Page 6 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

To the right of the stairs under the upper story was anentrance to another corridor. From the savory smells coming from thatdirection, he judged it to lead to the kitchen.

On his right, a wide opening in the wall led to the largetimbered hall he had seen from afar, the two buildings having been joined.Peering through the opening, he saw two long trestle tables set upon the floorthat was covered with what appeared to be clean rushes. The benches, he waspleased to discover, would seat all his men. A raised dais, the place the thegnwould have taken his meals, was set at a right angle to the tables. In themiddle of the hall was a stone hearth.

All he observed was clean and neat. It cheered him to thinkthat Talisand was well kept by the lady of the manor, soon to be his bride.Mayhap it was not a bad thing if she were fair of face, as Geoff had said. If hehad to look upon her each day, he would prefer a pretty woman to a plain one.

Just then, Geoff came through the doorway that Renaud hadassumed led to the kitchen, approaching with a worried look. “Something’samiss, my lord.”

Renaud scowled. “What is it?”

“When I asked for ale and food for the men, the few servantsI saw rushed about with little aid. When I inquired further as to where theserving wenches were, the servants averted their gazes. I fear some of thewomen are in hiding or have fled, no doubt in fear of our arrival.”

“It would not be unusual given the actions of William’sarmy,” said Renaud. “Send out a detail to search the surrounding area. If theyare not found in the village, tell the men to search the woods to the north.”

Geoff hurried toward the manor’s front door, but before hereached it Renaud asked, “Is there a seneschal?”

Geoff turned. “Aye. A steward named Hunstan, but he has goneto the three smaller manors to tell them of our anticipated arrival.” AtRenaud’s raised brow, Geoff smiled. “Those manors are a part of Talisand, nowyours as well. The housekeeper said the man would return in a day or two. Thereis also a captain of the old lord’s guard, named Theodric. He lives in one ofthe manors. I have not yet found him. He might be assisting the men.”

With a flick of his wrist, Renaud dismissed the knight. Moremanors?

“Talisand is rich, indeed,” said Maugris standing at hisside.

From the hallway that led to the kitchen, a woman of middleyears hurried toward them. She was plump and her manner pleasant. Her rosycheeks and green eyes, the color of spring grass, rendered her a robust sight.But as he looked more closely, her brown hair, laced with gray, was in disarrayand her expression anxious.

She curtsied before him. “I be Maggie, m’lord. Cook andhousekeeper. Me husband, Angus, is the smith. The lads are bringing ale andsoon ye and yer knights will have a hot meal. I imagine ye’re hungry. Do yehave many with ye?”

“A half dozen knights and a score of men-at-arms and otherretainers and squires. Your servants seem small in number, Goodwife Maggie.”Then with raised brows, he said curtly, “Are you missing some?”

A troubled expression came over the woman’s face. She lookeddown for a moment before she spoke. “Some of our lasses feared for theirvirtue, m’lord. They have left to follow Lady Serena.”

Renaud’s gaze narrowed, furrowing his brow, shocked at whathe had heard. He attempted to hide the anger welling within him, but his jawinvoluntarily clenched. “The Lady Serena is gone?” His voice was as cold as hisheart at the realization she had run.

“I am verra sorry, m’lord.”

“Where is she?” he demanded.

The woman twisted her hands at her waist. “In truth, I donot know, m’lord though her destination was Scotland.”

Seething, Renaud felt a muscle in his jaw clench. So theEnglish maiden had fled rather than be wed to a Norman knight? She would notget away with such an insult! He would send a man after her, even to Scotlandif need be. William’s decree had begun the marriage; consummation wouldestablish it. And he meant to consummate it and soon.

He was still pondering whom he should send after his errantbride when Maugris introduced himself to the housekeeper. “I am Maugris,Maggie.”

Taking in Renaud’s scowl, Maugris said in a calm voice,“Perchance in time Lady Serena will be found, my lord.”

Renaud stroked the pelt of the wolf in an effort to calmhimself and let out a breath. Maugris’s message was clear. He should wait. Itwas only his respect for the old man that stayed his anger from turning intoaction.

“I truly hope so,” he said to Maugris. “It would displeasethe king to find the woman he gave me is now in Scotland.” Then to thehousekeeper, “And it pleases me not at all.”

For a moment an uncomfortable silence hung in the air, interruptedby the housekeeper’s anxious question. “May I show ye to the lord’sbedchamber?” It was clear to Renaud she was eager to leave behind the subjectof her missing lady.

Geoff stepped through the front door and joined them,acknowledging Maggie with a smile.

“It seems Lady Serena has chosen to flee,” Renaud informedGeoff.

“With the other women?” Geoff asked incredulous.

“I know not, but I will soon have the truth of it. Come, letus see the chambers above. I will deal with my rebellious bride later.” Renaudand Geoff followed Maggie up the stairs. Maugris chose to remain below, seemingto take all in with his knowing blue eyes.

Though still angry that the lady had fled, Renaud turned hisattention to his new manor. As she ascended the stairs, the housekeeper toldhim there were three chambers above. The lord’s chamber was the first shedirected them to at the far end of the corridor.