Page 20 of Promises Made at Midnight
His eyes came to rest on none other than Lady Amiria, who was dressed as usual in her chainmail. He had never in his life met another woman who could yield a sword as she could, and he had remarked several times to Dristan that he had been lucky to find such a rare woman to call wife. His brows drew together as he peered across the lists. ’Twas odd Amiria was not showing her normal aggressive behavior with a sword in hand, despite her being with child. He took another sip of mead before almost choking on the brew knowing what appeared out of place with the scene before his very eyes.
Black hair pulled together with a leather strap swayed back and forth as the small knight twirled in a circle and met Lady Amiria’s sword. ’Twas done in slow motion since ’twas apparent that said lady was teaching the otherknightthe finer points of sword play. He could not believe what he was seeing, for he knew without any doubt ’twas Lady Bridgette beneath the helmet.
He was halfway across the lists, narrowly missing several blades coming into contact with his body, before he even realized he was moving. He continued his careless stride toward the two women, only knowing he must needs reach Bridgette before she did the unthinkable and harmed herself. BySaint Michael’s Wings, what was Lady Amiria thinking, trying to teach a lady from the future the use of a blade?
Ulrick quickened his pace and observed in dismay when Bridgette tripped and landed in an undignified heap on the ground. He ran to her side, offering his hand to assist her. A laugh of unmistakable joy burst from beneath her helmet. She took off the metal, placed it under one of her arms, and stood on her own accord.
“Thanks, Ulrick, but I’ve got this,” she answered merrily. “Damn, that was a blast, Amiria. Can we do it again tomorrow?”
Ulrick took her by the upper arm and watched as her eyes narrowed. “By the blessed Virgin Mary, you will not be lifting a sword any more today or any other day for that matter, Bridgette,” he said with a fierce scowl. “And what is thisblastthing you speak of?”
“Blast can mean fun… you know… something you obviously don’t know anything about, since you’re chastising me in front of the whole company,” Bridgette replied in a huff. Her confidence was unnerving.
Amiria chuckled, whilst sheathing her own sword at her side. “I will leave you two to settle this between you,” she declared, with a mischievous grin. “Bridgette, I will see you later at the evening meal.”
“Thanks again, Amiria, for this and the outing. It was nice to meet your sister and also to see some of the countryside,” Bridgette happily said.
Ulrick stood there, trying to get his temper in check whilst Bridgette tried to get him to loosen his hold on her. Instead, he gave her a little shake. “What did you think you were doing, lifting a sword? Do you not know you could have been hurt? The lists are no place for a woman,” he bellowed, before he leaned down whispering in her ear, “and ’tis not like yourplay actingyou spoke of from your world.”
“And yet the lady to your own liege lord just left these very same lists,” Bridgette answered, pointing in the direction of Amiria. “From what I understand, she held her own plus protected her family during the siege ofthisvery castle. I applaud her courageandher husband for allowing her to continue to do as she pleases.”
“Amiria is not your normal woman for these times,” Ulrick shouted, trying to justify his anger to the lady before him.
“And neither am I.” Her chin jutted out in her determination for him to see her point. She was going to be the death of him!
Dropping her helmet, she firmly took a hold of his fingers around her arm until he at last released her. He folded his arms over his chest. She then proceeded to copy his manner. Her stance would have been comical, had they not had the attention of every garrison knight attempting to show their amusement at the dispute. He would not admit aloud that her determination was to be admired, considering she barely reached to his chest. He prepared himself for a battle of wills and he was unsure if he would come out the winner.
But ’twas her eyes flashing fire that gave Ulrick the briefest glimpse of the woman’s strength lying just beneath the surface. “Let’s get a few things straight between us for the sake of both our sanities. First and foremost, I’m used to doing things when and where I want to. I don’t need you, or anyone else’s, permission if I want to take a stab at hacking away at someone with a sword in my hand,” she fumed.
He could no longer remain silent. “You will not—” Ulrick began, only to clamp his lips shut when she raised her hand to stop his words.
“Second. Although I appreciate the gallantry offered with trying to get myself up from the ground, I’m perfectly capable of standing on my own two feet. I’m pretty independent where I come from,” Bridgette stated, reaching behind her head to take the strap from her hair. She gave her head a shake, freeing the locks as they danced in the wind before his eyes. God… what a beauty!
“I am a knight of the realm, hence I am honor bound to ensure you are taken care of,” Ulrick replied, trying to think of anything other than wishing to feel the silkiness of her hair between his fingers.
“And I appreciate the gesture, but, again, I’m capable of taking care of myself,” she reiterated, and proceeded to once again tame her hair with the leather tie.
Ulrick did everything he could not to sputter his displeasure. “Have you no one that takes care of you in this future world of yours? Surely your sire, at the very least?”
“Yes and no. My parents live clear across the country and I’ve been on my own for several years now,” she answered, with a far off look in her brilliant green eyes. “It does make me wonder, though, how my friend Megan is dealing with my sudden disappearance. I mean… did I just cease to exist, leaving no trace of my former life? Am I on television as a missing person? Do they all think I was abducted? Are they even now looking for my body, believing I’m dead?”
Ulrick wiped at his brow. “You are very inquisitive. You have questions but I can offer you no answers, my lady. It makes my head hurt.”
“Welcome to my world. Can you imagine how you would feel if the situation was reversed?”
“Nay! I do not wish to think on being trapped in a world not my own.”
“You wouldn’t like to be freaked out by modern technology?” Bridgette asked, then burst out into laughter with the face he must have shown her. “Never mind. I’ll stop teasing you. How about if we continue on where Amiria left off?”
“Why,” he said, aghast at the thought of lifting a blade toward a woman.
“To protect myself, of course,” she replied with a grin, as she put on her helmet.
“I can assure you that I will protect you to the best of my ability. There is no need for you to do so yourself,” Ulrick huffed.
“Then I’ll learn so I can protectyourback… in case the need ever presents itself,” she declared, lifting her sword. “That is… if you’re up to the challenge to spar with a mere woman.
He cursed beneath his breath at her outlandish challenge, as though his manhood was at stake if he did not endeavor to amuse her. “Then do not hold the sword thusly,” he answered, going to stand behind Bridgette. He wrapped his arms around her to help her position the sword and to show her the correct handling of the blade. ’Twas almost his undoing, being this close to her, despite the metal links between them. He could sense everything about her, even when she took a breath and held it with his nearness.
