Page 11 of Knight of Chaos
“Aye,” Theobald answered before returning to her side. Ingrid held onto his arm as if he was the last person in the world who could stop her world from spinning.
“A woman fighting in a man’s war…” Oswin remarked in disbelief whilst the men began to erupt in laughter.
Ingrid’s own mirth finally broke free and the men all became silent. “Aman’swar?” She smirked at the audacity of these knights. “You fight for the Empress Matilda… a woman! If anything, this is a woman’s war.”
Theobald patted her hand. “Enough. There is no sense in having heated words spark more discontent. Aye, Ingrid is fighting for our Empress much like Lady Ceridwen did. You all know how well that particular lady held her own at the Battle of Lincoln. Ingrid is just as well-trained. I can assure you she is worthy to be fighting for our just cause. Otherwise, I would not allow her on the battlefield.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly although she felt slightly miffed that Theobald seemed to believe he could control her life. The men began to mumble between them.
“You are most welcome. Now, the gentlemen and I shall give you time to yourself, Ingrid, whilst I go procure us that meal. I shall not be gone long and will ask Reynard to stand guard outside until my return.”
Ingrid was not given any time to reply whilst the men all left. She could see Theobald whispering to Reynard, who stood at the entrance of the tent, before the flapped dropped back down into place.
The space seemed empty without Theobald’s presence but she assumed since his brother was the one to guard the tent, she was safe enough to continue to clean herself as best as possible. A pitcher of water sat on a small table along with an iron bowl and she made use of the small cloth and soap found next to it. After she finished, Ingrid had a moment to wonder when Theobald had found the time to have this set up in the tent for her use. She was thankful to at least have the grime from the battle removed from her skin.
The thought of once more donning the smelly garments she pulled from her drenched body was abhorrent but she would have no other choice come the next day of fighting. For now, she was as clean as she could be, and she redressed in another spare pair of hose and a tunic.
With nothing more to do, she laid down upon her pallet to await Theobald’s return. She would close her eyes for only a moment to rest—or so she thought. Instead, she fell into a deep sleep and dreamed of a man with eyes the color of the forest and dark wavy brown hair who kissed her until she was happy for the first time in her entire life.
And upon awakening, her dreams proved to herself that somehow and someway, Theobald Norwood had crept into her heart. She could only ponder if perchance he might stay there…
Chapter Nine
Theobald led theway to the nearest inn, found a vacant table, and called for ale. Blake, Oswin, and Kingsley took their places and when filled tankards were placed before them, they all sighed in pleasure as the cool brew slipped down their parched throats. Theobald ordered food to take back to Ingrid whilst the men all silently stared at him obviously waiting for further information on the woman who was now waiting in his tent.
“Remember when I held back on our way here to Winchester?” he asked while the men all nodded. “I caught a glimpse of her hair through the forest. She was hell bent on joining the Empress’s army. What else was I do to but offer the woman my protection?”
“She’s lovely,” Kingsley commented. “You are a lucky man to have such a treasure near at hand.”
Theobald groaned beneath his breath. “’Tis not like that, you fool. I but offered to help keep her safe and when she proved more than capable to handle a sword, what was I going to do? Just toss her away to find herself surrounded by knights who may not be as honorable?”
Oswin chuckled. “Nay, of course not, but do you not see this woman for the beauty she is?God’s Blood, that red hair alone would drive any man insane with desire.”
“Do not speak so lightly of her,” Theobald warned.
Oswin held up his hands. “You protest overly much for a woman whom you say means little to you.”
“I am treating her like the cousin I told the earl she was, nothing more,” Theobald replied, although the lie was bitter on his tongue. If things and times were different, perchance…
Blake leaned forward. “Mayhap you will not mind if I also offer her myprotection.” His smile was wicked and it took all of Theobald’s willpower to keep from pulling out the dirk hidden in his boot.
Theobald watched Blake warily. “Be careful you do not test my patience more than you already have, my friend.”
The men’s bellow of laughter caused the heads of those seated nearby to twist around to find the humor of the situation. They quickly turned back to mind their own business.
Kingsley slapped the wooden table. “Enough, men. Leave Theobald alone to deal with the lady as he sees fit. If he cannot appreciate the woman, one of us can be nearby to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart.”
Blake chuckled and slapped Theobald’s back. “For a moment I thought that mayhap you were finally going to let your guard down and allow your heart to become ensnared by a pretty face. Considering what you told me of your past, I was surprised. Now I see you have no notion to pursue the fair lady. I am relieved.”
Theobald cursed and for once his frown of displeasure only heightened the amusement of the men seated with him instead of causing them to keep their opinions to themselves. A fleeting vision of a woman raced across his mind before he let the memory fade once more. He refused to even think her name and would in no way relive memories of their brief time together. When the servant placed a wicker basket before him, he gave her several coins to pay for the meal, promised to return the hamper on the morrow, and bid his friends a restful good night.
The streets were eerily quiet and dark but the moon above shone bright enough for Theobald to find his way back to his tent. He was thankful for the small comforts he would find within but knew this might not always be available for his use. ’Twould all depend on which direction this war would go next… not that this particular siege was over. As he drew closer to his temporary dwelling, he nodded to Reynard who continued to stand guard despite the fact he, too, must be exhausted.
“’Tis quiet inside?” Theobald asked his brother whilst resting his hand upon his shoulder.
“Aye, nary a sound,” Reynard replied nodding towards the entrance. “You have taken on a lot having to see to a woman’s safety along with fighting for our Empress.”
“I can handle the situation, Reynard.”
