Page 4 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“Let me help ye with yer cloak,” Cassie said, draping thedark wool mantle around Serena’s shoulders and fastening it with a plain metalbrooch. “’Twill serve to keep ye warm against the night air.” Smiling, Cassietook a step back and examined Serena’s disguise. “Ye make a convincing servant,m’lady, dressed as ye are. Except ye’re too fine of feature. So remember tokeep yer head bowed and yer eyes down should we encounter any men. And sinceyer speech is a wee bit proper, say nothing, lest they wonder if ye are trulyone of us.”

“I will try and do as you say, Cassie. In time, I might beable to disguise my speech as well.” She would do whatever she must to escapethe plans the Normans had for her. “You will have to be my guide in this newlife.”

“It is time,” Maggie said, turning toward the door. “I willhave a word with Leppe and Alec afore ye go, though I know those two willprotect ye with their lives.”

* * *

An hour later, Serena left the manor to begin the journeynorth. Seven walked along in silence: Serena and Cassie, three other women andthe two men. The morning mist still clung to the wild grasses under Serena’sfeet, dampening her leather boots. She was glad her borrowed tunic was as shortas it was, else her hem would also be wet.

When they reached the edge of the woods, Serena paused andlooked back. The sun cast its rays on Talisand, making the manor, hall andthatch and wattle cottages appear to glow. To Serena, it was like something outof a dream, like a village descended from heaven. The place of her home and herheart and the memories of all she held dear.

Tears brimmed in her eyes and escaped down her cheeks. Wouldshe ever see her beloved Talisand again?

Garbed in a belted tunic and short brown cloak a shadedarker than his long hair and beard, Leppe gently touched her arm. “My lady, wemust hurry.”

She nodded and let him lead her away. Away from her past andthe dreams she had once for her future. Soon the fierce knight called the RedWolf would descend like a devastating storm to claim his spoils. Nothing shecould do would prevent it. Concern for her people weighed heavy on Serena’sshoulders. The Red Wolf’s reputation was that of an undefeated warrior, asvicious in battle as the animal whose fur he wore.

She prayed he would not harm the people he would need towork the land.

Chapter 2

It was late afternoon when Renaud and his knights crested thelast hill, and he raised his hand halting the column of men. Reining in hishorse, he looked west and paused to consider the sight before him.

The sun was still shining for the days had grown longer withspring. Renaud gazed over the wide valley, green from the rain. Colorful wildflowers and clusters of birch trees dotted the sloping land where white, woolyewes and their lambs grazed. Ahead in the distance he could see a large manorhouse next to what appeared to be a great hall, all surrounded by a palisade ofwooden poles sharpened to a point. Behind the manor ran the River Lune, thename he recalled when he was first told of Talisand. A village lay to thenorth, the cottages with their thatched roofs appearing golden in the afternoonsun. From where he sat astride Belasco, dense woods to the north of the villageextended as far as the eye could see.

It was more than he had expected, the peace so real it wastangible, and a world away from the harsh sounds of London and the destructionin the south. He could still see the faces of the Saxon dead in the battles hehad fought. As much as he wanted to forget, even in this peaceful place, theyhaunted him. With a deep sigh, he focused on the river. The wide blue riband ofwater flowed behind the demesne, acting like a moat to protect the manorand its outbuildings.

Idly stroking the pelt of the wolf that lay over hishauberk, a fierce pride rose in his chest as he realized these were now his landsby William’s decree.

“There lies the prize William has given me. There liesTalisand.”

“Yea, you have done well, Ren,” agreed Geoff, “and now youare an earl besides.”

Renaud smiled at his friend then turned to his other side tosee the pale blue eyes of Maugris.

The wise one stared back from where he sat astride hispalfrey, his silver hair blowing across his wrinkled forehead. He nodded. “Yea,my lord, there you will find your prize.”

“Glad I am, Ren, that we will arrive in ample time for theevening repast,” Geoff said as he shifted in his saddle.

It had been a long day, one of many with meager rations, andRenaud knew his men were eager to arrive at their destination. “I see you areever mindful of your next meal, Geoff. For you, Talisand is merely anotherplace to dine.” He laughed aloud.

Geoff grinned sheepishly.

“Oh, and it might be best not to call me by your pet name,at least not in the presence of the new vassals, or they will think the storiesof the Red Wolf are mere legend and will disregard my commands.”

“As you will, my lord,” Geoff acknowledged,emphasizing the manner of address that was new.

The wind rose and Renaud heard his banner flapping behindhim. A grunt from Sir Alain de Roux, the knight who bore his standard,caused Renaud to turn in his saddle. The wind had rendered the scarlet wolf onthe midnight blue field a snarling beast. The burly knight struggled to gaincontrol of the waving banner.

Renaud chuckled. “Sir Alain, will you wrestle that wolf ’tilgloaming?”

The knight, whose size and coloring always reminded Renaudof a large brown bear, just smiled. A man of few words, Sir Alain was steadyand reliable, trusted to watch the Red Wolf’s back.

With one last tug at the cloth, the knight reined in thestandard.

Renaud looked beyond the huge knight to the rest of thecompany. Some men were new. The lands of Talisand were rumored to be rich. Forthat reason, as well as his success in battle, many had been eager to accompanyhim when he had left London. Behind his squire, Mathieu, and his five knights,rode the men-at-arms and retainers, along with the craftsmen they’d broughtwith them to begin work on the castle William expected to be finished beforesummer’s end.

Carts carried the tents and supplies they had brought withthem, including casks of wine. Spotting Sir Hugue, Renaud was reminded of thefew mercenaries who had joined them. He would have to keep a close watch on themen he knew less well. They, too, had come seeking a place in William’s Englandand in the den of his wolf.