The Barbarian Page 14

  “We will talk about what I found down there Lord Makas. You might want to protect those balls of yours.” She told him sweetly and kept going. He didn’t look happy.

  Eleanor looked at the females stupefied face. “You would have been right. A stupid mistake is it not?”

  Harle laughed walking with her towards the centre courtyard. The sound warm and pretty. She saw Makas mouth drop.

  Was that drool?.....

  “So very true my Lady.” Harle told her. “So true.”

  Eleanor saw Harle to her new accommodations. Made sure there were clean clothes and linens and the bath ready. Makas hovered in the hallway realising that she was now in his connecting room as food and drink were brought in, the fire already warming the room.

  Eleanor pulled the screens in front of the tub and ushered Harle into it. Then took a seat. As she washed the grim from her body, they ate and drank and talked of nothing important. Eleanor found she liked the female. Her zest for life although it had clearly been hard.

  Trained to fight from an early age, to be independent and not rely on anyone else Eleanor admired her courage. Stories of Stealing her own food to live and the trouble she got into seemed normal to Harle. Eleanor realised how different their lives had been. She was a veteran of many campaigns earning her much glory. Eleanor’s life by comparison had been very tame and boring. Eleanor stayed with her a while, made her some of the Friars tea for them both and saw to her wounds.

  Some were infected. When she’d told her, Harle just nodded accepting it and Makas’ shadow filled the doorway. They had to be cut away. Harle never made a sound while she cleaned away the dead and dying skin.

  Thanking her, they rested by the fire, Harle drying and combing her hair, then adding bangs to it.

  Clean and dry, her hair was the colour of sun flowers. Shinny and golden.

  “It is a very unusual colour here,” Eleanor commented noting Makas still hovering. “The men and some women will be most curious.”

  Harle snorted and drank her mead. “It would not be the first time.”

  The door banged open and Makas strode in making his presence known. He stopped when he caught sight of Harle. She sneered at him.

  “Get tired of hiding in the shadows? Cos I gotta tell ya, you’re shite at it.”

  Eleanor smiled. “My Lord Makas, did you forget to knock in your urgency to see me? Do close the door you’re letting the warmth out.” She asked all sweetness.

  He continued to stare at Harle. “My Lord,” she said a little louder. “You failed to knock.”

  Confusion crossed his face and he looked over at her, she raised her eyes brows knowingly and grinned. He gathered himself quickly.

  To Harle she said, “I understand you can feel anything with your foot and let me assure you, his cock, is as good as they come.”

  Makas face stoned over, his eyes flaring.

  Harle clapped and bounced in her seat. “O goodie, I’d hate to be disappointed.”

  Makas whipped his head back to Harle. They both smiled at him.

  “Ummm,” he told them clearing his throat. He looked most unsettled.

  “You are both trouble.”

  Eleanor stood and inclined her head to Harle. “I will see you at dinner in the great hall. You are our guest.”

  She stood and turned to Makas. “Makas,” he glanced at her his eyes still on Harle. “Don’t forget that, when your cock is dripping.”

  She left to Harle’s laughter. She could hear Makas grumbling all the way down the hall.

  Eldron was waiting for her shaking his head at the end of the corridor and swung her up into his arms.

  “You did what he could not, she is talking.” He kissed her lightly. “Well done wife.”

  “You get more with honey than anger. I am disappointed that a female should be treated in such a way in my house Eldron.”

  He lifted her and carried her outside. He wanted to spar with her. “She killed many of my men.” He told her nuzzling into her neck and breathing her in.

  “Yes, and you did hers. She complimented you on fighting well with a broken arm.”

  He puffed up and she sniggered. Eldron smiled. “She knows a good thing when she sees it.”

  Eleanor laughed. “I think that’s what Makas is hoping.” They both laughed at that.

  ***

  She never ceased to amaze him. When he’d heard that she had stormed the cells and demanded that it be cleaned up and the female accommodated it had amused him.

  Makas, finding her in the female warrior’s company talking like old friends had floored him. For the first time in his life, Makas didn’t know what to do. He’d come looking for him ranting. Once he’d calmed down Eldron gave him some advice. Go be yourself.

  Makas had thrown his goblet down and gone storming out with Eldron in his wake, all the while seething and hovering not sure what to do once he’d reached her room. Until he’d heard the comment of others wanting to covert her. Storming in both the female and Eleanor had bested him. Eldron had never been prouder. She was becoming an essential asset to him, more than just a wife.

  The Keep was better for her involvement. He acknowledged it. He’d seen the improvements, the pride in the people. She had done all that in his absence. She would never be a trophy or a plaything. Her own determination wouldn’t allow it or her sense of fairness. She was educated and unafraid to use it. He loved that about her.

  They spent a couple of hours sparring. Once again charmed by her skill and told her so, at length leaving her to try some tips he’d recommended and went in search of the other demands on his time.

  He arrived later at their rooms in time to wash and dress for dinner. Eleanor was already dressed and pacing, eager to go down. He moved to her and kissed her soundly. She hurried him.

  “You should be more eager to see me,” he’d told her. “I haven’t fucked you in days.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “I am,” she told him breathlessly kissing him back.

  “But, there is a war going on under this roof and I am eager to see it.” her eyes sparkled.

  “Makas?”

  She nodded. “Doesn’t know what’s hit him.” She told him smugly.

  He thought she was probably right.

  They entered the great hall, her arm on his and headed to their seats at their table passing good wishes to people as they went. The hall was filling up as expected as they stopped and chatted to every table and finally making it to their own.

  They were the only ones there. Patris and Ranulf were still away with Brute and Galron who had not returned from the mission Eldron had sent them on. That only left Makas from his elite and he hadn’t arrived yet. Taking her wine, she saw him sulk in.

  Not happy then?.....

  Makas slumped in his chair without a good eve. Eldron tried not to smile.

  “Problem?”

  “Nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Good to know.”

  Eleanor said nothing just watched him down a couple of cups of wine, then a hushed silence crept down the hall towards them as a figure stepped into the room.

  Two guards behind her. She heard Makas’ sharp intake of breath as he sat forward.

  Eleanor stood and indicated the chair next to her. Harle made her way towards her head high in the dress Eleanor had provided. Harle approached the table and looked at Eldron. Bowing low before standing straight once more.

  “Let me introduce my husband formally Lady Harlewin, Lord Eldron.”

  Harle smiled, she was as beautiful as Eleanor knew deadly.

  “Indeed. We met on the battlefield my Lord. Unlike so many others who are weak and not worth my time, you are indeed a worthy opponent.” Harle inclined her head towards him. Eleanor would swear that Makas narrowed his eyes.

  Eldron inclined his head back to her grinning face.

  “Lady Harlewin, welcome, I also hear you are extremely good with a sword and…. Your foot.” He indicated she should take a seat. Makas snarled.


  Harle laughed ignoring Makas coming around the table to clasp Eleanor’s hand.

  “You are a lucky man Lord Eldron.” She called out going to her seat.

  “Your wife is both smart and clever. So many men settle for witless, naive women. It takes a great man to tame such a woman. Alass, there are so few.” She portrayed a pained disappointed expression.

  Did Makas just roll his eyes…..

  Then she smiled at Eleanor. “My thanks Lady.” And took her seat. Eleanor joining her.

  Eldron laughed. “Food and wine for our guest.” He called out. Harle was surprised and hid it quickly. It was an honour for the Lord to directly ask that she be served.

  Eleanor winked at her. “The dress is most becoming Harle. You chose well. Is it not Lord Makas?” He made some grunting sound.

  Food was put down in front of Harle, Eleanor refilled her goblet and filled Harle’s. Then took a bite of her food and a sip on her drink to show none of it was poisoned.

  “It is an unusual style. I do not think I have seen it before,” Eleanor continued.

  Harle drank her wine heartily. “It was easy to fashion my Lady, the cloth here is good but the dress provided was too tight across the breasts, so I cut it away giving them more room to breathe and the skirt was far too tight for easy access. A good slash up to the hip worked well.” Makas choked on his wine. Eldron laughed pounding on his back.

  “I agree Harle, you may set a new trend, I will have to adjust mine.” Makas had only just taken another drink and spluttered again.

  “I might like to trade for the cloth, if we don’t kill you all.” Harle told them smiling eating her meal.

  “What a good idea.” Eleanor told her ignoring the ‘kill you all’ comment. It was to needle Makas and she knew it. “We have some fine fabrics and would welcome trade, I’m sure you have some things we’d like too.”

  Harle nodded. “We have strong me with big cocks.”

  Makas slammed down his goblet.

  They ate in amused silence for a while. “I would enjoy sparring with you if it is allowed?” Harle asked her.

  “I would enjoy that,” Eleanor told her.

  “Makas, you will spar with Lady Harlewin.” Eldron told him. Makas choked on his food.

  “W… H…AT?”

  “Lady Harlewin is an accomplished commander, one of equal should be a good challenge.”

  Makas sneered.

  “I hear,” Eleanor started nibbling on her food, “that Lady Harlewin is excellent at meeting challenges head on. Quite…… riveting.”

  Makas choked again and threw down his wine. “Eleanor take pity on him.” Eldron told her amused.

  “O I am sorry Makas, are you unwell?”

  He put his hand up and ignored her.

  “I have to say I was most disappointed.” Harle told her finishing her meal.

  They all looked at her. Makas looked wary of what she might say next.

  Eleanor felt sorry for him.

  “It’s not often I’m presented with cock and denied it. Not that it was much of a challenge, but one must take what one can get in these times.”

  They both turned to look at Makas. “Lady,” he hissed. “I am close to fucking you right here.”

  They turned back to Harle. She licked her lips her tongue languishing over them. Eleanor could see Makas’ eyes flaring from the corners of her eyes. “Sooo tempting.”

  Makas stood, threw his chair back, his hands fisted. He hesitated clearly wanting to act on his threat. Then strode from the hall. His anger or lust surrounding him.

  “Well that was disappointing. Again.” Harle told them.

  Eldron laughed. “Lady Harlewin, you play with fire.”

  She smiled and shrugged, sipping more wine. “I like getting burnt.”

  ***

  The days passed and Eleanor sparred with Harle daily. It became part of their routine. In the afternoon Harle would spar with Makas. It was a battle of skill and wits. She would bate him, and he would snarl. Other than that, it was noticeable that he kept away from her, staying absent from the great hall at mealtimes and rarely made an appearance other than his work. She knew Harle had barred her connecting door from him having seen it with amusement. Harle enjoyed bating him, it was clear for all to see. They talked about many things including her deliberate attempt to unsettle him after what occurred in the cells. Lady Harlewin enjoyed her bed and her own body to the distraction of Makas.

  Eldron had come back to her bed that first night. Relentless in his need of her and once more she would wake in the night, his cock riding her slowly her body ready to explode, his hot seed flooding her once until she was spent. Waking her later with her passion high once more and in need of him.

  Now his hunger and reassurances settled, he gave her time to rest. Ordered a bath for her daily, made sure there was plenty of balm and left her to her own devices. She was no longer sore from his ministrations and looked forward to them eagerly.

  The days passed. Harle and Makas were still battling out their emotions to the amusement of all. And his elite returned late one morning. Eldon and Makas met them eagerly and shut themselves away to talk. In the afternoon there was news of a messenger.

  He joined her in the late afternoon sitting before the fire in their room. Eleanor put her book to one side. “You have news then my Lord?”

  “My elite, Brute and Galron have secured alliances with the two kingdoms to your fathers North and East. I have those to the West. They presented him with those alliances and their lands and titles for the hands of your sisters. Your father exploded. He did not take it well. Claiming they were his alliances and they stole them for me. And that, I had planned to surround him and take what was his for my own.”

  Eleanor knew that part, if not all of that was likely true. He was a warrior after all. Conquest was part of who is was.

  “He declined the bonding contracts?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “No. Your sisters declared they wanted them. That didn’t help matters and he threatened to throw them out.”

  “But he didn’t?”

  “No. He had them put in the stocks Eleanor, the people threw things at them, then had them beaten for all to see. Patris and Ranulf were arrested and made to watch. When released, your sisters were locked in their rooms and my elite taken outside the gates and released.” He looked at her. “They want war and your sisters.”

  She nodded. “He will get his war anyway. We know it’s coming.”

  “If I move on him, it makes him right that I’d planned to attack him.”

  “But you hadn’t?”

  “No. Brute and Galron made it known they wanted your sisters. I told them to get what your father needed most, alliances and offer them to him in tribute.”

  “I see. Had you asked me first, I could have told you that wouldn’t work. Not with my father. He’d want to feel he’d won them for himself.”

  “Fuck.” He wiped his hand down his face.

  “Indeed my Lord. My sisters survived it undamaged?”

  He nodded. “Galron saw the Friar. They were well cared for and no lasting damage physically.”

  Eleanor sighed in relief. “And Harle’s people?”

  “They have been spotted moving along the coast. A great many boats. They head his way.”

  “Does father know?”

  “I’ve sent birds to him.”

  “Then he knows he cannot fight them alone.”

  “Would he be that stubborn? Place his castle and people at risk?”

  “Would you?” she asked him sadly already knowing the answer.

  “Fuck!” He laid his head on the back of the chair. “Brute and Galron will kill everything to get them.”

  “And the messenger?”

  Eldron chuckled. She was well informed. “From Harle’s people. They want to see her.”

  “When?”

  “Two days.”

  “Did you tell her?”

  “I did. Her resp
onse was lacking all emotion.”

  “Then I guess we will see.”

  ***

  Eleanor wrote to her father. Apologising, saying that in her earnest to have her sisters with her, she had advised her husband to provide him with the alliances he wanted. Her husband had wanted to please her and sent his men to do just that. She told him it was wrong of her to interfere in men’s work and asked for his forgiveness and not take it out on her sisters. She’d signed it his loving daughter and hoped it was enough to bring him around. He did need those alliances.

  They faced a more urgent need. It wasn’t unusual to have an exchange of prisoners following a battle. It was often the case after a skirmish, money and people would change hands.

  Harle had been solemn all morning. Eleanor couldn’t miss it and worried for her friend. Something was wrong with her seeing her people once more. Eldron and Makas had seen it too. They all rode out with her, having been asked by Harle if she would accompany her. Her face shut down and emotionless. Eleanor feared for her friend.

  They rode out with plenty of men and they stayed within sight of the Keep. Their prisoners walking with them. They waited at the crest of the hill in open ground where enemy arrows could not reach them. Eleanor wore her swords and furs. Harle similarly dressed. They hadn’t talked about if Harle wanted to return to her people or not. It didn’t seem right and Harle never brought it up.

  Harle appeared calm, if shut down accepting of her fate. Eleanor didn’t like it one bit. Her friend who she’d come to care for was gone.