Chapter 17

 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.

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