Page 19 of Knight of Chaos
Richard groaned. “You know her all too well.”
“Of course I know her, the little minx. Shedidgrow up with us and came to visit Brockenhurst enough times that we kept a room for her there for whenever she might stopover.”
Richard sighed. “She seems to have become overly bold in her desires since I have been away. My parents do little to discourage her.”
“Has there ever been a time that Beatrice has not gone out of her way to get whatever she thinks she desires? What did she want this time?”
“Your brother.”
“Wymar?” he asked, aghast at the thought.
“Aye!”
“But she is like our little sister,” Theobald bellowed. “That could not have gone over well with my brother. Especially when the Empress had already decided he was to marry the woman of his heart.”
“I could have wrung her neck when I found out she had been passing herself off as the bride the Empress sent for Wymar. Luckily, your brother was immediately suspicious and was able to delay until Ceridwen arrived. Considering I was the one escorting Ceridwen to Brockenhurst for their marriage, the whole situation could have been disastrous.”
Theobald thought of the blonde beauty he had fought beside during the battle of Lincoln. Another rare gem. Wymar was very blessed in his marriage. “How did Ceridwen handle such a reunion?”
Richard smirked. “With all the grace God gave her. I do not think Beatrice was ready for a woman who would not let another stand in the way of her wedding to the man she loved.”
“Good for Ceridwen,” Theobald said. “You know how much we care for your sister, but Beatrice tends to think she can wrap anyone she wishes around her finger.”
“Aye. My parents were not pleased when I returned home with her and informed them of her ploy to ensnare Wymar in wedded bliss,” Richard growled out reaching an area where a makeshift kitchen had been set up to feed the Empress’s army. They each grabbed a bowl of porridge and began to eat whilst continuing to stand.
“I can only assume you made a hasty retreat to return to the campaign,” Theobald replied between bites. He saw Reynard in the distance and waved him forward. His brother nodded to Richard as he, too, took up a bowl of food to break his fast. ’Twas not much but the porridge would fill their bellies.
“Aye and met the Earl once I arrived here at Winchester, so I joined his ranks. Still, I must admit I am tired of war,” Richard answered with a heavy sigh. “’Twould be a pleasure to just sit and relax in front of my own fire for a change.”
Reynard almost choked on his meal. “You would be bored within the week,” he chuckled.
Theobald joined him. “We are destined to win another victory for our Empress, Richard. Think of the glory and fame once we have achieved our objective of having her crowned queen. She is sure to reward us greatly for our service to her cause, possibly even granting us lands belonging to her defeated enemies.”
Richard scowled. “There are times when I wish I could foresee the day before us and have the matter done. I have the notion this war may go on for years.”
Reynard wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “Surely you jest, Richard?” he said putting down his now finished meal. “Once we take this castle, all our troubles will be over. Do you not agree, brother?”
Theobald and Richard passed a look between them. “We shall see, Reynard,” Theobald replied. “Now, I must needs take some porridge to Mistress Ingrid. Watch each other’s back today and I shall see you upon the battlefield.”
Theobald observed the two men leave, praying both would survive to fight another day. He had his bowl refilled and began striding towards his tent. He about fell over when he viewed Ingrid struggling to sit up.
Rushing forward, he placed the bowl on the table and then quickly made his way to Ingrid’s side. “Bloody Hell, woman!” he cursed. “Are you trying to rip open your stiches? What the devil do you think you are doing?”
Her eyes held unshed tears as her cheeks pinkened in her embarrassment. “If you must know,” she began whilst rolling her eyes, “I am in desperate need of taking care of my business.”
“What business?” he roared. “There is nothing outside of this tent that needs your attention this day!”
“Must I hit you over the head or are you that unaware that I must needs see to…”
She could not seem to finish her sentence and then her situation dawned on him. He was a thick-skulled dullard! “Ah… I see,” he said helping her to rise. “There is a chamber pot over yonder. Can you make it that far?”
“Aye, as long as you leave me a few moments of privacy,” she scoffed. Slowly, she made her way across the tent on wobbly legs. She turned to look back over her shoulder. “Well? May I have a few moments to myself?”
“Aye… of course. I will be right outside if you have need of me,” he murmured. He took his leave, but he did not go far. After several minutes of worrying, he finally heard his name being called. Entering, he found Ingrid sitting on the stool at the table with the porridge in front of her.
“My thanks for the meal,” she said taking a spoonful. “I did not realize how hungry I was until I started eating.”
“You should be back resting on your pallet,” Theobald replied in concern. Her face that was flushed pink but moments ago was now white as though she had used up all her energy.
