Page 79 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

The Welsh bard, Rhodri dropped to the ground. Renaud threwthe Welshman a scowl for his part in Serena’s perfidy. Looking sheepish, thebard bowed his head and slinked off toward the battlefield, now a sea of bodiessplayed across the ground. Some of his men slogged through the blood of theslain to reach those who would live. Others rounded up the Northumbrianprisoners.

He turned his attention back to the thick branches abovehim, watching as his wife slowly climbed down. He was unsurprised to see herwearing a lad’s clothing in the colors of the forest. When she arrived at thelowest branch where he could reach her, he looked into her violet eyes, set hishands on her waist and snatched her off the limb. He had intended to scold her,but without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a fierce hugand a deep, searing kiss.

Thank God you are safe.

Chapter 22

Serena met her husband’s harsh glare as he loosened hisembrace. The blood that splattered his hauberk was now smeared across herclothes. His eyes were like shards of steel and his anger a tangible thing. Butstill she had to know. “You are well, my lord?”

Ignoring her question, he demanded instead, “What were youthinking coming to York, a place you knew would see battle? A place you mighthave been killed?”

She spoke the truth for she had no other reason to give him.“I thought only of you and Steinar. I would see neither of you harmed.”

“I am a man of war, Serena, and Steinar chose to be herewith the rebels, knowing what he would face. But you, a woman, might have beenwounded, raped or worse!” His chestnut brows drew together in a frown so severeshe shrank back. He grabbed her upper arms and shook her. “Did you not considermy wish that you remain at Talisand where you would be safe?”

She could see fear in his eyes and knew it was for her. Atthat moment, she was glad she’d not told him of the child she carried. Hisanger would then know no bounds. “I’m not sorry I disobeyed you, my lord. Icould not stand idly by while you and my brother were in danger. I had to behere.”

“Did you not trust me?” he pleaded. “Did you not believe Icould defeat the mercenary?”

“I was worried.” Was it the face of a caring husband shelooked into?

“Aye, well, if ’twas worry for your brother, the Englishrebel I encountered earlier with your same eyes and hair was still standingwhen I left him. But William is not yet through with York, Serena. Of that, Iam certain. He has ordered the torching of the city, and he intends to build acastle here where he will garrison hundreds of his knights.”

“Your Norman castles are becoming as numerous as the stars,”she said, unable to resist the sarcasm. “And just as cold.” She did not want tofight him. She wanted him to take her in his arms again and hold her again. Forall her bravado, the sight of the battle had taken its toll. Feeling wobbly,she needed his strength. And she wanted his love.

“You fight what you cannot change, Serena.”

“I know you are right,” she said casting her gaze to thefield of bodies lying in the sun, “but I cannot do otherwise.” She looked up tostudy his face and saw the anger that still lingered. “I loathe the burning,Renaud. Must it always be? The English cause is lost. You have won. Why destroyall that remains of this city? On our way here, Rhodri and I saw many cottars’homes laid waste. It was horrible.”

“The fires were set on William’s order.”

“Must he be so cruel?”

“William intends to put his stamp on York so theNorthumbrians will not soon forget. Come,” he took her arm, “I will see youback to my tent where Jamie waits.”

“Nay” she wrenched her arm free. “I must find Steinar first.I must see him!”

From the midst of the body-strewn battlefield, she heardRhodri’s shout, “Serena, over here!”

Without thinking and fearing the worst, Serena ran towardthe sound of the bard’s voice.

Renaud shouted, “Serena wait!”

She did not turn back, but as she ran, she heard his heavysteps following.

They reached Rhodri together. The Welshman was kneelingbeside the still form of a wounded Northumbrian. She knew even before shelooked upon his face that it was her brother. His helm had been removed and theends of his long blond hair were matted with blood, as was his tunic.

“Steinar!” Falling to her knees, Serena took his limp handbetween hers. His skin was cold. His eyes fluttered open, the same blue violeteyes that were her own.

“Ser…Serena,” he breathed haltingly. “How—”

She smoothed the blood-spattered hair from his face.“Steinar, do not talk. I am here and I will get help.”

“What wounds has he?” Renaud asked Rhodri from where hestood above her.

“His right leg, my lord. A nasty gash, and the bone is badlybroken. We must get him to a healer, and soon. He has already lost much blood.”

Serena’s eyes shifted to her brother’s bloody leg. “I’ll needhelp with the bone,” she explained, “but for the rest, I’ll tend him myself.”