Summary: A Medieval Romance and a Roman-a-Clef.

Chapter 1

It was a crisp early Autumn day as Sir Fox de Mullein Tor eased through his father's woods, Welsh bow in hand, looking for game. This part of Northumberland had excellent hunting, and he had missed it when he'd been away at the University of Paris and in service to King Henry.

He heard a disturbance just over the stream that was the boundary between his father's land and Earl Percy's. There was grunting, snarling and scuffling. It sounded like two animals, then he heard the ring of steel on steel. That implied a violation of the King's Peace, which he was sworn to uphold.

He set his bow aside and pulled his hanger and dagger, and burst through the wood. He shouted, "Desist in the name of the King's Peace."

The scene before him was appalling, two men were dead on the ground, a huge wolf was ripping the throat out of another and two obvious Scots bandits were attacking a red- headed lad. The boy was holding them both off with a hunting knife as big as his forearm and a cloak wrapped around his left forearm.

"Cease in the King's name!" Sir Fox shouted again. One of the bandits turned towards him, and the other took to his heels. Sir Fox quickly dispatched the bandit that turned towards him, and heard the boy shout, "Wolf! Get him."

A grey blur ran after the bandit. Sir Fox and the boy pelted after, coming up on the bandit and the wolf as the wolf ripped out a jugular.

As the bandit bled out, the boy turned to Sir Fox, bowed and said, "My thanks, Sir Knight."

"I'm Sir Fox de Mullein Tor. That was bravely done, boy. Are you hurt?."

An urchin grin split the grimy and blood spattered face, and she said, "I am Lady Danielle Forester de Percy, widow of Sir Daniel Percy, sir, and I am unhurt except for a few bruises." The grin warmed the steel blue eyes, making them much warmer than the steel blue blade she was handling.

Her reply was in perfect Court French, and she swept into an elaborate curtsy. Sir Fox's mouth quirked as he made some rapid re-assessments.

He returned the courtesy and inquired, "Might I accompany you home? My horse is just a few dozen rods the other side of the stream."

"I would be pleased, sir. If you would be so kind as to delay your return, I would like to clean some of the blood off of Wolf and myself."

"Milady, I shall wait for your call behind that clump of trees. Do you think there might be other bandits around?"

"I doubt it, but Wolf will be with me."

"Sir Fox, I'm ready."

As Fox led his palfrey to the stream he noticed that she had washed her clothes as well as herself and the wolf. She was shivering slightly in the wool jerkin, leather leggings and buskins. "Your cloak, Milady?"

"Too cut up to provide any warmth. I've got it in my satchel."

"Allow me, Milady." He pulled his cloak from the back of his saddle and wrapped it around her. They both laughed at six inches of it dragging on the ground. "If Milady would honor me by mounting? Which direction is your home?"

"Sir Fox, since we've fought together, I think it might be proper to use our eke-names. Call me Dana. Before we go home, we need to find the bandits' mounts, and any loot they may have garnered, to return to the folk it was stolen from. We also must present the bodies and testimony to the King's Justice."

"I would be pleased to call you Dana. Please, call me Fox." He was pleased that she was following the procedures of a good subject, an attitude like that would have made his duties as third assistant Warden of the Welsh Marches easier, and even more pleased that she was so friendly.

"Shouldn't I take you home first, we might be a while finding their gear?"

"No, it will just take a moment. Wolf, find."

The wolf sniffed the ground, and trotted off in a beeline towards the North. Fox followed, leading his horse. Within ten minutes, they came upon eight Brumbies, tethered in a meadow.

"Ah, horses my size. Yours is a lovely animal, Fox, but sixteen hands is a bit much for me." She slid to the ground, and approached the horses with Wolf at her side. Most of the horses panicked, but one stallion did nothing but widen his eyes and moved to a fighting stance. Dana grabbed his halter and forced his head down to meet Wolf's reaching up. Their noses touched, and the stallion calmed a bit.

"Oh, Fox, isn't he wonderful, thirteen hands of brave Scots mountain pony."

<Not half so wonderful as you, Milady.> "Yes, he's very nice. Do you see any signs of loot? I don't."

"No, they probably are just over the border. Their preferred loot is cattle, with a little rape, murder and house-burning for amusement. I believe that the horses and arms are ours, less a tithe for the church."

"Let us load them up and be on our way. We have only a few hours of daylight left."

They led the string of horses to the field. Fox began loading the bodies on the horses, while Dana gathered weapons and wrapped them in a cloak. She also appropriated a cloak from one of the horses, returning Fox's with a smile.

Dana put the horses in a train, grabbed the lead and trotted off with Wolf at her side.

They began chatting idly, with Fox commenting, "I thought I knew the people around here, but your name is unfamiliar."

"When Lars the Skull Breaker died six years ago without issue or kin, Earl John Percy gave this fief to my father, William Forester, who had served him in one of the campaigns in France. My father died last year in the plague, as did my husband. We sent my brother Charles to take word to my brother, William the Younger, who is fighting in Spain."

"That's the reason. I left for the University at Paris eight years ago, and entered the King's service directly after. I haven't been home since, although my father and I have met at court several times."

"What service did you perform for the King."

"I was third assistant Warden on the Welsh Marches. I'm taking a rest before assuming my duties as assistant Warden for the East Marches. My commission starts the Monday after Easter. You mentioned you lost your husband. My I offer my condolences?"

"Thank you. And in answer to your unstated question, my husband's younger brother got the fief, as I had no children. I've my widow's portion, but no place, unless I want to spoil my nieces and nephews, and my mother-in-law takes good care of that. I returned to my mother to assist her in running this fief until William gets home."

Chapter 2

Fox had been to Skull Keep before, but this appeared much tidier than the last time. The gate guard was alert and well turned out, his spear sharp and helm polished. "Milady, welcome. We were worried. Squire Walter is forming up the guard to comb the woods for you."

"Sir Fox, if you will join me, I must explain myself."

He rode in bemusement behind what appeared to be a slip of a girl, but acted like a hardened Knight.

"Walter, send the guard back to their duties, I'm home safe, thanks to this gallant Knight and neighbor, Sir Fox de Mullein Tor. Patrick, you've got a good horse, ride to Mullein Tor and inform the Baron that Sir Fox will be staying for a few nights."

She beckoned to Fox, and slipped off her horse, walking it over to a very stern looking woman. "Dana, five this time? I told you to take a couple of men-at-arms when you wandered the woods."

"Mother, only two are mine. Wolf got one in the fight, and a second that fled Sir Fox's skill when he rescued me. Oh, where are my manners. Mother, may I present Sir Fox of Mullein Tor, Fox this is the Lady Margaret Forester of Skull Keep."

"Milady," Fox said as he gave a courtly bow, "your daughter had little to fear from those bandits. I'm counted a man of my hands, but I'd hesitate to try a passage with her."

"Sir Fox, those are kind words, but you must forgive a mother's worry for her only daughter. Her father greatly indulged her when she complained of the boredom of the sewing room and kitchen."

"Mother, you know well I can sew, but the kitchen does bore me horribly."

"Run along and get cleaned up while I show Sir Fox to his room." She turned to Fox, "I'll send my husband's servant. He's basically a man-at-arms, but he did keep William well turned out."

"Sir Fox, today is bath day for the men at arms. Would you like to join them in the river, or would you prefer a tub in your room?"

"If you will have someone lead me to the river, I would appreciate that."

"James, James come here."

"James, this is Sir Fox of Mullein Tor. He will be guesting with us for a few days. He came upon Lady Dana as she was beset in the woods and came to her rescue. See to his needs, the first of which is a bath."

"Yes, milady."

The dozen men at the river groused at how cold the water was, but obediently filed into the water and began scrubbing. Squire Walter joshed them along, but didn't give up any of his authority. "Come boys, only a few more weeks of the river before it freezes over. Then we'll have nice warm steam baths."

A carrying voice from the rear ranks said, "Yes, then we'll sweat twice, first from chopping the wood, then from the bath."

Sir Fox surveyed the dozen men at arms, and said in an aside to Squire Walter, "This is a good looking bunch of men, far better than most manor's men at arms."

"Yes sir, three veterans from the wars in France and only two boys. Lady Dana makes sure they spend at least four mornings a week in training. After the mid-day meal, they work in the orchards and the beehives." He waved towards the south and west facing hills covered with apple, pear, cherry and walnut saplings. "This the first year they've made a crop, so the whole manor has fruit and nuts for the winter. Lady Margaret and Lady Tara have plans in few years to preserve the fruit and sell it in the surrounding towns, along with honey and beeswax."

Fox went to work with the sand to clean himself, until Squire Walter handed him a pot with soap in it. He took the lye soap and began washing. "God's Toenails, this is harsher than the sand."

"Milady Dana's special sort. She's a good trooper, but some of her wifely skills lack a certain subtlety. I can't say she doesn't manage wonderfully, though. She's got the sharpest eye and the strongest hand with servants I've ever seen."

Squire Walter looked over Sir Fox as he stood thigh deep in the water. <A little skinnier than most, but looks sturdy.

The right number of scars for a man in his twenties, and they're all in the front.>

Fox leaned back as James prepared to shave him. "It seems that everyone expects the Lady Dana to be involved in desperate affrays in the forest. If I hadn't thought she was a lad of twelve, I would have stood back and gotten knife fighting lessons."

"Oh, sir, this is the first time since she came back a year ago, wasted away with the fever. It was so bad that she had to be helped to table and she didn't ride for months, but we've built her back up to what you see today. She's still thin, she always has been, but strong and quick. She was in the woods gathering herbs.

"Those two were only her fifth and sixth, one attempted rapist when she was just fourteen, who misunderstood her way of dress when we first arrived. Two with her bow and one with a boar spear when she was Lady Percy. That huge knife is what she carries in the woods and on the estate, at dinner she'll have a proper lady-like knife, although rumor has it she'll have the monster strapped to her leg under her skirt. It's a great comfort to everyone that she has that great wolf as a lapdog. She adopted it as a pup while in the North.

"She's really a sweet girl, but her temper shows whenever someone treats her as helpless or dependent. She can run an estate, defend it, run a household, and is envious of Lady Tara and Lady Rebecca, William's and Charles' wives, who have children. Those children adore her, she reads their catechism to them and tells them stories every evening.

"There, freshly shaven. If you'll hand me those leggings and step over to that basin and wash off, I'll attempt to bring them to order. I've a shirt of Sir William's that will fit.

It's pity that you've nothing but that leather jerkin and plain hunting belt and dagger, but everyone will understand.

"Lady Dana should be done with the children now, if you'd like to escort her down to table. The nursery and stairs are on the left."

As he strolled down the hall, he caught sight of a flash of red hair. His step quickened, and saw that Dana had changed to a white linen blouse with a sleeveless dress of slate grey worsted, bound at the waist with a black leather belt and clasped with a buckle in the arms of a cadet branch of the Percy arms. As James had said, the knife was more lady- like, although six inches of broad steel with a stag horn handle wasn't quite court wear for ladies.

"Oh, Fox, as you can see from my dress, we keep no state here. Would you care to escort me to table?"

"It would be my pleasure, Dana."

"So, did James tell you all of my history?"

"Much of it, Milady. It sounds formidable."

"Just growing up with two brothers and an indulgent father."

As they approached the table, Dana curtsied to the woman at the head of the table. "Sister Tara, may I present Sir Fox of Mullein Tor, son of the Baron and newly appointed Assistant Warden of the East March. Sir Fox, this is Lady Tara Forester of Skull Hall. Sitting next to her is Rebecca, wife of my brother Charles. You have met my Mother, and Squire Walter, who heads our men-at-arms. This is Father John, our priest."

Fox bowed to the ladies, and nodded to the men. Squire Walter was a type he recognized, a middle aged, hard-bitten soldier, from the icy glare to his scarred face to the slight hitch when he rose to bow. He appeared easy with the gentry, and shared a trencher with the priest. <Searjeant jumped to squire when his master retired from the field. Ideal for a Marcher keep.>

Father John was a pleasant appearing priest with a clerkly cast about him.

Dana subtly guided him to a bench where a shared trencher and cup were laid out. Father John asked the blessing, and the servants came out with supper. It was a pork loin, spiced with garlic and onions and mustard, surrounded by apples and pears. The ale was very good, subtly flavored with spices he didn't recognize. He remarked on that to Dana who said, "You've ferreted out my one skill vaguely related to cookery. I have the recipe for that ale, and a few tricks my mother taught me."

Fox noticed Wolf at Dana's feet, and that all the other dogs kept well away from the high table.

After the meal was finished, Dana's mother and sisters-in- law excused themselves and a servant brought out clean cups for the wine.

She motioned Squire Walter a few seats nearer, and eyed him.

He glanced at Fox. She said, "He's a Warden new to these marches. He needs to hear what goes on."

Squire Walter took a bite of the wine and started. "A mixed lot of Graemes and Nixons, Milady, several weeks early. It was probably just a scouting expedition, and they certainly hadn't gotten any loot. I'll send out a few men in the morning to inquire if anyone is missing and get the warning out."

"Sir Fox, would you like to accompany us?"

"Yes. Father John, do you have pen and ink? I might as well start my report now. Lord Percy and the Warden need to be warned, and the report will excuse us from taking the bodies and evidence to the nearest court. How do you know they were Graemes and Nixons, Squire Walter."

"A couple of our men-at-arms recognized the dark, ill- favoured look of the Nixons in three of them. The two young ones had Graeme tartans as cloaks."

"Thank you, Squire Walter."

Dana interjected, "What of the animals and arms?"

"Except for the stallion, nothing extraordinary about the animals, good quality Scots ponies. Three of them showed harness or pack marks, the rest appeared to be riding mounts only."

"Father John, pick one of the ones broken to harness, that will be the tithe."

"Yes, Milady."

"Sir Fox, two of the rest are yours, you can pick in the morning. Those Scots ponies are very hardy. Walter, have the rest trained for the men at arms. That will give an extra four remounts. I'll take the stallion into my stables."

"Yes, Milady."

"The arms?"

"The usual mixed lot. Not much armor except the heavy leather jerkins, two good knives, and the rest trash, although the smiths say the one of the swords and the spear heads are decent metal. Two weak bows.

"That reminds me, if those bandits had had their spears or bows, you'd be lying dead in the woods now. No walking alone in the woods again, especially if you're going to fight and not run as you were taught."

"Anything else?" she asked quellingly.

"Just the usual muck of clothes and a few day's journey bread. By the time you boil the lice out of the clothes, they'd be nothing but rags. One of the cloaks is decent, I wonder where it was stolen. Pad saddles with stirrups, as you saw."

"Sir Fox, do you want anything of that?"

"Just two of the saddles, Milady."

"Clean the clothes and give them to Father John, to be passed out this winter as needed. Wait, hold out the good cloak if it's the one I wore, and the tartans too. I'll repair my old one and give that instead. I don't want any of our people being killed by accident because of the tartans."

"Yes, Milady."

"Father John, go get the parchment and ink, Sir Fox and I will write the report tonight."

"Yes Milady. Shall I call your woman?"

"Yes, tell her to fetch the cut up cloak and my sewing kit, as well as some candles."

"Well, Fox, you've seen me at my most commanding. Are you repulsed?"

"Not at all Dana, that was as well done as I've ever seen. I know how hard it must be with all the men gone."

"This is just temporary, William is expected back by Easter, and I will have to find another place. William will want to take command, as is his right."

"Another place? Who controls your dower rights?"

"The King, under the new law. I'm not a rich widow, but wouldn't be a burden. The dower income only lasts my life. Any children will not inherit of the Percys." She grimaced a little, "Adding that to the fact that most men find me intimidating, I don't think my prospects are very good. Ah, there is my tire-woman, Evelyn, and Father John."

Dana thanked Father John, and told Evelyn to go sit by the fire. They set up for the evening's work, Dana eyeing Fox, as he sat back with his eyes half closed, taking a very occasional sip of wine.

He sat up suddenly, oblivious to her start, and began writing. She continued to mend the cloak, sneaking glances at her guest as he was intent on his work.

He pushed back, sanded the letter, and said, "There, it is done."

"I should like to read it."

There was a considerable difference between reading a half memorized Catechism and a legal document in proper form, interlarded with Latin legal terms, but Fox handed it to her without a blink. He watched, fascinated, as she held it under the candle at arms length, scanning it intently with her lips moving.

"Fox, you give me far to much praise. Spare my blushes, and give due credit to Wolf and yourself."

"Earl Percy might believe that the widow of a kinsman, especially one that properly defended his kinsman's home, might have held off attackers, but a dog more dangerous than a hardened bandit? Let it lay. If you should meet him, you can correct his impression. If this is acceptable, I'd like Father John to make two fair copies, one for you and one for the Warden, and send it to the Earl tomorrow."

"James did talk, didn't he. The day after. Father John has a nice hand, nearly as clear as yours, but he is slow. It will take him until tomorrow afternoon to make two copies. I'd prefer not to have a courier on the road at night."

"As you wish."

"Fox?"

"Yes, Dana?"

"Have you taken orders? You have a wonderful clerkly hand."

"Very, very minor ones. Suitable for a student, promising to obey the Ten Commandments and observe all the Holy Days, and to be true to my oaths, nothing more."

"The cloak is finished, as is the report. If you would be so kind, please light Evelyn and me to my room."

Fox snuffed all the candles but one, then Dana took his arm and guided him upstairs, Evelyn trailing.

Chapter 3

As Dana entered her chamber, she was a little startled to see her mother, Tara, Rebecca and Squire Walter waiting for her. She groaned inwardly, then steeled herself for the interrogation she knew was coming. "Mother?" she inquired.

"Sit, Dana, and listen to what we've to say," Her mother said.

"Squire Walter, if you would be so kind?" her mother started.

"Knighted for bravery in France, taken into the King's service because of his clerkly skills, performed well on the Welsh borders. His father, the Baron, was a youthful companion of the King. Sir Fox is the son, and it's a hereditary fief.

Moved to this area because his father started to fail last year and he's the only son. Counted a good man of his hands and a fair and honest warden. A well appearing man, with all his parts in good order. His scars are all in the front."

"Thank you, Squire Walter. You may retire now."

"Rebecca, did you ever hear of him at court?"

"A little, he spent a month or two each winter. Pleasant, as you saw at dinner. Dances well, flirts nicely at court, but never a hint of scandal, so he's either well behaved or discreet. Well thought of by the King and his cronies, on good terms with the Prince."

"Tara, do you have anything to add?"

"Nothing beyond the obvious, Milady. A courteous, well- spoken knight. Oh, the fief is a royal one, directly from the King, with the requirement of a knight in the King's service. I believe they currently have three, not counting Sir Fox or his father."

"Well, Dana, should we invite his father to visit?"

"Sir Fox is guesting for a few days. Why don't we see how we suit before we start posting banns? Before we take this much further, I'd like to get to know him better. I've had one unhappy marriage, and I'd like to be sure this time."

Sir Fox went to his room, and saw James curled up on a pallet before the fire. He stirred him awake with his foot and began divesting himself of his clothes.

James muzzily woke himself and asked, "Yes, Sir Fox?"

"What time does the household break fast?"

"The ladies, except for Lady Danielle, eat in the solar.

Lady Danielle goes down shortly after first light and tours the stables and consults with Squire Walter."

"Make sure I rise at first light. I'll want a shave and a clean shirt then."

"Yes, Sir Fox."

As Fox made his way down to the hall, he saw Dana seated at the high table with Wolf at her feet. She was dressed in the jerkin and leggings as he first saw her. Her hair was braided, then wrapped around her head in a practical widow's crown.

She brightened at the sight of him and called the serving girl to set a place for him.

The serving girl brought out a bowl of porridge, a few slices of smoked ham, three apples and a jack of ale.

Dana took in the dark green shirt and the clean shaven face, smiled to herself and welcomed him to the table. "Fox, would you like to join me on a tour of my stables? I'm afraid that sounds grander than they really are, I've only got three horses, four with the Scots stallion, but I keep an eye out on the rest for William. Your palfrey is stabled with mine."

"I should be glad to." He quaffed the last of the ale, then rose and offered his arm. As they exited the hall, he caught a whiff of roses and mint. <Beautiful, strong, brave and she even smells good. I hope my father doesn't have any long lasting feud with her family.>

Dana snagged a bucket of apples on the way out. She smiled at Fox and said, "I hope you don't mind, I spoil my horses horribly. I make pets of them, almost make them my babies."

"Milady, the only reason I would mind is pure jealousy."

"Sir Fox! I believe you're flirting. Don't turn the head of a poor country girl like that."

As they left the hall, Dana called out to the steward, who was breaking his fast at one of the low tables, "Please speak with Lady Tara, I believe it is time to change the rushes."

"Yes, milady."

As they entered the stables, Dana led them to the end where her horses were stabled. Fox saw three pretty little Arab mares, the Scots pony and his big palfrey. He rubbed behind the ears of all the mares as Dana fed them their treat and noticed that one was in foal. "Who was the stud? And where did you get these pretty little horses."

Dana replied, "A light hack of one of the neighbors. I'm reluctant to breed them to the great chargers that abound here, the birth would probably cause them damage. That's the reason I'm so interested in the Scots stallion, that hardihood and courage combined with the speed and endurance of the barbs would make an ideal mount. Sir Daniel brought them back from crusade, and gave them as a bride gift. He never really liked them, they weren't up to his weight, especially with armor."

"You mentioned mounting your men at arms on the other Scots ponies. You're not making knights of them?"

"Oh, no. We train them to be spear and sword and buckler men. It's just that riding allows them to arrive fresh and move faster. The nature of this fief, mostly herding sheep and cows, means we have to cover a lot of territory."

"Any bowmen?"

"Not really, although we do have half a dozen crossbows for the walls. A few of the shepherds have bows, but they're weak. I'm probably the best bowman around, but my bow is a souvenir of my father's from his youth."

"I learned a little of the bow when I was in Wales, we should have a match. My man Dafyd is really an expert, don't let him suck you into a match." As he spoke, he grabbed a couple of apples and fed them to his palfrey. "Here, Taurus, I've not forgotten you. Have an apple. Is Lady Dana treating you right? That's a good boy."

"Taurus, Fox? I have only a little Latin, but doesn't that mean bull? That is an odd name for a gelding."

"It's a long story, going back to a time when we were both young and foolish. The gist of it is he saved my life when a bull had me cornered and down."

"I can see why you might be fond of him."

"That, and he has an easy gait, a soft mouth, stamina and a nice turn of speed. An ideal horse for a man that spends most of his life in the saddle."

"Is he battle trained? Doesn't your job require a lot of fighting?"

"Actually not much. I only get into a couple of fights a year, usually small and totally unexpected like when I met you. I haven't been in a real battle since my youth. My life now is keeping the king's peace, which seems to be mostly writing reports, interceding in village feuds and brawls in roadside inns and trying to get my expenses back from the Exchequer."

"Speaking of the King's peace, shall we join the men at arms? They should be preparing to warn the villagers now."

"Surely."

As they approached the dozen men at arms, he noticed they all had on bowl helmets, heavy leather jacks that went to their knees, eight foot spears and short swords and bucklers. Each had a pad saddle, cloak and saddlebags in front of them and Squire Walter was walking down the line, inspecting.

"Everyone looks ready. Go ahead and catch up your horses. Milady, Sir Fox, we are leaving in a half hour. Sir Fox, would you like a helm and lance? I believe we have spares."

"No, I'll take my bow and a fast horse. I have no intention of letting them get close."

Just then there was a commotion at the gate that drew everyone's attention. Dana saw Patrick come in with a short, broad shouldered, grey-headed man leading two Welsh baggage ponies. Loping alongside the ponies were two lean young men carrying longbows and short swords. The little man hailed Sir Fox in a lilting, melodious accent, "A good day, dear boy, I've brought the tools of your trade and my boys. Darling Patrick said there was a spot of trouble, and the boys hadn't been out for days."

In a low voice, Fox leaned over and told Dana, "That's Dafyd and his boys Edwin and John. If you will excuse me, I'll go to the stables and get ready. If you could have someone point out my two new ponies to Edwin and John, we'll all be ready in time."

When Dana walked out to mount one of her little Spanish mares, she saw that Fox had exaggerated slightly about his pacifism. He wore jackboots that came up to mid-thigh, a heavy black jerkin that looked suspiciously like there were armor plates sewn in it, a heavy leather pilgrim's hat, leather, low crowned and wide brimmed, with gauntlets that came nearly to his elbows. He was armed with a short lance, a heavy broadsword and shield, and had his bow in a scabbard under his left leg.

"My, Sir Fox, for a man that doesn't fight, you certainly look ready for one."

"Part of the secret, Milady. If you look ready for one, you generally don't get one." He looked her over, jackboots, gauntlets and a pilgrim's hat. She was armed with her huge knife, a boar spear and had a very short bow stuck under her right leg. A quiver of three dozen arrows was slung over her shoulder. "May Dafyd and I look at your bow, Milady." He motioned Dafyd forward. "Milady Dana, may I make known Dafyd ap Rhys, my armsman and a Welsh Bowmaster. Dafyd, this is the Lady Danielle Forester de Percy of Skull Hall."

"Dafyd."

"Milady."

She took the bow out of the scabbard and said, "Mark that oak fifty paces across the pasture. See the blaze at man- height?" She took three arrows and stuck them in the ground in front of her, then rapidly fired all three at the white spot. Dafyd noticed that she didn't draw it to full length, but left a full hand span of the arrow out.

Dafyd called over his shoulder, "Edwin."

Edwin ran over and pulled the arrows out, ran back and handed them to his father. "All three in the blaze, half- head deep."

"Very good, milady." He looked carefully at the arrows, then stuck out his hand and said, "If I may, milady?"

He examined the bow carefully, peering intently at the short, thick bow, only four feet long. "May I try it, my lady?"

"Certainly, Dafyd."

He took the three arrows. He pulled the bow to the full length of the arrow. The first landed two feet above the blaze, the second a foot above and the third on the blaze.

"Milady, this is a very good bow. It's made for someone of

our height, and I think it's designed for horsemen. I believe it is a little heavier than you need. I could adjust it to better suit you."

He took a step closer and dropped his voice. "Let Sir Fox shoot at the same mark, he's not so good a shot as you and you could win some money."

She gave a slight grin and her eyes sparkled. "Dafyd, I believe we will become great friends."

"Sir Fox, I believe you spoke of a match?" Her challenge was heard across the field.

"Yes, milady. For what forfeit?"

She moved to whisper in his ear. "Why don't we make it interesting? Three of my kisses against three silver pence."

"Agreed, but you must shoot again."

Chapter 4

There was a loud 'Harumph' and they both looked up to see Squire Walter and the men-at-arms mounted and watching them. Lady Danielle blushed and jerked away from where she was whispering in Sir Fox's ear.

"Milady, we're ready. Will you be accompanying us?"

"Of course, Squire Walter. With Sir Fox's men we can break into three groups. Patrick, Sir Fox and his men and myself, and you can split the rest as you please. We have good horses, so we'll take the north-eastern pastures. Let's warn everyone, and start moving the animals towards the lower pastures. On my orders."

"Yes, Milady."

"I'm sorry, Sir Fox, we will have to put our contest off until the morrow. Duty calls."

"Dafyd, the boys, and I await your pleasure, Milady."

As they cantered out, Sir Fox dropped back to speak to his men. "Dafyd, Edwin, John, Milady Danielle has, since we've fought together, invited me address her familiarly. You will address her as Milady Danielle. Understood?"

"Of course, Sir. I wouldn't dream of being disrespectful of the lady. She'd have my guts laying on the ground in front of me at the first discourtesy." Dafyd grinned cheekily, barely hiding his glee at the thought of a proper chatelaine for Mullein Tor, a place where he needn't worry about his new wife and the hoped for children while he was out and about.

Lady Danielle addressed Patrick in a similar fashion, stressing that he respect Sir Fox, despite her intimate referral to him.

Patrick acquiesced, thinking to himself, 'You've made yourself the sister and comrade in arms to every man on the place, do you think any one of us would mess up your chance at a decent husband? This Sir Fox seems a good man and knight, in favor with the King and heir to a nice barony. I wish you every happiness.' "Yes, Milady."

As the sun began to drop below the hills, a tired troop pulled up in front of the stables. Lady Dana called Squire Walter to her, and ran down the names of the shepherds she had contacted as she pulled off the saddle of her little Barb mare. She also ticked off the names of the men Walter had contacted, it seemed to be everyone.

"Walter, have we missed anyone?"

"Not that I recall, Milady. It seems this is going to be a rough winter. None of the shepherds were surprised, they all told me the wool was coming in thick and heavy this year. Several had already started moving their flocks to winter pasture when I spoke to them."

"As soon as everyone gets down, organize the fird. I want every man and every willing woman to have a pole arm and an idea how to use it. I'll train the maidens myself."

"Yes, Milady."

Fox had his ears out, listening to everything she said.

"Fird of maidens, Milady?"

"The second thing they're after, after the chattel, is rape.

The regular fird can protect the livestock, I train the women between twelve and decrepitude to defend themselves and their children. All the women without a child at the breast will be joining me. My sister Tara will be in the ranks, and my mother and my sister Rebecca will sit with the children, daggers drawn." Her expression was as grim and determined as any knight Fox had ever seen, ready to charge into an impossible fight for honor's sake.

"Milady, may I offer help? When the raiders pass through your lands, they raid my father's. My father happens to have an excess of knights at the moment, if I brought two and Dafyd and the boys, it will greatly increase your safety."

"Sir Fox, thank you for the kind offer, but there is little use for knights when we chase lightly armed Rievers through the forest and hills. Our biggest problem is finding them before they raid, then organizing and catching them before they escape."

Chapter 5

At dinner that night, Sir Fox was a little distracted, only laughing a little at the anecdotes Lady Margaret told of Lady Danielle in her youth. At the end of the meal, he leaned towards Dana and spoke, "If you and Squire Walter are free this evening, I have an idea that I'd like to discuss with you."

"Certainly."

He gestured Dafyd to the high table, and pointed to the benches just below it for Edwin and John. "Squire Walter, when we were out this morning, I noticed that we were in the foothills of the Chevoit range. What are the paths the reivers take?"

"There are two passes that give access to our demesne. The right flank is safe because of the river Tweed, and nothing much comes in from the west. Those are much richer lands than ours."

"What if we put sentries on peaks that overlook those passes? Signal fires or mirrors. Milady Danielle, can some of your maiden Fird with sharp eyes be detailed to stand in the tower and watch for signals?"

"I suppose so. I can arrange schedules so they don't miss any training."

"Squire Walter, you have an unbelieving expression on your face."

"What good will it do to know that they are coming?"

"Primus, it will give us warning so that those endangered can get to shelter and organize the Fird. Secundus, it will allow us to muster and send out your men at arms to block the escape. Tertius, it will allow some knights to destroy them while they are held against the men at arms, much like the bandits being caught between an anvil and a hammer."

"How many knights?"

"Three. Myself and Sir Richard and Sir Melvin in my father's service. That includes two squires and Dafyd and his sons."

At a hard lope, Sir Fox's knights, Lady Danielle and the ap Rhys family went to attack the bandits that were stuck against the men at arms in the pass. Lady Danielle and Dafyd drew up short at fifty yards from the melee that was going on, spitting the bandits without mercy and avoiding the men at arms and knights who were engaged in close quarters battle. Edwin and John worked around and above the men at arms and began killing bandits like targets on a range.

Lady Danielle took particular interest in those opposing Sir Fox, putting an arrow in the throat of every man who opposed him. At first it was a little redundant, as Dafyd had already sent one of his cloth-yard shafts through the heart. When he noticed, he immediately shifted to other targets.

One bandit on a lovely little mare, a better horse than the rest, tried escaping up a nearly impassable cliff. Dana transfixed his back and snarled out "Wolf!". Wolf began herding the mare back to her. The mare shied a little at the wolf and the smell of blood until Dana took the horse in hand and introduced her to Wolf and the Barb she was riding. Dafyd stood guard, with an arrow nocked.

Sir Fox rode up and addressed her, "My thanks, Milady. You saved me much sweat and worry by your timely arrows. I see you have increased your stables again."

"Yes, Sir Fox. Isn't this a lovely little mare? She'll make a fine addition to my stables.

"Might I suggest that instead of the Scots stallion, she be covered by Taurus's sire. He's still standing stud at my father's."

"We'll do that as soon as the passes close."

Chapter 6

The snow weighed heavy on the land as Fox and Dana led their train toward Mullein Tor. Dana was riding the little Scots mare, and leading two brumbies, loaded down with her baggage and impedimenta. Her Mother and Evelyn were mounted sidesaddle on two of the Barb mares. Wolf was pacing alongside of her.

Baron William awaited them in the hall. He nodded at Dana and Lady Margaret, saying, "Please forgive me for not rising, but since my brainstorm summer before last, my legs can't support me. I sincerely bid you well come, and offer the hospitality of my house."

Lady Margaret was all business, addressing the Baron without fear. "My Lord, could you have a servant show us to our rooms, we need a bath and some time before we are presentable for company."

"Certainly, milady. Alexander, show these ladies to the solar. Arrange baths for them. "

Evelyn gushed as the door shut behind them. "My, the steward is pretty, isn't he."

Lady Margaret looked at her quellingly. "This is presenting Dana's best face to the Baron, as an acceptable wife for Sir Fox. Her tire woman having unlawful carnal knowledge of the steward is unlikely to advance that goal. Keep your skirts down, Evelyn."

"Mother, I thought we just arranging stud service this visit."

"We are, dearling, just the mare being serviced is a little different that you thought. Sir Fox seems a fine stallion."

"Mother!"

Baron William was in fine fettle at supper, flirting with Lady Margaret and deferring to Dana. He remarked that he hadn't chatelaine or housekeeper in a bachelor household, and invited them to make free of the household, most especially the services of the steward. He had called Alexander to the high table to make sure he heard his instructions.

Sir Melvin, from Provence, was very taken with Lady Danielle in a social role, and flirted outrageously with her. She kept trying to shift the conversation to horses and battle, and Sir Melvin was flattered, although overshadowed by Fox's feats on the field.

Baron William and Lady Margaret were in a heated discussion, snatches of which brought a flush to Lady Danielle.

"...married two years and no quickening."

"Sir Daniel was an fat old man, very fond of his ale. Your son is a vigorous young man, besides she has four bright, sturdy nephews."

"...no land for a dowry."

"She brings, in lieu of land, a string of fine horses, the skills of a warrior and leader as well a housekeeper, and her dower rights. You wouldn't have to worry about your grandchildren's safety with her holding a shield over them."

"...Fox is so struck with her, he ignores his own inheritance."

"William and Charles will be here this spring, they will take that burden from her."

"...a Baroness has obligations."

"Has she said or done anything while she was here to make you doubt her fitness."

"Rumors abound about her temper."

".she has never hurt anyone who treated her with due respect."

"She has a rather formidable mother."

"I plan to make my residence in my son's house. I have dower rights there, although I certainly expect to visit my daughter occasionally ..."

"."

"."

"Done. I'll have the priest write up the contract."

"Well done. Have him call the banns."

"For the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. That will give them four days before Lent, and nearly two months before Fox must take up his duties as Warden."

"That means four Sundays, just enough time to call the banns. I shall inform Earl Percy, and I assume you will inform the King. Our guests will be family and a few of our servants."

"Our guest list will be limited also. I'm an only child and son of an only child. I will invite the neighbors to witness."

Lady Margaret looked around the hall at the slovenly servants, moldy rushes and filthy tables, as well as turning up her nose at the ill prepared dinner and bitter ale. "I shall leave Dana here until the wedding, to try to bring order to this pigsty. I don't want to shame my new son in front of his neighbors."

"This estate is in good order, madam. Alexander is a good steward, the farmers are all well housed and fed. The castle and keep are in excellent order, walls tight, strong and provisioned for a year and a half. We do well what is important. Sir Gregory serves as my Castellan, and I'm carried on an inspection once a week to check on his work."

"And I imagine your stables are a nicer place than this hall."

"My horses are better bred than most of the people in this hall." This was with a hugely supercilious sneer.

They glared at each other, then they both broke out in hearty laughter.

Gasping, Lady Margaret said, "You are going to love Dana, that sounds so like her when she starts talking about her horses."

Baron William quaffed his ale and grinned, "I have no worry about the courage of my grandsons. They will come from good stock. My granddaughters, on the other hand, will frighten all but the boldest knights."

"Come, Fox, sit by the fire and tell tales to your father of how you've managed to do so well this winter in stopping the Scots Rievers." He signaled two servants to carry him to his chair by the fire.

"May I bring Lady Danielle? Most of it is her work. I just provided a few ideas and you provided the knights to back them up."

"Certainly son, bring whom you like."

Fox gathered up Sir Richard and Dafyd with his eyes, glanced at Sir Melvin asleep in his cups and offered his arm to Dana. Wolf and Evelyn padded after, as did Sir Richard's squire.

Baron William glanced at the high table, snorted and called out. "Dafyd, send your wife with Lady Margaret. Alexander, kick Sir Melvin's squire awake and make sure they get to his room."

Dafyd's wife gave a clumsy curtsy to Lady Margaret and said, "I be Betsy, Dafyd's wife. Beg pardon milady, but I'm not trained as a Lady's maid."

"Don't worry about that, child. I just need help getting out of this dress, and Baron William has done me honor in sending a respectable matron to assist me. Tell me all about Mullein Tor and yourself."

"My self is easy. I'm da third daughter of da keeper of the inn Sir Fox and his men stayed at in da southwest. Sir Fox kept his men in order, and when Dafyd seduced me, Sir Fox arranged the wedding. My father was upset, as Sir Fox negotiated a very respectable dowry. Dafyd is a very good man, treats me with all honor, and cried with me when da babe was still-born. I'm quickening again."

"Congratulations. I shall say a prayer for you and the babe. What is it like at Mullein Tor?"

Betsy helped Lady Margaret into her nightgown, and began combing her warm brown hair, shot with streaks of gray, and nattered on. "It seems a good place. Baron William, despite his lameness, makes sure that all the cottages are sound and inspected this fall to make sure that everyone had their grain well stored and there was enough of it. Da steward is quite strict about the lord getting his work, but everyone knows that they will eat of his share if there is a siege, and he gives feasts from his stores after the harvest is in. There is a lot more lolly-gagging among the young people than my father allowed me and my sisters, but any girl on the increase quickly finds herself married. If no volunteer steps forward, Baron William appoints one of his men at arms as groom. If there is a credible story of rape, da man is whipped, banished and Baron William provides a generous dowry."

"What about the knights and upper servants."

"Sir Richard and Sir Gregory have taken up with pleasant widows, Sir Melvin is in love with his wine-cup, and da Steward occasionally visits da witch woman."

"You have a witch?"

"Oh yes. Marie da witch is the midwife and herbal healer. She's a childless spinster and lives alone. She's a comely for an old woman of thirty, and will entertain men of an evening for a fee."

"What about the squires and your step-sons."

"Dafyd has apprenticed Edwin to himself as a bowyer and John as a fletcher. He makes it a point to keep their hours the same as that of the squires, and those boys run riot in their free time, although all of them will deign to help me in the kitchen garden. Baron William has them and the other apprentice brought before him every Sunday to have them explain what they've done each week. Dafyd, the smith and the knights are required to stand behind them and explain their training and supervision."

<The filth of his hall isn't because of laxness or taking advantage of the crippled lord, it's because he doesn't care. Putting Dana here will be a favor to her and to the castle.>

Baron William rubbed the side of his nose, glanced at his son and let his full intensity be directed towards his future daughter in law. "I've heard rumors from over the border that Skull Keep and those under its shield have become prosperous and dangerous over the last few years."

"Mostly my father's doing milord. He felt the best answer to bandit incursions was trained men at arms blocking the return path. If they got back with no loot and lots of wounds, they would eventually stop bothering us."

"This fall, because of Sir Fox's help, we've managed to avoid any permanent looting. His idea of placing sentries on peaks overlooking the two passes into Skull Keep lands allows us warning enough to gather the Fird, and putting my men at arms on horses allows us to block their return."

Fox interjected, "Sir, she uses the term "us" advisedly. She leads her men at arms, as well as trains and mounts them. She uses the pattern of Roman Legionaries I told you about."

"Ha, boy. That's why I sent you off to University, to make you able to read Latin and explain such things to me. You mean all I had to do was find you a nice, biddable, wife?"

Fox snorted into his ale. Sir Richard and Dafyd had both been drinking theirs, and it spewed out of their noses, and Dana leveled an icy blue glare at him.

Baron William stared back at her, un-intimidated, thinking, <My grandsons will be fine, strong men, but my granddaughters and their daughters will rule kingdoms.>

He turned his regard on his son. "Details, boy, details. Spin a tale."

Fox nodded in acquiescence. "On the occasion of our first meeting, Da. Milady Danielle and Wolf were defending themselves against five Scots. I managed to kill one before Milady and her puppy got to him, and we went to her keep, where I was made welcome." He dropped his hand to Wolf and scratched behind his ears.

Dana spoke up. "Milord, he failed to mention that I was being sorely pressed by two bandits while Wolf was busy, and he thought I was a brave lad."

Fox flushed and said, "I know better now."

The Baron gazed almost tenderly at the pair of them, then hid it with a sip of ale and a gruff, "Go on."

"The next incursion was a dozen raiders. The fird worked well, the bandits made off with only seven sheep and the men at arms were in position to block their escape. There was much lamentation from the men at arms, as Dafyd, Edwin and John had accounted for seven before they were even brought to battle. All the raiders were killed."

"The next was a little different. Sir Richard and Sir Melvin had arrived. I thank you sir, for sending your doughtiest fighters."

"Ha, self interest, boy. Any raider that doesn't make it through Skull Keep lands doesn't get to ours."

"Well to make a long story short, there were two dozen of them. The men at arms held, and Sir Richard and Sir Melvin did great destruction among them, as did ap Rhys and his sons. I didn't do that much destruction, as every time I faced off to a foe, he suddenly grew one of Milady's arrows in his throat."

"All in all, there were six incursions this winter, seven if you count the occasion Milady and I met."

Sir Richard interjected. "My Lord, I must tell you, that in the five incursions I was at, we killed 87 bandits, wounded or took captive eleven, and captured 160 horses. Milady Dana chose to release the captives who wore a plaid and gave them their plaid, a knife and two days journey bread, telling them to spread the word that Skull Keep was a hard target. She hung the others."

"She sounds like a hard woman."

"Hard enough, my lord, to defend a marcher keep. The last incursion, all wore a plaid. Mostly Graemes, a few Nixons."

"Eighty seven, plus seventeen before. Alexander, do the ciphering."

"One hundred and four, my lord."

"The pair of you have taken out an entire generation of fighting men of the worst bandit clans on the border, and speak of it like it was a afternoon's ride around the estate. You sent to me twenty one Scots ponies as loot, nearly all mares. I was afraid that you were raiding across the border, perhaps in retaliation."

Danielle broke in again, "Actually Milord, I awarded those to Sir Melvin and Sir Richard as their share, based on the number of bandits they killed. Sir Fox is leaving his at Skull Keep for the nonce, as we have adequate pasture and he didn't want to strain yours."

"Sir Richard, what's my son's share of the horses?"

"Thirty eight my Lord."

"Father, two dozen of those are Dafyd's."

Baron William glanced at Alexander. "That leaves fourteen, milord."

"Sir Richard, that's nearly as many as you and Sir Melvin combined."

"My Lord Baron, I think I could best him at a Tourney, especially if didn't get down to swords or on foot, and I know Sir Melvin could. In rough country and surprised, I think Sir Fox is as good as ever I've seen. If Milady Danielle and Wolf are along, he's golden." Wolf raised his head at mention of his name and grinned at the Baron. "I saw five mounted Scots, two in half armor and on chargers, try to take him unawares. The Wolf nipped at the horse's heels, Lady Danielle took out her bow and Sir Fox charged into their midst, quickly killing one knight and two of the others."

"The other knight?"

"Throat torn out when his horse threw him. Lady Danielle had shot the other armsman and gathered the horses."

"Dafyd. She's a bowman also?"

Dafyd rose to his feet and spoke. "She does very well, my lord, to not have been born to it. She has a very good bow, one I can't duplicate, but I hope to before her daughters need bows. Edwin has some excellent ideas about incorporating a few of the features into regular bows."

"We have a saying in Wales, to train a bowman you need to start with the grandfather. Me and my boys will test if it works with a grandmother."

Dana pinked in embarrassment at the laughs of everyone. She also realized that everyone had a huge stake in her and her children.

Chapter 7

When Lady Margaret got back to Skull Keep, she was concerned to see a half a dozen chargers in the close in pasture, with unfamiliar livery lying in the courtyard.

Squire Walter was standing to one side and she motioned him over. "What's afoot?"

"Earl Percy has word that William and Charles both perished in a shipwreck whilst returning. He's sent his second son to take wardship of Matthew. I've moved Ladies Tara and Rebecca and their children to the keep. The guardsmen have the lower levels, and the doors are barred. I've opened the hall to Lord Percy and broached the brandy and whisky for him and his knights. All the female servants are in hiding. They didn't bring any men at arms or squires, just young knights who are treating this as a lark. They've not offered any writs or royal decrees. They've been drunk for two days. I figure one more day of drunkenness and we can disarm the knights and send them back."

"Get Patrick a fresh horse and send him back to Mullein Tor. We need Sir Fox's legal skill and connections. Get me into the keep and spread the word among the people that we will await Sir Fox."

"Yes, Milady."

"Sir Fox, I assume you know the situation here?"

"Yes, Squire Walter told Dana and me before he brought us to the keep. Let us review the legal part."

"Here is the writ of enfoefment, my husband's will and my son's will."

"Milady Tara, the writs and wills are quite plain. Matthew is the heir, then his brother Mark, then his cousins. The wardship goes to his nearest male relative on the Forester side. Specifically included is Dana's husband, unnamed in the will. Your choices are me, Earl Percy or his assign, or the King. Under law, any of us can force your marriage and are entitled to half the income of the estate."

Dana asked, "Does that include all the horses?"

"All, milady, with the exception of the Arab mares. If you have written proof of ownership."

Lady Tara bent her attention to Sir Fox and asked, "What about Sir Daniel's brother, wouldn't he have a claim? How do you plan on administering the estate?"

"In the absence of other claimants, he might have a chance, if the king didn't want it. It would be a poor chance, because he lives so far away. Mullein Tor is only seven miles away."

"I plan to continue on much as it has been. Since I am marrying a horse-rich widow, I have no need to loot the estate. Of course I will honor your dower rights, as well as your mother's and your sister Rebecca's. I'll not send a knight, but I do want to put a steward and castellan in, as Dana will be busy with children and running Mullein Tor. Their fees should be less than a knight's fee. Protection will be from the men at arms, as it has been."

"I'd like all of the boys to spend a year or two at the King's new school at Oxen Ford, and if either of you wish to marry, I'll provide proper settlements from the estate. I'll find good fosterage for all the boys, and a decent dowry for baby Michelle. All the boys will go into the world with a string of good horses, good armor and good training."

Rebecca looked at him gratefully.

Lady Tara answered, "Sir Fox, if you will be so good as to retire for a moment, I'd like to discuss this with my mother and my sisters."

Tara started. "Is there really any choice?"

Lady Margaret answered, "No, but there is a risk. Actually two risks; Can he keep his word and can he bring it off?"

"He'll stand by his word." Lady Danielle bristled. "If he can get to the Warden and King before Earl Percy brings too much weight to bear, he can bring it off.

Rebecca lifted tear filled eyes. "His promises about my children are heartwarming, but I must defer to you, Tara."

Tara saw one immediate difficulty. "Whomever has possession of the ward generally gets the wardship. If we can keep Matthew among us, our case will be much stronger."

"Squire Walter, I have a plan. As soon as the interlopers fall asleep, remove the brandy and whisky, and provide greasy leftovers and small beer to break their fast." Sir Fox was at his most commanding. "My plan requires that they have a modicum of awareness."

"Yes, Sir."

Fox strode out into the courtyard after waking the ap Rhys and Dana and sending them to the top of the keep. He confronted the hung-over, nauseous scion and his friends. "I am Sir Fox of Mullein Tor. In accordance with the will of Sir William Forester of Skull Keep, I claim wardship of Matthew Forester of Skull Keep."

A still drunken minion drew his sword, but Fox held up his hand and dropped the billets of firewood he held in his arms. "My lords, please attend this demonstration. I not only dispute the wardship, but I have the support of Skull Keep. There are six of you, without armor and support. Allow me to demonstrate how difficult storming the keep will be."

He grabbed one piece of firewood and threw it in the air. "Dafyd." he shouted. An arrow hit the firewood and it landed in front of Earl Percy's son. "John." Another arrow transfixed the piece of wood he threw in the air. "Edwin." Yet again. "Dana." This arrow split the billet, although the arrow was captured in the green wood. "All together now." He tossed another in the air, and four arrows were stuck in it as it landed at the boys' feet.

"After you run the gauntlet of those archers, you get to dispute the keep with the Skull Keep men at arms, a round dozen of them. You've heard what they've done this winter, killing one hundred men, all of them hardened bandits. I would strongly suggest taking this letter, which outlines my claim, to your father. It is a way of resolving this without breaking the King's Peace."

"What if I choose to dispute your claim here and now, upon your body."

"I'd really rather take it to the courts. I wouldn't want to have ill feelings with the neighbors. I've been in over fifty affrays since I've been knighted, nine in the last few months. I wouldn't really recommend it. One of the bowmen is a bow woman, my betrothed. She really takes amiss people trying to kill me."

"You've let our horses sit without care for three days."

"They were here for you to care for. They can make it to your father's keep without endangering them. Come back with your father and his lawyer. Skull Keep doesn't intimidate." <Especially by callow youths.>

Chapter 8

Fox looked over the rim of the mug of mulled ale and said, "I need to get the Warden at Alnwick as soon as possible to make my case. Earl Percy will be coming back with a siege train, not a writ. "

"That's thirty miles on bad, snowy road. Take extra horses and a man at arms. The Scottish stallion is up to your weight, and the chargers from the fight. Patrick knows the road, I'll get him the best four horses we have, and set up a pack train."

"I'll get on the road now, and stop at Mullein Tor to get some specie and a court outfit. I'll write a letter to the King for my father as well as a petition, and have him send it on. Dana, I would suggest putting sentries out on the road to Earl Percy's castle. Put them as far out as a fast horse can cover at a run, and keep everyone in close. I will have word back, if not be back myself, inside of five days. He probably won't be here for several weeks, but better prepared and not needed than needed and not prepared."

"Lambing will be in a week or two, I'll not be able to keep everyone close at night, and the armsmen usually protect the flocks while the shepherds help with the lambing."

"Do as you judge best. I'm leaving Dafyd and his sons here. Dafyd's been at several sieges, and can give you hints. I assume Squire Walter can also. Since this is primarily a legal dispute, try to avoid killing anyone noble. You can live with money in dispute, but land and blood are hard to ignore."

Sir Fox, mud spattered and weary, rode into the courtyard. One of the sentries ran to the hall as Sir Fox saw to unloading and caring for the horses. While he trudged to the hall, everyone hastened to meet him.

James brought out a basin of water and towels to wipe away some of the mud, and Dana brought out a mug and a pitcher of hot spiced wine, motioning a servant to get some food.

She looked at Fox and said, "Well?"

"It is not settled, but Earl Percy shouldn't be coming with a siege train. I've filed a writ in Chancery, and I've got a promise from the Magistrate that this will be the first stop on his spring circuit. The Warden has said he will be here in a day or two to observe the men at arms. I believe his quote was, 'I've got to see the men at arms that go through Rievers like a terrier in a barn full of rats.' He's of equal rank with Percy, and has the King's authority behind him."

Lady Tara let him pour another mug of wine, then asked, "How many will be coming?"

"The Warden, six or seven knights and their squires, probably a dozen servants. A couple of the Warden's clerks. Probably about thirty all told."

She got a very worried look on her face. "Mother Margaret?"

"Dana and I'll go in the nursery with the children, the nurse can sleep on a pallet. You and Rebecca can double up. The warden in my room, two or three knights in a room with their squires, the servants and clerks in the hall. Dafyd and his boys in the stable. That's how I'd do it, if Sir Fox approves."

Fox nodded to Tara, indicating he would be guided by her wishes. She thought for a moment, then said, "You and Dana in the Solar, with the door to your room barred. Rebecca and myself in the nursery. Two knights and their squires per room. Sir Fox gets a room to himself. We'll put the records with him."

"Milady Dana, please ask Squire Walter to assign an armsman to stand outside my door at all times to prevent anyone from entering my room. Those records are the key to the entire suit."

"Certainly, Sir Fox."

Lady Dana came to the door of Fox's room, nodding to the man at arms on duty. "Robert, I have some private matters to discuss with Sir Fox. Let James sleep across the threshold and be sure to knock if any trouble arises."

"Yes, Milady." <Private business indeed, they are going to anticipate the Priest. A cow or countess takes nine months, for something a newly wed bride can do it in six months.>

Chapter Nine

"And it's nine o'clock, time for all good little children to be in bed." Mulder gazed fondly at his pajama clad progeny, and squeezed his wife who was nodding on his shoulder.

"Where is the rest?"

"You didn't tell about the wedding."

"Or about the siege and the battle."

"The Story is only half done."

"Is this a true Story, Daddy?" The chorus of complaints was heartfelt, but sleepily blurry.

"Maybe another night. I will tell you the story is mostly true, and that is why Mulder's have a family tradition of dangerous women with loyal dogs, going armed in service to the sovereign and sending children to school. Which," he said, elaborately looking at his watch, "you have to do all to soon. Bedtime."

A chorus of piping voices, "Oh, Daddy."

End

Authors Notes:

An epilogue, entitled "Epilogue: Fairy Story" will be available here shortly. It doesn't contribute much to the story, but does provide some resolution to a few points of the story, plus some naughty bits.

Anyone who has any familiarity with medieval history will recognize the conflation, errors and misstatements immediately. It's a fantasy as well as roman a clef. I will respond politely to polite corrections, and perhaps even explain my choices. My limited expertise in history is US Frontier history, and I spent more time reviewing Louis L'Amour than "Life on an English Manor" in preparation for this story. I would recommend to ladies eager for a glimpse into Fox Mulder's fantasies (Not those fantasies, ones of being a knight in shining armor) to read L'Amour and Howard Pyle. A John Wayne Festival might not be amiss.

If this wasn't unbearable, I'd suggest Kipling's "Puck of Pook's Hill" series to see what a really talented author can

do with this framework. It's available at Gutenberg.org.

Lady Danielle's bow was a Mongol bow, with the arms reinforced with horn, a horseman's bow with an 85 pound pull. A typical woman's bow will be 40-60 pounds.

A Fird is a Saxon term for the community in arms. It usually just applied to the free men, but Lady Danielle is a huge feminist, of the most visceral sort.

Title: Fairy Story - Epilogue: Wedding Night
Author: Mike
Written: October 2002
Archive: As you will. Please Tell me.
Category: MSR Physical Expression of Marital Affection
Rating: NC-17, but not too Kinky
Spoilers: Set in Wolf Universe. Disclaimer: X-Files is owned by 1013 Productions. Not me.

Summary: Fairy Story continues.

After kissing the children goodnight and tucking them in, Scully arched an eyebrow at Mulder and said, in her best 'Just the facts' monotone, "Dangerous women, Mulder?"

"If I didn't know you loved me, I'd be in constant fear of you."

"If you don't tell me a story, I'll show you dangerous."

"You've got to brush your teeth and wash your face first, little girl."

When she came from the bathroom, dressed in a satin sleep shirt, he was sitting against the headboard with his legs spread. He pulled her down against him so she was sitting comfortably nestled against his chest. "What kind of story would you like, little girl?"

"Something romantic. Something exciting. Something you can't tell the kids." She ran her hands up and down the outside of his thighs, feeling the strong runners muscles. He pulled her back against the wall of muscle, and she relaxed against him.

"OK, how about the wedding night."

"That would be nice."

Lady Margaret noticed that everyone had their fill from the wedding dinner and all the men had a full mug of ale, then signaled the musicians, and they swung into the women's wedding dance. She stood at the edge of the floor, passing out red ribbons to the matrons and widows, and white ones to the maidens. All the women at the feast took a ribbon, including the servants and the cooks, and went out to the floor to dance. Lady Danielle had the place of honor, and her graceful motions and focus on Sir Fox made it apparent that she was a willing participant in the marriage. The sway of her body and brilliant smiles at Sir Fox inflamed him, to the point that he barely registered Sir Melvins's regard for his bride.

The ten feet of velvet ribbons were a gift to each woman, from Lady Danielle. It was old fashioned, of course, but it was another indication that she wished to share the joy of marriage.

When she returned to the high table, flushed and laughing, Baron William bellowed out, "Well danced ladies. Well danced. Now the men dance a sword dance to show that they can protect you."

He nodded to Squire Walter and Dafyd, then motioned to his steward to bring out the wicker armor and lath swords.

For symbolism, Sir Fox's sword was longer and thicker than any other. The figures the men made were to demonstrate their skill with the sword, able to protect the women. The noble guests were able to follow the dance as it drifted around the floor, but as the contests began many young men challenged Sir Fox and it suddenly got very intense. The Skull Keep men at arms snapped into formation behind Sir Fox and the apRhys's took play bows with chalk headed arrows in hand and began drifting around the edges of the fight.

Lady Danielle was fumbling under her skirts for her knife when Baron William laid a hand on her arm. "It's just in fun, daughter. Take this instead, then go where you want." He offered a lath the size of her knife, then leaned back with a smile of amusement as she kirtled up her wedding dress and flew over the table to place her back at Sir Fox's. As she did, Baron William clamped his hand in Wolf's ruff, calming him. "Hush, sweet puppy, let the children play. As grown men we will watch and see that it doesn't get out of hand."

<My granddaughters are going to conquer kingdoms, not just rule them. Can any man, with the like of that at his back, be less than a hero?> Baron William leaned back with a huge smile on his face.

The message was not lost on the guests. Mullein Tor and Skull Keep were one. Attacking either was attacking both. Attacking either would make you sorry and sore, attacking both would make you dead.

"My lord husband, if I could have a boon this night?" Lady Danielle asked as the climbed the stairs after the wedding feast, Wolf padding at their heels.

"Of course my lady wife."

"Please be gentle with me this evening. Sir Daniel wasn't and I hurt for several days. I learned to tolerate it, but it took several times and he's been dead for nearly two years. I've too much to do tomorrow to lie abed."

A look of pain and anger passed across Sir Fox's face. If he'd been alive, he would have killed him.

He observed her efficiently disrobing and putting away her clothes, then she pulled down the bed linens and handed Sir Fox a riding crop and laid down on the bed on her stomach.

He noticed a faint tracing of scars on her back and thighs and exclaimed, "Dear God woman, what did he do to you?"

"Taught me my wifely duties. I thank God that he didn't require them often."

With a grim and frightening look on his face, Sir Fox strode over the arrow slit and tossed the whip out. "My lady wife, I'm not angry at you, but I will be if ever bring that into our bedchamber again. Your wifely duty to me is allow me to bring pleasure to you."

He pulled the blanket over her, then disrobed himself, leaning his sword against the wall. He blew out the lamp and handed her his dagger, folding her fingers around the haft and saying, "For you, my lady wife. We will find a proper pillow sword on the morrow, but this will do for tonight."

He slid into the bed behind her, and draped an arm over her stomach. He turned her on her side and snuggled up behind her, pulling her hair aside so he could whisper in her ear and nuzzle her neck.

"Where's my pillow sword?"

"I figured you didn't need one since you have your service weapon in that bed holster."

Mulder moved them down the bed so that he was spooned behind Scully. He began whispering in her ear and nibbling along her neck.

He whispered in her ear, "My strong, brave, beautiful Lady of Mullein Tor, be not afraid. I will never harm you or allow any to harm you." As he was whispering, he felt her muscles loosen from the rigidity she had since they came up the stairs. With that loosening, he swept his hand down her arm and her flank. Gently, a caress, not clumsy pawing, a caress of affection and reassurance.

"Good Girl, just relax and feel that I'm not threatening you. Relax and let me love you."

Scully giggled, "Jesus, Mulder. Was he making love or gentling her to saddle?"

"Do you want to hear the rest of the story?"

"Go on, it's starting to get good."

"Milady wife, I don't want you to think, I want you to feel. I shall not ask of you anything you don't want to do." He turned her toward him, loosely hugging her, caressing her back and buttocks. His caresses were firm, with his strong callused hands smoothing her tension and filling her with comfort and security.

When he lowered his face to kiss her, she willingly returned the kiss, reveling in the affection she felt from him. She gasped as his tongue slid between her lips, then began tentatively sucking on his tongue. Emboldened from all the wonderful feelings, she began playing his tongue with hers. All the while he continued to caress her, letting each little surrender bring him a little closer to his goal.

His fingers danced up the inside of her thighs, making each movement a further caress.

At Lady Danielle's squeak as Sir Fox's fingers reached her most intimate places, Wolf raised his head, saw that she wasn't in distress, and laid his head back down.

Sir Fox's kisses suddenly changed from sweet and loving to demanding. At the same time, his fingers became more insistent, demanding entrance and his thumb rubbing against her most sensitive spot. As she began her first orgasm of the evening, she grunted and moaned, clutching his hand to her.

As Scully's orgasm began fading away, she scolded Mulder. "You're going to take that sweet innocent little girl all the way through Mulder the Magnificent's repertoire on the wedding night?"

"Not all the way through, just letting her know that she's loved and beautiful. Would you prefer Irish foreplay, 'Brace yourself, Bridget?'"

"Personally, no. Been there, done that. Didn't even get a T- shirt. You realize that poor sweet little girl is going to follow him around like a puppy."

"Isn't that the way it's supposed to work?"

Her first answer was non verbal, a fist in the ribs. "Go ahead. I'll remind you what liberation is really about later."

"Oh, that was wonderful, milord husband. Will you be able to do it again for the witnesses?"

"That was just a preliminary, to let you know that you're loved and what you are capable of. Who are your witnesses? Mine are my father and the Warden."

"Just my mother and sisters-in-law. Should we call them now?"

Sir Fox went naked to the door and threw it open to the party going on in the hall. "It is time for the witnesses." Sir Richard and Alexander the Steward assisted Baron William to a bench where he could see. Lady Margaret sat beside him, subtly propping him up so he didn't fall.

He eyed his naked son and remarked, "Ha, woman. I see what you mean by a vigorous young man. He needs a lively young widow, that would frighten any innocent maid."

Tara and Rebecca tittered at a remark of the warden's and stared avidly as Sir Fox filled all their goblets with sweet wine and offered a toast to the happiness and fruitfulness of the marriage bed. He sat next to her on the bed, and shared the goblet with the Lady Danielle, who gazed at him with adoring eyes.

"Well, on with it, boy." Baron William was impatient.

Sir Fox swept aside the blanket covering the Lady Danielle, then lay beside her. He took one of her hands and kissed it, then sat it on his chest. He then put his hand on her chest, tracing her nipples as he began kissing her. She responded by flicking his nipples as she caressed up and down his chest, glorying in the feel of muscles as well as the sensations he was eliciting from her.

He crushed her to him, laying his body atop hers so she could feel his excitement against her belly. His hand drifted down and began playing amongst her curls. Her hand also drifted lower, mimicking his movements. As his hand went lower, and began massaging her labia and stimulating her clitoris she was at a loss what to do and merely grasped his erection.

Sir Fox wrapped his hand around hers and placed himself at her entrance. With a smooth movement he entered her, stopped half way by her hand still clutching him. He removed her hand, placing it on his cheek as he continued kissing her.

She gasped as he entered her completely, moaning out "Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus, thank you", and threw her legs around his buttocks, pulling him closer and deeper. A wave of bliss swept over her, causing her to spasm around him.

As she spasmed, he continued to stroke into her, going faster and faster until he shuddered into her, driving to her second orgasm. This one caused her to lose awareness for a moment. When she came back to herself, he had rolled off of her against the wall, so that all could see his seed draining out of her as she sprawled on the bed.

He pulled the blanket over them, looking his father directly in the eye. "Is that adequate, sir?"

"As well done as I've ever seen, son. Let's get your people in here so you can dress and come down."

"Do you really want to make that honeymoon video, Mulder?"

"No, I prefer loving my wife behind closed doors. In the fourteenth century, the consummation of marriages of nobility was witnessed, generally by a drunken crowd of wedding guests. In fact, Sir Fox's man and Lady Danielle's tire-woman would have slept in their bedchamber."

After Baron William was seated in his chair at the high table, with Lady Danielle on his right, and Sir Fox on her other side, Baron William signaled the musicians. A fanfare rang out, and Baron William's bellow rang out through the hall.

"I would make known to all Danielle, Lady of Mullein Tor, wife of my well loved son." He dropped his voice, so those in rear seats could hear him, but not have their ears ring from his bellows. "Stand up and kiss her, boy, then get upstairs and start working on my grandchildren."

"As always, sir, I shall do my best to obey your command."

"Impudent pup," he laughed as they ran back up the stairs hand in hand.

Fin