The Shattered Rose Page 0,15

ambition for glory and land.

The vow was the same, though, no matter what the motive - to take the Holy City of Jerusalem or die in the attempt, and not to turn back before that goal was reached.

Galeran made an additional silent vow - that he would stay faithful to his wife. He didn't think it would be hard, for he'd never lain with a woman other than Jehanne, and never wanted to. In view of their cause, though, for him to waste his seed on whores would surely be wicked.

As was ordered by the Pope, Jehanne stepped forward to attest that she agreed to her husband going so far away for so long. Galeran left all his affairs in his wife's capable hands, subject only to the advice of a disapproving Lord William.

Then they spent one last night together, a night much closer to their early joyous ones than any they had experienced recently.

A night that had resulted in a son.

God truly was good.

Despite present circumstances, Galeran still believed that, and sitting in the dark woods, he lowered his head to pray.

* * * * * It was Raoul who woke him.

In the still, gray dawn, Galeran stretched painfully, chilled through and almost set into the awkward position he'd slept in. Sleeping in mail hadn't helped. His flesh was probably permanently indented.

"Trying to kill yourself?" Raoul asked rather testily, offering a flagon of hot spiced cider.

Galeran wrapped his cold hands around it gratefully and sipped. "I don't want to die."

"Good." Raoul had brought freshly cooked pork and warm bread, and passed some over. "I must say, your family eats well on campaign."

"My father always liked his comforts."

They ate in silence for a while, then Raoul tossed a bone into the misty bushes. "The castle's still shut tight, and it'll be first light soon. What are you going to do when she defies you?"

"First light is hard to define. Jehanne will open at the last moment."

"Why would she let you in? She must know it'll go hard with her, and your castle could hold for a long time. That's a fine wall around it. What's more, they might expect outside help. I gather this Raymond of Lowick has the ear of the local bishop, who's a man in favor with the king."

Galeran looked up at that. "That certainly makes the situation interesting."

Raoul snorted. "Interesting! It's hardly lacking in interest without it. God's breath, Galeran, can't you see the danger here? Your personal affairs might become entangled with those of royalty. Your father's a worried man."

Galeran pushed to his feet and brushed crumbs off his braies. It was a relief to debate a simple political tangle. "I doubt the king will get involved.

We're too far north. It's always dangerous for a king of England to leave the south untended. Look what happened to Harold - "

"The bishop could act on his own," Raoul interrupted. "Apparently this Ranulph Flambard - "

"Flambard! "Now Galeran's attention was caught. "What's he doing as Bishop of Durham? When I left England, he wasn't even a priest!"

"He's clearly risen with great speed. Perhaps as a reward for running the country for the last decade or so - ruthlessly, but profitably. So, what if this powerful and ruthless churchman, who seems to have the king in his pocket, decides your wife's lover is in the right?"

Galeran controlled the urge to make Raoul choke on the word lover. "My father's been a power in the north for thirty years, and he's faithfully served this king and his father before him. Why would Flambard or Rufus tangle with Brome over this kind of matter?"

"If you have to take the castle by force . . ."

"I won't have to."

Even in the misty grayness, Galeran could see his friend frown. "You really think she'll open the gates?"

"Yes."

"Why, in the name of the Cross?"

"Because it's right."

Raoul let out a snort of disbelief. "Women don't think of right and wrong."

"Jehanne does." Galeran fervently hoped it was still true. "But if you don't like that argument, what about this? If Jehanne doesn't see it that way, the garrison will. They are local men who know me. Most have sworn their oath to me."

Raoul thought about that, then nodded. "Well, that makes sense at least. I suppose with word of your death passing by, your men had little choice other than to obey your lady since you left her in control. Even if she brought in another man, and - " Raoul looked at Galeran and