From her seat, Lucy called out encouragement to the men as William spared his wife an amused grin.
She’d been waiting to hear if the priest who had been recommended by one of William’s friends was on his way. The delay in news arriving was something Lucy had gotten used to over the years, but now and then she lamented the loss of the internet and the instantaneous communication afforded by texting. A laugh escaped as she pictured William and his knights with swords slung up on their shoulders, pausing to send texts.
After several more rounds of sparring, William disarmedone knight, then the other in quick succession. Chests heaving from exertion, Leo and Benedict stepped back and nodded. William clasped each man’s shoulder.
“Well fought today. I can think of no other warriors I would rather have at my side in battle.”
“Come then, have at me, if you dare,” he called. William loved nothing more than the thrill of combat, even in a friendly sparring match. To him, this was where he felt most alive, pitting his hard-won skills against worthy adversaries.
His lady called out encouragement and witty remarks as she watched. “Look lively, don’t let William win all the glory today. You know if he does, his head will be too big to fit through the gates.”
The knights roared with laughter at her jest. Even William could not help an amused chuckle.
“Anyone else?” William called out to the men, some of whom were panting, leaning on their swords.
“I challenge you, my lord!” Galen stepped forward, limbering up his sword arm. “Unless you are too weary to continue?” he added, unable to resist the gibe.
William threw back his head and laughed heartily.“I should say the same to you, Galen. I imagine your old bones must be aching terribly after just lazing about watching.”
Galen snorted. “This ‘old man’ still has a few tricks to teach you, young pup.”
The men tossed crude insults at each other, seeming to forget Lucy was watching.
“Why, I see you’ve broken into quite a sweat already, my lord,” he ribbed William with mock concern. “We’d best end this soon so you can get some rest.”
William shook his head in amusement.“I shall rest quitewell tonight after defeating you soundly, old friend,” he retorted.
Without another word, Galen rushed forward, not waiting for William to fully raise his guard. Swords crashed as William just managed to deflect the surprise blow. Back and forth they traded blistering strikes, neither man giving quarter. William gradually forced Galen onto the defensive. Yet the older knight resisted doggedly, refusing to yield. The other men shouted encouragement to both fighters.
Moments later, with a final mighty swing, William sent Galen’s practice sword sailing out of reach, signaling the end of the match.
“You nearly had me more than once,” William praised. “Your skill is still as sharp as any man’s here.”
Clasping William’s shoulder, Galen smiled. “The honor is mine, my lord. There is no man I would rather fight beside than you.”
William crossed the lists to where Lucy still sat observing. She smiled up at him.
“I know I tease you, but truly you are incredible on the field. I only wish you never had to fight.”
He dropped to the bench beside Lucy and planted a quick kiss on her lips.
“You said there is still war in your time, so it seems I must always be ready.” William shrugged. “Shall we go in before you catch a chill?” He wrapped an arm around his wife, drawing her close.
“We should, so you can bathe.” She held her nose, a twinkle in her eye. “You stink.”
William rose, mouth twitching. “After I bathe, I want some of that apple pie you made.”
CHAPTER 4
The mournful ringingof the village bells made Lucy’s ears hurt as she rode down the muddy lane with a basket of soup, bread, and soap. Her heart sank, fearing she already knew what misfortune had likely befallen the stricken family.
As she dismounted, she patted Buttercup, handing the reins to Thomas.
A seamstress at the castle made fabric masks that could be tied around the wearer’s head. Hopefully, the masks would help keep the men safe.
“Tie this cloth over your face and wait for me.”
The captain of her guard nodded, “my lady, are you not worried you will catch the pox?”
