Midnight Warrior Read Free Page B

be content without being lifted to the ranks of the elite of the land. “But not here. England. There will be land and honors aplenty when we defeat the Saxons.”
    “My choice of property?”
    “You ask a great deal.”
    “So do you. According to what I’ve heard, you’ve offered these Saxons’ lands to every mercenary and noble in Normandy. There may not be sufficient to goaround, and I will not wait to be given my reward at your discretion.”
    “I’m not sure you would be entirely comfortable with knighthood,” William said coldly. “You clearly have been taught to whine and barter like your tradesman grandfather.”
    “You’re only half mistaken. My grandfather never whined but he was magnificent at the art of bartering.” He paused. “A quality necessary in a ruler as well as a merchant.”
    William grimaced as he realized his thrust had been turned aside. He was extremely sensitive about his own tanner grandfather and had hoped to spark a resentment that might enable him to get the upper hand over this rogue. He studied him, seeking another weakness.
    He saw none. The giant before him had the confidence of a royal combined with a brilliant mind that had allowed him to amass the fortune that had won him a unique place in Norman society. William had heard that while Dumont was with Hardraada’s raiding parties he was reputed to have been as ruthless in war as he later became in the trade. William might be able to break him but he would not bend. “Very well. Your choice of property.”
    Dumont straightened away from the balustrade. “I’ll consider it.” He bowed. “Good night, your grace.”
    “You’ll
consider
it?” William said, outraged. “I want an answer now.”
    “I’ll send you word in two days’ time.” Dumont moved toward the door. “My ‘tradesman’ grandfather also taught me never to accept a bargain without first examining it from all sides.”
    William smothered his anger. He would need every possible advantage when he launched his invasion, and Dumont’s fighting force was truly formidable. “I will wait two days and no more. Don’t think to play games with me.”
    “I don’t play games. I leave that to the lords and ladies of your illustrious court.”
    “Oh, one more thing,” William said. “If you decide to accept my offer, you must leave the Saracen here in France.”
    Gage’s expression did not change. “You are speaking of Malik Kalar?”
    “If that is his name. The Saracen who travels with you. I’m hoping to get the Pope’s approval on this invasion and I will not have him offended by a Saracen in my ranks.”
    “
If
I choose to join you, Malik will most certainly accompany me. Resign yourself to that fact.” He turned on his heel and left the chamber.
    Stubborn, arrogant whoreson. The rest of the world might wonder, but William had no doubt the man who had just departed was that Viking devil’s son. When he had summoned Dumont he had expected to be able to manipulate and control him, but now he was not sure who had been triumphant during this interview.
    “Matilda!”
    His wife opened the door of the antechamber, where William had stationed her with the door slightly ajar. He valued her judgment more than any of his nobles and often had her listen and watch when he had a meeting. “Well?”
    “An interesting man.” She came forward—tiny, sturdy, indomitable. “And every bit as comely as I’d heard from Lady Genevieve.” She smiled slyly. “She says he’s as vigorous in bed as a stallion and knows many exotic ways to please a lady. Now I can believe she spoke truly. He certainly appears to have a certain … power.”
    Comely? The man was big as a mountain, rough-featured, and had no claim to any comeliness that he could see. Matilda must be trying to spark his jealousy again. She knew it was an easy task and constantlystirred it as a way to keep his interest strong. She succeeded admirably; even after these many years of marriage their