Bold Conquest

  "You're so brave," Faith sighed.

  The compliment encouraged Morgan to take her into his arms. He smoothed her wild golden-brown hair and kissed her full upon her red mouth. Morgan did not even try to conceal his passion. Her touch had aroused him instantly, and he pressed her back under the hedgerow, until she opened to him naturally and willingly.

  Lillyth and Edyth both held their breath. Each girl was extremely interested in the goings-on through the hedge. In a remarkably short time the youth lay spent upon the grass. When he made a move to leave, Faith stayed with him. "Nay, Morgan, stop with me a while. I enjoy this time afterward."

  It was obvious that they were very much in love. Their coming together was generous and beautiful, and they were so eager to please each other that the mating didn't offend the two young women in any way. In fact, Lillyth felt easier in her mind about this part of marriage now.

  "1 can't wait until I'm wed, Lillyth," Edyth sighed. "The peasants don't know how lucky they are. They can make love without having to be wed first."

  "lt's true that we are watched very carefully to make sure our virtue is preserved, but I for one am glad. It's easier to follow rules that are laid-down for us," said Lillyth.

  "It wasn't so easy for me the night Walter returned. Do you know what it is like to have a man beg you to be with him, and all the while he is kissing you and touching you in ways that make you vulnerable?" whispered Edyth.

  Lillyth blushed deeply as she thought of Aedward. She knew the words Edyth spoke were true from her own experience. "My father speaks highly of Walter. He is one of his most trusted knights. Has he asked you to marry him, Edyth?"

  "Yes. Your lady mother suggested we exchange vows the same day as you and Wulfric. The church will be nicely decorated and I have been stitching a new gown for your wedding. It is a deep rose-pink with a pale, shell-pink underdress. Walter spoke to the priest, so it is all arranged."

  "That's wonderful, Edyth, l'm so happy for you both."

  "I was so vexed with you when you chose a day three weeks from now. It will seem an eternity," complained Edyth.

  "Nay, Edyth, the time will melt like snow in summer," said Lillyth sadly.

  Lady Adela awoke very early in the small chamber she and her husband had behind the solarium. She held her breath for fear of awakening Luke and lay still as death while her mind relived the events of the night just passed. He had demanded his marital rights upon retiring and had awakened her after midnight to slake the hunger that her body always seemed to arouse in him. The trouble was, she received no enjoyment from these over-frequent unions. She almost wished Luke would find diversion elsewhere. She had decided to visit Morag. The thought of revealing these intimacies to another made her go pale, but she had reached the end of her tether. Moving with the lightness of a butterfly, she lifted the cover and slipped from the bed before he could wake and have her beneath him once again. She racked her brain to think what she could spare to pay the old crone, then decided to take her some lamp oil. Morag must do many of her secret rituals after dark. Wasn't the witching hour midnight? She would be glad to receive lamp oil. Adela was relieved that no one was about to see her at this early hour. When she got to Morag's hut, it was empty. She was about to leave in frustration when Morag arrived, her arms filled with herbs and purple fox-glove and prickly thistles.

  The magpie Greediguts flew from the old woman's shoulder to a low-hanging branch, scolding Lady Adela with his rasping voice.

  "Enter!" Morag commanded as if their stations in life were reversed.

  Adela quickly went inside before she could be seen, but once there became suddenly tongue-tied.

  "You have come about your man," said. Morag wisely.

  "No— yes— that is— his needs are so great. I mean, it seems to me that he wants it too frequently." The blood came into her face in her agitation, then drained out leaving her deathly pale.

  "Wants what?" demanded Morag, making it as difficult as possible for the gentlewoman.

  "My body," answered Adela, low.

  "You want a potion that will provoke your lust to match his?" asked Morag. "I will give you aloes, dill and cloves."

  Adela was horrified. "Ah no, no! You mistake me. I need a potion that will stop his lust."

  "Hemlock," said Morag in ominous tones. "If you give too much it can kill," she warned.

  "Ah, there must be another way," begged. Adela. "Perhaps a spell?"

  "Impotence by use of ligature," proclaimed Morag.

  "Yes, yes, tell me how!"

  "Take a cord or length of wool. Red is best. Tie knots in the cord and hide it about the bedchamber. A good trick is to stitch it inside the mattress on his side of the bed. He will be impotent until he finds it. Now what is your offering?" asked Morag. She took the lamp oil silently, making sure to offer no thanks.

  At Oxstead Wulfric and Aedward were in the brew-house, filling barrels with ale. Aedward was determined to try to dissuade his brother from wedding Lillyth. He knew things about Wulfric that were almost unspeakable, and he trembled at her fate.

  "Wulfric, why are you in such a hurry to saddle yourself with another wife? Surely you want to enjoy your freedom a while longer?" he asked.

  "That was the shrewdest bargain I ever made, boy. Athelstan gets older, and very soon Godstone will be mine," said Wulfric, hammering another bung into a barrel.

  Aedward felt outraged. "You wed Lillyth for her father's wealth?"

  "I wed Lillyth because that's the only way I can get her. I would wed her even were she a peasant. I want her— l will have her. It's as simple as that!"

  Aedward's hopes died in his breast.

  Chapter 3

  Saturday, September thirtieth arrived for him too slowly; for her too quickly. The little church was decorated with late-blooming white asters. Even though the church was small, squeezed between the grist mill and the blacksmith's forge, the altar cloth was richly woven in red and gold. In the center of the altar was a large gold cross which had been set with precious stones by a skillful jeweler. Tall candlesticks of silver sat on each side of the cross, and there was a gold chalice, encrusted with exquisite gems, to hold the wine.

  There had been a sudden shower which had ended before eight o'clock, and a pale sun crept out but left the morning chilly. By nine o'clock the two families were inside the church. It was a very small group consisting of Lillyth, her mother and father, and Wulfric and his elderly mother, Lady Hilda. Aedward stood up with Wulfric and Lillyth had Edyth, who was a second cousin to her in reality.

  Lillyth had on a snow-white kirtle and a white velvet tunic, daintily embroidered with white pearls. A bride's hair was worn loose for the only time in public when she was married, and Lillyth's fell to her knees and was held away from her face by a circlet of pearls. The couple knelt before the priest and Lillyth's fingers were icy as she placed them in Wulfric's. By contrast, his palms were sweating profusely. As a miasma of candle wax and incense assailed her senses, she was swept with a wave of nausea.

  The priest began, "Dost thou, Lillyth of Godstone, take Wulfric of Oxstead ..."

  Her response was clear, low, controlled. He stumbled over his responses, but nevertheless they were truly wed, as the heavy ring went upon her finger. He kissed the bride and she managed a slight smile. Rather than the tears she had half-expected, a sort of numbness had crept over her as she seemed to stand aside and observe herself going through the motions. To her husband she seemed more distant and remote than she had ever been before.

  When the small group emerged from the church they ran the gauntlet, or passed through a long line of Wulfric's knights on the right side of the path and Athelstan's on the left. All the people of Godstone and some also from Oxstead were awaiting them. The young girls threw flower petals, and the bride was presented with a sheaf of wheat, that she be fruitful.

  The serfs were having their celebrations out in the open, and there were huge fires with sheep roasting over them. Tables had been set up around the
courtyard and barrels of ale were stacked, ready. The peasants were soon singing and dancing, and the children and dogs were so excited, the air became deafening. The youths began to acrobat and one or two were good at juggling. Soon, over in one corner there was a cockfight and the wagering became heavy.

  As Lillyth would have passed the cruel sport by, Wulfric took an iron grip on her wrist and she was forced to witness the two black cockerels try to peck each other's eyes out before he allowed her to go inside the hall.

  Edgar and May felt more secure than they had in many months. After the harvest they had received their ration of victuals to see them through the winter. Edgar had stacked the sacks of flour he had received from the gristmill at the back of the hut, and he and May had decided not to slaughter their allotted sheep but to tether it to feed on grass until the weather became bleak, when they would have a greater need for the meat. The wedding of Lady Lillyth brought back memories for May. It reminded her that Edgar had not provided her with a hut of her own until she was well along with Edwina. May scanned the merrymakers, anxiously looking for Edwina. She must keep an eye on the girl to make sure that if she went off into the shadows, it was with a youth of her own age and not one of the married men who always had a yen for a young ripe virgin.

  Edgarson kept a weather eye open for his parents, and whenever they were not watching he sneaked a cup of ale from one of the casks that had been provided for the serfs. He was full of devilry at ordinary times, but the ale had stimulated him to do something daring. He bet the other boys that he could climb to the roof of the hall of Godstone and steal the wedding banner that flew there so bravely today.

  "You wouldn't dare!" laughed his friend, who was two years older than he. Naturally, this was all Edgarson needed. He began a rapid climb of the large oak whose branches spread close to the hall. He had to jump a fair distance from the tree to the roof, but with the confidence of the young he did not hesitate, and landed safely on top of the building. From there it was only a small matter to shinny up the flagpole and make a grab for the banner. By this time he had attracted the attention of many below, who could not believe their eyes at the boy's daring antics. Edwina caught her breath as she recognized her brother. When he grabbed for the flag, a wave of dizzy intoxication swept over him. A gasp of fear rose up from the crowd below as he fell, rolling down the steep roof toward its edge.

  Edwina screamed as young Edgarson slipped toward sure death. Suddenly a young man separated himself from the throng and climbed to the roof, unmindful of his amber velvet tunic. Aedward plucked the boy from his dizzy perch, swung effortlessly across to the oak tree and didn't let go until the boy's feet touched the ground. Aedward gave him a short cuff across the ear, then grinned as the young devil scampered off to find more mischief. Edwina was enthralled. She had lost her heart in an instant. The blond curls and golden beard were indelibly etched on her heart forever. She stared after Aedward for long minutes with her emotions clearly visible for all to read. Aedward walked past her without a glance, and disappeared into the hall.

  Inside, where confusion reigned, Lady Alison noted Lillyth's waxy pallor and swept the girl up the stairs.

  "We will leave the men to enjoy themselves till all is in readiness for the feast. My darling," she whispered to Lillyth, "we must put some of the pink salve I made up from the rose petals to your lips and cheeks. Are you faint?"

  "Nay, mother, I will not faint," promised Lillyth. Die mayhap, she added silently. "I'll be all right. Edyth will stay with me for a while. Take Lady Hilda and the other ladies, perhaps they would enjoy seeing the beautiful tapestries you have given me."

  When they were alone, Edyth said, "I asked Walter if the priest could say the words over us after your wedding, while the church was so beautiful and I had on my new gown, but he went pale and dashed off, saying Lord Athelstan had need of him. Men are such cowards!" said Edyth acidly. "Why don't you rest for a while and I will finish packing your new gowns?"

  "Oh no, I'll help. I must keep busy. I wish you could come to Oxstead with me tomorrow, Edyth," said Lillyth wistfully. "When you and Walter do marry, perhaps Wulfric will be kind enough to let me have you both."

  At last all the hall was filled with the wedding guests and the feast began. There were grouse, partridge, wild duck, boar and venison from the great hunt. Sheep and an oxen had also been roasted, and a great black swan had been cooked and then had the feathers carefully stuck back for decoration. Bird and rabbit pies filled the tables interspersed with spiced dishes of pears and pickled crab apples. Whole fishes sat on platters, surrounded by shellfish and dishes of eels. Fruit pies, cobblers and trifles smothered in cream were provided for those who enjoyed sweets. Imported wine and home-brewed ale flowed freely, and the dogs snarled and fought in the rushes for the bones that were dropped.

  Lillyth made polite but stilted conversation with her new husband and was vastly relieved that there were no greasy fingerprints left upon the white velvet this day. Musicians gathered, and after a feast that had lasted over four hours, some of the tables were pushed back to make room for dancing. Wulfric was urged from all sides to dance with his new bride, but he laughingly refused. "You know full well I don't dance. A fine spectacle I should make of myself. My skills are better displayed on the battlefield. Aedward? Where is Aedward? Ah, there you are boy. Come, give Lillyth a whirl, she doesn't want to miss out on all the fun."

  He was a perfect picture of the indulgent husband.

  Aedward flushed and tried to refuse. He knew it would be agony to hold her in his arms in front of this assembly and to know that she would go from his arms to his brother's, but Wulfric's fond looks made him seem ignorant of Aedward's feelings for Lillyth, so finally Aedward gave in and danced rather than create comment with a surly refusal. He and Lillyth didn't speak at first because they felt awkward beneath everyone's gaze, but as the room filled with other dancers and the babble of voices almost drowned out the music, he whispered, "Lillyth, you are so unearthly fair! Promise me that if you ever need me for anything you will let me know? I will come to you immediately. You must know there is nothing on this earth that I would not do for you."

  The concern she read in his eyes filled her with apprehension, but she knew how wretched he felt today, so she did not express any of her fears to him.

  "I thank you, Aedward. I shall always be your friend," she said softly.

  Aedward led her back to Wulfric, and her father claimed her for a dance. Wulfric gave a rich chuckle.

  "What's the jest?" asked Aedward.

  "The jest is that you are just as hot for Lillyth as I am."

  Aedward opened his mouth to protest, but Wulfric threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Don't bother to deny it, little brother, I'm not blind. The bulge in your groin is almost choking you. Well, Aedward, just to show you what a sport I am, when I've ridden her once, I'll ride her again, just for you!"

  Aedward's hand went to the hilt of his dagger, but he kept a rein on his temper. A plan formed quickly. If he could cause Wulfric to become drunk, perhaps Lillyth would find peace and quiet this night. He clapped Wulfric on the shoulder.

  "You are boasting again, brother. Like when we were patrolling one night and I heard you brag you could down twelve horns of ale without pause between. Well, I've been practicing, and I wager I can do it in less time than you."

  "Done!" shouted Wulfric, who had already consumed a goodly share.

  Aedward was having trouble gulping down his sixth when Wulfric banged down his empty horn for the twelfth time. They were surrounded by their knights who were wagering upon the outcome, urging them on to further excesses. Wulfric's knights watched the contest, but none there offered to challenge the winner. Aedward nudged the elbow of Yeowart and said low, "lf you beat my brother, I'll let you have that horse back I won from you at dice last night."

  "That's a deal, my lad," laughed the knight.

  Wulfric was ahead seven to five when he chanced upon Aedward's contemptuous sneer. He k
new immediately what his brother was aiming for and, putting down the bull's horn, declared that Yeowart was indeed the winner. Aedward cursed the loss of the horse, but hoped the sacrifice was not in vain. Wulfric was drunk, as was every man in the hall, but he was still on his feet.

  He threw Aedward a mocking glance as he and his knight left to relieve themselves.

  Lillyth was exhausted from the turmoil of her emotions, but when Wulfric bent his eye upon her from the other end of the hall and jerked his head in the direction of the bedchambers, she pretended not to see him, and suddenly dancing held a great attraction for her. Edyth had been watching for some kind of signal, and she whispered to Lillyth, "I'll go up and make sure the guest chamber is in readiness, and when you come up I'll help you with your hair."

  Lillyth was suddenly filled with gay abandon and was prepared to dance the night away. Wulfric made his way to her side and took hold of her wrist. He smiled at the men and women surrounding her.

  "My bride has been sending me distress signals this hour past. I believe she desires her bed!"

  She opened her mouth to deny him, but his grip tightened like an iron band and all she could gasp was "Oh!"

  As he pulled her toward the stairs he glowered at his knights who were preparing to follow, and none mistook his meaning. Reluctantly they backed down the steps, hating to miss out on the fun, but Wulfric in this mood could not be challenged.

  "I bid you stay and enjoy yourselves, I need no help, let me assure you."

  He was extremely unsteady on the stairs, and Lillyth knew that he was very drunk; nevertheless his grip on her wrist slackened not one whit. Wulfric threw open the chamber door and pulled Lillyth inside. Edyth had lit the candles and turned back the snowy linen sheets and fur coverings on the bed.