Warrick chuckled. “That would have been appreciated, since most of mine are sunk in the damn moat, with not much damage to their credit. Now tell me what you are doing here, my friend. This is not your war.”
’Twas Sheldon’s turn to shrug. “With my own harvest in, I was going mad with boredom. You have made our neighbors so law-abiding with your quick retaliations for any little trespass, naught exciting ever happens anymore in our shire. And since Eleanor died, I no longer have a wife to keep me content at home. ’Twas either do a little raiding across the border, go to court—which I abhor—or come and offer you my excellent advice for a fortnight or so, or at the very least, my company.”
“You are most definitely welcome, though you are like to be as bored here as at home.”
“Your company is never boring, Warrick, not when it is so easy to rile you.” Sheldon grinned. “But does that mean you plan to just sit them out?”
“’Tis not my habit to be a passive besieger. We keep them busy and ever alert.”
“How many towers have you employed?”
“Three have been burned, now rubble filling the moat. I am building two more.”
“That should be demoralizing for those watching from the battlements, as was your supplies arriving. But have you cornered the illusive wolf this time, or did he get away?”
“As of last week he was still telling my heralds to go to hell, though he does not show himself on the walls to make my archers happy. However, there was a fire our first week here. I know not whether some brave yeoman climbed down from the castle walls to make mischief, or if ’twas carelessness in my own camp, but in the ensuing commotion, a whole troop could have escaped over the walls, or through the postern gate, which is so carefully concealed on the outside that we have yet to locate it. There is also the possibility that d’Ambray was not here at all and his constable answers in his name. I will not be at all pleased to learn if that is so.”
“’Twill not be the first time you thought you had him but he managed to escape.”
“Aye, but does he do so this time, I swear I will take this castle down stone by stone and cart the debris away.”
“Nowthatwould be a waste. If you do not want it, why not give it to the Malduits as Beatrix’s dower? Letthemworry about keeping d’Ambray from getting it back—if you do not end him in this effort.”
Warrick grinned at the notion. ’Twas subtle in the way of revenge, yet did it have amusing ramifications, especially after Lord Reinard had tried to dupe him with an unwilling bride, and had thus far been rewarded for it. He and d’Ambray did, in truth, deserve each other.
“Are you sure you would not like Emma to have it instead—to relieve the boredom you complained of?” Warrick teased.
Sheldon looked horrified. “God’s blood, do not be so generous with us! A farm or a mill will do Richard nicely. He is the scholar in our family, after all. Barely did he earn his spurs, for truly do I think Lord John took pity on him when he knighted him this year.”
Warrick laughed at those half-truths. Richardwasscholarly, true enough, but all three of Sheldon’s sons, though none yet twenty, took after their father in knightly skills.
“Best I see if I can capture Ambray ere I dispose of it,” Warrick conceded.
“That is in little doubt considering the size of the army you have here. The hundred men I brought with me—”
“Will be welcome.”
“But are not needed.” Sheldon snorted. “Wheredoyou come by so many?”
“Landless knights are plentiful these days. Those who come to me do not find outlawry to their liking, nor the political machinations at court. My wars are simple and straightforward, my army not beset with indecision or too many lords back-stabbing for supremacy. For men who prefer fighting to peace…”
“But this is to be your last campaign, is it not? What will you do with such a large army when you are at peace?”
Warrick shrugged. “At least half I will keep. I have enough properties to support them. The rest, mayhap I will suggest they seek service with young Henry. ’Tis rumored he plans to come after the throne yet again.”
Sheldon chuckled. “So you will no longer hold yourself neutral in the political arena?”
“I have fought for Stephen only when it suited me, paid scutage when it did not, and have even gone against him when one of his loyal followers has earned my enmity. But I would welcome a king who can give us peace again, so I will not have to be troubled in my old age to keep it myself. I believe the Angevin can do that.”
Sheldon was in agreement, and they spoke of some of the great earls already in Henry’s camp. Chester had visited Sheldon to feel him out on the subject. Hereford had spoken in private to Warrick when he was last in London. ’Twas going to come to civil war again, and Henry’s vassals wanted to know in advance who would stand by them, or at least continue neutral.
But that was for future debate. Sheldon got back to a subject of more immediate concern to him.
“I would have had Richard with me, but we stopped by Fulkhurst on the way here, and I could not drag him away from his hoped-for bride. You will not believe her transformation, Warrick. I am almost inclined to tell my son that you have changed your mind and decided to offer her to me instead, but I doubt not he would challenge me do I suggest it. He is more smitten than ever.”
“But what of her manner?” Warrick asked. “Noticed you any improvement?”
“Your little lady-serf has worked wonders in so short a time. She has sewn for Emma a new wardrobe, and instructed her in every aspect of castle management and wifely duties. Verily, you can in no way tell Emma was raised in the village. She is gracious, softly spoken, and—”
