Wild Is My Love (20 page)

Although she was tempting him and thrilling him beyond mercy or control, Gavin knew she was an innocent. He knew he had to move slowly and tenderly, at a pace that sorely tested his self-control. He could not believe how happy he was to be taking possession of
her, and wondered how he could hesitate so long before slaking his carnal hungers with her. But then he realized again that this woman was unique; she was all he needed and wanted. Somehow he must find a way to keep her forever, even if marriage between them was impossible.

Gavin’s lips claimed Alysa’s and they kissed in every way imaginable. He loosened his loincloth and tossed it aside. He moved between her thighs, pausing briefly to make certain she was willing to carry their passion to its limit. His intense gaze fused with hers as he asked huskily, “Do you want me, m’love?”

The question was simple and direct, and the love-ensnared Alysa responded likewise, “Yea.” She had to finish what her dreams did not.

Gavin sealed their mouths as he carefully pierced her maidenhead and slipped within her moist and receptive body. When he was fully inside her, he halted to allow his torrid manhood to adjust to such a blissfully devouring setting. He prayed he could master the urge to ride her wildly and freely, as she rode her energetic stallion. She had stiffened for a moment and had seemed to hold her breath, but then relaxed, and her passion had rekindled quickly. Surely that meant he had “taken her without excessive discomfort.

Soon their bodies worked in unison as Gavin guided her along this first journey to ecstasy. He knew how to give a woman great pleasure, but he tried harder to please Alysa than he had ever done with another woman. He called on all of his control and knowledge to make this the most magical moment in their lives. He could tell, from what little she knew, that Alysa was doing the same, and learning quickly.

Alysa matched Gavin’s loving pattern. She kissed him deeply, caressed him boldly, and followed his lead instinctively and willingly. She sensed an intense force building within her, a force that caused her heart to
beat swiftly and her body to ache. She knew there was more to this union than the pleasures she was experiencing; she realized a blissful storm was about to break over and around and within her, and she beckoned it eagerly.

Both shuddered when the climax to their loving act began. Heat and tingles raced over their united flesh. They clung fiercely, devouring and savoring every drop of love’s nectar. They continued to labor rhythmically until every spasm subsided, leaving them limp and sated.

Gavin’s lips traced over her damp features as they leisurely returned to reality. His fingers drifted lightly over her skin as a cloud across a blue sky. He sighed peacefully, closing his eyes to press this moment into his memory. When she cuddled against him, he smiled. Their naked flesh seemed to cling together, as if reluctant to part.

Propping his elbows on either side of her head, he was careful not to pull on the wavy brown hair tumbled around her head. His eyes danced sluggishly over her serene face, where no hint of remorse or fear was visible. He warmed to the expression in her sea blue eyes, one of appeasement, trust, and… love?

Alysa’s voice asked him two questions she had asked herself not long ago, “Who are you, Gavin? Will your restless heart ever allow you to be happy in one place, with one woman?”

Fearing an untimely confrontation coming on, Gavin shifted nervously and pulled his troubled gaze from her probing one. She held silent as he pondered many things. Then his eyes returned to hers and he replied, “I am the man who has rashly stolen your heart and wits before I can make promises to you that I can keep. Each day I am near you causes my heart to calm a little more and to ache for you alone. Give me time, m’love; that is all I can say for now.”

Alysa’s eyes softened and glowed as she smiled up at him. She caressed his jawline, then allowed her fingers to wander into his tawny hair. “For now, my heart’s desire, that is all I need to hear.”

Gavin was surprised and pleased by her reaction. Suddenly he recalled her note. “You said it was urgent to see me. What trouble could possibly entangle one as gentle as you, sweet Thisbe?”

Alysa ignored the name he called her. “You are a warrior for hire, and I need help.”

“What kind of help, m’love?”

“Forgive me if I hesitate, for I no longer know whom I can trust,” she replied candidly. “No matter what has happened between us today, we are nearly strangers. There are so many dangers tormenting me and my land that I hardly know where or how to begin.”

Gavin remembered what Giselde had told him about Thisbe and Squire Teague, and he wondered if she was confused over which man to choose. From her point of view a future lord and knight had more to offer her than an adventurous warrior, if Princess Isobail would allow such a match. “Tell me what troubles you so, my sweet. You can trust me with your heart and life.”

“Can I, Gavin? Baltair, Prince Alric’s seneschal, saw you hiding near Lord Daron’s during the raider attack. What were you doing there, sneaking about in the forest?”

“Have you forgotten our talk and why I have remained here?” he reminded her. “I told you I was going to travel your land, observing it. How else can I decide if it is safe or wise for me to find work here? Did Baltair tell you it would have been certain death if I had tried to help them, just as it was near the village with you?”

“Yes. Still, I cannot help but wonder why you are always around when the raiders are… Or where Isobail
is,” she added quietly. “You must realize how curious these episodes appear to me, and to others.”

Gavin watched her intently. Considering the trouble in this land and the short time they had known each other, he could not blame her for her doubts. Yet those feelings did not run as deeply as she imagined, which he pointed out by saying, “If you truly believed I was one of the brigands or Isobail’s hirelings, you would not be lying with me this moment, flushed with contentment. Nor would you say such things to me.”

“You are right,” she admitted, “but I must hear you deny both.”

Gavin’s fingers teased over her lips, and he smiled. For now, it was easy to speak the answers she longed to hear. “I am not a brigand or one of the princess’s hirelings. I knew nothing of the attack on the village or at Lord Daron’s until I witnessed them. Since there is trouble all over your land, it is not difficult to be around when peril strikes. You were at the village and Baltair was at Daron’s, both in hiding. Should I question and doubt you too?” he teased.

Alysa’s eyes studied him intently, then she smiled. “I knew you could not be evil. Forgive me for asking such questions.”

“There is nothing to forgive, m’love. You would be unwise if you ignored possible clues that could help your people. Why did Baltair reveal such a thing to you?” he asked.

Although she loved this man and felt she could trust him, Alysa knew this was not the time to expose herself. After all, he was here with fellow warriors who might not be trustworthy or loyal to him. She had to be patient and wary. “Baltair spoke with Princess Alysa and related many terrible things to her,” she said. “You witnessed the attack; surely you realize how suspicious it was. Isobail journeys around the land duping the peasants and nobles, trying to turn them against Prince Alric in her
favor. Princess Alysa fears that Isobail is after the Crown itself, and she fears she will be forced to battle her stepmother for it.”

This news alarmed Gavin. “I saw Isobail many times during my travels, and Princess Alysa speaks truthfully, but foolishly. Isobail is powerful and clever, and many cling to her. To challenge her would mean certain death. You must warn Alysa to be careful.” “There might be little time, Gavin. Alysa believes her father’s illness comes from slow poisoning. She cannot prove it, but she has arranged to safeguard his food and drink every day. Alysa must be right, as Prince Alric grows stronger each day since Isobail’s departure. Only a servant named Leitis, and now Baltair, know of her actions. Alysa must do something to rescue her father, but he is too weak to flee.”

“Your note said you wanted to hire me. What did you mean?” he asked. Apprehension filled him as he recognized the direction she was taking. He and Giselde had not known that others were working against Isobail, which could place the two groups at cross-purposes. He had to learn all he could, then hopefully dissuade the untrained fighters before they endangered all of them. He had not wanted to involve his precious Thisbe, but it was too late.

Alysa licked her lips and tried to control her suddenly rapid breathing. “Princess Alysa wishes to hire you… to help her get her father safely to Cambria, by abducting him if necessary.” She watched Gavin’s astonishment mount by the minute. She hurriedly went on, “Until Baltair’s return, Prince Alric did not know what was happening around him. He refused to heed Alysa’s warnings, since he did not believe his wife would dare to commit such treachery. Isobail has duped him, yet Alric is too feeble to challenge her, even though her strikes are becoming bolder. Two feudal lords have been slain and replaced, and I fear for the lives of others.
When Prince Alric is well enough to travel, Alysa wants to escape with him to Cambria. There, she can persuade King Bardwyn to send loyal knights here to defeat Isobail. She will need the help of a clever guide and a strong guard to reach her grandfather. You said you have friends here with you. Can she not hire your men as her escort? Name your price.”

“Money is nothing in this matter, sweet Thisbe. But survival is, survival for your ruler and my men. The moment Prince Alric was missed, Isobail would send warriors, perhaps the raiders, after us. Even if Prince Alric was strong enough to travel swiftly, which he is not, I have only six men, and she has many. If Princess Alysa’s suspicions are right, we would be chased and captured… and perhaps slain. It is too dangerous and foolish to risk at this time. You said there is no proof against her; that is what you need to gain the people’s support, and King Bardwyn’s. Alysa could never bring charges like these against Damnonia’s beloved regent without it, plenty of it,” he emphasized.

“But how can I gather such proof?” she asked frantically.

“As I travel around, I will see what I can learn. It is not enough to suspect Isobail is behind the trouble; we must prove it. If I discover anything of value, I will tell you so you can pass it along to your mistress. Keep your eyes and ears alert, and I will do the same for you. But take no risks, m’love,” he cautioned.

“If things grow worse at the castle, would you help… us flee?”

“The moment you feel you are in danger, come here and wait for me. I will protect you with my life,” he vowed.

“My life does not matter, Gavin, only that of my… ruler.”

“Nay, sweet Thisbe, your life does matter, to me. No woman has pleased me as you do. If you avoid trouble,
I will take you with me when I leave this land,” he teased, hoping to lighten her heavy mood.

Dismayed, she scolded, “This matter is grave to me. I cannot avoid trouble as long as I must seek ways to help Prince Alric. If danger strikes and you cannot help us, I will find someone who can, or I will handle everything myself. Do not worry about me, for Piaras, the castle’s knight trainer, taught me how to fight. I can use a sword, bow, lance, and knife. Have you forgotten how easily I escaped you when we first met?”

Gavin knew she was serious, and his deep concern caused him to miss unwitting clues to her identity in her words. “Promise you will do nothing until I can study this situation and choose a safe path to travel.”

Alysa’s face brightened with happiness and relief. “You will help us?”

“I will try, but you must tell no one about me. If news of my intrusion reached the wrong ears, we could all be cast into Isobail’s dungeon. As you said, you do not know whom to trust. Sweet Thisbe, there is a heavy price for my work,” he hinted roguishly.

“Name it, and Princess Alysa will pay it,” she replied.

He shook his head. “Only you can pay it, sweet Thisbe. The price is you, here with me when I can endure your absence no longer.”

A scarlet flush swept over Alysa’s face. “I am to pay you by…”

He chuckled, hugged her tightly, and shook his head again. Dark gold waves shifted with his movement, and his green eyes gleamed with reborn desire. “Nay, not like that, m’love. It was a jest. When you come to me, it must be because your desires match mine. Without desire, our union would be bitter.”

Alysa’s eyes observed him for a time, then she remarked, “You are a strange man, Gavin. Will I ever know you?”

“One day you will know me perhaps too well. I wonder
how you will feel about me then,” he -teased. Gavin was overjoyed that she had not mentioned Squire Teague, or summoned help from his rival.

“I cannot imagine feeling any differently than I do now,” she said.

“And how is that, sweet Thisbe?”

Alysa gazed into his sparkling eyes and grinned. “One day you will know that answer perhaps too well,” she playfully retorted.

Gavin nibbled on her ear, then murmured, “Perhaps I know it now, and that is why I feel your exquisite trap closing around me.”

“You must not fear such an imprisoning snare, or you would be fleeing swiftly. Why do you linger here in such peril?”

He leaned his head backward to fuse their gazes. “For once in my life such a womanly snare does not frighten me. I wonder why.”

Musical laughter filled the air. Alysa drew his mouth to hers and kissed him soundly. Before he could claim her lips again, she murmured dreamily, “Yea, I wonder why…”

Within moments they were making love.

Giselde lovingly stroked a drawn image of her deceased daughter, and murmured, “Soon I can reveal myself to Alysa. Rest well, Catriona, for I will guard our little one and avenge your murder. It has taken me years to hone my skills and to find the right allies. Now I have both, and it is time for revenge and justice. By the gods who serve and defend us, I swear the Evil seed of your traitorous husband and his wicked whore will never sit upon the throne of Damnonia or any land. If need be, I will die seeking Isobail’s destruction.”

Trosdan, the Druid High Priest and wizard, observed Giselde worriedly, for she was treading slippery ground. He wished he could reveal the truth about Alysa and Gavin to the woman, but the runes had forbidden it. Perhaps he should not be concerned about that matter, for Giselde would learn the truth herself very soon. “I thought your hatred for Alric had lessened, Giselde,” he hinted.

The elderly woman confessed, “Yea, it is hard to despise a man who has grown so weak in mind and body. Alric is no longer the handsome man who stole Catriona’s heart so long ago, and he is being punished terribly for his betrayal of her. Yet Damnonia’s prince has only himself to blame for his troubles. Now he must
pay for his foolish greed. Poor Alric is like a careless hunter who trapped himself in his own clever snare. Only he can free himself, if he desires escape. So far, he has made no attempt to do so. How can I forgive him for becoming entangled with Isobail for a second time? For giving her the chance to slay my only child? And for placing Catriona’s murderer within striking distance of my granddaughter and the Crown? My only concern is protecting Alysa and her inheritance.”

As painful memories invaded her mind, Giselde muttered, “Alric said everyone here would hate me for having two bonds to the Norsemen, a mother and a husband, and he claimed my identity might birth new hostility toward Catriona. He commanded us to remain silent about our relationship. It was hard to play Catriona’s servant, but at least it kept me near her and my granddaughter. That secrecy was wrong, Trosdan, and it will knife Alysa’s heart when she learns about it. After that lie was accepted as fact, the time never came to dispel it without risking dissension among Alric’s subjects. Even so, if Alric had truly loved my Catriona, he would not have visited Isobail’s bed so many times while my daughter was away healing from the death of their first child. Then, to bring that woman and their bastard into the same castle with my sweet and trusting Catriona…”

Trosdan reminded the agitated woman, “But Isobail did not know Alric forced his counselor to drug her so he could sneak into her bed each night while he was visiting Lord Caedmon during Catriona’s absence. Isobail thought it was her lover coming to her. I have often wondered what she thought when she learned her lusty knight was dead and she was carrying a child.”

“She thought it was best to murder Lord Caedmon so he could not expose her and have her slain! No doubt she believed a mischievous spirit or even a god had visited her and sired her son. If Isobail knew the
father was Alric, she would use Moran to get everything she wants. It surprises me that, during a moment of passion or illness, Alric has not confessed his dark deed to her or Moran. No doubt he fears she will slay him for his lustful trickery, as she killed her first husband.”

As Giselde continued, she revealed how she had discovered Alric’s dark secret: “After I heard him discussing his shame with Baltair I hid in every corner to learn all I could. Alric pretended he loved only Catriona and Alysa, but I saw him sneak away many times to play with Moran or just to watch him. And the prince made certain his bastard was well placed in life, first sending him into knight’s training, then making him a prince by marriage.”

“If Alric craved Isobail so much, why would he wait for years after Catriona’s death to marry Lady Isobail?” Trosdan reasoned.

“After those stolen nights at Lord Caedmon’s, Alric continued to lust for Isobail. He only hesitated after Catriona’s death until it was safe to marry that vicious witch. Besides, he feared me because I knew about them. I am no fool, Trosdan, I know why Alric took that whore everywhere with him while little Alysa was suffering alone at the castle. Now the gods are tormenting him for his sins. We must not allow Moran to claim Alysa or Isobail to steal the crown of Damnonia. Their Evil must be stopped and destroyed.”

“Why do you not tell her more about her father, so she might better help him?”

“Alric is too ill to battle Isobail but he is responsible for her being here and for his weaknesses. I wish I could tell Alysa about his iniquities, but this is not the time. I cannot tell her how weak he was, and that he fathered a son while her mother still lived. He betrayed my daughter and caused her death, even if he did not help Isobail poison her. He has allowed that woman to enslave
him and to torment my Alysa. He deserves pain and death.”

“Are you certain you can trust King Bardwyn to help you?”

“Yea, Trosdan, for we have known each other for years. As does King Bardwyn, I know of his son’s flaws. Many, including Bardwyn, have suffered greatly for Alric’s weaknesses, disobedience, and impulsiveness. The King of Cambria is a strong and noble man, and he kept his vow to never lay eyes on his son’s mistake, for that is how Catriona was viewed in the beginning. Even after my daughter’s death, no warrior especially a king, could break his vow of honor. All knew that Alysa came to mirror her mother, Alric’s so-called weakness, more and more each year. Many feared the prince’s impulsive marriage could prevent him from becoming king after Bardwyn’s death. How sad for everyone, as Bardwyn longs to see his only granddaughter.”

Trosdan appeared puzzled, so Giselde explained, “We know how vital it is for a territory to have a powerful ruler and strong feudal lords. Since this part of the kingdom is separated from Cambria by water and another kingdom, Bardwyn needed a regent here who was powerful, one who was loved and respected and obeyed. He removed Lord Caedmon Ahern as his warlord and regent and placed Prince Alric in charge so his son could prove himself. How tragic for everyone that Bardwyn did not know about Caedmon’s antagonism and his wife’s evil.”

Giselde sighed deeply. “Bardwyn sent for me after Catriona’s return to Albany. He realized from Alric’s messages how my daughter’s absence was affecting his son. I hated to encourage Catriona to return to her husband, but Rurik and my parents persuaded me to meet with Bardwyn. When I spoke with the King, he begged me to help settle the tormenting matter between Alric and Catriona. He confided his guilt over their
unborn son’s death and his unfair treatment of my daughter. He felt if he had behaved differently, the Cambrians might have accepted her as Alric’s wife. Bardwyn said he knew the good changes in his son were due to Catriona’s influence and Alric’s love for her. Despite Alric’s flaws, his father loves him; that is why Bardwyn banished him to his own domain rather than humiliate and disown him. He prayed, with time and Catriona’s touch, Alric would become the man he should be.

“In the time we spent together, Bardwyn and I became friends. We came to trust and respect each other. We agreed to keep our meeting a secret from Alric and Catriona because we did not want them to feel as though we were interfering in their life. But we did not have to intrude. Evil forced Catriona back into Alric’s arms when the Vikings attacked that last time. While we were staying in Cumbria after Prince Briac’s rescue, I saw Bardwyn again in secret. He feared that this new trouble could cause more problems for our children, but he pleaded with me to take Catriona back to Damnonia to Alric, and I did, to my sorrow. If only Alric had been more like his father…”

“This is why King Bardwyn trusts you,” Trosdan remarked.

“Yea, he knows I have spoken truthfully about his son and the danger here. That is why he appealed to King Briac for help and why they sent Gavin to aid us. Even so, my word is not enough to bring about an attack on Princess Isobail or to dethrone Alric. To prevent dissension, Bardwyn needs undeniable evidence against her.”

“Prince Gavin will gather it, if he is not exposed to the Evil forces before time also becomes our enemy…”

Two hours later at Malvern Castle, Lord Fergus arrived and asked to meet with Prince Alric on an urgent matter. Alric surprised everyone by appearing in the Great Hall within minutes, dressed, but looking pale and emaciated from his lengthy illness. Apparently in high spirits, the ruler smiled at those gathered to visit him, his gaze softening and lingering briefly on his daughter. Not wanting to tower over Lord Fergus from the dais during this meeting, the prince—with Baltair’s assistance—walked slowly to the eating area and sat down at a table. Alric’s faded green eyes took in those present: Baltair, Earnon, Kyra, Alysa, Guinn, Fergus, a few of the lords’ men, Piaras, castle guards, and three of Alric’s servants. He summoned the feudal lord to sit nearby, then motioned for the others of enough rank to join them. Alric and Alysa exchanged loving smiles again, and she sat down within a few seats of him, as did Baltair and Kyra.

Alric ordered refreshments for everyone and waited until they were served before stating, “My friend and retainer Baltair tells me you wish to address me, Lord Fergus. Speak.”

Fergus put aside his glass of wine and warm bread to reply, “My news is bad, Your Highness. Raiders from Logris have attacked my land, stolen cattle, and driven them into Vortigern’s domain. My men followed them to the border, but dared go no farther without permission and help. I do not have enough knights and men-at-arms to battle them alone. I request the loan of yours to answer this challenge.”

Before Alric could respond, two parties arrived at nearly the same time: Isobail’s, and Lord Orin’s and Sir Kelton’s combined. They were shown into the Great Hall, and all eyes widened to see their ruler present and entertaining a small group at a table. During the commotion, no one saw Kyra’s hand move toward Alric’s goblet.

Baltair and Alysa noticed the astonished expression that crossed Isobail’s face, then her quick glance at Earnon. Then Isobail hurried forward to greet her husband and inquire about his health.

“What are you doing out of bed, my husband?” she softly chided.

Alric did not look at her or smile as he replied, “I am listening to the words of my vassal, Lord Fergus. Why has the trouble that plagues my land been kept from me?” he asked sharply.

Isobail took a seat opposite the prince, compelling him to look at her. “You have been very ill, and I wanted to spare you worry. I have been watching matters closely and tending to them, as you requested. Ask the lords if I have done anything wrong, or have done less than you, my noble ruler could have in my place.” Isobail glanced at the solemn Baltair and said, “Surely your trusted servant Baltair has learned of the attack from those who rode ahead of my party, and has told you of Lord Daron’s death. I hurried here to tell my liege such things. I asked the lords to meet here to discuss these troubles with us.”

Lord Orin stepped forward and concurred with Isobail’s explanation. “Be proud of your wife, my liege, for she saved my life at great risk to her own. While you have lain ill, she has comforted your people’s sufferings and appeased their fears.”

“My wife has done many good things which have reached my ears,” Alric stated in an odd voice. “She can rest now, as I am well enough to rule my domain once more. The raiders’ terror must end. I will call the knights and warriors together and set traps for them.” Alric halted long enough to motion for Orin and Kelton to be seated. “Sheriff Trahern.” He called the bearded man forward. “Why have these dangerous events been allowed to continue so long? I am vexed with you.”

Trahern cleared his throat and responded, “The raiders
are sly, my liege, and they plan their attacks cleverly. I send spies to watch many areas, but they strike elsewhere. By the time we learn of a new raid and reach the area, all signs of them have vanished. My men and I cannot follow a trail that does not exist. I need more men and arms, sire, to guard our lands.”

Alric rested his head against his chair as he debated irritably, “Cattle tracks cannot vanish swiftly and completely, Trahern, as you claim the brigands’ do. Lord Fergus’s men followed them for days, but they were outnumbered and had to retreat. You should have been there to help them. Perhaps what we need is a new sheriff, one who is smarter and braver than our enemies.” He watched Leitis serve the new arrivals as he sipped from his goblet.

Isobail declared boldly, “My husband, you speak unwisely and cruelly. If not for the courage of Sheriff Trahern at Lord Daron’s, those of us in this very hall would be dead. Your loyal vassal has not failed you or your ‘people. He has snared several brigands and executed them, but others take their places. Sheriff Trahern should be thanked and rewarded, not shamed.” Orin, Fergus, and Kelton nodded in agreement with Isobail’s words, as she had made certain those deceitful claims would appear true.

“Yet our land and subjects remain in peril,” Alric replied.

Fergus related the dire events around his castle to the newcomers. “They fled into Logris, but we must pursue them, my liege.”

“Nay, Lord Fergus,” Alric protested. “We cannot enter Vortigern’s kingdom to capture petty thieves. He would take offense to our invasion, then we would have two foes to battle. To prevent more trouble, we must capture and slay the brigands while they are in our land.”

“They are not ‘petty thieves,’ my husband. They
plunder the lands, burning, robbing, and raping, and they must be halted, no matter where they flee and hide. Perhaps Vortigern of Logris allows these evil men to use his kingdom for their camp, or perhaps he is behind them. Since they were attacking at Lord. Daron’s and Lord Fergus’s at nearly the same time, surely that means there are several large bands of them.”

Isobail used this situation to her advantage, as she wanted to initiate her move against Logris. “The rustling of cattle and the raids on the villages are challenges. It has been this way since the birth of this land. Rivals test the strengths, skills, and weaknesses of others. Indeed, if we fail to retaliate, we risk losing the support and loyalty of our subjects. Vortigern will think us weak and afraid, or the brigands will. They will view our lack of action as an excuse to continue their attacks. We must strike back.”