“And that is?”
Gaius took a deep breath. “The presence of Sir Althalos. His men take the best food, the comfiest beds, the choicest women. We all of us wonder, when will they be gone?”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Otto felt a low rumble of laughter in his chest. “It is as easy as that? I ask Sir Althalos to leave, and harmony shall return to Darkmoor?”
Gaius looked hurt. “You asked for the situation as I see it.”
Otto raised his hand in apology. “Forgive me, my old friend. Since my father died, it seems there are twists and turns at every step of the road.”
“Lord Ulric was proud of the warrior you have become.” Gaius spoke with feeling.
Otto raised his eyebrows. “He made me the warrior I have become.”
“Darkmoor is safe in your hands,” Gaius continued. “I know this, and your men know this.”
Otto straightened his arm and clasped Gaius’s forearm. “Thank you for your honesty. And your loyalty.”
Gaius got to his feet and Otto followed suit. “You will have my loyalty until the day I die.” The knight made a smart bow and then turned to leave.
Otto watched his stately progress across the outer courtyard, then went in search of his young page.
“Robin,” he called when he spotted him sharpening swords in an adjacent barn. “Go and find Sir Althalos. Tell him to meet me in my solar.”
*
Otto did notplan what he would say to his uncle, confident that the necessary words would come to him. His intention, however, was clear.
First his impudence to Ariana. Now this.
Althalos would be gone from Darkmoor before nightfall.
Otto sat back in his ornately carved desk chair and let his head fall backwards. In truth, he was relieved to have been forced into action. His uncle had overplayed his hand, and now Otto had every reason to demand his departure.
As the day had progressed, the sunlight had moved over to a different side of the castle and now the solar was overshadowed and dull. The maids had already been in to light the candles and a fire crackled in the grate. Otto was impatient for the deed to be over with. Then he would be free to find his bride and finish what they had started down by the river.
Ariana,what a revelation she had been. In her embrace, he had been able to put aside his cares, losing himself in her sweet warmth.
The steady clip of approaching footsteps made Otto sit upright in his chair. This time Althalos knocked and waited for Otto’s response before walking into the room. His sharp face was expressionless, but he had changed into a smart dark tunic, laced with gold thread and overlaid with a plush, finely trimmed cloak. A statement of wealth, no doubt.
A statement which would soon make him uncomfortably warm, Otto reflected, deliberately motioning for Althalos to take a seat by the fire.
“You asked to see me, nephew?” Althalos inspected his clean, well-polished nails. His hands were small and pale. Those of a commander, not a warrior.
Otto saw little reason to prevaricate. “I take no pleasure in this. But I must ask you to leave Darkmoor, tonight.”
No surprise showed in the older man’s face. “May I enquire why?”
Otto took a steadying breath. It would not do to display his gathering temper. “It is simply time, Uncle. You first came here to honor your brother. And I was grateful for your assistance during those difficult weeks.”
Althalos opened his palms but said nothing.
Otto was forced to continue. “But I shall do well on my own now, thank you.”
He had said his piece. He was the Earl of Darkmoor. Althalos would have no choice but to acquiesce.
“I see.” His uncle plucked an invisible thread from the deep folds of his cloak. “So it is time for me and my men to return to my own estate.”
“That’s it.” Otto felt the beginnings of relief.
