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  * * * *

  After having slept for a few hours, Ariel went to her father’s hall. Broc had not been around, which suited her just fine. She couldn’t trust herself not to do him bodily harm. Once Ariel crossed the threshold of the new hall, she felt herself relax. Here she could truly be herself, a daughter, a mother, a woman. All the people who cared about her most in the world dwelled here.

  Colwyn sat on her father’s lap, both intent on the other so they did not see her until she was half way across the room. The baby saw her first. He wiggled his little body until he could reach out his arms to Ariel.

  Rushing over, Ariel scooped her son up and swung him around in a circle then clutched him to her chest. It was exactly what she needed to make her feel better. When Colwyn stared up at her, she could not resist the urge to place a big kiss on his small mouth.

  “So what happened to your Norman? Did he come home?”

  “Aye, he did.” Ariel swung Colwyn onto her hip and sat next to Swein. She really didn’t want to tell him what had happened last night, but Elmstead was small. Most of the villagers probably already knew about the two strange women who had come out of the Norman’s hall this morning. Her father would find out sooner or later. She thought it best if he heard it from her.

  “He didn’t come back alone.”

  “What do you mean by not alone? Did he come back with soldiers?”

  “Nay. He had not one, but two women with him.”

  Swein’s mouth opened and then shut before he spoke again. “You slept in his chamber. Please tell me he told you to leave.”

  Ariel looked down. “Sorry, I can’t do that. One of the women had been meant for me. I refused, so he took both to his bed instead. He then ordered me to remain, even though I did not participate.”

  Her father’s rage came unexpectedly. Ariel almost didn’t make it off the bench before Swein stood up and sent it swiftly flying. His face turned red and he clenched his hands into fists at his sides.

  “Where is that bastard? I’ll kill him for this. How dare he? Just because he’s Norman and we’re Saxon it does not mean he can treat us without any respect!”

  Swein’s last words came out in a bellow. Lily, who must have been in another chamber, came into the hall to see what had upset the thane. Ariel shook her head at Lily and passed Colwyn to her. The girl must have realized she would be better off leaving because she returned to her chamber without saying a word.

  Ariel turned and found her father pacing as he grumbled to himself. “Calm down, father. You can do nothing about what happened.”

  “Aye, I bloody well can.”

  “Tell me what exactly? Broc still thinks I’m male. You can’t very well take drastic action. He will become suspicious.”

  Ariel’s words brought Swein to a halt. He looked at her with a scowl on his face. “Something has to be done.”

  The double meaning of what her father spoke of was not lost on Ariel. She knew what he was asking, but it was out of the question. “Sorry, father. I will not be the one to tell him.”

  Ariel closed the gap between them and wrapped her arm around her father’s waist. The feel of Swein’s arms holding her calmed her like nothing else could.

  “As for the other, I think Broc already regrets what he has done. So much so, I wrung a few concessions out of him.”

  “Are you sure they’re enough, Ariel? I know you have feelings for the Norman, no matter what you tell me. It must have hurt you, his seeking out others while you are near him.”

  “Don’t concern yourself, father. There is nothing I need from Broc except for one thing. All I want from him is the knighthood.”

  Chapter 16

  Dressed in full battle armor and with hesitant steps, Ariel walked toward the lone figure standing in the middle of the practice field. The chain mail hung heavily across her shoulders and her sword hung at her side. She wore her helmet and carried her shield on her left arm. Ariel was ready for her first lesson.

  The dawn air swirled cool and crisp around her. The nip of cold told of winter soon to come. Sunlight reflected off the frost that coated the grass. Ariel stopped a few feet away from Broc. Slight currents of tension drifted between them from what had taken place in his chamber the other night. After their conversation the morning before, Ariel had not spoken to the man standing before her. She had stayed with her father and Colwyn well into the night. It had been late and no one had been about, including Broc, when she had returned, something she had counted on.

  Now facing him again, all that had gone on that night came rushing back. Her father had guessed right. She still carried feelings for Broc and he had hurt her, badly. Badly enough that she would never willingly reveal her true self to him, no matter what occurred.

  Broc made a small movement as he shifted his weight. The sound of a sword being drawn from its scabbard drew Ariel’s attention. She looked from the sword to Broc’s face. He already wore his helmet. His gold eyes stared at her intently as a small smile played across his lips.

  “I can tell by the look on your face you still feel some anger toward me for the other night. Well here is your chance, Wulf. Try and give me the thrashing you think I deserve.”

  From the cocksure look on his face, Ariel assumed Broc thought she would not be able to best him. He was going to be in for a surprise.

  As Ariel’s first blow landed, Broc’s expression turned to one of surprise just as she had predicted it would. She then proceeded to show him how he had sorely underestimated his opponent. With glee, Ariel pushed Broc across the field with each of her hits. She may look quite small for a man, but for a woman she was strong. Her slim body was deceiving, which had been Broc’s first mistake. Ariel knew he thought he could overpower her just by his sheer size. But Ariel was more agile and didn’t completely rely on brute strength to best her opponent.

  Ariel had to admit she played with Broc, a sort of retribution for the other night. But he did deserve what he got. The look of shock that had flitted across his features at her first hit was well worth it.

  When an opportunity came to end their match, Ariel took it. She had gotten what she had wanted from him. With a lunge and a quick twist of her wrist, Ariel sent Broc’s sword skidding across the field.

  Her shout of victory echoed around the open space. Ariel removed her helmet and wiped the sweat from her brow. Broc was a good swordsman, but she was better. She wondered how he would feel if he knew he had just been bested by a woman.

  Retrieving his sword, Broc moved to stand before Ariel. “How...how did you do that?”

  Ariel couldn’t take the smile off her face. “I don’t really know. I just find myself able to do it.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me before you are a natural?”

  “Well I did tell you I learned quickly.”

  Broc shook his head. “If this demonstration you have given me is any indication, you’ll be more than ready by Christ mass to be knighted.”

  Thrilled, Ariel felt like jumping up and down, but she managed to keep her emotions under control. “Good. Then let’s continue.”

  Broc held up his hand. “Wait one moment. How is your shoulder? Are you in pain?”

  “I’m fine.” To prove it, Ariel lifted her left arm and gave it a little shake.

  Broc laughed. “All right, have it your way. But if I see you favoring that side at any time, I will call the lesson to a halt.”

  “Agreed. It won’t be necessary though.”

  Not saying another word, Broc stalked across the field. Ariel watched him head toward the stables. She sheathed her sword and ran to catch up with him.

  * * * *

  Late that afternoon Broc finally called the lesson to a halt. Even though Wulf would not admit it, he was in some pain. The boy had not shown any outward sign of the strain it must have taken to hold his shield for so long, but Broc noticed the flinches he gave near the end. He had to give Wulf credit, he tried his hardest to hide what he felt.

  Through most of t
he lesson, Broc had a hard time not showing his emotions to Wulf. The boy was unbelievable. What should have taken months to teach another man, Wulf picked up in a matter hours. The boy may not have the bulk behind his sword arm, but he was able to out maneuver any man Broc’s size, which gave Wulf a distinct advantage.

  The boy had already gone to the main hall to change, Broc slowly followed. The evening meal would be ready in a short while. After his exertions on the field he needed to have a big meal. They had only stopped briefly once during the lesson to quickly eat some bread and cheese.

  The hall was deserted except for the serfs who had the task of preparing the meal. Wulf appeared to still be in his chamber. Broc entered his chamber and started to shuck off his chain mail. It soon became apparent that the wall separating the two chambers was not very thick. The sounds of Wulf moving around on the other side could mutely be heard. For some unknown reason Broc moved to lean against the wall, listening. The sounds coming from the other chamber comforted him.

  The unnatural urges Broc had for Wulf still seemed to be with him. Even after that debacle of the night with the two women. Why would it not go away? It bothered him more than he would like to admit.

  The sound of a chamber door being slammed shut brought Broc out of his musing. Quickly finishing up, he went back into the hall. He couldn’t see Wulf anywhere. Broc felt a little disappointed. He had thought the boy would stay and share the evening meal with him, but apparently Wulf had made other plans for the evening.

  On impulse, Broc retrieved his cloak from his chamber and made his way to the smaller hall. He caught sight of Wulf slowly walking through the village. The villagers shouted a greeting as the boy went by. Obviously Wulf was held in high regard.

  As predicted, Wulf went to the other hall. The girl named Lily stood outside at the front of the building. She held her child in her arms. Broc slowed his pace and stopped several yards away, watching. With some surprise, he watched Wulf rush up to the girl and take the child from her. Laughing, the boy held the baby up and spun around. The child’s shouts of glee drifted over to where Broc stood. Fascinated, he found himself unable to look away.

  Something akin to loneliness washed over Broc when Wulf cuddled the baby close to him for a kiss. He felt left out. Almost as if he belonged up there with them, not standing off by himself. The child had to be the boy’s. No other explanation would account for Wulf’s behavior. Something about the scene bothered Broc though. Wulf showered the baby with attention, but none of it he directed toward the girl, the baby’s mother.

  That led Broc to think Lily had lied to him at their first meeting. She had said the child’s father was not around. She had to have some reason for withholding the truth from him. And Wulf had to be doing the same. But why? Now that he thought about it, every time he had seen the child the baby’s face had been hidden from view. Broc didn’t even know the sex of the child. Something was just not right. He had a feeling if he saw the child’s face it would all be explained.

  Broc felt eyes on him and realized he had been spotted. Wulf came stomping toward him. The girl and baby could no longer be seen. From the look on the boy’s face, Broc could tell he had upset Wulf with his presence.

  “What are you doing here, my lord?” Wulf said in barely contained irritation.

  “I just wondered where you had gone. The evening meal is not too far off.”

  “I plan to eat with my father that is if you have no objections?”

  “None I can think of. I noticed Lily is at the hall. Has your father taken her and her child in?”

  “Aye, not that it is any of your concern. Now if you will excuse me, I would like to go to my father. I will return later this evening.”

  Without so much as a backward glance, Wulf spun on his heel and went inside the hall. Something definitely had to be going on around here, Broc thought to himself. Something Wulf did not want him to find out about.

  * * * *

  The lessons continued and the tension slowly disappeared. Ariel had to admit she could have caused of most of it. As much as she wanted to, she could not forget that night. Every time she looked Broc in the face, she remembered images that would be better off forgotten.

  Other factors also brought about the strain. The more time Ariel spent with Broc, the more she found herself liking him and any romantic feelings she carried for him, deepened. To counter act the emotions Broc invoked, Ariel immersed herself in what he had taught her.

  Each night she would go to bed exhausted and wake up with every muscle in her body screaming. After a week had gone by the pain eventually went away. Even her shoulder gave her no troubles. Ariel also noticed changes in her body as well. Her shoulders broadened, her arms and legs padded with muscle. She knew she would never be as large as a man, but now with the changes in her body she looked more the part.

  Now at the end of November, Ariel felt she had learned all Broc had to teach, but the lessons still continued. The lessons had become a common ground they both tread. In some ways Ariel would miss the time she spent with Broc, but all that would end once he knighted her.

  Her days had now become routine. She woke, broke her fast and donned her armor. Her equipment also had changed. In the last month Broc had the blacksmith make her a Norman helmet and a new shield. Instead of the round Saxon variety, Ariel now carried the large triangular shaped shield of a Norman. Her shield carried no emblem or color. The blank white shield would be changed after she became a knight. She already had decided what her emblem would be.

  As he had every morning, Broc waited for her at the practice field. But something was different about him today. He had an air of impatience about him. When Ariel finally stood in front of him, she noticed he wore no armor. “No lesson today?”

  Broc shook his head. “Nay, something important has come up. The lessons are now over.”

  Her heart sank. Broc could not be serious, the lessons had to continue. To stop now would be unthinkable. Not when she was so close to realizing her goal. “They can’t stop now. You promised to knight me.”

  Broc smiled. “Aye, I did. I don’t break promises I make. Tonight, in fact, you will become a knight.”

  Flustered, Ariel tried to grasp what he said. “I thought I had to wait until closer to Christ mass.”

  “There has been a change of plans. While you were at your father’s hall a messenger came from William’s court. He has requested I come to London earlier than I had previously thought. For some unknown reason, he has ordered I bring you with me.”

  Ariel did not know if she was happy about this or not “What if I refuse to go?”

  “You have no choice in the matter. I was ordered to bring you. If you have forgotten I will remind you, I am your overlord. You must do what I say. Be thankful I’ll knight you before we leave. That way you will have some status at court.”

  Broc started to walk away then stopped. “I suggest you get some rest. For after tonight you will no longer be considered a boy, but a man. It’s something to celebrate. It will be a long night I assure you.” With that said, he left Ariel standing in the field.

  * * * *

  Just to spite Broc, Ariel did not go and rest. If tonight was going to be the night all her dreams were to be fulfilled, then she wanted to look her best. Which meant she would need a bath.

  Before going to her father’s hall, Ariel went to see the blacksmith. He would be the one to paint her emblem on her shield. She had already given him her chosen design so all he had to do was the hard copy.

  The smith, Alfward, was a large man with arms and chest heavily muscled from the number of years he spent working the forge. He was Swein’s age with hair and beard grizzled with grey. This morning Ariel found Alfward working the bellows, making the forge’s fires come to life. At the doorway Ariel cleared her throat to get the smith’s attention.

  “How are you this morn, Alfward?”

  With a smile, the smith looked up and answered her query. “Just fine, lass. Come in and don’
t look at me like that. The Norman isn’t around. I have known you since you were in swaddling bands. You will always be a lass to me no matter what you pretend to be.”

  Ariel laughed. “I’m sure you know the reason for my ruse. Nothing remains a secret in the village for long.”

  “Aye. Your boy is the Norman’s get. Not hard to figure that out when the boy wears his heritage on his face.” Releasing the bellows, Alfward went over to Ariel. “What is it you need?”

  “How do you know I need something?”

  “Everybody needs something. Come now, what is it to be?”

  Ariel placed her shield on the smith’s work table. “Will you be able to put my emblem on this before this evening?”

  At her words Alfward wrapped his arms around her waist and swung her around. Ariel could not help but laugh with him. The smith put her down on her feet and gave her a slap on the back, hard enough to almost knock her down.

  “So he’s really going to knight you. I’ll be buggered. Have no fear, I will have it finished. It will be the first piece I work on today.”

  “Thank you, Alfward. Bring it to the main hall when you’re finished with it.” On impulse, Ariel stood up on tip toes and placed a kiss on the smith’s grizzled cheek. She then had the rare opportunity to see Alfward blush. “And if you have nothing else to do, I would like you to come to the festivities. You have always believed in me.”

  “I would not miss it for anything, lass. You do us all proud.” Much to Ariel’s surprise, the smith started to bellow with laughter. “I would like to see that Norman’s face when he finds out he knighted a woman.”

  “If I have any say in the matter, that day will never come.”

  Chapter 17

  Ariel thought the day would never end. After her bath, she spent a few hours with Colwyn. But with each passing hour, her nerves started to get the better of her. It became so bad that once Colwyn had gone down for a nap her father demanded she go find something to occupy herself with.