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“So that was what that was all about,” Kieran’s jaw flexed. “I knew you would tell us in time, but I had no idea that was the message. And we are supporting Langton?”

“Aye,” William replied. “Which is why de Longley is reluctant to let any of you go with me. He absolutely refused to let Paris go.”

The men were silent a moment. “Which of us will you be taking, my lord?” said Adam.

William glanced at de Longley’s fair son. “I was only allowed a choice of two,” he said.

Angry voices raised to protest that decision and William lifted his hands to quiet them.

“Two only,” he insisted loudly. “De Longley needs the majority of you here at Northwood. Believe me, it was not an easy decision, for the two of you who accompany me will remain with me when I take over Questing. There will be no returning to Northwood.”

They knew that, but they didn’t care. They simply wanted to serve William. He glanced at the faces of his loyal vassals and was greatly saddened that he could not take all of them. They had been through so much together and he knew he would not feel complete without them.

“Who is g-going with you?” Michael asked the fateful question.

William detected a note of hopefulness in the man’s voice. “Believe me when I tell you it was the most difficult choice I have ever had to make. But I believe I made the best choice I could. I need knights with certain qualities with me, as does Paris. I could not take someone that I knew he desperately needed.” He wanted to explain his decision so that they would understand. “Ranulf must be here to control the men-at-arms and train the youngers. There is no one better suited in that capacity, although I will miss him sorely. Corin, you and Adam and Lewis still need valuable experience, experience that remaining here will teach you. I believe it is in your best interest to stay. Jason, you and Marc will be very important to Paris with your strength and experience with the scots. Michael, you will remain behind because Paris will need a second-in-command. You are more than capable. That leaves Kieran and Deinwald to accompany me to London. Kieran as my new second, and Deinwald as my left hand and liaison to the troops. If I cannot take Ranulf, then I want Deinwald, for he is just as cantankerous,” he smiled faintly, glancing at the faces he knew so well. “And that, gentle knights, is my decision.”

Because he had explained it so well, there were no hurt feelings. Everyone began talking at once, congratulating each other, speaking of the future and teasing William good-naturedly about the wife he was leaving behind. They could only imagine the pain he must be feeling, and each man who would be remaining felt it his personal mission to protect her. Especially Paris.

After the knights had retired to rest and prepare for the departure, Paris and William remained in the room. Paris eyed William as the man sat wearily in a chair and poured himself a cup of wine.

“Do not look at me like that,” William told him irritably.

“Like what?” Paris asked innocently, sitting opposite his friend.

William shot him an impatient look. “Like you are about ready to burst out in tears. Honest to God, Paris, I cannot take any more emotional confrontations today. I am spent.”

“You shall get no such confrontations from me,” Paris assured him, although he didn’t mean it. He had so many things he wanted to tell his former captain but he was unused to expressing himself. “Simply allow me to say one thing; that I will guard your wife with my life until such time as you return.”

William looked at him. “I know you will.” When the moment turned too sentimental, he stiffened a little. “And I give you permission to discipline her if needed. And I am sure it will be needed.”

Paris snorted. “You never disciplined her. What makes you think I will be any different?”

William gave him a wry smile, focusing his attention on his cup, watching the wine swirl. Paris gazed at him.

“This will be a whole new world for you,” he commented.

“Aye,” William replied. “I was quite content with my world here. Paris, should you require me for any reason, do not hesitate to send a missive. I will be at your call.”

“So noted,” Paris said. “Let us hope the Scots back down from their plans so that I will not be needing reinforcements from the crown.”

“Agreed,” William said fervently, then sat back in his chair and put his booted feet up on the table. “Wales. What a Godforsaken country. I do not relish spending a winter campaign there.”

Paris shrugged. “Just do what Henry wants done and get it over with.”

William contemplated his boots. “What if Henry wants me with him in London for a long time to come? I will not leave Jordan any longer than I have to.”

“Henry is fickle in his old age,” Paris commented. “Mayhap you will fall out of favor quickly if the campaigns are not successful.”

“I will not deliberately lose a battle,” William told him. “I do not even think I would know how to. Besides, if I did he might take away my lands and titles. Jordan deserves to be chatelaine over her own household. And our children deserve a keep to inherit.”

The men sat in silence for a long time. It was a comfortable silence; the last of many. Finally, William rose stiffly.

“I am going to take a bath,” he announced wearily. “Find Luke for me, if you would, and have him pack my things.”

“Aye, my lord,” Paris answered as if he were still William’s second.

With a sigh, William headed for his chamber, bellowing for hot water as he went.