Chapter One #2
The group broke out in laughter the way Maximilian had said the word “dare.” He dragged the word out, making it a long and hissed word.
In fact, William turned away, unwilling to engage in any more of Maximilian’s theatrics, at least before their bout, but the truth was that he, like everyone else, thought Maximilian was humorous and exciting.
And he was. But he was also a serious competitor, and all jesting aside, he wasn’t particularly keen to go up against the enormous, and wildly talented, de Wolfe.
Maximilian had talent, but not nearly as much as some of the other competitors.
Maximilian, at times, got by on sheer perseverance alone.
As William and Essien headed back toward the arena, Maximilian tugged on Addax.
“I must speak with you,” he said. “Walk with me.”
Excusing himself from Cole and Julian and Beau, Addax followed Maximilian away from the arena and toward the smithy stalls that were crammed together on the east side of the field.
This was where competitors with broken lances, armor, or even weapons had their equipment repaired, and the smell from the forge fires was strong.
Smoke billowed up, black and thick, as the smithies stoked the flames.
But it was nothing compared to the flame that was currently being stoked in Maximilian’s chest.
He was a man with much on his mind.
“I should go and see how de Birmingham fares,” Addax said, pulling off the linen cap that covered his long, dark hair against the chafe of his helm. “I knocked the man into the guide, but I truly had no idea that he’d been impaled. Did you see it?”
Maximilian was preoccupied. “See what?” he said before he thought about what Addax had said. “Oh, that. Aye, I saw it. He hit the guide hard, but I did not see anything impale him. Who told you that?”
“The field marshal.”
Maximilian shrugged. “It cannot be too serious, for I saw the man walk from the field,” he said. “But enough about him. I have troubles, Addax. Big trouble.”
Addax looked at him. “What trouble?”
“My father should be here shortly.”
Addax’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “The Earl of Bretherdale?” he said. “Why is that trouble? I should think that is great news. I’ve not seen your father in a couple of years.”
Maximilian waved him off. “It is not great news because he is bringing someone with him.”
“Who?”
“My betrothed.”
Addax came to a halt, facing him with a confused expression on his face. “I think you had better start from the beginning,” he said. “Since when are you betrothed?”
Maximilian averted his gaze. “I have been for two years,” he said. “I’ve simply never spoken of it.”
“Nay, you have not,” Addax said, eyeing him. “I’ve known you for years, and you’ve never said a word about it. Nor have you behaved like a betrothed man, if you get my meaning.”
Maximilian waved him off defensively. “I know,” he said. “But that is because I do not feel like one. This was not my doing.”
“Your father?”
“Aye.” Maximilian nodded. “It was his idea. My betrothed is the widow of Sir Ernest de Witt. Have you heard the name?”
Addax thought on it. “I do not think so,” he said. “De Witt. De Witt. Nay, it does not sound familiar. Who is he?”
Maximilian sighed sharply. “You mean who was he,” he said.
“Only one of the wealthiest warlords in England. The man’s family has control of most of the northern Pennines and surrounding lands, which include great lead deposits.
Their lands border my father’s lands, and when de Witt died, my father waited a nominal amount of time before soliciting the man’s widow. Without my permission, I might add.”
Addax could see how unhappy he was. “Ah,” he said. “No wonder you’ve never spoken of it.”
Maximilian shook his head firmly. “I would like to forget he did such a thing, but alas, I cannot,” he said.
“My father sent me a missive last month telling me that he would be here at this tournament this week and he would be bringing my bride with him. Then I received a missive from him today telling me that he will be here this morning. He says that he expects a wedding.”
“The very day he arrives?”
Maximilian shrugged. “Who knows?” he said. “Knowing my father, it could be the very moment he steps off his horse. But he certainly means we should do it during his visit, considering he is bringing her with him.”
A distasteful prospect, as far as Maximilian was concerned. Addax could read it all over his face, so he was careful in proceeding.
“Have you met her?” he asked.
Maximilian shook his head. “Nay,” he said.
“I’ve never met her. If she’s the widow of de Witt, who was a very old and very disagreeable old man, I might add, then surely she’s old and disagreeable also, although my father did say that she was his second wife, so mayhap she’s a bit younger.
Imagine that, Addax. I am to marry the leavings of a disagreeable old man. ”
Addax wasn’t unsympathetic. “Then you’ll simply have to focus on the good,” he said. “The good is that she is wealthy. You’ve said so yourself.”
“True.”
“And a man needs heirs, Max.”
Maximilian rolled his eyes. “She was married for ten years to de Witt, and there are no children,” he said. “The old cow is barren.”
“Did de Witt have children from his first marriage?”
“Nay, he did not, which is why his lands and wealth will go to me.”
“Then mayhap the problem was not with her, but with him.”
Maximilian cocked his head thoughtfully, but it was only momentary. “Pah,” he said, spitting onto the ground. “The only good out of this situation is the money. I will use it to pay for a stable of mistresses.”