Page 6 of Knight of Chaos
“And he knows it,” Theobald snorted. He studied her for a moment before he began to speak. “Not that I wish to share all my secrets, but I have been unseated in both life and love too many times. I decided to name this cursed horse Buttercup as an act of revenge against life’s injustices. He is a reminder to myself to not take anything too seriously. If I do, I am certain to lose it.”
Such a confession was not what she expected and Ingrid was momentarily at a loss for words. Before she could form any sort of comment, Theobald pushed his heels into the side of Buttercup and both man and beast began to trot down the road. Ingrid clucked her tongue and Valor easily caught up to the pair. She could only wonder what revelations the remainder of the day would bring.
Chapter Five
Theobald angrily cursedhis own stupidity after his failed attempt to barter for a room at the Old Crow’s Nest, the only available inn in the tiny market town of Basingstoke. Considering the tavern was full of the very men with whom he had been traveling, he should not have been surprised to learn any vacant rooms had already been rented for the night. Most of the knights traveling for the Empress had already set up camp in the surrounding area of the town. Sometimes it did not pay to be late but what else could he have done once he encountered Ingrid traveling on her own?
He left the dimly lit inn emitting the delicious smell of roasted venison. His mouth watered in hunger even as he made his way toward where Ingrid stood, holding the reins of both horses and appearing as if she were cooing to them both. Buttercup, for once, seemed to be behaving for the lady despite having the male steed vying for her attention. A knight, who was clearly into his cups, passed her by whilst slurring an inappropriate invitation that caused Theobald to reach for his blade. But in the end, Theobald chuckled when he heard Ingrid tell the man topiss off!Mayhap she could take care of herself after all.
“By the frown upon your brow, you appear as though you do not bear good news.” She gave him a slight smile as if to appear confident but he could see for himself that she was weary to the bone.
Theobald came and took Buttercup’s reins. “Unfortunately, we are too late to have a bed in the inn this eve. We were lucky they have room in the stable so I’ve paid for the horses along with coins to see them fed. The innkeeper said we were free to sleep in the loft above.”
“Together?” Her chin trembled with her words.
“As I mentioned before… you are safe with me, Mistress Ingrid,” he reassured her… or at least attempted to. He was too tired to worry overmuch about her apprehension. She either trusted him or she did not. He gave a heavy sigh knowing in his heart that he might not be so easy to trust a stranger if he were in her situation. She did not know that had no intention to dally with a woman. He had given up on falling in love as his brother had done. The betrayal of one woman from his youth still haunted him after all these years.
He began leading his horse in the direction of the barn and Ingrid followed quietly behind him. Inside, the stable was dimly lit with only a few torches set in sconces upon the walls but there was enough light to find the last two empty stalls side by side. The bridles and saddles were taken off their horses. Ingrid worked silently but efficiently, even going so far as to find a brush and comb to groom her mount. He had no idea how long or far she had been traveling this day, not that it mattered. Once the horses were taken care of and fed, he would see that they found a place in the tavern and order them a hot meal.
Wooden stairs were located at the back of the barn and Theobald took it upon himself to take his satchel along with Ingrid’s up to the loft. ’Twas clear they were not the first who had slept in the barn before as several blankets were neatly folded on a small, worn wooden table. Their makeshiftbedchamberwould have to do for the night. At least they would not be sleeping on the ground. And thankfully, the worn mattresses on the floor appeared free of vermin. Hoping their belongings would be safe, he went back down the steps to find Ingrid had ensured both horses had a pail of oats.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“Starved,” she replied with another small smile.
“Then let us find ourselves a table and sup. The tavern is busy but I believe I saw a vacant table.”
“Will I be safe with so many inside?” she asked whilst concern flashed briefly in her eyes.
“As out of harm’s way as I can keep you, but mayhap you should have asked yourself such a question prior to embarking on this foolish journey,” he muttered seeing for himself that Ingrid was uneasy to be around a large group of men. There was certainly no guarantee that she would be treated with respect. Still… He knew nothing about her but he also did not want to underestimate her given his past association with the woman his brother had come to love. Ceridwen could yield a sword as well as any man of his acquaintance and Theobald could only pray Ingrid could do the same if there came a need to defend herself in the tavern.
“Iwillhold my own, Sir Theobald,” she stated firmly with a stubborn tilt of her head.
“We shall see.” He waved his hand for Ingrid to proceed him and they left the stable together. When they got to the tavern door, raucous laughter could be heard within giving the impression that most had already indulged in their fair share of several cups of drink. Ingrid went to open the door but Theobald reached out his hand to stop her. They shared a brief moment gazing into one another’s eyes before he cleared his throat. “Best be careful. Stay behind me.”
He expected another argument about how she was more than capable of taking care of herself but this time she remained silent. Making his way into the tavern, he espied a small booth near the rear of the taproom. He nodded toward Blake, Oswin, and Kingsley who sat at a table with other knights. Blake’s brow rose when he witnessed Theobald escorting a woman. He scowled when he heard Blake’s laughter reach him over the crowd. He was certain he would hear more from his riding companions once they learned Ingrid was under his protection.
Reaching the booth, he made Ingrid scoot herself along the bench making her position difficult for anyone who had ideas to reach her. He took his place next to her and for all intents and purposes, they appeared as though they were a couple, which he hoped would halt any man who might think of getting to the woman. He planned on keeping his word that she would be safe within his presence.
A serving wench with a welcoming “come hither” look came to the table. She briefly glanced at Ingrid before she licked her lips, bending forward until she was all but spilling her breasts from her garment as she ran a hand down Theobald’s arm.
“What can I get ye, govn’r?” she asked in what Theobald supposed was an invitation. It seemed odd that she would behave so blatantly when he was, to all appearances, already committed to another woman, but mayhap she was of the sort who enjoyed competing with those of her sex. Perhaps she thought she would achieve some triumph in “stealing” him away from Ingrid.
“Ale,” he replied shortly before casting an eye to Ingrid. “Or would you prefer wine, my dear?” His endearment caused Ingrid’s lips to twitch in suppressed amusement. Theobald gave her a warning look.
“Ale would be fine…darling,” Ingrid replied with an enchanting smile.
He nodded and returned his attention to the barmaid. “Bring ale for the both of us. I also saw venison being served. If there is any left, bring that along with meat pies and whatever else you might recommend.”
“Is there anythin’ else I can be gettin’ ye, govn’r?” she asked in one last attempt for him to accept her unspoken proposition.
He scowled and the maid finally backed off. “Just the ale and food.” He waved her off and soon two tankards were set before them along with a thick crusty bread and freshly made butter. He took a sip of his ale and sighed in pleasure.
“Has it been that long since you’ve had a cool drink of ale to parch your thirst, Sir Theobald?” Ingrid asked before reaching for a piece of bread at the same time Theobald did. A gasp escaped her when their fingertips touched and she yanked her hand away from the food before them.
“’Tis been a while.” He hid a smirk and moved the plate of bread closer to her reach. Taking up his tankard again, he nodded in her direction. “A good ale, a fair meal, and the company of a lovely young woman. What more could a knight ask for?”
She took a bite of her bread before washing it down with her drink. “You answered the serving maid as though we were together.”
