The Red Wolf's Prize Read Free

him.
    “That leaves only Cassie and me and the three other women,”
said Serena. “Leppe and Alec will go with us, disguised as village cottars. Of
the Talisand fighting men that still remain after the slaughter at Hastings,
they are among the best and will be faithful to protect us.” Wanting to assure
Maggie they would have protection, she added, “Theodric and the other guards
will stay to defend Talisand, if need be. I have asked steward Hunstan to visit
the other manors to warn them of the Normans’ coming.”
    “How soon do they arrive?” Maggie asked, glancing anxiously
in the direction of the main gate.
    “I know not the day,” said Serena, “but I expect it will be
soon, so we must be away this hour. I fear I have waited too long as it is.”
    Maggie nodded and looked at her daughter. “Send word as soon
as ye’re able.”
    Cassie’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced her mother.
“I will.”
    Blinking back her own tears, Serena sought to keep her voice
steady. “Do not worry for us, Maggie. I have my bow and my seax. We will be
well. And we will see you again, for I intend to return with Steinar to chase
the Normans from Talisand.”
    Serena glanced once again at her reflection. Her hair now
bore the color of the brown stain and was nearly dry. She felt changed inside
as well as out.
    “Ye look so different!” exclaimed Cassie as she formed the
newly dyed tresses into a long plait.
    “Aye, she does,” said Maggie. “But the color does not hide
her beauty. Mayhap a plain tunic will help.” Maggie handed Serena a dark green
tunic, and she slipped it over her shift.
    As the folds of the rough wool settled around her, she felt
her new life settle around her as well. The servant’s garment was a stark
contrast to the soft wool of the fine gowns she had worn as the Lady of
Talisand. She looked down at her ankles that showed beneath the hem. The
borrowed tunic did not fit well, either.
    Seeing her shrug, Maggie said, “It will do ’til ye reach
Scotland.”
    Serena sat on the chest at the end of her bed and pulled on
the woolen hose and soft leather half boots the female servants wore. Cassie
handed her a leather belt, which Serena wrapped around her waist. She secured
to it her seax, the single edged blade her brother had given her last
Christmastide. Grasping the polished wooden handle, she silently vowed to use
it if threatened.
    “Let me help ye with yer cloak,” Cassie said, draping the
dark wool mantle around Serena’s shoulders and fastening it with a plain metal
brooch. “’Twill serve to keep ye warm against the night air.” Smiling, Cassie
took a step back and examined Serena’s disguise. “Ye make a convincing servant,
m’lady, dressed as ye are. Except ye’re too fine of feature. So remember to
keep yer head bowed and yer eyes down should we encounter any men. And since
yer speech is a wee bit proper, say nothing, lest they wonder if ye are truly
one of us.”
    “I will try and do as you say, Cassie. In time, I might be
able to disguise my speech as well.” She would do whatever she must to escape
the plans the Normans had for her. “You will have to be my guide in this new
life.”
    “It is time,” Maggie said, turning toward the door. “I will
have a word with Leppe and Alec afore ye go, though I know those two will
protect ye with their lives.”
     
    * * *
     
    An hour later, Serena left the manor to begin the journey
north. Seven walked along in silence: Serena and Cassie, three other women and
the two men. The morning mist still clung to the wild grasses under Serena’s
feet, dampening her leather boots. She was glad her borrowed tunic was as short
as it was, else her hem would also be wet.
    When they reached the edge of the woods, Serena paused and
looked back. The sun cast its rays on Talisand, making the manor, hall and
thatch and wattle cottages appear to glow. To Serena, it was like something out
of a dream, like a village descended from heaven. The place