Page 45 of Rogue Knight
“Making new swords?” she inquired. Though that was his primary business, he also made fine knives and an occasional seax.
“’Tis an axe blade I forge today for one of the men who prefers that weapon. How is Inga?”
“She fares well. The twins love her, you know.”
His face took on a wistful look as if he were seeing something far away. “Like her mother she is. Good with children. I am glad she is with you.”
“Do not worry about her, Feigr.”
“I am in your debt for the kindness you have shown her.”
“Inga is my friend. I could not do otherwise.”
She bid him goodbye but did not mention her destination. He would not have approved. And she did not ask him for whom he forged the new weapon. She did not want to know.
Quickening her pace, she passed the other shops. Sigga would be at the market and Inga with the twins, but she did not want to be away too long.
Helise would welcome her, but given the recent hostilities the Normans would be on their guard for anyone from York entering either of the castles.
She looked forward to seeing Malet’s wife. In the making of the garden, they had forged a friendship. When one put a face on the enemy, shared a meal with them and made friends among their ranks, it was difficult to see the sides clearly after that. So it was with Emma. She no longer hated the Normans as she once had. While she wanted the North free of the French and men like Eude gone forever, she did not wish to be free of Sir Geoffroi’s kind attentions or Helise’s friendship. She had come to see the wisdom in the old archbishop’s words.Further rebellion will only lead to more hardship and death.She might wish it otherwise, but she was practical enough to know further rebellion was inevitable. The Normans had tormented York for too long, reducing it to a city of serfs and their French lords.
Scattered bloodstains, now dried to nearly black, still appeared in places on the ground near the old castle but the bodies were gone. As before, when Emma was questioned at the gate, she was able to gain entry. There were so few women in the castles, the knights welcomed any who entered, be they servants, whores or the occasional lady. But this time the guard knew her name when she gave it. Helise had told her he would.
“The sheriff’s wife expects you,” said the burly guard who glared apprehensively at Magnus.
“The hound will not harm you,” she said, picking up the skirts of her gown and cloak to cross the bailey. Magnus trailed along, his keen eyes darting from one side of the bailey to the other, watchful and protective.
The sounds of knights sparring rose in her ears causing Emma to glance toward the practice yard. Her heart sped.
Sir Geoffroi.
His bare chest glistened with sweat as he deftly wielded his sword, his muscles flexing with the strain as the metal of his blade clashed with that of the huge knight she recognized as Sir Alain. Despite her desire to stay and watch, she paused only briefly in her progress toward the door of the square tower. A woman alone, even an invited one, might face unwanted attention from the men looking on. She fingered the plain, metal brooch at her neck. The day was fair, but in an attempt to ward off the leers of the Norman soldiers, she had worn a cloak.
She entered the hall and went directly to the sheriff’s chamber and knocked on the door. A servant answered, backing away as she stared at Magnus. “My lady waits for you within,” she said in a shaky voice.
Helise set aside her stitching and rose to greet her. “You have come at last! And who is this with you?”
“Magnus. He is gentle; you need not fear him. He only growls at those he perceives to be a threat.”
Malet’s wife looked at Magnus’ wagging tail. “Well, then, welcome to you both.”
The servant, unconvinced, waited to one side.
“I have only a few things I need,” said Helise, bustling about the chamber gathering her cloak and a paper that bore a diagram of sorts. “Then we can be off. Wait until you see our plants, Emma! They are growing.”
For the first time, Emma noticed the intricate work the older woman had set on the table. “Do you embroider?”
Helise nodded. “I find it keeps me occupied when my husband is otherwise engaged and the boys are at their lessons. At Holderness, I am often left to my own endeavors.”
“Where are your sons today?” Emma asked. She had not seen the two lads Ottar’s age when she had entered the hall.
“Watching the knights at their swordplay, I suspect. They are of an age to want to become squires, but Robert is his father’s heir, so there are expectations for him that will rule that out.”
Emma’s gaze momentarily fell to her hands. “I was going to bring the twins but since the situation in the city has worsened, I have kept them close to home.”
“I understand, Emma.” Helise gave her a look of understanding. “My sons know not to leave the castle. ’Tis too dangerous for them to move about freely after the last attack.”
Helise picked up her cloak and Emma helped her to don it. The Norman woman held herself in a dignified manner but beneath the aura of calm, Emma sensed tension. One of Helise’s hands nervously twisted the folds of her cloak.
