Page 281

“I didn’t ask him to come,” William said defensively, letting his eyes rest back on d’Vant. “Have you ever heard of the Red Fury, Paris?”

“Of course, who hasn’t? He’s the greatest mercenary soldier in all of England; Scotland, too. He’s legendary.” He suddenly peered closer at his friend. “He threatens you, doesn’t he? You feel threatened by the man because his reputation nearly equals yours.”

“Ridiculous,” William snorted. “There is no one greater than I.”

Paris looked at him, agape. Then he began to chuckle, shaking his head. “That,” he snickered, “is the first time I have ever heard your ego come forth. So all of the praise and titles finally went to your head, eh? Well, I will say that no one in the country is entitled to brag as you are.”

William rolled his eye at him irritably. “Shut your mouth.”

Paris laughed aloud. “Ah, William, you constantly amaze and please me.”

As if on cue, Andrew d’Vant rose on his long legs and went to the table where William and Paris were sitting. Paris was friendly enough, but William was standoffish.

“My lords,” d’Vant said in his deep voice. “I wish to thank you for the hospitality extended to myself and to my men. ’Twas well worth the trip here.”

“It was our privilege,” Paris replied. William barely nodded.

Andrew, undaunted by William’s icy reaction, continued. “On the morrow we will take our leave of Northwood,” he said. “But I wanted to let you know, one warrior to another, that should you ever require my assistance, then do not hesitate to notify me. Roan knows where I can be reached.”

William suddenly stood up, his gaze still cool. “And my offer still stands. I will repay Roan’s debt whenever and wherever required.”

Andrew nodded. “I appreciate that, for my cousin’s sake, my lord,” he replied. Having no more to say, he bowed swiftly and moved on to thank Adam.

Paris stood up beside William. “You were a cold bastard.”

William turned to glare at him but Paris only smiled, wandering away from him and down from the dais. William turned back to watch Andrew convey his thanks to Adam, watching the warrior’s impeccable manners. Mayhap Paris was right and he did feel threatened by a man with as great a reputation as his own. Mayhap d’Vant wasn’t such a bad person, considering William held his cousin Roan in great esteem. But what makes one person dislike another? He thought hard and really could not see any hard evidence that would cause him to dislike d’Vant. Was it, then, a type of professional envy?

He sighed. Mayhap he should apologize for his lack of manners over the past few days. He didn’t want the Red Fury thinking he was a horse’s arse.

When Andrew quit the hall and went out into the bailey, William followed. He caught up with the man halfway through the outer bailey.

Andrew stood off against William, his feet planted apart and waiting expectantly for The Wolf to speak. William eyed him before beginning.

“It has been suggested that I have been cold to you because I am envious of your reputation because it is near my own,” he said flatly. “But I think it is because my wife flirted with you. In either case, I will apologize for giving you the impression that I lack manners. I truly do hope your stay at Northwood was pleasant and I again thank you for coming to my assistance.”

D’Vant openly studied William. “You know, I have been hearing about you for several years and those people have sworn that no greater soldier has ever lived. If there is anyone who should be envious, it should be me. For that and for the fact that your wife is most beautiful. You have a great deal in this life, baron.”

William felt a bit humbled being praised by the man. “I consider myself fortunate as well,” he replied awkwardly. Feeling the conversation lag and having said what he had intended to, he excused himself and strode away. A call from Andrew stopped him.

“My lord,” he said, “Mayhap someday you will do me the honor of meeting me on the practice field. If you best me in a fight, will you stop being jealous of me?”

William fought off a grin. “Aye, that I might,” he said, adding “Mayhap the sooner the better.”

“You are wise,” Andrew said. I do not respect men, either, unless I have seen them fight, or have fought against them. Yet with you I will make an exception to that rule. Your reputation is too well known for me not to be in awe of you.”

William looked at him thoughtfully. He retraced his steps, leisurely, coming to rest in front of the Red Fury. Slowly, he raised his head and met his gaze. “I am feeling out of practice. It has been three whole days since I last bore a sword. What are your feelings, man?”

A glint came to Andrew’s soft brown eyes. “The same, my lord.”

William nodded decisively. “After you.”

Sweeping his arm in the direction of the practice field, Andrew grinned and they proceeded there, together.

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

’Twas not hard to hear the sound of metal on metal in the warm night air. The soldiers who were on patrol, plus hundreds of d’Vant’s men, found themselves circled around the practice field, eagerly watching the Red Fury and The Wolf go at it. Each man trying to out-do the other without cutting his opponent’s head off was quite a feat.

William had the strength of ten men, but Andrew was quicker. He would move like a shadow and strike, only to be met with a blow that rattled his teeth. William, on the other hand, felt as if he were fighting Perseus and his magic sword. Andrew was so fast he was nearly invisible.