Bayard understood that he had been summoned.He tugged on his chausses and boots, but otherwise wore only his chemise.By force of habit, he took his dagger in its scabbard.
He found Quinn at the board alone in the shadows before the dawn.The keep was yet quiet, although there was some activity in the kitchen.He sat down opposite his companion and friend, wondering what was amiss.
Quinn’s expression was so serious that Bayard did not tease him about leaving his wife’s bed or the lack of ale.
“You must choose,” Quinn said softly.He was serious and his expression intent, as if he anticipated an argument from Bayard.
“Choose?”
“We are no longer at war, and no longer moving from place to place.We no longer need fear that we will not awaken on the morrow...”
“No man knows when he will breathe his last.”
“But we do not battle for our survival each day,” Quinn said with resolve.“And so we must choose.”
Bayard sensed he would not like his options in this choice, whatever it was.He sat back, folding his arms across his chest, and waited.
Quinn traced a pattern in the wood with a fingertip.“I intend to remain in this place, to maintain my pledge as Lord d’Annossy and to rebuild Sayerne, if God wills it.”
“You mean if Tulley wills it.”Bayard earned a look for that.“It seems that he has more influence in this valley than any other.”
Quinn frowned and continued.“And that means that we must look upon the others in this valley as our neighbors, villeins and even friends, not as resources.”
“This is about the maid,” Bayard guessed, irked that his comrade would attempt to govern his behavior.
“’Tis.”
“This is about your wife.She will see you gelded, if you allow it, and then if Annossy is attacked, where will you be?Timid at her feet, like a dog well-trained...”
Quinn cleared his throat and Bayard fell silent.“My lady makes a fair point.Women must be treated with courtesy, maidens in particular, when we have need of their services in the hall.Fathers will not entrust them to such service if they are to be abused or left with child.”
“But a man must have his pleasures!”
“Must he?Is it not a consequence of war that a man takes no responsibility, that he pays for his pleasure and moves on?”
“We have been chaste while on crusade, Quinn,” Bayard reminded his friend with impatience.“It was a choice but it is done.A man must satisfy his base needs...”
“Is such behavior not the mark of a mercenary who does not know if he will live another day?And if he does, he is unlikely to be in the same keep or town.By virtue of his trade, he chooses to abide in the moment.”Quinn held up a finger when Bayard might have protested.“But we are no longer on crusade or at war.I vowed that I would give you a home, Bayard, and I will keep that pledge.I will grant you honest employ, as a man I trust above all others.I will have need of you and would not see us part.You may labor here or at Sayerne, but I will ensure that you do not lack, except if you seduce the maidens who serve in the hall.”
“But...”
“Should you have need of such pleasures, then journey to Tulley or even beyond, but you will not so indulge in my holdings.I know you are more temperate than you would have others believe, but you may not indulge here.”
Bayard heaved a sigh and attempted a jest, hoping that he might convince Quinn to soften.“You have been tamed by your lady, indeed,” he began but Quinn interrupted him.
“I have been tutored by her, and she speaks good sense in this.My father’s repute was fed by his tendency to treat women as whores.I must be different.I must choose differently to convince all in this valley that Iamdifferent.And that means that you, and all men in my service, must do the same.”
“Or?”Bayard invited, feeling rebellious before this demand.
Quinn gave him an intent look, one that Bayard knew meant his companion’s decision was made.Quinn did not reply, but gestured to the portal.Beyond it were the gates, the valley, Tulley and the Beauvoir Pass.
Or he could leave.
Bayard frowned.“It is unnatural for a man to be chaste.”
“But not for a man to pledge to one woman.”
“Now I am to wed as well?You push me overmuch, Quinn!”
