Page 56 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

Renaud was first through the gate, followed by Geoff, Alainwith the banner, then Mathieu and Jamie and the other squires and men-at-arms.He dismounted and handed Belasco’s reins to the waiting Eric. Doffing his mailwould come next but for that he would seek his chamber. He glanced at hisleggings splattered with mud, hoping a bath awaited him.

“My lord,” hailed Sir Maurin, coming through the door of themanor. “I have been eager for your return. You have fared well?”

“Well enough. It took nearly three weeks and many lives, butWilliam has his victory.” Renaud doffed his gloves and handed them to thewaiting Jamie, then turned his attention back to Sir Maurin. “And Talisand?”Renaud gazed about the yard where his men were greeting those who had stayedbehind. He was disappointed not to be rewarded with a glimpse of his bride.Mayhap she was occupied within the manor.

“Talisand fares well, my lord, but there has been anincident.”

Renaud was instantly on the alert, seeing the anxiety in SirMaurin’s blue eyes.

“The news is not good.” Lines of worry etched Sir Maurin’sweathered face as he ran a hand through his hair.

Renaud narrowed his eyes. “What has happened?”

“There is no way to soften the news, my lord. Lady Serenahas disappeared.”

Renaud shot a glance at Geoff then returned his eyes to SirMaurin whose fallen countenance spoke of regret. A storm rose in his chest.“Disappeared? When? How?”

“We know not what happened, my lord, only that one morningwhen her handmaiden went to the lady’s room, she was gone. A search revealedshe was not within the manor or in the village.”

“What of Sir Niel?”

“The knight guarded her continuously. He never left hispost. And none at Talisand know anything of it. But I believe he and the guardat the postern gate were given some kind of sleeping draught. They bothsuffered an aching head the next morn. I sent Sir Niel and another man tosearch to the north where she had gone before. Since then, he has returned andboth the lady’s handmaiden and the Welsh bard have disappeared.”

Renaud stormed through the door of the manor, Sir Maurin andGeoff trailing behind, his anger rising with every step. So, she had plottedwith the Welshman and her handmaiden to leave! How could she do this afterher pretty speech about taking her place as the Lady of Talisand?

“How long?” he demanded.

“Three days, my lord,” said Sir Maurin, “since the LadySerena disappeared. Only one since Cassie and the bard could not be found.”

Renaud’s stomach clenched at the thought of his bride beingalone on the road that long. “Did you see any signs of Lady Serena’s going?”

“It rained after she disappeared, but seeing no sign of herto the north, Sir Niel was just preparing to ride south when you arrived.”

“South?” Why would she ride south if her brother is inScotland? But he did not linger on the question. No, he would track her like ananimal and bring her to ground as he had done once before. Only this time, hewould show no mercy to his English bride.

No one defied the Red Wolf, least of all a woman who was hisby the king’s command.

* * *

It was afternoon when Serena pulled reins, her growling stomachreminding her that the bread and cheese were gone long ago. She had no weaponwith her and, in any event, would not want to take the time to hunt. Yet, bothshe and the horse needed water. Leaving the horse tethered by the stream, shewalked the short distance to where she had seen red berries growing in athicket at the side of a clearing. She plucked some and began to eat, tastingthe tart juice on her tongue.

Hearing a rustle of something moving in the brush behindher, she jerked her head around.

“At last we have found ye!” exclaimed Cassie, as she steppedfrom the woods. At her side was Rhodri leading their horses.

“Cassie! Rhodri!” exclaimed Serena. She ran to embrace them.“You came for me?”

“Why else would we be so far from Talisand?” said Rhodriwith a sarcastic smile. “This far south is no mere ramble.”

Cassie gave her a puzzled look. “Serena, I thought to findye at Earl Edwin’s. But here ye are halfway to Talisand. Why?”

“Until early this morning, I was at Edwin’s manor inMercia. He and Morcar stole me from Talisand for a wedding.”

“A wedding?” asked Rhodri with drawn brows.

“Yea—my own and Morcar’s, if you would believe it.” AtCassie’s sharp inhalation of breath, Serena explained, “He thought to rescue mefrom the Normans. In truth, I would have welcomed his plan some time ago, butnot now.” Observing her handmaiden’s obvious confusion, she added, “I escaped.”

“I expect he will follow,” said Rhodri.