Atticus glanced over his should to make sure his army was being disbanded by Maxim de Russe, who was now his second in command. Much had happened over the past few years; Tertiushad returned to Isenhall to serve with his aging father while Kenton had gone to serve with Warwick. Adam Wellesbourne had returned to Wellesbourne Castle, leaving Alec le Bec in charge of defenses for the Earl of Northumberland. The knights of Northumberland were scattered but they were still close, still brothers in bond. Atticus sighed heavily, not knowing where to begin.
“Things are in turmoil,” he said. “Warwick has distanced himself from Edward and is now siding with Henry once more. He is at his estates in Yorkshire and Kenton is with him as one of his knights in command. It would seem that Henry may be back upon the throne once again, hopefully for good.”
Isobeau slipped her hand into his, listening seriously to the latest news. “And you?” she asked. “How do you fit into this new world?”
Atticus thought on that question for a moment. “I hold the borders,” he said quietly. “We saw a few skirmishes over the past few weeks, but Warwick has sent me home to stay for a while. With the Scots siding with Henry, and a good deal of unrest going on in Yorkshire, I have been returned home to hold the borders and support the Scots, and Henry, if needed. Once again, there is a Wolfe of the Border.”
Solomon grinned. “You are The Lion, Atticus,” he said. “There was only one Wolfe of the Border just as there is only one Lion of the North. Both men are strong and legendary. In any case, we are glad to have you home.”
They reached the great hall and Caius and Leonidus charged in, followed by Solomon. Only Atticus and Isobeau hung back, lingering by the open door. Atticus, with his baby daughter still in his arms, turned to his wife.
“I do not know how long I will be able to stay with you, but I hope it will be for a good, long time,” he told her quietly. “There is much unrest, sweetling. There is talk of unrest in France andWales even. I do not know where my new alliance with Warwick will take me, but for now, it has brought me home to my family. There is no place I would rather be.”
Isobeau smiled up at him, her hand on his cheek, her fingers in his hair. “You know that wherever you go, your heart is here,” she murmured. “Iam here. I will always be here, waiting for you, no matter where your duties take you.”
He smiled faintly, drinking in the sight of the face he loved so well. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
“Not lately.”
He sobered. “Then hear me now,” he whispered. “I cannot remember when I have not loved you. You belong to me and I will love you, and only you, until I die.”
Isobeau smiled sweetly, accepting his kiss as he rubbed her belly, feeling the life that they had created together. “As I love you,” she murmured. “You are my heart and soul. Without you, I would be lost.”
He kissed her again and then was distracted when Morgana wanted to be put down. He put the baby on her feet, watching her toddle over to her brothers and grandfather, over near the feasting table as the three men demanded food and drink. Solomon was encouraging his grandsons to yell quite loudly, praising them when they would bellow. Atticus had to chuckle at his father.
“I have never seen my father so happy,” he said, taking his wife’s hand and leading her over towards the rest of the family. “I remember when I was young and my mother was alive, how much happiness there was in this house. I never thought I would see such times again. I wish….”
He trailed off and Isobeau looked up at him, seeing his wistful expression as he gazed at his father and children. “What do you wish, my love?” she asked.
He shrugged. “I wish that Titus could have been here to see this,” he said. “The joy returned to Wolfe’s Lair, and father’s happiness. I think it’s in moments like this that I miss him most.”
Isobeau squeezed his gloved hand. “If he was still here, there would be no children, at least our children,” she reminded him softly. “Nay, Atticus; I am under the belief that everything happens for a reason and everything happens as it should. Titus’ passing is still a sorrowful thing, and I am still saddened when I think of it, but mayhap he is gone so that our children could be born. Mayhap Cai or Leo or even the child I carry is meant for greatness, mayhap to change the course of history. That is the way I think about it and wherever Titus is, I know he understands that. I like to think that he can see your father now and see how he dunks our boys in the rain barrel or plays tricks on them or makes them yell like knights for food and drink. I also like to think that he can see how happy you and I are and knows that he made the right decision by asking you to marry me those years ago. For certain, it is something we can both thank him for.”
Atticus smiled at her, warmed by her words, thinking that she made a good deal of sense, as always. He kissed the tip of her nose.
“That is all true,” he said. “But I still wish he was here.”
“He is. In everything around you.”
Atticus liked that thought. “Your wisdom is something I have come to depend upon,” he said, wincing when Caius yelled so loud for food that his voice cracked. He grinned when Isobeau laughed. “As much as my father wants to name this child Ares, I have been thinking on naming him something else.”
“What would you prefer?”
“Something that means a great deal to us both.”
Two weeks later, after four hours of a very fast and somewhat easy labor, a big, healthy boy was born much to the delight of his parents and grandfather. When his grandfather demanded to name the child Ares, Atticus and Isobeau put up a united front to deny the old man.
Initially upset that his wishes had been denied, that irritation had vanished when he was presented with the new child and the name his parents had chosen to give him.
Solomon wept as he held Titus Warenne de Wolfe, who would go on to do great and noble things.
*THE END*
