Chapter One #2
Fin raised his brows and shrugged his shoulders.
“I am not privy to the king’s plans,” he said with a smile.
“Now, if you will allow me, I will show you to your chamber. Would you like a bath drawn? The king will take his meal with the queen in their apartment this eve, but I am instructed to bring you whatever you would like for your own satisfaction.”
“Nice change of subject, Fin. But, aye, I am saddle weary and could do with a hot meal.”
“Right this way, my lord,” Fin said and led them from the courtyard through to the guest chambers.
There was plenty of hustle and bustle all around as chamber maids moved about with linens and ushers moved their respective guests to the assigned chambers.
William’s chamber overlooked the inner courtyard and housed a large four-post bed with a dark-crimson brocade cap.
The dark wooden posts were ornately carved with thistles, roses, unicorns, and lions.
He’d passed on the bath but now regretted it as the hours of riding had taken their toll.
Fin had just gone to order a platter of supper when a knock sounded at the door.
Upon direction, the door opened revealing several men carrying steaming buckets of water.
Apparently, the king would see to his guest’s comfort whether they wished it or not.
The men poured the water into the tub William hadn’t even realized was off in a smallish side chamber.
He would have to remember that little trick for his own chamber at Mugdock Castle.
It would save time and effort if the tub simply remained and only the water had to be transported.
Did all the guest chambers at Stirling possess their own bath?
Before he had another moment to contemplate the king’s luxuries, Fin returned followed by two more servants who carried a platter filled with something aromatic and steaming and a tankard with goblets. Was all that meant for him?
“My lord, would you prefer to take your bath before or after your meal?” Fin asked.
He’d prefer to do both together, but was reluctant to be so bold in his host’s home, and so replied, “I will eat and then bathe. I am certain once I relax I will only want to retire.”
“Very well, I shall return after a while to assist you.”
Once the door closed, William turned his attention to the food.
The aroma coming from the platter was undeniably intoxicating.
He removed his belt and pulled his tunic over his head then removed his leine.
Sitting by the hearth, he sampled the meat and sopped up some of the juices with the bread.
Roasted boar, his favorite. He’d have to seek out the cook to ask how he’d gotten the skin so perfectly crisp with the meat so tender and juicy.
He poured a goblet of the liquid into the tankard and was pleased it was a medium ale and not something light and with little flavor which seemed to be the growing preference these days.
After about an hour, Fin returned with two more steaming buckets of water. William had been so engrossed in his meal, he’d not thought about the water cooling.
Moving over to the tub, he kicked off his boots and untied the string holding his trews about his waist and then slipped them off.
The first sensation of the warm water was heavenly. He’d not ridden that distance in quite a long time and though he considered himself strong and healthy, riding all day would wear anyone out.
He sat back in the tub enjoying how the perfect heat soothed his aching muscles.
“Do you require any assistance washing, my lord?” Fin asked.
“Nay, you may attend your other guests. I will be in bed before much longer.”
“Do you wish the water removed this eve or in the morn, my lord?”
“In the morning is fine, Fin. Thank you for having the water prepared anyway,” he said. “You are quite proficient at your job.”
“Aye, I am,” he said with a chuckle. “Tomorrow will commence the festivities so sleep well, my lord. ’Twill be an early rise.”
“Thank you, Fin,” he said. “I look forward to it.”
“Oh, and my lord?”
William turned his head to look at Fin.
“You need not worry the king has anything planned for you to embarrass you. He merely wants to reward excellence in service to the crown.”
Fin’s demeanor, which was usually light and jovial, had taken a turn toward somber. His gaze was cast downward and his normal smile disappeared.
“The king has always had our full support. He need not fear that changing. Has something happened?”
“Not yet,” he said.
William sat up straighter. “Has there been some kind of threat?”
“I promised the king I would let him tell you himself,” Fin said, now wringing his hands.
“Then you shall obey your king and understand I will say nothing to him unless he says so to me.”
“Thank you, my lord. I know I can depend on you, and the king knows that as well.”
With that he left the chamber, leaving William with more questions than answers.
It was no secret the king had enemies near and far.
All the previous kings had, and he supposed that would be true anywhere.
But in all the years he’d known Fin, he’d never seen the man without a smile or a kind word.
Normally so full of life, he was now almost afraid. This threat must have serious grounds.
He would find out soon enough once he met with the king on the morrow. For now, he sat back in the tub and enjoyed the heat. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, thinking of all the known enemies of the king and all the ways they could harm him in the middle of a festival.
William woke with a start a time later as the water had cooled significantly. He stepped out of the tub and dried himself off enough and then slipped in between the cool sheets. The heavy quilts on the bed pulled him back to slumber within seconds. His last thought was of the king.