Chapter 11

Lord Erik and Lady Julia were married that spring. It was a quiet ceremony in the castle chapel, witnessed only by those whose presence was necessary. They didn't want to make a spectacle of their scandal. Secret love affairs and bastard children were not uncommon amongst the nobility, but the manner of their handling could mean the difference between a dynasty enduring and falling into ruin. Erik and Julia seemed to be dealing with things prudently. There were many small elements of their relationship that people might find distasteful; their difference in age, their distant blood relation, and the upset it stood to cause to Lord Ricaud and Lady Ingrid's engagement. But Erik and Julia clearly loved one another. She wanted to comfort and care for the man who had taken her in after she lost everything, while he longed for warmth and companionship in his old age. Wolfram could see nothing wrong with it.

Lady Ingrid thought differently, however. When they played their board games, she was moody and testy, making no attempt to hide the fact that she thought Julia had finally succeeded in a years-long scheme to replace her dead mother. Wolfram tried to reason with her that Julia wasn't that sort of woman, but Ingrid would hear none of it. She was hurt and needed to pour her heart out to someone. So Wolfram listened, trying to be patient, hoping that Ingrid's temper would eventually cool. She liked it when people agreed with her, and if that was the price of her affections, Wolfram would agree as much as she wanted.

It was also during the springtime that the exchange of Kilwick was finalised. Lady Julia, perhaps with the aid of her new wedding vows, had persuaded Lord Erik to agree to the land swap. Sir Tancred, Kilwick's former lord, had been sent off to Tannersfield to manage the new property, while a priest was coming to Elkinshire to take over the village. In time, Kilwick might become the site of a new priory, or else its rents would go back to Tannersfield to support one of the convents there.

Wolfram met the priest in the great hall early one morning. He had just arrived from Tannersfield and was seated at the high table with Father Everwin and Lady Julia. Julia called Wolfram over when she saw him.

"Father Richard, this is young master Wolfram, one of our squires. Wolfram, I would like you to escort Father Richard to Kilwick today."

"Of course, milady." Wolfram bowed.

Father Richard acknowledged him with a nod. He looked to be in his late thirties, with tawny brown hair and a clean-shaven face. He was dressed in the plain robe of a monk. "I arrived in Elkinshire rather late yesterday evening. I didn't want to go searching for my new village in the dark, so I came straight to the castle."

"Wolfram will make sure you find it," Julia said. She'd taken to wearing shapeless gowns that obscured the growing swell of her stomach. According to Meg and the kitchen servants, she would give birth before the end of summer, but her condition was still barely noticeable to the casual eye.

Wolfram told Dunstan he'd be missing training and went to the armoury to change into his surcoat and buckle on a sword. When he came out, the stabler had a horse saddled for him alongside Father Richard's. The pair of them were about to ride off when Lady Ingrid came hurrying across the courtyard.

"Hold there!" she called, hitching up her dress so it didn't drag in the dirt. "Ready my horse, please. I shall be accompanying Father Richard and Wolfram."

"I didn't expect such an esteemed entourage," Richard said.

Wolfram was even more bemused. Ingrid visited Firfallow regularly, but she rarely went riding around the shire on a whim. Clearly it wasn't at Lady Julia's behest, or she would have had her horse prepared ahead of time.

"Are you sure you want to come with us, milady?" Wolfram asked. He'd learned to talk around the questions he wanted to ask when addressing nobles, lest his directness come across as impolite.

"Would I be out here if I wasn't?"

"It isn't a particularly fine day for riding, and Kilwick is nowhere of note. I'm afraid the trip might bore you."

Ingrid gave him a thin smile. "If anything bores me, it is when men keep insisting they know best. I wish to make sure Father Richard is well settled and understands what he is taking on."

"That's very kind of you, my lady," Richard said.

Wolfram didn't have anything to say to that, so he shut up. In truth, he was excited about riding with Ingrid. Why should he look a gift horse in the mouth by trying to puzzle out her motives?

As soon as Ingrid's palfrey was ready, they set out down the path to the village. Wolfram rode ahead, leaving Ingrid and Father Richard to talk as they trotted behind him. He was fond of escort duty. Any work that involved hiking somewhere or riding a horse hardly felt like work at all.

They rode through Firfallow and took the path south toward Kilwick. Despite what Wolfram had said to Ingrid, it turned out to be a pleasant day for travel. Bright sunlight soon pierced the clouds, warming the gentle breeze with all the fragrances of spring.

"There it is, Father." Wolfram pointed to the cluster of houses when they hove into view. "Your manor's just outside the village. We'll ride up there and I'll show you."

"It's an old farmhouse, I believe?" Richard asked.

"Yes. Well-kept, though. It hasn't been out of use for long." In his infrequent conversations with Lady Julia, Wolfram had learned that the new lord's manor would be the farmhouse where Loddy Kilwick's cousin had been murdered nearly two years ago. In the aftermath of that incident, Percy Butcher's family had sold their swine farm to the previous owner, who had moved up the hill to take over the new business and left the farmhouse out of use. The bishop of Tannersfield had purchased it so that his representative would have somewhere to live.

"Come along then, let's not waste time," Ingrid said, kicking her horse forward.

"I would like to introduce myself to the villagers first," Father Richard called as he hurried to catch up.

"Nonsense, you must meet your servants and see your new house. I insist."

Richard and Wolfram exchanged a look. Wolfram gave the priest a shrug. "Milady wants what she wants."

They followed after Ingrid, diverting from the main road to ride up the path to the farmhouse. The back of Wolfram's neck prickled as they drew near. Something was amiss. He'd been told to expect only two servants–a housekeeper and a handyman–but there were half a dozen horses tied to the hitching post outside the farmhouse. He urged his steed forward so that he arrived first. Lounging against the side of the building was a man dressed in a green and orange surcoat. It was Dom, one of Aldrich's men.

Wolfram's hands tightened on the reins as the needling memory of his last visit to Kilwick returned, but he fought past his anxiety. This was no time to be afraid.

"What are you doing here?" he barked. It gratified him to see Dom shy back in the face of his authoritative tone. Wolfram no longer sounded like a scratchy-throated teenager. He'd learned to crack his voice like a whip.

"Come to see the new lord," Dom muttered.

Lady Ingrid trotted up behind them. Wolfram felt the sudden urge to put himself in front of her, but she rode past before he had the chance.

"Ah, splendid. We have a warm welcome, Father Richard."

"Milady," Wolfram said under his breath. "He's one of Aldrich's men."

"I'm aware of that, and I'm sure they're here for entirely cordial reasons."

"They're dangerous folk."

Ingrid glared at him. "And what do you suppose they're going to do? Kidnap the baron's daughter in broad daylight?" She lowered her voice and leaned over to him, reaching out to place a hand on his thigh. "Be good for me and just stand there looking tough. It's what you do best."

Wolfram's skin warmed at her touch. He didn't like this, but she was probably right. If Aldrich tried anything with the baron's daughter, not even his family's money would be enough to protect him. It sounded like Ingrid had a plan, so he did as he was told. They dismounted and tied their horses to the hitching post, then headed inside.

The living area at the end of the farmhouse was full of people. Aldrich sat at the head of the table dressed in a fine blue tunic and a fur-trimmed cape. He wore no sword that day, but the men around him did. Wolfram recognised two of them from the last time they'd crossed paths. Aldrich rose to his feet and greeted Ingrid and Father Richard with a bow. He didn't see Wolfram until he lifted his head, at which point his expression darkened with anger. Wolfram swallowed, resisting the urge to grip the handle of his sword. He held Aldrich's gaze, meeting the man's unspoken challenge in silence until Father Richard spoke.

"Good day to you. I am Father Richard, the new lord of Kilwick."

Aldrich cracked a smile and tore his eyes away from Wolfram. "Good day to you , Father. I am Aldrich Merchant. My men and I came to welcome you personally to Elkinshire."

"Aldrich's family are esteemed local traders," Ingrid said. "I'm sure you'll be dealing with them regularly during your time here."

Wolfram itched to say something, but he held his tongue.

"My dear lady Ingrid is quite right," said Aldrich.

"Do you often conduct your business with a host of armed men?" Father Richard asked sceptically.

Aldrich laughed. "Only when I travel, Father. Elkinshire can be a dangerous place. Baron Erik is currently suffering a deficit of funds, so my men and I take it upon ourselves to act as constables for his vassals."

"I am not one of his vassals. This land belongs to the church now."

"All the more reason it should be properly protected. We'd be glad to continue the arrangement we had with Sir Tancred. Our fees are very modest."

"My father will expect you to make use of Aldrich's services," Lady Ingrid said. "I'm afraid he's unable to spare many men to assist with outlaws and troublemakers."

Wolfram stared at Ingrid in disbelief. What was she doing, siding with Aldrich? It had to be a ruse of some kind. Perhaps she was trying to trick him into something.

"I cannot imagine what sort of trouble would necessitate hiring a band of soldiers," Father Richard said. His tone was still firm, but he seemed uncertain now, as though Ingrid's interjection had thrown him off balance. "Is it not common practice for the villagers to deal with local problems in Elkinshire?"

"Oh, not with the problems we have here, no," said Aldrich. "Believe me, you don't want to know what goes on when my men aren't around."

Lady Ingrid nodded solemnly. "My father may have been economical with the truth when he promised you this village, Father. A great deal of outlawry goes unpunished in Elkinshire."

Wolfram couldn't remain silent any longer. He felt angry and hurt by Ingrid's deception, and he wouldn't stand by while Father Richard was lied to.

"That isn't true, Father. This man is an extortionist. The only trouble you'll face here will be of his own making if you refuse to pay his bribe."

A deep frown furrowed Richard's brow. "Lady Ingrid, is this true?"

She shook her head in apparent bemusement. "It's the first I've heard of it. Aldrich is a respected man."

Richard looked around the room. "If I ask Lord Erik, will he tell me the same thing?"

A moment of silence hung in the air before Aldrich spoke. His voice was low, devoid of its previous courtesy. "Listen, Father. My men and I take fees from all the lords here. We give them our protection, and everyone's happy. There's no reason for things to be any different with you."

"Do you want to know what kind of man he is, Father?" Wolfram said, his hand coming to rest on his sword. "The year before last, he killed three men in cold blood without a trial. He'd have tortured them first if I hadn't stood up to him. I swear it on my soul, God damn me to hell if it's a lie."

The righteous indignation in Wolfram's voice seemed to resonate with Father Richard. He rounded on Aldrich decisively.

"I don't want to see you or your men in Kilwick again. Please leave immediately."

"I wouldn't listen to him if I were you, Father. You'd be much happier with us on your side."

"Aldrich," Ingrid hissed, and to Wolfram's surprise, he fell silent. "There's no need for any hasty decisions to be made. This can all be agreed upon at a later date once Father Richard is settled. Would that not be preferable, Father?"

"I have made my decision," Richard answered. "I won't be intimidated by footpads in noble finery."

Aldrich slammed his palm on the table. "You're making a mistake."

Ingrid glared at him again, but he was furious. This obviously wasn't going how either of them had planned.

Father Richard stepped forward and raised his voice. "The mistake is yours, Master Aldrich. I am no vassal of Lord Erik's. The church owns this land now, and the wrath of God himself will be your enemy if you show your face here again."

Aldrich sneered back at him. "I've seen money solve more problems than prayer."

"Then perhaps you would prefer the wrath of the sheriff? The count of Tannersfield is a close personal friend of mine. One word from me, and he'll have the sheriff's men here in the blink of an eye."

Aldrich's sneer faltered. His eyes flicked in Ingrid's direction. She gave a tiny shake of her head.

Wolfram stepped up beside Richard. "The father told you to leave his house."

With undisguised resentment, Aldrich stepped around the table and headed for the door. As he passed Wolfram, he knocked him with his shoulder deliberately.

"One of these days, baron's boy," he said under his breath.

Wolfram didn't give him the satisfaction of a response. He kept his eyes fixed ahead until Aldrich's men had left before breathing a sigh of relief.

"If they give you any more trouble–" he began, but Richard raised a hand to silence him.

"Then I will ensure the count of Tannersfield hears of it."

"Do you really have his ear? Could he get the sheriff to intervene?"

Richard hesitated. "I do have his ear. I was a member of the count's household when I was younger. But the sheriff is his own man, and a principled one at that. I would need hard evidence."

"That won't be necessary," Ingrid said. "You'll have no more trouble from Aldrich. Wolfram has a vivid imagination."

"We shall see. Thank you for your input, my lady." It was clear from his tone that Richard wanted her to leave. Wolfram wondered whether he should stay, but Ingrid's fingers tightened around his wrist and she tugged him toward the door. He allowed himself to be led out, resisting the urge to pull away.

"Why did you have to say that?" Ingrid demanded once they were outside. Aldrich and his men were already riding away down the path.

"Me?" Wolfram said incredulously. "You took Aldrich's side!"

"Yes, for the sake of keeping the peace! Do you want Aldrich to come back and start wrecking Richard's property? Do you want the sheriff's men to ride into the shire and make my father look like a helpless old fool? Why don't you ever think? " She slapped Wolfram's arm. "It isn't your place to speak up in front of me!"

"I don't believe you. Aldrich was following your lead."

"Of course he was! I'm the baron's daughter! He might have drawn his sword and killed you if I hadn't been here."

Wolfram shook his head, wishing he could find the right words to express how he felt. Perhaps Ingrid really had been trying to keep the peace, but he still felt like he'd been deceived, and the thought of going against the woman he pined for tore at his heart. The feeling worsened when she took his hand and looked him in the eye.

"I thought you cared for me, Wolfram. Why would you make a fool of me like that?"

He stared at her, a terrible lump rising in his throat. "I don't know what you were thinking, but you can't side with someone like Aldrich."

Ingrid stared at him, tilting her head to the side as if she was trying to peer into his soul. "Perhaps you're right," she said at last, her tone softening. "Maybe I only made things worse. If I forgive you, will you forgive me? My father needn't hear a word of this."

Wolfram squeezed her hand. There was something between them, he knew it. He wasn't sure if she loved him the way he loved her, but in these intimate moments, their connection was more than that of mistress and servant.

"I will if you tell me the truth. Did you plan this with Aldrich?"

"It wasn't some scheme."

"But you ran out to get your horse as soon as you heard we were leaving. You knew Aldrich was going to be here, didn't you?"

Ingrid's eyes fell, and she nodded. "Please understand, Wolfram, it was nothing sinister. Aldrich is a respected man in Elkinshire. Our family stays with his when we visit the village. We see each other at court. I've known him since I was a child, and I don't want him and my father at odds. He said he was going to pay Father Richard a visit, and when I heard you'd be escorting him here, I knew it wouldn't go well."

Something bitterly jealous joined the ache in Wolfram's heart. "He might be your friend, but you must know he's a wicked man."

"Is he? He's always behaved courteously towards me."

"It's just an act! I saw him kill those men. He would've killed me too if I hadn't fought him off."

Ingrid shook her head. "I don't want any of you to fight."

"Please don't be taken in by him, Ingrid. He made me think he was reasonable, too, but he only wanted my help tracking down Percy Butcher."

Ingrid withdrew her hand, sniffing as though she was holding back tears. "It's very hurtful to hear you say such things about someone I care for."

"He isn't your friend. He's as bad as everyone says he is."

Ingrid looked at him for another long moment. "You are so wonderfully loyal, aren't you?"

"I care about you."

"And I care for you. Let's not let this come between us. I'm sorry for what happened. I misjudged the situation."

Wolfram let out a long breath. He still felt hurt, but he didn't want to continue this argument either. "And I'm sorry for speaking out of turn. Shall we head home?"

"Let's."

They spoke of lighter topics on the ride back to Firfallow, and by the time they returned to the castle, Wolfram's disappointment in Ingrid had softened. She wasn't to blame for Aldrich's manipulations. Like so many others, she'd been taken in by his charming manner. Wolfram just had to make sure he didn't get the chance to sink his claws in any deeper.