Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

 Astrid woke with a sore face and stiff muscles; with a groan she threw back her blankets.

Her dreams had been strange and disturbing, filled with blood and death, but

also with Reid. As she swung her feet to the floor there was a knock on her

chamber door and a moment latter it opened and Leif’s head appeared.

“You’re awake.” Leif stepped inside and opened her door

wide, behind him two pages carried in a large wood tub that they set in the

middle of her chamber, followed by ten maids carrying buckets of steaming water

that they poured into the tub. Each giving Astrid a swift smile before hurrying

silently from her chamber. Leif closed the door after them and then stepped

forward holding a mug of hot cider out to Astrid.

“Megwyn put something in it for your aches.” Leif gave her a

critical look. “And sent up the bath, with all the quests in the keep she

thought you’d want some privacy.”

Astrid nodded her thanks and blew into the hot tankard, and

remembered the events from the night before with both dread and joy. Reid was

here, and she’d see him soon, but she’d also made a fool out of herself in

front of her family.

“Did I make a complete fool out of myself?” She asked and

saw Leif shake his head.

“Nay, Helen is the fool. Eric near strangled her. He locked

her and her maid in her rooms all night, and has yet to let them out.  Now get up. Megwyn has need of you and your Norman will be up soon. Eric and I have spoken to father and he has agreed to

let you take him for a ride to see Nairn, just as long as your not gone to

long.”

Astrid gave Leif a smile of thanks and quickly drank the

tankard of cider before handing it back to Leif. She threw back her blankets

and slid her feet to the sheep skin covered floor.

“Thank you, and thank Eric for me, now go away. Go annoy

Alarick and let me nurse my wounds and pride in peace.” Astrid gave Leif a push

towards the door making her burly brother laugh. As soon as Leif left her

chamber Astrid eased out of her night rail. She dipped a toe in the water and

smiled, it was perfect. Grabbing a bar of rose scented soap from her table she

stepped into the tub, easing down into the warm water with a sigh. After an all

too quick bath she got out, a linen towel wrapped about her, as she stepped

before her largest chest of clothes. She wanted to look her best today, not

only was the keep full of quests but Reid was here. After nearly two years

apart he was finally here and she wanted to look pretty for him. Many of the

lords visiting had brought their wives and daughters along, so there were many

lovely women about, she wanted to look special for Reid so he would notice only

her.

Astrid flipped open the chest and looked inside, then she

spotted the perfect gown. It had been her mother’s. She pulled the dress out

and gave it a good shake before holding it before her. It was made of a deep

sapphire blue silk, with a matching linen over gown, it had a low square cut

neckline trimmed with gold and a fitted bodice. Her mother had looked like a

vision in it. She hoped she would look half as lovely. With a smile she dropped

the towel and began to get dress.

Reid had been met in the morning by a smiling MacDougal who

had given him and Brent a tour of the keep. The castle was soundly built of

well dressed stone, and large, with over thirty sleeping chambers, private

meeting chambers and a huge banquet hall large enough to sit a good two hundred

people. Many of the sleeping chambers and meeting rooms even had glass in the

windows. After a good hours exploring MacDougal lead them to a large enclosed

garden in the center of the keep.

“From the smells I would say they are serving breakfast.”

MacDougal said.

“I should go check to be sure Stephen and Grant haven’t

gotten into any mischief. Are you coming ?” Brent asked.

“No, not yet. I was hoping to find Astrid.” Reid replied,

looking about the garden. He had been impressed with the massive keep, but had

hoped to find Astrid.

“She is usually helping in the kitchens. I’ll tell her you

are here and looking for her.” MacDougal said and gave Reid a nod before

disappearing into a door partially covered by vines.

Reid surveyed the immense garden seeing roses on his left

and a large herb garden on his right. He was surprised to see the roses growing

here, he’d thought the cold winds would be to harsh for them. Perhaps the high

sheltering walls allowed them to grow. As a boy he had always loved the garden’s

of his father’s keep, he’d found the delicate roses and other flowers

fascinating, and would stop to admire there beauty when ever he could. Despite

the fact it was not something a knight was suppose to do.

The air was filled with the mingled scent of roses, mint and

the subtler fragrances of a myriad other herbs. Reid hesitantly touched one of

the roses, afraid to touch the fragile pink blossom with his calloused hands,

beauty such as this was not for him. His father’s second wife had made it all too

clear that an ignorant, bastard born beast such as he, deserved neither beauty,

nor love for who could love a beast?

Though he touched the rose gently, the petals fell, drifting

to the ground. Reid cursed, he had destroyed it, he always destroyed beauty. He

pulled his hand back, wondering who the garden belonged to. Perhaps it was

Helen’s, his Viking seemed to wild to have anything as lovely as this.

“The roses are lovely but fragile.” Reid spun to see Megwyn

behind him watching him with a cool, look, that made him feel like a

mischievous boy caught in a naughty act. Megwyn bent to inhale the fragrance

from a pink rose besides Reid’s hand. “They are my Lady’s pride and joy, as is

the herb garden.”

“I would expect no less from a lady such as lady Helen.” Reid

replied.

“This is not Lady Helen’s garden, but Astrid’s. Lady Helen

rarely leaves her chambers except for her meals. She has made it abundantly

clear that she finds us all beneath her.” Megwyn replied.

“It is from these herbs and plants that the Astrid makes

medicines to tend the sick and flavorings for the meals. But come she is

waiting for you by the gate. She has been given permission to take to Nairn.”

Reid saw Megwyn point towards a wooden door in the north

wall of the garden. “Go through there and the tunnel will take you to her.”

Reid followed Megwyn’s directions, the wooden door lead to a

short dark tunnel that let out onto the large open yard before the great hall.

Reid saw his horse, and two other’s tied before the stone stable and the man

Gothwyn. Then he saw a hint of blue and Astrid stepped about a large black

horse and his heart stopped for a moment. She was beautiful, she was wearing a

gown of deep sapphire blue, with a light cape over her shoulders. Her glorious

hair hung down to her waist and was pulled back from her face, with a small

braid wrapped around her head keeping the wild, brilliant mass out of her face.

Reid looked at her for several moments, remembering as he’d last seen her and

comparing his slim little Viking to the young woman before him. She was still

thin and toned, but her hips and breasts had flared to give her an hourglass

shape. Astrid turned and saw Reid and a wide smile lit her face, she hurried to

him, throwing her arms about his waist. Reid returned her embrace before

reluctantly pushing her away. There were to many people about for him to kiss

her as he wished.

“Father told me I was to take you to Nairn and show it to

you. But we can’t tarry long as the council is to meet after lunch and you

should be there.” Astrid smiled up at Reid, thinking how handsome he looked.

“Yes, your woman Megwyn told me. I’m pleased but surprised

at your father’s action.” Reid was indeed happy to have some time alone with

Astrid, but curious as to why her father would let them leave the keep

unchaperoned.

“I was surprised too, perhaps it is a sign he won’t break

the betrothal after all.” Astrid gave Reid a quick smile. “Gothwyn is going to

ride with us as chaperone.” Astrid turned to pull a clothe bag from off her

saddle horn and handed it to Reid. The unmistakable smell of fresh bread wafted

up to him and his stomach growled loudly.

“This is for you to eat as we ride, bread and cheese. Megwyn

had said you’d not eaten yet, and I don’t want you to starve.” Astrid gave Reid

another smile, then turned back to take her reins from Gothwyn and slipping her

foot into the stirrup swung herself into the saddle. Once she was seated she

adjusted her full skirt so her legs were covered, despite the fact she was

riding astride. But Reid had caught a flash of shapely leg, in hose of deep

blue before she’d pulled down her skirt. He couldn’t wait to get his Viking

alone and peel off her gown and see how she’d changed since they’d last seen

each other.

Rid took his reins from Gothwyn then looped the strap of the

bag about his saddle horn and then pulled himself into the saddle. He watched

Gothwyn mount, then turned to receive a nod from Astrid, the trio rode at a

quick walk through the gate and down the cause way.

When Ceo Danach was behind them Gothwyn gave Astrid a grin.

“I will ride with you both to Nairn and then I’ll give you some time alone. I’m

sure after two years apart there is much you want to say to each other.”

“Thank you Gothwyn.” Astrid returned Gothwyn’s smile and saw

Reid frown.

“May I ask you a question Astrid?” Reid was confused by

Gothwyn and Astrid’s relationship. She’d called him her man at arms last night,

but that seemed an odd thing for a girl of sixteen to say about a man who was

as old as Reid was.

“Why did you introduce Gothwyn as you man at arms? Why,

though I am delighted, is your chaperon offering to leave us alone?” Reid

demanded and saw Astrid and Gothwyn exchange looks.

“Because I serve lady Astrid, my life and sword are sworn to

her alone.” Gothwyn replied.

“I don’t understand, she is only a young woman.” Reid

protested.

“My lady saved my life five years ago, since then I have

served no one but her.” Gothwyn replied.

“She saved your life?” Reid asked.

“Yes, I was thirteen and out riding. I found him in a ditch,

he’d been badly beaten and left to die.” Astrid looked over at Gothwyn.

“She saved my life and cared for me for many months, even

sleeping by my bed.” Gothwyn stated. “The men who attacked me had tried to

cleave my head, and as such I can remember nothing. Not my name, where I came

from, nothing. I could not even speak or feed myself for weeks. My lady tended

me, and once I was well enough to stand and walk I would follow here

everywhere.” Gothwyn gave Astrid a sad smile. “I do not even know if Gothwyn is

my name, it was written inside the belt I was wearing when my lady saved me. I

have no memory before my lady. She is the first thing I remember, her face

smiling down at me.”

“When I came to King William’s keep, Gothwyn was to weak to

travel. But now he is fine.” Astrid gave Gothwyn a smile, that caused Reid a

moments pang of jealousy.

“When I recovered, my lady showed me how to use a sword and

bow, how to ride. She has been my savior and my teacher. So I swore my life to

her.” Gothwyn gave Reid a nod. “Now I will ride ahead so you two can speak

alone.”

Reid watched Gothwyn ride a head and was again plagued by

jealousy. Gothwyn was not that much older than he from his looks, and handsome.

It bothered Reid to think that Astrid spent a great deal of time alone with

him.

“Is something wrong? You are making such a face.” Astrid

asked, seeing Reid was scowling.

“Your body guard is a man of my age and obviously devoted to

you. What man would not be worried about his betrothed so close to a strange

man?” Reid replied, he saw Astrid appear surprised.

“I think of him only as my friend. You need not be jealous.

I do not think he even notices I’m a girl.” Astrid replied.

“Then you are naïve, he notices all right, it would be hard

not to notice.” Reid reached over and grabbed Astrid’s reins pulling Bran to a

halt. Then leaned down to kiss her. How could she not know what a beautiful

woman she’d become. He thought of her again as she danced before the fire and

felt himself growing hard. It had been too long since he’d had a woman. There

were plenty of maids at the keep, who from their smiles would satisfy his

needs, but he would be betraying Astrid. He had meant what he’d said, she was

in his heart his wife already. He sat back breaking the kiss and saw her flush.

“Come catch me if you can.” Astrid gave Reid a grin and

commanded Bran to run with her mind. Bran let out a loud snort and lept

forward.

Reid cursed watching Astrid race ahead of him across the

bracken covered moor. He gave his own mount a hearty kick and set it racing

after Astrid. He passed Gothwyn at a canter and heard him laugh, then his eyes

were on the bumpy ground ahead and Astrid. He pushed his mount to a run, divots

of mud flying up behind him as he raced after her. Astrid was standing in her

stirrups, her weight shifted over Bran’s sleek neck, every now and then she

would look back over her shoulder to see if Reid was gaining.

Reid heard heavy hoof beats and realized Gothwyn was racing

to catch up with them. He looked ahead seeing a small stream was in their way,

he watched as Astrid and Bran sailed across it in a black blur and then his own

mount lept it. They landed hard on the other side and Reid had to grab a

handful of mane to stay in his seat. He watched Astrid race to the top of a

hill then reign Bran to a halt. Reid slowed to a trot, and rode up to her. He

didn’t know whether to be furious with her or praise her for her skill. She was

obviously a skilled rider, but she could have been injured or worse in her

race.

“You win.” Reid said, as Gothwyn rode up. Astrid gave Reid a

glowing smile and turned in the saddle to point ahead.

“There is Nairn, is it not grand?” Astrid pointed north and

looked across the moor to where Nairn rose black from the green and grey moor

to break the cloudy blue sky.

Reid looked ahead and his breath caught in surprise. He’d

once again been expecting a simple keep, but what he saw was much more. A fine

square, stone keep rested on the edge of a cliff over looking the shimmering

sea. At each corner of the massive keep a square tower rose high above the rest

of the battlements.

Reid could see what appeared to be workmen moving about the

front of the keep and realized that they were extending the outer bailey. In

front of the keep was a dirt road that snaked away over the moor, while a

village of about twenty houses sat clustered along the road perhaps a quarter

mile from the keep. A narrow stream could be seen cutting across the moor, past

the village and disappearing on the far side of the keep.

“It shall be yours once we are wed.” Astrid saw Reid starring

at it in obvious surprise. “I have been increasing the size of the outer

bailey, per the suggestion in one of your letters. What do you think of it?”

“It is more than I could dream of.” Reid said.

“I am glad. I know you are marrying me for my dowry, I’d not

want you to be disappointed.” Astrid said and saw Reid frown.

“Astrid.” Reid wanted to tell her she was more to him than

just land, but he couldn’t say what he felt, not in front of Gothwyn. “You know

you mean more to me than that.” Reid saw Astrid look away, her eyes troubled.

“Forgive me, since we parted many men have asked father for

me, wanting to gain my lands. I have begun to think of myself as merely an

object and not a person, come, there is much to see.” Astrid eased Bran down

the hill towards the keep and Reid frowned. He would have to remind Astrid that

she was more to him than her dowry. She was his future, she was going to be the

mother of his children and the founder of his legacy. She was going to help him

show everyone that he was more than just a low born bastard.

Reid gave Henry a kick and followed Astrid down the hill at

a slow trot. As the neared the keep he could hear the sound of hammers and

men’s voices. About a hundred yards from the keep a sentry on the wall waved to

them and yelled something in Scot, to which Gothwyn yelled back in Scot, that

caused the workmen to lay down there hammers and wave at both Astrid and Reid.

“What did he say?” Reid asked, riding closer to Astrid.

“He told them you were my betrothed come to see the keep.

The men have heard me speak of you, so don’t mind if they stare at you, after

the wedding you shall be their lord.” Astrid gave the workmen a wave and lead

Reid through the construction area, and under a massive stone arch way, then

into a large open court yard covered in flagstones.

Gothwyn dismounted and stepped up to take Astrid’s reins.

She threw her leg over Bran’s neck and was about to jump down when Reid hurried

forward and wrapping his hands about her waist lifted her down. He set her on

her feet and keeping his hands on her waist stole a kiss.

“I will stay here and let you show Sir Reid the keep.”

Gothwyn said.

“Thank you.” Astrid turned and resisted the urge to take

Reid’s hand, there were to many watchful eyes about.

“This way.” Astrid motioned, then picking up her skirts

began walking across the large flagstone courtyard towards the main door.

Reid looked about for a moment taking in the piles of ropes,

buckets and planks stacked neatly against the far wall. The keep was strangely

empty, and he wondered where everyone was. He caught up with Astrid as she

reached the door to the great hall. He stepped in front of her and lay his hand

on the door handle, pausing a moment to study the carved oak door, bound by

thick iron bands. The head of a wolf looked down at him and he grinned.

“Is this for me?” He asked, opening the door for Astrid.

“Yes, you told me you were called Reid the Wolf. I hope it

pleases you.” Astrid paused in the open door to see Reid nod.

“Does your father not care that you spend gold so freely?”

Reid asked stepping inside the keep.

“This was my aunt’s keep, it came with it’s own inheritance,

so no father does not care.” Astrid said, moving into the large entrance way.

“We will start with the great hall and the chambers down here and then go

upstairs.”

Reid grunted in agreement and looked about again struck by

the emptiness of the place. “Where is everyone?”

“There is only a small staff here now. Care takers, and

kitchen women who keep the place clean and feed the workmen and the guard. When

my aunts were killed many of the villagers moved away.” Astrid shrugged looking

about the dark entrance way. “But once we come to live here many of the

villagers from Ceo Danach shall move here with us, so we won’t be alone.”

“ I see.” Reid replied. He followed her through the huge

entrance hall and then under a huge stone arch way. Reid looked about to see

they were in a large hall, long plank tables running down the sides of the

room. Massive fire places were at either end of the hall, and circular iron

chandeliers hung over head. Some ten feet up in the far wall were a series of

recessed windows with thick beveled glass in each of them, letting in slanting

shafts of sunlight.

Astrid let Reid take every thing in and stepped back as he

began to explore the hall. She followed him as he opened doors, entered

chambers and peered into storage rooms with equal interest.

In the kitchen his good looks garnered him smiles from the

kitchen maids and the cook. After much rambling they stopped before a heavy

wood door, a serious of roses carved on it. Reid pushed on the iron handle and

stepped inside. It was a large chamber, with two built in stone window seats,

with the wide windows again covered by glass. A large fire place was on the

left and on the right was a huge canopied bed.

Reid walked up to the bed and a smile tugged his lips, it

was the master bedroom he realized. He turned to see Astrid lingering in the

door, her cheeks tinted red.

“I had the master carpenter make it for you. I remembered

how you were even taller than Eric.” Astrid turned a deeper shade of red as she

remembered lying ***** in Reid’s arms. “I hope you like it.”

Reid nodded and sat on the bed, smiling at the softness. He

turned to look at the head board and saw the same wolf head emblem carved there,

that as was on the door of the keep.

“It is wonderful, why don’t you join me.” Reid held his hand

out to Astrid and saw her shake her head.

 “There are to many

people about, I dare not do anything that would anger father.” Astrid was finding

it hard though to resist Reid’s smile. “If you don’t like the bed or anything

in the keep please let me know and I will see it changed to your satisfaction.”

Astrid looked down feeling plain. “I would not have you unhappy when we wed.”

Reid frowned seeing her divert her gaze. “Why would I be

displeased, this keep is more than I could of dreamed of.”

“But I am not, I shall never be more than this.” Astrid

turned and walked down the hall. Stopping she looked out the window at the end

of the corridor, watching the sea in the sunlight. She heard a heavy footfall

and knew it was Reid.

“What is it?” Reid had been over whelmed by everything he’d

seen, and knowing that in less than two weeks it would all be his was heady. He

was struck again by how lovely Astrid was, beams of sun light were shinning off

her hair making it glow like bright polished copper. She would also be his,

this amazing elfin woman would belong to him. The thought he was very lucky

came to him again, but he could see something was bothering her.

“Nothing, I’m just feeling sorry for my self. I had hoped to

be taller, to have grown into the kind of woman you would truly want. The kind

of woman you would be proud to have as your wife. But I’m afraid I have

probably disappointed you, as I have my father.” Astrid sighed. “I have always

know my dowry comes first in your heart. That for you this is not a love match,

and it never shall be.” Astrid saw Reid move to touch her and shied away. She

had realized as they walked through the keep that she and Reid might never wed,

and had decided to steel her heart for such an eventuality. “I’m just being

foolish. We had better go, there is one more place I’d show you.”

“Astrid wait.” Reid saw her shake her head turning to walk

away from him. “I said wait.” He said it louder than he meant, and with more

anger and saw her cringe. “I did not mean to frighten you. You know that I care

for you. That I have come to think of you as more than just what you bring me.

You are more than I deserve, don’t you know that?”

“No, I don’t. I shall always be simply the girl you won and

not the woman you want. And you don’t know me, know the true me. We shared

three days almost two years ago that meant everything to me, to you I was just

another woman in your bed, just a naïve and ugly girl and nothing more.” Astrid

watched the sunlight sparkle off the sea. “But as my father often tells me I’m

a stupid girl. I don’t want to loose what is left of my heart to you, if we are

not meant to be. Come we had best go.” Astrid head down hurried down the

corridor and towards the steps. Reid mumbled a curse, he would have to find the

courage to tell her how much she meant to him.

Astrid had watched the joy on Reid’s face as she’d shone him

the keep. At first she’d been happy at his near child like delight, but it had

only reinforced the fact that she would never be first in his thoughts. That

she would always be just a bag of gold and a strip of land to him, just as she

was to every other man. She fleetingly wondered if any man would ever want her

just for her and not her dowry.

Reid followed Astrid through the keep and out the huge door

into the sun lit courtyard. He saw Gothwyn greet her warmly, and her give him a

smile, that again made Reid feel a twinge of jealousy. He saw Gothwyn move to help

her mount and hurried forward to grab her about the waist and all but throw her

into the saddle.

“Thank you Reid.” She said giving him a surprised look.

Astrid watched Reid mount, her heart heavy, for so long

she’d dreamed of him coming, remembering what they had shared in those stolen

moments. But now he was here, and her father was as like as not to take her

from him, and give her to another man. She would have to fight the feelings she

had for him. She was afraid that if she gave into her feelings she would go up

like torch oil, and when her father took her away she’d shatter into a hundred

pieces, she couldn’t let that happen.

“To the west tower Gothwyn.” Astrid eased Bran forward and

out the gate, not looking back. As they rode past the workmen they stopped in

their labors to wave to her and she returned their greetings, then pushed Bran

to a canter. With the wind flying in her face Reid couldn’t talk to her, and

she didn’t have to think.

Reid mumbled another curse as he watched Astrid ride away. Something

was obviously upsetting her, he remembered her words that her father might

break the betrothal. Not if he could help it he wouldn’t.

They rode south along the cliff top and Reid realized the

land had begun to dip down, that Nairn was built upon a higher plateau than Ceo

Danach. Ahead a light grey, square tower rose from out of the heather to stand

watch over the land. In front of the tower was a stone enclosure, with a small

stone shed, obviously meant to house horses. It was towards this tower that

they appeared to be riding.

Astrid slowed as they approached the tower, and then stopped

Bran before the wooden gate of the enclosed paddock. She dismounted quickly so

Reid would have no excuse to help her and opening the paddock gate lead Bran

inside.

“I will wait for you on the beach.” Gothwyn said and road

away as Reid dismounted. He too turned his mount into the paddock and then

followed Astrid to the large stone tower.

“What is this place?” Reid stepped up to the door and pushed

on the heavy iron latch. There was a grating noise and the heavy door swung

inwards, revealing an entrance way in front of them and a narrow spiraling

staircase to their right. Astrid followed Reid inside and stood looking towards

her left where there was a guard room.

“It is a look out tower, my grandfather use to keep men

here. On the roof there is a large stone fire pit, if the watchmen saw ships

approaching they would light the signal fire and the watchmen at Nairn or Ceo

Danach could sound the alarm. There is a wonderful view from up top I thought

you would enjoy.” Astrid stepped away from Reid sensing a tension building in

him. “Come, the climb is not hard.”

“Talk to me, you are not the same girl I parted with.” Reid

reached for Astrid only to have her walk into the guard room. He followed her

seeing three cots along the walls, with fresh blankets neatly folded at the

foot of each. “That girl was not so timid.”

Astrid stepped further into the large square room and

watched dust moots dance in a beam of sunlight as it came in through one of the

narrow windows.

“That girl was naïve and foolish. I have grown up some since

then.” Astrid heard Reid step into the room.

“I didn’t find you either. I thought you were amazingly

clever and trusting. Tell me what is wrong?” Reid moved closer, only to have Astrid

step away from him again.

“I was foolish, I held my heart out to you and you didn’t

want it. Those nights in your arms, when you loved me it meant everything to

me. But I have been made to see that you didn’t want my heart or my love.”

Astrid closed her eyes, feeling stupid and ugly. “You were simply using me so I

would like you, so I’d not break the betrothal. You did not care for me then,

and you don’t now. When you look at me do you even see me, or just what I’ll

bring you?” Astrid demanded, thinking of her father’s words.

Reid felt something cold grip his chest and cursed. He

stepped up to Astrid and grabbing her by the shoulders spun her about.

“Who was been telling you I don’t care? Who has been filling

you with lies?” Reid saw Astrid’s face fall, fear filling in her eyes. “You are

my woman. There has been no other but you since we parted I swear it. Those

nights were special to me too. I told you things about myself I have never told

another. Now who has been making you doubt my feelings?” Reid realized he was

squeezing her arms too hard and eased his grip, fearful he’d bruised her.

“Helen said you would never love me, that I was small and

ugly.” Astrid closed here eyes feeling foolish again. “And Birkett, the day

he.” Astrid stopped seeing anger rise in Reid’s eyes.

“What did he say, what did he do?” Reid growled and saw

Astrid flinch.

“He had pretended to be my friend. He would come and tell me

stories about the two of you, and make me miss you all the more and then.”

Astrid bit her lower lip.

“Tell me, I’m not going to hurt you. Is that what you think

that I’m going to hurt you.” Reid saw her nod and gave a mental curse. What had

happened to her since they parted, what had her father been doing to her.

“The last day, he told me you’d never want me. Not me the

girl, that you had made sport of me with him and the other knights. That you

only wanted my dowry. I tried to deny it, but I remembered what you’d said.”

Astrid shook her head. “ And I had seen you and Helen kissing in the garden, I

remember you saying you loved her. I have grown no taller. I’ll never be like

Helen, I’ll never be tall or fair, never be the kind of woman you want.” Astrid

closed her eyes not wanting to see Reid’s face. “The kind of woman you’ll be

proud of or love.”

Reid cursed and saw Astrid cringe felt her body tense as if

waiting for a blow. Dear God her father must be beating her to make her act

like that. He pulled her into his arms and held her against him.

“For give me for not telling you how much you mean to me.

You and not your dowry. Your father could keep it all and I would be happy with

just you.” Reid heard Astrid gasp. “I was afraid then to give you my heart. I

had trusted Helen and she had used me. I wasn’t ready then to take what you

were offering me, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t want it.” He stroked her back

feeling her relax against him. “It matters not to me that you are tiny, you are

lovely to me.” Reid sought her lips only to have her turn away. “What is it? Do

you still doubt me?”

“My father, if he finds out we were together he would punish

me.” Astrid looked up at Reid. “And I don’t think I could stand it if we made

love and then we were made to part. My heart would shatter.”

“I won’t let him take you from me, I swear it. For two years

I have thought of you, dreamed of you. It is agony for me to have you so near

and not be able to touch you.” Reid captured her face with his hands kissing

her hard, forcing his tongue into her mouth. He felt her hands tighten on his

arms, and for a moment she resisted then she was kissing him back, her tongue

twining in his. They kissed for several moments before Astrid pulled away, her

breath coming in ragged gasps, her heart once again thundering in her chest.

Reid grabbed her about the waist pulling her against him. He

bent lower nuzzling and kissing her neck, and felt her squirm in his arms. Reid

inhaled deeply, she smelled like flowers and sun shine, and her skin was as

soft as he remembered. Reid kissed his way back up to her mouth, before

claiming it with another demanding kiss.

Astrid returned Reid’s kiss with a hungry passion of her

own. She pulled him closer to her and began pulling at his shirt, desperate to

have him *****, wanting to feel his hot smooth skin beneath her hands. She felt

Reid tugging at the back of her gown, pulling the laces open, she lowered her

arms and let him slip it off her. It pooled about her feet and she kicked it

aside, quickly followed by her under dress and then her breech clout and

stockings. She stood before him ***** and unashamed and smiled up at him,

seeing his blue eyes take in her body. She saw him smile, this eyes lowering to

her full breasts. She’d not grown much taller since they were last together but

she’d grown a woman’s body. Her small pert breasts had grown into lush ripe

melons, tipped with the same pink nipples that he remembered. God she was

beautiful, absolutely beautiful he thought. Her waist was still so small he

could wrap both hands about it and have room to spare, but her hips had flared

into a woman’s hips.

“Do I please you? I am no taller but my hips are wider now.”

She brazenly caught his hand and placed it against her abdomen. Reid groaned

and silenced her with a kiss, his right hand was between them as he cupped and

squeezed her full ******, feeling the ****** pucker under his touch. Her lush

breasts and soft pink nipples were still the most erotic thing he’d ever seen.

He felt himself growing hard as desire coursed through him. She was his, this

lovely little woman was his, all his for this moment in time and he could do

anything to her he desired. He knelt before her, hands on her back and hungrily

began to suckle her right ******. Astrid moaned in delight and had to place her

hands on his shoulders for support.

“I dreamed of you every night, of you loving me.” She felt a

hungry longing begin deep inside her and spread her legs apart. “Did you dream

of me?”

She felt his hot mouth trail across her chest to her other

******, when he took it in his mouth she moaned in excitement.

“Do I please you Reid?” She felt Reid gently bite her ******

and then lavished it with his tongue. His hands slid down her back, then his

right hand was between her legs, rubbing and caressing. Then she felt his

fingers slid into her hard as he continued to suckle her ****** and the

pleasure tore through her. She cried out and felt her knees buckle, felt Reid

wrap his hard arms about her and carry her to one of the cots.

“Aye you please me, you please me a great deal.” Reid began

kissing his way down her body. “Your breasts drive me mad. At night as I lay in

my cold room I would think of your sweet little face, and your wonderful little

mouth, and then your breasts.” Reid stopped to caress her between her legs

again making her squirm. “Your breasts are beautiful. Your breasts drive me

mad, they are the most perfect I’ve ever seen.” He trailed kisses down her then

stopped and with a wicked smile bent to kiss her nether lips. He slowly tasted

her and smiled, she tasted like sweet honey, and he leaned forward to circle

her nether lips with his tongue.

 Astrid gasped,

arching her back all her fears and protests vanishing. Waves of pleasure

coursed through her as Reid continued his assault till she was thrashing and

moaning in pleasure. He slid his fingers back into her hot core and she cried

out as she found her pleasure in a sudden burst of intensity. Reid watched her

come, felt her spasm around him and smiled. It was only then he noticed the

thin gold chain about her waist and reaching out with his fore finger found his

ring and the pendant he’d given her. She’d not lied, she was wearing it. He

tugged on it as on the cot Astrid came back to herself. The ring and pendant

hung low on her abdomen as if guarding what was his and his alone. He leaned

down and ran his tongue up her, from the junction of her thigh to his ring. He

kissed it, and then her abdomen as his fingers descended to stroke her again,

she was wet and swollen from his first possessions of her and she moaned at his

slightest touch.

Once they were wed he would give her such pleasure and in

return she’d give him bliss, she would love him and only him. He caressed and

circled her swollen flesh till she was thrashing on the little cot and then he

buried his fingers in her hot core and a scream tore from her throat, and he

smiled.

Reid crawled back over her and gathered her in his arms

while she still lay trembling. Astrid wrapped her arms about his neck and

kissed his neck. He couldn’t wait till he could claim her completely, till he

could bury himself in her lithe body and fully take his own pleasure. He bent

to capture her lips again, enjoying the feel of her ***** breasts against his

skin. Several moments latter Astrid pushed him onto his back and climbed onto

his chest *****, her hair gleaming in a bright shaft of sunlight streaming in

through one of the high windows.

Astrid gave Reid a wicked smile and wiggled backwards down

his body, stopping to tug at the laces on his breeches. “It is your turn my

love.” Astrid pulled down Reid’s breeches and then his breech clout. His erection

was full and hard, she licked a finger and ran it down his hard shaft and heard

Reid groan in pleasure did. For a heart beat she considered mounting Reid as he

lay back on the cot, his eyes closed. She would no longer be a maid and if her

father did take her from Reid at least she would have given herself first to

her true love. But she knew Reid would be furious if she did, so she simply

leaned forward and kissed his shaft, hearing him groan in pleasure, then slowly

took him into her mouth.

Reid thought he would die from pleasure as Astrid’s lips

closed over him, her mouth was so hot and warm. It was even better than he’d

dreamed, than he’d remembered. He propped himself up on his elbows and reaching

down caught the back of her head, tangling his hand in her silken hair as she

loved him. When he found his own release he pushed her away and bellowed as

pleasure washed over him. He saw her sitting back watching him with her huge

blue eyes, and he grabbed her about the waist to drag her against him and plunder

her mouth.

Reid tightened his arms about Astrid, enjoying the silken

feel of her skin, while he nuzzled her neck. “I am mad for you. I can’t wait

till we are wed. I will carry you to our chamber and we shall **** **** for

three days straight.” He slid his hands down her back to squeeze her small

bottom making her giggle.

“I will like that. I want to give you strong handsome sons

and beautiful tall daughters with blonde hair and blue eyes.” Astrid lay her

head on his chest. “Good Norman sons and daughters you will be proud of.”

“I would love them just as much if they had your hair. I

have decided I like red hair very much.” Reid captured her mouth again with

another hard kiss. With great reluctance Astrid slipped off Reid’s chest and

cast about for her clothes. Reid watched her scamper about the room ***** and

sighed in combined satisfaction and self disgust. She was seventeen, true in a

week she’d be eighteen but he was a man of twenty nine almost thirty making

love to a seventeen year old girl. Astrid must of sensed something was wrong

and stopped dressing to give him a puzzled look.

“Did I do something wrong? Did I not make you happy?” She

saw him shake his head and pull up his breech clout.

“No. It’s just my conscious is bothering me. I am twenty

nine and you are seventeen.” Reid pulled up his breeches and crossed to her as

she pulled up her gown. He bent to nuzzle her neck. “I feel guilty and blessed

at the same time.”

“I enjoyed it too much to feel guilty and at least for now

you are still my betrothed.” Astrid was suddenly over come with fear, if her

father found out what she’d just done, nothing would spare her from his wraith.

Reid frowned sensing something was wrong. “You are worried

about your father?” Astrid nodded.

 Reid released her and

saw her look away. He turned about and pulled his shirt from the floor to slip

into it, Astrid watched him dress and smiled at him strangely.

“What is it?”

“I never thought I would ever have a man as handsome as you

care for me, or even notice me. I know I’m plain, I know when I walk by men

don’t look at me the way they look at Helen. I know all the men who ask father

for me only want my dowry.” Astrid turned unable to look at Reid. He was so

handsome and she loved him so much it hurt to think he didn’t love her back. “I

don’t even know why you are with me now. Or why you loved me before. You did

not need to do it to make me want you, or to prevent me from asking father to

break our betrothal. I would have agreed to marry you even if you had never

apologized.”

“Astrid.” Reid pulled her into his arms. “Has no one ever

told you how beautiful you are?” Reid cursed himself for his thoughtless words

so long ago. Astrid was a sensitive girl and he’d obviously wounded her deeply

that day. His words had festered in her.

“You think I made love to you because I wanted you to like

me?” Reid saw her nod, he groaned and wrapped her in his arms. “My poor

innocent little one, your father has kept you sheltered for too long. I loved

you then as I did now because I find you beautiful and desirable.” He rested

his cheek on top of her head. “A man can not fake his desire for a woman. The

desire I have for you is real, and I meant what I said, once we are wed I plan

to have you constantly.” He heard her breath catch. “There are many ways a man

can love a woman, I have yet to show you. Once we are wed I plan to have you in

every possible way a man can have a woman. Is that not enough proof that I want

you? If not for my vow to wait till our wedding, I would take you now. Now no

more foolish talk.”

“It is growing late, and I want to show you the view from

the roof before we leave.” Astrid slipped from the stone chamber and began up

the wide winding stone stair case, Reid on her heels. When she reached the top

of the tower she stepped onto a wide stone landing and then up to a heavy wood

door. She pushed it open and stepped out onto the slate covered roof. She was

amused to see Reid having to bend low and squeeze his impressive bulk through

the door.

Astrid took a deep breath letting the wind off the sea fill

her lungs and tried to calm herself. She had a horrible feeling that something

evil was coming, that she and Reid would be separated for ever.

Reid marveled at the view and was glad Astrid had brought

him up, despite his hate of heights. He could look out to sea for miles, watch

the clouds being driven in off the churning sea. Reid watched as the wind made

breaks in the thick clouds, to let shafts of golden sunlight lance down to

illuminate areas of the sea brightly. Behind him was the grey green moor, with

its rolling hills and patches of purple heather.

“It is a wonderful view thank you.” Reid stated as Astrid

walked closer to the wide casement and look down at the sea breaking on the

jagged black rocks below.

“Alarick and I often come here. We like to stand up here and

watch the thunderstorms as they roll in off the sea.”

“You don’t find them frightening.” Reid asked moving closer

to the casement, though the height made him nervous.

“No, Alarick and I were born in a terrible storm according

to Megwyn. She said it was the worst storm any one had seen in several

generations.” Astrid turned to look towards Nairn. “ I was born in Nairn too.”

“You were, was it your mother’s keep?” Reid asked.

“No, it belonged to her sister Rutha. Ceo Danach was her

keep, father got it when he married mother. Mother was very rich.” Astrid

looked over at Reid as he digested the information. “Mother was some eight

months gone with Alarick and I, she and father had, had a huge fight. She

stormed out of their chamber and down to the stables and grabbed her horse, and

rode to Nairn.”

Reid gave her a look of disbelieve. “Your mother rode away

when she was eight months gone with child?”

“Aye, according to Megwyn and half the keep. She told her

sister father had been kissing a serving wench, and not to let him in. So aunt

Rutha lowered the gate and refused to let father enter.” Astrid saw Reid give

her a smile.

“They apparently made up?” Reid asked stepping closer.

“Yes, but not till father stood outside the gate and shouted

his apologies to mother for three days. By then Alarick and I had decided to

come, so she forgave him.” Astrid sighed. “Mother was very wild and strong

willed. When I was younger father would say to me you are just like your

mother. Like it was a good thing, like he was pleased. But now.” Astrid felt a

lump in her throat and turned to watch the surf again.

“But now? Now what?” Reid could see something was troubling

Astrid.

“Now when he says it he beats me. He says your just as wild

as your mother and then he hits me.” Astrid heard Reid gasp.“ When we came back

from England. He said what had happened was my fault. That I shouldn’t of saved

you, that I brought shame to the family.”

Reid went cold, her father had punished her for saving his

life, for tending him. It had never occurred to him her father wouldn’t be

pleased with the match.

“What did he do to you?” Reid asked and saw her turn to

avoid his gaze. “What did he do to you? Tell me. What happened was my fault not

yours.”

“He said he was ashamed of me, embarrassed I was his

daughter. That I was a disgrace to him. He took me to the dungeon and beat me

till I could no longer stand then locked me inside. He kept me locked inside

till I promised to be better, to be less wild. He let me out two months later.”

Astrid looked out to sea, her emotions in a turmoil. Behind her Reid gasped in

shock. “When I was younger he encouraged me to act like my brothers, to think

for myself, to speak for myself. But these past years he beats me if I do and

it confuses me. After, after.” Astrid had to take a deep breath to find the

strength to go on. She’d not planned to tell Reid what had happened, but now

she had to.

“Go on tell me. There should be no secrets between us.” Reid

stated.

“After I recovered from being stabbed, father took me aside.

He said it was all my fault. That I must have done something to encourage

Birkett. He said I was a stupid girl, that I was wild and head strong like my

mother and he was ashamed of me. That he regretted I was his daughter, that it

would have been better if I had died that day on the field, the day my mother

died. He said it would be better if I’d not survived being stabbed.” Astrid’s

voice broke and the tears rolled down her cheeks. “Then he bound my hands

together and he.” Astrid couldn’t go on any more, it hurt too much to speak.

Reid felt like someone had splashed ice water over him. No

wonder she was so confused by his desire for her. Her father was constantly

degrading her how could she think anyone would want her.

“What did he do to you?” Reid reached out for her but let

his hand fall, knowing she needed to talk. “What did he do?” Reid growled angry

beyond belief.

“He took me back down to the dungeon and he beat and then he

locked me in for a month. He again told me he wished I was dead, that he was

ashamed of me. He asked me why I bothered to live. That it would have been

easier for him if I’d died, better if I was dead. I told him I lived because I

loved you, that I wanted to be your wife. He only hit me again and told me I

was a fool, that you didn’t love me or want me, that you only wanted my dowry.

Then he locked the door and left me alone in the dark, he didn’t let me out

till I told him you only wanted my dowry.” Astrid couldn’t bear to look at

Reid, she was too ashamed, afraid to see what would surely be contempt and

disgust in his eyes. “I have tried to be good. He only let me go dancing last

night because the people in the village expected me to be there.” She heard

Reid step closer. “I shall try to be a good wife. I’ll try to make you proud of

me. I’ll try to do what a good Norman lady would do I promise I will.”

“Astrid.” Reid said softly. Astrid had cause to not only

doubt her looks but his feelings for. She was also being made to feel ashamed

and worthless by her father. It angered him beyond belief that her father could

beat her with such impunity. That her father could practically torture her and

no one stopped it. “I don’t want you to change. Once we are wed I’ll never let anyone

hurt you.”

Astrid shook her head, still afraid to meet Reid’s eyes.

“You cannot keep such a promise .” She closed her eyes remembering her visions

of late. In them a man was beating her and asking about the treasure, before

stabbing her.

“Astrid, do you think I will hurt you? Do you fear me? Do you

think I would willingly let anyone hurt you?” Reid demanded and saw her

shoulders slump. Hell what had her father been doing to her these past years?

Why had he been trying to crush her spirit?

“No, I don’t fear you. That is why I love you. I know you will

never hurt me. I know you will be kind to me. It is just so confusing.” She

wanted to throw herself into Reid’s arms, to let him hold her and kiss her,

make everything better. But she couldn’t, what if her father did break the

betrothal? She couldn’t let her feelings for Reid grow any deeper. She’d been a

fool to **** **** with him knowing what could happen, but it had felt so

wonderful and she’d missed him so.

Astrid dashed tears from her cheeks and climbed up onto the

wide parapet wall and standing only inches from the edge lifted her face to

catch the wind.

“Perhaps my father is right, I’m just a stupid girl. I have

lived locked away for so long. I have watched my brother’s die one by one, and

lived all these years knowing I had duties to do. Duties to my family, to our

people.” Astrid forced herself to be calm. “Then I let myself fall in love with

you, thought I knew you despised me.”

“Astrid, I never despised you.” Reid took a cautious step

closer. He cursed wondering again what was wrong with her. She’d always been so

brave and self assured. Earlier they had been laughing and enjoying the day.

Perhaps she felt guilty about them making love.

“But you did, because I was not Helen. Because I was not

Norman. You should not deny what we both know is true.” Astrid looked back out

to sea hating herself for being weak, hating herself for being all that she

was. “I think some part of you still despises me, and always will.” She could

end things here and now, one step more and it would all be over. Reid would be

free and her father would be free, all she had to do was take one more step.

Astrid stood on the top of the parapet and looked down at the surf pounding

against the rocky beach below. She heard Reid breathing heavily behind her and

knew he was as confused as she was.

“Astrid, please. I know something is troubling you. And what

your father did and said was wrong. You know I care for you, what we just

shared cannot be faked. Now Please come down.”

Astrid shook her head. When the day had started it had been so

full of hope and promise. But a feeling of dread had begun to fill her and she

knew something bad had happened. She felt the gentle touch of Alarick’s mind in

hers, felt him calling to her even over the distance. She closed her eyes

opening her mind and letting Alarick in. She could feel something was troubling

him even over the distance between them she knew he was upset, upset for her.

The council had decided her fate, they were going to take her from Reid.

Something on her face must have given her away.

“What is wrong?” Reid demanded seeing a strange look cross

Astrid’s face.

 “Alarick is upset,

something is wrong.” Astrid closed her eyes so she could concentrate on her

twin’s thoughts. “My father lied to you, the council met already while you were

out with me.” Astrid shook her head in disbelief. “Father let us ride out

together, not to be kind but so you wouldn’t be there to protest.”

“What are you talking about?” Reid demanded.

“The council met while we were away, that is why father

wanted you gone. They have had him break our betrothal. They are taking me away

from you.” Astrid shook her head, she didn’t want to live if she wasn’t married

to Reid.

“Astrid, you don’t know that.” Reid reached out to Astrid,

tugging her off the wall to set her down before him.

“But I do, I can hear Alarick’s voice inside my head, feel

his thoughts.” She saw Reid shake his head. “I am my mother’s child, I am a

witch. As my mother was before me, as her mother was before her.” Astrid turned

away so she wouldn’t see the contempt in Reid’s eyes, when he realized the

truth about her.

“I don’t believe in such things. All I know is I care for

you, and you for me. That you are my woman.” Reid was nervous now, Astrid’s

predictions and words in the past had always been unerringly correct.

 Astrid once again

felt Alarick’s anguish, knew her hopes had been dashed. “When we return you

will see. The council met already, and despite what your brother said, despite

what Eric said our betrothal is broken.” Astrid felt Reid tighten his arms about

her. “They shall make me marry someone else, and it will be like a living death

for me. I’ll have to let another man touch me and kiss me, and I can’t bear the

thought.”

“No, I will speak to your father. I will fight for you if I

have to, you are mine.” Reid couldn’t stomach the thought of her being taken

from him and given to one of the huge hairy men he’d seen in the hall that

morning.

“It will do no good. I would rather be dead than let another

man have me.” Astrid shivered in combined fright and loathing.

“Don’t say that, as long as you live there is a chance we

can be together. Do you understand me?” Reid bent and kissed the top of her

head. Several moments passed and Astrid’s words began to fester in Reid’s mind.

“Astrid, why do you claim to be a witch.” Reid demanded, he felt her shake her

head. “Why did those men call you one the day of the tourney?”

“You will think ill of me if I tell you.” Astrid turned

breaking Reid’s hold. In the time that they had been a part her gifts had

grown, just as her body had. She’d wanted to deny them, to deny what her mother

and aunts had been, but she couldn’t.

“How can you think that?” Reid leaned down to nuzzle her

neck, his hands slipping about her waist.

“You see while I love you, you don’t love me.” Astrid’s voice

caught for a moment. “While you are the man of my dreams, I’m not the woman of

yours. I’ll always be just the woman you settled for.” She pulled from Reid’s

hands, it was too hard to think when he was touching her. She could still feel

Alarick inside her head, his confused thoughts making it even harder to think.

“Astrid.” Reid reached for her and she moved further away.

“You need not lie to make me feel better. I know I’ll always

be the second choice in your heart. I’ll always be that wild Viking girl you

won. If I tell you, if I show you, you will think even less of me.” Astrid

looked out at the sea beyond. “It doesn’t matter if you like me any more, for I

know father shall take me from you.”

“How can you think that, you know I care for you. No matter

what you tell me my feelings for you will not change.” Reid placed his hands on

her shoulders. “You mean a great deal to me, you shall always be more than a

bastard like I deserve. Now tell me.”

 “Come I will show

you.”  Astrid slipped inside the tower,

and hurried down the steps, Reid close behind her. She stepped outside, then

turned to face Reid and took a deep breath trying to clear her mind.

“What I tell you, what I show you, you must keep a secret.

Only Megwyn knows what Alarick and I can do. We have kept the truth hidden from

even our father, for fear of his reprisals, for fear we would be scorned and

punished. I have visions, dreams of thing to come, both awaking and asleep.”

Astrid saw Reid shrug.

“Though I don’t understand these visions of yours I know

that they saved my life. This is nothing that would make me turn from you.”

Reid took a half step forward and watched Astrid back away from him.

“I can speak to beasts with my mind, as can Alarick. Make

them do my bidding.”

 “You have a way with

animals. That is all.” Reid took another step forward and Astrid stepped back

again.

“Then I must show you, and I pray you will not despise me

for it.” Astrid closed her eyes trying to calm her mind. She pushed Alarick out

of her thoughts, forced everything out till her mind was as open as the moor

itself. She felt a hawk, high above their heads soaring on the up drafts.

“There is a hawk above us. Look up do you see it?” She asked

her eyes still closed. Reid frowned and looked up, not sure what point Astrid was

trying to prove. All he knew was that they had made love and now she was acting

oddly, and claiming that the council had already met, that their betrothal was

broken.

“There is no hawk. Now you are frightening me, something is

wrong and I would help if you would let me.” Reid watched Astrid shake her

head. She held her left arm out and Reid saw a dark shape streak across the

clear sky. Magically a hawk was above Astrid’s head trying to hover, then it

dropped to land on her out stretched arm.

Reid froze as the hawk turned it’s head to look at him, it’s

black eyes studying him. He watched it’s talons tighten on Astrid’s arm,

piercing her gown and the skin beneath, but she barely flinched. Astrid opened

her eyes then reached over to stroke the hawk’s downy chest.

“I have tried to deny what I am, to be what you would have

of me, to be the kind of woman you would truly love, but I can no longer do

that. This is what I am, though I wish I was not.” Astrid looked over at Reid

saw him watching her oddly.

“As I can feel the hawk’s mind I can feel Alarick’s. We use

to just feel each other’s pains and joy, but this last year the bond we share

has grown. I can hear his thoughts in my head.” Astrid continued to stroke the

hawk’s chest. “That day at the tourney those men called me a witch, they spoke

the truth. Though I have tried to deny it, to fight what I truly am, I am a

witch. I am the White Witch of Ceo Danach. I have tried to be a simple girl, to

make my father proud of me, to make you proud of me. But my mother’s blood,

runs to strongly in me, that is why it would be better if I was dead.”

“Don’t say such a thing.” Reid paused seeing the pain in her

eyes. He didn’t care, he’d known she was special and unique, he just never knew

how special. “It matters not to me. I don’t care that your not Norman, that

your hair is not blonde, that your not tall. I want you just as you are.” Reid

stepped closer keeping a wary eye on the hawk. “You are my little love, and I

would not change you. It was you I have dreamed of these past two years and no

other.”

Astrid inhaled sharply seeing the

truth in Reid’s eyes, he really did care for her.

“Would you like to pat it? It will let you if I ask

it.” Astrid saw Reid nod and willed the hawk to be calm, to let Reid touch it.

Reid eased forward and with a tentative finger stroked the hawk’s chest,

marveling at how soft it was. He looked down to see blood was dripping from the

hawk’s clenched talons.

“Send it away! Send it away, it is hurting you.” Reid

couldn’t stand it any longer, he wanted to pull Astrid to him and comfort her.

He saw her close her eyes and a heart beat latter the hawk flew away. Reid

grabbed Astrid’s sleeve and with a tug ripped it apart baring her forearm.

There were eight deep punctures in her arm that were bleeding freely. Reid

cursed at the injury and reached down to rip a length off his shirt tail, then

wrapped it around Astrid’s bleeding arm.

“It is all right, it doesn’t hurt to much.” Astrid was

touched by Reid’s concern for her. “I don’t disgust you? You don’t hate me

because I’m fey?”

Reid shook his head and wrapped his arms hard about her

holding her tight against him. “You thought I would no longer care for you

because you are different? Because you are special? I knew you were special in

England, I just never knew how special.” He cupped her small face with his

hands forcing her to look up at him. “No matter what your father says, I want

you just as you are.” He tightened his hands on her, seeing the pain in her

eyes.

“You have been hurt too much Astrid ” Reid bent to kiss her,

still holding her face with his hands. “Something is still troubling you, I

would be your friend as well as your lover and husband. Tell me what it is?”

Astrid wrapped her arms about Reid’s waist and nodded. “Just

I fear for us, and I fear that someone still means to do my family harm.”

“We will ride back and I will speak to your father. I will

do what ever it takes to see you become my wife. Do you think I want another

man to have you?” Reid saw her shake her head. “You are mine. I’ll not let him

take you from me with out a fight.” Reid gave her a hard, passionate kiss

letting her know how much he wanted her. The released her but keeping a

possessive arm around her guided her back to their horses. Reid helped her into

the saddle, before turning to mount Henry.

Reid gave her a smile and saw there was still a deep sadness

in her eyes. “Astrid, can you call other beasts?”

“Yes, but you can’t tell anyone, not even your brothers. It

would go ill for Alarick and I if people knew.” Astrid looked away over the

wind swept moor for a heart beat. “Not even Leif knows, only you and Megwyn

know all the truth.”

Reid felt deeply touched by her trust in him. “I will keep

your secret.” He rode up to her and leaning from the saddle kissed her. “I wish

we could just ride away, that I could find some village priest and have him

marry us.” Reid didn’t want to go back, he was afraid that Astrid spoke the

truth. That something had happened in their absence and that she was no longer

his. “But we can’t. You are a Baron’s daughter, and not a girl I can just

spirit away.”

Astrid felt the ache in her arm from the hawks talons, it

matched the pain in her heart. She nodded and guided Bran into a trot, making

for the distant beach where she knew she’d find Gothwyn waiting. As they neared

the beach she saw Gothwyn sitting on a large boulder, watching the surf. She

waved to him and saw him nod head, and then mount and ride up the embankment to

join them. He frowned seeing Astrid’s face and then her bloody arm.

“My lady?” Gothwyn demanded alarmed.

“I had an accident. I was showing sir Reid the tower and

slipped on the steps.” Astrid replied.

“Of course my lady. I’ll ride ahead again.” Gothwyn frowned

again as if not believing her answer, but didn’t question. He eased his mount

it to a trot, putting distance between him and the others.

 Reid shook his head

watching Gothwyn ride ahead of them. “If I dragged you from the saddle and had

you on the spot what would Gothwyn do?” Reid asked watching Gothwyn ride off.

“Nothing, unless I called him. As I said he serves me and

not my father and brothers.” She gave Reid a sly smile. “If my father asks he

will swear that he never left us alone.”

“Then he is a very loyal man.” Reid resisted the urge to do

just what he’d said. Instead he leaned down to claim her sweet little mouth

with a kiss. He felt himself growing hard just looking at her, remembering what

they’d just shared. “Remember no matter what Astrid, you are my woman, and I

will always care for you.”

They rode back to Ceo Danach in silence. Reid and Astrid

exchanging quick glances from time to time, that said more than words ever

could. As they rode across the stone cause way Brent and Grant appeared,

quickly followed by Alarick. There faces all looking grime. Reid followed

Gothwyn and Astrid into the keep and dismounted in the open court yard, three

boys running out of the stable to take their horses.

“Reid, damn it where have you been?” Eric demanded running

up to him.

“The council has met all ready and my father means to break

the betrothal.” Astrid said seeing Alarick nod.

“How, did you know?” Brent demanded looking at Astrid, his

eyebrows raised in suspicion.

 “Because it was my

father’s suggestion I take Reid to see Nairn. I should of know he did not do it

to be kind.” Astrid saw Alarick give her a sympathetic smile.

“I tried Reid, I tried, as did Eric. He argued most

eloquently on your behalf. But with the trouble William is having now, the

lords argued that Lady Astrid is too valuable a prize to be given to a Norman.”

Brent mumbled a curse under his breath.

Reid watched Astrid turn from him and look down. “It is as I

feared. Who is to be my husband?” She asked nervously, looking up at Alarick.

“They haven’t decided yet. They nearly came to blows over

you. Several lords desire you, lord Cormac and Lord Indulf being the most

vocal. At the moment it seems to be going in Cormac’s favor. I’m sorry.”

Alarick gave her shoulder a sympathetic squeeze.

Reid gave a mental curse, damn he should of said the hell

with his duty and come sooner. He looked over and saw Astrid’s eyes had grown

wide in recognition of the names, the color draining from her face.

“There is my angel.” A voice boomed and Astrid turned to see

Cormac striding up to her, as her father stepped out onto the steps of the great

hall. Reid was about to tell Astrid he would fight for her when a huge hairy

man, with black hair shot with grey strode up. The man gave Reid a passing look

and then leered at Astrid.

“Soon angel you shall be mine.” Cormac grabbed Astrid about

the waist, kissing her sloppily on the mouth, his hands sliding down to squeeze

her small but shapely backside. Astrid struggled in Cormac’s grip as Reid

reached to grab him.

Eric appeared from now where to push Cormac away from

Astrid, who was now shaking with combined anger and fear. “Lord Cormac, you

forget yourself. My sister is not yours yet, and you insult Sir Reid. He has

yet to learn Astrid is no longer his betrothed.” Eric was seething in anger, he

gave a nod to Reid. “Astrid go inside father needs to speak to you, and sir

Reid.”

Reid felt his ire rise, and it was all he could do not to

launch himself at the hairy bear like lord who’d just mauled Astrid. Reid

clenched his teeth as he studied his revival. The man was old enough to be

Astrid’s father, from the grey in his hair and beard he was at least fifty

summers old, if not older. The man was also burly and round with an over

hanging belly, and large rough hands. Reid’s stomach crawled at the thought

that this man was trying to take Astrid from him.

Cormac gave a hearty laugh, turning he gave Reid a

challenging look. Reid was about to confront Cormac when Brent’s hand appeared

on his chest holding him back.

“Reid if you have any hope to salvage this you had better

come inside.” Brent whispered. Reid swallowed his pride and turning on his heel

followed Astrid into the hall.

“Sir Reid, Sir Brent.” Baron MacClaine rumbled and motioned

for the brothers to follow him down the corridor. Reid looked over to see

Astrid repeatedly scrubbing her lips with the back of her right hand, trying to

wipe away Cormac’s kiss, and his anger rose again. She was his damn it, had her

brother not stepped in the way he’d of flattened the burly lord Cormac for

daring to touch her.

They followed Baron MacClaine into a medium sized stone

chamber, a large table filling the middle of it. Huge maps made of animal hides

hung on the walls, and Reid instantly recognized the largest as a map of Ceo

Danach.

Baron MacClaine turned to glower at Astrid once they were

alone in the chamber. “Did you behave l?” He demanded in Scot and Astrid nodded

her head. “If I ask Gothwyn will he tell me you too were alone at any time?”

“No, father he was with us. I was a good, I swear.” Astrid

was terrified her father would know what she and Reid had done. Her father

stepped closer giving her a hard look and she held her ground. He reached down,

grabbing her left arm and pulled it up for his inspection. He looked at the

makeshift bandage stained with blood and squeezed her arm.

“What happened? Do not lie to me.” He twisted her arm

forcing a gasp of pain out of her, and dropping her to her knees.

“My Lord.” Reid exclaimed, stepping forward to intervene,

only to be brought up short by a black look from the Baron.

“What happened to your arm? You weren’t up to any of your

tricks were you. You know I forbid you to do them.” He was now gripping her

forearm so hard it had started to bleed again.

“No father. I fell on the rocks and cut my arm, I was good.”

Astrid replied in Norman.

“Your lying to me, and I’ll have your hide for it.” Baron

MacClaine smacked her open handed across the face, the sound loud in the stone

room. Reid cursed, stepping forward to try and free Astrid when Eric stepped

forward.

“Damn it father, your going to snap her arm, let her go.”

Eric grabbed his father’s hand and pried it off Astrid, she gasped in pain and

sank to her knees cradling her arm.

“She was up to no good with this Norman, I can see it on her

face.” The baron snapped, glowering at Reid, before turning to back hand Astrid

across the face. Reid had, had enough he lept forward and grabbed Astrid,

pulling her to his chest.

In his arms Astrid shook her head, her eyes wide with fear,

she crawled out of his arms to kneel before her father. Reid felt unimaginable

anger boil up in him. No wonder she’d been so fear full, she’d been afraid her

father would punish her for loving him and apparently he was. If her father

treated her like this before others, what in the name of god did he do to her

in private?

“Baron MacClaine, Astrid and I simply went for a ride. She

showed me Nairn and a tower, and we walked on the beach. We did nothing that

would cause you to beat her.” Reid growled leveling a dark look at the Baron.

The Baron returned his steely stare and Reid could smell ale on the man. Her

father was drunk and it was just past lunch.

 Baron MacClaine gave

Reid a contemptuous look and then reaching down tangled his hand in Astrid’s

hair dragging her up.

“Did you do anything I should know about?” He thundered

shaking Astrid hard. Astrid reached up trying to grab his wrist, as Eric once

again lept forward to help her.

“Your going to kill her.” Eric shouted, prying his father’s

hand off Astrid, who once free dropped to the floor.

 “This is all your

fault you stupid witch.” Baron MacClaine said in Norman, then kicked Astrid in

the side. Reid had, had enough he lept forward and wrapped his arms

protectively about Astrid. “I’m plagued by countless lords asking for her hand,

because she is rich. I rue the day she was ever born. She is nothing but a

witch like her mother, a stupid, ugly little witch who is more trouble than she

is worth. If she really cared about her family she’d have the decency to kill

herself and save me all this aggravation.” Baron MacClaine thundered.

 “Stop it father, it’s

not her fault. You knew mother was rich when you married her. You agreed with

grandfather that your first born daughter would inherit everything.” Eric

protested, stepping before Astrid, trying to shield her from their father.

Reid was horrified and angry, and so full of rage it was all

he could do not to turn and beat the life out of baron MacClaine. Only a short

time ago Astrid had lain in his arms and he’d kissed her silken skin and

worshiped her little body. Now he had to stand back and watch her father beat

her, it was more than he could stomach.

“I shall come straight to the point Sir Reid, by now your

brother has told you I mean to break the betrothal.” Baron MacClaine gave him a

hard look and walked up to the map hanging on the wall. “My daughter owns all

that you see.” He lay his hand on the map as if to emphasize his point. “All

around us are powerful lords. Lords who have been less than pleased that my

daughter and her considerable amount of land shall belong to a Norman.

Especially now that William is faltering on his throne. It has come down a

choice between Lord Cormac or Lord Indulf, both are powerful men. She will have

to wed one of them.”

“Then keep her damn land, keep her gold. Keep it all, I will

take her with nothing but the gown on her back.” Reid said trying to keep the

anger out of his voice. “I am very fond of Astrid, and she me. Keep everything

just let me have her. I’ll take her from here today.”

 “It would be better

she died than married a bastard such as you.” Baron MacClaine sneered at Reid,

who balled his fists in rage.

“Father, damn it, you can’t do this. Sir Reid has honored

your agreement. You can’t just tell him it’s over.” Eric stepped forward to

glare angrily at his father. “Besides there is something you don’t know, they

are all ready wed.”

“What do you mean they are already wed.” The Baron shouted,

and Eric stepped back as if he was struck.

“My wedding night, while you were drunk I hand fasted them.

I saw how much Astrid loved Sir Reid, and how much he’d come to care for her.

You had been wrong, you should of let them wed that day.” Eric took a deep

breath meeting his father’s eyes. “So I hand fasted them, Leif was there he can

vouch for it. So you can’t take her from him.”

“Your lying. The mid wife examined her when we returned

home, she is untouched.” The Baron barked glaring at Eric.

“He tells the truth, we were hand fasted. Though I didn’t

take her innocence, we did **** ****, and more than once.” Reid stepped

forward, his anger barely in check. He wasn’t going to let Astrid be hurt any

more.

“You *****.” The Baron charged for Astrid only to be blocked

by Eric.

“Stop it father, stop it she did nothing wrong.” Eric

shouted back, shoving his father back hard. Father and son exchanged heated

looks for a moment. “You hurt her again and you’ll loose all your sons. We

shall leave you, we’ll sail away and you’ll never see us again. She’s a good

girl and you know it. She has done nothing wrong.” Eric stepped forward to

stand toe to toe with his father. “I’ll not stand by any more and let you hurt

her. She is a lovely gentle hearted girl and you have done nothing these past

years but degrade her. She has been a good and dutiful daughter. She keeps the

keep warm and clean and tends any who is ill.” Eric put his hands on his

father’s chest and gave him a hard shove. “And how do you thank her? By telling

her she is dumb, ugly and worthless. When you know its all lies.”

Baron MacClaine cursed and swung his fist at Eric, who

caught his father’s hand in his and twisted hard. For several heart beats the

men battled each other and finally Eric won. Baron MacClaine staggered

backwards nearly loosing his balance.

“I will tell Lord Cormac and Lord Indulf that Sir Reid is

still a candidate, and I must decide what to do. Till I have, he stays away

from her.” The Baron gave Reid a withering look, then strode towards the door.

 “I’m hungry daughter,

go to the kitchen and fetch me food.” He bellowed at Astrid, then the Baron

yanked open the door and stormed off.

“Thank you Eric.” Reid said.

“If I could I’d let you carry her off.” Eric looked over at

Astrid his face full of sadness. “Say good bye quickly.” Then Eric too hurried

from the room closing the door after him. Reid hurried to Astrid, bending to

examine her face. Her cheek was bruised and her bottom lip cracked and

bleeding. Blood was running down the back of her left hand to drip on the

floor.

“Astrid forgive me. If I’d know he was hurting you I’d have

come sooner. I’d have told the King to go to hell and come for you I swear it.”

He reached to take her in his arms and she shook her head.

“No, don’t father will only punish me again.” Astrid

couldn’t bear to look at Reid, to see the pity in his face. “Did you mean what

you said, that you’d take me with nothing?”

Reid nodded, he ached to take her in his arms, to ease her

pain.

“Thank you for today, it meant a great deal to me. Just

knowing you think me pretty means everything to me.” Astrid pushed herself off

the wall. “I want you to know that I love you Reid, and I shall till the day I

die.”

“Astrid I’m going to fight for you, do you hear me. Promise

you won’t give up.” Reid waited several heartbeats, then saw her nod her head

ever so slightly.

“I promise.” Astrid said then limped from the room her head

down in misery. Reid watched Astrid go and turned to level his anger and

frustration on a nearby chair. He kicked it hard, sending it flying across the

room to smack into the wall with a loud thump. No wonder Astrid had become so

strange after they’d made love, she was fearing her father, fearing what he’d

do to her if he knew they’d been alone.

“Reid.” Brent said, he looked stunned by what he’d seen.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for both of you.”

“I am too. I thought she was safe with her family. I didn’t

know her father was using her so ill. Hell fire!” Reid swore. “Did you hear

what he said to her? How could he say such vile things?” Reid looked at Brent

who shook his head. Reid’s own father had been a hard man, but he’d at least

said he was proud of  Reid.

“While you were out, Alarick took me aside. He said he was

glad you had come. That these past years their father’s anger has begun to spin

out of control. That he blames all the families misfortune on Astrid. Alarick

thinks, the deaths of all his sons has unhinged the baron’s mind.”

Reid fought the urge to break something. “I’m not going to lose

her. I’m going to do what ever it takes to make her mind.” He heard a sound at

the door and saw Gothwyn.

“I take it from your faces the Baron not only told you the

news but hurt my lady again.” Gothwyn said his dark eyes sad. “Before we rode

out today I promised my lady I would give you your gifts, regardless of what

happened today.” Gothwyn looked at his hands for a moment. “And you should

speak to brother Fenton, he is Norman. He might be able to help you.”

“What gifts?” Reid demanded in surprise.

“My lady bought you several wedding gifts. She told me I was

to give half of them to you today, no matter what. I think she sensed her

father was going to break your betrothal. Please come, it will give her some

pleasure to know you have them.” Gothwyn stepped to one side and motioned for

Reid and Brent to proceed him out the door.

“We might as well Reid. There is nothing else we can do

today.” Brent watched Reid’s jaw clench and then with a nod of defeat followed

his brother from the chamber.

Astrid stifled her tears of shame and regret and made her

way to the kitchens, holding her arm to her chest. The kitchen was empty except

for Mary, who was hovering by the large iron stew pot. Astrid snatched  up a length of clean towel from a neat pile

by the wash stand and wrapped it about her arm before hurrying up to Mary. Mary

was not allowed in the kitchens, not since both Gothwyn and Megwyn had seen her

putting something in the food and acting oddly. Astrid knew that Mary was not

to be trusted Birkett’s admission that she had poisioned Reid at the tourney.

Mary spun to face her, a guilty look on her face.

“You know your not allowed in here Mary. What do you want.”

Astrid snapped and the blonde maid drew her self up haughtily looking down at Astrid.

“My lady is the first wife here and as such out ranks a mere

daughter of the family. She is hungry, I’ve come to fetch her some stew.” Mary

snapped icily.

“If Helen wishes to claim her rights as first wife she needs

to start fulfilling her responsibilities first. The day she appears to help

make the bread or scrape vegetables then and only then can she be considered a

first wife, till then she is no more than a guest. Now get out of the kitchen.”

Astrid said through clenched teeth. Her arm and ribs were throbbing in pain and

as was her breaking heart, she was in no mood to deal with Mary and her

treachery.

“My lady is a true lady, it is beneath her to do menial

labor.” Mary retorted hotly.

Astrid bit her tongue so as not to say what she thought of

Helen. She snatch up a bowl from beside the hearth and filled it with stew,

then shoved it into Mary’s hands. “Eat it now. I think you have been poisoning

my father’s food. Go on eat it.”

Mary caught the bowl, some of the gravy sloshing over the

side onto her gown.

“No.” Mary shook her head and Astrid gave her a shove with

her right hand.

“I said eat it.” Astrid snapped channeling her anger with

her father into dealing with Mary. Mary mumbled a curse and dropped the bowl to

the flag stone floor sending stew every where, before fleeing, just as Megwyn

and Anna the head kitchen woman entered.

“I gave orders that she was not allowed in here. I caught

her tampering with the stew pot.” Astrid said and saw Anna go pale.

“I will check it my lady, and I’ll post a guard to see that

she doesn’t come in here again.” Anna said hurrying to check the stew.

“Do that, in the mean time my father wants something to eat,

he is in his chamber. Please have something taken to him immediately.” Astrid

said and saw Anna nod. Astrid hoped the stew hadn’t been poisioned, it would

take hours to prepare something else for lunch and she didn’t want to garner

her father’s wraith again.

Megwyn made a face and stepped up to Astrid wincing at her

bruised cheek and bleeding arm. “My lady, come with me. Let me see to your

arm.”

Astrid followed Megwyn through the kitchen, trying to keep

her face calm so no one would see her cry. She followed Megwyn into her small

chamber at the back of the kitchen, holding her turmoil in check. Megwyn closed

the door behind Astrid and pulled her into her arms giving her a hug.

“I’m sorry. I heard what happened.” Megwyn tightened her

embrace as Astrid made a small choked sob, burying her face in Megwyn’s

shoulder.

“I don’t know how I’ll bear it if I can’t marry Reid.”

Astrid let the tears she’d held in check come. “The thought that I will have to

submit to a man like lord Cormac turns my stomach. What shall I do?”

Megwyn placed her hands on either side Astrid’s face,

whipping away her tears. Then forced her to look at her. “You shall do what you

must. You shall have to swallow your pride and screw up your courage. Men don’t

understand what it is like for a young girl.” Megwyn shook her head. “On your

wedding night you are to drink my lady, drink more than ever before. Then when

it is time close your eyes and pretend who ever the man is that he is your sir

Reid. Just keep your eyes shut till it is over.”

Astrid bit her lower lip as she sought to control her tears,

she was a Baron’s daughter after all, she would do her duty no matter what she

felt.

“Now let me see your arm.” Megwyn gently began unwrapping

the crude bandage. When her arm was bare, Megwyn made a hiss of dismay seeing

the wounds. She gave Astrid a questioning look.

“I called a hawk for sir Reid. I told him what I was and he

didn’t care.” Astrid winced as Megwyn began washing the blood from her arm. “He

didn’t care that I am fey. He likes me just as I am.”

Megwyn gave Astrid a small smile, then turned to lift a

clean cloth from atop her table. Ripping it down the middle she began winding

it about Astrid’s arm. It hurt to see Astrid suffer so, to know her father now

punished her for what he once encouraged. Megwyn and everyone in the keep were

horrified by the Baron’s violent out bursts that he turned on Astrid. The

entire keep and everyone in the village loved Astrid and hated seeing her so

ill used.

“That is wonderful. Now I will see that the evening meal is

under way, and that your father has his meal. Then I will come to your chamber

and help you dress for tonight. You will want to look your best.” Megwyn gave

the bandage a finale tug.

“Have the musicians arrived. I don’t want father angry

because we have no entertainment to offer.” Astrid demanded, in her joy at

being with Reid that morning she’d forgotten to check.

“Yes, they are all here. There is even a master bard here,

named Banning. Everything shall be ready. No go wash and I’ll come to you as

soon as I can.” Megwyn said.

“Thank you Megwyn. I don’t know what I’d do with out you.”

Astrid stood on tip toe and gave Megwyn’s cheek a kiss, then hurried away, her

heart still heavy.

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