Wild Is My Love (31 page)

Giselde, having been told these same details by Alysa just yesterday, had prepared for this moment of truth. “When Piaras visited me today,” she said, “he told me of the betrothal of his daughter to Squire Teague.”

“It cannot be!” The Cumbrian prince stormed to the hearth and leaned against it, staring into the small fire. “How could she yield to me if she loves him?”

That was what Giselde had to know—the depth of their commitment. “Come, Prince Gavin Crisdean,” she called to him. “Look at these and tell me which is your
Thisbe.” Giselde had sketched the figures of two women, then used juice from plants to color their eyes and heads.

Gavin sullenly approached the table and glanced at both, his eyes settling on the haunting image of Alysa. His finger traced the line of her jaw, as it had in reality. He stared into the blue eyes which could not see him, looked at the pink lips which could not kiss him, and the soft smile upon them. The picture was so realistic that he could almost feel her warmth and hear her laughter. He remembered what it was like to hold her, to make love to her. She was such a joy to be with, day or night. “You are very good, Giselde,” he said. “You have captured her perfectly. Is she not exquisite? Yet, she possesses more than physical beauty.”

“This explains everything, yet nothing,” Giselde remarked mysteriously. “This is Thisbe, daughter of Piaras and love of Squire Teague,” she said, pointing to the other girl’s image. “This girl,” she murmured with affection, “is Princess Alysa Malvern, my granddaughter.”

“You must be mistaken!” Gavin gasped, then knew she was not, for it explained much.

“This girl is not in love with Teague,” Giselde said. “This girl is in love with a mysterious warrior named Gavin Hawk.”

She could tell that Gavin was too excited to speak. She murmured, “You are both nobles, Prince Gavin. She is not out of your reach, nor you out of hers, as you both feared.”

“She told you about us? Why did you say nothing?” he demanded.

The old woman spoke quickly, “Nay, she has not spoken of such things. Why I do not know. She has never kept secrets from me before. I guessed the truth that time you described her and spoke of her horse. Only Alysa rides Calliope, and Thisbe does not ride at all.
And as you can see, Thisbe is not overly pretty, as you described her to me, and has brown eyes. You spoke of your love’s beautiful blue eyes. The more you spoke about your love, the more I was certain it was Alysa.”

“Yet you kept silent to me. Why?” “

“Because I feared for both of you. I feared you would tell her our plan and allow her to help us. I do not want her endangered, and there are things I cannot reveal to her at the present. I would have to tell her terrible things about her father. There are many reasons she must not know about you and me at this time. Yet one day, Prince Gavin, you can tell her the truth and claim her.”

“How can she love me? She thinks I am nothing, beneath her! She has lied to me, deceived me.”

“No doubt for some of the same reasons that you have lied to her and deceived her,” Giselde retorted. “How could you love her when you thought she was a servant beneath you? You would have chosen your duty over her, as she felt she must do. Yea, she thinks you are out of her reach, but because of the role you are playing. Even if that were not so, you have no doubt told her you cannot marry her.”

Gavin considered those painful words, and recalled several talks between him and… Alysa. “You are right. We were both trapped by a love we thought was impossible.”

“If I know Alysa, she is troubled by her guile, and she will confess it soon. Even then you must not reveal yourself to her. If you love her, Prince Gavin, then protect her until this terror is conquered. We are too near our victory; please hold your tongue a while longer.”

“If you did not feel you could trust me completely, you would not have ended my torment by telling me who she is. Now I understand why she is so special; Alysa Malvern is a rare creature.”

Suddenly Gavin realized that Moran had been talking
about his love last night. Fury consumed him. “I will slay Moran if he touches her!”

“Piaras told me of the ceremony this afternoon,” Giselde replied. “But now Moran has left for Land’s End, so Alysa is safe from him for a time.”

Gavin met Giselde’s gentle gaze and pleaded, “If she comes to you and tells you of a wandering warrior, please speak of me favorably. Help me hold her love and trust until I can reveal myself.”

“Your hearts and bodies are already joined, and one day your lives will be too. But only if you do nothing to endanger either of you.”

Moving aside some jewels, coins, and other valuables, Giselde showed Gavin the secret compartment in a chest. She retrieved the amethyst ring and told Gavin, “If anything happens to me, take this ring to Alysa and tell her about me. If you hold your silence until King Bardwyn arrives, she will wear it when she marries you. I wore it with Rurik, Catriona wore it with Alric, and Alysa will wear it with you. The runes told me this the day you arrived, before you met Alysa. When you spoke of your love for Thisbe, I was confused, for the runes never lie. But the runes warn of destruction and death if you claim her as Prince Crisdean before Evil is defeated. I warn you, Gavin, believe such things or she will suffer.”

While carefully scanning her surroundings, Alysa slipped through the woods. She was relieved that she had convinced Princess Isobail to let her go riding, but Isobail had insisted on an escort of seven men. Anticipating such a requirement, Alysa had asked Squire Teague to select a group he could trust. When they came near her destination, she claimed to be ill from too much feasting and excitement yesterday, and said she needed privacy. The men had dismounted to await her return.

Alysa stood at the tree several moments before reaching inside the hole. Baffled, she withdrew the large rock. The scratchings seized her eye, and she read them eagerly, noticing the date and time.

Last night, after he found my flowers, and after he knew I saw him at the raid, and after he might have heard of Thisbe’s betrothal,
she thought.

“Trust me!” she said aloud. “Is that all you have to say to me?” What about his actions? Alysa thought. And his secrecy? What about the jewels and money? Her groping fingers did not find the pouch. What did this mean? Did Isobail meet with Gavin last night? Were the two of them plotting against her? “Of course!” she shrieked as an idea came to mind.

How clever her wicked stepmother was! Moran’s courting her was a disguise to disarm her to cast suspicion away from Isobail and Moran when she disappeared! Isobail did not want the real heir to remain! Alysa laughed almost wildly. “I wonder if you know how taken your son is with me,” she said to herself. “I wonder if he will allow you to send me into barbaric captivity, when he can have me and the throne if he defies you…”

The time carved into the rock caught her attention again. Yes, it was after she had witnessed Isobail’s return to the castle. But that didn’t mean she had met with Gavin, Alysa reasoned, recalling how tender Gavin had been with her. She reflected on their talks, their visits, their lovemakings, envisioned his expressions and mused on his personality. How could such a man be a deadly criminal? A treacherous deceiver? He was an admittedly carefree adventurer, a hired mercenary, a devilish rogue, an unconquerable lover. Yet she could not be so wrong about him; she could not be!

Alysa hurried to Giselde’s hut and was ecstatic to find the woman home. “I do not have much time, Granmannie, so I must speak swiftly. I know you will think me shameless and wicked, but I must tell you the all of it for you to understand and advise me.”

Alysa placed the rock on the table as she revealed everything about Gavin, Moran, and her actions. She left no thought, feeling, deed, or word unspoken. Winded after her quickly spoken revelation, she remarked sadly, “After Baltair told me about the Vikings wanting to restore the royal bloodline, I feared Gavin might be a Viking warrior who was after me. Why did you not stress this danger to me?”

Giselde stroked Alysa’s arm and replied, “It was long ago, and I believe they do not know about you or have forgotten about you. If the Jutes were aware of you, they would have come after you by now. I have heard
tales of this golden-haired warrior you speak of. His raids are strange, like clever tricks to fool the brigands. I think he is trying to help you by pretending to be one of them. Perhaps he feared if you knew about his return, you might be in danger, and that is why he avoided you.”

“But you warned me of a sunny-haired man with green eyes, and Gavin has both,” Alysa argued. “All of your warnings fit him.”

“I have had more dreams since then, my child. The warning was about Moran, but his hair changed over the years, as did his heart. Moran is evil, Alysa; never surrender to him. The runes tell me Sir Kelton’s death was not an accident, and others are in peril.”

Giselde had decided that there were things Alysa could not be told now and things she should never be told. The old woman had to watch her words carefully, and guard against slips. “In my recent dreams I saw a warrior at your side, one who can help you, one you can win if you heed my warnings.”

“You really believe I can trust Gavin?” Alysa asked.

“You can, but you must step aside for now or death and destruction will result. You must not interfere with or hinder or question him. The forces of Good say to trust him, and you must not intrude. To do so will endanger both of you.”

“Why did you say I could win him? We are too mismatched.”

Giselde said, “If your love is true, he can be yours.”

“But how, Granmannie? He is a warrior and I am a princess.”

“The forces of Good will find a way to make him worthy of you. Return to the castle and remain there until King Bardwyn arrives. What of your father? Are the new herbs strong enough to help him?”

“I gave them to Leitis this morning. She will begin using them today. Father seemed to be doing so well,
but he collapsed after the knighting ceremony. With so much happening at the castle Friday and Saturday, I did not have a chance to give them to her privately. I must go now, or they will come looking for me. Thank you for helping me, Granmannie. I love you. I will see you again soon.”

Giselde embraced her tightly. “I love you, too, my little Alysa. When this evil is conquered, perhaps I can return to the castle and become your teacher again, if you wish it so.”

Alysa hugged Giselde and replied joyfully, “Oh, yes, Granmannie, I wish it so.”

“Place these roses in your hiding spot, and the warrior will understand you love him.”

Alysa took the flowers and departed. She quickly ran to the tree, placed them inside the hole, and returned to where the men were waiting nervously. “I am sorry I took so long, Squire Teague, but I feel wonderful now. Shall we race back to the castle?” she laughingly teased the men, who merrily accepted the challenge.

Princess Isobail answered Alysa’s knock at her father’s chamber door. “May I see Father this morning, Isobail? I picked these flowers for him while I was out riding. I worry so about him.”

“I am sorry, Alysa, but he can see no one,” Isobail replied. “I will place the flowers near his bed and tell him they are from you if he awakens. You may peek inside, if you wish.”

Knowing her stepmother would not have made such an offer unless Alric was sleeping and looking terrible, Alysa shook her head. “I hate to see him like this. Can we do nothing to help him?”

Isobail sighed heavily before answering. “I have summoned every healer I know, Alysa, and Earnon has tried every potion and herb he has in his collection. Nothing
has cured my Alric, or even helped him. I have tried all remedies and followed every suggestion I have received, however foolish it sounded. If you can find another healer or know of another restorative to try, send for him or use it today. I am desperate to have my husband well again, to have him as he used to be. Please, try anyone or anything you believe will work.”

At those words, Alysa knew her father’s condition was hopeless, at least for now. Once her grandfather arrived, the king would find someone to heal his son. “I know of nothing and no one you have not tried, Isobail. His life is in the hands of the gods. We are helpless.”

“You must not spend all your energy worrying over Alric. Your father would not want you to be so depressed and listless. You are young, vital, and beautiful. Have you given a suitor any thought?”

Alysa was thrilled by the unexpected blush that colored her cheeks brightly. “I—We—Your son asked… to court me,” she stammered effectively, hoping to appear smitten by Moran. “I told him I would make no decision until… he could return and woo me. While you were gone, we spent most of our time together. He has changed much since childhood. He is no longer the mischievous boy who pulled my hair and teased me unmercifully. Does this displease you? Should I not… consider Prince Moran? I told him it might not be proper, but he is so…” She lowered her eyes and blushed again. “He said we were not truly kin.”

“Is there no one else who catches your eye?”

Alysa smiled dreamily. “Who could compete with Moran? I mean… Moran asked me to see no one else while. I was considering him. If you think it best to compare him with others, summon anyone proper to address me.”

Isobail smiled and teased, “But, you do not wish to be courted by others, do you, Alysa?”

“I do not want to sound vain, but I can think of no
other man who is a perfect choice for me. Everything seemed to go so smoothly between us. Moran is handsome, charming, and smart… and romantic.” She cleverly hurried on after the last word, “And our ranks are matched. When he approached me, I was surprised. I had thought of him as my brother, a naughty one at times,” she added, appearing to smile at some private joke. “But he is a man now, a very—” Alysa stopped abruptly, as if she’d been about to reveal too much of her feelings. She praised herself for her convincing performance, and delighted in her newly acquired power to blush on demand.

“This news is most unexpected, Alysa, but you and Moran are right. Who could be more perfectly matched than Princess Alysa and Prince Moran? I will give you two lovers time to discover each other and to enjoy this newfound attraction. I’ll summon him home as soon as it is wise, but I fear that cannot be for several weeks.”

“Moran explained his duty to me before he left, and I understand. Perhaps Father will recover before Moran’s return. It would distress him not to be the one to approve of this match and announce it.” She inquired hesitantly, “Could you ask Earnon to study his books again and see if there is some cure he has overlooked? We have never gotten along, but would it help if I implored him to try again?”

“I will speak with him for you. He is skilled in such matters, but sometimes nothing and no one can cure an illness. I am glad you have accepted your duty, Alysa, and I am glad you are leaning toward my son.”

Alysa laughed and said, “I doubt Moran would let me refuse his quest. He can be most persuasive. When he reasoned with me, it all seemed so logical that I wondered why I had not grasped it before. He is a rare person. He charms everyone he meets.”

Isobail gazed at Alysa’s innocent face and believed she was sincere. She asked herself if true love was responsible
for the change in Alysa or if Moran had used some bewitching power on her that he did not know he possessed. Feeling victorious, she smiled and replied, “Yea, Moran is quite charming. Now, Alysa, I am extremely tired. I think I shall take a hot bath, a goblet of heady wine, and a long nap with your father.”

“Do you wish me to summon Ceit for you?” Alysa offered politely.

“That would be most kind, Alysa. Thank you.” Alysa left the room and located Isobail’s servant. She sweetly passed along Isobail’s orders and returned to her private chamber, then paced to relieve her tension and anger. Her father was still cut off from her by Isobail’s presence, but she had won a great victory today. If she was not mistaken, she had duped her stepmother completely.

Gavin completed another raid and turned the bounty over to Skane. Later he and his men would secretly retake the goods and return them, as promised. Aching for news from his love, he went to the tree. He could hardly contain his joy when he found the two roses snuggled together in the damp hole. He closed his eyes and smelled them, then continued his journey to Giselde’s. He found her waiting for him, grinning playfully.

“She left the roses for you?” the woman asked.

Gavin chuckled happily and nodded. “I have never seen any this color.”

“That is because they are magical flowers, enchanted ones.”

“Such things are foolish, Giselde, only tricks.”

The old woman frowned. “Tricks? How naive you are, Prince Gavin. Do you believe in nothing except what you can see and do yourself? Do you say the incantations
lie? You walk on dangerous ground. Your ridicule will drive Alysa away.”

“I did not mean to insult you, Giselde,” he apologized. “I do not claim to know everything; only a fool does. But it is hard for me to accept superstition and magic. I have been taught to depend on my instincts and my wits.”

They sat down at the table. Giselde handed him an unusual red flower and said, “Tell me what its smell reminds you of, Prince Gavin.”

To humor the old woman, Gavin obeyed, and passed out instantly. Giselde reached across the small table and caught his head before it crashed to the hard wood. “Sleep a while, little prince,” she murmured. She unfastened his leather collar and opened the harnesslike contrivance to his waist. She studied the royal tattoo, then used one liquid to remove it and another to stain the pale area to match Gavin’s tanned flesh. She refastened his collar and straightened the bands and straps connected to it and his belt. Carefully she painted the same blue design in her palm. “Lift the flower and awaken to answer my question,” she commanded, and Gavin obeyed without realizing he had been dazed for a time.

“Nay, Prince Gavin, it is the smell of doubt,” she said. She quickly placed her hand against the wide leather strip over his heart. “I shall remove your dangerous disbelief by removing the symbol for it.” She chanted incoherently, then held her palm before his face.

Gavin stared at the tattoo there, then yanked his collar loose to gape at his bare chest, finding only tanned flesh. “This is impossible! Nothing can remove such a mark. What trick is this?”

“It is no trick!” Giselde crushed the red flower in her grasp, then washed her hand in a basin of water. “You must forgive me for acting so rashly,” she said, “but when you scorned such powers, I had to prove you
wrong and to open your eyes.” And also, she thought, it would hide Gavin’s true identity were he to be captured and disrobed.

Gavin touched his chest and realized the tattoo was truly gone. He looked at Giselde with intrigue and awe. “I have never believed in such things before. How are they possible?”

“I only use my skills and knowledge for Good. But others do not; others use theirs for Evil. I warned you of such forces, but you doubted me and their existence. Sir Kelton was slain by Evil, and others will be too. Alysa is protected against it by what is called a
fith-fath
spell. With it, she cannot be slain, but she can be harmed. As a powerful spell can be used only once, I could not place one over you. That is why I gave you the amulet, which you are not wearing. There is an evil curse on Prince Alric; that is why he cannot heal, no matter what anyone does for him. I did not tell you this before because you are a doubter. You would have thought me mad and not taken me seriously. Wear the amulet, Gavin, or you will find yourself in terrible danger.”