Page 84 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“Aye, my lord. They be home.” He knew the woman’s words werespoken in recognition that Talisand was home to both Norman and English and hewas grateful. Briefly, he watched as she walked in the direction that herdaughter had run, leaving him alone with Sir Niel.

“All is well at Talisand?” he asked the young knight.

“Aye, my lord. Hunstan saw to the manor and lands andTheodric and I managed the remaining work at the castle and the men-at-arms youleft as guard. We’ve food ready should you want a meal and beds for thewounded.”

Renaud shed his gloves and waited for Serena who was comingtoward him with two men carrying Steinar’s litter. Behind them Sir Alain andLeppe carried Sir Maurin’s stretcher. Cassie held the sleeping knight’s handand Aethel followed her.

Much had changed since he’d come to Talisand. In their grieffor the wounded, they were forging a new people, neither Norman nor English,but with the strength of both.

* * *

“The king comes!” shouted the watchman from the top of thekeep, telling Serena that William had returned to Talisand. Renaud had givenher warning, but still her nerves were on end and her stomach was unsettled asher mind rebelled. The king would once again sleep under her roof. They hadonly been back for a sennight and now they must again entertain him! ForRenaud’s sake, she would try to be gracious.

From the top of the motte, she watched the line of Normanknights and retainers in their bright colored livery and waving banners flowthrough the gates to fill the bailey.

“It would be best if we greeted him below, Serena,” saidRenaud as he took her elbow. They descended the steps together and crossed thebridge.

“I like it not, husband. Steinar is only now able to smile.Can you imagine what he will say when I tell him the Norman who calls himselfking is sheltered in his home?”

“’Tis our home, Serena. And I worry more about whatWilliam would say were he to know I harbor one of the York rebels.”

“Then do not tell him. Surely he will not tarry long.”

By the time the king approached the bridge leading over themoat, Serena and Renaud were waiting for him.

“Sire,” Renaud bowed before the king, “welcome back toTalisand.”

William, wearing mail and a scarlet cloak fastened with agold brooch, dismounted with ease, his blue eyes shining. Was it with pride athis recent victory over her countrymen?

She had to admit he was a vigorous man. He had the lookabout him of one whose orders were never questioned, a man who did not justcome to rule England, as others had, but to change it forever.

“We have wine to refresh you, Sire,” Renaud said, “andtonight the meal you will be served in the castle’s hall will provide the bestof Talisand’s food.”

The king’s gaze bore into her eyes. She raised her chin,determined not to cower before the Bastard who had claimed England.

“We look forward to enjoying your hospitality, my lord,”said the king. “And that of your lady.” He looked at her. “We still rememberyour lovely voice, my lady, on the occasion of our last visit.”

Serena dipped a modest curtsey to the king but resented thatshe had been required to sing for him. Would she again?

* * *

Renaud knew none of his English villeins were happy aboutWilliam’s return, and certainly not his English wife. But he could not verywell deny his sire the tribute that must be paid to one’s king.

Glancing to his right where Serena sat with him at the hightable, he was pleased she had accepted her role as chatelaine, assuring thedinner set before the king was a rich bounty of Maggie’s best dishes. He wouldhave to bestow a special gift on the cook for all her labors.

Of the king’s trusted men, Turstin FitzRolf,who had fought with them at Hastings, had joined the king on the dais. Renaudsat on the king’s right with Serena and Maugris. Sir Geoffroi and Eawyn sat onthe other side of FitzRolf. Since Renaud knew William enjoyed Maugris’ musings,he made certain the wise one was present. Sir Maurin, who might otherwise have beenincluded, was still abed recovering.

The meal began with a broth of carrot and ginger accompaniedby rich brown bread, butter and honey. Wooden platters laden with roast lambspiced with cumin and mint, and fish baked with coriander and bay leaf, soon followed.The spices, Serena had told him, were ones her father brought to the manor.Venison was served, as well, bathed in a dark sauce that rendered the deer meatsucculent. Peas boiled in water and wine, sweet to the taste, joined the otherdishes. Renaud knew William was pleased for he loved to eat as much as SirGeoffroi.

“’Tis a welcome feast you have set before us,” said theking. “We thank you, Lord Talisand, for our travels here did not see such grandfare.”

“We could do no less for you, Sire.”

As the meal wore on, Renaud noticed the king studyingSerena. Leaning across Renaud, he asked her, “Have you heard, my lady, of ourgreat victory in York?”

“Aye, I have heard.” Serena said in a flat voice.

The king obviously had something in mind as he rubbed thefingers of one hand over his chin and his blue eyes narrowed on Serena. Hisbrown hair, golden in places from the sun, showed beneath his crown making himlook regal, every bit the king he had become.