“Louis de Rhos,” he said. “I was traveling through the valley and saw the lights of Felkington, so I thought to get out of the storm. I was just coming up the road when I saw the Scots and they attacked me, so I had little choice but to engage them.”
A succinct explanation of what had happened. Julian smiled faintly. “Your assistance was most welcome,” he said. “You have my thanks. Where are you from, de Rhos?”
The knight threw a thumb in a southwardly direction. “Herrington Castle.”
Ashton, listening to the conversation, cocked his head thoughtfully. “That’s near Sunderland, isn’t it?”
Louis nodded. “Aye,” he said. “My father is the Earl of Sunderland.”
“Ah,” Ashton said. “So we have the high nobility among us. Your father may be the Earl of Sunderland, but Julian’s father was Ajax de Velt. The Dark Lord of legend. Surely you’ve heard of him.”
Louis looked at Julian with some surprise. “Of course I have,” he said. “Your father is indeed legend. I heard he was killed a few years ago.”
“He was,” Julian said.
“You have my deepest sympathies,” Louis said. “John, wasn’t it?”
“Unfortunately.”
Louis grunted in disgust. “An unworthy man against your father’s greatness,” he said. “My father never liked John, either.”
“Your father is a man with good taste.”
Louis grinned. “I think so,” he said. “Speaking of taste, would it be too much to ask for a meal and a bed for a few hours? I’ve not eaten since early yesterday.”
Julian motioned to him. “It would be my honor to eat with you,” he said. “Ash, deal with this prisoner. Find out what he knows and send him back with a message that further raids at Felkington will not be tolerated. I will take our guest inside.”
As Ashton nodded and grabbed the prisoner by the hair, Julian escorted Louis through the long entry passageway and emerged into the courtyard in the center of the castle, with the tall walls all around. In fact, he had to pause because Louis had come to a halt. The man was looking at the walls around him with awe.
“God’s Bones,” he muttered. “This place is enormous. How is it I have never even heard of Felkington Castle?”
Julian smiled weakly. “Impressive, is it not?” he said. “Evidently, it used to be quite important about a hundred years ago, but now the main road takes travelers away from it. It did not, however, take you away from it. Where are you coming from?”
Louis finished his inspection and started walking again. “I was in Berwick on business for my father and continuing on to Kelso, but the storm threw me off track. Which road am I supposed to be on to reach Kelso?”
Julian’s grin widened. “North, about three miles,” he said. “You must have taken the wrong road to end up on this one. If you continue on, it should take you south to Wooler.”
“I donotwant to go to Wooler.”
“No one does.”
They shared a laugh as they entered the main entry of the castle. Before them was a large mural stairwell that led to the upper floors and Louis followed Julian up two flights before reaching a common room that had a fire burning. The door to the chamber, which had been so recently bolted, was wide open and the fire was inviting. Louis immediately went to the fire and began removing his gloves and helm.
“I’ll find the lady of the keep,” Julian said. “Meanwhile, I’ll have servants bring you some wine. After a night like that, I’m sure you can use it.”
Louis was holding his hands out to the fire. “Will you join me?”
Julian nodded. “Certainly,” he said. “But first let me…”
He wasn’t able to finish before Lista was rushing through the door, plowing into him in her haste. “Julian!” she gasped. “I heard your voice! Are you well?”
She’d hit him in the arm, teetering him sideways. He reached out to steady her, to steady them both, as he chuckled.
“I was fine until that moment,” he said. “Now I think I am gravely wounded, all thanks to you.”
Lista laughed, her hands on him as if to make sure he was indeed all in one piece. “Stop whining like a woman,” she teased. “A big man like you? It would take a building to fall on you to hurt you.”
He grabbed her by the shoulders, planting a kiss on her cheek. It was a sweet gesture, and a bold one, but Lista didn’t seem to mind. She put her soft, warm hands on his face, looking at him before tucking the hair back over his right eye so she could see both eyes. She inspected him closely.
