Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

Astrid had been unconscious since passing out on the field,

four days ago. Megwyn had said it was probably a blessing, that she was

sleeping through the worst of the pain, that all they could do was tend her and

pray.

Reid sat beside Astrid’s bed her left hand in his, she was

as white as snow, her lips bloodless. Megwyn and Aarna had told him that the

blade had struck bone, that her shoulder was possibly broken, that it was a

miracle she lived. He pressed Astrid’s cold hand against his cheek and willed

her to wake up, to open her beautiful eyes and look at him. She’d undoubtedly

saved his life, but at what cost. If she lived Megwyn said there was a chance

her arm would never heal right, that she’d be crippled for life. He didn’t

care, she just had to open her eyes and everything would be all right. Two

years ago, all that had mattered to him was gold and respect. He’d only thought

of her as a means to an end, a means to elevate himself above his low born

status, to be something more than Reid the bastard. Her wealth and status would

give him everything he wanted, gold, power and honor, but now he didn’t care

about that, he just wanted her.

“Astrid, please wake up. It is you birthday, you can’t sleep

through your birthday.” Reid gave her hand another squeeze. “Please Astrid I

love you, just wake up.”

Astrid was aware of pain, deep throbbing pain in her

shoulder and arm, and it felt oddly heavy. She was aware that her father had

died, that Cormac was dead. She felt a moment’s remorse for both their

passings, then the warm comforting blackness beckoned. But she heard a voice,

some one was talking to her, she focused on the voice, it was Reid’s, he was

telling her he loved her. She concentrated on his voice and willed her eyes to

open, a moment latter she blinked and opened her eyes. The first thing she saw

was Reid, his normally well kept hair was tangled, and there was at least a

day’s growth of beard on his face.

“Reid.” She whispered and realized she was perishing from

thirst. She saw his eyes widen and he leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

“Thirsty.” She croaked and saw him leap from the chair.

“She’s awake, she’s awake.” Reid shouted out the door, then

hurried to the small table beside her bed and poured a cup of water with

trembling hands. He turned back to her and slipping his hand under her head

helped her up as he pressed the cup to her lips. Astrid gratefully gulped the

water and then had to lay back, exhausted.

Reid set the cup down as Eric, Alarick and Megwyn hurried

into the room.

“How long have I slept?” Astrid asked, her voice a dry

croak.

“Four days.” Megwyn dashed tears away. “Are you hungry? I

could bring you some broth?”

Astrid managed to nod, she was not only hungry but dying of

thirst. “Yes, that would be wonderful.” She croaked and Megwyn smiled before

hurrying away.

Eric stepped up to Astrid’s bed, and sat on the edge. “You

gave us all a scare. Once you are well I think sir Reid means to give you a

good tongue lashing. You could have been killed.”

“Cormac was going to strike Reid in the back.” Astrid

protested weakly.

 “Yes we know, you

saved his life, but had you died.” Eric paused not wanting to continue. “You

must promise to be less reckless. Now we must talk, father is dead.”

“I know.” Astrid replied.

 “I am going to call

Brother Fenton and our cousins, today is your birthday. You must marry today.

Do you understand Astrid? To protect not only you but everyone else you must

marry.” Eric gave her hand a squeeze. “Can you stay awake?”

Astrid blinked, trying to force herself to focus on Eric. “Marry

Reid?” She asked, trying to get her fuzzy brain to work.

“Yes, marry Sir Reid. After you have eaten I will have

Megwyn comb your hair, and dress you. All our cousins are still here, they can

witness it. Do you understand?” Eric’s voice was now hard and insistent.

“Father and Cormac?” Astrid asked, thinking of the two dead

men. It would be an ill omen to be married on the same day they were both

buried.

“Father was buried four days ago, and Cormac two days ago.

Once you are better we shall have a proper wedding, but this must happen to

protect everyone, do you understand?” Eric asked again. If she died unwed Eric

would inherit everything, and she knew he didn’t want that.

“I understand.” Astrid replied.

“Now Alarick will stay with you, while I tell everyone your

awake, and begin preparations.” Eric stood, placing a kiss on her head.

Eric gave Reid a fleeting smile. “Go wash and shave. Astrid

made you a special tunic and shirt for today, I will have one of the maids

bring it to you.”

Reid was over joyed that Astrid was now awake but it felt

wrong to wed her while she was so ill.  “Can’t

this wait till she is well? She is barely conscious.” Reid hissed and Eric

shook his head

“If I die and she still lives there is nothing to stop some

lord from coming and trying to take her. Don’t you understand that? The only

way she and everyone else will be safe is for her to be wed. I thought you

understood that.” Eric caught Reid’s eyes with his own.

“Very well.” Reid pushed his hair back from his face and

then turned to drop a quick on Astrid’s forehead. “I will see you soon my

love.”

An hour latter Reid was standing in the family chapel inside

the keep, his brothers and Grant next to him. He’d been surprised when the

servants had brought him a complete wedding outfit of dark green. A silk shirt,

with an over tunic of the softest wool he’d ever touched, and matching linen

breeches. The collar of the tunic and been stitched with gold, silver and

crimson thread, depicting small wolf heads. His brothers and even Grant had

also been presented with new clothes, all of a slightly lighter shade of green.

The maids who’d delivered the garments had said that they’d all been made by

lady Astrid, in preparation for her wedding.

Reid had been stunned by Astrid’s devotion, in his entire

life only his mother and Brent had ever cared for him this much. He planned to

cherish her after they were wed, and let her know how much she meant to him.

Reid was still lost in thought and didn’t hear the others

approach, brother Fenton cleared his throat loudly drawing his attention. Reid

turned to see Eric and Alarick entering the chapel dressed in fine tunics of

dark blue. Behind them came Megwyn and Astrid’s cousin Lana, and Leif carrying

Astrid.

Astrid was pale, but no longer deathly so, she was dressed

in a gown of white silk, with a circlet of flowers braided into her hair. Her

hair hung loose over Leif’s arm, almost sweeping the floor, while around her

neck was Reid’s ring and the pendant he’d given her. Her head was resting

against Leif’s shoulder, and despite the fact she was probably in pain she gave

Reid a smile.

Eric stepped forward and handed Reid a small gold ring, then

gave him an approving look before stepping to one side. Brother Fenton gave

Reid a smile, then looked at Astrid who managed to give him a smile of

greeting.

“Well if Lady Astrid is well enough we shall begin, though

this is most irregular.” Brother Fenton protested, looking about the chapel and

at the serious faces there.

“Begin father.” Eric gratted.

“Very well sir Reid if you would take Lady Astrid’s hand. We

shall begin with the blessing.” Brother Fenton said, and Reid stepped closer to

Leif and took Astrid’s hand.

The ceremony passed in a blur and when it came time for the

rings, Reid was surprised Astrid had enough strength to place the ring on his

finger. When the wedding was over, and they were proclaimed man and wife, Leif

gave Reid a nod and Reid took Astrid from him. Astrid looked at Reid, managing

a smile despite the pain in her shoulder and Reid kissed her gently. “I love

you.” She said, resting her head against Reid’s shoulder, her strength gone.

“I love you too.” Reid replied.

“Congratulations Reid.” Brent said, patting him on the back

as Eric stepped forward.

“You should take her back to her chamber, then come to the

hall. There is a small wedding supper prepared, and you will also need to sign

the wedding contract.” Eric said.

“Of course.” Reid walked out of the chapel, to his surprise

the corridor was lined with her cousins, who all smiled at him as he walked

past carrying her. Reid carried Astrid up the stairs and down the corridor to

her chamber, easing the door open with his foot. He lay her in the middle of

the bed, then brushed several locks of hair from her face.

“Now wife, you must promise to never do anything like that

again.” Reid leaned forward to kiss Astrid, liking the sound of the word wife.

“I can not make such a promise for it is my duty to watch

your back, as well as tend your hall. But I will try to be more careful.”

Astrid gave Reid a weak smile.

Reid was too happy to argue with her, she was finally his

and what she’d done had been done out of love.

“Be that as it may, I would be lost with out you.” Reid

stole another kiss as he heard a sound behind him, he looked up see Megwyn.

“Baron Devreies, I shall set up a bed in here for you, till

Astrid is well enough to share yours.” Megwyn said with a smile and Reid

inhaled in surprise. Baron Devreies, he was a baron now, he looked down seeing

Astrid was asleep, he would have to thank her again latter for marrying him.

 “Thank you. Is she

going to be all right?” Reid asked.

“Yes, by a miracle there is no infection. But it will be

some time before we know if she lost the use of her arm. Now you should go to

the feast.” Megwyn gave Reid another smile. “I will stay with her.”

“Thank you Megwyn.” Reid gave Megwyn a smile of gratitude,

before leaving.

Reid entered the great hall and to his surprise found every

one was waiting for him. When he stepped inside everyone stood up and raised

their tankards to him.

Eric lifted his tankard high into the air. “To the new lord

of Nairn and the new Baron Devreies, may he enjoy long life and prosperity.”

Reid was taken back by Eric’s toast, he stepped forward and

Eric motioned for him to sit beside him at the head table. Around the hall the

assembled men lifted their tankards to him and drank to his health. Reid sat

beside Eric, Brent and Stephen on his left and felt both happy and sad at the

same time. It was wrong to be celebrating with out Astrid, Eric must of sensed

his dilemma and leaned close to him.

“Fear not, once Astrid is well we shall have a true wedding

feast. But our cousins must return to the Orkney’s in two days. It is also

Alarick and Astrid’s birthday, despite all the evil and misfortune their

birthday must be celebrated, and the wedding marked.” Eric said.

After the meal of beef, and fish, honey cake was served and

Reid heard a rumble of laughter and looked to the end of the hall. Several of

the cousins, all hearty, stout men with flaxen hair were carrying chests and

baskets towards the head table.

“For the wedding couple.” A man of about Reid’s age said in

thick Norman. He set a heavy wooden chest on the floor before Reid, who starred

at the man trying to remember his name.

“He’s called Thorfin, he’s a first cousin.” Brent whispered

in his ear, as he smiled his thanks and repeated the man’s name trying to

commit it to memory. Reid stepped about the table and opened the lid of the

chest. In side were eight goblets of polished silver, two set with semi

precious gem stones, there were also eight plates of burnished silver, and

eight silver spoons. It was a princely gift, and Reid turned to shake Thorfin’s

hand.

“Thank you, it is wonderful.” Reid replied as other men

began coming forward to set chests and leather trunks down before both Reid and

Alarick. It took Reid only a moment to realize the other trunks were birthday

gifts for Alarick. When all the cousins had finished bringing up the bridal

gifts Reid was speechless at their generosity, at the wealth of what was about

him. There were more plates and cups of silver, even several vases all the way

from the Holy Land of bright green jade. There were several bolts of silk, and

linen, a trunk of rare spices and perfumes. But of all the gifts the one that

touched him the most was a large wooden cradle carved by on of the cousins,

with a wolf running across the head board. Reid could only stare at it for

several moments, thinking that one day he would be a father. Cousin Henrich,

who’d crafted the cradle, laughed at Reid’s face and slapped him hard on the

back. The men continued to tease Alarick about now being a man, as Eric called

for music and Banning came forward.

“If you would wait a moment.” Reid said loudly bringing

silence. “ I would like to thank everyone for not only their generous gifts,

but for making my brothers and I feel welcome.” Reid saw all the men were

smiling and many grunted approvingly. “But if you will excuse me I shall go

keep my bride company now, so I wish you all a good night.” He heard hoots of

laughter and turned to give Eric a smile of thanks.

“Grant would you see that this all makes it to my chamber.

I’ll be in Astrid’s chamber.” Reid said and bent to pick up the cradle.

“Of course.” Grant began to rise, and Reid shook his head.

“Stay, enjoy the wine and the company, they really are a

jovial lot aren’t they.” Reid watched Alarick being pushed forward, to dance

with one of his pretty cousins.

“Yes, they are. Good night.” Grant said giving Reid a grin.

Reid returned the grin, then gave Brent a wave good night before going to his

chamber. Once there he set the cradle down, and rummaged in his one bag. After

several moments he found what he was looking for two presents for Astrid. He

stuffed them inside his tunic, then gathered up his clothes stuffing them into

the bags. Then he threw his brush and comb into the other, before throwing them

both over his right shoulder. He paused for a moment, his hand on the door,

after tonight he’d no longer be sharing a chamber with one of his brothers or

Grant, after tonight he planned to never sleep alone again.

Reid strode through the keep, stopping at last before

Astrid’s chamber. He didn’t bother to knock, he pushed the door open and

slipped inside and to his surprise he discovered Gothwyn sitting by the fire,

Gothwyn rose as he entered and gave Reid a small bow.

“My lord, I let Megwyn go. She was tired and wished to go to

the feast.” Gothwyn said softly. “She left a bottle of medicine in case Lady

Astrid wakes in pain. She said to give her two fingers worth, mixed in water.”

Gothwyn pointed to a smoky glass bottle and a pitcher on the table. “I also

brought the rest of your bridal gifts from Lady Astrid. They are there by the

table.” Gothwyn pointed to two large leather trunks on the floor. “There are

two buckets of warm water for you to wash by the fire, and the guard robe is in

the corner hidden by the tapestry.” Gothwyn pointed to the corner. “If there is

nothing else my lord I will take my leave.”

“Thank you. Please go and enjoy the feast.” Reid replied,

and saw Gothwyn hesitate by the door.

“May I ask you a question my lord?” Gothwyn asked.

“Of course, what is it?” Reid replied, setting his bags down

as quietly as possible.

“You will not send me away will you? I will serve you as

well as my lady, she is my family.” Gothwyn said looking apprehensive, Reid was

startled by the question. He’d been jealous of Gothwyn and Astrid’s closeness,

but he never thought of sending the man away.

“No, of course not, Astrid is fond of you ” Reid replied and

saw Gothwyn smile.

“Thank you Baron Devreies, good night.” Gothwyn slipped from

the room and Reid closed the door after him. He began undressing as quietly as

possible, every now and then looking at Astrid who was as pale as her pillow.

He stripped down to his breech clout, setting Astrid’s gift on the bed set up

for him.

Reid poured warm water into the basin on the table, washing

his face and hands. Lastly he took a willow branch from a jar by the basin and

used it to clean his teeth. He was just about to lie down when Astrid stirred

and opened her eyes, when she saw him she smiled.

“Reid.” Astrid murmured.

Reid eased himself down to sit on the bed beside her.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” He leaned forward and kissed

her on the forehead.

“You didn’t, I was thirsty.” Astrid replied. Reid slid from

the bed and poured water into the ceramic cup on her table, then crossed back

to her, helping her sit up and drink. When she had drained the cup, Reid lay

her back down and returned the cup to the table, before retrieving her gifts.

“Since you are awake I can give you your gifts.” He laid the

two bundles on the bed beside her, and saw her smile.

“Gifts for me?” Astrid asked, looking at the two small linen

wrapped bundles.

“Yes, one is for your birthday, the other a wedding gift.”

Reid saw her eyes widen in surprise.

“Would you open them for me?” Astrid’s left arm was still

unable to move and she was too weak to even sit up by herself.

“Of course.” Reid lifted the larger of the two packages.

“Birthday first.” He carefully unwrapped the linen the bundle, inside Astrid

saw something blue and shiny. Reid held up the contents and Astrid gasped in

delight, it was a sash of dark blue silk, shot with gold and copper thread, it

was the most beautiful sash she’d ever seen.

“It is beautiful.” Astrid said, seeing Reid grin.

 “I saw it in the

market in Lincoln and thought of you. The blue reminded me of your eyes, and

the gold and copper your lovely hair. Happy Birthday.” He lay it in her right

hand and she lifted it to rub it against her cheek.

“Your cousins have many birthday gifts for you, and you

shall have to see all the wedding gifts they gave us. I felt like a king.” Reid

paused seeing her smile disappear. “But it was not much of a celebration with

out you.”

“That is all right, I feel bad that I was not there with

you. This is not how I wanted our wedding to go.” Astrid said sadly and Reid

shook his head.

“Don’t think about it. If not for your bravery, I’d be dead.

But as I said now we are wed, I don’t want you to take any more chances.” Reid

kissed her gently. “Now your wedding gift.” Reid sat back, opening the smaller

bundle. When he was done unwrapping it a round silver pendant, with a silver

chain rested in his hand. He held it up for Astrid to inspect. On one side was

a wolf head, the other the outline of a raven.

“I had a silver smith make it. The wolf is me, and the raven

you.” Reid lay it in her hand and Astrid brought it closer to her face to see

it better.

“It is beautiful, thank you.” Astrid was touched by Reid’s

thoughtfulness. “Would you put it on for me?” She asked and Reid gave her a

smile. Taking the pendant from her he slid his hands under her neck and then

with some fiddling managed to fasten the chain.

“Now you should go to sleep. We can talk in the morning.”

Reid turned to slip from the bed only to have Astrid catch his hand pulling him

back.

“Please sleep beside me. It is our wedding night, and I am

cold.” Astrid felt anther pang of remorse that their wedding night would pass

without Reid being able to love her.

“I might hurt you.” Reid protested, though the idea of

sleeping beside her was appealing.

“You won’t. Please, I’m cold and I have been having terrible

dreams, it will be a comfort to have you near.” She tightened her hand about

his fingers. “You are my husband now.”

Reid didn’t feel like arguing, they could not **** **** till

her wounds healed, but they could at least share a bed. He eased back the

blankets, sliding into the bed beside her, and rolling onto his side, kissed

her cheek.

“Tell me of your dreams. Was it a dream that made you warn

me, was that why you wanted me to leave?” Reid asked.

“Yes, I dreamed I would be hurt. I didn’t want you to see me

injured. I thought you would be better without me.” Astrid said, trying to

fight the sadness that threatened to overwhelm her. “But now you are stuck with

me.”

Reid shook his head and kissed her cheek again, wishing he

could do more. “Nay, not stuck, blessed. I am the luckiest man in all of

England and Normandy. I have a beautiful wife, who loves me madly.” Reid saw

Astrid smile.

“You really think I’m beautiful?” She’d wanted Reid to find

her pretty for so long, it was hard to believe what he said. He caught her hand

and kissed the back of it, giving her a roguish grin.

“I do. Once you are well I’ll show you just how lovely I

find you. Now go to sleep.” Reid kissed her again and watched her close her

eyes a smile on her face. He watched Astrid till she fell asleep, and then he cautiously

slid his left arm over her waist and closed his eyes.

It was not the wedding night he had dreamed of, but she was

his now and no one would ever hurt her again if he had his way.

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