Knight and the Witch 02 - A Summer Bewitchment by Lindsay Townsend Page B

simple, hearty fare that Elfrida had made since girlhood.
    Magnus does not say words like disgrace. But would he ever be disappointed in me? In my narrow, local wisdom?
    Learning nothing more, Elfrida started and opened her eyes.
    “Good,” said Magnus beside her. “Any more of that twitching and I would have shaken you awake. You were deep in a dream, my heart, and it did not seem to please you. Did you see anything?”
    Elfrida swallowed and rolled onto her back. They were lying side by side on a bed of heather and ling, with Magnus’s cloak draped over them. The horses were hidden, tethered amidst a stand of ash trees. Closer still his men crouched around a small fire and passed a flask back and forth.
    “Nothing useful,” she said after a moment. Nothing concerning Silvester or the missing girls, only my own fears mirrored back to me. And earlier I was not even able to talk to Githa. I have done nothing useful. “Where are we?”
    “Well away from where anyone will find us.” Gently Magnus dusted pollen from her forehead.
    “I thought we would ride through the night.”
    When Magnus said nothing, she knew at once that he had stopped because of her. I am a weakling who slows him down . Ashamed, she forced her aching, knotted limbs to move and sat up. “But the Percivals and the Lady Astrid know where we live and our people—”
    “Never fret! Baldwin is riding to castle Pleasant with a message for Peter. He and his men will go at once to our manor.” Magnus snorted. “Doubtless Peter will think the whole matter an adventure, a chance to best the Giffords. He has never liked the family.”
    She believed it. Peter of the Mount was also Magnus’s oldest friend . And Alice, Peter’s wife, she likes me well enough, even though I am no lady.
    “Piers will be at the Templars’ Highwood preceptory already. The Templars know me from Outremer. They will send men. The manor and lands and all our folk will be well protected.”
    “And your own hostage?”
    He gave her a piercing glance that instantly softened. “You know, lass, that I will never hurt Tancred?”
    She nodded, relieved he was not angry at her for asking.
    “He and the relic are safe. I spoke to Mark in secret before we set out for Lord Richard’s. I told him to make haste with Tancred and take him and the crown away from Warren Bruer, to get back to our own lands and be ready to defend them. The lad may be bored and he may feel like baggage, but he will be looked after. After all, we are striving for his bride-to-be and will recover her yet, pray God.”
    She breathed more easily, although conscience made her observe, “Yet if the Percivals attack your manor, people will die.”
    “Having the place stoutly defended will make them think twice. These men are cowards, believe me.”
    He kissed her, a brisk be quiet kiss. “We have no food tonight but shall do better tomorrow. My men’s empty stomachs will see to that.”
    “We cannot steal from any villages.”
    “You know I do not allow that.” He kissed the back of her neck. “Roll over.”
    She felt his arousal and wanted to say, “Can we not make love face to face?” but was too dispirited after her dream to suggest it. She wondered how she might explain, or at least seek comfort. “Magnus, can we talk?”
    He tongued her ear. “You smell good.”
    “Even though I am a peasant?”
    He drew back a little, his face darkening. “No more of these foolish notions, Elfrida. I do not like them and you should not heed harpies like Lady Astrid. Look at your sister instead. Christina is happy with Walter and already with child, as nature intends for all good wives.”
    Alarm galloped through her. “What are you saying?” Am I not a good wife? “Have I done something amiss?”
    “Not so far as I know, nor would I want you to. Now hush!” He cupped her breasts, one after the other, gently circled each nipple. Her breath stopped as her body responded and he drew her even closer against