Page 57 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“Or worse,” replied Serena, “he will send his new henchman,Sir Hugue.”

“The mercenary who rode with the Red Wolf?” asked Cassiewith raised brows.

“Aye. Somehow he has come to Mercia and now does the biddingof the earls, though I doubt he has told Morcar that he was sent from Talisandin disgrace.”

Rhodri’s face bore a look of concern. “He did not hurt you,did he, Serena?”

“Nay. But I was never at peace knowing the Norman was near.You heard the tale of the attempted rape of Eawyn?” At Rhodri’s nod, she said,“He was the one.”

“So you travel back to Talisand,” Rhodri said with aresigned expression.

Serena nodded.

“Are you resigned, then, to wed the Red Wolf, Serena?” heasked.

Serena smiled shyly. “Yea, I believe I am. It is what Iwant, Rhodri, though I cannot imagine what Steinar will think of it.”

“He will like it not,” said Rhodri darting a glance atCassie. “Did you tell Morcar of your decision?”

“Nay. He could not envision it, I am certain. And I wasafraid if he knew of my intention he would try to detain me.”

“’Tis a wise thing ye do in returning, m’lady. The Red Wolfwill be good to ye. Sir Maurin says so.”

Serena smiled at Cassie. She would believe anything SirMaurin told her.

“Are you hungry?” asked Rhodri. “We can rest for a whilebefore setting off for Talisand.”

“Yea, I am,” said Serena, “did you bring food?”

“Aye,” said Cassie, reaching into a bag she carried andhanded Serena some dried venison. It was a bit tough but, together with theberries, satisfied Serena’s hunger for the moment. As she chewed, Elfledawalked forward and nudged her shoulder. Serena stroked the soft skin of themare’s nose.

“I’m glad you brought my horse, Cassie. I missed her.”

Serena and Cassie sat on a fallen log at the edge of theclearing and spoke of the abduction and how it might have occurred. Rhodri wentoff to water the horses, then returned to listen to their conversation.

“I remember nothing of that night,” confided Serena.

“They had to have help within the manor for none to notice,”said Rhodri standing at the edge of the woods. “The next day all at Talisandwas the same. There were no signs of struggle.”

“I have thought on it some,” said Serena looking into theconcerned face of her handmaiden. “I believe it was Aethel who altered the ale.She was the last to fill my cup. I wonder if, in her mixed up thinking, shebelieved it would please me. She knew of my desire to leave. She had offered tohelp once before.”

“Aye, Aethel might have done so,” said Cassie.

“Were any hurt?” asked Serena.

“Nay,” said Cassie. “The guards were fine, save for theiraching heads. I am certain the Normans suspect me of giving them a sleepingdraught as I delivered Sir Niel his ale that night. Sir Maurin has saidnothing, but he sent Sir Niel to find ye.”

“Say nothing of Aethel’s involvement until I can speak withher,” said Serena.

Serena was looking at Cassie when Rhodri, who had beenstanding in front of a tree, suddenly slumped to the ground.

“What—” Serena rose and began to walk toward the bard lyingsupine on the ground when a huge shape loomed from amidst the trees.

Sir Hugue!

“Ah, two little doves ripe for the plucking,” said themercenary as he stepped into the clearing, a wooden cudgel in his hand.

Cassie rose and Serena stepped back, pulling her handmaidenwith her as she retreated from the Norman mercenary and his lecherous gaze. Sheremembered it all too well.