Her father turned and peered at the steps, where her mother had disappeared. When he turned back to her, he smiled.
“Now that your mother is gone, come closer. I wish to say something to you, lass.”
Emlyn scooted her chair closer. “Aye, Father.”
“I wish not to send you to Marshall. We will pretend to do so, and let your mother believe her wishes were granted. I bid you to do whatever it takes not to allow the Scotsmen take you to Marshall. Just promise me, you won’t go to him.”
Emlyn’s eyes widened. “But, Father, if I don’t, won’t that cause the war to escalate? I don’t want to be the cause of our demise.”
Her father laughed. “Oh, my sweet child. You won’t be. I can handle Marshall’s attacks. I would rather he come and fight me than send you to him. The berserker would do you harm, lass. For I’ve heard that a traitor joined with Marshall. Verily he must have learned of your renown, because he asked for you by name. I fear he wants to use you and not in a kind way.”
“What shall I do to thwart the Scots?” Emlyn couldn’t even deem to do what her father asked, but something would come to her.
“Whatever it takes. Befriend one of them. Insist that he take you elsewhere. Give yourself to him. Promise him anything, because, lass, if you go to Marshall, you shall exist no more. And that is the last thing I want.”
Emlyn’s heart seemed to stop beating. Her eyes didn’t leave her father’s and as she listened to his words, she blushed at his implication. “You wish me to give myself to one of them?”
Her father patted her hand. “There is nothing to fear of what happens betwixt a man and a woman, sweet. Aye, if that is what it takes to gain his compliance, you should not give it thought.”
She was sure her cheeks flamed with discomfiture, for this was not a subject one should discuss with one’s own father. And yet, all she could think of was the arrogant Scot who she fought on the field the day before.
“I will do as you say, Father. I am gladdened that you feel this way, for I would’ve gone to Marshall if that was your wish. But this will suit me far better.”
“Go, lass, and ready for the celebration. Make yourself beautiful and find a Scot who you can persuade to your bidding. I know you can do it.”
“I won’t let you down, Father.” Emlyn nodded and hastened back to her chamber.
Her mother was already there, clucking over her garments with a servant. “Oh, dearest, your clothing is deplorable. But don’t despair, for I have had Suzanna give you a gown to wear this eve.”
Emlyn wasn’t fond of her sister’s garments, for they were always embellished and very beautiful. It wasn’t her taste at all. The gown chosen for her was crimson with gold clasps on the front. It was one of her plain gowns, and Emlyn considered her sister had given this one away willingly. But she was glad for her other garments were far too elaborate.
Her mother shook out her velvet cape and hung it on a peg. “You should wear this over it, for it will likely be chilly this eve. The air has changed drastically today.”
Emlyn hoped she’d leave, because she needed time alone to consider what her father bid of her. She began removing her garments and went to the wash bowl. But that wasn’t nearly enough to wash all of her. She donned her garments again and decided to go to the lake to wash.
“I need to check on Aled and feed him. I’ll return soon.”
“Don’t be gone too long. Be back in time to change for the celebration. You may want to consider giving that beast to your brother, Griffen, since you’ll be leaving.”
Emlyn nodded and realized when she left she verily couldn’t take her hound with her. Besides, he would never leave Iola, his owl friend. She had a difficult parting coming, for she’d had her dog since he was a pup and saddened at the thought that she’d never see him again.
She hastened to the stable and found him inside his stall. No one had let him out. She’d have to have a word with the stable lads about that.
“Good morn, my handsome friend. Come out, come.” He wagged his long tail and slurped at her face with his long tongue. “Ewww, what have ye eaten? Your breath stinks to high-heaven. Did Iola kill another skunk for you? Well come along, we’ll both bathe in the lake.”
As soon as they left the stables, Iola came screeching as if she was ireful that they were late. Emlyn walked toward the lake and her pets followed. When they neared, Aled took off and Iola flew after him, they disappeared within the trees. She knew how to be quiet, and when she’d heard voices, she stepped carefully near the water.
There he is.
She watched the warrior she’d fought with, swimming in the water with a few others. Her breath caught in her throat as his stealthy body cut through the water, when he raced against one of his comrades. Their laughter echoed around them.
His chest was muscular and his abdomen rippled all the way to his lower hips. The water hid his body below his waist and her eyes roamed again, back to his face. Lord he was handsome.
Emlyn waited for what seemed like an hour before they retreated from the water. The warrior’s bared arse faced her, and she almost laughed, for it was a sweet view. They didn’t bother to put on their garments as they walked away.
After a good amount of time passed, she removed her attire and slid quietly into the water. She swam to the waterfall and moved behind it, knowing it afforded privacy. None could see behind it, so thick the streams from above.
Men’s voices rose, and she peeked out and saw the warriors returned. The one she’d fought with had dressed and he picked something up from the ground, he must have left behind. His eyes fell on the waterfall and he watched it for a few minutes. She wished and dreamed that he was looking at her, but she knew he couldn’t see her.
“James, come on, we’ll be late,” one of his comrades called. “Laird will have our arses.”
He turned and left the lake.
Emlyn had chosen the one she’d give herself to.
James.
*****
The welcome feast was attended by all the Iorwerths. James sat with his comrades, along with Llywelyn and his closest friends at the chieftain’s table. Grey had brought several jugs of the brew they drank at certain celebrations. The liquid was strong enough to effectuate a fire, that, and cause a head to thump madly in abhorrence for a day or two after drinking it.
In honor of Llywelyn’s hospitality, the jugs were passed around to their hosts first, but they declined to drink it. Not many took to the drink and only those with a strong stomach could handle the harshness. The Iorwerths were fond of wine which undoubtedly was less effective when it came to dulling the senses.
James held his cup out and nodded when Grey filled it. He needed a drink after the last few days. Especially given their training session, the day before, and it was still fresh in his mind. He couldn’t cease thinking about Emlyn’s body and how she’d felt holding him on the ground. He lifted his cup and drank down the entire brew, taking all of it in a couple of gulps.
“Ah, this is exactly what I need.” He held his cup out for more.
“You sure, James? You’ll have a splitting headache in the morn,” Grey said.
“I’m more concerned about now. Aye, fill it.” And when he only poured enough to fill half a cup, James motioned to him for more. “Don’t skimp.”
Grey did as he bode and filled it to the top, and James drank the cup a wee bit slower. The drink was beginning to take effect and soon, he’d be able to put the lass from his mind. For he’d been unsuccessful so far.
For as much as he wanted to remain alert, given where they were, James welcomed the inebriation. Besides, none of his comrades would allow harm to come to him and with that in mind, James had his cup refilled two more times.