Page 42 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

In the midst of the men’s murmurs, all sounds suddenly diedaway and the eyes of his knights fixed on a point behind him as they rose fromtheir seats.

Renaud sensed her presence even before he turned.

Serena.

No longer dressed as a servant, his bride stood adorned likea queen. Stunned by her beauty, his eyes took in the elegant purple gown thathugged her curves not revealed by the servant’s attire she had worn before.

A fitting mate indeed.

Her unplaited flaxen hair, crowned by a silver and goldcirclet, announced to all she was a maiden still, making him regret again thatthe king’s summons that had forced him from his bed.

Stepping aside, he gestured her forward. As she approached,there were gasps from some of his men who, looking more closely, realized forthe first time who the servant girl Sarah really was.

She stood proudly, her violet eyes shining with a light ofdetermination.

“Good knights and men of Talisand,” Renaud said loudly,first in Norman French and then in English, “I give you my lady, Serena of Talisand.”For a moment the hall was silent. Then his knights dropped to one knee, eachbringing his fist to his heart, silently pledging fealty and protection to thewoman who was to be their lord’s wife.

Serena stood for a moment, her eyes traveling over his men,a slight smile on her lips. Then, to his great surprise, she spoke in perfectNorman French.

“I thank you for your obeisance. But lest you believeotherwise, know this: Talisand is the rich demesne you see today becauseof the foresight and wisdom of an English thegn, my father, Sigmund. I wouldask that you respect his memory and treat well the people of Talisand he loved,for they have lost much and I would restore it to them if I could.”

She paused for a moment and then stepped back into the manor’sentry, and smiled at him briefly before saying, “My lord,” and hasteningthrough the door to the yard that Sir Niel held open for her. The knight noddedto Renaud and followed after her.

Renaud faced his men, his knights having risen from theirknees to stand.

“Heed my lady’s words. I would have no disparagement of theold lord. He is the grandsire of the sons Lady Serena will one day give me.”

To Renaud’s ear came the sound of a loud cheer from the yardoutside. He turned and strode to the front door. The yard was bathed insunlight. Serena, her back to him, stood before a large gathering of Englishmen and women. Unwilling to interfere, he waited, wondering what she would say.

She raised her hands to still their murmured praises.

“Good people of Talisand, I am once again among you as yourlady.” A cheer rose up from the crowd. It seemed to Renaud this was noconquered English maiden. More like a queen returning from a forced absence togreet her subjects.

“I seek only to serve you and to help ease the pain of yourloss—the husbands, fathers and sons who are gone from us forever—and theindependence my father had granted you. Though we have lost much, we must thankthe Master of the Heavens for what we still have and for the coming harvest. Ithank you, as well, for your loyalty, your protection and your manykindnesses.”

Renaud was pleased to hear her gracious words. Though he wasangered at her deception, to his ears she sounded resigned to her role as hiscountess. He could only hope it was so. Walking forward, he wrapped his armaround her shoulder, claiming her before the people. She stiffened slightly butdid not pull away. Mayhap if he were gracious, he could end the acrimonybetween them.

Speaking to those gathered, he said, “I have told my menthat Serena is my lady and soon, my wife and countess. They are to respect heras such. May we all prosper because she is returned to you.” The peoplelistened, but remained silent at his words. To them he was still the foreigninvader. Then, too, some would be called to battle this very day at his orders.But before they left, he would have them know he respected their lady.

Renaud faced Serena and spoke in a softer voice for her earsalone. “Join me at my table for the morning meal, my lady, and then I must departto join William.”

“You go to fight again?” she asked anxiously.

He hoped it was worry he saw in her beautiful eyes yet hedared not believe she might truly care about the husband forced upon her. Therewas passion between them, he knew that well, yet he was still the Norman whohad claimed her lands. “Yea, I go to Exeter in Devon.”

Frowning, she said, “Gytha, the queen mother lives there.”

“She is no longer the mother of a king, Serena, and becauseshe has stirred the men of the city to rise against William, they will onceagain know his wrath.”

Serena looked down, but he doubted it was in resignation.

In a subdued voice, she said, “Four of Gytha’s eightchildren died the year your king claimed England; she lost three sons atHastings alone.”

“And the other—Tostig—was a brother of treachery.”

“Yea,” she said raising her head and staring into his eyes,“he fought his brother Harold and fell at Stamford Bridge. So did Ulrich,husband of Lady Eawyn, who fought against the invader from Norway. But afterHastings, Gytha pleaded with your William for the body of her son Harold. TheNorman king rejected her plea. Is it not understandable she should inspire theSaxons to rise against a man who would deny a Christian burial to their king?”

“It is the way of war, my lady. William had his reasons. Butone day the fighting will end. You must look forward to that day, as I do.” Howhe longed for the day when he could be concerned only with his lands, his ladyand his sons, and claim the peace so long denied him. Yet he feared he wouldnever know that peace.