Warrior's Song (Medieval Song 1)

Graelam said, “The devil of this hell died in his own flames this night.”

EPILOGUE

Chandra stood beside Jerval at the harbor mole, a thick breakwater of sandstone, watching their provisions being hauled aboard the ships. The sun was a bright white ball overhead, and the day, as always, was unmercifully hot.

“You do not look very happy,” he said.

“I am afraid I will be ill again.”

He reached inside his tunic and drew out a small parchment square. “Sir Elvan gave me some medicine for you, just in case.”

“Ah, I think he is the one I will miss. He is a kind man.”

“He accompanied Edward, with his own physicians in tow, to Caesarea for the signing of the treaty.”

“I saw Edward this morning. He seems to have thrown off his depression and looks stronger.”

“Edward has realized that the treaty is not so meaningless an accomplishment.” He suddenly pulled her to him and gave her a great hug. “Do not,” he whispered fiercely, “ever again get yourself abducted. I found a gray hair in my head this morning, doubtless there from worry.”

“I swear,” she said, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder, “I know of no other Alan Durwalds to take me by force from Camberley.”

He held her silently, then gave a tug on her hair to make her look up at him. “If Mary’s letter is to be believed, you, my love, will not even have anyone to fight with. Mother, it seems, has grown positively benign under Lady Faye’s influence.”

“Give her one day with me,” Chandra said, laughing.

“Perhaps by the time we reach Camberley, your belly will not be so flat. Your carrying my heir would make her more than pleasant toward you.”

“But there will be no privacy aboard our ship.”

“We will have sufficient privacy so you should not forget the pleasures of lying with your husband.”

“I like the sound of that.” Suddenly, she frowned and said, “Oh, dear.”

“What bothers you?”

“What will happen to me when we are home again?”

“I will bully you and love you. Can you ever doubt that?’

“No, but our life has been so different here.”

“When you are not heavy with child, we will doubtless argue about what is proper for you and what is not.” He saw that she was still frowning and added quietly, “I believe that at least you and I have learned that we can disagree, and not rant at each other. You may be certain, Chandra, that our children will know that my wife saved my worthless hide in the Holy Land.”

“I never wish to look upon blood and death again. I shall never forget the horror of it, and my fear for you.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her how pleased he was that she had finally come to her senses, but he was wiser with her now. Nor did he tell her that he loved to fight, if his opponents were soldiers, and not innocent women and children. Aloud, he said only, “Always fear for me, Chandra. It will make me all the more careful.”

“Have you decided what we will say about Eustace?”

“That he died honorably. There is no reason to let his treachery be known.”

“But it is Graelam who is now our friend. Life is very strange.”

“Aye, it is. I thank God that Mary birthed a daughter. Did you hear? Graelam will be the only noble to leave Palestine with great wealth. Al-Afdal’s treasure trove, what remained from the fire, was an unbelievable find.”

“You accepted the jewels he offered you?”

“Aye, and the rubies will adorn your white neck.”