Chapter 1 #3
“Little ones?” Geoff protested. “I have yet to see William’s knights raise their swords against children.”
Maugris’ eyes fixed on some unknown point as he gazed out the window.
“In my visions I have seen it. And though horrible, it did not surprise me. When defied, William can become a great destroyer, ripping off limbs, blinding eyes and laying waste to all in his path. This time, William will show the people of York no mercy.”
Geoff knew Maugris saw things the rest of them did not, but he remembered the mercy William had shown the year before when he entered York and left behind a castle and a garrison of knights. “I hope such can be avoided.”
“I have seen a great wasteland,” Maugris intoned, “where nothing grows.” As he spoke, the old man appeared taller, his voice enduing him with power. “Vacant land strewn with the dead, both young ones and old.”
“For once, wise one, I hope your vision is wrong,” said the Red Wolf.
Troubled by Maugris’ ominous words, Geoff gripped the hilt of his sword. “I will prepare to ride.”
“Tomorrow is soon enough,” Ren insisted. “Take Mathieu along as your squire. He is nearly a knight and grows impatient for action.”
“Yea, I will.” Geoff was happy to have Mathieu join his company, for the squire had served the Red Wolf well. “His sword arm is strong. I welcome his service.”
“With me limping around, you’d best leave my few knights, save Alain. The Bear will guard your back as he has guarded mine, though he will not be anxious to return to York where he got that scar that adorns his jaw.”
Geoff remembered the fight the year before when the knight, dubbed “the Bear” for his size, had taken a blade across his jaw. “I would gladly have Alain with me. What about the others?”
“Take all the knights William has quartered here. Serena will be glad to see them go. She nearly sank an arrow into one for grabbing a servant girl, and that in her condition!”
Geoff chuckled at the picture of Lady Serena, heavy with child, wielding a bow and arrow. Her state would not stop her from defending the maidens of Talisand. “I will do as you say, Ren. Rest if you can bring yourself to do so. We want you in the practice yard again.”
“Godspeed,” said Ren as they left the chamber. Geoff heard concern in his voice but there was nothing for it. They must heed the king’s summons.
Early the next day, a good meal under his belt, Geoff mounted Athos, his chestnut stallion. The air was chilled even though the pale sun was shining on the winter landscape. He was glad it was not raining. His helm and shield tied to his saddle, Geoff gave the signal to ride.
Mathieu followed on his palfrey, leading Geoff’s black destrier, the squire’s brown hair blowing about his face. A few years in Ren’s service had given him a proud bearing and a confident look, more like a knight than a squire.
Behind Mathieu rode Alain and the long line of William’s knights who would accompany them to York.
Geoff guided Athos toward the gate, but before he could pass through the wide opening, Maugris called him back.
“Sir Geoffroi!”
Geoff brought the column to a halt and circled back to the old man whose face bore an expression more serious than his normal mien.
Looking up at Geoff, Maugris said, “I have had another vision…”
Geoff swallowed and waited, his stomach tightening into a knot as he anticipated what the seer’s vision might have told him.
“You will have to face the fear you have carried from your youth, the one you keep hidden even from the Red Wolf that has nothing to do with battle. But mayhap you will find these words encouraging: You will give help to those who would otherwise fall and you will find an ally where you least expect it. But if need be, you must have courage to stand alone.”
From atop his horse, Geoff stared down at the wise one, wondering at the cryptic message. How could the old man know of something Geoff had shared with no one?
“I do not suppose you would care to elaborate?”
“All will be clear in time,” Maugris assured him with a knowing grin.
So the old man’s remarks were to remain a mystery. “All right,” he reluctantly agreed. “I shall try to do as you say. Take care of the earl and his lady.”
As Geoff turned his horse, he glimpsed the Red Wolf standing in the open doorway of the old manor in the bailey, his arm around Serena’s shoulders, whether in affection or for support Geoff could not tell.
Mayhap both, for Ren loved his lady and his stance told Geoff he was favoring his wounded leg.
That he had managed to walk given the pain he was in was a tribute to both his strength and his resolve.
Geoff tipped his head to him and, as he did, noted Serena looking around the bailey, searching, he knew, for her friend, Eawyn.
Ren’s wife had hoped Geoff would one day wed the beautiful widow.
He was relieved to see Eawyn had stayed away.
She had not warmed to his advances as he had hoped.
What he had thought was a growing affection had turned out to be merely a friendship on her part.
She was still in love with her dead English husband. Mayhap she always would be.
When he returned, he would have to make it clear to Serena there was no hope for the match.
A look of frustration crossed Ren’s face as he raised a hand to Geoff in farewell. Geoff knew its source. It was the first time the Red Wolf had failed to heed the call of his sire.
The first time Geoff rode alone.