Page 61 of Knight of Darkness
“You are truly a remarkable woman, Ceridwen.”
She rolled on top of him. “Then show me…”
Another grin slowly creased his lips. “As you command, my lady.”
Far into the eve did Wymar shower his wife in his devotion and the love he felt for her. They had a lifetime together and even an eternity would never be enough to prove how much this woman meant to him.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
The morning airwas brisk. A blanket of fog hung low over the ground, making the day appear later than it was. ’Twas an eerie sight to behold and did not offer a good omen for those who would travel this day. ’Twould be hard to see anyone who might attempt hiding in the mist so as to lie in wait for an attack. Most of the wedding guests were still abed inside the keep after a night of revelry but Wymar and Ceridwen were up early in order to bid safe travels to his brother along with Richard and Beatrix.
Ceridwen pulled the hood over her head. She was a bit bleary eyed as her husband had kept her up most of the night, not that she would complain. There could be no doubt that their marriage had been properly and most thoroughly consummated.
The Empress’s guards stood at the ready and only awaited Reynard. Beatrix was attempting to keep out the cold whilst standing next to a wagon by blowing her warm breath into her hands and shuffling her feet. Her ladies were already seated within the cart and but awaited their mistress to join them. Wymar and Richard stood next to her whilst having speech together. When Ceridwen approached, they cut their conversation off.
Richard bowed before her. Beatrix dropped down into a curtsey. Richard reached out for Ceridwen’s hands, and she gladly took them. “Congratulations again on your marriage, Lady Ceridwen. I am sorry we had to roust you from your slumber at such an ungodly hour, but I must needs see my sister home before I again join the Empress’s ranks.”
“We need not stand on formality, Richard, especially given you are like family. Besides, we fought side by side for the Empress’s cause. I do not think ’tis necessary to call each other anything but our given names,” she replied squeezing his hands before dropping them when Wymar came and wrapped his hand around her waist.
Richard nodded. “As you wish… Ceridwen.”
Ceridwen nodded as well. “Where must you travel to join our Empress?” she asked.
Richard and Wymar exchanged a quick glance before Wymar replied. “Richard is not allowed to say, dearest. You understand.”
She felt put in her place with that reminder that she would no longer be privy to information on the movements of the Empress’s army. Yet she felt no great loss as a result. Her fighting days were over. She was now the mistress of Brockenhurst, and her duties were here. “Of course. Godspeed, Richard, and to you as well, Beatrix. May your travels home be done in safety.”
Ceridwen was surprised when Beatrix came to her and kissed both cheeks. “Thank you again for your graciousness, my lady,” she whispered before allowing her brother to assist her into the wagon.
Richard bowed to them again before going to his horse and lifting himself into the saddle. With a brief wave, their party was off, and Ceridwen was unsure when they would see them again at Brockenhurst, especially if Richard was off to further the cause of Empress Matilda.
Wymar kissed the top of her head. “Shall we see my brother off?” he asked, turning her toward where Reynard waited near his horse.
“Somehow I feel this parting for you may be more difficult,” she replied, watching him carefully.
“Reynard is more like me than either of us care to admit. Stubborn to a fault and sometimes much too rash, landing him into trouble more often than not. He seems to wreak havoc wherever he may go.”
A slight giggle left her. “You? Stubborn?”
His laughter rumbled in his chest. “Mayhap just a little.”
They walked across the inner bailey before reaching Reynard and Wymar gave his brother a fierce hug. “Stay safe, you young scamp.”
Reynard returned the hug, slapping his brother upon his back before the two broke apart. “You would think he would learn I am no longer wet behind the ears,” he muttered before looking at Ceridwen. “Mayhap you could teach him some manners, my lady.”
She hid her laughter behind her hand before she wrapped her own arms around her brother-in-law. “Godspeed, Reynard. Please return when you can. You must needs know this is always your home.”
“Aye, but thank you for saying so… not that you need me wandering your halls being newly wedded and all,” Reynard stated with a grin. He then stepped closer to the couple so his words would not be overheard. “Last I heard, the Empress was in Oxford after failing to be crowned. Rumor has it she is heading to Winchester so we are heading in either direction to meet up with her army wherever they may be upon the road.”
Wymar nodded. “Your whereabouts shall be kept between us.
“Aye,” Ceridwen agreed. “Spies can be everywhere but you both know such is the case.”
Reynard clasped his brother one last time before he, too, alit into his saddle and gave a signal to the Empress’s men he was ready. Horses began making their way through Brockenhurst’s barbican gate.
Reynard put on leather gloves and took up the reins. “I will give your best to Theobald once I meet up with him. I am certain he was sorry he could not attend your nuptials. If I know him, I am sure he is even now sitting in some pub toasting your marriage and causing chaos with the serving maids,” Reynard laughed.
Wymar placed his hand upon his brother’s leg. “Just watch each other’s back and return home alive.”
