Chapter 2
Tenby,
Grey eyes stared intently at the old woman sitting before him.
“Aye, I see a lot of great danger here.” The ragged voice explained.
“Danger!” Ardolf asked swallowing hard.
“Aye, and sorrow.” The old woman continued with a sad look as she looked at the yew stix on the table.
“What else do ye see.” Ardolf pressed on.
Worry now creased his brow as she went on.
“T’would pass on a very windy day, the darkest clouds would cover the sky, and t’will rain like it ne’er has before.” She read.
“Aye, go on.” Ardolf leaned closer.
Looking at the yew stix, he watched her lean back.
The seer closed her eyes a while.
Walking from the courtyard along with his brother, they entered the greathall. Dominic looked around to see that the tables were being prepared for the evening meal.
“Moira’s food smells delicious.” he sniffed. Sniffing as well Gavin agreed with a nod.
“Erwina” Gavin shouted.
Quickly a young girl popped out of the kitchen doors, brushing flour off her skirt she approached Gavin with a brisk curtsy. Huge round eyes stared at the Tall dark and handsome Lord.
“Aye, M’lord.” the small voice answered.
“Erwina, please send a warm bath up to my chamber.” The baritone voice of Gavin crawled up her spine.
“Aye, M’lord.” She nodded.
Before she could turn, Dominic called her.
“And what about me, Erwina?” Dominic flirted.
Watching the pretty young girl fumble and fidget. Those huge blue eyes stared at green devilish eyes.
She had blonde flaxen curls tucked under a cap, petite form and creamy soft skin he wanted so desperately to touch.
“Milord?” She asked confused. Unable to keep her eyes on the Adonis that stood before her. As well as the breathe taking older brother next to him, Lord Gavin.
“Are you not going to ask if I need a warm bath?” Dominic questioned in a flirtatious tone.
His voice alone sent shivers up her spine. Glancing up at him, long dark golden hair rested on his stone etched shoulders, lightly bronzed skin stretched over pure muscle and his taut body. He had light green eyes she would have sworn twinkled with mischief as she quickly averted her eyes from his hungry gaze.
Breathing hard with a crimson colored face, she sputtered.
“Forgive me Milord, I will bring one for you as well.”
She turned immediately walking quickly to the kitchen, thanking all the saints above that she did not swoon.
It has been a little over a year since Lord Dominic after serving as squire and getting his spurs. Now a true knight she always felt uneasy around the handsome devil, she must stay away from him no matter what.
“Why do you do that?” Gavin laughed regarding his brother.
“Do What?” Dominic asked innocently.
“You were tormenting her.” Gavin walked up the stairs.
“Is that what you call it, I was merely flirting. Is that wrong?” Dominic followed Gavin.
“She was turning the color of a rose, t’is a miracle she did not faint dead away at your feet.” Gavin turned to eye his devilish brother.
He knew his brother very well, and he knew that his brother had a reputation for frequent trists in the budoir.
“If I would have turned my back, you would have pounced her right there,” Gavin accused.
Dominic appalled looked at Gavin.
“I do not pounce, I woo.” Dominic corrected.
As they continued up the long flight of stairs. A bundle of sheets and clothing bumbled down the stairs before them.
“Good Morn M’lords.” Came the tiny voice as feet continued to feel for the steps.
“Hilde!” Dominic rushed up to help the small women.
“What on earth are you trying to do.?” Dominic insisted on helping her.
“Nay M’lord I will handle it.” She refused sternly.
Gavin watched the sweet old laundress being stubborn as always, continue down the steps carefully.
“Hilde, where is father?” Gavin asked before turning up the stairs.
“He is in his solar with Liora the seer.” Hilde explained disappearing through the entrance doors.
Dominic knew his brother did not like that bit of news. Holding his brothers arm, he gave a warning look.
“Do not do anything drastic, Gavin.” Dominic stared at his brother.
“Aye, I will remember that when I toss out that crazy woman on her arse.” Gavin threatened taking two steps at a time.
It seems as if lately since his father has been ill, that crazy woman comes here to addle his wits.
“Yew sticks….Seer.” He snorted.
“If she is what she claims, she would know I was coming to through her out of here.” Gavin pointed up to the study.
“No one in the keep cares anymore.” He fumed.
Walking towards the door Dominic followed.
Breathing deeply he entered with Dominic quietly.
“Aye, the moon will cover the sun and t’will be dark for one whole day.” She raised her hands up towards the ceiling.
Ardolf looked up in the direction of her hands. Leaning forward at the edge of his chair he swallowed hard.
“What else? Will there be happiness.” He questioned.
“Not if you fall off your chair father.” Came the familiar voice from a dark corner in the study.
Turning around Ardolf watched his sons come closer.
“How many times father have we asked you not to do this.” Gavin stood between the table and his father.
“But, she says….” Before the fragile old Lord could continue, Gavin turned around and leaned dangerously close to the old woman.
“Madam your services here, are done.” Gavin’s voice alone gave a warning.
“Grey eyes like swords glared at her.
“Dominic, please accompany the madam to the door.” Gavin asked.
“And, please do not step another foot here unless you are summoned by me to do so.” Gavin added.
The short old woman walked out the door, Dominic followed.
“Wait I am not done.” Ardolf argued.
“Aye, you are father, this is nonsense.” Gavin boomed out.
“I paid my coin for this service and I say she stays.” The old man huffed pounding a walking stick.
Sighing he leaned against the table and crossed his arms in front of his broad chest.
“Father, I do not want to argue with you” Gavin pleaded.
“Then don’t” Grey eyes peered back at him.
“I may be a sickly old man, but, I am still your sire.” Ardolf pointed a boney finger at Gavin.
Ardolf, a strong warrior of his time who was undefeatable and strong, now he was being defeated by his own son. Both cut from the same, he stared at a younger Ardolf before him.
“Father, have you eaten?” Gavin looked at his father with a stern look.
“Don’t change the subject.” Ardolf glowered.
Looking at his father he could see how much he upset him, it was a constant argument between them of late. He could not see eye to eye with his father. Deep down inside he felt he must out of respect and duty honor his father’s decisions. But, he just could not sit back and watch his father get all excited about the ridiculus machinations of some crazy old woman.
“Aye, father I had no right, but, I do not like her being here. She can’t be doing you any good.” Gavin pressed on.
“She speaks the truth.” Ardolf insisted.
Sighing Gavin turned towards the curtains that darkened the study. Blinking back the bright light he turned to look at his father.
“What truths father? He breathed hard walking over to the table shaking his head he blew out the now melted candles that burned down to small slits of light nearly close to the table.
“Of what is to come.” Ardolf’s eye widened as he imitated Liora’s habit of pointing up in the air.
“When has her predictions ever come true, father.” Gavin questioned leaning against the table to face his father.
“Oh it is useless talking to you. You are as stubborn as your mother.” Ardolf huffed.
“I know old man.” Gavin chuckled.
“Let us go have supper, father.”
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Misplaced Angel – Chapter 3