Page 177

He turned back to the audience. “Today is a day of rejoicing for Northwood fortress. Not only has your earl married a talented and lovely woman, but a peace alliance has been cemented that will bring prosperity in the years to come. I am sure I speak for us all when I say congratulations. Additionally, I have an announcement that will be somewhat of a surprise to the recipient, but not much of a surprise for those who know him and his reputation. I speak of none other than Northwood’s illustrious captain, Sir William de Wolfe.”

William’s face registered none of the apprehension and surprise he was feeling. He continued to gaze calmly back at his king, even as the king motioned him to rise.

“Captain de Wolfe,” the king said, smiling a thin smile. “Your reputation as being the gatekeeper of the border has not gone unnoticed to the crown. You are feared and respected, and I would be hard-pressed, but for a few, to find a greater knight in all of England. You and you alone are responsible for keeping the Scots under control,” he said, facing out into the hall and raising his voice. “As you know, Wales has long been a source of rebellion for the crown much more as of late, and I find that I am in need of a champion, someone who knows of border wars and of subduing uprisings. Someone of The Wolf’s reputation must ascend to greater heights in service, which is why on this eve I have the privilege of bestowing upon Sir William de Wolfe the title of Baron Kilham, with properties along the border near Coldstream. He will also bear the title of ‘King’s Champion,’ and will lead my troops on a successful campaign into Wales.”

William was stunned. He could not take his eyes off the king as the man turned and privately congratulated him on his new title, insisting that they would formalize everything on the morrow. It was all he could do to utter his thanks.

He was hardly aware of the riotous applause in the hall and his troops calling his name, the haunting cry that roused them to or from a battle. He could only see the king, hear his revelation, and think of Jordan.

William could see that Henry was quite pleased with his announcement and expected William to be as well. But pleased wasn’t near the word he had in mind to describe what he was feeling at the moment.

Henry was conversing with de Longley by this time. William retained enough of his senses to see that the earl was slightly flushed, a strong indication of the level of emotion. He knew that already the earl was voicing his disapproval; not for the title, but for the fact the king intended to take William from Northwood. He would have a strong ally in de Longley and he thanked God for that.

The king waved de Longley off and, pleading age and fatigue, abandoned the hall after dropping his hammer-hard announcement. Eleanor, with a gracious congratulations to the new champion, followed on his heels.

“Fear not, John,” Henry called out before he quit the room entirely. “I have no intention of making a spectacle of myself and showing up in your bridal suite demanding bed linens.”

De Longley could only stare back in astonishment, but after that, his attention turned to his former captain.

William, however, was focused on his wife. He could see her staring back at him, her face pure shock. And he knew her well enough to know that she was very close to breaking. He had to get her out of there and get her alone or they would both snap. De Longley moved toward him, but he waved the earl off curtly.

“Not now, my lord,” he hissed quietly, nodding in Jordan’s direction.

The earl understood. “Take care of her, William. But I intend to beat the king’s door down if I have to, in order to gain private audience. Henry will not make a declaration like that and get away with it so easily.”

“Aye, sire,” he replied, splitting from the earl and catapulting himself off the dais. Unfortunately, he ran head-on into a crowd of well-wishers and was effectively stopped.

He was pleasant but brief, craning his neck and catching Paris’ attention. No words were spoken, but Paris knew exactly what William was asking of him.

Swiftly, he moved off the dais and grasped Jordan firmly by the arm. She jerked, looking at him as if she didn’t recognize his face. He was worried by the look in her eye but smiled encouragingly.

“Come, my lady,” he whispered. “Your husband awaits you.”

She bolted up, practically dragging him with her as she blew out of the hall, her mind a muddy, boiling mess of pure confusion and utter despair. Paris found himself jogging beside her as she raced up the two flights of stairs that led to her quarters. By the time she spilled into her antechamber, her breathing was coming in hysterical gasps and she was quickly losing control.

Paris gripped her by the arms, trying to steady her. “Calm yourself, Jordan. Breathe deeply.”

Her hands flew over her mouth as if that would stop the horrible sobs spewing forth. With every breath she was slipping closer to insanity.

“He is taking him away.” she gasped. “He is going to take William away.”

Paris could see the tears, the panic, and the pain. He pulled her against him, trying to quiet her until William got there. “Have faith, my lady. He will not leave you if he has any say in the matter.”

She pulled away from him. “But Henry decreed it. He is to be the king’s champion and he will go to London, and then to war in Wales. My God… what will I do if he…?”

He grabbed her, pulling her to him once again. Her voice was growing louder by the moment and it would not do for someone to hear her outburst.

“He is your husband, Jordan,” he whispered tightly into her ear. “He will not leave you alone.”

She was sobbing against him, her pain surfacing, and she was unable and unwilling to control it. At least she wasn’t yelling anymore.

Like a raging bull, William came charging in through the door. Paris stepped aside as William captured his wife in his arms, holding her fiercely against him.

He had no right to ask her to stop crying, for what the king had announced was tearing him apart as well. But he had to calm her, for she would hear more than one startling disclosure before the night was out.

“Try to calm down, love,” he whispered against her hair. “I know you are frightened, but try to stop crying. Please.”

Jordan heard him and, as he had requested, tried to stop her tears. They did not readily cooperate, but she was soon rational enough to speak. Paris, seeing that she had somewhat regained her composure, turned to leave.