Juliana Garnett Read Free

names are like.”
    Louvat—young wolf—a name given him by William when the king was still only a duke; a jest at the time, for Luc’s father had referred to him as a wolf cub still wet behind the ears. The epithet had been humiliating at first, but he’d grown used to it over time. Now it was his only name, for he had no other left to him.
    “Yes, sire.” He nodded stiffly.
    “You speak their language, and that alone is a great advantage. The Northumbrian earls have fled York for the moment and the Danes have gone to their ships in the Humber River, but there is a new revolt near Stafford. By the Holy Rood! I will see this country burned to ashes before I allow the Saxons to rise and take it back.” He frowned down at the crushed pear core in his hand. “Cospatric and Edgar have fled to the Scots king for succor, but if Lord Balfour unites with these earls, their forces could give me much trouble. I want the old Saxon rebel alive and brought to me in chains. I need to make of him an example.”
    William’s smile did not diminish the threat of his final comment, and Luc bowed. “I will leave at first light, beau sire.”
    “Your success will be well rewarded. Bring me Lord Balfour, and I will deed you his lands and title.”
    Luc stared at William. “Sire? Am I to understand you mean me to have the lands of Wulfridge?”
    “Only if you can take them,” the king said dryly.
    “But Sir Simon—”
    “Failed me.” William’s voice was inflexible. “And not for the first time. I do not countenance the inadequacy of my commanders for long. It would be a twofold lesson to deed theselands to you, I think. A reminder to Norman as well as Saxon that a worthy man makes his own fortune. Do you accept?”
    There was no question of refusal. Never had Luc thought to gain so much in William’s service, not after the debacle of his past.
    Drawing in a deep breath that tasted of hope for the first time in four years, Luc met the king’s gaze directly. “I will bring you the lord of Wulfridge in chains, sire, and put down the rebellion in your name.”
    “I expect it, Louvat.”
    But it was not until later, when Luc had readied his men and gathered supplies for the march north, that he acknowledged the opportunity beyond the king’s promise. It was Robert de Brionne, his friend of many years, who broached the subject, coming to him in the gloom of the stables with grinning satisfaction.
    “So you are soon to be lord. Will I needs bend the knee to you?” He gave a deep bow.
    Luc cuffed him lightly on the shoulder. “Only if you are willing, my friend.”
    Robert’s grin faded as he straightened and nodded solemnly. “I am most willing. You deserve this, Luc.”
    “I have not yet taken Wulfridge, Robert.”
    “You will. You have given the king loyal service in Normandy and now England, and it is time that he reward you for it.”
    Luc shrugged. “It is only of late that I am free of the past. To have been given lands before would give rise to too much speculation, and I did not want that taint upon me as well as—”
    When he didn’t finish, Robert nodded gently and said, “This will crush all rumors about you, Luc. It will give you back all that was taken from you. No longer will you be a landless knight, but an earl in your own right.”
    It was true. “When I return with the rebel baron in chains, we will celebrate my success, Robert.”
    “Ah, would that I were going with you.”
    Luc grinned. “The king would not spare you, and you know it well. Besides, too many lovely ladies would have empty beds were you to go with me.”
    “Ah, so true.” Robert kissed the tips of his fingers in a sweeping flourish. “I could not bear to disappoint them, so I will stay here to hold the castle for the king, with deep regrets for not being able to witness your conquest of the foolish Saxon who has dared defy William.”
    “This lord of Wulfridge will rue the day he attempted to take one of William’s holdings.