Chapter 20

            Chapter Twenty

The next days passed in a blur, and were filled with work from morning to night. Alarick had taken Aarna back to the forest, and was preparing to leave with their cousins. Now that Astrid was wed he didn’t wish

to be there and interfere with her and Reid getting to know each other. Leif

was also going to leave with their cousins, he and Lana were smitten and her

father had agreed that they could wed. Reid was going to miss them, they both

had been kind and helpful to him, making him feel truly accepted. Brent and

Stephen had returned home the day after the wedding, promising to visit, and

Reid felt curiously alone.

Gothwyn meanwhile had proven invaluable, and took Reid and

Grant about the village and the surrounding countryside. He showed Reid what

was now his domain and introduced him as the new lord to everyone. Reid had

been shocked to learn that he was now not only was lord of Nairn, but Ceo

Danach. Eric had volunteered to leave with his brothers, but Reid begged him to

stay, he had looked forward to living in Nairn and he had no idea how to manage

one keep, much less two. Eric reluctantly agreed to stay, and said that when

Reid and Astrid took up residence in Nairn he’d take Helen and Mary back.

Astrid’s strength improved daily and she was able to move

all her fingers, but not her arm. At night she and Reid would spoon and kiss,

and he would tell her about his time in the Marches. A week after being injured

Astrid was strong enough to leave her bed. She let Reid carry her to the water

gate and she said a tearful goodbye to her brothers and her cousins, of all the

partings Alarick’s was the hardest, the twins had been inseparable all their

lives. They had become dependant on each other in so many ways that each felt

it was like loosing a part of themselves to be separated. But Alarick insisted

it was for the best, that Astrid and Reid needed time alone.

Astrid stood on the battlements, Reid by her side and

watched the ships sail away into the mist, then turned to cry on Reid’s chest.

He simply held her till she stopped crying, then tucked her into bed. He’d not

understood the depth of devotion to her brothers till then, and he felt a small

pang of jealousy.

 As Astrid healed she

was able to spend more time out of bed, which delighted Reid. But Megwyn had

forbidden Reid from doing anything more than kiss her till she was completely

healed. They would take walks, through the keep or down to the village,

Astrid’s left arm in a sling and Reid holding her right hand.

Reid despite his frustration at not being able to consummate

the marriage, enjoyed their times together. Ever day he would wake with her

small soft body in his arms, and he would kiss her awake. They would continue

kissing till Megwyn would knock on the door and say it was time to change

Astrid’s bandages. Megwyn would then chase Reid from the chamber.

Reid’s favorite time though was after the evening meal. He

and Astrid would go to the bathing chamber, and he would help her undress, and

into the large stone tub. Then he would wash her back and hair, being mindful

to not get her bandages wet. The time in the tub with each other gave him an

excuse to not only see his bride *****, but touch her and kiss her as he

wished. The forced abstinence was however driving them both mad.

Finally two and a half weeks after being injured Megwyn

announced that in two days Astrid would be healed enough, if Reid was careful,

for them to consummate the marriage. Her shoulder had indeed been fractured,

but the muscles had begun to heal, so that she could now lift her arm part way.

Reid had been so happy at the news he kissed Megwyn on the mouth and then ran

off howling like a wolf.

Eric had taken a calmer approach to the news. He sent

Gothwyn to Nairn, with the first part of the couples baggage, and orders to

bring back Helen and Mary. Strict orders were given that no one was to speak of

Reid or Astrid’s marriage in front of the pair. Eric didn’t trust them, he also

didn’t want to take any chances with Reid and Astrid’s happiness being ruined,

or for Torbay to learn that Astrid was wed just yet. He knew that Torbay in all

likely hood had been behind the attempts on Reid’s life two years earlier, yet

he couldn’t believe that the man was evil enough to be killing off his family.

Anna, from the kitchens, agreed to move to Nairn and take

over the duties of head woman and Reid appointed Gothwyn as castellan. He could

think of no person whom he could trust more with his life and secrets than the

dark haired man.

Grant would become captain of Reid’s guard, and responsible

for recruiting and training men, a position Grant was both honored and nervous

about accepting. Banning also agreed to come with them to Nairn, much to

Astrid’s delight.

 The last night at Ceo

Danach Eric took Reid aside and had him follow him down to the deepest part of

the keep, a passageway that seemed to go no where. Eric nodded for Reid to

place the torch he carried in a wall scone then nodded at the stone wall before

them.

“What do you see?” Eric asked holding up his own torch, so

the flickering light shone on the moisture slickened granite stones of the wall.

“I see a wall.” Reid responded trying to keep his patience.

This was the time he and Astrid normally spent with each other in the bath, and

he didn’t like missing it for some foolishness on Eric’s part.

“Humor me.” Eric said with a smile. He lifted the torch

higher and in the flickering shadows Reid saw two stone faces carved high on

the wall, a good six feet apart, one was the face of a raven the other a wolf.

Reid frowned, as Eric turned about and placed his own torch in a second wall

scone.

“Stand in front of the raven and place your right hand on

it.” Eric said moving to stand in front of the wolf. “When I tell you turn the

raven to the left as far as you can.”

Eric placed his hand on the wolf’s head, and looked over at

Reid, who was now no longer annoyed but curious. “Now.” Eric said and Reid

struggled to turn the stone head. At first nothing happened, but after a heart

beat it began to turn, slowly at first, then with increasing ease and speed.

When it would turn no more Reid heard a low rumble and the section of wall

before them began to rise into the ceiling. There was a rush of cold air that

made the torches gutter and a wooden door was revealed. Eric reached to his

neck and removed a thick chain, at the end of it was a large key made of iron.

Eric handed the key to Reid, then nodded at the door.

“As the new Lord of Ceo Danach this is now yours.” Eric

removed his torch from the holder, holding it up so Reid could see the key

hole.

“What is this place?” Reid asked.

“Nothing ill I promise, just open the door.” Eric gave Reid

a smile. Reid slipped the key in the lock, using some force to turn the lock,

finally there was a loud click and the door swung inwards.

Eric handed Reid his torch then nodded towards the door.

Reid gave it a cautious kick, sending the door open wide. Reid ****** the torch

ahead of him and then stepped inside and stopped in his tracks. Inside the

large stone chamber were open chests, at least twenty, filled to over flowing

with gold and silver coins, jewels, jewelry of all kinds and every other kind

of treasure imaginable.

He heard a soft laugh and turned to look at Eric. “It is

quite a sight isn’t it, when father first showed me I was struck dumb myself.”

“What is all this?” Reid asked, stepping forward to examine

the contents of one of the chests, gold coins spilling onto the floor from the

force of his footfalls.

“This is part of Astrid’s dowry. I’m sure she told you that

one of mother’s ancestors was a raider, Arwan hid all his treasure here. He had

several daughters, the eldest inherited Ceo Danach and the treasure.” Eric

picked up a gold ring and tossed it to Reid, who caught it deftly. “This is

part of that treasure, this is what the family uses to pay for repairs to the

keeps, and see the villagers don’t go hungry when the winter is long. The rest

of the treasure is hidden, and only Astrid knows where it is. Apparently my

ancestors thought the treasure was too great for a mere man to own, that men

were more easily corrupted, so the rest of the treasure is a closely guarded secret

passed from mother to eldest daughter.” Eric rooted in the chest beside him and

after a few moments pulled out a sapphire pendant, the size of his thumb nail,

hanging from a gold chain, he tossed it to Reid.

“You should give that to Astrid, blue always suits her.”

Eric smiled at Reid’s shocked look.

“This is mine to do with as I wish?” Reid stammered, he was

standing in the middle of a king’s ransom.

“Yes, anything you like. When my elder brothers died father

brought me here and showed this room to me. I was allowed to take some for

myself, which I have hidden away.” Eric gave Reid a smile. “Once you and Astrid

are settled I shall take my box of gold and sail from here. I want to put Helen

and this place behind me, and start my own life.”

Reid began inspecting the over flowing chests, it was a

staggering fortune. Finally he turned to look back at Eric and shook his head

in disbelief.

“Why did you show this to me? You could of kept it all for

your self?” Reid saw Eric shake his head.

“It’s part of Astrid’s dowry, she told me to take as much as

I wanted. Which I did, I need nothing else. Besides I have spent my life

knowing that Ceo Danach and everything in it would go to her. I love my sister,

I have no wish to take what is hers. Perhaps you understand now why father was

as he was. The knowledge that this much wealth, and the power that went with it

would fall on my sister weighed heavily on him. But as I said this is just a

fraction of the treasure, only Astrid knows where the rest is. Take what you

like, and then you should get back to her, no one knows about this place, not

even Leif or Alarick. Just Astrid, and me and now you.” Eric poked in a chest,

making a pile of coins slide to the stone floor with a loud clatter.

Reid examined the contents of the chests, selecting several

pendants for Astrid that caught his eyes, and a simple silver bracelet for

himself. When he was done he turned back to Eric.

“I’m done. Thank you Eric.” He said stepping back through

the door. Eric pulled the heavy wooden door shut after him, then stepped back

to allow Reid to lock it.

“Stand in front of the raven. To close the wall we turn the

heads together, the other way.” Eric waited till Reid was in place then nodded

his head, and Reid turned the raven face back into place. The stone wall slid

back into place, with hardly a sound.

“Impressive isn’t it? I don’t know who built it or how, but

they were a cunning craftsmen.” Eric said, looking at the closed wall. “If you

didn’t know the door was there you’d never find the treasure room.”

“Your right.” Reid inspected the wall unable to see the

cracks, then looked down at his palm. In it were the pendants he’d taken, a

sapphire pendant, a simple pearl pendant, and a gold pendant with a diamond in

the middle. What he held in his hands was ten years wages for a knight like

him. He understood now why so many men wanted Astrid, he realized he was wool

gathering and gave Eric an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, this is all just a lot to comprehend. I thought

Astrid was so sought after because of the land she inherited, this is beyond my

comprehension.” Reid shook, his head hearing Eric chuckle.

“It has never been easy on her or father. Her whole life she

was sought after because she was a valuable prize, who ever owns her owns a

kings fortune.” Eric looked over at Reid to be sure he was listening. “I have

the feeling though she has become more to you than just a chest of gold, at

least I hope she has.”

“Yes she has. Several days ago, I asked if she would just

ride away with me. I told your father he could keep everything, that I just

wanted her.” Reid sighed, wishing he had stolen Astrid away, thinking that he’d

be poor but she’d not of been hurt.

“I am glad you thought that way, you are the best choice for

her then.” Eric stopped in the dark passageway. “Good night, I shall see you

both in the morning. We shall all ride to Nairn, and finally have a proper

wedding feast.”

“Aye, it has been hard to follow Megwyn’s orders, your

sister is very beautiful.” Reid said, seeing Eric grin.

“So I am not going to be an uncle yet?” Eric asked.

“Not yet. Astrid’s health means too much to me to risk on my

lust. We shall have a life time to love each other.” Reid said, embarrassed and

saw Eric grinning.

“Well said, I’ll not keep you then.” Eric took the torch from

him, walking away to leave Reid alone. Reid thought of Astrid’s soft skin and

softer kisses and all but flew to the bathing chamber, hoping to still catch

her there, to his delight she was waiting for him, resting in one of the large

wooden chairs along the side of the room, her eyes closed.

Reid eased the door shut and locked it, seeing her start.

She’d fallen asleep waiting for him, his poor little Viking still wasn’t

completely recovered.

“You did not have to wait.” He said walking up to her,

Astrid shook her head and stood up with a shy smile.

“I didn’t mind, where did you and Eric go?” Astrid looked up

at him, resting her chin on his chest. Reid held the three pendants out before

her and saw her eyes widen.

“I was wondering when he would show you. If you like I can

show you the rest of the treasure tonight.” Astrid asked and to her surprise

Reid shook his head.

“No, that was enough of a shock.” He bent and kissed her,

then wrapped his arms about her holding her against him. “You are all I need. I

can wait to see the rest of this treasure. I have you, that is more than I

deserve.”

Astrid smiled, resting her head against Reid’s chest. He

really did love her, she knew that now, a man actually loved her and wanted her

for herself and not her dowry, it was a heady thought. Reid kissed the top of

her head and undid the sling holding her right arm, throwing it to one of the

chairs. She yawned as he undid the lacing of her gown, and then eased her it

off. He slid it down her body, then held her left arm as she stepped clear of

it. He gave it a shake then lay the blue gown over the chair where he’d thrown

her sling. Reid stepped back to survey the bandages on her shoulder and

forearm.

“We can take them off, the wounds are healed enough. I can

do it myself if you’d rather not, the wound is not pretty.” Astrid was nervous

for Reid to see the wound on her shoulder, it was still red and puckered.

“I do not mind. I have been your healer before.” Reid gave

her a slow smile and pulled his belt knife out to slice through the heavy

bandage on her shoulder. He eased the thick linen wrapping off then through it

into the fire, that was heating the chamber. Reid then used his knife to cut

off the wrapping on her forearm, also throwing it into the fire. He resheathed

his knife and looked down at Astrid’s shoulder expecting it in the lamp light.

The scar was red, and puckered and a good four inches long, running from the

top of her shoulder to just above the rise of her ******.

“Does it make me hideous?” Astrid asked.

“Nay, it looks painful. I was thinking how lucky you are to

be alive. That it will remind me every day for the rest of our lives how much

my wife loves me.” Reid bent and kissed her where the scar ended on her ******.

“Besides I have scars.” Reid said giving her a smile. “You

don’t think my scars make me ugly?”

Astrid shook her head as Reid carefully lifted her right

forearm to inspect the red scar.

“No, but you are a man. I had wanted to be beautiful for our

wedding and our wedding night.” Astrid bit her lower lip and reminded herself

warriors didn’t cry. She felt Reid’s hands on her face and he forced her to

look at him.

“You are beautiful. All that has kept me from having you is

the fear I’d cripple you or make you ill.” Reid kissed her lips, teasing her

mouth open with his tongue, then plundering her mouth. He pulled away with

regret. “After you fall asleep each night I lay awake and look at you and think

how lovely you are. How lucky I am, that Reid the bastard, has a beautiful

wife. A woman who loves me enough to risk everything for me.” Reid leaned down

to nuzzle on her neck. “I must confess it takes a long time to fall asleep.”

“But I’m fey, does it not bother you? And my hair? It isn’t

blonde, I know you prefer blonde hair.” Astrid reached up to touch her hair with

her right hand, conscious of both her nakedness and exposed scars.

“And I’m an uneducated bastard who would be penniless if not

for you.” Reid ran his hands through her long hair, twinning it about his

fingers. As always he marveled at how silky it was. “As for blonde hair, I

decided two years ago I was wrong on that count. When we were in the church I

saw all the women with blonde hair, and you out shinned them all. You were like

a bright red poppy in a field of daises, I thought that pretty woman is mine.”

Reid kissed her again, then slipped his arms about her to lift her into the

tub. “Now no more thinking I don’t find you beautiful.”

Reid gave her a wolfish grin and leaning over the tub

fastened the sapphire pendant about her neck. Astrid laughed she was still

wearing the silver pendant Reid had given her for her birthday, as well as his

ring and the rose pendant.

Astrid eased back in the warm water and watched Reid

undress, as usual the sight of his muscular body made her heart beat faster. It

was still hard to believe that he was her husband, and that he loved her. Reid

finished undressing and then stepped into the tub, pulling her against him to

claim her mouth, his hands running over her back and thighs.

“How is it when you have a room full of treasure, you never

wear any of it? That you only wear the pieces I have given you or what Leif has

made you?” Reid asked, pushing the sapphire pendant, back and forth between the

deep cleft in her breasts.

“I never thought about it. When I was younger I tried hard

to be like my brothers.” Astrid sighed and rested her head on Reid’s shoulder.

“The men who killed my mother and my aunts took their jewelry, it was a miracle

they missed my medallion. I never wanted to call attention to myself by wearing

any, and father didn’t want anyone to know about the treasure. It was bad

enough that men were hounding him night and day for my hand.”

“That was wise of you.” Reid wrapped his arms about her and

leaned back against the side of the tub. “My sister Elizabeth would go crazy if

she saw the chamber below.” Reid smiled thinking of his half sister, then began

to chuckle.

“What is it?” Astrid asked, looking up at him.

“Nothing, I still have the chest of gold your brother gave

me two years ago hidden in Brent’s keep. I thought it was a fortune before. I

suppose when he comes to visit I shall tell him to keep it, his keep could use

some repairs.” Reid felt Astrid snuggle closer against him and closed his eyes

savoring the moment. It had been a long time since he’d been so content.

“Once we are settled in Nairn could your sister come and

visit us?” Astrid asked startling Reid. “I have never had a sister before.”

“You would want Elizabeth to stay with us?” Reid thought of

his demanding half sister. “I think Brent would like to have her off his hands.

She is forever driving him mad. She complains to him nonstop that she doesn’t

have enough gowns, and that he hasn’t found her a husband. She is twenty one

and a bit of a shrew.”

“I’m sure with some attention she would change. Is she not

pretty, is that why she has no husband?” Astrid asked sleepily.

“She is rather pretty actually and favors Brent, but has no

dowry. The only candidates for husbands he has found have not met with her

approval. They have all been merchants or sons of poor lords. After our keep in

Normandy was burned, Brent lost the family fortune. He was lucky the king gave

him the keep he now has.” Reid heard Astrid make a sleepy oh sound. He looked

down to see Astrid was drifting off asleep, so much for loving her in the bath.

Reid wrapped his arms about Astrid and stood up dripping water and stepped out

of the tub, startling Astrid awake. He set her on her feet and grabbed one of

the large towels from the rack and wrapped it about her, then wrapped another

about his own waist.

“Do you want to **** **** tonight? I do not think the

difference of a day will matter.” Astrid asked sleepily, blushing as Reid

rubbed her dry, lingering longer than necessary on her breasts. She saw his

lips tighten and then he shook his head.

“I do, more than you can imagine. But you are exhausted and

I would have you enjoy your first time.” He kissed her on the neck, making her

squirm. Then turned to find her neatly folded night rail. He eased it over her

head, then helped her slid her arm into it. “We will wait till tomorrow, and I

shall have you in that huge soft bed.”

Reid grabbed the loose breeches he wore to bed from off the

chair, slipping them on under his towel. He rolled all his clothes into a

bundle with her gown and handed them to her. Then scooped her up in his arms

making her laugh.

“Have no fear, tomorrow night I shall make you fully mine.

But for tonight you sleep, for tomorrow night I plan to see you won’t.” Reid

gave her a grin that made her blush and his arms tight about her carried from

the bathing chamber.

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