Page 15 of Christmas Secrets

CHAPTERSIX

“So, Brother, you’ve returned. I knew you would.”

Percival groaned when he heard his brother’s voice. Bedivere happened to be in the stables when Percival arrived at Rothbury Castle. Not at all what he’d been hoping for. Percival wanted to feed and water the horses, then collect some food from the kitchen and be on his way before anyone saw him. It was still early and he hoped not to see any nobles, at least. Now, he’d have to answer his brother’s questions when that was the last thing he wanted to do.

“I’m surprised you’re already up for the day, Bedivere.” Percival dismounted. “After all, I know how you like to sleep late. Or should I say stay in bed with Morag?”

“Actually, I do. However, I was on my way to find you and bring you back for before Christmastide tomorrow. It was Mother’s request.”

“Of course.” Percival handed over the horses to the stable boy, giving him instructions to feed and brush them. “Do it quickly,” he said. “I’ll be leaving again very soon.”

“Where did you get a second horse?” Bedivere walked over to inspect it.

“It’s not mine. I’m just tending to it for... a friend.”

“A friend,” repeated Bedivere, petting the horse on the nose and turning back to Percival. “Which friend? Who?”

“Never mind. It’s not important.”

“It seems important enough to bring the horse along with you, which tells me wherever you’re staying, there are no provisions and you need to feed the horses.”

“Don’t even tell Mother I was here. I’m leaving again as soon as I replenish my food supply and pick up a few more things I need.” Percival took his empty travel bags off his horse, throwing them over his shoulder.

“Mother is worried about you,” said Bedivere, walking alongside Percival as he headed out of the stable and toward the kitchen. “So is Morag. My wife’s sister and cousins should be arriving soon. They all want you here for Christmas.”

“With all those people filling your great hall, no one is going to miss me.”

“What’s her name?” asked Bedivere, causing Percival to stop in his tracks and turn around.

“Pardon me?” he asked.

“You heard me. The girl. What’s her name?” he asked with a silly grin.

Percival let out a deep sigh. There was no use lying to his brother. Bedivere was too observant and Percival could never hide anything from him.

“How did you know?” He turned and continued walking.

“Extra horse. No food. You being secretive. Come on, it’s written all over your face. Now tell me. Who is she and why can’t she feed her own horse?”

“Because there is no food for animals or people at Imanie’s cottage.” Percival opened the door to the keep and headed inside.

“You’re trying to woo a lady at that broken-down hovel?” Bedivere laughed. “Why don’t you just bring her back here to the castle? Don’t you think that might impress her more than a one-room cottage in the middle of the woods?”

“I asked her to come with me, but she didn’t want to.”

“So she stayed there by herself? Is that wise?”

They entered the kitchen. Percival plopped his travel bags down on one of the work tables. The servants were busy preparing food, having started before the light of day.

“She’s not by herself. Her little brother is with her.” Percival stretched his neck, looking around for food to pilfer. When he picked up a string of sausages and a loaf of bread, the head cook, an older plump woman, glared at him but didn’t say a word since he was a noble and entitled to whatever he wanted.

“Bernice, have you any fruit tarts?” asked Percival, remembering how much Noel wanted tarts.

“Nay,” griped the woman. “And I won’t be making those until later. They are for the Christmas dinner, not to be given away,” she scoffed.

“Never mind.” He shoved some cheese and nuts into the bag next, followed by a handful of dried fruits. Carefully wrapping a few brown eggs in a cloth, he took those as well. Then he wandered over to a servant plucking the feathers off chickens. “This will do nicely.” He picked up a whole, uncooked chicken, wrapping a towel around it, and topping off his bag.

“What are you doing?” asked Bedivere. “That isn’t even cooked yet!”