Unless, of course, it was a diversion to throw them off the path of the true plans.
But Cole didn’t think Canmore was that smart.
“I must tell my father,” he repeated. “And unless we want the Scots at Berwick to openly welcome the Northmen, we are going to have to gain control of that castle before the summer months arrive.”
Alastor looked at him. “I will pledge my army for that purpose,” he said. “Tell me what more you need, Cole. I will do what I can to support the efforts.”
“I will,” Cole said. “I will send word to my father tonight. I would not be surprised if he came to The Keld to discuss the situation with you.”
“I would be honored by his visit.”
There wasn’t much more to say at that point. They both knew the implications. What Ajax de Velt’s army couldn’t accomplish, some strong wine could. As Alastor went after his sons to inform them of his discussion with Cole about Berwick, Cole headed out to find Addax and Essien to tell them the same thing. There was a great deal at stake and no time to waste.
Alpin Canmore’s death wouldn’t be in vain.
He told the English what they wanted to know, and they would be ready.
Or die trying.
CHAPTER FIVE
That evening’s feastwasn’t like any other.
Tonight, it was different.
At least, that’s how Corisande felt as she gazed out over the packed great hall. It was full of men, feasting and laughing and drinking, and the enormous hearth was spitting more smoke into the room than was probably going up the chimney, so a fine haze of blue smoke hung up near the ceiling.
In spite of what had happened that afternoon, the mood of the hall was one of gaiety. As if a man hadn’t burned to death in Alastor’s hearth, a man who had been key to much of the political winds that were blowing in their direction. As Corisande looked out over the hall, it was as if the men of The Keld hadn’t a care in the world.
At least, that was the attitude of the rank and file. On the dais, however, the mood was a quite different. Those men knew what had transpired earlier in the day because they’d been part of it, so they were a bit more subdued.
Perhaps reflecting on what the future would bring.
“Who are those men with Papa?”
The question came from Corisande’s younger sister, and the youngest de Bourne sibling, Gaia. She had seen ten years andeight and was newly returned from fostering at Prudhoe Castle. Corisande had only seen her youngest sister intermittently over the past seven years until her return home a few months ago, so the sisters were still coming to know one another as grown women. But Corisande knew one thing for certain–
Her sister was man-crazy.
She was a pretty little thing, too, petite and blonde as their mother had been. Already, she was giving Alastor and her older brothers fits because she would flirt and tease, and then her father and brothers would have to rush in to fend off the men she had been toying with. There was one squire in particular, one who had served with distinction for a few years, who Gaia would not leave alone. The poor young man had been the object of her attention since her return to The Keld and three weeks ago, Alastor finally sent the lad south to an ally’s home simply to get him away from his man-eating daughter.
Now, Gaia was already eyeing the visitors to The Keld, Cole de Velt included, and Corisande knew there was going to be trouble.
Gaia had little restraint when she saw a man she found attractive.
“Those men are important allies,” she said. “They are here on serious business with Papa and you will not embarrass him. No winking, smiling, or pinching, Gaia. Do you understand?”
Gaia looked at her sister, frowning. “What has happened to you?” she said. “You used to be much more fun when we were younger. When did you become so serious?”
Corisande had limited patience for her sister’s antics these days. “I have grown up but, evidently, you have not,” she said. “Do not behave like a trollop. Papa has warned you against such things. Now, where is Gratiana?”
She was asking about the female ward they’d had at The Keld for three years now, a young woman from a good family that hada small castle on the Welsh Marches. Lady Gratiana de Allington was a mature young woman of good character and, fortunately, didn’t subscribe to Gaia’s foolery. In fact, Gaia frightened her, so she didn’t usually solicit her company.
And Gaia knew it.
Therefore, she lifted her slender shoulders in a careless gesture.
“Who knows?” she said. “More importantly, who cares? Gratiana is as bad as you are when it comes to fun. The woman does not have a frivolous bone in her entire body.”
