Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick Read Free Book Online Page A

taut eyelids that should have been lax with sleep and satisfaction: all spoke of his unease. 'You came face to face with Gilbert?'
    'Beside the weapon booths, of all places.' He gave a humourless laugh. 'FitzWarin stepped straight in like a loose bull and I thought we were going to have a battle then and there.'
    Sybilla's eyes widened in dismay. 'You didn't fight?' Mentally she shook herself. Of course they hadn't fought. It would have been the first tiling she would have heard about on his return and there were no marks on his body.
    'No… but we came close.' Remembered anger flickered across his face. 'He looked at me as if I were a turd stuck to the sole of his shoe.'
    She tossed her head. 'Looks count for nothing. He is not strong enough to come against Ludlow, and neither King Stephen nor the Empress will recognise his claim.' Her voice had strengthened with indignation as she spoke.
    Although Joscelin was its lord, Ludlow was hers by the right of her blood and she was fiercely protective of that right.
    'Yes, I know, I know.' Joscelin sighed and pillowed his arms behind his head. 'But between them, Gilbert de Lacy and Hugh Mortimer of Wigmore still cause a deal of trouble.' He spoke the names of the two largest thorns in his side with a suitably pained expression.
    Sybilla studied his long bones, the fluid strength of his muscles, the tufts of auburn hair in his armpits. Despite being close to fifty years old, he still had the honed physique of an active warrior. 'Nothing we cannot handle,' she said by way of faith and encouragement. Leaning over him, she kissed the corner of his mouth. The 'we' was telling.
    'No,' he agreed. 'Nothing we cannot handle.' But it was a long time before either of them succumbed to sleep.
     
    Seated at the dais table in the great hall, Joscelin broke the bread that his chaplain had blessed and dipped it in the small bowl of honey at his side. His wife and daughters followed suit. Joscelin chewed, swallowed and licked honey from his thumb.
    'I have something to tell you,' he said to the girls and was amused at the rapid communication of glances between them before they looked warily at him. He gestured to the two squires serving at the dais table. 'Hugh and Adam are growing into men,' he said, 'and it is time that I took a younger squire into my household for training. A friend has asked me if I will foster his son and, after discussion with your mother, I have agreed.'
    A brief silence ensued, busy with more unspoken exchange between the girls. Hawise was the first to speak.
    'How old is he?'
    'About your own age,' Joscelin said. 'And his birth name is Fulke, although he is known as Brunin.'
    'Is he going to marry one of us?' Marion wanted to know.
    Taken aback, Joscelin blinked and it was his turn to exchange looks with Sybilla.
    'Child, he is coming here to learn to be a knight, not a husband,' Sybilla replied firmly. She gestured to the bread and honey. 'Eat your food.'
    Marion dropped her gaze to her platter, her lower lip developing a pout.
    'When is he coming, Papa?' Sibbi asked.
    'As soon as it can be arranged. I want you to welcome him and treat him as you would a brother.'
    Sibbi nodded. 'Does he have any sisters at home?'
    'No, only brothers. He's not used to girls, but I'm sure you'll help him grow accustomed.' He managed not to look too wry.
    'Yes, Papa.' Sibbi tucked a stray wisp of dark hair behind her ear and resumed eating. Her cheeks were rosy and there was a gleam in her eyes.
    'She will mother him to death,' Sybilla muttered from the corner of her mouth so that only Joscelin could hear.
    He smothered a grin behind his hand. 'It won't do him any harm.'
    'Marion will need extra attention so that she doesn't feel left out… and perhaps Hawise too,' Sybilla added shrewdly.
    He considered the two girls. Marion was picking at her food, but then she had always had the appetite of a sparrow. Hawise, who usually devoured her meals, was toying with her second piece of bread, a