Wild Is My Love (27 page)

Isobail had journeyed a full day’s ride from Lord Orin’s castle when Gavin and his six men ambushed
her retinue. Although Gavin was dressed in dark brown leather tunics and wearing masks, she recognized the body of their leader, for she had dreamed of him for two nights. It was apparent that he led his own men since none of Skane’s unkempt brigands were with him, and that her own entourage had no chance to fight or flee from the raiders. She was astonished and angered, but also impressed, by his daring. Obviously Skane had not told him when, where, or whom to raid or ignore.

When a mellow voice demanded her chest without a bloody fight for it, Princess Isobail ordered, “Keep your swords sheathed and your heads cool, my loyal retainers. I want no futile slayings of our cherished subjects over a few coins and jewels.” Turning to the imposing leader she said, “Take the chest and be gone, barbarian! But you shall regret this day and this bold deed. I shall hunt you down and remove all your heads.”

Gavin chuckled and remarked. “Would that I had time to claim the greatest treasure of all, Your Highness, for all other jewels pale when compared to you. It enflames my blood to imagine the blissful taming of such a fiery beauty. Perhaps another time I shall taste the sweetness of your lips and body.”

“Silence, you insolent dog!” Sheriff Trahern shouted. “How dare you speak such shameless words about our ruler! Be gone before I disobey her and challenge you!”

“Calm yourself, Sheriff Trahern,” Isobail said. “He only seeks to amuse himself. Do not endanger your life over silly words.” And to the leader again: “I warn you now, brigand, leave this land or perish. I will not rest until all of you are defeated and Damnonia is safe and happy once more.”

“Your mind is sharp, my beautiful princess. What man could refuse you anything? If you do not mind, we will borrow your sheriff to assure us of a safe retreat. If he holds his tongue and temper, he will return safely
to your side. I would not want one as precious as you to go unguarded for more than a few minutes.”

Isobail silenced Trahern’s protest, saying, “Do as he asks, Sheriff…. But we warn you, brigand, do not harm him.”

“If he obeys you, milady, you have my word no harm will touch him.”

The brigands were miles away when Gavin told Trahern, “I did not plan this raid, and I think it unwise to make you appear weak before your princess. Skane said this robbery would throw suspicion off of you, but I doubt that is his true motive. I think perhaps he is beginning to make his own plans. I would watch him closely, Trahern, for he is greedy. Skane is not the man he pretended to be when he invited me and my men to join him.”

“Then why did you carry out this raid for him?”

“To warn you of his deceit, and let you know you will soon be dealing with me,” Gavin said frankly. “I want only those rewards I can hold in my hands. When they are full, we will move on to the next fruitful battle. Skane is a fool for not honoring a bargain, and more so for thinking he can use Gavin Hawk.”

“Gavin Hawk,” the sheriff said, as if familiarizing himself with the name. “When and how do you plan to assume leadership of Skane’s band?”

Gavin chuckled heartily. “I must bide my time until I win them over to my side. Many of them are dissatisfied with his flawed command. I must prove that I am the best leader by demonstrating more honor, courage, loyalty, and cunning than Skane. No matter if we are bandits and adventurers, such traits must be practiced with those who follow us and those who hire us. This is our code. Skane does not act this way, and his behavior casts shame on his band.”

“You may be the kind of leader we need, Gavin Hawk. When you are in command, you will work for
us. But you must ask no questions about the one who gives us our orders.”

Gavin laughed again. “It is my nature to be curious, Trahern, as it sometimes saves my life. I may ask you many questions in aid of our cause; answer only those you think reasonable, and I will accept your words. I will take my orders and payments only from you, unless you say otherwise. Return now before your eager knights come searching for you.”

“There is one other matter to settle, Gavin Hawk. Never approach or insult Princess Isobail again. She will hold me responsible.”

Aware of the love affair between Isobail and Trahern, Gavin chose his words carefully. “I did not mean to insult her. Jesting is my way to keep everyone calm and avoid trouble. Your ruler is pretty and shapely, but too old for my taste. I like my wenches with the bloom of youth still on their bodies and lacing their spirits. I think it would be smart if you convinced Skane to allow you to recover your ruler’s jewels,” Gavin suggested, knowing the chieftain would be furious.

“What I truly need is his head hanging on the castle gate to appease the people. When you take over, I shall expect it from you.”

Gavin replied thoughtfully, “If his men have no objection, I will comply. Sometimes they remain loyal to old leaders even after they are replaced. Once we are rid of him, we should not encourage dissension among them.”

“I look forward to dealing with a man of your intelligence and prowess. You are right, Skane is foolish and treacherous. He even stupidly refuses to conceal his face, as you do. His face and name are too well-known around the countryside. Meet me Tuesday night at the Boar’s Inn in the village near Malvern Castle. We will enjoy a friendly talk and drink, and no one will be the wiser.”

“I will be there,” Gavin agreed.

He watched Trahern ride out of sight, then said to his men, “We have collected several victories today, my friends. We shall hide this chest where Skane desires, then we must change clothes and return to our camp. Tomorrow we have our first village raid…”

Alysa paced her room with mounting tension. Since Moran’s arrival two and half days ago, she had been unable to elude her stepbrother for more than a few minutes. He had stuck to her as tightly as a leech. They had shared meals, games, and conversations. They had gone riding together, read together, strolled together, and listened to Guinn’s fascinating tales together. From her dark window she had watched the inner bailey since the evening meal, hoping he would leave the castle. Now it was too late, since the gates were locked from dusk to dawn, preventing her from slipping away to check on Gavin’s return or visit Giselde. Even if she found the courage to use the escape route in the secret passage, it ended in the cold and swift river, and she would have no horse to cover the miles to the royal forest. Until Moran left for Kelton Castle or a diversion, escaping him for a few hours seemed hopeless.

Alysa wanted to trust Baltair to convey information to Giselde and Gavin, but she feared to confide in anyone completely. She could not bring herself to endanger her love or her friend, and felt as if she were suffocating in a frightening trap. She needed Gavin, but as of noon Tuesday, two days past, he had not returned. If he had by now, was he worried about her frantically worded note and lack of contact? What if he rushed here to rescue her? No, she had told him Princess Alysa needed him urgently…

Alysa was repulsed by Moran’s hot pursuit but did not know how to halt it. She closed her sea-blue eyes
and murmured, “Gavin, my love, where are you? Return to me soon. I will go with you anywhere and will make no demands of you. When you return, I must tell you my true name and troubles. Please, understand me, forgive me, and love me…”

If Moran had not arrived so unexpectedly, she could have followed Gavin and spent time with him. Or she could have visited Lord Fergus or one of the other lords who was still loyal to her father. Anything but fall into this trap! With Moran underfoot she could do nothing, except endure his courting.

She had spoken with Leitis earlier today. The trusted servant had sworn that Prince Alric was getting no herbs, but was not healing. Now Alysa believed her father was truly ill and might die. Leitis had also told her that Alric was so dazed by his sickness that he saw no one, and it would be futile for her to visit him. She had tried once, but ran from the depressing room in tears. She had asked for Gavin’s help in defeating Isobail, but the problem was becoming so large and intimidating. At times all she wanted was to lose herself in Gavin’s arms. Was this not a time when duty and honor demanded too much? If marriage to Moran was the only way to retain the crown, she did not want it! And if her father died and Gavin was lost, did the crown matter? No, but Damnonia and the Damnonians did. These were her people. She could not allow them to be destroyed!

Alysa realized that she had to see her father again, had to learn if he insisted she marry Moran. She had to make him listen to her and fight for his life. Gathering her cloak around her she bravely traveled the dark passage under the castle and pushed open the secret panel leading to Prince Alric’s chamber. Someone grabbed her hand and yanked her into the smelly room as she stifled a scream.

“Princess Alysa!” Baltair said in astonishment. “When I heard noises, I feared a villain was sneaking into the room to slay my prince. How did you get here? I did not know of this hidden passage,” he said, but did not sound miffed with Alric for keeping such a secret.

“It encircles the castle on the lowest level,” she told him, “with openings in my chamber, Father’s chamber, and the dungeon. It has an escape outlet at the river, but it must be several feet beneath the surface, since the water level has risen over the years. I have never checked it. Father made me swear never to reveal it to anyone. Only he and Mother and I knew about it. Those who built it were killed. I doubt it has been used until recently, when I exchanged Father’s wine jugs. But now it seems as if the food and wine are not to blame for Father’s illness, for he is not getting well.”

Anguish dulled the seneschal’s brown eyes. “He does not hear me or see me. His mind lives in another world, and I cannot reach it. I check each day to see if he has returned to us, but he has not.” When Alysa mentioned her concern about Moran’s marriage plan, Baltair captured her hands in his and vowed, “Do not worry, my child. Until Prince Alric revives, Isobail cannot force
you to marry Moran, and I do not believe your father would allow you to wed your stepbrother. He is fond of Moran, but he does not want Isobail’s son to marry you.”

“Are you certain? Isobail claimed it was Father’s command.”

“I am certain my prince has not instructed Isobail to betroth you to anyone. Before his illness, he noticed Moran’s interest in you, and it displeased him. Many times the prince has told me that you would choose your own husband and the right season to marry. He wishes love to guide you, not royal commands and your sense of duty to him or the Crown. Alric wants you to rule Damnonia, not Prince Moran, which he would try to do as your husband. When Alric awakens, he will stop Isobail’s malicious plan. And until he does, I will battle them for you and my prince.”

“Whatever would I do without you, Baltair,” she murmured as she hugged him affectionately. “Moran has been so persistent, and I have shivered as a coward and weakling. If only I knew how to help Father.”

“Please do not use the secret passageway for any reason. You might be caught again, and not by me. I am certain that Alric’s messengers to King Bardwyn were slain, but I have sent out another. Soon help will arrive and this madness will cease. Be careful until then, Princess Alysa,” he cautioned. “I will speak with Leitis and Piaras again, for they are helping me. Piaras chose the messenger and sent him on his way last week.” Baltair had no way of knowing that Keegan was the messenger; Piaras did not know his identity when Giselde had vowed one was en route.

“What if my grandfather does not believe the message? What if he doubts Isobail is a threat to Damnonia?”

“The message relates Prince Alric’s illness and inability to govern our land. Forgive me for saying such things
about my prince and dearest friend, but only the truth can summon aid swiftly. With a ruler on his back so long, King Bardwyn will realize we are in danger of enemies within and without our borders. I am positive he will send someone to assume command until Alric heals or is replaced for the good of all. Our king will be told of the barbaric raiders who plague our lands, and will have no choice but to send aid. I love your father and owe my allegiance to him, but he would expect me to think of you and Damnonia before him during this dark period. If the messenger gets through, help should arrive within a week or two. At least an advance scout should reach me with Bardwyn’s plans before Monday of the upcoming week.”

Within a week, two at the most, it will all be over…
Alysa realized that she did not have long before her secret affair with Gavin must be settled one way or another. She wondered what she would do if her grandfather crowned her the ruler of Damnonia but refused her marriage to an adventurous warrior. What if Gavin did not want to wed a princess? Or wed at all? She had to tell him about herself soon, and see how he reacted to her deceit. Her timing depended on whether or not the messenger reached King Bardwyn.

Baltair glanced toward the rumpled bed, and tears glistened in his eyes. “I fear it might be too late to save my beloved liege from the bitter call of thwarted destiny. But if need be, I will die trying to save his child and our land. The stars chart our lives for us before we are born, Alysa, and we must follow their divine course or suffer for going our own selfish way. I beg you, Alysa, allow nothing and no one to sway you from your rightful path.”

Alysa sensed a curious torment in Baltair, an obscure warning in his words. Evidently something terrible had happened in the old wizard’s past that troubled him deeply, but she felt it was not her place to intrude. “How
will I know what path I am to follow, Baltair? And how do I know who is to walk it with me?”

Oddly, he looked around as if checking to make sure no one was spying on them, then whispered, “There is an old Druid master living in the royal woods. If you can find him, he will read the sacred runes for you. Runes never lie. If you cannot find the Druid priest, follow your heart.”

Alysa did not remind him that the Druid religion had been outlawed long ago. There was something in his tone and words which intrigued her. “Father followed his heart, but everyone thought him wrong, and he suffered greatly for doing so. Did he follow his rightful path, or choose his own?”

Baltair averted his eyes and sighed deeply. “Many times Prince Alric altered his predestined path, yet the gods still tried to guide him. When we alter our paths, we alter the paths of others. I believe that is what happened between your father and mother. If Alric had not entered your mother’s life, she would have become a Viking queen. She was of the royal bloodline, and the Vikings wanted her returned to them. So they raided your ancestors’ camps in Albany many times. They wanted Astrid, then Giselde, and finally Catriona. They wanted the women to marry Norse chieftains and restore the royal bloodline. Legend says the royal bloodline began with their god Odin, and the Vikings will lose their power if it is allowed to vanish completely. Your father has tried to keep news of your existence a secret, which is why he never allowed you to travel outside of Damnonia, even to visit Cambria and King Bardwyn. That is also why he greatly fears the Jutes in Vortigern’s kingdom—they are of Viking birth and could learn of your existence. We must get rid of the renegade Jutes who raid our lands before they discover your secret. If the Vikings knew about you, Alysa, they would pursue you and attempt to make you their queen,
even by force. The Viking warrior who captured one of the royal Viking women would be made the ruler of all Vikings. You are the last of the royal bloodline, Alysa, so beware of strange warriors.”

Alysa paled. After hearing those staggering words, she could not tell him about Gavin, and Giselde, whose prophecy about a green-eyed, light-haired enemy who posed as a friend now came to mind.
Jutes, Vikings, a queen by force, a strange warrior who might be after her to—
She shook her head, refusing to continue that line of thought. “I will be careful, Baltair, and you must too. Let me know the moment news arrives from my grandfather.”

“Leave this depressing chamber before someone finds you here. Do not worry about your father; I will guard him.”

Alysa embraced the old man and obeyed him. In her chamber she sat cross-legged on her large bed, consumed by pensive thoughts. When her life had seemed so bleak, a strange and irresistible warrior had invaded it and enchanted her. Despite their overwhelming attraction, Gavin was often contradictory: pulling her to him one time, but pushing her away another time.

Alysa frowned. “Who are you, Gavin?” she asked herself aloud. “Did you speak the truth about why you came to my land? What do you want from me? Or should I ask, what do you want from Princess Alysa? Please do not be my enemy…”

The next morning before they could strike camp, a messenger galloped to Princess Isobail’s tent and nearly slid off his horse like a limp rag. Both he and his mount were exhausted and winded, having ridden hard almost without rest from Land’s End.

“I was heading… to Malvern Castle, Your Highness… to tell you of Sir Kelton’s… death. Wednesday night
in the storm. He slipped—fell off a… cliff. He is dead, Your Highness.”

Isobail stared at the exhausted nineteen-year-old squire as he babbled about the knight’s death. Controlling her eagerness to hear every detail, she told the youth to catch his breath before explaining his urgent mission. She ordered refreshments brought to him and sat him before her tent to eat and rest. As others gathered to hear the disastrous tale, the princess appeared patient, but she mentally rushed him.

Later the squire said, “When he did not come to bed, Lady Kadra looked for him in the castle. She aroused the servants and had everyone search inside and out. It was dark and stormy, and we did not find him until Thursday morning. His body was crushed by the fall. Lady Kadra said he often took long walks before bed. He must have slipped on the wet rocks and stumbled over the cliff’s edge. We cannot reach his body until the waves calm or our boats will be crushed against the same rocks that killed him.”

“Dear Kelton dead, and at a time when we need valiant knights!” Isobail wailed. “We have lost too many valuable retainers, and our land has been plundered by merciless brigands. When will this suffering end for us?” She pulled herself erect and vowed, “I will find a way to halt it!” To the weary messenger, she said, “Rest here, then return to Kelton Castle. Tell Lady Kadra I will come as quickly as possible. I must find someone to take Sir Kelton’s place before enemies hear of his sad departure. I should reach Malvern Castle before noon tomorrow.

“Sheriff Trahern,” she said. “I need you to take a message to Malvern Castle.”

She gestured Trahern to follow her into her tent, then whispered, “Tell Earnon to get the Prince well enough to perform the knighting ceremony for Moran. Tell Earnon I want it carried out tomorrow, so my son can leave
quickly. If that is too soon to clear Alric’s head, we will do it Sunday.” She smiled happily. “Once Moran has taken over there, we will have only Orin and Fergus to defeat. Perhaps after Phelan takes control of Fergus’s estate, Orin will surrender peacefully and join us. He trusts me, but I cannot allow him to stand against me when I take over the throne. With this new victory in my hands, it will not be long before the final one, my love. You must also rid us of the serving girl at Kelton’s. We cannot risk the loosening of her tongue.”

“You have moved slowly and carefully, Isobail, so do not endanger your final victory with too much haste,” Trahern cautioned. “Replacing all of the feudal lords with your followers in less than a year will look suspicious. We now control three of the five territories, and you control Malvern Castle. Take care before you get rid of Fergus and Orin.”

“I cannot, Trahern. Skane is becoming more dangerous to my cause. I must finish with him before he—”

Trahern touched her lips and silenced her. He asked, “Have you forgotten about the new brigand? We are to meet with Skane near the castle Saturday night. We. will let him think we are considering his demands. Meanwhile, Tuesday, I have arranged to meet with Gavin Hawk at the Boar’s Inn. I will hire him to kill Skane and take command.”

“Are you certain we can trust him, Trahern? He is not like them.”

Trahern chuckled at her scowl. “I like what I see in him; he is a bandit, my love, but an honorable one. He will prove himself by getting rid of Skane and joining us. I believe he will be loyal to us.”

Isobail shrugged and lifted her brows skeptically. She watched Trahern gather a few supplies and leave camp. Traveling swiftly, he should reach the castle before the evening meal. She would have gone with him, except such a ride would be strenuous, and she did not want
to be exhausted for tomorrow’s activities: her son’s knighting; her meeting with Skane; confrontations with Alysa, Guinn, and Alric; and hopefully a stolen night with Trahern, though it was not the sheriff she thought about now.

Ceit joined her in the tent. The servant said suggestively, “I know that look, sweet mistress. What man do you ache for today? I know it cannot be eagerness to see Guinn. And Trahern does not bring such a glow to your eyes and cheeks. Who?”

“You know me well, dear Ceit,” Isobail replied, laughing.

“Did you find a new lover while we were apart? Be careful of Guinn’s and Trahern’s jealousies. Neither wishes to share you.”

Isobail nodded in agreement. “Men can be such irritations, dear Ceit. They seduce different women when the mood strikes them, but they want you to serve no one except them. Guinn is annoying, and I shall have to get rid of him soon. His use to me has worn thin, but he could be dangerous if rejected.”

She glanced at Ceit and said, “I need you to drug Guinn’s wine tomorrow night while I slip away with Trahern. We have a meeting with that offensive barbarian, then I want him to stay the night in my room. It could be weeks before I have a man again. If I could live without them, I would.”

She laughed, leaned close to Ceit, and related her impressions of Gavin, as she had already told the trusted servant about her troubles with Skane. She left nothing untold about the handsome warrior, including his bold raid yesterday. “He is such a virile man, dear Ceit. I grow hot each time I think of him. Did you notice what a fine body he had? His voice—it caused me to tingle. I must have him, Ceit. But how?”

“You cannot have him unless you also get rid of Trahern. He would not stand for you to bed a common brigand.”

“He cannot fight a battle he does not know exists. When he is far away one night, I will find a way to meet with my fine warrior. There is something about Gavin that makes me feel wild and restless. If he proves more valuable than Trahern, I will make him my new sheriff.”

“And your new lover?” Ceit teased.

“From what I have seen of him, my only lover,” Isobail responded.

Ceit had never seen her mistress so obsessed by a man, and she wondered if Isobail realized how taken she was with this Gavin Hawk…