Valteri the Godless had asked for a friar to take care of the needs of his people.
But why had Valteri not spoken up when the Saxon criticized him before all for not having done so?
Because he only defends himself on the battlefield and with a sword.He was wise enough to know that words seldom changed anyone’s mind. Therefore, he didn’t bother to even try them.
No doubt, as a boy, words had only worsened his punishments and criticisms and taught him not to bother.
“I apologize for my delay,” the friar continued. “But there was a poor possessed child who needed my aid and I couldn’t come any sooner.”
“And how was she possessed, good brother?” Belial asked in a mocking tone as he entered the hall behind the friar. He leaned in the doorway, a menacing smile on his lips.
“She was…” The friar paused, then frowned. “How did milord know ’twas a girl?”
Belial shook his head. “’Tis the look about you, good brother.” He joined them in the hall and wound his arm about her waist. “And the untoward look in your eyes when you addressed my fair sister.”
The friar’s jaw began to flop like a fish dumped from his water as he realized Belial had just insulted him. His eyes widened and a wave of anger crashed through Ariel.
“Apologize to the friar,” she said through clenched teeth. “’Tis no need for you to insult him so.”
Belial cast a warning glare to her that sent a frigid shiver of fear down her spine.
Ariel blinked, her mind faltering as another memory surfaced.
“Be nice and sacrifice yourself for me.”The words spun through her head, repeating themselves over and over.
Aye, ’twas Belial’s voice.
Only he’d looked different then. “Milady?” Brother Edred stepped forward and took her arm.
Ariel glanced from him to Belial, whose brow was lined with…
Was it fear?
Yet she couldn’t make herself believe Belial would fear anything.
“My sister has had an accident herself.” There was no mistaking thecaution of Belial’s tone. “For days now, she cannot recall herself and is given to spells of dizziness.”
“Is milady poss—”
“Nay, Friar, don’t saythat,” Belial warned. “Not in this hall. Such words would bring out the fiercest wrath of her husband, who guards her like treasure.”
Ariel stared at him. What was he trying to do? Strange, indiscernible whispers shot through her head and a part of her told her if she listened carefully enough, those whispers would answer her questions.
Belial brushed the hair from her cheek and her thoughts stilled. A strange glow hovered in Belial’s eyes and one corner of his mouth crooked up. He looked to the friar. “Were I you, Friar, I’d avoid the lady’s presence as much as possible.”
Brother Edred frowned. “How mean you?”
The slow smile that spread across Belial’s face appeared sinister and cold, and a shiver of fear slid to her stomach and clenched it tight. “In due time, brother. But come. I shall show you to the graves and families of the people who need your ministrations.”
Ariel watched the two of them leave, and the hazy images of her mind cleared.
Her brother’s alliance with the friar didn’t bode well. Belial was a wicked man.
Wicked and cold.
Every time he placed a hand upon her, she could feel it in his touch. See it in his eyes.
Over the last few days, he’d made no attempt to speak with anyone other than Valteri or her, and she knew he must have something evil planned to seek the friar now.
