Blind Impulse (20 page)

Garin held her until she relaxe
d completely, asleep in his arms.  Gently he removed her robe and then carried her to bed.  He paused to extinguish the two candles on the table that Alyna always lit.

She muttered a sleepy complaint when he tugged her shift over her head.  He felt the nec
klace still around her throat.  His jaw clenched.  What a sight that would be.  Her naked body adorned only by the sapphires glittering in the moonlight.  Her glorious hair fanned out beneath her.  His fingers touched her face and hair, bringing the pictur
e to life.

He caressed her throat, once again feeling the necklace, down her shoulders to her breasts.  He felt the soft swell under his hand, her nipples pearled under his touch.  She moaned softly and stirred.  No doubt she was awake now.

“
Garin?”

“
Hush,
my sweet,” he whispered and bent over her, his mouth toyed with hers.

She seemed surprised and first but then answered his kiss and arched her back slightly.  Her soft breasts filled his hands, wonderfully perfect.  His body quickened and his kiss deepene
d.  He inhaled deeply the scent of lavender and her sweet feminine smell.  His hands caressed her sides to her small waist. 

The picture in his mind’s eye sharpened.  Her hips flared outward slightly, firm under his hands.  Her legs were long and silky. 
He never realized what a feast the simple act of touching could be.  His hands explored her body, memorizing every curve and line, bringing the picture in his mind to perfect clarity.

Desperate for more, his mouth trailed down her throat to taste her skin.
  He dipped his head and drew her breast into his mouth.  She gasped, her fingers threading into his hair.  His tongue swirled around the firm point.  Her skin was softer than any rose petal he had ever touched and tasted sweeter.  Her body quivered under
his, her breath tiny pants for air.

She bit back a moan.  “Garin.”

He released her and kissed the small valley between her breasts.  “’Tis all right, my sweet.”  He slid across to her other breast and took it into his mouth.

“
Oh God.”

He smiled.

His hand f
ound the mound of curls between her legs.  Lightly he ran his fingers through them, inching ever closer to his goal.

Her hands tightened in his hair.  “Garin?”

He ignored her, turning his full attention to the peak in his mouth, his fingers continued to st
roke closer and closer.

“
Garin?”  Her voice had a
twinge
of desperation.

His teeth grazed her skin as his finger drew over her wet folds.  The bolt that went through her was more powerful than even he expected.  She seized under him and froze, absolutely st
iff, barely breathing.  Again he caressed her soft folds, finding the tiny nub that he had sought.

Her groan was absolutely feline and she relaxed.  Her legs parted slightly giving him better access.

“
Oh God, Garin, what are you doing to me?”

“
Do you wish
me to stop?”

“
Nay.”

He smiled at the force in her voice.  Her grip finally relaxed on his hair, her fingers traveling softly over his face.  He paused to remove his clothes, his body aching with arousal.  Her hands found his chest and traveled down.  He cl
osed his eyes with the sheer pleasure of her touch.

Garin settled over her, pushing her legs apart with his knees and kissed her deeply.  Slowly, with wonderful agony he entered her.  He cupped her face in his hands and thrust past her maidenhead, catching
her cry of pain in his mouth.

“
I know, my love,” he whispered trying not to move.  But it was pure torture.  Her sheath was tight around him, gloriously warm.  It took every ounce of control he possessed not to drive himself completely into her.  He felt
her tears and kissed them away, his body shaking.  Slowly she relaxed under his kisses.  Her body flexed around him.  He groaned in agony.  No man should have to endure this.  She moved again.

“
Alyna, hold still--”

Abruptly she kissed him and Garin had no
choice.  He pushed forward, filling her completely.  Her response was an exquisite moan.  He started slowly, not wanting to cause her any more pain but to his delight she moved with him.  Her arms wrapped around him, her nails digging into his back. 

She
was so tight around him that he felt the first stirrings of her release before her breathing quickened.  A wave moved through her and she gasped.  He held her tighter, his own fast approaching.  He buried his face into her neck, inhaling only her scent, fe
eling her body quake underneath his, hearing her gasp his name. 

The blood roared through his body as he hurled into the perfect point of pain and collapsed on top of her completely spent.  He couldn’t move, he could only lay there and try to remember how
to breathe.

Chapter Eleven

Garin awoke feeling wonderfully rested.  Alyna slept against him in her favorite position, her thick hair a blanket for them both.  He held her for a moment, savoring the memory of last night
and the pleasant sensation of waking up with her in his arms. 

It was also the first time he admitted his future might not be impossible to achieve.  He had thought his life was over when he awoke that day and could see nothing.  But Alyna, sweet Alyna, h
ad come into his life and changed everything.  She had given him hope where he thought none possible, she had found answers when he didn’t even know the questions, and she had believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself. 

Even if things fell apart
he would still have this time with her.  If their marriage was annulled and he sent to a church, he would have his memories to treasure - memories of making love to his beautiful wife.  Something he would not have if she had not been the bravest woman he
had ever met.

He kissed her and gently disengaged himself.  She was tired and deserved to rest, especially after last night.  He lightly traced his fingers over her cheek and winced at the swelling he felt.  God, he wanted to strangle the life out of Peter
Naworth for this.  He pushed down his anger and got out of bed, making certain the blankets remained firmly around her.  Quickly he dressed and went down stairs.

The great hall was relatively empty but Garin heard Geoff and Simon talking.  “Good morning,”
he said.

“
Good morning, Garin,” Geoff said.  “Join us.”  He guided him to a chair.  “How is Alyna this morning?”

“
She was still sleeping when I left so I let her be.  I think her cheek is going to be an awful shade though.”  He held his cup while a servan
t poured him some watered ale, his finger within it as Alyna had taught him.  “Did you get the writs out to the knights, Simon?”

“
On their way as of dawn.  Since I was up all night, I also interviewed our garrison.”

“
Saints, man, I didn’t mean to drive you
rself to exhaustion.”

“
I couldn’t sleep after all that running last night.  I had to dismiss five men and three more I’m watching closely.”

“
I have also sent word to Salkeld,” Geoff said.  “I have six men who accompanied us and eight more available.  They
should arrive in a sennight.”

“
Thank you, Geoff.  I don’t think Naworth will try anything since his plot has been discovered but I don’t want to take any chances.”

“
I also doubt if he will do anything now,” Simon said.

“
I don’t know,” Geoff said thoughtful
ly.  “If it were me, I’d bring my men as fast
as humanly possible before Garin had a chance to reinforce.”

“
And you be daft, old man,” Simon said with a snort.  “We are prepared for treachery.”

“
This old man can best you more often than not on the tourney
field, Renwick,” Geoff quipped.  “But remember, the goal here is not to destroy Kirkoswald or even kill anyone but prove Garin is not fit to rule.  Just putting Kirkoswald in doubt could be enough to sway that decision.”

Garin pinched his lip.  “Excellent
point, Geoff.”

“
I think they would not destroy the village like a normal siege.  More than likely they would just make themselves at home and put their feet up before the hearth fires.”

Garin shook his head.  “Aye.  While we shut our gates and starve
.”

“
So what do we do?” Simon asked.

“
If they appear with a force we will have to close the gates.  I’m not trusting Naworth again.”  Garin shuddered, remembering last night.  “After that...I don’t know.  We’ll just have to take it as it comes.  Hopefull
y, they just went home with their tails between their legs.”

“
Don’t count on it, Swein,” Geoff said.

“
I’m not.”  He pushed himself away from the table.  “In the meanwhile,
let’s
make certain we are prepared for siege.”

****

Alyna awoke with a pounding hea
dache and her entire body aching - especially one area.  No one had ever told her lovemaking could leave a person hurting so much.  But she smiled to herself - neither had anyone told her it could be so glorious.  She knew it was late and she should get up
but she could not bring herself to move.  Her face was probably the size of a kettle and close to the same color.  The sunlight spilled through the window and warmed the bed.  She dozed like a cat napping in the sunshine, listening to her stomach rumble f
or breakfast and then rumble louder for lunch.

The door opened.  “Alyna?”

She cracked open one eye, hearing Garin’s worried voice.  “I’m awake...barely.”

“
I grew concerned.”  He entered and a servant followed, placing a tray of food on the table.  She caug
ht the smell and her stomach rumbled even louder.  Garin sat on the edge of the bed and the servant left.

Alyna sat up and wrapped her arms around Garin’s neck.  “I just didn’t want to get up.”

He chuckled softly and held her, his hands sliding over her ba
re back.  “Honestly, neither did I this morning.  How are you feeling?”

“
Everything hurts,” she replied grumpily.

“
I’m sorry,” he replied but his voice was coy.  “Perhaps I can take your mind off your troubles.”  His hand traced lightly over her breast.

Al
yna groaned.  “Don’t tempt me or I’ll never get out of bed.”

He arched an eyebrow.  “Now that sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Her stomach rumbled loudly.  “So now you plan on starving me?”

He laughed and released her.  “Nay, lady.  Eat please.  I fear there
is much work and little time ahead of us.”

She pulled on her shift and sat at the table while Garin explained his conversation with her father and Simon.

Alyna swallowed hard, praying her father’s worries would not come true.

****

Within three days the
first two knights who owed Garin service,
Ousby
and
Haresceugh
, arrived with their retinues of serjants and squires.  Twenty men in all and for Alyna, twenty more mouths to feed.  Their stores were good for winter but not for siege.  She completed an inven
tory and found flour and salted meat poorly lacking.  She went to the bailey in search for Garin.

Alyna found him on the curtain wall listening carefully as Simon described exact locations and amounts of rocks, pitch, and quick lime that were to be used if
the siege became real.  While Garin did not want bloodshed he was prepared for the worst.  He leaned against the wall with his arms folded over his chest, his head lowered as he stared, unseeing, at the ground.  The two knights and her father also stood w
ith him.

“
How goes it for our crossbows?” he asked Simon.

“
It goes well.  We have plenty of material for quarrels.  Many of the youngsters are working to put on the
fletchings
.”

“
Good.”

“
My lord?” Alyna called, not wishing to interrupt.

“
Yes, Alyna?”

“
I ne
ed to speak with you about supplies.”

“
Of course, excuse me for a moment gentlemen.”  He strode to Alyna.  “What’s wrong?”

“
We need flour and salted meat.”

He frowned and turned.  “Simon, send wagons to
Millrigg
.  Bring as much flour as is owed to us.  Sir
Ousby
?”

“
Aye, Baron?”

“
How do you and your men feel about a hunt?”

“
Now that sounds like fine fun.”

“
Good, find my forester and see what meat you can bring back.”

“
At once, Baron.”

He turned back to Alyna.  “Keep track of how much food comes in, if it’s s
till not enough let me know.”

“
Thank you.  Your mother is working with Brother Martin to attend bandages and healing herbs.”

“
Is my sister staying out of your way?”

“
Actually, Garin, she is helping card and spin wool for blankets.”  She paused, twisting th
e rings on her fingers.  “I’m not sure what to think but Juliana has been helpful and polite.  She seems very worried over the whole thing.  I overheard her speaking with
Lyssa
, Juliana does not want a siege.”

His brows flew up his forehead and he rubbed h
is jaw.  “Well, Juliana, as a child always detested violence.  She used to become ill when my father, Simon, or I competed in tourneys.  Even though my sister wants the inheritance in order to marry Peter, I wonder if the potential for violence here is mak
ing her question her ideals.”

“
It appears to me, the longer she stays away from Peter, the more she returns to the young lady we all knew.”

Garin nodded.  “That is an excellent observation, Alyna.  Keep an eye on her and let me know if anything changes.  I
am still uncertain as to how much I can trust her.”

“
I will, Garin, thank you.”  She turned and started to walk away but Garin caught her arm.  “My lady, is anyone watching us right now?”

She frowned.  “Nay.”

Abruptly he kissed her, his tongue ravishing h
er mouth.  Her world spun dizzily at the power of his kiss that left her breathless.  Just as quickly he stepped back and grinned.  “Thank you, my wife, now I can go back to work.”

Completely shocked at his actions she resumed her walk back to the keep.

*
***

Over the next week the bruise on Alyna’s cheek faded and the castle became a working bastion.  Sir
Ousby’s
hunting over the days reaped definite rewards, three huge stags, a boar, and many game birds.  The squires also made fishing trips to the river
Eden and Alyna set them in charge of smoking the fish for storage.  With the arrival of more people, Alyna was already rationing food.  Although very busy, she also managed to find an hour or two in which to work on Garin’s tapestry.

Garin promised a revel
for everyone when all the knights arrived.  The eight men from Salkeld finally reached Kirkoswald but they reported serious problems with bandits on the trail.  The serjant in charge believed more professional mercenaries, perhaps even stipendiary knights
had joined them.

Garin shook his head.  “No doubt, this is Naworth at work.  If he puts my roads in danger he throws even more doubt on my ability to rule.”

“
Aye,” Geoff said grimly.

“
Geoff, I want to put you in charge of patrols.  See that they are doubl
ed in size and frequency.  Many of our squires and serjants still need something to do.  I don’t think they will mind braining a few mercenaries.”

Geoff chuckled.  “Aye, Swein, I will see to it at once.”

Garin also made certain the knights kept their skill
s sharp with miniature tournaments.  Because he did not wish injuries they did not joust against each other but simply sparred the quintain.  Garin also participated in the game with the return of his usual skill.

Throughout the next fortnight, the rest of
the knights and their men at arms arrived.  Despite the fact Kirkoswald prepared for siege, the eve of the revel proved warm with festivity.  Minstrels played and a couple young lads showed off their juggling skills.  Ladies dressed in fine gowns and knig
hts wore gleaming mail and plate.

One of Sir
Ousby’s
boars became the center attraction for the feast, and wine flowed freely.  People danced and Garin shocked Alyna by dancing with her.  He had memorized the steps and conducted himself with grace and dign
ity.

Alyna found herself exhausted in preparing for the revel but enjoyed it immensely.  As the evening progressed, Garin joined his knights for a game of dice.  He recruited Simon to call the roles.  Simon was too honorable to cheat.  In fact if one of th
e men tried, the others ribbed and teased him mercilessly.  Garin laughed and thoroughly enjoyed himself but Alyna saw her father watching him like a hawk.

“
What’s wrong, father?” she asked softly as she sat beside him.  “Why don’t you join the game?”

Geof
f glanced at her.  “I was just observing your husband.  I was worried about what this siege may do to his bid for baron but by Jove, Alyna, he’s doing it.”