Renaud (Knights of Normandy Book 1) Read online

  Renaud

  Knights of Normandy Book One

  By

  Maryse Dawson

  ©2016 by Blushing Books® and Maryse Dawson

  All rights reserved.

  No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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  Maryse Dawson

  Renaud

  EBook ISBN: 978-1-68259-843-6

  Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

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  Table of Contents:

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  EBook Offer

  Blushing Books Newsletter

  Blushing Books

  Chapter One

  A Norman Conquest

  Somerset, England 1071

  "Wherefore doth thou love him?" huffed Cynwise, staring hard at her sister.

  Elfreda Golderon looked at her younger sister and sighed.

  "Cynwise, desist! Sir Gerard de Clairvoy will become my husband, despite thy misgivings. Think of our future." She paced the small dwelling they shared and flung her arm around. "Just look around thee, Cynwise. No longer will we hath to live in such a small abode. When I make this marriage, we shall both live in comfort at Ilchester Castle."

  "But Elfreda...a Norman? Wherefore cannot thee marry a man of noble Saxon birth?"

  "Cynwise, the Normans hath conquered us nigh on five years...'tis time thee accepted thy fate. Gerard loves me, and I am thankful for that. 'Twill mean a goodly future for us both."

  "Goodly? When we must adhere to Norman rule! Nay, 'tis not a good thing thee do, sister. I shall remain here. Go to thy castle and forget me!" she stated dramatically, turning away to stare blankly out of the small cottage window.

  Elfreda walked over to her and, placing a hand on her shoulder, spoke softly. "Cynwise, I wouldst never let thee live alone here; wherefore doth thou think I hath been teaching thee Norman French? Thou knowest thou art dearer to me than anyone. The thought of thee living on thy own doth not bear thinking about. Times are troubled, and thee will be safe behind the thick walls of Ilchester Castle. Here, alone...anything could happen."

  Cynwise, hearing the concern in her sister's voice, softened slightly and patted her hand. "Forgive me, Elfreda. But we hath seen so many of our kinsmen die at the hands of these bastard Normans. To think thee could marry one – 'tis hard to accept."

  "Mayhap, one day thee, too, will marry a Norman."

  Cynwise gasped and whirled around, spitting on the floor in disgust. "Nay! Those Norman bastards will never conquer me!"

  Elfreda rolled her eyes. "I fear no one wouldst marry thee, with such a temper."

  "Algar, son of Eldred, would."

  "Algar? He is but a mere blacksmith. Thou knowest Father wouldst never hath let thee marry so low."

  "Father is no longer here."

  "As thy elder sister, I wouldst never give permission for such a marriage. When I marry, the decision-making will be made by my husband, Gerard."

  Cynwise gasped. "Thou wouldst let a Norman decide whom I marry?"

  "Aye. 'Tis the way of things, Cynwise. The sooner thou learn to abide by their rule, the better." She tugged on Cynwise's hand and pulled her towards the door. "Come, we need to pick some meadow flowers if I am to look my best for my wedding, tomorrow."

  The next day arrived much too soon for Cynwise. She opened her eyes and groaned as the bright sunlight filtered in through the small window. Elfreda, lying beside her, stretched and blinked slowly as she also awoke. This was to be the last morning they spent in their ancestral home. Humble it might be, but it was the only home they'd ever had.

  With sadness, Cynwise looked around the simple, one-room dwelling. Their parents had succumbed to smallpox two years ago, leaving their daughters to fend alone in the world. Elfreda had been ill but, thankfully, nursed by Cynwise, she had survived the terrible disease.

  Elfreda playfully poked her in the ribs. "'Tis thy turn to feed the pigs. They will not feed themselves."

  Cynwise raised an eyebrow and poked her back. "Aye, sister dearest, and thee will be feeding thine own Norman pig this eve!"

  Elfreda gasped and went to slap her, but she was too slow. Cynwise had already leapt from the bed.

&nb
sp; Cynwise grinned wickedly at her sister as she began to dress. "Elfreda, thou knowest I speak the truth."

  "Hush, Cynwise. Thy tongue will get thee into trouble one of these days."

  "If my Saxon tongue doth annoy a Norman, then he only hath to return from whence he came!" she exclaimed hotly, before flouncing out of the house.

  Their four pigs snuffled around happily as Cynwise gave them the scraps from the previous day's dinner. Standing on the bottom rung of the fence, she looked across the fields at the imposing Ilchester Castle. It was newly built and owned by her sister's betrothed, Sir Gerard de Clairvoy, and would now be her new home, too.

  She had only met Gerard a few times, and she had to admit, grudgingly, that he seemed a pleasant enough fellow. He was a dark-haired man of muscular build, in his early thirties. He had learned their language well, having lived in England since the Norman invasion in 1066 and was currently in the process of teaching Elfreda to speak his native French. She had taken to it well and had, with a little bullying, managed to teach Cynwise all she knew. Cynwise decided that although she would never accept the Normans as conquerors of her land, learning their language would be beneficial – that way, they could hide nothing from her, the devious scoundrels. As far as she was concerned, they would always be the interlopers, but it did not harm to have a hidden weapon.

  Pulling a face, she went to step down from the fence and immediately gave a small shriek as two hands encompassed her waist.

  "'Tis only me, Cynwise! I was lending a hand."

  She heaved a sigh of relief as she heard Algar's voice. "Algar, thou didst frighten me."

  He let go of her and looked over at the pigs. "I hath come to help with the livestock. Am I too early?"

  "A little, Algar, but no matter. Wouldst thee take some refreshment?"

  "Aye, I would." He fell into step beside her as she walked back to the cottage. "'Twill not be the same, without thee."

  Cynwise blushed. "I will only be over there, Algar." She pointed to the castle.

  "Aye, but thee might as well be on t'other side of the world. 'Tis a strong fortress and not for the likes of me, Cynwise."

  "Oh, Algar. We shall see each other often, I promise thee. I may even be able to get thee a position there."

  His face turned angry. "I will never work for the Normans!" he said vehemently. "My father lay down his life at Hastings. I will never forgive them, never!"

  "I feel the same, Algar, but fate hath decreed that I live within those walls. It dost not mean that we cannot see each other. Wouldst thee still like to meet?"

  Algar smiled, and she warmed inside. "Aye, Cynwise. How, though?"

  "We shall find a way. Come inside and see Elfreda. Today is her marriage day, and despite marrying a Norman, we shall both be happy for her."

  Algar shook his head but, nevertheless, pinned a smile to his face and went inside the dwelling.

  * * *

  Sir Renaud de Clairvoy looked up admiringly at the vast castle before him. His older brother, Gerard, had done well by King William. He, himself, had been given a large plot of land over at Dunster, and the last two years, he had been busy building a stone coastal defence.

  Both had joined William in his conquest to overthrow Harold and gain power to the English throne. And as other knights in the same position, William gave them all land, on the proviso that they held it in the name of the Normans and would aid William as and when needed.

  Today, his brother was to marry a girl of noble Saxon birth, Elfreda Golderon, whom Renaud had yet to meet. As long as his brother was happy, though, that was good enough for him. He himself would prefer a girl of Norman blood, but they were few and far between in Somerset. He'd dallied with the idea of travelling back to France and bringing a bride back with him, but he would need William's permission to do so and as yet, he hadn't got round to asking him.

  Life at Dunster had been too hectic, what with the build and trying to keep the Saxon rebels at bay. He had come for the wedding, safe in the knowledge that his garrison of men left behind would guard the walls well.

  He took off his gauntlets and rubbed his hands together briskly as he jumped down from his horse. His squire immediately took over the reins and led his destrier into the stables.

  Renaud smiled heartily. He had come to feast and make merry, and both he would do with vigorous abandonment! He spotted Gerard striding over to him and smiled easily. "Brother!"

  "Renaud!" They clasped hands, happy to see one another again. "It hath been too long!"

  "Aye, nigh on a year, if I am not mistaken."

  "And thy holdings, they art finished?" Gerard asked.

  "Aye, brother. It hath taken a while but 'tis nearly complete. Thy castle is impressive – 'twill keep out these Saxon rebels with ease."

  "Aye. King William will be proud. Hast thou had much trouble thyself with the local Saxon rebels?"

  Renaud raised an eyebrow. "Aye, but my men are stronger and easily outwit them. 'Tis an unruly land but my fortress is strong – no Saxon shall take it from me. Dunster hath six towers, built with the finest stone. Thou shalt come and visit soon, I hope. 'Tis but two days' travel."

  "Aye, and I shall be accompanied by my new bride. Come inside; she is waiting to meet thee."

  Cynwise, peering from behind a stairwell, narrowed her eyes angrily as she watched the pair of them walk off. She had heard the portcullis rise and had wanted to see for herself what Gerard's brother looked like. Now she had seen him, she wished she hadn't. Handsome he might be, but he was also unbearably Norman!

  He was of tall build, like Gerard, and just as broad-shouldered, although he wore his hair at shoulder length, unlike Gerard's cropped mane.

  Unruly land, indeed! His accent was strong but, even so, she had understood him well enough to know he was criticising her beloved country.

  The Saxons had been living very well before the Norman fools had decided to invade. Now, she found herself living in one of their castles, albeit against her will, and was having to be nice to them! Oh, if only Algar were here so they could sympathise with each other.

  * * *

  Elfreda blushed becomingly as Gerard introduced her to the handsome Sir Renaud de Clairvoy. He kissed her hand and smiled charmingly. "At thy command, my lady."

  "'Tis a pleasure to make thy acquaintance, my lord. I welcome thee to Ilchester."

  Gerard clapped him on the back and beckoned to a serf. "Will thee take a cup of wine, brother?"

  "Aye. The ride was dusty, and my throat is parched."

  Gerard handed him a goblet, and he drank a good draught before taking in his surroundings.

  "Thy castle looks as fine inside as it doth outside, Gerard, and the lands look rich and plentiful."

  "Aye, brother. With William on our side, we can conquer all!" He spotted Cynwise as she entered the hall. "Brother, come meet my future sister-in-law, Cynwise." He beckoned her over.

  Renaud turned to find one of the prettiest women he had ever seen approach them. Her blue eyes regarded him steadily as he looked down at her.

  Gerard introduced them. "Cynwise, this is my brother, Sir Renaud de Clairvoy."

  "Good day, my lord." She bowed politely, but her eyes had a distinct chill to them. "I trust thy journey was untroubled?"

  Frowning, he bowed his head and then levelled his eyes on her. "Aye, my lady. We were unmolested en route."

  "Thee should take care when travelling across such an unruly land!" As soon as the words spilled from her lips, Renaud knew that she was mimicking his own from earlier, and he also knew where her loyalty lay—with the Saxons. He decided to play her at her own game.

  "Aye, I said the very same words to my brother, earlier. It heartens me that as a Saxon, thee see the land as we do." He fixed her with a stare that clearly said he knew she had overheard him.

  She flushed angrily. "Our lands were fine before the Normans invaded!"

  Elfreda gasped. "Cynwise!"

  Renaud simply laughed. "I hath heard wor
se, Elfreda. Be not fearful. She is fiery in her zeal, and her youthful innocence curbs not her tongue." He placed a finger under Cynwise's chin and made her look at him. Her eyes flashed back angrily.

  "Watch thy words, Cynwise. 'Tis all very well amongst family, but be careful who might be listening."

  "Thou had no fear earlier when thou spoke to Gerard!"

  "Nay, and as the conquerors of this land, we do as we like. The Saxons will learn to abide by our law or suffer the consequences!"

  Gerard had been quietly listening and decided to interrupt, before things became too heated. "Come, Renaud, Cynwise. 'Tis time Elfreda and I exchanged our marriage vows. Then we will hath a feast like no other!"

  Elfreda smiled and took his proffered arm, thankful that he had dispelled the tense atmosphere. Renaud and Cynwise followed but refrained from speaking to one another.

  * * *

  The wedding was over as quickly as it had begun. Cynwise now had to accept the fact that Elfreda was married to a Norman knight. Whatever misgivings she had felt were now obsolete. Her sister was married, and there was nothing she could do about it.

  Sitting at the high table, she grabbed a goblet and filled it with wine. Several platters of food were laid out before her, but her appetite had all but disappeared. Most people present seemed to be enjoying themselves. But then they would – they were nearly all Normans.

  She could hear Renaud laughing with his brother on her right, and to her left, one of the visiting Norman ladies was in deep conversation with the priest.

  Wistfully, she thought back to only that morning, when she'd seen Algar. How would life treat her now that she was in this big, stone fortress? Would she ever see Algar again? Arrogant Norman bastards! Why did they have to invade their shores and ruin their lives?