Fire and Ice by J. E. Christer Page B

looked the other woman up and down, “What makes you think you would fit into these clothes, Giselle?  You are tall, admittedly, but you are so skinny you could never, ever, look as fine in them as my mother does.”
    “I care not for your opinion ,” she spat, “Why would a servant need gowns like these? The cloth is fine and I can alter them to fit.  Have a servant bring them to my quarters.”  She dropped the gowns and deliberately kicked Kyle as she walked out of the door calling back, “Be thankful I haven’t taken yours!”
    Juliana rushed to her mother’s bedside and pulled her into her arms in an effort to comfort and reassure her.  Since the attack Hilde’s face still drooped on one side and her speech was difficult to understand, but lately had improved slightly.  Now, Juliana could see that she had reverted to not being able to speak at all and made grunting noises amidst her sobs. 
    Erik looked on with compassion remembering how elegant Hilde had once been and always so particular with her appearance.  Hatred grew afresh in his heart for this sister of de Gant and he silently vowed he would seek revenge whenever and wherever he could.  Taking Kyle who had yelped and cowered away from Giselle after her cruel kick, he returned downstairs, leaving Juliana to look after her mother.  He met Sara at the entrance to the Hall who was returning from her forage into the countryside, and quickly turned her about and, surprised, she followed him wondering what had happened.
    Once they had reached the woods Erik told Sara what had happened and she immediately wanted to run back to attend Hilde, but Erik stopped her.
    “We need to think things through properly, Sara.  There must be something we can do to put a stop to this woman’s antics.”
    “I could poison her,” Sara said , grinning.
    Erik laughed, “No, I don’t think we’d get away with that, but there must be something we can do to make her want to return to Normandy.”
    “You could speak with Thorvald – he might do something.”
    “Thorvald is busy visiting other nobles at the moment and has no interest in what he would call women’s business, and neither have I for that matter, but Ulfric would be furious if he knew what was going on here.”
    “I still think you must speak with Thorvald, he’s in charge of matters whilst Ulfric’s away.”
    “Yes, I suppose you’re right, but in the meantime, please try and think of something that would force Giselle to return to her homeland, or at least send her away from Bertone.”
    “I will try to think of something, but I still think poison would be a good idea.  She needs to be put down like the rabid dog she is.”
    “Unfortunately, I agree, but de Gant would only make things worse for Juliana.  No we must be clever in our dealings with these people and not allow them to get the upper hand whilst Ulfric is away.”
    When they re-entered the Hall Giselle was sitting before the fire wearing a fine woollen green dress which had been Hilde’s.  Her black hair was thin and stringy, her dark face and whole being seemed to emanate an evil aura and Sara scurried past her as fast as she could, leaving Erik at the door.  Kyle was sitting with the other dogs and wagged his tail in greeting but dared not leave his place.
    “I see you have helped yourself to a new wardrobe, Giselle,” Erik remarked candidly.
    “And why shouldn’t I?” she snapped.  “That old hag has no use for them anymore!”
    Erik bit his tongue as Thorvald entered and sat opposite Giselle, looking from her to Erik and picking up on the atmosphere between them.
    “I’ve been to visit your parents, Erik.  They send their warmest greetings and hope that you are well.”
    Erik dragged his eyes away from Giselle but Thorvald did not miss the look of hatred which he tried to cover up with his words.  “Thank you, Thorvald.  I’ve been too busy with matters here to visit them recently, but I will go as soon as Ulfric