Warwolfe (de Wolfe Pack Book 0)(103)
De Russe was an intimidating man when he wanted to be and it was clear that he was trying to convey his displeasure with Gaetan at the moment, but Gaetan wasn’t intimidated in the least. He was, however, growing irritated, something that was magnified by that damnable drink. Therefore, Gaetan tried not to look at Aramis because he was certain if he did, the next step would see him flying over the table and wringing his friend’s neck.
But he was distracted from the man when the food was brought forth, and it was quite a feast – both boiled and roast pork, pies with pork and carrots and local birds, fish in wine, and other delicacies. For people who lived such an isolated and simple life deep in the woods, it was a great display of both hospitality and prosperity, and the knights wolfed down the food before their hosts were even served. They hadn’t eaten since the meal at The King’s Head the night before, so they were quite eager to put food into their bellies.
Gaetan found a good deal of satisfaction with the roast pork, which had a wine sauce on it that was marvelous. There was far less conversation now that mouths were full, but Gaetan couldn’t help but notice that the same women who had pledged to tend Ghislaine were also the women who were serving the knights. He wouldn’t have noticed except Antillius, at the end of the table, grabbed one of them and swatted her on the behind, clearly unhappy that she was serving.
The young woman fled in tears but her two sisters were moving up and down the table, making sure the men had what they needed. Gaetan had to admit that the Tertium were very good hosts but he was inherently curious about them.
“Have you discovered anything about this place?” he asked Téo quietly.
Téo was well into his pork and bird pie. “Only that they are the descendants of an ancient Roman legion that settled here,” he said. “Antillius is quite forthcoming about his tribe’s history.”
“You have spoken with him?”
Téo nodded. “When you went with the physician to tend Lady Ghislaine, the rest of us spoke with him somewhat.”
Gaetan thought it might be best if he spoke with Antillius now, as the commander of the group, rather than get his information second hand. Swallowing the bite in his mouth, he leaned forward so he could address Antillius directly.
“You have my gratitude for your kindness towards my men and towards the lady, my lord,” he said. “I apologize that I have not had much time to speak with you, but the lady’s health was my primary concern when we arrived.”
Antillius was eating but he wasn’t drinking the same alcohol the knights had been served. Gaetan noticed that when a serving woman poured the same apple drink into his cup that Gaetan had requested. All things considered, it put Gaetan on edge a bit as he considered that their host may very well be trying to get them drunk. Either that, or there wasn’t enough drink to go around so he was giving it all to his guests. Still, Gaetan was glad he stopped drinking so at least one of them would have a clear head.
“There is no need to apologize,” Antillius said, cutting in to his suspicious thoughts. “The lady is doing better, I have heard.”
Gaetan nodded. “The wound was not as bad as it looked, fortunately,” he said. “Your physician was able to stitch it up and now the lady rests comfortably.”
“I am glad.”
Gaetan took a drink of the apple concoction. “I must also apologize for not introducing me and my men,” he said. “It seems rather late for proprieties, but permit me to give introductions – I am Gaetan de Wolfe of the House of Vargr, the kings of Breton. The men you have seated around your table are de Russe of Flanders, de Reyne of Morlaix, de Moray from Rouen, de Winter of the House of Bourbon, de Lara, the Count of Boucau, St. Hèver of Normandy, du Reims of Reims, and Wellesbourne of Wales. As I told you, our comrade was abducted and we are heading north to retrieve him.”
Antillius was looking around his table, rather shocked at the introductions. He was a man who soaked up information when he could get it so he knew that he had at least three men from ruling or royal families at his table, de Wolfe included. In truth, he was quite impressed.
“I am honored, my lords,” he finally said. “I fear I have set a simple table for such great men.”
Gaetan shook his head. “You have been a gracious host and we are grateful for what you have provided us.”
Antillius banged on the table and more food suddenly appeared, filling up the tabletop with a great deal of excess. “It is my honor,” he said. “And the lady – The Beautiful Maid of Mercia – although her brother is my enemy, I do not look upon her as my enemy. She is my honored guest. If you are allies of Black Edwin, I do not hold that against you.”
Gaetan glanced at the men across the table; de Russe, de Moray, and St. Hèver were looking to him to see how he would respond. Gaetan thought it best to be honest with Antillius to a certain extent. He saw no harm in it.
“We are not allies of Edwin of Mercia,” he said. “In fact, it is his brother Alary who has abducted our comrade.”
Antillius sobered at the mention of Alary’s name. “Ah,” he finally said, nodding his head in a knowing fashion. “Alary Insanus.”
Alary the Insane. Gaetan snorted softly. “That is fitting,” he said. “You know of him, then?”
Antillius nodded, but his expression was far from pleasant. “Aye,” he replied, seemed hesitant, but continued. “We have had contact with him and his men on occasion. I have heard of him burning down entire villages to punish women who rejected his advances or tormenting men he wanted something from. Last year, two of our young girls wandered away and we never found them again. Saxon allies we trade with told us that it was rumored that Alary had found the girls and sold them off to the highest bidder. We tried to find the girls, but to no avail. It was as if they had vanished.”