Page 26 of Knight of Chaos
“My Empress,” Theobald said. “How may I be of service to you?”
“The Norwood brothers, ever faithful to my cause,” Empress Matilda replied looking over their shoulders to the men behind them. “Is that Grancourt I see as well?”
Richard stepped forward. “Aye, my Empress.”
“Come closer so that I might see you better,” she ordered, and Richard also fell down to one knee. “Still following the Norwoods, Grancourt?” she asked. A corner of her mouth lifted with a knowing grin.
“Or they are following me, Empress. In either case, I willingly fight by their side as I did when I followed Lord Wymar into battle at Lincoln.”
“Aye, and such a glorious battle that was with the capture of that usurper, Stephen. I wish I could say things here at Winchester were going according to my plans. But alas, such is not the case.” She waved her hand and the men rose to their feet.
Theobald placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. “I am certain ’tis but a temporary setback, Empress Matilda. We would willingly lay down our lives to help place you on the throne.”
The Empress nodded her head. “Let us hope the situation does not come to that. I have no doubt as to the faithfulness of those who currently surround me. You and your brothers have served me well this past year. Grancourt, as well. ’Tis my hope that we may still yet win the day and this city.”
Reynard inched forward. “We shall do all in our power to make it so.”
The Empress held out a hand and a chalice was placed in her grasp. She took a sip and then handed the cup back to her attendant. “And tell me, young Reynard, how was your older brother faring since you were the last to see him? Is he enjoying marital bliss?”
Reynard nodded with a slight bow. “Thanks to your graciousness in allowing him to marry Lady Ceridwen.”
“They were a good match despite the lady’s refusal to follow my orders to stay at Norwich originally. I assumed that they would learn to love one another and would make an amicable union,” she said, talking as though she had initiated their first meeting. “I was sorry to hear of her father’s passing, but I know the lands are in good hands with her steward.”
“I ensured all was in order before leaving, Empress Matilda,” Richard stated before he was waved back into place with the other knights that stood behind Theobald and Reynard.
“I had no doubt such was the case, Grancourt,” she murmured before glancing behind Theobald.
Theobald leaned to the side, hoping to distract the Empress. “Mayhap you can inform us how we might serve you better whilst residing inside the castle?” he inquired praying that his ploy would work. Her next words told him that he had failed.
“Who is that you are all trying to hide? Hopefully ’tis not more rabble like those outside my gates.”
Theobald frowned at her words. “You mean the rabble that makes up your army, madam? The same rabble who fights in your name or protects you? Is this the rabble you speak of?” he fumed.
The corners of the Empress’s mouth turned upward in amusement. “You have some nerve, Norwood, to be so miffed with me or at least speak your thoughts aloud. And here I thought to bestow lands and a title upon you upon my success in gaining the throne.” She sat back in her chair waiting for the apology she knew he would utter.
“I meant no disrespect, my Empress, only that those who serve you do so with a loyalty—”
“—that I demand of all those who surround me,” she finished with a frown. She turned her attention once more to Ingrid, and Theobald knew he was unable to stop whatever would happen next.
“I am but your humble servant,” Theobald replied with another bow of total obedience. He could do no less, and Reynard silently followed his actions.
“Of course, you are, Norwood. Now… Come forward, young man with the red hair, and address your Empress,” she demanded.
The knights parted and Ingrid made her way forward. Theobald and Reynard made a space between them, and Ingrid fell to her knees. “My Empress,” she said in a hushed town. There was no mistaking her voice as anything other than that of a woman.
“Good heavens! Another lady fighting for my cause,” Empress Matilda uttered in disbelief. “What is it with you Norwoods? Can you not leave these women where they belong—at home and not on the battlefield where they risk their lives?”
Ingrid quickly rose to her feet. “’Tis not their fault, Empress. I am here of my own accord.”
The Empress lifted her brow in what could only be termed curiosity. “Are you now? No one has forced you to follow the camp to become—”
“Nay, Empress!” Ingrid shouted at the implied reference she was one of the whores who serviced the men.
“Quiet!” the Empress ordered those in attendance in her court as the whisperings became louder. She returned her gaze to Theobald. “And is this woman competent enough with a sword to hold her own during the fighting?”
“More than capable, my Empress, else she would not be found on the battlefield. I myself ensured she could wield her blade as well as any man who serves you,” Theobald answered honestly.
The Empress drummed her fingers on the wooden arm of her chair. “I see,” she murmured whilst her eyes once more scanned Ingrid from head to toe. “What is your name, girl?”
