Page 61 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“Nay, it was not. As I said, he has pledged his sword toMorcar and his words to us suggested he was sent to find me.”

Chapter 17

By the time their cavalcade arrived at Talisand, a host ofpeople had gathered to meet them.

Maggie was one of the first to approach, a worried look onher face. Her eyes scanned the horses crowding the yard. Alighting on herdaughter, carried in Sir Maurin’s arms, she screamed, “Cassie!”

Sir Maurin gently handed the girl to the waiting SirGeoffroi and Sir Niel, who had dismounted and come to his aid.

Serena dropped from her horse and watched the knights.Maggie ran to Serena as the men carried the handmaiden into the manor. “I willtend her myself, Maggie. Fetch Aethel and tell her to bring the herbs.”

“Cassie was supposed to be at the west manor,” Maggie said,her voice desperate. “What happened?”

“She and Rhodri came after me. She was stabbed with aknife.”

“Who would do such a thing to me lass?” The cook’s greengaze followed the knights as they carried Cassie through the front door of themanor. “Will she recover?”

“’Tis serious, Maggie, but I pray not fatal. I can explainlater what happened. Right now I must make sure the bleeding has not begunagain.”

Serena followed the knights into the manor and directed themto take Cassie to Serena’s bedchamber. Sir Maurin followed and now stood by thebed looking down on the unconscious girl. Cassie’s skin, usually glowing withhealth, was nearly colorless, a stark contrast to her flaming red hair.

“Sir Maurin, I ask you to leave us alone for a time. I mustundress her and see to the wound. I will call you when I have finished.”

He nodded. “I will be waiting downstairs, my lady.” Heturned to go. Serena had never seen the knight looking so forlorn.

As he reached the door, she said, “I will do my best, SirMaurin. I know you care for her, as do I.”

“Aye, I do,” he said and left, closing the door behind him.

Aethel came in after the knight departed, her satchel ofmedicines and herbs with her. “Maggie is half out of her wits,” said Aethel.Then seeing the handmaiden lying as still as death, she asked, “What happenedto her?”

Serena looked up from where she was carefully cutting awayCassie’s tunic. “You are not the first to ask. We were in the woods, on our wayback to Talisand when the mercenary, Sir Hugue, found us.”

“The knight who attacked Eawyn did this?”

“Yea. He is now with Morcar, who I doubt is aware of thesnake he shelters.”

Aethel, Serena noted, did not looked surprised at the tidings.

Since Serena had worked with the herb woman before to tendthe sick and wounded, they now quickly fell into their prior routine. Serenaprepared the wound and Aethel took from her bag the herbs she would apply. Asthey worked, they talked.

“Ye came back, m’lady,” Aethel said.

“Yea, I did. Did you doubt I would?”

“I thought ye wanted to leave.” Serena watched the herbwoman’s dark eyes carefully, noting the sincerity.

“Once that might have been true, Aethel, but no longer. Imeant what I told the people of Talisand. I am their lady and I will wed theRed Wolf. Earl Morcar wanted to marry me but that was not my will. Were you notaware I was resigned to becoming the Norman’s wife?”

“Nay, I thought ye would be happy to leave. Happy to wed theEnglish earl.”

“I know you were a part of it, Aethel.” Then looking down atCassie, “But you see where Morcar’s abduction has led.”

“I am deeply sorry,” said Aethel. The woman looked contrite.

“If you are, Aethel, then end your traitorous behavior andhelp me to care for the people of Talisand.”

“Aye, m’lady, I will.” Her dark eyes filled with tears.