Page 25 of Fortress of Snow

After being knighted by King Richard, Berenger had come to Strachleigh to help his brother-in-law establish a loyal set of guards after taking the estate over from his treacherous uncle. He’d already stayed longer than he’d intended to, as Strachleigh had asked him to help train his squires.

As a knight and third son of an earl, he would have nothing unless he distinguished himself. And the last thing he wanted was to be seen as a do-nothing with no ambition.

So now that this opportunity was presenting itself...

Berenger read again the section of the letter that promised him “recognition with King Richard himself for your service to his allies in Prussia.”

If Berenger returned victorious from Prussia, perhaps the king would grant him lands, a castle, and maybe even a title. He could marry a lady of his choosing then, could settle into life in his own castle, have children, and, Lord willing, never have to fight again.

Not that he minded fighting, if it was for a good cause. And he considered fighting against tyranny to be a very good cause.

Someone, or something, was coming through the underbrush behind him.

Mazy emerged into the clearing. She caught sight of him and stopped. “I didn’t know anyone was here. I’ll go.”

“Come over and sit.” He brushed the flat rock clean beside him.

She did so, tucking her feet under her and hugging her knees over her skirt. “I was just out for a walk.”

“At least it’s not raining. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever stop.”

“I know. It rains so often here.”

“My brother Gerard says it doesn’t rain as much in Montciel, where he lives now. But they have very harsh winters.”

“What’s it like to have so many brothers? Lady Delia told me there are seven brothers in your family.”

“It is good. I love all my brothers. Although Merek is the one with the most volatile temperament. He likes to tell others whatto do, and he can get very angry when people don’t do what he wants them to.”

“Like John?”

“A little.” But Merek never made ridiculous accusations the way Sir John sometimes did, blaming others for his own faults, or becoming furious over a small thing like scorched porridge. And Berenger had seen Merek more than once go out of his way to help someone when he thought no one would notice. He was fiercely protective of Delia, their younger brothers, and anyone else who might be in a weak state and unable to defend themselves. He never backed away from a fight.

“I know John loves me, but sometimes...” Mazy shook her head. “I don’t understand why he gets so angry and yells so much.”

Berenger wasn’t sure what to say. Finally he said, “I am sure he wishes he was better able to take care of you. But you are safe here, as long as you wish to stay.”

Mazy nodded and smiled, but her eyes were sad.

They were quiet for a few moments, then Mazy pointed at the parchment in his hand. “Did you get some news from one of your brothers?”

“This? No. It’s an invitation from the Duke of Rudhall to go to Prussia with an army he is gathering. I’d be fighting against the Teutonic Knights.”

“Prussia. That is a long way from here, is it not?”

“It is, but... this is what I’ve been preparing for all my life.”

“Are you going?”

“Yes, I think I am.”

“Will John go too?”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t said.”

“So he was also invited?” She chewed on her bottom lip.

“Yes, all the knights were, but even if he decides to go, you are welcome to stay here at Strachleigh as long as you like, and you will be protected and cared for here.”