Page 85 of Rogue Knight
“That is quite a compliment coming from Ren’s squire, but if it be so, it is because Ren and I share the same heart. We may be men of war, Mathieu, but neither of us would see innocents suffer or women ill-treated.”
Mathieu bowed his head and led their three horses toward the stables, leaving Geoff alone in the bailey. But not for long.
A smile on his wizened face, Maugris walked toward Geoff, his thin frame covered by a fine tunic of dark blue Talisand wool.
“I suppose you saw our return in your visions?”
“Nay, ’twas the king’s messenger. At least this one bore good news.”
Geoff took off his gloves, his helm he’d left tied to his saddle. “You were right about it all, Maugris. There was more death than I ever want to see again, innocents among the guilty.”
“But you return a better man, one who has faced evil and stood against it.”
“Aye, at least I hope so,” Geoff said, still wondering if he had done enough.
“And what of the woman?” asked the old man, the breeze blowing his gray hair across his forehead, his pale blue eyes seeing too much as they always did.
“I have no woman,” said Geoff. “Mayhap I never will.”
Maugris chuckled. “You would quit the field too soon.”
Geoff studied the old one’s wrinkled face, all lightheartedness gone from his ancient countenance.
“The Red Wolf has his jewel,” said Maugris, “and, in time, Sir Geoffroi, you will have yours.”
***
That night a great feast was held in Talisand’s hall, constructed by King William’s command two years earlier. Torches and candles lit the large space and fresh rushes smelling of dried spring flowers had been laid on the floor. It was the kind of welcome Geoff and his companions had talked about during the days they rode home. He was glad William had decided to ride south for another crown-wearing ceremony, this one at Winchester. Talisand would have a more intimate feast without him.
At the head table, Ren and Serena sat in the middle with Geoff on Ren’s right. On Geoff’s other side sat Alain and Aethel. Maugris had a position of honor next to Serena.
Serving wenches, some new to Geoff, carried platters of roast venison and lamb to the tables. There was also baked fish from the river. To this were added peas spiced with cumin, turnips boiled with thyme and dill, and all manner of cheeses. He was delighted to see the hot bread placed near him along with butter. ’Twas more food than he had seen in a long time.
“’Tis a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach,” he told Ren.
“Serena says you are more welcome than the king and so she spared no effort to see you and Alain had the best.”
Geoff chuckled. “Aye, your lady would welcome almost any of William’s knights more than the king himself.”
Serena leaned over her husband to offer Geoff a smile.
“Have you been gone only a year?” asked Ren, placing several choice bits of meat on the trencher he shared with his wife.
Serena spoke across her husband. “You and Sir Alain have been sorely missed, Sir Geoffroi. My husband has oft inquired when you would be home. Maugris was little help, only saying, ‘when it is time’.”
Geoff chuckled at the wise one’s cryptic remark. He was happy to be home. “I feel like I have lived a lifetime in this last year, mayhap longer. I am sorry about the knights who left with me.”
“We heard of the Danes’ attack in York,” said the Red Wolf. “For a while we worried you were dead, but despite the reports of the slaughter, Maugris insisted you lived.”
“Were it not for a lady’s intervention, I would have gone the way of the other knights in York.”
“You must tell me of this lady,” said Serena.
“Mayhap in time,” Geoff said.
“You have changed,” said the Red Wolf. “I cannot say how, but ’tis clear you have changed all the same.”
“If I have changed, Ren, ’tis because our sovereign has changed. What we were asked to do was worse than Hastings where we fought Saxon warriors. Worse than Exeter and York two years ago where William showed mercy to the citizens. In York and Chester, he showed none. Mere serfs and cottars were slaughtered along with the rebels. Some were children and their mothers.”
