Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 (19 page)

“You obviously do not know much about court,” Guy said.

“Then by all means,” Leofrick said, “enlighten me.”

“I believe I can do that,” Fulke responded. “There is very little love lost in the ranks of the aristocracy, and it has been that way for some time. To the masses the nobility presents itself as a unified front. Behind closed doors, it is quite the opposite.”

“No offense but if that is the case, I am glad not to be a member of the nobility.”

“No offense taken.” Fulke shook his head with a chuckle. “It is not something I wanted for myself. In fact, I would have gone to Jerusalem had the—”

“Not this again,” Albin interrupted.      

“It is a shame Lady Adorlee could not be related to the king’s appointment steward,” Euric said. “We could have accomplished two things at once.”    

“Indeed,” Fulke said with a wry look at Albin. “It would also solve one of our greatest challenges.”

“I am glad you said one of them,” Albin muttered.

“Have you an idea to secure an audience with the king?” Leofrick spoke up. “I have heard he often keeps people waiting for days. Since you are no longer in favor…”

“It is a risk I must take,” Fulke said. “If I am delayed like I expect to be, it will give Gervase enough time to do what needs to be done.”

“Let us hope the king does not keep you waiting indefinitely,” Albin said. “When he does grant you an audience, woo him into your way of thinking so we can return home.”

“He is not a woman to be wooed,” Fulke said. “Yet I am certain the justice has apprised him of the situation. If he has, Henry will no doubt want to hear my defense of Talan.”

“Not only that, I am sure Henry misses you.” Albin grinned. “I know I would miss you if I were he.”

“Can you not remain serious for a full day’s time?” 

“What?” Albin feigned innocence. “Tis true.”

Fulke narrowed his eyes. “Anyway, it is the best plan we have at the moment.”

“It is as sound as any,” Guy said with a shrug. “We shall face each problem as it arises. It would not be the first time.”

“You are right about that,” Gervase said holding out his blade to Guy. “The first problem would be the length of my hair. Do try and cut straight.”

Chapter Fifteen

Talan, Mylla and Edmund arrived in the Village of Chertsey well after dark. Having reached the main road leading to the town’s high street, their path was illuminated by light from the open shutters of the modest mottle-and-daub cottages they passed. Laughter, arguing and conversational chatter could be heard while tantalizing smells from the evening’s fare wafted to them on the cool breeze.

“Something smells tasty,” Talan observed on their way past.

“A hot meal does sound nice.” Pleased to be nearing the end of the day’s long journey, Mylla smiled.

“The inn is up ahead,” Edmund said. “I will see about securing us a pair of rooms for the night. I think it best if you were both seen as little as possible.”

“Once again we are in accordance.” Talan slowed his horse so Edmund could take the lead. 

Fear had Mylla sweeping the shadows with her gaze. “Do you think it possible that the justice’s men have already reached this far?”

“It would be near to impossible since they would have had to catch us on the road.” Talan kept his voice low. “In time they are bound to arrive here to inquire after a traveling couple of our description. Having your brother along lends us assist on that account.”

Mylla relaxed slightly.

“It will not always be like this,” Edmund said brusquely.

“Thank you, Edmund.” Mylla’s tone held surprise at his expressing concern for her.

The Glowing Maiden’s Tavern and Inn sign was illuminated by torches set in iron brackets on either side of it. The crude painted image depicted a busty wench holding two brimming cups of ale. 

Edmund frowned when the trio reached the inn. “This is not a place my sister should enter, or any respectable woman for that matter.”

“Better here than off the road in the open.” Assisting Mylla from the saddle, Talan supported her. “Between the pair of us, she is well protected.”

“You are her husband,” Edmund said turning his back on the pair. 

Talan watched him enter the inn.

“You promised.” Mylla tugged on Talan’s sleeve to regain his attention.

Talan smoothed away the strands of hair that had escaped Mylla’s braid. “Have I said anything offensive to him?”

“It is your disapproving look that I am referring to, and you know it.”

“My look?” Talan’s lip quirked. “There is nothing I can do about how I look.”

“Talan…” Mylla did not finish what she was going to say.

A young dirty boy dressed in tattered clothing came rushing out ahead of Edmund to relieve them of their horses. “I will see to their care, my lord and lady.”

“I am no lord,” Talan said, tossing the boy a coin. “Rub them down well and there will be another coin in it for you upon our departure.”

“I have secured two rooms for us at the back of the inn,” Edmund said. “They are closest to the exit should we need to make a hasty departure.”

“Well done,” Talan said. “Did you manage to make note of how many people are inside?”

“No more than what should be expected. All locals by the look of them,” Edmund said. “After having food delivered to your chamber, I will dine in the tavern to eavesdrop on the local gossip.”

“Thank you, Edmund.” Mylla touched her brother’s sleeve. “Your presence has been a Godsend.”

“It is not the cleanliest of places, yet it could be worse,” Edmund said. “Keep your heads down and stay close to my back.”

Shouldering his and Mylla’s packs, Talan lightly placed his hand in the small of Mylla’s back.

The inside of the tavern was dark and smoky. The only light coming from a few smoking rush torches set in the stone along the wall behind the long rough planked bar. Refuse was littered along the dirt-packed floor. A wench with rotted teeth and a pockmarked face served the few men occupying the tables. Her drab brown kirtle stained and worn bare in spots appeared several sizes too large for her undernourished frame.

Edmund forcefully kicked a large rat out of Mylla’s path before she took notice of it. His eyes scanning the locals, he relaxed slightly when only a few half-heartedly glanced in the trio’s direction. 

The flight of steps ascending to the second level was situated in the back of the tavern. Without any kind of light to guide their way, Edmund braced his hand against the rotting planked wall. “Have a care on the steps the wench said a few near the top are missing.”

“Forgive me for taking you to a place such as this,” Talan whispered to Mylla.

Twining her fingers with his, she began a slow ascent behind Edmund. 

The top of the steps led to a narrow passageway with mismatched doors lining its length. Opening the first door, Edmund stepped back. “The wench assured me the linens are clean. A tallow and flint should be on the chest of drawers.”

“Rest well.” Mylla managed a smile for her brother. “We shall see you at daybreak.”

“I shall settle with the lad and be waiting out front with the horses.”

“Edmund,” Talan said brusquely in parting.

“Talan,” Edmund returned.  

Following Mylla into their chamber, Talan slid the bolt. “Let us hope the wench was not lying about the clean linens.” Feeling along the wall, his hands touched on the chest of drawers. After a few sparks a soft glow lit the small space.

“It appears to be tidy enough,” Mylla said scanning what little of the room she could see.

Holding the tallow above his head, Talan inspected the straw-filled pallet. “Definitely not made for comfort like feathers would be, yet the linens albeit worn do appear to be laundered.”

“It is not like they could be any more soiled than the earth.” Mylla perched on the edge of the bed. 

“Do not be so sure.”

Mylla paused in the act of removing her boots when she realized what he meant. “Perhaps we should sleep on our own coverlet.” 

“Good idea.” Unstrapping the rolled quilt from the back of his satchel, Talan waited for Mylla to stand before unfurling it across the bed. “The inn does not have a garderobe. We shall have to make do with the chamber pot beneath the bed.”

“Oh.” Unused to such personal familiarity with Talan, Mylla shifted uneasily.

Confirming the earthenware pitcher set on the chest held water, Talan placed Mylla’s satchel on the bed. “I will give you a moment to refresh yourself whilst I have a look around and see to our meal.”

“Edmund said he would have something sent up.”

Talan lightly caressed her cheek. “I shall not be able to rest without assuring myself you will be safe here.”

Covering Talan’s hand with her own, Mylla turned her head to kiss his palm. “Do not be long.”

Mylla had bathed the best she was able using the basin and bar of soap she had brought. Dressed only in her chemise, she was sitting on the bed brushing her hair when Talan returned bearing a full laden tray. “The cook has prepared us a humble feast.”

Setting her comb aside, Mylla made room for him. “That was very kind.”

“Coin works wonders in such instances.” Setting the tray down, Talan sat beside her. “There is mead for you and ale for me. We have a pork pottage and fresh baked rye bread, along with some roasted turnips.”

“It smells wonderful.” Mylla’s stomach rumbled in anticipation.

Dividing the portions, Talan held out his dinner knife to Mylla. Using his short dagger, the pair made quick work of the meal.

After they had finished eating, Talan set aside the tray and began to undress.

Mylla eased back onto the bed to watch him with longing.

Stripped to his braies, Talan tossed the used basin water out the window and refilled it with clean water from the pitcher. Retrieving a bar of sandalwood soap and linen cloth, he began to wash his face and neck.

When he reached his chest, Mylla could take no more. Rising from the bed, she took the cloth and bar of soap from him. “Allow me,” she said, running the cloth along his wide shoulders and muscular biceps. She let the cloth slip from her fingers in order to feel the muscular ridges on his abdomen. Talan’s indrawn breath made her grow boulder as her fingers traced along his flat belly to skim the ridge of his oblique muscles. Reaching his aroused manhood, she watched his eyes darken with desire as she began to slowly stroke the impressive length of him.

“If you keep touching me like that, you best prepare to take it further.”

“Not until you have finished with your bath,” Mylla teased. Dropping to her knees she picked up the cloth to rinse and re-lather it. Her hand starting at the top of Talan’s feet she slowly worked her way upwards along his muscular calf muscles. Moving higher, her hand moved along his inner thighs. She smiled when his arousal twitched in anticipation of her touch.

“Mylla.”

“I have yet to wash your back.” She turned an innocent smile upon him.

“Then I implore you to be quick about it.” Abruptly turning his back on her, Talan shook with the effort it took to keep himself from taking her right there and then. “I look forward to returning the favor in the near future.”

“Mm… I shall look forward to having your hands all over me.” Washing his shoulders and back, Mylla could not resist lightly spanking his muscular buttocks. “You are perfectly formed, husband.”

Talan’s chest rose and fell heavily, waiting for the torture to end. The moment she reached his inner thighs again, he whirled on her. “Bath time is over.”

“It cannot be.” Mylla straightened with a look of mischief. “You are still covered with lather so I must rinse you off.”

Snatching up the pitcher of water, Talan dumped it over his head before setting it aside. In one fluid movement, he reached out to rend Mylla’s chemise down the middle, exposing her high pert breasts. Lifting her up against his chest, he carried her the few feet to the bed while she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“You tore my chemise. I only packed a few.” Her fingers gliding through Talan’s wet locks, she feigned disappointment.

“If you tease me like that again, you will not have any.” Seizing her lips, he sheathed himself inside her before her back fully rested on the quilt.

Opening herself fully to him, Mylla threw her head back when Talan began to rhythmically thrust into her. She found herself biting her lip to keep from crying out in pleasure. Cupping his flexing buttocks, she hiked her legs higher along his back in order to feel every inch of him inside her.

Talan lowered his head to suckle on one pert nipple, then the other. Holding himself back, he shook with the need to spend himself within her. He lifted his head when Mylla firmly gripped his shoulders. Twisting herself to the side using her full weight, she managed to roll him onto his back to straddle his hips.

Without pause, she flattened her hand on his chest. “It is my turn to ride you, my heart.”

Grasping her waist, Talan tried to control the speed of her movement but she would not have it. “Mylla… slow down.”

“I cannot,” she breathed, “come with me.” Throwing her head back, her nails raked along his torso when she climaxed.

Bucking into her, Talan drained himself with a long, low rumble of satisfaction.

Exhausted, Mylla collapsed against his damp chest. Slowly catching her breath, she listened to the pounding of his heart.

Talan caressed her back with a look of wonder. “How did you know to do that?”

“It just came to me after sitting astride in the saddle for so long.”

“You dwell on our lovemaking whilst we are riding?”

Raising her head, Mylla rested her chin on her entwined fingers. “It is what I think about when you and Edmund discuss the situation we are in.”

“Does our conversation overly distress you?”

“I know such talk is necessary, only I do not like to think about what could happen to us if we were captured.”

“So you imagine us making love instead?”

“I do.”

“You are such a blessing to me.”

“Are you making light at my expense?” Mylla tilted her head.

“Indeed not.” Rolling her beneath him, his arousal had her eyes widening in surprise. “I am pleased you have found such an instructive escape from the gravity of the situation.” Kissing her neck, he murmured, “Shall I show you how grateful I am?” 

“Oh, yes,” Mylla sighed. “Please do.”

†

Ever alert, Talan had lunged from the bed with sword in hand before the light rapping on the door ceased.

“What is it?” Covering herself with a coverlet, Mylla was slower to wake.

“We have a nocturnal visitor.” Pulling on his braies, Talan planted his foot behind the door to keep it from being kicked open when he slid the bolt. He cautiously cracked it, only to open it wider when he recognized Edmund. “By the Saints, could you not have announced yourself?”

“I overheard a troubling conversation and must speak with you,” Edmund whispered. “Meet me behind the inn.”

“Come in,” Talan said stepping back, “we can discuss the matter here.”

“Tis not something my sister should hear.” Without waiting for a response, Edmund disappeared into the darkness of the passageway.