Why didhe feel as if he’d spent the night sleeping on broken stone? Come to think on it, why was it so bloody cold? Had the fire gone out? Christian woke, the smell of rotting wood filling his nose, the taste of decay thick in his throat. A cloud of dust filled the hut when he stretched, his back cracking as he twisted. The leather flask was heavy in his hands as he tilted it to his mouth, letting the cold water quench his thirst.
“Pardon, my lord. Everyone has been searching for you.” A small boy of no more than six winters stood in the doorway, shuffling his feet.
“You have been gone for two days.” The boy looked hopeful as he blew his nose on his sleeve, the noise making Christian’s horse snort.
“Might you return? The cook is making tarts, and the smell, it makes me hungry. Lord Ravenskirk said I might have one if I found you and brought you back. I’m one of the best trackers, can find rabbits even in winter, everyone says ’tis so.”
The look of hope and hunger on the boy’s face made Christian curse.
“What kind of tarts?”
The boy licked his lips, a lock of unruly black hair falling over one eye, giving him the look of a rather small pirate eyeing a vast treasure.
“Apple with cinnamon.” He held a hand to his stomach as if imagining the warm pastry filling his belly.
Grumbling under his breath, Christian swore again.
“Aye, I will return anon. You shall have your tart.” The boy’s smile filled the room and banished the gloom from Christian’s soul. “You shall have two; tell my brother I said such.”
He was a Thornton. Thorntons always did their duty, and for as long as Christian could remember, he wished to marry and have babes to carry on the Thornton name. All of his brothers were wed. ’Twas past time. Even if he had to knock on every door in the realm, he would find another bride and wed before year’s end.
Resolved, he tossed the boy onto the horse and they rode out as Christian hummed under his breath. The sky was a muted gray, the smell of juniper and snow filled the air, and he was grateful for the warmth of the scarf Lucy had made for him. There was no wind; he could see Ravenskirk reflected in the water surrounding the castle, making Henry’s home look twice its size.
The clatter of the horse’s hooves on the bridge and the sound of his and the boy’s stomachs rumbling made such noise that Christian was surprised the entire guard didn’t turn out to see what army was invading.
The boy sniffed. “I smell the tarts.”
“I do as well. We best make haste.” Christian inhaled, his belly rumbling. In the future, if he ran away, he would pack victuals for the journey.
The boy jumped off the horse. “Shall I take him to the stables for you, my lord?”
“Aye, see to the horse, then fill your belly and bring me one of those tarts before my brother eats them all.”
The lad took the reins, leading the horse away. Before Christianhad gained the hall, a terrible scream rent the air, seeming to shake the very foundations of the keep as he drew his sword and ran. Inside the hall, there were no invaders, and his brothers were unharmed, pacing in front of the fire. William gaped at him whilst James looked to the stairs.
Christian looked about for the women. “Is aught amiss? Are we under attack?”
“The prodigal returns.” Edward peered closely at him. “Why do you gasp like a fish out of water?”
“I heard screams, thought the women were in danger.”
“Henry is in danger of losing his manly bits if the threats coming from Charlotte are to be believed.” Edward rocked back on his heels. “With her in my army, I could take Scotland.”
Another scream followed by a stream of cursing met Christian’s ears, and he winced. “I didn’t know Charlotte knew such words.”
“She says it’s fun to learn all the bad words.” Henry gulped his wine and glanced toward the stairs.
Edward stroked his chin. “You were wrong, James. Christian looks like he spent the past two days in a barn, not enjoying the favors of a woman.”
“Aye, so he does. Where have you been, dolt?”
“None of your concern. Can’t a man spend a bit of time alone without you lot gossiping like old women?”
His eldest brother pursed his lips. “The lists. You will feel better after time in the lists.” Edward rubbed his hands together. “Shall we go now?”
Christian scowled. “Not everything can be fixed by stomping about with a sword.”
There was stunned silence.
