“Women often outlive their mates.”
“True.” Brandth mused. “And if they only produce daughters and were married to younger noble siblings, perhaps the family withdrew their support and there is nowhere else for the women to go but return here to Gloomenthrall. Ugh. It is times like this I think about how unjust and unfair the laws of inheritance are for women.”
“Perhaps you should broach the topic and your concerns when you debrief the King upon our return. It surprises me, this altruistic side of you.”
“For the last six years I’ve had the privilege of speaking to many charming and sweet young ladies. Listening to their hopes and dreams for the future. They all deserve for them to come true… but, I fear they won’t. And there is very little legal recourse available to them when it comes to their rights to own land or manage their own wealth.”
“That’s what fathers and brothers are for.” Talac took a swig of mead, surprised to find it rather palatable.
“I have two younger sisters, you know. And one day perhaps I shall marry and have daughters. It chills me to think that once they are wed, I must trust in their husband and his family not to treat them shoddily, abandon, or hurt them.”
“I’m sure most husbands have nothing but the best interests of their wives at heart.”
Heaving out an exasperated sigh, Brandth shook his head. “You, my friend, are a product of a very blinkered upbringing. Too many years training to fight, surrounded by men of war and politics. But perhaps it’s not too late to educate you.” Honey brown gaze twinkling with wicked intent all of a sudden.
“I don’t like that look in your eyes. Please recall that I too have a job here to perform and do not have time for your games and machinations.”
“You’re an excellent multi-tasker, Talac. I sense you’re intrigued by all these wild tales of the mythical Beast of Gloomenthrall and no doubt intend to pursue the subject until you’re satisfied you have all the answers in that direction. My little educational side project will hardly burden you, I’m sure. Besides, according to you, I shall find nothing but tales of hearts and flowers amongst the widows and orphans.”
“This mead is surprisingly excellent.”
Brandth allowed for the change in subject. “Let’s pray the food is of similar quality, as I fear, given the number of ladies, that we shall be here for a while.”
“I’ll look into finding a training space for the men tomorrow. Practise will help keep them honed and occupied.”
“Good idea. And you’ll sleep in here. This sofa is lumpy but should be adequate for your needs.”
“I’m sure the facilities provided for my men will prove just as adequate. They’re housed near the stables, which is located off the Keep’s inner main courtyard.”
“That fact did not escape me. Horses and men-at-arms are valuable creatures, housing them inside the Keep strikes me as an important measure if there is something… big you need to protect them from. Something too big to hopefully get through hideously narrow windows.” Brandth waved a hand at the window Talac had been standing in front of earlier.
“Then I should be with my men, near the horses, better to protect them both if something big does choose to make an appearance. I would see them all safe.”
“Really. What about the risk to… me? The windows may be decidedly narrow but his Lordship felt compelled to cross them with silver bars as an added deterrent. Which suggests that at some time in the past the… big thing attempted to breach the Keep itself. No, you’ll sleep on the sofa, given it’s my life that hangs in the balance, it’s my final word on the matter.”
“Fine. But I know that’s not your only motive.”
“Oh?”
“You think I don’t know how often you have to barricade your door of a night in order to keep the more motivated - sweet and charming - young ladies out, the ones who think to seduce you into choosing them?”
“Well, yes, that may have factored into my thinking. Given that you, Talac, with all your dark scowls and interminable brooding make you a proficient guard dog.”
“Best you remember that I bite.”
“Yes. Yes. So very scary. But mark my words, one day, very soon I hope, you shall meet your match. She will ignore your bite. And she’ll expect words of a poet and deeds of a gentleman worthy of her. Your skill with a sword will prove all but useless in the quest to win your lady love’s heart.”
“You’ve been listening to too many young ladies hopes and dreams. I have no intention of marrying anytime soon, but am sure my future wife will be of a practical mindset, and value the security and protection I can provide above all else.”
Mead snorted out Brandth’s nose, wiping it away, he coughed to clear his throat, then laughed. “Security and protection, you say? Heaven help you, man. I believe you’ll have more luck finding the Beast of Gloomenthrall than a woman such as you suggest.”
“Excellent, as I have said, I have no interest in meeting or marrying any woman right now, but I do find myself very, very intrigued by all these stories regarding the Beast.”
“Hah, perhaps you shall encounter both mythical creatures on your quest.” Outside lightning flashed suddenly, punctuating Brandth’s words. The room growing darker still as the rain turned even heavier. “Gods, Gloomenthrall, whoever named this place knew what they were doing.”
Chapter Two
Dinner was a surprising affair. The great hall remained nothing but shadowy, cold and draughty. But the food served was excellent. An array of roast meats succulently prepared along with big bowls of vegetables, fresh baked bread and a moreish chive butter. All washed down with the Baron’s quaffable mead.
