The Christmas Knight Read online

  Ranulf chuckled and shook his head. He couldn’t help it. He only wished he could have been there to witness the encounter. “Yes, she is a much better choice of ally. She’s powerful, not to mention influential. It is a shame neither of you realized that you were damning a lot of people by forcing this title upon me.”

  “Your predecessor didn’t think so when he bade me to find you and neither did the king.”

  “My predecessor didn’t know me. My elder brother was the one groomed since birth for the role of Lord Anscombe. Not me. War was what I was made for. I belong on a battlefield. Trust me, that is where your people will wish I had remained.”

  Laon shook his head. “You are no tyrant.” Then suddenly realizing what Ranulf meant, he stopped and asked, “Because of your missing eye? Its absence doesn’t bother me. Nor will it bother anyone else at Hunswick. What you will bring weighs of far more importance.”

  Ranulf clinched his jaw and then forced it to relax, resuming a detached expression. “Either you are blinded by sight or by naïveté. Either way, it is not I who’ll be disappointed. I told Henry, and now I’m telling you. Be satisfied that I am going. Don’t be hopeful.”

  Ranulf emerged from the ship’s innards. His horse was faring, but like the rest of the living, Pertinax would be far happier once they reached the solid grounds of England. Ranulf scanned the back of the deck, saw the man he was looking for, and expressed a small smile before meandering through the maze of crates and barrels tied down to the wood planks. “Can you see the horizon from there?”

  “I can and you’re right,” Laon answered, keeping his eyes focused on the water. “It does help, but I’m old and not made for sea travel. Like war, it’s a young man’s passion, and at eight and twenty, you should now be wishing for more.”

  Ranulf took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he took a giant step up onto the rear platform. The philosophical tenor of the old man’s comment announced that he intended once again to challenge Ranulf’s perception of himself and the world. Whether Laon was trying to prepare him for his new responsibilities or convince him that he would be a good lord, Ranulf could not discern. Regardless, the attempts so far had been unsuccessful. But Ranulf secretly had to admit, their discussions over the past few days were some of the most engaging and frank ones he had had in some time. Maybe that was why he constantly found himself drawn to the man and yet rebelling against the very words Laon had to say.

  Ranulf looked down at his unpredictable companion, who was sitting on one of the stacked crates, in view of the sea’s undulating horizon and yet out of the way of the water’s freezing spray. “I’m learning that a man has only so much control over his destiny. I doubt even Henry would disagree.”

  Laon took a deep breath and then, after a few seconds, exhaled. “I do find it curious your consistent reference to our new king as Henry or the duke.”

  “He’s not the king yet.”

  “True, but King Stephen is dead and the coronation will take place soon after our arrival. Very few continue to refer to him as the duke, and with the exception of Her Grace…and you, no one calls him by his name.”

  It was a gentle reminder that the duke’s status had changed, and consequently, he should no longer be referred to so familiarly. The old man was right, but it would still be a hard habit to break. “I have known King Henry for many years, more than most realize. We have a”—Ranulf paused for a moment as if to decide just what to say and settled on—“unique history.”

  “But you are now a noble and he is a monarch. Your relationship must change.”

  “It did. The moment he thrust my desires aside and bade me north.”

  “He must have believed you would be a good leader to convince you to go.”

  Ranulf’s mouth transformed into a firm, unyielding line. “I am loyal to Henry, but that does not mean I am blind to his…personality traits. The man is cunning and intelligent, but he is far from generous and only a half-wit would think him benevolent. He had his own reasons for ‘convincing’ me, as you put it, to assume my latest role.”

  “And they were not for the good of his people?”

  “Not exactly. More like I am to bring and keep the peace. And if that helps those that live there, then good, but more importantly, Henry seeks stability…and William a throne.” England had been suffering from a civil war for almost nineteen years and its people were longing for a strong government. Most of the English noblemen would support Henry, but altruistic peace was not what the new king sought. His brother also desired a throne and Henry intended to give him Ireland, and to do that, he needed his armies free, not fighting to maintain his sovereignty.

  Laon twitched his mouth and after a moment agreed. “Making William lord of a conquered Ireland would occupy him, at least for a while. Of course, the king will need to get the newly elected Pope Adrian to agree.”

  “Henry will get the blessing. The Pope’s English born and quite aware of who the duke is and just what power he wields.”

  “It seems you have a great understanding of just what the king seeks and why. Does such understanding extend to yourself?”

  “I know myself well enough,” Ranulf clipped, instantly regretting the rash response.

  “Then just what power do you yield, Lord Anscombe?” Laon asked, turning to look Ranulf directly in the eye. “More importantly, just what do you intend to do with your authority?”

  There they were. The first of today’s several probing questions. Looking inwardly and analyzing one’s own psyche was not a pastime Ranulf indulged in and he did not intend to start now. “Besides get some sleep?” Ranulf quipped back.

  A bushy gray brow popped up. “Should I ask?”

  “Not if you want answers.”

  Laon issued Ranulf a slight shrug, indicating he wouldn’t press the issue, but was still interested in understanding the truth behind Ranulf’s attempt at a jest. Instead, Laon returned to the original point he had been trying to make. “So the king wants a peacemaker, and I and your people desire a fair leader who will guide and aid them when times are tough, which have been many of late. But what do you want?”

  Ranulf did not respond because he was not sure of his answer. To return to his life? That wouldn’t be fair to his men, and in truth, fighting was not fulfilling work, it was numbing. Ranulf was a good commander, some even claimed he was one of the best, but the feeling of reward and accomplishment with victory had long left him.

  Laon waited for either an answer or an impulsive remark, but getting neither, he pushed on, refusing to allow Ranulf avoid the point he was trying to make. He gestured toward Ranulf’s missing eye and said, “You survived an injury that changed your perceptions, of both the world and those you encounter. You have felt life’s injustice and, for years, used your pain and anger to wield a sword in battle. Now you have the chance and the power to change people’s lives. You just need to decide what you are going to do. And remember, even doing nothing has consequences.”

  “Why do you care?”

  “Because four of those lives belong to myself and my three daughters.” Laon stood up, gave a brief nod of respect, and then disappeared into the rooms hidden beneath the platform. Ranulf stayed where he was, staring blankly out at the stormy sea.

  Laon was right. By accepting the title, benefits, and responsibilities of being Lord Anscombe, he had assumed a position of power. And he had considered it from everyone else’s viewpoint, but his own. His men needed a home, his king wanted peace, the people whom he was to oversee needed a protector, but just what did he want to do with all that came with being a noble? For it mattered no longer that he didn’t want the power. He had it.

  And just like the old man said, he could choose action or no action—but either would mean change.

  The next morning began similarly to the others. Ranulf rose, ate enough stale bread and mead to steady his stomach, and then went to see about the keeping of his horse. He entered the stable area and the large black destrier swung his h
ead around in welcome. In doing so, Pertinax revealed another visitor. Sir Laon le Breton. Yesterday, the old man had finally stopped trying to pry into Ranulf’s conscience and motivations, talking instead about himself, his family, and life in northwest England.

  Ranulf approached Pertinax just as the boat unexpectedly lurched, causing him to take a quick couple of balancing steps. Laon, still unable to compensate for any sudden rise and fall of the ship, tumbled into the large horse, which snorted a loud and very cross whinny.

  Laon steadied himself and huffed, “Your horse is quite unhappy.”

  “He likes the sea even less than you.”

  “Doubtful, but I am surprised you brought him. I would have thought the king would have supplied you with a dozen horses if you but asked.”

  Ranulf arched the brow over his good eye. Laon was unusually cross today. “Maybe, but Pertinax knows me.”

  Laon’s mouth formed a brief “oh” before closing. Over the past few days, he had begun to grasp the impact of losing one’s eye. Limited sight was not just a learning curve to be overcome and surpassed, but an impediment with daily repercussions Ranulf experienced in almost all actions, conversations, and activities. Without two eyes in which to pinpoint exact distance, reaching out to take what was offered or pour some ale into a mug was not as straightforward as Laon had initially perceived. After years of compensating for his injury, Ranulf could easily make those around him forget that these were indeed challenges he addressed every day. And his horse Pertinax was one of those supports enabling him to smoothly interact with the world.

  “You’re right. I should have realized just what your horse means to you,” Laon grunted, rubbing his face vigorously with his hands. “I shamelessly blame lack of sleep for my thoughtless remark. I can finally keep my food down, but I like my bed to be firm and unmoving. My tired state is something you are quite familiar with, I suspect.”

  Ranulf ground his teeth together and followed Laon back up on deck where, when not raining, they spent their mornings. Details of his sleep, or lack of it, Ranulf had been careful to keep to himself. No one, not even he, would be comfortable following the orders of a man who never slumbered more than a handful of hours a night. Almost all men could function tired, but after a while irrationality set in and emotional control eroded away. Each man had his limit, and Ranulf used to wonder when he would reach his. But it had been years since he had enjoyed more than four hours of sleep at a time, and even then he rarely went into a deep unconscious state. He wasn’t plagued by nightmares, just the inability to be at complete ease. To be vulnerable.

  “Is that one of your men?” Laon asked, pointing to a young man with muscular arms built from months, if not years, of swinging a sword.

  Ranulf twitched his jaw. “I did not think them obvious.”

  “They aren’t, but too many times have I seen one of them glance your way, not in curiosity, but with desire for direction. That makes about two dozen on board, unless you have more traveling on the other ships making their way to England,” Laon remarked with a sigh of disappointment.

  “You hoped for more?”

  Laon hesitated. He had trapped himself and to deny otherwise would make all their previous conversations meaningless. “I had. Most of your neighbors, at least the English ones, will respect your assumption of Hunswick Castle, the waters of Basellmere, and its surrounding valley, but your closest neighbor I fear will not be one of them.”

  “Don’t worry about my men, or lack of them. The ones you see could handle three times their number in battle, but almost a hundred more will be arriving in the spring.”

  “A hundred?” Laon gasped. He had known more soldiers would be coming, but he had never dreamed the knight had so many loyal followers. “Good Lord, you will bring Hunswick to its ruin, not its glory.”

  “My men seek peace, nor war. Most have families and are eager to become farmers, raise children, and live long lives.”

  “They are married, then.”

  “A good many. Why? Do you worry there is not enough land to support my men and their families?”

  Laon shook his head. “Quite the contrary. The north still suffers from King William’s deadly campaigns to end the region of its Anglo-Danish independence and replace it with a Norman allegiance. After decades of sparse population, Cumbria needs more people. There is rich soil and its mountains are laden with ample coal, copper, tin—even iron.”

  “Then why does fear hide in those blue depths of yours, Laon? Do you think if my men become farmers, they won’t respond to a military threat?”

  “I do not fear for myself, but my daughters.”

  “I will protect them from the evils of the world.”

  “The evils of the world they have seen and felt. The evils of men, however…”

  Ranulf finally grasped Laon’s concern, but his previous comment gave him pause. The evils of the world they have seen and felt…? Ranulf found it hard to believe the old man would allow any harm to even come near his daughters. He wondered just what Laon had meant. “You have spoken very little of them.”

  “You have asked even less,” Laon countered simply as he moved to get out of several deckhands’ way. The breeze had shifted slightly and they were adjusting the large mast as best they could to ensure nature’s force was captured. Too many times in the past few days had the wind turned south, forcing them to bring down the sail until a northern gust returned.

  Ranulf walked over to a less busy part of the ship and leaned against a stack of crates, temporarily piled high to provide more maneuvering room on the deck. Laon was right. Ranulf had not asked about his daughters. He had inquired about Hunswick, Laon’s keep, the lands, the region, the weather…everything but the three things the wizened knight prized the most. “So tell me about your eldest daughter. I assume you will say she is blond, blue-eyed, and beautiful beyond compare.”

  “Ranulf, you are far too cynical.”

  “You have said so before. So speak. Tell me of your temptresses and how their beauty can ensnare my men with a mere glimpse.”

  “And for that last sarcastic remark, I shall describe them in detail, and maybe someday you, too, will have daughters and understand the fear that lurks in my aged heart.”

  And so Ranulf listened as Laon spoke of each one. As it turned out, he had been wrong about their appearance, for if Laon’s description of them held even slight accuracy, not a one was blond and only the eldest possessed the same deep blue eyes of her father.

  “Bronwyn is very much like myself, in both looks and temperament.”

  “Then she likes to command and manipulate those around her,” Ranulf interjected to prove he was listening.

  Laon sent him a slicing glance before answering. “Aye, and if you think me stubborn and relentless, you will rediscover the meaning if you and my eldest daughter ever disagree upon something. And prepare to lose, for even if you are right, she will wear you down until you find yourself acquiescing on the one point you swore never to concede,” Laon cackled, obviously recalling one or two times in which she had bested him. Then his voice changed. “But I thank the Lord for her steadfastness and prudence. With my absence, I suspect all have been looking to her for guidance, and they were right to do so,” he breathed softly. “Though no man would want her, she is strong in spirit and in mind and the only person I would trust to ensure her sisters are safe and well.”

  “Which one is Eydthe?”

  “My middle child. She is small, but don’t let that deceive you when you meet her. She inherited her Scottish grandmother’s temper as well as her dark red hair. Of all of my daughters, her mind is the sharpest, but so is her tongue. It is my youngest, Lily, that I worry about the most when it comes to your men,” Laon sighed. “She is the spitting image of her mother. Tall and slender with long dark raven hair and gray eyes, she snatches the soul of every man who looks upon her.”

  And as if he could read Ranulf’s mind, he added, “And her disposition is just as sweet. She sees on
ly the good things in life and, as a consequence, brings joy wherever she goes.”

  Ranulf conscientiously fought to refrain from showing his true reaction—nausea. He had no doubt that Laon believed every word he spoke, but beautiful, kind, understanding, and smart? He had yet to see such a combination and he had encountered many, many women at court. Either Laon’s daughters were not half the beauties he claimed them to be or they were far from the sweet creatures he described. Such women did not exist.

  “As far as your eye patch…”

  Ranulf blinked and tried to recall just how and when Laon had changed the subject. “I don’t wear one.”

  “I noticed and I have also seen how it affects those around you.”

  Ranulf felt a coldness enter his veins he hadn’t felt in days. He had been a fool to believe Laon indifferent to his injury, uncaring of appearances. The time had come, as it always did, when curiosity could no longer be ignored and questions would be asked. “Your meaning?”

  “A simple exchange, my lord. You wish to ignore a topic and I wish to discuss it. I should have brought it up before, but was hoping you would.”

  Ranulf clenched his jaw. “I don’t talk about my eye because there is nothing to discuss. It is gone and I am not going to wear a horrid piece of leather to make those around me comfortable.” Including your daughters, he added to himself.

  They, like the rest of the world, would have to get used to him or, even better yet, stay away from Hunswick Castle altogether. They had a home and there was no reason the four of them ever had to meet. “Eye patches,” Ranulf huffed. “Damn things are a nuisance. In order to keep them from slipping, they have to be so tight a headache is inevitable. And trust me, they are not the secret to making those around me feel at ease,” Ranulf added, repeating the rationale he had spouted for years to the duke and his men.

  “Good reasons, though I doubt one of them is the real motive behind your refusal.” Laon paused long enough for Ranulf to counter. When it became obvious that silence was going to be his only response, Laon went ahead and answered the looming un-asked question. “I think you use people’s reactions as a test…And it is unfair.”