his wake. What had happened was not a

good sign for a celebration feast. Banning, who had caught the end of the

confrontation, caught the eye of another musician and began playing, hoping to

break the awkward silence.

 “Come more dancing.”

Leif shouted, trying to break the tension.

Reid had watched everything transpire from the side of the

hall, and it was only Brent and Grant’s hands on him that held him back again.

He watched lord Indulf being escorted from the hall as a shadow fell across

him, he looked up to see lord Cormac standing before him.

“Sir Reid I will come straight to the point I want the Lady

Astrid, and I expect you want her too.” Cormac said.

Reid pulled himself out of his brother’s grip and

straightened to look into Cormac’s dark eyes. “Yes I do, I waited two years to

claim her, only to have her taken from me. What do you want sir?” Reid

demanded.

“A truthful answer. Why don’t we cut through all this

foolishness and face each other like men.” Cormac’s hands tightened on his

thick belt.

“I’m listening.” Reid said.

“You and I meet in combat tomorrow, we fight till some one

either yields or can no longer go on.” Cormac took a step closer to Reid.

“What weapons?” Reid demanded.

“Mace, axe and short sword. Whoever wins gets the lady

Astrid.” Cormac folded his hands before his chest as he tried and stare Reid

down.

“I’ll agree, if you can get baron MacClaine’s word that if I

win he’ll give her to me.” Reid had no doubt about his prowess in battle, that

he could beat the older man with ease. But he wanted assurances if he did win.

“I’ll make him agree right now.” Cormac lifted his fingers

to his lips and blew a loud whistle that rang off the stone walls and brought

instant silence.

“What do you want Lord Cormac?” Baron MacClaine snapped, as

Reid stepped up beside Cormac.

“I shall come to the point baron, Sir Devreies and I both

want your daughter’s hand. We would meet in combat, and fight till one of us

yields or can fight no more.” Cormac said in a loud voice, drawing gasps from

around the hall. “But we would have your word, now before everyone that if Sir

Devreies wins the match Astrid is his.”

Baron MacClaine looked at Cormac, his jaw clenching. “If I

give her to the Norman I would have your word that there will be no reprisals.

That your kin would not attack us.”

“You have my word.” Cormac turned to sweep the hall with his

gaze. “I want the word of every man in here, if the Norman wins there will be

no reprisals against the MacClaines.” Stunned silence answered him and Cormac

glared harder at the men in the hall. “Well?” Cormac bellowed, his eyes

settling on Astrid who had gone pale in shock.

Around the great hall men at arms and lords alike agreed to

Cormac’s demand. With a nod of satisfaction Cormac turned to meet Baron

MacClaine’s eyes. “Well Baron your word then?”

“Agreed, if Sir Reid wins in combat Astrid is his.” Baron

MacClaine looked about the crowded hall, furious to be forced into such a

predicament. “The wedding shall take place immediately afterwards.”

“Aye, I agree.” Cormac said loudly. Next to him Reid looked

back at Astrid who was standing still as a statue, a stricken look on her face.

“Agreed.” Reid shouted and a ripple of approval went through

the hall. Baron MacClaine reached down and picked up his tankard and held it

high. “To the victor then.” He said before taking a drink, bringing shouts of

approval.

Astrid watched everything transpire and went cold inside.

Tomorrow two men would fight over her, Reid could be hurt or worse. She didn’t

want that, she didn’t want anyone hurt or killed because of her. She ran from

the hall, and made her way blindly to the center garden, seeking it’s quiet

sanctuary.

Astrid heard a heavy footfall and looked up to see Leif

behind her.

“Are you all right?” Leif asked.

“I just want this over. I don’t want anyone hurt because of

me.” Astrid swallowed against the pain.

“This is not your fault, had father kept the agreement you

would be preparing for your wedding now.” Leif looked up as Reid stepped into

the garden. “I think the two of you should speak.”

“Father has forbidden me to see him.” Astrid protested,

though all she wanted to do was throw herself into Reid’s arms. Leif gave her a

wink, then held a thick finger up to his lips. He motioned Reid to follow them

and walked through the moon lit garden to a door in the wall, hidden by ivy.

Leif lifted a key from about his neck and used it to unlock the door. He

scanned the garden to be sure it was empty, then pushed Astrid inside, he

nodded for Reid to enter. Reid stepped through the door and Leif shut it behind

him.

Reid looked about, they were in what appeared to be a work

shop. A low burning fire cast flickering shadows on the walls and illuminated

several large wooden tables about the room. On the tables were assorted tools

and pieces of metal and jewelry.

“Where are we?”

“Leif’s workroom.” Astrid replied, as Reid stepped up to her

and bending gave her a kiss that made her go weak in the knees. When Reid

pulled away they were both trembling with barely contained desire. Reid reached

out to brush the hair back from her face, and Astrid caught his hand pressing

it against her cheek.

“I don’t want you to do this. You could be hurt, if anything

happened to you I couldn’t bear it.” Astrid placed a kiss on Reid’s palm and

his breath caught in his throat as he forced down his desire. When had this

tiny woman become everything to him.

“Have faith in me, I have been in battle many times.” Reid

caught Astrid’s hand, leading her towards the fireplace so he could see her

better. He looked at her, watching the fire make her hair glitter like

burnished copper, and became lost in her blue eyes. “I will be fine, all that

matters is you. Do you think I could stand by and watch Lord Cormac take you. I

know you are afraid of him, I have seen your face when he touches you.”

“But if you were to be hurt because of me.” Astrid couldn’t

finish as Reid was kissing her again.

When Reid broke the kiss he looked into her upturned face

and smiled. “I want you to know that you mean everything to me. You and not

what you will bring me.” He caressed her cheek marveling at her silken skin. “I

wish I could I’d take you away tonight, I would take you to Normandy. I have

enough gold for us we to live well.”

Astrid rested her hands on Reid’s chest, then leaned forward

to rest her head against him. “You mean it? You really want just me?”

“Yes, I do. You are worth far more to me than just what you

will bring me. I want you to understand that.” Reid slipped his hands to her

waist as he memorized her face. “ I had better go.” Reid reluctantly pushed Astrid

away, though all he wanted to do was continue kissing her. “Does your arm still

hurt?”

“Only a little, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is

you.” Astrid  replied.

“But you are important. Do not let what your father has said

make you believe otherwise.” Reid kissed her till they were both breathless.

Finally he forced himself to step away from her, crossing to the door he opened

it cautiously then peered outside, seeing Leif a few feet away. Reid stepped

into the garden and Leif jerked his head towards the keep.

“You should rest.” Leif looked about the garden to be sure

they were still alone. “I will find you in the morning, I have good mail that

should fit you.”

“Thank you Leif.” Reid saw Leif shrug.

“All that matters is Astrid’s happiness, you’d better go.”

Reid looked back to see Astrid standing in the shadows, she

lifted her hand to wave, then he hurried back the way he’d come leaving Astrid

and Leif in the garden.

Chapter Eighteen

Astrid dressed quickly to avoid the morning chill, and ran

her comb through her hair, hissing as it tugged at the tangles. She’d hardly

slept all night, her mind filled with blood soaked dreams. Some of the dreams

were just nightmares, but others. She shivered and set the comb down; others

had been visions of what was to come. She’d seen herself struck down by a large

man, an ax biting deep into her chest. She’d seen herself fall to the field and

Reid by her side. But some how she knew she wasn’t going to die, and that

combined with the knowledge that Reid wouldn’t be harmed gave her some comfort.

Before the day was over something was going to happen to her, of that she was

sure.

Astrid peered at her reflection in the polished plate that

was her mirror, and didn’t recognize herself. The woman peering back was lovely

but she was also timid looking. When had she grown timid? When had she lost her

spirit? No, it wasn’t lost it was simply hidden, her father’s cruelty had

beaten down her true self. She stood straight and held her head high, well no

more if she was going to die soon, or be forced to wed against her will, she’d

live her last few days with out fear. She checked her gown one last time to be

sure she looked her best and then stepped from her chamber.

Astrid paused in the corridor and Reid’s handsome face same

unbidden to her. She would go and see him, and the hell with her father and his

rules. All he could do was beat her, she was use to  that. Picking up her skirt she hurried

through the dark keep, as around her it slowly came to life.

Astrid stopped for a moment before her father’s chamber and

listened to the door, hearing movements inside she darted into the shadows of a

side passage and watched the door open. Mary stepped into the hall, dressed

only in a night rail, her long hair in disarray. She watched Mary check the

corridor was clear and then hurry away down the passage towards Helen’s solar.

Astrid stepped into the corridor, a foul taste in her mouth.

Her father was bedding Mary, for how long she wondered. The woman was as loathsome

as Helen. She’d been watching the kitchen to be sure Mary didn’t drug the

family’s meal, as she’d drugged Reid, but if she was alone with her father.

Astrid shivered in disgust and hurried past her father’s door and down the

passage towards Reid’s chamber. She stopped before the door and knocked quickly

hoping he was still inside. She heard a sound and the door was opened by a

sleepy looking Brent, who looked at her in surprise.

“Lady Astrid?” Brent said stepping back into the chamber to

let her enter. He closed the door softly and quickly fastened his breeches,

then hurried across the chamber to pick up his shirt and slip it on.

Astrid smiled in amusement seeing Reid was just waking, she

looked at the shuttered window seeing the first hint of sunrise. She’d not

realized it was so early, she’d woken them both up.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was so early.” Astrid said and

saw Reid come fully awake and sit up in bed. She flushed as she realized he was

***** and turned her back, as Brent threw him a pair of breeches.

“What is it?” Reid asked slipping the breeches on. “Has

something happened.” Reid was both pleased and alarmed to see Astrid, in truth

he’d hardly slept all night thinking about her. He stepped up to her and placed

his hand on her shoulder, and she spun to look up at him.

“No, I know I shouldn’t be here but I had to see you.”

Astrid said as Brent stomped into his boots and grabbed a tunic.

“I’ll wait in the hall so you two can be alone.” Brent gave

Reid a nod before slipping through the door. The moment the door was closed

Reid swept Astrid into his arms, and bending her back over his arm kissed her

till they were both breathless.

Reid stepped back from her and gently stroked her cheek,

feeling her press against his hand. “What is it” Reid asked again and saw

Astrid avoid his gaze.

“If I asked you to leave, to not do this would you. Would

you just ride away and not look back.” Astrid stepped back and saw Reid frown.

“What are you talking about? We discussed this last night,

don’t you want to be my wife.” Reid demanded hotly and saw Astrid’s smile fade.

“Yes I do. But not at the cost of harm to you. If something

happened to you, I couldn’t live with myself.” Astrid saw Reid’s lips tighten

and knew she’d hurt his pride.

“Have you no faith in me?” Reid demanded and saw Astrid turn

away. Something was wrong. “Did you have a vision? Is that what this is about,

you saw something?” Reid lay his hand on her shoulder. “Did you see me get

hurt? See me killed?”

Astrid shook her head and turned back to look at Reid. She

caught his hand and pressed it against her cheek, closing her eyes she forced

her mind to be calm. Images flashed in her mind, Reid in battle, Reid leaning

over her as she lay covered in blood and Reid as an old man surrounded by tall

young men with blonde hair. She released his hand and stepped back composing

herself.

“No, not you. You shall live to be an old man, and have many

fine sons.” Astrid forced a smile trying to put him at ease. If something was

going to happen to her she didn’t want him here. Reid frowned struggling to

understand what Astrid was trying to tell him.

“Brent, is Brent going to be hurt?” Reid demanded and Astrid

shook her head.

“I don’t want you hurt Reid, hurt in any way. I have gold in

my chamber. If I gave it to you would you ride away? Would you ride back to

Normandy and forget about me.” Astrid asked and saw Reid’s eyes widen in

surprise.

“You, is something going to happen to you? That’s it isn’t

it.” Reid went cold inside. “Tell me what did you see.”

Astrid shook her head and threw her arms about Reid. “It

doesn’t matter, nothing matters but you.”

 Reid wrapped his arms

about her. What ever was bothering her was important enough for her to risk her

father’s anger. “What is wrong? Though I’m delighted you are here.” He placed

his hands on her slim shoulders and stepped back looking down at her.

“Promise you will be careful, that you will take no

chances.” Astrid looked up at Reid wishing she could tell him everything. “I

fear there is treachery all around us, that you will be hurt. I’m not worth

your life.”

“Treachery, what are you talking about.” Reid crossed to sit

on his bed, pulling her after him and sat down so he could look her in the

face.

“I saw Mary leaving father’s chamber this morning. They must

be lovers.” Astrid swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth an saw Reid’s look

of shock. “Since we brought Helen and Mary home father has been acting more and

more strangely. Alarick and I have long feared that Mary was putting something

in his food, but this is far worse.” Astrid felt Reid’s hands tighten about her

waist. “If she was not afraid to drug you for Lord Torbay, what is to say she

isn’t poisoning my father for him now.”

“You think Torbay has a hand in your father acting this way,

in the attacks against your family.” Reid asked and saw Astrid nod.

“I am worth more dead than alive. I die unwed and Eric

inherits everything. If he dies with no heir Helen inherits everything, do you

understand.” Astrid saw Reid’s jaw clench. “She has refused to be with him,

refused to be a true wife to him, and Torbay has refused to let their marriage

be annulled. You would be safer if you forgot about me. Just ride away, go home

to Normandy and forget me. I will give you what gold I have, it will be enough

for you to live well. For you to be worthy of a fine Norman lady.”

Reid didn’t want to hear any more, what she said made sense,

horrible sense, and he was frightened again. “I told you I don’t want a Norman

woman, I want you.” Reid saw her blue eyes fill with sadness and he worked up

the courage to tell her what was in his heart. “I love you.” Reid pulled her

against him, seeing disbelief in her eyes. “I fell in love with a gentle, kind

hearted girl and my love has only deepened as you have become a woman. I can’t

just ride away and leave you, don’t you understand that. These years apart your

letters to me were all that kept me going all those long cold months. The dream

of you was all I had.”

Astrid couldn’t believe what she heard, Reid loved her. She

slid her hands up to his chest and looked him in the eyes seeing only truth in

their blue depths.

“You love me.” Astrid asked in disbelief, feeling Reid’s

hands tighten about her waist. “You don’t care that I’m not Norman, that I’m

fey?”

“I love you because your you. I love you just as you are.

Now there will be no more talk of leaving. I will be careful today, for both

our sakes, and I will watch my back.” Reid gave her another quick kiss. “You

had better go.”

Astrid let Reid guide her to the door. “I will have Megwyn

bring you and your brothers food this morning. You can trust her, Gothwyn and

my brothers.” Astrid pulled a length of green ribbon off her bodice and pressed

it into Reid’s hand. “For luck.”

Reid tightened his hand over the ribbon and eased the door

open, seeing Brent in the hall. Brent looked up and down the passageway then

motioned Astrid forward. She gave Reid one last smile then hurried out of the

chamber and away down the dim passageway. When she was gone Brent stepped back

into the room closing the door after him.

“What did she want?” Brent asked seeing Reid looked

troubled.

“She wanted me to leave before the fight, she offered me

gold to just ride away.” Reid dropped to his bed and saw Brent’s look of

surprise. “She must have had a dream, a vision, something that scared her. She

said she didn’t want me hurt, and that I should leave.”

“Did she say your going to be hurt?” Brent demanded looking

at Reid who shook his head.

“No, she said I was going to be fine. I think she fears

something is going to happen to her, and she doesn’t want me here to see it.”

Reid lifted the ribbon to his face and inhaled. He caught the faintest scent of

roses and smiled. “She also believes that Mary has become her father’s lover

and is perhaps drugging him. She warned me to watch my back, and that we should

be extra careful today.”

“Did she say anything else.” Brent asked, sensing Reid had

more to say.

“Yes, she said she is worth more dead than alive. If she

dies unwed Eric inherits everything, and if Eric dies with no heir it all goes

to Helen.” Reid crossed to his bag and pulled out a clean shirt, giving it a

shake to remove the wrinkles. “That Torbay has refused to let Helen’s marriage

be annulled. That if both she and Eric die.” Reid didn’t need to finish Brent

understood everything all ready.

“Torbay as his sister’s guardian could claim

everything. Hell.” Brent watched as Reid took Astrid’s ribbon and carefully

threaded it thorough the tie holes on his shirt.

“I have even more reason to fight for her now. I told her I

loved her.” Reid saw Brent smile.

“You did.” Brent said in disbelief. “What did she say.”

“I don’t think she believed me. She thinks I couldn’t love

her because she is not Norman.” Reid lifted a clean tunic from off the table to

shoulder into it. “I feel better now I told her.”

“I have faith in you, as does Astrid. Finishing dressing,

with luck by the end of the day you’ll be a married man.” Brent said.

“Aye you are right.” Reid was still nervous, but the

knowledge that when he won Astrid would finally be his warmed him and helped banish

his nerves. “Come we will wake the others, and then I need to shave. I can’t

look like a barbarian for my own wedding.” Reid said with a forced smile.

Reid walked down the causeway, flanked by his brothers and

Grant, and squinted as the bright morning sun peered from behind a cloud.

People parted before him to let him walk past, lining either side of the gravel

road. He felt both nervous and excited at the same time. He didn’t doubt Cormac

would put up a good fight, but he also knew he could win, and when the battle

was over Astrid would finally be his, and no one would take her from him again.

Reid rolled his shoulders and felt the mail Leif had given

to him ripple and flex. His own mail, Leif had scoffed at saying it wouldn’t

protect him from a child’s attack. Leif had insisted Reid wear the mail tunic

he’d made for one of his brothers. Reid had been glad he’d listened, for not

only was the mail better than his own, but it was lighter and moved more

freely. Leif might be a touch simple, but he was the most skilled black smith

Reid had ever come across. The only flaw with the mail was that a section of

the back was open. Leif had explained that he’d made it for his brother Olaf,

who had been injured in the back, and that the wound had never healed properly

so that he could take no weight on his back. But seeing as Reid had no

intention to let Cormac see his back it wasn’t going to be a problem.

Leif and Alarick had also suggested that Reid get to the

combat site first, so that he could take the side that would not be looking

into the morning sun, and give him an extra advantage. Again Reid had been glad

of their advice, the sun would be in Cormac’s eyes helping to hide Reid’s first

strikes. As Reid walked through the village many people gave him nods of approval,

and even an occasional up raised fist. Reid reached the area of the field

selected for the match and gave Gothwyn a puzzled look.

“Everyone knows my lady cares for you, they don’t care that

your Norman, all that matters to them is her happiness.” Gothwyn said quietly,

so only Reid and his party would hear. “My Lady is loved by many, once you are

wed have no fear of being accepted.” Gothwyn handed Reid his shield and stepped

back.

Reid tightened his grip on his sword and took his place as a

ripple of sound went through the spectators. He turned to see Lord Cormac and

his retainers entering the combat area.

A few minutes latter Baron MacClaine walked up to the combat

area followed by Eric, and Alarick, several paces behind was Astrid on Leif’s

arm. Reid let his gaze rest on her for a moment and allowed himself a quick

smile, remembering the kisses they had shared that morning. He saw her give him

a smile in return and he knew that he would prevail. God wouldn’t be so cruel

as to take her from him now.

Reid turned forcing himself to the task at hand, he had to

win to claim her. He heard a ripple of voices and turned to see Eric and Leif

step forward and moved to stand in the center of the combat area.

Eric cleared his throat and said something loudly in Scot,

that brought head nods and murmurs from the crowd. Eric turned to look at Reid,

catching his eyes.

“By mutual agreement Sir Reid Devreies and Lord Odhran

Cormac shall meet in single combat and fight for the privilege to marry the

Baroness Astrid MacClaine.” Eric said loudly in Norman. “The fight shall

continue till one man yields, or one can no longer go on. As this is this is to

be a good natured match, blows to the head and back are forbidden. Do you

understand?” Eric asked looking from Cormac to Reid.

Cormac nodded his head yes and Reid growled “Yes.”

Eric took a deep breath and went on. “ Leif will offer you

each a weapon, remember this is not a match to the death. If one of you is

unable to go on cry yield and the match will be stopped. If your weapon breaks

I will call halt and you may choose a new weapon.” Eric stated loudly, then

motioned Leif forward.

Leif stepped up to Reid, in his arms was a short sword, a

mace and an ax. Reid inspected each weapon, finally selecting the short sword.

It would give him a greater reach over Cormac, giving him a further advantage.

Leif gave him an approving grunt then turned to walk to Cormac, offering him

his choice of either mace or ax. Cormac with out hesitation took the ax, he

gave it a few swings, then nodded his approval.

Leif turned and walked towards the side of the combat area.

A moment latter Grant stepped forward and gave Reid’s armor one last check.

“Good luck.” Grant said, before giving him a clap on the shoulder.

Reid nodded and tightened his grip, his heart beginning to

race. He saw Eric step to the side of the combat area, then raise his right arm

high in the air.

“Begin.” He shouted dropping his arm. Reid didn’t wait for

Cormac to move first, he rushed forward, using his advantage of the sun at his

back to hide his opening move. He swung the sword wide and brought it down hard

on the top of Cormac’s left arm, just above the top of his shield. Cormac

bellowed in pain and swung the ax high. Reid ducked and blocked in time with

his shield, the small ax thumped into the shield and Reid grunted at the

impact.

Then the fight truly began, the two men exchanging brutal,

punishing blows, each looking for the other’s weak spot. Reid blocked a blow

with his shield and his foot slipped on a patch of mud, as he struggled to

regain his footing Cormac pressed the advantage and slammed the ax into Reid’s

left arm, just above the shield line.

Reid hissed in pain as the mail held and turned the blade,

but he felt a sharp pain in his bicep where several links had broke and been

driven into his flesh. The pain was the final motivation he needed. With a deep

guttural growl he renewed his attack on Cormac, driving the older man

relentlessly back.

Astrid watched from the side of the combat area, her hands

clenched so tight her knuckles were white. Her heart had stopped when Reid had

taken the first hard hit to his arm, and she’d seen him stagger. But he’d

responded with a serious of lightening fast, pounding blows that were driving

Cormac back towards the end of the field.

She began running along the side of the filed to keep

abreast of the two men, pushing people out of her way. She watched Cormac

strike back at Reid with several hard blows, that Reid blocked with his shield.

Reid hit Cormac again hard, the older man now winded dropped his guard for a

moment and Reid barreled forward, hitting Cormac in the chest with his shield.

Reid turned sideways and kicked Cormac hard in the stomach, sending him

staggering backwards. Reid turned the sword in his hand, and using the flat of

it began smashing Cormac’s right arm. After the third strike, the ax went

flying from his hand to drop to the muddy ground. Reid flipped the blade in his

hand, and using the flat, smashed his sword hard into Cormac’s exposed left

leg, dropping him to the ground.

Cormac grunted in pain and rolling crawled after his dropped

ax, sending a kick towards Reid’s unprotected legs. Reid stepped back avoiding

the kick then shuffled forward to land a hard kick to the middle of Cormac’s

chest, knocking him backwards into the mud again.

Cormac sprawled on his back, his shield flying from his

hand. Reid dropped his shield and stepped forward to grab Cormac by the neck

with his left hand, while pressing the edge of his blade against his neck.

“Yield.” Reid demanded, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Cormac grabbed Reid’s arm, trying to pull him off, but Reid’s grip was like

iron. Reid saw anger and defeat in the older man’s dark eyes. Cormac struggled

again, and Reid tightened his grip, dropping to place his knee on Cormac’s

chest, preventing him from being kicked.

“I said yield.” Reid growled through clenched teeth. He saw

a bright flash of copper and looked up to see Astrid a few feet away. He looked

back down at Cormac, and pressed the side of the blade harder against Cormac’s

neck. He wasn’t going to let Cormac put his hands on her again.

Cormac struggled once more, but it was in vain, Reid’s grip

was unbreakable, and he was choking the life out of him.

“I yield, I yield.” Cormac said, clawing at Reid’s huge

hand.

“Say it louder so they all hear.” Reid snarled, his hand on

Cormac’s windpipe.

“I yield.” Cormac gasped and with a grunt of satisfaction

Reid stepped back releasing Cormac, who flopped on his back. Reid’s eyes

instantly found Astrid’s. He saw a smile light up her face, saw her mouth the

words I love you as she stepped closer. He nodded, then turned to find baron

MacClaine among the press of people.

Reid saw Brent and Grant smiling at him, saw Leif give him a

nod of approval then his eyes found the Baron’s. The Baron stepped forward a

scowl on his face, but he gave Reid a nod.

“She is yours Norman.” Baron MacClaine said loudly and Reid

was no longer tired. All he felt was joy, he didn’t feel the pain in his arms,

or the sweat running down his back. Just pure joy, Astrid was his and no one

could take her from him now.

Astrid saw Cormac pushing himself to his feet, his hand on

his dropped ax, as Reid moved towards her father. A wave of dread washed over

her as she saw Cormac’s right hand tighten about the handle of his ax. Then he

was moving towards Reid a feral look on his face, this was what she’d been

dreaming of, this was her nightmare. Astrid didn’t stop to think, she hurried

forward as Cormac moved to strike Reid.

“Reid!” Astrid shouted as Cormac swung the ax. She threw up

her hands to block the blow and looked Cormac in the eye as he swung for Reid’s

exposed back. In mid swing Cormac saw Astrid was in his way, but it was too

late to stop the strike, all he could do was change the angle. The ax whistled

through the air, slicing deep into Astrid’s up raised left arm and then buried

in her left shoulder.

Astrid staggered under the hit, falling backwards as Cormac

bellowed in dismay and wrenched the ax out of her shoulder. Reid spun at

Astrid’s shout and turned to see Astrid behind him. He saw Cormac pull back his

ax and drop it to the grass, as Astrid collapsed to the muddy ground.

Reid dropped his sword rushing to her side, in horror he saw

deep bloody gashes in her shoulder and arm.

“Little Viking, what did you do?” Reid crouched over Astrid,

pressing his hand against her bleeding shoulder. He was dimly aware of shouts

behind him, of women screaming. Horror washed through him as he realized the

extent of the wound, the ax had bit to the bone.

“He was going to kill you.” Astrid managed to say as pain

slammed into her. She could feel blood running down her chest. She saw Reid

looking down at her, his face stricken. “I couldn’t let him hurt you.” She was

dismayed that her voice was no more than a whisper. “It would of been my

fault.”

Baron MacClaine rushed forward to look down at Astrid,

starring at the deep, bloody wound in her shoulder.

“You got your wish father.” Astrid gave her father a bitter

sweat smile, and saw him shake his head. She fought against the pain and

failed, letting darkness claim her. Baron MacClaine shook his head, and with

trembling fingers touched her cheek.

“No, this is not what I wanted.” He grabbed Reid’s dropped

sword, and stood up with a bellow of rage, and turned to Cormac who was backing

away in horror.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I would never hurt her, I love her.”

Cormac looked at Astrid shaking his head in denial.

“You killed my daughter! Was it not enough you hounded me

for her, but you killed her when you couldn’t have her.” Baron MacClaine

bellowed charging Cormac, he thrusted Reid’s sword into Cormac’s chest. Cormac

pulled out his belt knife and stabbed the baron in the heart, before the Baron

could step back.

Alarick watched everything happen in horror, he could feel

pain lance though him, and knew Astrid was still alive. Alarick dropped to the

ground, kneeling across from Reid, who looked up at him with horror filled

eyes. The axe had cut to the bone. If she lived she’d likely loose the use of

her hand, a shadow fell over him and he looked up to see Leif above him, a

strip of cloth in his hand. Alarick took it from him and pushing Reid’s hands

aside pressed it against the wound, the cloth quickly turning crimson.

“Help her! Please help her.” Reid begged. He’d gone from

being joyous at his victory to horrified in the space of a few heart beats.

He’d done everything to win the small woman who lay before him, who’s life was

seeping away into the grass. She’d taken the blow for him, she’d saved his life

again, but if she died it wouldn’t be worth living.

“Keep pressure on the wound.” Alarick looked back to see

Eric was at their father’s side.

Eric dropped to the ground and pulled his father into his

arms, his hand sliding down to cover the wound. He looked over to see one of

Cormac’s men coming to Cormac’s aid.

“Father.” Eric didn’t know what to say. He saw his father’s

eyes open and look up at him.

“You sister?” The Baron gasped.

“She is dying.” Eric looked over

at Reid, then he looked back at his father.

“I didn’t mean what I said to her.

She is a good daughter, I love her.” The baron’s normally loud voice was only a

whisper. “If she lives tell her I’m sorry.”

“I know father, I know.” Eric looked up as Leif knelt beside

him and took their father’s hand.

“You are good sons. I love all of you, there was never a man

as blessed as I.” The baron looked at Leif for a moment then his eyes closed

and he went limp. Leif shook his head and stood up, there would be time to

grieve latter.

“Alarick does she live?” Leif bellowed and saw Alarick nod.

Leif strode up to Gothwyn who was standing unmoving a few feet from Reid.  “Gothwyn run and tell Megwyn what happened.

That we will need her to tend Astrid.” Leif shouted and Gothwyn nodded, then

turned to run for the keep. Leif strode over to Alarick and pulled him to his

feet, giving him a shake to snap him out of his shock.

“Alarick ride for Aarna.” Leif saw Alarick give him a

stupefied look and he shook Alarick again.

“She won’t come, she never leaves her hut.” Alarick

protested.

“Make her come, even if you have to carry her, now go.” Leif

gave Alarick a push propelling him towards the keep. Leif turned to see some of

his cousins standing unmoving on the side of the field.

“Gruffydd, Hereward get a litter, we will need to take lord

Cormac inside he lives yet.” Leif snapped and saw his two burly cousins nod and

turn to run towards the keep. Leif crossed to Reid, who was pressing the clothe

against her bleeding shoulder.

“Take her in to the keep. Megwyn will tend her. Go!” Leif

pointed at Grant who was hovering nearby. “You keep pressure on the wound while

he carries her.” Leif barked then turned back to Eric who was holding their

father  in his lap.

“He is gone, but the living need our help. You are leader

now. Tell them what do to.” Leif placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder, and saw him

nod.

Eric eased his father’s body to the ground, rubbing the

blood from his hands on his jerkin. “If my sister lives she belongs to sir

Reid.” Eric forced himself to look up at the crowd, his searching eyes found

MacDougal and one of the guardsmen.

“MacDougal you and Lovel ride to Lord Cormac’s keep, tell

his son he was badly injured in combat.” Eric saw the two men nod. “The rest of

you go, there is nothing more to see.” Eric watched as Leif lifted their father

and began carrying back towards the keep.

Reid was only faintly aware of what was happening, Grant was

some how beside him. “We need to get her help Reid.” Grant said catching Reid’s

eyes and jolting him from his stupor. Reid slid his hands under Astrid’s body

lifting her. “Reid, we had better hurry.”

The crowd parted before them as together the two solemn men

hurried towards the keep. When they reached the outer bailey Megwyn and Gothwyn

greeted them. Megwyn gasped in horror at the sight of Astrid’s broken and

bloody body.

“What happened?” Megwyn motioned for Grant and Reid to

follow her inside.

“She saved my life. Cormac was going to strike me in the

back, she stepped before me and took the strike.” Reid managed to say and saw

Megwyn pale.

“Dear God, quickly her chamber is this way.” Megwyn dashed

through the open door, leading the two men up the main stairs and through the

keep to a back tower room. She opened the door and stood back so Reid could lay

her down on the bed.

“I’ll need water and more wood for the fires.” Megwyn said

hurrying to Astrid’s side.

“I’ll go to the kitchen’s.” Grant offered, before leaving.

 “She saved my life.”

Reid mumbled incoherently looking at Megwyn.

“Get out Sir Reid, I’ll send for you when I know something.”

Reid reluctantly staggered out the door as Megwyn began cutting Astrid’s gown

off. Reid heard footsteps and looked to see Brent and Stephen.

“How is she?” Brent asked.

“I don’t know. It is bad though.” Reid shook his head.

Brent didn’t know what to say to give Reid comfort, he saw

blood on Reid’s arm and knew Reid was hurt. “Reid you are hurt, come your wound

needs tending.” Brent laid his hand on Reid’s arm as he stood starring at the

closed door of Astrid’s chamber.

“What?” Reid demanded.

“Your hurt. Come to our chamber, let me at wash and bind

your arm.” Brent said.

“It is but a scratch. Why did she do it?” Reid shook his

head in disbelief, not wanting to remember the damage done to Astrid’s small

body. Brent reached out and caught Reid’s arm pulling him away from the door.

“Stephen will stay here and wait for news, won’t you

Stephen?” Brent said looking over at Stephen, who nodded. “Now come, let us

clean you up. You will do her no good if you fall ill.” Brent began pushing Reid

towards the end of the corridor.

“But why? Why did she do it?” Reid followed Brent through

the keep to their chamber. Once inside Reid stood in a daze, letting Brent

strip off the heavy mail and leather padding beneath.

“Cormac would of severed your spine if he’d hit you. She

loves you, she wanted you to live.” Brent moved to the table, to pour water

into the wash basin there. He dipped a clean clothe in it and turned back to

see Reid had removed his sweat soaked shirt and was standing unmoving in the

middle of the room. Brent swallowed seeing Reid’s blood stained hands.

“You had better wash your hands, then I’ll clean your

wound.” Brent said and Reid frowned, then looked down to see his hands were red

with blood. Reid could only stare at them, so much blood, she couldn’t possibly

survive.

Reid washed his gory hands in the basin, then stepped back.

Brent stepped up to him and began cleaning the blood from the wound on his

bicep. The gash was long, but not deep, it probably needed stitching but there

wasn’t anyone free to tend it. He lifted another clean towel from the table and

ripped it length wise, using it to wrap around Reid’s arm.

“That will have to do for now. I’ll find a shirt for you.”

Brent said turning to rummage in Reid’s sack of clothes.

“If she dies it will all be for naught.” Reid remembered

Astrid’s conversation with him, perhaps she’d known this would happen. “She

can’t die, she can’t, she isn’t even eighteen yet.” Reid shook his head and

looked over at Brent who had stopped his rummaging and was holding out a clean

linen shirt.

 “She will live, you

shall see, she is strong.” Brent wanted to believe what he said, but his

assurances sounded hollow even to him. There was a loud knock on the door and

it opened to admit Grant.

“What is it?” Reid demanded, slipping the shirt over his

head.

“Lord Cormac is dying. The priest, Brother Fenton, has asked

I bring you to him. Cormac wishes to speak to you and Sir Eric. He say’s you’d

best hurry.”

Reid considered saying the man could go to hell, but he

wanted to know why Cormac had tried to kill him, and to tell him what a bastard

he was.

“All right I’m coming.” Reid gave Brent a quick look. “You’d

best come, before I forget my self and kill a dying man.”

Reid and Brent followed Grant through the keep to a room in

the far tower. Grant opened the door with out knocking and stepped inside

holding the door open for Reid and Brent. To Reid’s surprise he saw Eric was

there as well as two of lord Cormac’s retainers. Brother Fenton, the portly

Norman monk was hovering beside Cormac and nodded as they entered.

“They are here now.” Brother Fenton said, stepping aside and

motioning Reid closer.

“What do you want with me?” Reid demanded, his hands balling

into fists as he looked at the dying man.

“My little angle how is she?” Cormac asked weakly.

“She is dying you bastard.” Reid growled as he fought to

contain his temper.

“It was not my want. When I realized I had lost my rage

consumed me. I thought if I couldn’t have her then no one could, she just

stepped in front of me. I have wanted her since she was a girl.” Cormac licked

his dry lips. “I fell in love with her when she was only eleven.”

Reid didn’t know if he should feel pity or disgust. “Go on.”

Reid said.

“When the baron refused to give her to me I became enraged,

so I began pressuring the other lords to demand that Astrid be given to a

northern lord, be given to me. Her father kept refusing our requests.” Cormac

paused. “After she returned betrothed it was more than I could stomach. I began

visiting her often, hoping I could persuade the Baron to see things my way, to

make her love me.” Cormac paused again and Brother Fenton slid a hand under his

head and pressed a cup of water to his lips. When he had drunk he waved brother

Fenton away.

“But she didn’t care for me, I frightened her. The woman

Mary approached me, she said she was a herbalist. That for the right price she

could persuade the Baron to see things my way, for the past two years she has

been drugging the Baron.” Cormac paused again, on the other side of the bed

Eric and Leif both cursed loudly.

“She has been giving him potions to make his mind more

malleable, and suggesting to him that Astrid should wed me. I didn’t know it

would make him go mad, or that he’d hurt Astrid because of it.” Cormac’s

confession had cost him, he was struggling to go on.

Reid looked over to see Eric had turned bright red.

“Did you kill my brothers?” Eric demanded. “Did you?”

“I don’t know who was responsible, but I swear it wasn’t

me.” Cormac’s voice was now barely above a whisper.

“Why did you try and kill me?” Reid growled. “I won fairly,

it was your idea to fight.”

“I didn’t think I would loose, when you beat me, I was

consumed by rage. I have loved her for so long and you took her from me.” The

last of the color faded from Cormac’s face, he looked over at his retainers and

motioned them closer. “No reprisals against sir Reid or the MacClaines swear

it.” He demanded and saw his men nod. “Tell my son what I did, tell him I said

I was wrong and that he is to swear his loyalty to lord Eric and sir Reid.”

“Yes, of course.” Brother Fenton replied and Cormac nodded,

then he lay back on the pillow closing his eyes. A few minutes latter his

breathing stilled.

Brother Fenton crossed himself and said a blessing over

Cormac. Reid felt the eyes of Cormac’s men on him, and fleetingly wondered if

there was going to be trouble. But the men only gave him respectful bows before

turning to their lord.

Eric stifled a curse and strode to the door yanking it open,

he stomped into the passageway, followed by Leif, Reid and Brent.

“Leif take Gothwyn and five of our most trusted men, go to

Helen’s chamber. Tell her and that witch maid of her’s to pack, and then take

them both to Nairn. They are to be locked in the east tower and kept under

constant guard. Tell no one else in the keep where you are taking them.” Eric ordered.

“It shall be done. But what of Astrid?” Leif protested.

 “Do not worry,

Alarick has gone to fetch Aarna. Megwyn and Aarna won’t let Astird die, now get

those scheming witches out of our keep.” Eric thundered and Leif hurried away.

“Who is Aarna?” Brent asked, as he watched Eric struggle to

compose himself.

“She is a wise woman, and a herbalist. She taught my mother

before she taught Astrid and Alarick.” Eric ran his fingers through his hair

and began walking towards the steps. “She never leaves the forest though.

Astrid use to take her food thrice a week before father forbid Astrid to leave

the keep. She is a gifted healer, she will be able to save Astrid.”

Eric descended the steps and stopped in the entrance hall to

look at the blanket wrapped body of his father. The reality that he was now in

charge and Lord of the keep slowly sinking in. “Go Sir Reid and be with Astrid,

as soon as Alarick and Aarna return I shall send them to her chamber.” Eric

said and Reid nodded.

“Sir Brent may I have word with you. I need some advice on

what to do, and I could use a nonbiased person.” Eric looked up to catch

Brent’s eyes.

“Of course Lord Eric, anything I could do to help.” Brent

replied.

Reid hurried up the steps to Astrid’s room, taking them two

at a time. He stopped before her door only long enough to knock quickly,

stepping inside without waiting to be invited. Megwyn and a woman Reid

recognized from the kitchen looked up at him as he entered.

“Lord Cormac is dead.” He said simply and Megwyn mumbled a

prayer. Reid’s gaze turned to Astrid who was pale and unmoving, her left

shoulder and arm heavily bandaged.

“How is she?” Reid asked stepping forward, he had to fight

the urge to pull her into his arms and hold her against him.

“We managed to stop the bleeding.” Megwyn rubbed her hands

on her apron, which was stained with splotches of blood. “But I think her

shoulder might be broken,  and there is

much damage, if she lives she might loose the use of her arm.”

The other woman made a sniffling noise and blotted tears

from her face with her apron. “Lady Astrid must live, in four days it is her

birthday.”

“I know Anna. Can you go to the kitchen and start a pot of

broth, if she wakens she will need it.” Megwyn said. “Be sure there is food for

supper, though I doubt many will have an appetite.”

“Yes Megwyn.” Anna replied, before hurrying from Astrid’s

chamber. Reid looked down at Astrid, who looked impossibly young and small, certainly

too young to die.

“May I sit with her?” Reid asked, wanting to be of some use.

“Of course, she is your betrothed.” Megwyn motioned to a

hide covered chair beside the bed. “It will do her good to hear a familiar

voice.”

Time seemed to slow to a crawl and Reid wondered when

Alarick and the healer would come. He stood at the foot of Astrid’s bed and

willed her to breath as Megwyn fussed by the fire, finally his own exhaustion

got the best of him and he was turning towards the chair when Astrid’s door

opened and Alarick stepped inside. He hurried forward and set a large wicker

basket on the floor, then turned back to the door to disappear into the

corridor. A heartbeat latter he reappeared his hands under the elbow of a tiny

hunched over figure.

Reid could only stare at the gnome like person Alarick was

helping through the door. The woman, for that was surely what it had to be, was

bent near double with age, and leaning on two walking sticks. Long hair of pure

white hung about her head in a wild tangle, and Reid doubted it had seen a comb

in years.

“Aarna, you came.” Megwyn stepped forward to take the old

woman’s other arm.

Reid stepped back as Megwyn and Alarick guided the old woman

to the empty chair and helped her sit. Aarna’s face was so lined and wrinkled

that it was impossible to guess her age. Aarna must of sensed Reid’s presence

and looked towards him, then said something in Scot to Alarick who answered.

Aarna then turned to look up at Reid, and Reid stifled a gasp. Aarna’s eyes

were milky white, yet despite her blindness Reid had a feeling she still saw

him.

Aarna said something else in Scot and then held up a wizened

hand towards Reid.

“She wants you to take her hand.” Alarick said. “It’s all

right, I told her you were Astrid’s betrothed. She wants to speak to you.”

Reid knelt before the ancient woman, taking her hand. Her

skin was dry and leathery, her fingers as knarled and wrinkled as the branches

of an ancient oak. Aarna ran her left hand over his palm, while holding his

hand with her right. Then reached up to touch his face with her wizened hand,

and he forced himself not to move.

“You are the man she loves.” Aarna said in Norman so thick

Reid could barely understand her.

“Yes, I am.” Reid replied and Aarna removed her hands.

“You have a good soul, her love and faith have been well

placed.” Aarna said. “But you must be strong for her. If you can love her as

much as she loves you then she will live.”

“I would do anything for her.” Reid replied and saw Aarna

shake her head. “There is something you love more than her, your honor. A time

will come when you will have to decide what is more important to you, your

honor or her.” Aarna intoned looking at Reid with dead eyes. “You will decide

her fate, one path you choose will mean her life, the other will mean her

death. It is all up to you.”

Reid shook his head in denial. “What do you mean, I don’t

understand?”

“It was foretold when she was young that most her family

would die.” Megwyn said softly. “And that a great darkness would claim her.”

“I have lost seven brothers, my mother and now my father.”

Alarick said choking back a sob. “What was foretold has come to pass.”

“Tell me what I must do so that she lives.” Reid asked,

looking at Aarna closely.

“The answer is not for me to say, it will be in your own

heart. When the times comes you will be tested, the path you choose then will

decide. Now I will speak no more on this, if you wish me to save her let me get

to work.” Aarna snapped and stood up stiffly. She crossed to Astrid’s bed on

wobbly legs then reached down to touch her face.    Reid heard Aarna mumble something in Scot to Megwyn who began to

unwind the bandage from Astrid’s shoulder. When she was done Reid saw the full

extent of the wound and felt his stomach turn. It was not that the wound upset

him, he’d seen many such wounds before. It was that it was on Astrid’s small

body, the wound was puckered and oozing blood, and Reid was amazed that Astrid

had not only survived, but kept her arm.

“Perhaps it would be best of you left Sir Reid. I will come

for you when they are done.” Alarick said.

“Thank you. I’ll be in the outer bailey.” Reid said closing

the door after him. With a heavy heart he made his way through the keep, and

out the huge main door to the outer bailey.

The afternoon sun was still high but grey clouds were

blowing in from the sea. He looked to the end of the long cause way and saw a

throng villagers clustered about the guard.

 “Reid, how is she?”

Reid turned to see Stephen and Grant approaching him.

“It is bad, the ax hit bone, if she lives she may loose the

use of her arm.” Reid saw Grant give me a sympathetic look.

“All that matters is she lives.” Grant said. “Sir Brent is

helping Lord Eric prepare for Baron MacClaine’s funeral. Apparently they wish

to have it tonight.”

“Tonight?” Reid was more than surprised.

“It is Lady Astrid and her brother Alarick’s eighteenth

birthday in four days. It would be an ill omen to have him buried close to

their birthday. So they are rushing to bury him.” Grant replied.

Brent walked up to them a serious look on his face. “The

preparations for the baron’s funeral are almost finished. Eric’s cousins are

all devastated by what has happened, they are all good people, if a little

rough.” Brent looked across the open court yard to a group of burly, men who

had just stepped out of the stables.

“It took Eric and I a good deal of talking to convince his

one set of cousins that an old fashioned Viking funeral was out of place.”

Brent gave the men a polite wave.

“Your jesting.” Stephen said.

“No, Baron MacClaine was the son of a norsk jarl and a

Danish lady. They are proud of their Viking heritage. In fact MacClaine isn’t

his real name, it was Thorfinson.” Brent turned to look at Reid and Stephen,

who were both looking at him in disbelief. “MacClaine was his wife’s name, he

took it when he wed her, as she was the eldest daughter. Apparently if he wanted

her, and her land he had to take her name.”

“Good God.” Stephen mumbled, then waved politely to the men

on the far side of the courtyard.

“You had best mind your manners Stephen. Once Reid is wed,

they will all be our in laws.” Brent said, giving Stephen a hard look. “You

might like them, they are very friendly, and they have several unwed

daughters.” Brent left the rest unsaid and Stephen scowled.

“Are they all rich?” Stephen asked after a moment.

“Yes, come I will introduce them. Are you coming Reid?” Brent

asked.

“No, I’m waiting for Alarick. He brought the healer and she

is with Astrid. He said he’d come for me when she was done with Astrid.” Reid

replied.

 “Sir Reid.” Alarick’s

voice called out. Reid looked to see Alarick standing in the open hall door and

hurried to him, his heart in his mouth.

“Aarna has done what she can. Astrid is still unconscious,

all we can do now is wait and pray.” Alarick said. “You can sit with her, Aarna

thinks it will do her good.”

“Yes, I was hoping you’d let me.” Reid saw a hint of tears

in Alarick’s blue eyes.

“I’ll go tell the others how she is.” Alarick rubbed his

hand roughly over his face, dashing away tears.

“I am sorry about your father.” Reid wondered if he heard

what Cormac had said yet, and decided that perhaps hearing the news now from

him was better than latter. “Lord Cormac said he paid Mary to poison your

father.”

Alarick’s eyes registered surprise and he starred at Reid in

disbelief.

“Before he died, Cormac said he had been paying Mary to drug

your father and have her suggest to your father that he give Astrid to him. He

said the potions were what had been making your father act oddly.” Reid watched

Alarick’s face harden, and he wondered what the boy was thinking. “Eric ordered

Leif to take Helen and Mary away to Nairn, but to keep it a secret.”

“Thank you.” Alarick looked towards the stables where Brent

was talking to his cousins. “You’d better go.” Alarick wiped his hand across

his face again then headed towards the stable.

Reid felt another pang of pity for Alarick and then turned

to hurry back into the keep.