Medieval 01 - Untamed

was also ecstasy.
    Love me, Meg. Heal the land with my sons .

23
    A S HAD BECOME D OMINIC’S HABIT in the three days since the Reevers had attacked during the hunt, he stood on Blackthorne Keep’s battlement in the condensing stillness after sunset.
    From his vantage point Dominic could see mist like silver fire shimmering over fish ponds, river, and the distant lake. He could see the lacy black silhouettes of just-leafed oaks on a nearby ridge and the dense black outline of the fells, where the last rosy bit of light lingered on the crags. He could see the last, laggard sheep being nipped and scolded into their folds for the night by quick-footed dogs. He could see the last skein of waterfowl spiraling down for a night on the lake.
    What he could not see was Duncan of Maxwell and his Reevers. Yet Dominic knew they were out there in the twilight and mist, waiting for another chance to strike at the heart of Blackthorne Keep.
    Footsteps sounded from the direction of the closest tower. Dominic didn’t have to turn his head to discover who was approaching him. The footsteps were almost as familiar as his own.
    â€œA fine evening,” Simon said.
    Dominic grunted.
    â€œA foul evening, then.”
    Dominic grunted again.
    â€œA vile mood, perhaps?” suggested Simon.
    A hard sideways glance was Dominic’s only answer.
    â€œI have news of your knights,” Simon said.
    That got Dominic’s attention. “Where are they?”
    â€œNine days from here, unless more storms come. The muddy roads mired the carts so badly it was impossible to move for several days.”
    â€œGod’s teeth,” Dominic muttered.
    â€œYou could order the knights to come ahead of the household goods.”
    â€œFourscore and nine animals laden with expensive goods,” Dominic said savagely. “Without knights to defend it from bandits, my traveling household is as helpless as a bird with a broken wing.”
    Simon’s fist smacked into his palm. “Would that I and my knights had come upon the Reevers instead of you and Meg.”
    â€œAye. But even if you had, the Reevers wouldn’t have held and fought. Duncan is too clever for that. He knows he would lose a pitched battle. Most of his men are ill trained.”
    â€œSven agrees.”
    Dominic turned to face his brother. “Is he back?”
    Simon nodded.
    â€œSend for him.”
    Even as Dominic spoke, a man walked from the corner tower. His soft leather shoes made no noise on the stone battlements. It was part of Sven’s odd skill in blending into whatever surroundings he found himself among. Dominic had never known a man more quiet, or more deadly.
    â€œHave you supped?” Dominic asked.
    â€œYes.” Sven’s voice was soft. “Lord, I haven’tmuch time. I must be back at the Carlysle Manor before long to tend my flocks.”
    Dominic’s smile flashed whitely in the twilight. The thought of a man as fierce as Sven tending sheep was preposterous.
    â€œWhat have you learned?” Dominic asked.
    â€œThe Reevers are growing in number.”
    â€œHow many?”
    â€œEight knights, twelve squires, thirty attendants.”
    â€œMounted?”
    â€œThat is their problem. Only two of the knights are riding chargers. The rest are mounted on ill-trained animals. Better horses are expected from Scotland within a few days.”
    â€œArms?” Dominic snapped.
    â€œThe knights are as well armed as we are. Not as skilled, but the men are as hard and unforgiving as stone. The Solway Scots have much Viking blood in their veins.”
    Dominic’s mouth curved in a faint smile. Sven’s fierce pride in his Norse bloodlines was a source of much amusement among the knights. But no wise man baited Sven on the subject.
    â€œThe squires are old enough to be blooded,” Sven continued. “Indeed, some of them have been robbing their betters since they were old enough to draw a bow.”
    A shout from the bailey caused Sven to turn so quickly that his dark gray pilgrim’s garb flared. Light gleamed in his pale eyes as they searched for movement below.
    â€œâ€™Tis naught but Leaper caught stealing bread,” Dominic said. “It happens as regularly as the sun sets.”
    â€œWhen will the rest of your knights arrive?” Sven asked bluntly.
    â€œNine days. Perhaps more.”
    â€œNot soon enough. The Reevers will be ready to attack in half that