Spring's Fury (The Seasons Series Book 3) by Denise Domning

Author:Denise Domning [Domning, Denise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-10-16T00:00:00+00:00

Nicola carefully picked her way through the muck in the bailey, her mantle drawn over her head to protect her from the steady rain. Her steps were cautious for safety's sake, not because her feet hurt. It was her third morning home, but her first to be pain free. It was also her first morning to wear her new gowns.

What a joy it was to dress herself. The brown garments fit comfortably, needing nothing save a belt to hold them in place. The undergown had long sleeves loose enough to be rolled up to her elbows when necessary, while the overgown was sleeveless.

She entered the hall expecting to see Gilliam and Jos. They'd left the bedchamber over an hour ago, just before dawn. She stopped in surprise only a few feet into the hall. Not only were her husband and his squire gone, but so was most of Ashby's soldiery. The dairymaids looked lonely sitting at a table by themselves. Thomas, whose right it was to take his meals at Lord Ashby's expense, was also missing.

Curiosity, tinged with the slightest bit of worry, woke in her. She should have roused herself to ask Gilliam why and where they went. Now, she cursed herself for not being more aware. As its mistress, she wished to know all of Ashby's comings and goings. Where was everyone?

Nicola held her mantle before her and snapped it in midair. Water droplets flew. Roia leapt out of nowhere, rising into the air, her jaws snapping shut with a sharp click. Nicola cried out in surprise and not a little fear. With Gilliam gone, who knew what the dog would do to her.

Instead of attacking, the big dog settled on her haunches and watched Ashby's lady. There was a pleading look in her eyes, and her tail thudded dully against the earthen floor. It was not hatred that drove the beast this morn. Nicola hesitated a moment, then snapped her mantle again. The dog leapt for the scattering bits of moisture.

"Why, you are playing a game," she breathed in surprise. The alaunt grinned at her, begging for another chance to chase the water.

She shrugged in apology. “It’s dry already. I was not outside long enough." Nicola moved carefully past the dog, stopping at the hearth to see what the cauldron suspended over it contained. Beans and barley simmered in a rich broth. Just as she seated herself at the table, she heard the party ride up to the hall door.

A piercing whistle called the stable lads. Leather groaned, harnesses rattled, and men shouted. Gilliam strode into the hall, his faithful shadow Jos at his heels.

Although Ashby's new lord had not donned his mail, he wore a steel-sewn hauberk over his usual tunic, and his sword was belted into place. He'd thrown back his cloak hood before entering the hall, and moisture clung to his hair, making the fair strands gleam even more brightly.

Like Gilliam, Jos wore a leather vest over his tunic, but he was a sorry sight.

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