Page 8 of Knight of Chaos
“Yield,” she warned, “and you will live to see another day.
The man’s eyes widened whilst he gulped, his Adam’s apple moving closer to the blade. He frowned as if still weighing his options and Ingrid brought her blade even closer, nicking his neck until a small trickle of blood spilled down.
“Do you yield?” she asked again, and the knight carefully nodded.
Some of the crowd cheered, others who had chosen poorly groaned. Ingrid at last stepped away from her opponent and heckled the man who had lost to her. “Next time I would be careful with your words.”
Ingrid began making her way toward Theobald when he yelled out her name.
“Ingrid! Watch out.”
She quickly turned back and raised her blade in time to deflect a dagger the cur had hurled at her back. She fumed, weighing her options before speaking to the crowd. “This man has no honor and I leave him for you to decide his fate. I have important fighting to do on behalf of Empress Matilda, so I have no more time to waste with such low-life scum.”
She walked backwards in the event the man wished to continue to once more take things further. But apparently his last cowardly act had been enough. When he disappeared into the crowd that continued to yell embarrassing comments toward him, Ingrid realized that the match was now indeed finished.
She went back to where her meal had been left for she had not forgotten her original purpose for leaving the stable in the first place. She went to Theobald and gazed up into those green orbs that took note of her from head to toe, apparently looking for injuries.
“Have you met him before?” he asked whilst continuing to keep an eye on the dispersing crowd.
“Nay. Our paths have never crossed before last eve when he hurled his nasty remarks.”
“He looks familiar, but I cannot recall where I might have seen him,” Theobald remarked. He continued to gaze upon her with an amused expression.
“Well? Have I proved my worth in your eyes? Not that your opinion of my skill matters to me, of course.” She grinned sheepishly.
A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Aye, more than proved it.”
“Good! Then I have a small repast that we can eat whilst we travel. I have a feeling we are running late… again.”
They entered the stable, saddling their horses in no time, and resumed their journey to Winchester.
Chapter Seven
Theobald munched onthe bread and cheese Ingrid had provided to break their fast, watching her from the corner of his eyes whilst he rode next to her. She continued to give him a satisfied grin whenever she caught him looking. If she could ride her horse whilst in battle as well as she had protected herself with her sword this morn, Theobald knew she could indeed hold her own against any foe… at least for as long as the strength of her arm held out. One bout of sword fighting could in no way compare to a full-on battle that could last far longer than this morn’s event.
But she was just as talented as Wymar’s lady. Ingrid reminded him of Ceridwen in many ways, at least with her talents with a sword. He still did not know much about the confident woman who rode beside him, but there was plenty of time to learn more of her past. Or so he hoped.
There were but a few straggling knights who rode with them giving testament to the lateness of the hour. Theobald could not remember a time where he had not awoken prior to the rising of the sun. He did not wish for the Empress to learn he was no longer riding with the full strength of her army. He had no wish to become out of favor with the woman. She had a temper, and he did not desire to be on the receiving end when she hurled out her words in anger.
Riders coming up from the rear drew his attention and he reined in his mount whilst putting his hand on the hilt of his sword. He immediately recognized the standard of Robert Fitzroy, the Earl of Gloucester. The earl was the Empress’s half-brother and had been her chief military supporter for many years. The illegitimate son of King Henry I of England, Gloucester was acknowledged at birth and had been raised at his father’s court. He had the reputation of being an educated man.
“Hold!” a knight in the front line called out, causing Ingrid to also turn her horse in their direction bringing Valor alongside Buttercup.
She leaned over in her saddle. “Who is that?” she questioned.
“Later…” Theobald answered before Gloucester himself rode forward. Theobald did his best to bow considering his current position on his horse. “My lord…”
Gloucester narrowed his gaze whilst he took in the pair of them before he returned his attention to Theobald. “You look familiar. Have we met?”
Theobald nodded. “Briefly, my lord, at the battle of Lincoln when you captured the usurper Stephen.”
“Aye… Norwood, is it not?”
“Theobald Norwood at your service, my lord.”
“You and your brothers have been staunch supporters of my sister. I suppose this is why she returned Wymar’s lands and title to him, along with allowing him and Lady Ceridwen to wed.”
Theobald’s eyes widened at his words. “My brothers and I are all grateful to have had our lands restored, my lord. However, while I knew the Empress had selected a bride for him, I had no knowledge Wymar and that particular lady were to wed, although I know my brother is probably most grateful. He has long favored the lady of Norwich.”
