Jilliand Read online

  The page opened the door to a room filled with heat coming from a great fire, burning in an open pit. A chair with straps attached sat at one end of the room. A cage-like table with chains, rods, and whips hung from the wall. Jilliand felt her stomach turn. Several men stood, leaning against the walls, watching her. The bishop stood with his back to her, staring at the blaze before him.

  “Child, come sit with me and visit.” He indicated a small chair placed very near the flames, while he sat opposite her, farther from the oppressive heat. Jilliand sat. She forced herself to look into the bishop’s eyes, awaiting his next move.

  “I will ask these men to leave so that I may hear your confession, before we begin.” He waved his hand, and the men started for the door.

  “Wait!” Jilliand commanded firmly, “I have nothing to say that these men cannot hear, as by this setting I must assume they have heard other confessions made to you.”

  The bishop was taken aback but allowed the men to stay. Without hesitation, Jilliand knelt and began. When she was finished, the bishop prodded her. “Have you nothing to say about the Viking gods, the man you call a husband, and his religion? You must make your confession complete, child.”

  Jilliand raised her eyes to meet his. “I did not discuss my God with him, nor did he discuss his religion with me. He allowed me to wear my cross. As he was a sea king, none questioned his decisions.” She stood up. “Do you not think it sad that you take me to task over something that did not happen but have not one word of comfort for those things that did happen to me, at the hands of a man of our same religious faith? Does the fact that he was of our faith relieve him of any burden for what he did to me and to my mother?”

  At that moment, the king flung the door open and entered, followed closely by his guard with Becca trailing them all. “What do you think to do?” King Aethewulf’s voice drowned every other sound in the room. The king stood over the bishop, his anger oozing danger. The bishop sat paralyzed. Aethewulf turned to his sister, “Have you been harmed, Jilliand?”

  “No, Your Majesty. Only unsettled.” Jilliand’s relief at the king’s arrival nearly buckled her knees.

  “You are never to speak ill of, or to, Lady Jilliand. If she is harmed in any way, you are held responsible and will answer to me. Am I clear?” Aethewulf leaned closer to the bishop. “Lady Jilliand is my sister and, as such, is to be protected at all times. Anyone who disregards this order pays with his life. And,” he added looking around the room, “’twill not be an easy death.” The king looked at each of the people crowded into the room. Taking Jilliand’s elbow, he led her away. At the door, he paused. Turning, he looked directly at the bishop. His voice was cold, firm, and even. “God never left Lady Jilliand, nor did she leave Him.”

  Away from the bishop and his room of horrors, Aethewulf took Jilliand beyond hearing of the people following them. “I am sorry you were subjected to such treatment, Lady. Are you quite well, for certain?”

  Jilliand was still trembling slightly. “I am well and will be always grateful for your timely arrival, Majesty. However, I think I have an enemy.”

  “No, you do not. He was doing what he thought best. I have no doubts, you will win him over with time.” The king kissed her hand and left her to her ladies, now gathered around her. Just in case, I will be certain she has escorts, Aethewulf noted.

  Jilliand watched her brother walk away, followed by his retinue. I have no desire to win the bishop over. We will both be dead and gone before that could happen.

  CHAPTER 25

  TRUE TO HIS WORD, KING Aethewulf moved Jilliand. Her new chambers provided greater privacy without the easy entrance from the king’s own chambers. One room had a small fireplace, a bed covered with thick blankets and pillows, a finely carved armoire, several chairs, and a modest trunk. The second room had several chairs placed before a grand fireplace, a small table with chairs, and a compact writing desk. The walls and floors were covered in the usual custom with thick tapestries or rugs, to hold the cold at bay. Candle sconces were placed strategically throughout the area. Tall windows allowed the sun’s rays to fill her chambers. Despite that, Jilliand had to force herself to move through each day. The belief that Rurik would find her was her lifeline—a line now thinly stretched.

  Several weeks later, restless as always, Jilliand wandered down the passageway out into the gardens. There seemed little she could do in this new life; at her elbow there were people eager to do everything for her. She dared not sew or paint as someone suggested, for fear they would discover how ill prepared she was. Heedless of the retinue following her, she spoke aloud of an idea that had just come into her mind. “I would like to ride.” I’m the king’s sister. I can ride if I choose. “Send a message to the groomsmen, I am on my way.” With that, a young lady dashed to the stables. Jilliand walked with renewed energy in the same direction. To be far from the eye of court would be a welcome break.

  The stable was in a flurry trying to ready the horses. Everyone knew the king’s sister was the newest member of court. Though improper for a woman to ride out alone accompanied only by her ladies as protection, the king’s sister refused to allow anyone else to attend her. So far, the king himself had allowed her to do as she chose. The stable master saw Jilliand and several of her ladies off, despite his protests at the possible dangers afoot. Jilliand was in no frame of mind to listen. He gave up.

  She is a different sort. Not at all timid nor shy. Best let the king know of this. As soon as the riders were out of sight, a worried stable master hastened to the king’s council chambers, but he was stopped at the door by the king’s steward. Unwilling to interrupt the king in conference with others of far more importance than a simple stable master, the steward refused to be swayed.

  “I will wait,” the stable master shrugged. Lady Jilliand will be long gone by the time I get to His Majesty. It seems she can take care of herself, for a while at least. Perhaps Lady Jilliand needs some time away from all that it means to be the king’s sister.

  Four hours later, the stable master was led before the king. Bowing low, he informed the king, “Your sister has left, Your Majesty. She and several of her ladies left alone riding over four hours ago. She rides well, but alone. There were no guards or any other men with her.”

  “What?!” the king gasped. “You say she left alone? How is that possible? And why man, did it take you four hours or more to bring this news to me!?” His voice reverberated off the walls. Conversation ceased immediately, as all eyes were on the king and the stable master.

  “Sire, I was not allowed to enter,” the stable master replied quietly. He added, “I would not leave news of your sister being alone with anyone except Your Highness, fearing for her safety.”

  The king turned on his heel. “Ready my horse. We ride immediately. Alexander!” Pointing at the steward, he added, “You and I will discuss this when I return.” He walked rapidly from the room, leaving the worried steward in a now empty room.

  King Aethewulf, Alexander, and ten men left, riding the same direction Jilliand had taken. She had nearly four hours’ head start on them, but she would not be familiar with the lay of the land. Perhaps she will be on her way back? Not likely, her brother thought. Not if she is anything like her mother.

  “Alexander, where would she go, my wayward sister?” He secretly enjoyed the ride and was amused she would think to leave alone. Not wise nor safe, but it underscored her self-confidence and independence. She was truly her mother’s daughter.

  “It is quite possible she simply likes to ride, Aethewulf. We could make this a pleasant afternoon, if we should catch them before dark.” He grinned at his friend.

  For her part, Jilliand had no idea where to go. She simply needed to be free of the restraints that came with living inside a castle, as a member of a king’s court. It became clear quickly that everyone expected her to be the lady of the castle. Just what am I supposed to do? If only Aethewulf would remarry. That would help.

  The ride was
proving to be very pleasant. When the first afternoon shadows began to sneak over the land, Jilliand knew she should start back. In the distance, mixed within the chatter and giggles of her ladies, Jilliand thought she caught the sound of horses and riding gear. She listened carefully. There were horses coming toward them, Jilliand was sure. She quickly ushered her small group into a nearby thicket, shushed her ladies, and waited. The curve to the road hid the oncoming riders until they were nearly abreast.

  The king and his men rode by the thicket, without pausing. This presented an opportunity Jilliand could not resist. After waiting a short while, she quietly moved her ladies well behind the last rider, planning to eventually encircle Aethewulf’s group. Her ladies were enticed into silence, with the promise of surprising the group of young men riding ahead.

  Alexander and Aethewulf exchanged puzzled glances. They had been together all their lives, much of it spent in battle. Unable to hear riders other than their own troupe, both felt rather than heard the movement of horses beyond their view. Looking back at the empty road, Aethewulf idly flicked his reins while in thought. Nodding to Alexander, he and Alexander peeled off to the side of the column of riders. As they veered away, Alexander pointed to two of his men who did the same on the opposite side. The eight remaining men continued forward.

  Aethewulf saw them first. Pointing, he smiled. With raised brows, he looked to Alexander. Alexander nodded. Joined by the two additional soldiers Alexander had engaged, they waited until Jilliand and her ladies had passed, then slipped in behind the little troupe of women. Jilliand was still signaling her women to be quiet, but they were doing a poor job. Over the noise they made, she could hear little. Yet, the men ahead rode without indication that they suspected anything. She strained to see her brother. He was missing; the troupe had shrunk.

  Instantly, she realized they had been outmaneuvered. When Jilliand raised her hand to stop her ladies, Aethewulf whistled, and his men immediately surrounded the ladies. Whirling her horse around, Jilliand rode through the ladies, until she was between her ladies and the king.

  “Yield to your king,” Aethewulf commanded, in a mocking tone. Jilliand looked at him squarely and shook her head.

  “No, I do not yield.” Before anyone could respond, she kicked her mount and shot past the surprised soldiers. The horse could feel his rider urging him on. He quickened his gallop, leaving the small crowd behind. Aethewulf and Alexander gave chase. Aethewulf was not yet gaining on her, but she could go no further. Blocked by thickets and fallen trees, she came to a sudden halt. Nearly unseated, Jilliand was able to slide off and pull the small blade she still carried.

  Aethewulf had already pulled his horse up, scattering dirt clods and dust as he came to a stop in front of Jilliand. His blade came out also. Drily, he noted, “It seems you have too much time on your hands, Lady. I would see that remedied.” Never losing sight of her, he smoothly slid off his horse.

  Jilliand laughed. “Come Brother,” she taunted, “surely you cannot expect me to yield so easily.”

  A slow smile spread across the king’s face. “Yield, you will, Lady. And the victor will be the first without a weapon.” He began to carefully circle Jilliand, still smiling.

  “This will be a short affair I am certain, since your sword is thrice the length of mine, Sire. Still, you will have to work for it, Brother.” With that, she easily sidestepped him and moved behind a clump of brush.

  By this time, the entire troupe of men and women were gathered around watching. One of the ladies called out a wager for Jilliand. Aethewulf called back, “I’ll take it, double. I’m certain Lady Jilliand is good for it.”

  As much as Jilliand wanted to give her brother a worthy opponent, she knew she should not chance embarrassing him before the men and women now clearly taking sides. Moving out with a small shrug, she intended to drop the blade, but Aethewulf would not allow her that choice. He moved in on her so quickly that without thinking she had taken a defensive stance and moved around him. They danced and moved about, slowly coming closer and closer.

  Just as Jilliand again tried to drop her weapon and bow out, Aethewulf called to Alexander, “Give Lady Jilliand a real sword, Alexander. I would see how she can use it.” He was still smiling, but his eyes were serious.

  Frowning, Alexander reluctantly did as his friend bade him. Lowering his own weapon, Aethewulf gave Jilliand time to change swords. Hefting it, she gripped Alexander’s sword with both hands and stood ready. I am of little sense, thinking I could ever match Aethewulf. What began as a game may get much too serious. Jilliand could feel her pulse quicken. Aethewulf moved toward her with lightning speed. She fended him off the first charge, knowing full well he only tested her reflexes.

  Dashing behind the clump, she held her sword with one hand. “Perhaps the match is over, Sire. Neither one of us would draw blood on the other.”

  “The match is not over, Lady Jilliand. I think you need a lesson in defense,” he goaded her.

  Provoked, the years spent fending off her father burst unexpectedly into her brain. Suddenly she was again in the corral, surrounded by men watching as her father pushed her beyond her capabilities. She stepped out from the clump and came at him, as quick as the thought hit her. He was startled, but ready. They moved about with each swing becoming more intense. When one of the ladies screamed, as Jilliand narrowly missed Aethewulf’s point, Jilliand was shaken back to the present. She stepped back, dropped the sword, and with her head high, announced, “I yield to the king.”

  She stood still, watching him with her flashing emerald eyes. He lowered his weapon, walked to where she stood, bent to retrieve Alexander’s sword, and silently handed it off. Sheathing his own, he turned to study his sister. “We will talk, you and I.” The words were spoken quietly, with authority and a sense of finality. He no longer smiled at Jilliand.

  Keeping her own counsel, Jilliand walked to her horse. Aethewulf assisted her. With his hand on her stirrup, he spoke softly, “You must let the past leave, Jilliand. He was wrong. But what is done, is done. Because of the man that claimed to be your father, you have skills few women ever gain. I pray you never need them. Now, we ride. I would speak with you tonight. I have enjoyed this day—the day you surrendered to your king and brother.” His mood was again light. As he smiled up at her, his eyes were kind. “We will ride more, but you will never ride without armed escort, and you will not go without letting me know when you leave and where you ride.” He stood waiting for her acknowledgment.

  “Yes, Aethewulf,” she agreed. “It is good to be home,” she finished softly, as her lashes caught the few tears she could not hide. Turning away she leaned to pet the horse.

  The ride back to the castle was not quiet for long. The ladies were happy to keep the soldiers talking, while Aethewulf and Alexander spoke of business. Jilliand rode in her own world. How I miss him, Mother. I still feel as though a sword has run me through. Will this last for my lifetime? she asked silently. Rurik lingered in her thoughts.

  When they reached the castle, Aethewulf set Jilliand on the ground. Grinning openly, he kissed her cheek. “You are your mother’s child, Jilliand. Do you believe you can get these ladies presentable in time for court? I am starved.” Taking her hand, he led her down halls and eventually to her chambers. “I did enjoy today, Sister. However,” he added, “you would be a tougher adversary, if you were not hampered by your gown. Pray change into breeches the next time we duel.” Jilliand smiled back, kissing his hand as she curtsied. She heard him call to Alexander, as he walked away.

  Happy chatter filled Jilliand’s rooms. After trying unsuccessfully to settle them down, she casually mentioned there would be a new group of men at court, as Alexander had called in additional forces to begin training for the winter raids ahead. “They are rumored to be exceptionally good-looking. I have not seen them, but it might be worth your time to make ready as fast as you can. Surely we should have first pick, don’t you agree ladies?”

  Amid giggles and coy su
ggestions, the ladies managed to change Jilliand and clean up themselves. With only moments to spare, they entered the dining hall, and it fell quiet.

  As promised, there were scores of new faces, all turning to survey the ladies approaching the king’s table. Jilliand could feel Alexander and the king watching her. When she was seated, Aethewulf leaned to her, “Alexander is a very good man, Jilliand. You need a good man. He would treat you like no man here could.” He did not wait for her to reply; instead he resumed talking with the men at the table. Jilliand knew what he said to her was true. But he is not Rurik. Rurik has my heart, she replied silently.

  Unable to eat, she finally sent the plate back. The king was well aware of his sister’s preoccupation but chose to let it slide. As the evening wore on, Jilliand begged to be excused. “I tire, Your Majesty. It was a wonderful day. Thank you for taking the time to humor your little sister. I promise I will not expect the same too often, as you do have a kingdom to care for. Now, pray let me slip away to find my chambers.”

  He nodded, kissing her hand. “We will speak tomorrow, Jilliand. Sleep well.” Jilliand spoke quietly to her ladies, asking only two to accompany her and allowing the rest to stay. She promised to send the two back once she was through with their services for the night.

  Alexander stood. “I would escort Lady Jilliand to her chambers, if it pleases you.”

  The king nodded to Alexander, while he watched the slight figure of his sister take her leave. Startled by a hand at her elbow, Jilliand was not so surprised to realize it was Alexander. “I have escorts, Sir Alexander, if you have business you must attend to this night.”

  “I do have business, but I have something to say to you, Lady Jilliand.” He walked along with his hands behind his back for a short distance. Jilliand could feel a lump in her throat.