Medieval 01 - Untamed

crops for the living rather than dig graves for the dead; and in their joy it was Meg’s name the people called, not that of their new lord .
    As the waves of jubilation broke over Dominic, he knew why John had never disavowed the girl who was not his daughter.

8
    T HE FEAST SPREAD IN THE BAILEY before the vassals of Blackthorne Keep was a luxury beyond their imagining. Scents both familiar and exotic filled the cool air. Potent ale and even more potent mead waited in barrels that had just been broached. There was fish both fresh and salted, fowl both fresh and smoked, pigs roasted whole and doves lying on beds of fresh greens, breads both traditional and flavored with imported spices so costly they had never before been tasted by the keep’s servants. It was a feast fit for nobles, and it was being given to the commoners of Blackthorne Keep.
    As they approached the laden trestle tables, a shallow bowl was given to each person. In the bottom of the bowl was a silver coin and a piece of candied citrus. Cries of wonder and pleasure rippled through the crowd. No one could say which was more pleasing, the money or the sweet. Most common people lived and died without holding either in their palm.
    Grimly Duncan watched as Dominic and Meg strolled among the people of the keep, accepting their good wishes. For each vassal Meg had a question or a compliment. With Dominic the people were reserved and respectful; with Meg they were both reverent and joyous.
    Whatever hope the Scots Hammer might have had of the vassals refusing to serve their new lord died as Duncan watched Dominic bask in the reflected glow of the people’s love for Meg. Yet even as Duncan watched, he could not help but admire both the intelligence of Blackthorne Keep’s new lord and the ruthlessness Dominic kept as carefully sheathed as his sword; but like his sword, able to be drawn and used in an instant.
    â€œSaying fare thee well to your ambitions?” a voice asked sardonically.
    Duncan didn’t have to turn to see who was digging spurs into his pride. Simon hadn’t been more than a hand’s reach—or a knife’s—from Duncan since the beginning of the wedding ceremony.
    â€œYour brother is a clever man,” Duncan said evenly. “He did the one thing that might win Blackthorne’s people to his side.”
    â€œSpared John’s life?”
    Duncan shook his head. “No.”
    â€œThe feast?”
    Smiling slightly, Duncan still shook his head. “It was shrewd, but not enough.”
    â€œThe money?”
    â€œNay.”
    â€œWhat, then?”
    â€œSomehow your brother convinced Meg that he was the only way to peace for her people. When did she come to you with John’s plans? Last night?”
    Simon gave Duncan an odd look. “Lady Margaret didn’t come to us.”
    â€œGod’s blood, I’m not an entire fool! When did Meggie betray us?”
    â€œYou knew it as soon as we did,” Simon retorted.“As for betrayal, the only treachery today was on the part of John. And you, of course.”
    â€œI am a Scots thane,” Duncan said coldly. “I bend the knee to none but my own king. Henry is not that king!”
    â€œAren’t you grateful that your life was spared?”
    â€œIt was spared for Lord Dominic’s purposes, not mine.”
    Simon shrugged. “Of course. He made a present of your life to Lady Margaret. I hope he doesn’t rue his generosity.”
    For a moment Duncan measured the brother of the man who had defeated him so handily. Duncan had seen men such as Simon and Dominic in the Holy Land, knights who had little to bring to life but their own wit and brawn.
    Duncan was himself such a man.
    Next time use the wit rather than the brawn , Duncan advised himself sardonically. Dominic did, and see what it got him—Meggie’s hand and all of Blackthorne Keep for his domain .
    â€œAm I permitted to see Lord John?” Duncan asked.
    â€œDominic wouldn’t keep a son from seeing his dying father.”
    Duncan shot him a glance through narrowed eyes. “Do you listen much to scullery gossip?”
    â€œA great deal,” Simon assured him cheerfully. “It makes for less nasty surprises that way. You should be grateful that Dominic listens, too.”
    â€œWhy?” Duncan asked curtly. “It lost me Blackthorne Keep.”
    â€œNay. Dominic had laid his plans for the wedding before we ever