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  She continued to pace, the sword that hung at her side slapped her thigh with each step she took. Deep in thought, she didn’t become aware of Ranulf’s presence until he came up behind her and pulled her up against his chest.

  “I hope it’s thoughts of me that have you so distracted.”

  Ariel turned in his arms and tried to smile at Ranulf, knowing she failed miserably. Ranulf’s smile slowly left his face. “What has happened?”

  With a sigh, Ariel stepped out of his arms. “We have to talk, Ranulf.”

  Ranulf folded his arms across his chest. “I have a feeling I’m not going to like what you are about to say.”

  “I don’t wish to hurt you.”

  “But you probably will. Is it about our betrothal?”

  “Aye, there is something you should know.” Taking Ranulf’s arm, Ariel led him to a bench. Once he was seated she sat down next to him and took his hand in hers. “Last night something happened between Broc and me. It made me rethink a few things.”

  Ranulf grew stiff and in an emotionless voice he said, “So, he came to you. Have you decided you would rather be his mistress than my wife?”

  “Nay! It isn’t like that. He has gone to London to seek an annulment.”

  It seemed to take him a minute for all of Ariel’s words to sink in. “Are you telling me Broc has never slept with Alwen?”

  Ariel nodded her head. “Precisely. He only found out about it. It seems Alwen hid the fact Broc had passed out on their wedding night, even from him.”

  “So he came to claim you. I should be angry, but I’m not. I know you don’t love me. You have feelings for me, but nothing compared to how you feel about Broc.”

  Ariel bent forward and kissed Ranulf softly on the mouth. “You are a true friend. I would hate to lose you over this.”

  Ranulf sighed. “I wouldn’t turn from you now. Broc probably told Alwen what he intended to do. With Broc away from Elmstead life may not stay so peaceful.”

  * * * *

  William watched Broc pull his mount to a halt and dismount in the yard. One of the guards had come to tell him Broc St. Ceneri was at the gates. He was not completely surprised by his friend’s arrival. It had been only a matter of time.

  Broc nodded at William and relinquished his horse’s reins to a guard who led the animal away to the stables. Slinging his pack over his shoulder, Broc went over to William. “I see you were told of my arrival.”

  “Aye, come to the hall. You can quench your thirst with some wine.”

  Broc nodded. “I could do with some. When it permits, I have to discuss something of great import with you.”

  “When you have rested we will talk. Come.”

  William knew Broc probably did not need to rest. That he was able to discuss his problem with his king right at this very moment, but for some reason he felt like playing with Broc.

  William motioned to one of the serfs who worked in the hall to bring them wine. Once it was poured he watched Broc take a sip from his goblet. He seemed to savor the taste. William threw back his head and laughed. “What’s the matter? Have you not been able to get any good French wine at Elmstead?”

  Broc chuckled. “Nay, I’m glad you find it so amusing. Try having to drink mead and ale all the time.”

  William cringed dramatically. “While you’re here I will arrange to have a shipment of wine sent to Elmstead. God forbid if you have to drink English ale every day.”

  Broc grew silent while they sipped their wine. Serfs busily cleared out the old rushes so fresh ones could be laid out. No one else was about.

  Broc broke the silence with a question. “How have the Saxon people adjusted to being under your rule? The last time I was here you expected some problems.”

  The king shrugged. “There were a few incidences of unrest. I had them put down easily enough, but I don’t think it will be the last. I must say these Saxons are a proud people. I cannot help but wonder if by taking the throne, my reign will not be a peaceful one.”

  “I know what you mean about these people, but you will do what must be done.”

  “Aye, even if I must fight them with my last breath. They will have to accept me as their king.” Seeing Broc had finished his wine, William stood. “If you’re rested enough, let’s go to my chambers so we can talk privately.”

  Broc picked up his pack and followed the king to the back of the hall. Once inside, William sat behind his desk and motioned Broc to take the chair across from him.

  “So, my friend, you finally have opened your eyes and saw Wulf was your Saxon girl.”

  Broc gave William a surprised look. “You knew all along as well?”

  “Of course.”

  “But how? You never told me. Was I the only person so utterly stupid not to see through her?”

  “It was by accident that I found out Ariel’s secret. Remember when I helped you tend her wound? When you went to see the healer I found the bindings around her chest. After further investigation, I found out the boy was not what he pretended to be. I promised Ariel not to tell you.”

  Broc rose out of his chair and began to pace the floor. “How could you, William? I thought you would never keep something so important from me. You could have saved both Ariel and I a lot of heartbreak.”

  “Sit down. You’re giving me a headache with all that pacing.” Once Broc was again seated across from him, William leaned over the desk to look at him closely. “I don’t know exactly why I didn’t tell you. Maybe because there was a child involved. I figured you both had to work this out on your own.”

  Broc spoke with irritation in his voice. “To the point you would allow me to wed another?”

  “If it came to that. I had no idea how you would react when you found out you had a bastard child. I was lucky. My father loved my mother and made me his heir. The way it stood, Colwyn had a strong protector in the form of his mother.”

  “How could you say that? I would never do anything to harm Colwyn. He is my son and he will be my heir.”

  William nodded his head in approval. “I’m glad to hear it. Now tell me what brings you to London.” The king leaned back in his chair and waited for Broc to collect his thoughts.

  “I want an annulment from Alwen. I wish to wed Ariel.”

  It was William’s turn to be surprised. He sat up straight once more. “Are you saying you didn’t make your Saxon bride your wife?”

  “That’s correct. On the night we wed I drank heavily and didn’t perform my husbandly duty. I’ve not been able to bring myself to touch her since.”

  William steepled his fingers in thought. “How did you find out who Ariel was?”

  Broc scowled. “The guards my father-in-law brought to Elmstead decided to have some fun with her. I witnessed the attack and ran them off. Ariel’s tunic and bindings had been cut open.”

  So the chit had not told him, William thought to himself. He had to give Ariel credit for not backing down on her decision. “I see she held firm to her word not to tell you. Seeing how the Lady Alwen is still untouched, I can see no foreseeable problem in obtaining what you wish. I will have my brother, Odo, get the process started. As to your marriage to the Lady Ariel, you have my permission on one condition.”

  “Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”

  William chuckled at how fast his friend agreed. “It is nice to see a man do anything for his future wife. It’s something easy. I wish to return to Elmstead with you. I would not dream of missing your nuptials.”

  Broc smiled and let out a hearty bellow. “You honor us both.”

  Chapter 27

  Life at Elmstead moved at its regular pace with only a couple of changes that took place. With Broc in London, the villagers once more came to Swein with problems that needed handling. He was the thane and always would be regardless of who actually owned Elmstead. The other dramatic change was Alwen and her father’s disappearance. A few days after Broc’s departure they were found missing.

  Ranulf had retired for the nig
ht and in the morn, they were gone. All they had brought to Elmstead they had taken with them. Ariel was just glad to see the back of Alwen and her father. Ranulf on the other hand, predicted their late night departure would not bode well somewhere down the road. Ariel told him his fears were unfounded.

  A week passed. Ariel spent her days in arms practice with Ranulf and caring for Colwyn. During the evenings, she spent relaxing with her father, Lily and Ranulf. This evening had been no different from any other. The others had already retired, but Ariel was not quite ready to close her eyes for the night. Thoughts of Broc whirled madly inside her head.

  She missed him. There was no doubt about that. She missed his touch and her body ached for him. The night before he had left for London he had reawakened her body to desire. It now demanded what Broc could only give it.

  Looking out at the night sky, at the millions of twinkling stars, Ariel wondered if Broc looked at them at the same time. Even though leagues separated them, they would be sharing the wonder of the night together. Ariel shook her head at her silly musing. Love made her a romantic fool.

  Turning her back on the night, Ariel walked to her chamber. She stripped out of her tunic and trews and replaced them with a chemise, the only feminine piece of clothing that graced her body these days. Moving to the other side of the chamber, she checked on Colwyn. He slept on a small bed low to the floor. Smiling at her sleeping son, all soft and warm looking, Ariel gently placed a kiss on his chubby cheek. He didn’t stir.

  Gaining her bed, she climbed into it and buried herself beneath the covers. In moments sleep claimed her. She would never know what had actually brought her out of her deep sleep. One moment she was oblivious to the world and the next Ariel came fully awake.

  Something was wrong. Ariel sat up in bed trying to get her bearings. The smell of something burning tipped her off that all was not right. Glancing at her chamber door, Ariel saw a cloud of smoke drift under the bottom of it.

  Ariel bounded out of bed and picked up Colwyn, wrapping the covers around him. Before she left the room she gathered up her armor and threw it out the only window. She looped her sword belt over her arm. She wouldn’t leave her armor to be burnt.

  Throwing open the door, Ariel saw the hall was engulfed in flames. Panic tried to take over her senses. If the flames reached the thatching of the roof it would start falling in on them. Trying to focus through the thick haze of smoke, Ariel made her way to her father’s chamber.

  Pushing open the door, she spied her father’s sleeping form. “Father! Wake up! The hall is on fire!”

  At Ariel’s shout, Swein jerked awake. It didn’t take him long to pull on some clothes. Once dressed, he reached for Colwyn. “Give him to me, Ariel. I’ll carry Cowlyn.”

  Colwyn was now awake and had begun to cry. Ariel gently passed him to his grandfather. Before she left the room, she strapped her belt around her waist so her sword hung at her side.

  The smoke so thick it was hard to see through it. Their eyes watered and with heat so intense each breath seared their lungs. With the hall burning all around them, they gradually made their way to the hall entrance. The few minutes it took to cross the hall felt more like hours to Ariel. By the time they reached the outside they were coughing from all the smoke they had inhaled.

  The alarm had been raised in the village. A couple of village men came to help them. Once they moved safely out of range of the fire, the wife of one of the men placed a blanket around Ariel’s shoulders. In her haste, Ariel had forgotten she only wore a thin chemise.

  Swein wrapped his free arm around his daughter’s shoulders. “Are you all right?”

  Ariel coughed, trying to dispel the smoke from her lungs. “Aye, father.”

  Now that they were out of danger, Ariel turned to look at the hall. Some of the villagers were trying to fight the fire, but it was a losing battle. The building was totally engulfed by greedy licking flames. There would be nothing left once the fire ran its course. They would lose everything. It was then Ariel remembered her armor.

  “Father, are you able to stay with Colwyn?”

  Swein nodded. “Aye, where are you going?”

  “I threw my armor out my chamber window before I left. I want to retrieve it.”

  “Fine. Just be careful you don’t get too close to the flames. The rate this is burning, I would not be surprised if the whole building collapses.”

  “I’ll be careful.” Ariel had already started to walk away.

  Wrapping the blanket more closely around her, Ariel made her way to the back of the burning hall. It wasn’t hard to find her armor. The flames reflected off the chain mail making it flash in the darkness. Ariel had thrown it far enough away, so she didn’t have to come into close contact with the fire. But even at this distance the heat of the flames could be felt.

  Ariel let go of the blanket and bent down to pick up her armor. As she bent over she had the feeling she was no longer alone, that someone watched her. Straightening up, Ariel slowly turned around.

  One of Theodoric’s guards stepped into view, the man called Hugh. “Did you think you could get away from me so easily? Your Normans will not be able to come to your rescue this time. Especially with one in London and the other knocked senseless.”

  When Hugh lunged for her, Ariel threw her armor at him, hitting him square in the chest. The weight of the metal slowed him down giving Ariel enough time to draw her sword. With a bellow of outrage the guard drew his sword and advanced on her.

  His skill did not match hers, but he made up for its lack in brute strength. With each block, Ariel’s arms felt as if they were being ripped out of their sockets. There was only one way to defeat this opponent, she would have to out maneuver him.

  Blocking a few more hits, Ariel found Hugh’s weak point and lunged, effectively disarming him. She placed the tip of her sword at the base of his throat. Instead of yielding, he laughed at her. Opening her mouth to cry out for help, Ariel felt a blinding pain at the back of her head. Before the blackness engulfed her, she saw the other guard, Godwin, step into view. She had underestimated her enemy. Her sword dropped from her hand as Ariel silently fell to the ground.

  * * * *

  The sound of voices brought Ariel out of the darkness she had fallen into. That and the sickening jolt her stomach made with each bump in the road the cart hit. Cracking her eyes open produced the same sensation. Ariel quickly shut them again.

  She tried to move and found it beyond her capabilities. After the events of the night before, she was not surprised to find both her wrists and ankles bound by thick ropes. Ariel could only wonder what Theodoric’s men had in store for her.

  A heavy blanket wrapped her body from head to toe, rendering her blind to her surroundings. Ariel shifted her head trying to find the opening of the cover. A stabbing pain shot through the back of her head at that small movement.

  The cart rumbled on and the blanket became stifling. Ariel had no idea how long they had been traveling, but judging by the sounds her stomach made it had to have been quite some time. She hoped they would reach their destination soon. The pressing need to relieve herself was becoming great as well.

  A short while later the cart came to a stop. Straining to hear, Ariel heard a new voice, but through the thick blanket the conversation was too muffled to hear what was being said. The voices fell silent. When the blanket was pulled away from her head, she closed her eyes against the bright glare of the sun. After the darkness beneath the cover the bright light blinded her. It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to the sudden change. When she could see again, Ariel was not pleased with the situation she found herself in.

  Theodoric leaned over the side of the cart and smiled at her, it held no warmth. It was obvious to her who had been behind her abduction. He reached out his hand and grabbed a handful of her hair. His grip grew painful as he moved her head from side to side, studying her face intently.

  “Well, well. I see my daughter was correct. I almost did not believe
her when she told me you were actually a woman. You fooled a lot of people, my lady.”

  “What do you want with me?” Ariel’s voice came out in a croak. It had been many hours since she last had anything to drink.

  “It’s quite simple really. You are going to be an instrument of revenge. The Norman has to pay for his treatment of my daughter. The slight he gave her cannot be easily overlooked.” Theodoric seemed to be pleased with his plans for Broc. He even rubbed his hands together in pleasure at the thought of it.

  “I refuse to do anything that will hurt Broc.”

  “Such loyalty. Too bad you will not have a choice in the matter. My plan is simple. What better way to wound him then to sell his woman into slavery. That way he will never be able to find you.”

  Ariel felt a wave of real fear wash over her. “What makes you think Broc will even care I’m gone. He may not even search for me.”

  Theodoric’s laugh was sinister. “Come now, of course he will search for you. How could he not try to get back the mother of his son?”

  At his words, Ariel felt her stomach roll over. “How...how did you know?”

  Theodoric shook his head as if to say Ariel should know better than to ask such a silly question. “My men watched you for a few days before they set out to capture you. What a surprise they had when they saw the face of the child. It was not hard to guess his heritage when he wears it on his face for all to see.”

  The urge to protect her child made Ariel momentarily forget her situation. “If you harm my son in any way, I will kill you.”

  Her captor chuckled at her. “In your present position, I think that is an impossibility. Do not worry. I have no interest in harming your son. He will better serve as a reminder of you every time the Norman looks at him and he will feel your loss. He will represent everything that could have been.”

  A chill ran down Ariel’s spine. She was indeed powerless. Right now she would not be able to fight the plans Theodoric had for her. She only hoped an opportunity presented itself so she would have the chance to free herself.