Elenis (The Witch of Laverlock)

Chapter 25

Lady Sarah sat atop the dark mohogany desk in Justin's room leaning back against her palms as she watched her lord dress.  He had dismissed his squire when she entered the room assuming he would chastise her for some misdeed but none came.
He arched a perfect brow looking at himself through the mirror. He had decided to wear a dark navy blue shirt with long sleeves made of silk. His braise was a a cream color while his hose matched his shirt. He had brushed his hair back tying it into a queue exposing his sharp features. His eyes stared back at him, the sapphire orbs glowing against the dimness of the room. He took a black leather vest and started to tie the strings when his fingers were brushed aside. Sarah took over the task, her deft fingers pulling at the strings as she tied the vest securely.
"Did shamus deliver the gown for Elenis?" He asked.
"Absolutely and on time" she stated looking up at him through her thick lashes, he noticed the dark kohl she normally wore was not present and she kept her face bare of face paint. She looked ten years younger, her clean pale face and cherry red lips were fresh.
"I see your haven't donned your usual face mask" he observed.
She smiled, pulling away from him as she fisted her hands on her waist. "Not quite, I still wear my black gown"
"You should start wearing other colors."
"You mean like the Lady Elenis" she retorted.
"Not necessarily but the black makes you look far too pale than you should."
"I like the color black, it sets of my skin beautifully" she winked. "What is your intent with the lady?" She asked casually.
"What do you mean?" He frowned slightly but a smile started to form on his seductive lips.
"She's here, exactly where you want her, is it a temporary arrangement?"
"Do I detect a note of jealousy?"his grin broadened as he took in her flushed face "Your place as my chatelaine is very much in tact if that is what worries you."
"Nay, that isn't what worries me. She seems unstable, the power that is within her is palpable, I felt it at the shop earlier."
"It's still under control."
"Is that what you want from her? Her energy?"she cocked her head to one side scrutinizing him.
"What she needs to do is understand that gift and she has come to me for guidance"
"Is that all you intend to do? Guide her?" Sarah was skeptical as she moved away from Justin.
He did not answer instead he took his walking stick, it's apex was carved with a dragon's head "Our guest awaits Lady Sarah Montague, do you plan to entertain him while he is under my roof or shall we leave that to Colette and Isobel?"
She started to laugh as she went toward the door and yanked it open "We shall see" walking ahead of him she made for the dining hall while Justin side stepped and went fetch Elenis.
Upon reaching her chambers, he marveled at her punctuality, his eyes perused her from head to foot , so taken was he by her beauty. The gown which had arrived was in the white silk with gold brocade. It set off her coloring well. Her skin glowed with life, her hair had been pulled back into a knot with a few tendril cupping her face. Her carriage was regal as she took his arm and walked beside him. Gone was the awkward young lady that struggled with her insecurities, beside him stood a woman with poise. Her men followed closely behind her both of them equally groomed.
"You look stunning "he whispered in her ear."
She did not bother to look at him "Thank you " she murmured politely.
"It was fortunate the gown came just in time, the color suits you"
"And if the man had failed to deliver the garment?" She asked tartly.
"Shamus has never failed me......yet" he grinned.
They entered the dining hall which was empty save for the high table and two female servants and a handful of guards. Lady Sarah was already seated there with a man that looked strangely familiar. The food had already been served, the assortment made Elenis stomach grumble. There was a huge roasted boar in the center of it, one of the guards had started carving the meat. Hunks of bread, sweet pies baked vegetable and fruit surrounded the table.
The man stood as they approached his hair was a rich brown with copper highlights, his eyes were a strange color of icy blue as he stared at Elenis in appreciation.
"Lady Elenis Fitzriley this is lord William Bouchere the Earl of Chester, an ally to the king and a good friend."
The Earl bowed taking her hand briefly "The daughter of Sir William Fitzriley" he raised a brow.
"The lady is my guest along with her Knights" Justin took Elenis to a chair directly beside his
The Earl turned to Wulfric and Caedmon who had both taken seats beside him "Fitzwilliam" he addressed Wulfric with curiosity "I have not seen hair or hide of you in years. Your prowess on the battle field is till whispered at court. The king would be pleased to know I have found you."
"It's been awhile my lord" Wulfric acknowledge as he briefly glanced at the servant that poured him wine.
"This is fortuitous indeed." The man reached out for his own glass of wine and drank almost half of its contents. "The king is mounting another attach on the marcher lords, his request for more hands beside him is dire." He continued to study Wulfric "Where did you disappear to Fitzwilliam?
"Here and there" was Wulfric's critic reply.
"He's been on a quest in search of me" lady Sarah injected biting into her meat daintily. "His loyalty to my brother is unmatched"
"I have not yet divulged your whereabouts to Lord Montague." The Earl said blatantly eyeing the young lady voraciously.
"I am in your debt my lord" she replied demure, popping a grape into her mouth seductively as she returned his lascivious gaze with a promise of her own.
"What does the king want this time Bouchere, I've paid the tithing, given him Knights for his causes and mind you those Knights still have to come home." Justin cut into his meat.
One of the female servants leaned closely to the earl exposing her chest for his eyes to feast on as she poured him more wine. Elenis observed that as he reached out for his glass he brushed the woman's breast without thought of who was beside him. She almost rolled her eyes heavenward but instead kept her gaze fixed on her trencher. Turning to Caedmon she noted his healthy appetite as he slurped his food satisfied that his strength had returned.
"Let us not bore the ladies with such trivial matters. Tell me lady Fitzriley what brings you to Laverlock?"
Cocking her head to one side she gave the Earl and engaging smile that was pure innocence making Wulfric suck in his breath at the beautiful display "I too am on a quest and lord Fitzhugh has been generous enough to extent his hospitality to me and my Knights"
"Oh my, that sounds interesting" the Earl chuckled "What quest would that be?"
Turning to Justin she awarded him a smile "He once taught me the game of archery during the joust my father had hosted. Since then I have been eager to continue in my tutelage, lord Fitzhugh has been generous enough to offer his services once again."
"Bravo, what better way to expand one's skills. Lord Fitzhugh is quite the master of the weapon."the Earl acknowledged
"Then I am in good hands my lord" she nodded toward Justin who gave her an enigmatic look ."tell me my lord what news of court, I believe the king plans to wed his daughter soon."
The conversation drifted to the frivolities of the king and his court, although Elenis was no more interested in those tales as she was with the boring yet dangerous Earl she sat in wrapped attention as he began to speak. Dinner was soon over with hardly any entertainment except for the music from the minstrels. Elenis did notice that Wulfric was uncommonly quiet but she did catch him staring at her several times. There was something in those steely orbs that made her tingle at the pit of her stomach.
"I think it is time we retire for the night, we shall go hunting tomorrow Bouchere" Justin announced pushing back his chair to rise signaling the evening had come to an need.
"The Earl bowed glancing at both the serving wenches. Justin turned to Elenis offering his arm which she took without hesitation. Wulfric stood to follow but she stayed him with her eyes glancing briefly at Caedmon to send a message.
She walked with Justin to another side of the hall leading to a series  of spiraling staircases without protest. She knew he would not be taking her back to her quarters just yet curious to see what he had in mind she remained silent.
Wulfric cursed in his mind as he watched Elenis leave, he watched her until she disappeared into a corridor that led to the staircase. After battling an inner battle between heeding her command or following his own inclination, the latter won making him take a step toward the corridor when a firm hand stayed his flight. Scowling at the tall wall of the red haired knight who held fast he tried to shake the grip.
"Let her be, the witch knows to take care of herself." Caedmon's eyes were fiery with determination as they bore down of Wulfric.
"She is not a witch" Wulfric replied adamantly making the giant break into a humorous grin.
"Might I suggest a few rounds of blade clashing near the garrison to expel some of your pent up fury." Releasing his grip, Caedmon slapped Wulfric on the back turning toward the corridor that would lead to the kitchens.
Wulfric had no other choice but to follow, for some reason he believed the giant warrior knew more about the mysteries that were tangled with Elenis. They reached the back entrance and walked into a small open field. The chill of the night slapped against their faces but Wulfric was edgy.
"You should give her more credit" Caedmon explained drawing his sword forward. Wulfric unsheathed his own weapon and eyed Caedmon with interest.
"You know what happened to her" Wulfric's statement was coated with a question.
Caedmon nodded looking at his opponent squarely before he thrust his sword, aiming for the shoulder. Wulfric parried easily the sound of blades clashing against each other rented a familiar music .
"Yes" Caedmon's reply was cryptic as he found another opening that nearly gelded Wulfric.
"Is that all you have to say?" Peeved at the monosyllabic answer the fair haired knight charged at the giant who easily deflected his blow.
"Her life is not an open book to be discussed like the holy book, just like you have your own secrets." The giant warrior retorted dogging a blow that would have cut his torso in half.
"I have no secrets to keep"Wulfric delivered another powerful blow that almost knocked the red haired giant to the ground.
"Let her tell you her tale in her own time but I will be happy to divulge one fact: when you left, her life was never the same again."