Page 282 of Historical Hotties
“The same, I would imagine, but I’ve not spoken to any of them.”
Thor paused and turned to Truett. “It simply proves my theory,” he said. “I said that it was possible de Tosni’s knights were ruling over Stafford as if it was their person domain, and you are the second person who has confirmed that theory. I intend to have an honest conversation with these men about it, but one thing is increasingly certain.”
“What is that?”
Thor cocked a dark eyebrow. “That de Lucera, his cousins, and Madam Madonna are to be exiled from Stafford permanently,” he said. “In fact, I see no reason to wait. True, will you see to it?”
Truett nodded. “Of course,” he said. “What do you want me to do?”
Thor turned in the direction of the gatehouse with the vault hidden below it. “Take twenty of our men,” he said quietly. “Escort them to collect their belongings, but they are to take nothing of value with them. No coin, no weapons. They can only take what they can carry, and you will have them escorted out of here and left at Penkridge. That was the village just south of here. Give them two pounds each and tell them that if they ever show their faces at Stafford or Tamworth that I will cut their heads off and feed them to the pigs. They’re damn lucky I’m not keeping them all in the vault for the rest of their lives. But… I want to be fair. Fairer than they’ve treated anyone around here, from what I’m hearing.”
Truett fought off a grin. “I will happily do it, my lord.”
“Do it today.”
“Aye, my lord.”
With that, Truett was gone, preparing to throw the de Luceras and Madam Madonna out on their ears while Thor went to the head of the gathering of Stafford soldiers and servants and told the entire group who he was, whom he stood for, whom he had married, and the fact that every individual who served Stafford was to listen to Lady de Reyne as if God Himself was speaking to them.
He left little doubt.
Some would say that Stafford Castle was saved that day.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
One Week Later
Dordon Castle
When Rotri andDomnall returned to Dordon nearly a week later, they were in for a surprise.
Rotri was relieved to see the pale walls of Dordon Castle come into view. He felt as if he’d been away forever when the truth was that had only been a few months. When he had first received Dordon from his brother upon the death of their father, he had complained so much about it that everyone thought he hated it. The truth was that he loved the place.
He simply wasn’t satisfied with “only” Dordon.
Big dreams, big wants, big aspirations. That was everything Rotri was. But over the years, Dordon had grown on him, and as he watched his very own fortress come into view, he felt as if he was finally home. The entire journey back from London had been uncomfortable at best because they had spent most of their ready cash on bribes for Peregrine. That meant they had to save what money they had left so they could at least eat. Eating meant no money for beds, so they had found shelter in liveries or simply under the trees at the edge of a village. But now that theywere home, Rotri was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed.
The creature comforts of home.
It was nearing sunset as they approached the drawbridge of Dordon Castle. The structure didn’t have a conventional gatehouse, but it had a drawbridge that was quite effective in keeping marauders and enemies at bay. There was a deep trench dug around most of the castle, a trench that the drawbridge spanned, but the entire north side of the castle was built on the edge of a cliff that overlooked a waterway that tended to fill up in the rainy season. The moat connected to the waterway, creating a seasonal lake surrounding the castle.
The result was that Dordon Castle was solidly protected on all sides. It was technically a Tamworth garrison against the Welsh who were known to venture this far into England, but Rhun had let his brother run the garrison as he saw fit. He never really imposed anything on Rotri, knowing that the man wanted to be in charge of his own domain.
Rhun had simply let him do as he pleased.
A domain that welcomed him back with open arms as the sun lay low in the west. The birds were gathering over the water way behind the castle, flocking up into the sky with their cries drifting upon the wind. But Rotri didn’t notice because he was completely focused on the drawbridge and his men who were waiting there to greet him. The small contingent from London traveled over the drawbridge and into the belly of Dordon Castle, welcomed as if they were kings.
But it was all an act.
The truth was that Rotri was not well liked by his people, but he expected them to welcome him with open arms, so they did. Men rushed out to meet the escort, helping to unload the wagon and taking the horses away to the stable. Everyone pretended they were glad to see him, but they weren’t. No one particularlycared. Rotri had left his major domo in charge when he left for London, and that man was one of the first people to meet him as he approached the small keep.
Rotri lifted a hand in greeting to the man.
“I see my castle is still standing, Duns,” he said, sounding as if he were a conqueror who had returned to his empire. “I trust that everything has been well here.”
Duns, a Scotsman with bushy white hair, an enormous beard, and foul-smelling breath, nodded. “Aye, m’lord,” he said in his thick accent. “All has been well. Welcome home.”
“Thank you,” Rotri said, raking a weary hand through his head. “But I must confess that I am exhausted. I want food and sleep and nothing more until tomorrow. Then we may discuss what has gone on in my absence.”
