Suddenly, the bedchamber door burst open and Lady Moraine flew into the room, shouting, “They’re back!”
T. q n
Where the hall, Si
“T There the devil is Gwent? ” Severin asked as he strode into the great W hall, Sir Alan by his side. “Alart told me he was riding into Pevensey Forest just a bit ago. Why would he leave? Where is he?”
Lady Moraine said with great composure, “He is visiting Alfred.”
“What? That is unlikely, Mother. He is terrified of that beast.”
“Very well, then, it is the Healer he visits.”
“Why? He is well, he swore it to me. Come, Hastings, my mother is jesting with me. What is going on?”
“Gwent and the Healer are in love.”
He stared at her, brought to an utter and complete silence. Then he began shaking his head. He reached inside his tunic and pulled Trist out. He began to stroke the marten’s chin. Trist mewled. Severin just stood there, staring at nothing in particular.
“What is this?” Sir Alan asked, accepting a goblet of ale from Alice.
“The Healer hates men,” Severin said finally.
“Mayhap that’s true. You should have heard her cursing Gwent. She called him names that I have never even heard you use, Severin.”
Severin shook his head, stuffed Trist back down into his tunic, and called out to his three castellans, “Everyone quench his thirst. We have a lot of talking to do before we leave in the morning.”
It was only after he had settled all the men that he came to Hastings. He pulled her against him, saying nothing, just held her, his cheek against her hair. Hastings felt Trist between them. She said against his throat “Truly, G went and all the men were in the forest near to Sedgewick?”
“Aye, they were trying to decide how to come inside to rescue me. They didn’t know that I was no longer at Sedgewick. None suffered anything save watery bowels and headaches from the drug. Hastings, does G went really have tender feelings for the Healer?”
“I believe so. Do you believe he will live in the forest with her?”
“I still cannot believe it. Do not ask me such a question. Do we have any food left?”
She laughed, pulling back in the circle of his arms. Trist stuck his head out of Severin’s tunic and mewled at her. “It is good that we will kill de Luci soon. All MacDear can talk about is that we will starve during the winter.”
He pulled her again against him. Trist slithered out and wound himself around Severin’s neck. “Severin?” Hastings said against his chin.
“Aye?”
“How will we kill de Luci?”
“I have decided to take Sedgewick. He has only twenty men at most. It should not take long with the men I have. I hope Graelam doesn’t come with me, for we will have no need for them.”
“And will you try to save Marjorie?”
He sighed, kissing her ear. “You know, Hastings, she is guilty only of wanting me. I am a brave knight, a man of fine parts, a man who gives of himself to a woman even when he is not completely aware of all his giving. I am magnificent in battle. Can you blame her for still desiring me beyond all reason?”
She had no leverage, but she tried. She shoved her fist against his belly. He grunted for her, but his laughter didn’t stop. “What do you say if I have her marry Sir Alan? With the king’s approval, of course.”
“Her silvery hair would still be very close to Oxborough.”
“I prefer a wench with hair with so many shades I still have not man-
-* ^ 9
aged to count all of them. Look at this-it’s the color of dirt. Isn’t that interesting?”
“My lord.”
“Aye, Beamis? Speak, man. My wife here is bereft of words. It is unexpected, but I bask in it for the seconds it will last.”
“My lord, you are jesting. All are wondering what will happen and here you are, jesting.”
“Beamis, I will tighten my jaw very soon now. We will have our evening meal, then we will all come to agreement on Sedgewick.”