Page 24 of Knight of Darkness
“You best try a little harder, my lady.”
She gazed upon her captain. “You are almost as irritating as he is,” she tossed her head in the direction ahead of them.
“You have never before objected to me voicing my opinion. I assume nothing has changed on that score just because of Norwood.”
Ceridwen sighed. “Nay, I value you speaking frankly with me. Besides, I doubt I could stop you even if I tried.”
He laughed. “You have that aright. ’Tis why your father appointed me your captain. He appreciated the fact I could put up with you and not allow myself to be wrapped around your little finger.”
“Your candor is appreciated, Arthur, but for once leave me to my inner thoughts.”
“As you wish, my lady.” Arthur gave a nod of his head, and after that, she was thankful to only hear the sound of an army on the move.
They had not traveled far before the inn came into view. For once, she might indulge herself and spend her hard-earned coins on a room for herself if one could be had.
“Arthur… See if a room is available. If I am to be condemned for being a woman, I might as well take advantage of the situation and feel a bed beneath me for a change.”
Arthur went inside the inn whilst Ceridwen saw to the stabling of their horses. She went to one of the packhorses and pulled at a satchel. Grabbing the leather bag, she slung it over her shoulder whilst she made her way into the inn.
The tavern was crowded and she noticed Thomas and Symond were already sitting with Norwood’s men, although Wymar was not amongst them. They raised their cups to her but instead of joining them, she waited by the stairway in the hopes a room was vacant.
Arthur joined her several moments later and took her bag from her. With a nod toward the upper floor, she followed him up the stairs. The passageway was dimly lit as they made their way down the hallway. After passing several doors, he came to what she assumed was her room and shoving open the portal, they entered. ’Twas a small chamber, but in her eyes ’twas a huge luxury for she had not pampered herself in such a way for a very long time. The room would more than suffice for the night.
“I paid for water and a tub to be brought up. I assumed you wished to bathe,” Arthur said whilst he placed her satchel upon the bed. “’Tis small but at least ’tis clean.”
“My thanks, Arthur,” she replied whilst she pulled off her tabard. He came to her and helped her remove the heavy chain mail and she felt as though the padding beneath the links was plastered to her body in sweat.
Before she could answer, a knock echoed in the chamber. Arthur swung open the door to admit several servants who carried in a large wooden tub along with pails of water. One bucket was placed by the fire to keep warm. One young woman stayed to assist Ceridwen.
“Do you have need of anything else?”
“Nay. I will be down shortly to enjoy a hot meal.”
“Bolt the door after,” he ordered, “to keep out the curs who are currently waiting to pounce upon you. Do not doubt that there are many.”
“Of course.”
He left and she slid the bolt into place. She gazed upon the metal and frowned as she gave the loose hinge a wiggle. Such a flimsy piece of ironwork would surely not protect her very well. She had best sleep this night with her sword close by her side.
Pulling out a dress from her bag, she gave it a shake. ’Twas the last truly clean garment she owned. Even though ’twas wrinkled, she hardly expected the linen to be perfect packed at the bottom of her bag, beneath all the other clothing she’d been wearing these many months. With the servant’s help, she slid out of her remaining clothes and sank into the warm water that sloshed over the edge of the wooden tub. She sighed in pleasure whilst her hair was unbraided.
She began to wash and took delight in feeling completely clean for the first time in many se’nnights. Her only complaint was the tub was not big enough for her to stretch out and just relax. But, so be it. Her bath complete, she seated herself by the fire to attempt to dry her hair as she began to ponder if Wymar would even notice she had taken such an effort to look presentable. There was only one way to find out.
Chapter Thirteen
Wymar was impatient.He paced back and forth from the stairs to his table and back again. How long did it take one woman to cleanse herself? He had heard Ceridwen’s captain asking for a room for her, and for a bath to be drawn, and Wymar had the sudden urge to see if another room was available for him, as well. Alas, she had taken the last chamber but the thought of leaving her unattended left Wymar with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his belly. She seemed to bring trouble to her side whether she willed it or not.
Her captain continued to watch him warily. Wymar could not truly blame the man since they did not know one another. Small talk seemed beyond him whilst he continued to intently watch the stairway. Wymar had even given up his seat at the table and instead watched for Ceridwen to appear from the upper floor.
After arriving at the inn and hearing there were no other vacancies, he had taken himself out back, plunged his head into the freezing horse trough and cleaned himself up as best as he could. He had donned a dark blue tunic that had been mended several times but still looked presentable despite the fact he had not changed hose. Why was he bothering to tidy himself up he could not say, at least out loud. That woman had stirred something in him that he refused to acknowledge even if only unto himself.
She was a lady… he was without title or land, although that had not always been the case. Where did he actually think their relationship could progress besides the two of them going their separate ways? ’Twas that damn kiss he had given her to teach her a lesson that had started his downfall. But how was he to know he would relive the feel of her lips upon his own for what had remained of the night—and for all the hours of the day?
His patience at an end, he had just put one foot upon the stairs to go and fetch her himself when she appeared upon the landing.By Saint Michael’s Wings!This woman was going to be his undoing. Her eyes widened when they met his own and she appeared surprised he was waiting for her. He looked her up and down and then noticed her long flowing blonde hair freely cascading down her back. Her dress was the same color as his own tunic as though they had coordinated their attire. A golden chain hung low on her hips and the end swayed whilst she descended the stairs.
He held out his hand for her and she willingly placed her cool fingers within his palm before he tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow once she was level with him. “Beautiful,” he whispered wishing they were dining alone instead of with their men.
She blushed from his compliment and he had the distinct notion she was not used to receiving them. “You have changed as well I see,” she murmured gazing up at his still wet hair.
