Page 108 of Bold Angel
“Speak to Bretta on your way out. Tell her to see to a bath and find the man some decent clothes. A knight such as he should not be forced to leave Braxston Keep in rags.” As Lambert left to do Ral’s bidding, Odo came into the great hall.
“You’ve discovered the truth of the murder?”
“Aye. ’Twas not one man but three. A boy from the village came forward. He was afraid at first, but from what he has said, there can be no mistake. The traveler was mounted, not afoot as the villeins believed. The brigands were after his horse. Gareth’s unexpectedarrival sent them on their way before they could finish their plunder.”
“There is still the matter of the traveler’s purse,” Odo reminded him.
“I have considered that. When Gareth was taken, the money was seized then returned. It has been sent to the murdered man’s family.”
“It makes him no less guilty.”
“These are difficult times, my friend. Especially for those who have been defeated. ’Tis my feeling a man of his courage deserves a second chance.”
Standing close to her husband’s side, Caryn smiled. Ral was a good man. Strong, brave, and compassionate. The Dark Knight might be fearsome in battle but there was gentleness within him, a belief in justice, and a fierce sense of honor. Just the sight of him, standing so tall and proud made her heart go soft and fluttery.
Caryn’s bright smile slipped just a little. No matter her feelings for him, she had no real notion of his. He had never said he loved her, never promised fidelity, never said the words which would ensure a happy future. If he pledged these things, she would believe him without question.
But he had never made such a vow and chances were he never would.
Caryn looked up at him and a sad smile curved her lips. That he desired her, she did not doubt; the hunger in his eyes rarely left him. But could he ever come to love her? She doubted it. Ral believed a man who loved was nothing but a fool. He had once loved Eliana and she had betrayed him with her brother. Ral had seen what had happened to Malvern, seen the power a woman could wield. He was determined it would not happen to him.
Still, she could no longer deny her feelings for him. Instead she prayed she could make him feel those thingsfor her. She clung to those hopes and prayed one day they might come true.
She glanced up as Ral left her, striding off across the great hall, his features suddenly full of purpose. At the opposite end, she saw a huge, golden-haired giant of a man rise to his feet and walk in her husband’s direction. It took a moment for her to realize the huge man was the Saxon. When she did, her eyes went wide with astonishment.
Sweet Blessed Virgin.Never in all her years would she have guessed the man walking toward them with the perfectly chiseled features, finely arched brows, and well-formed lips was the ragged, bearded man who had been locked in the storeroom.
He came to a halt in front of Ral, his bearing erect, massive shoulders squared, his expression intense.
“You are a free man, Saxon,” Ral said with a smile. “What think you of Norman justice now?”
The huge knight shifted uncomfortably. It was obvious that gratitude was not something that came easy to him—especially toward a Norman. Still, he lifted his head and looked Ral straight in the eye.
“You saved my life. ’Tis more than justice you have done. You sought out the truth. There are few Saxon lords who would have gone to that much trouble for a man who was his foe.”
“Is that what you are, Gareth? My foe? Will the day come when I must guard my lands against your rebel forces?”
“Nay, my lord. Those days are done. William’s conquest is complete. Only a fool would rise against him now and I am not a fool.”
Ral nodded, seemingly pleased with the Saxon’s answer.
“What will you do?” Caryn asked him, walking up next to her husband.
“I am not yetcertain.”
“You are welcome here at Braxston,” Ral said, “should you wish to swear your fealty and join the ranks of my men. A knight of your valor is always welcome.”
“I thank you, Lord Ral, but I cannot stay. I search for my brother… and there is a woman. Whatever happens, I must seek my own destiny. I am more than determined to find it.”
“Then I wish you godspeed,” Ral said.
“As do I,” Caryn added.
“I won’t forget what you have done.” Gareth smiled and deep grooves etched his cheeks, making him look even more handsome. “Mayhap we will one day meet again.”
“Mayhap,” Ral agreed.
With a nod of farewell to Caryn, the tall knight walked away.
