Spring 1092…

It had been several months since life at Penrith had returned to normal. With the safe return of Heather and Alana and relative peace between the English and the Scots, life resumed its usual calm pace.

Rhona lay on her back on a grassy slope outside her house, idly watching the fluffy white clouds pass by. She still thought of Leon, wondering if she would ever see him again—a handsome devil who set her pulse racing whenever she pictured his face. But she had resigned herself to the fact that he was in the south and she was in the north and never the two shall meet. She had no intention of going south…ever. The thought alone made her shudder. Too many memories of being incarcerated in King William's castle put paid to any thoughts of travelling.

Suddenly, a shriek invaded her thoughts. She sat up abruptly, her breath catching in her throat, wondering where it was coming from. It was then, she saw Alana running up the lane.

"Rhona! Rhona! The Normans! They are coming!" Alana shrieked, running towards her, her skirts held high, her feet throwing dust in their wake.

Rhona's eyes widened. Not again? Surely not? "Get in the house, Alana, and warn the others."

This time, she needed no persuasion to believe that her cousin spoke the truth. In a flash, she had made it up the path, and throwing open the barn door; she ran inside. Her bow and arrow were within easy reach, just as she intended for an occasion such as this, and grabbing them, she whirled around and went back outside.

Quickly, she took position behind a low fence, raised the bow and arrow and pointed it straight at the approaching Normans. Her hands trembled as she waited for them, adrenalin coursing through her slim body. She would have no hesitation in killing them—anything, other than be taken captive again.

Her father was away, visiting with King Malcolm, and wouldn't be back until tomorrow, but he had been given two burly guards from Malcolm's own household to keep them safe.

Her eyes focussed on the enemy. There were two of them astride huge mounts and they didn't seem to be in a hurry.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her mother and several of the household staff, including the guards, gather at the front of the house.

Nervously, she stayed where she was. It wasn't until they were only a few yards away that she recognised Leon and Theo. Their features mainly concealed beneath their helmets, it had been hard to tell them from any other Norman.

She felt her cheeks flush, for had she only just been thinking of him. Good Lord!

She lowered the bow a fraction but kept it flexed, ready to shoot, the arrow ready to inflict damage, if need be.

Bringing their horses to a standstill, Leon and Jacques dismounted a little way off from the house and, holding the reins, walked up to her mother. The two guards stood either side of her, their hands on the hilt of their swords.

"I bid you good day, my lady," Leon said.

Hextilda glared at them. "What do you want?" she demanded brusquely.

"We come in peace; there is no need for any animosity betwixt us," Leon stated. "I have come to ask if you have any tradesman here—we have need of extra workers in Carlisle."

"Carlisle?"

"Aye, King William is building a castle there and more hands are needed. There is good coin to be earned."

"You are building a castle on Scottish soil?" she questioned.

"'Tis English soil, my lady."

Her mother huffed indignantly, "King Malcolm will not like it."

"I am not here to reason, whether he does or does not object to this new castle. I am here merely to employ extra tradesmen."

"You will find no one here to help you build your English fortress. I suggest you look elsewhere." Her eyes flashed angrily at him.

Theo tapped him on the shoulder. "Mayhap, we should try the village?"

"Aye, mayhap." Leon agreed. He nodded at her mother politely. "We shall take our leave, but if any of you wish to earn extra coin, prithee come to Carlisle." He looked around at the people present. Most of them just stared back at him aggressively, saying nothing.

Giving a wry smile, Leon turned around and began to lead his horse away, Theo following. Rhona finally lowered her bow. Listening to his deep voice had sent shivers down her spine. There was no denying her attraction to him—if only he were Scottish!

She suddenly realised he was heading straight for her. Instinct made her raise the bow and point it straight at him.

He stopped a few feet away and raised an eyebrow. "Good day, fair Rhona. Do you intend to wound me?"

"That all depends on whether you think to kidnap me again?" Her aim didn't waiver.

"Nay, there is presently peace between our two kings. I assure you, you are quite safe."

"And can we believe you?" Heather enquired, suddenly appearing next to her. She had a long handled broom in her hands and held it out in front of her threateningly.

Theo eyed it quizzically. "What are you going to do? Sweep me to death?"

"Do not mock me!" she responded, narrowing her eyes. "I can hit hard with this broom!"

Suddenly, their mother appeared in front of them with the two guards, shielding them from the two Normans. "I think you have outstayed your welcome, my lords. 'Tis time you were on your way." She placed her hands on her hips, daring them to defy her.

"As you wish," Leon said, nodding his head. His eyes fixed on Rhona one last time, before he mounted and set off back down the path, Theo right behind him.

They watched until they were but tiny dots on the horizon before their mother turned to them. "Of all the nerve! They have designs on you two. It is as clear as the nose on my face. After what they put you through, as well. Brazen! That is what it is, brazen!"

Rhona shook her head. "Nay, mother. I think you are wrong."

"Nay, daughter. I know what I saw." She lifted her finger and pointed it at them in warning. "Be extra careful where you go and never travel alone. Do you understand?"

Rhona and Heather nodded. She walked away and the two girls looked at each other, their eyes wide. Rhona was the first to speak.

"Do you think my mother speaks the truth?" Rhona thought hard. "Tis true that Theo did seem to look at you a lot, when we were taken prisoner, but as for Leon, all he did was spank me! I would not say he liked me, not in that way."

Heather looked at her shrewdly. "But you like him, do you not?"

Rhona. "Nay! He is overbearing and more to the point—Norman!"

Heather's eyes sparkled. "Well, I like Theo. I am not ashamed to say it. I care not that he is Norman. It does not make him any less handsome."

Rhona pulled a face. "Father would never allow you to marry him, you know."

"I suppose he would object. But there is peace betwixt our countries now and, surely, he would wish us to make good marriages. Theo and Leon are both trusted knights in King William's castle and they could keep us comfortably wealthy."

"Aye but lest you forget, these were the very knights who took us captive. Father will never allow it."

"Never is a very final word, Rhona. Mayhap, over time, your father will soften?"

Knowing her father, Rhona doubted it very much.

* * *

Leon rode back towards Carlisle with Theo, a smile on his face. His Rhona was as fiery as ever. Seeing her again stoked a fire in his belly that he knew would never be put out until he had her in his arms.

Travelling to Penrith had been an excuse to see her again. Aye, the king needed workers for the new castle but he could source most of those locally in Carlisle, itself. But the need to see his fair Rhona again had been too much and the long four hour horse ride worth it.

Theo had agreed to accompany him, for he had already confessed to having fallen helplessly in love with Heather. If he were not mistaken, the feeling was mutual.

Rhona, on the other hand, he couldn't fathom. He had caught her looking at him a few times at court, but as to whether she would consider him as a suitor, well, that was another matter. Her father may object, but only time would tell. It would be understandable if he had reservations about a union betwixt them, but he had only been doing his duty, surely, his loyalty would persuade him to allow their marriage.

They stopped at an inn on the outskirts of Penrith and went inside to get a hot meal. The horses needed rest and sustenance, as did they, themselves. So leaving the horses in the stable hand's care, they strode inside and took a seat at one of the tables.

During the meal, Leon put forward a suggestion, "Mayhap we should stay here a few days before travelling back. Jacques is overseeing the construction; he will not miss us for a couple of days."

Theo nodded slowly whilst chewing on a piece of succulent rabbit pie. "Aye. It will give us time to get to know the girls better, as long as we are allowed access. I fear Donald may object."

"There is only one way to find out. If Rhona and Heather reject our courtship then it will not matter, anyway."

Theo smiled broadly. "It will be a challenge, but one I am willing to try. Heather would make a winsome wife."

"Aye, just watch out for that broom!"

Theo laughed heartily and raised his goblet. "To fiery wenches and compliant fathers!"

"I shall drink to that," Leon agreed.

* * *

Heather rushed up to Rhona the very next morning, whilst she was washing her hair outside, bent over a wooden tub.

"Rhona! Aileen has just returned from the village market and you will never guess what she told me?" Aileen was one of the kitchen maids.

Rhona squeezed the excess water out of her hair and straightened up, noting the flushed look on her cousin's face. "What is it?"

"Leon and Theo are staying at the inn in Penrith!" she said excitedly.

Rhona's mouth made a little O of surprise. "Wherefore have they not ridden back to Carlisle? I thought they had a castle to build?"

"Mayhap it was a ruse to come and see us?" reasoned Heather. "Your mother did say as much."

Rhona sat down on a nearby bench and began to run her fingers through her hair, shaking the strands out to dry. It shimmered in the sunshine, the auburn highlights catching the bright rays.

"I think we should take a walk into the village this afternoon and spy on them," Heather suggested. "We will refrain from telling your mother where we are going, as she may try and stop us. We will just say we are going to get some fresh air, down by the lake."

The thought of seeing Leon again made Rhona's pulse quicken. The man was a handsome devil and he stirred emotions in her that she had never felt before. She knew she was playing with fire but the thought excited her. She flicked her hair back and her eyes sparkling wickedly, she said, "Aye, mayhap we should see what they are truly about. If they are truly recruiting workers for this castle then we shall find out, and as you say, we need not worry my mother unnecessarily. We must act with caution, though, Heather."

"Agreed."

Later that afternoon, the two girls took a leisurely walk into town. Alana had asked to tag along but, thankfully, Hextilda had reminded her she had chores to do, alongside Bethoc. The last thing they wanted was for Alana to inadvertently open that great mouth of hers.

They reached Penrith and Heather stopped, looking at Rhona anxiously. "I confess I am a little nervous, now we are here."

Rhona smiled reassuringly and pulled out a small knife hidden in the pocket beneath her dress. "There is no need. Should they try and capture us, this time, I will be ready for them." She linked her arm through Heather's and grinned. "Besides, we will be in view of the other villagers. They will have more than us to deal with, if they dare try and steal us away!"

Heather perked up at Rhona's words. "Aye, we are safe among numbers." She linked her arm through Rhona's and giggled. "Come then, let us find these handsome Normans and find out if they speak the truth."

It didn't take them long. The two men were sitting on a stone bench by the village lake, eating some lunch, their backs to them. Rhona quickly pulled Heather behind a big oak tree, so they were out of sight.

"Did they see us?" she asked.

Heather shook her head. "I do not think so. Wherefore?"

"Shall we play a trick upon them?"

"Is that wise?" Heather questioned.

Rhona paused for a moment, remembering the size of Leon's palms and his penchant for spanking miscreants, but throwing caution to the wind, she nodded emphatically.

"What did you have in mind?" Heather asked.

Rhona grinned wickedly. "Do you recall the time we threw that log in the lake and it created a splash so big that Eliza Penhaligon was engulfed in water?"

Heather clapped a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter. "Aye, that was too amusing." Then her eyes widened a fraction. "You think to do the same now?"

Rhona nodded enthusiastically. "Aye, we grab one of those logs over there, climb the tree, and drop it right in front of Leon and Theo."

"They may not find it amusing, in fact, they may become verily angry."

"If they do, we simply jump down and run back home." She peered up into the foliage. "Or we can just remain hidden. The leaves are thick; they will offer plenty of camouflage. The men will just assume the log has broken off the tree."

Heather raised a sceptical eyebrow. "I think they are a bit more astute than that, Rhona, but I do like the idea of making them wet. It will be fun to see them suffer."

"You see. We think alike." She looked back at the men; they were still eating and completely oblivious to the dastardly deed that was about to unfold.

Heather nudged her. "Start climbing and I will pass you a log."

"Do not pick one too big, Heather, otherwise, we will have no chance of lifting it up the tree."

Heather rolled her eyes. "Of course not!"

Rhona was used to climbing, another one of her unladylike pursuits her father wasn't particularly keen on, so she agilely reached the first thick branch and waited for Heather to hand her the log. Silently, the pair managed to heave the thick log until they were high enough to avoid discovery.

Peering down through the leaves, Rhona could just see the men. She turned to Heather and whispered, "We shall have to go out a bit further to get over the water. Do you want to do it, or shall I?"

"Let me. Wait until I am well positioned and then hand it to me."

"Be careful, Heather."

Heather inched herself along the branch, and deciding she was far enough out, she held her hand out for Rhona to pass her the log. Using the branch to take the weight, Rhona pushed it along to Heather's outstretched hand and peered back down, waiting to see what would happen when the log impacted the water.

* * *

Leon finished his freshly baked bread and gave a satisfied sigh. "That was delicious. Mrs. Meakin's bread is the best I have tasted. The cooks at court could learn a thing or two from her."

"Mayhap we can lure her back to court, when we return?" Theo suggested.

"I think her husband may have a thing or two to say about that idea." Leon leaned back on the bench and placed his hands behind his head, easing his long limbs out in front of him. "I have a mind to move here, when the castle is built. William will need men to protect it and I quite like it up here. The air is fresh; the hunting will be good…"

Theo interrupted him. "And the women?"

"Aye, one woman in particular." Leon grinned and was just about to continue when there was an almighty splash. He sat forward, just in time to get fully drenched from a wave of water coming from the lake. Theo had also received the full brunt and looked down at his sodden clothing through spikey, water sodden lashes. "God's bones!"

They both stood up, dripping wet, and looked at each other and then to the lake. "What the hell was that?" Leon asked. As if on cue, the offending log resurfaced and bobbed around on the water.

Just as Leon raised his head to look up to see how it could have fallen, he was amazed to see a girl falling out of the tree, her cry of distress echoing around them as she flailed through the air. Before he had time to react, she had hit the water and created yet another huge splash.

"What the…" He closed his eyes as the huge droplets hit his face. When he opened them, it was to see the girl resurface, a look of utter shock on her face.

Theo immediately recognised her. "Heather?!"

Before he or Theo could fathom what was happening and offer to help her, she began to swim off in the opposite direction, her arms going hell for leather in her haste to get away from them. Theo and Leon looked at each other and immediately knew something was up.

"Get back here!" Theo barked out. Wet already, it did not bother him in the least to dive straight into the lake, fully clothed, and swim after her. Leon placed his hands on his hips and shook his head.

Had she thrown the log? It seemed mighty heavy for such a little woman to pull off on her own. Narrowing his eyes, he turned his attention back up to the tree and was just in time to see a little flash of cloth. Aye, someone else was involved. Pushing his partially wet hair out of his eyes, he stalked over to the tree and shouted up into the thick foliage, "Whoever is up there, I suggest you come down this instant, if you know what is good for you!"

He was met with silence.

"Very well, I am coming up."

He heard a scrabbling noise and a few leaves fell gracefully down through the canopy but no one appeared, proving that whoever was up there had no intention of coming down.

Vexed, he grabbed hold of the lowest branch and began to climb. A few more leaves fell down from above, making him even more determined to reach the culprit. Another branch up and a booted foot came into view. His eyes travelled up the slim exposed calf to find a pair of hazel eyes staring at him.

"Rhona," he declared. "I might have known."

"Go away!" she said, her bottom lip pouting and her eyes flashing at him angrily.

"Nay, not until you tell me wherefore you threw that log at us?"

"I did no such thing."

"Aye, you did."

"Did not!"

"'Tis plain to see, Rhona. You cannot deny it."

"I can, because I did naught. I just climbed up here to admire the view."

Leon laughed, a low rumbling chuckle. "The view? Ah, my sweet Rhona, that lie slipped so easily from your tongue, I could almost believe you."

Her face darkened and she glared at him.

"You do know I am going to spank you for this?" he told her.

"Wherefore?" she gasped.

"That log could have fallen on our heads and knocked us out, even killed us. So, aye, you are going to get a good bottom warming."

"The log went nowhere near your heads—it fell in the water!"

"So, you admit to dropping it, then?"

"Nay, I never said that."

"You did not have to." He held out his hand. "Come, take my hand, else you fall. The sooner we get onto solid ground, the better."

Rhona shook her head. "I am not coming down, if you are going to spank me."

"Aye, you are. Now, take my hand." His dark eyes bore into hers and she shifted uneasily on the branch above him. "If I have to ask you again, I shall make your punishment longer and harder. The choice is yours."

He watched a range of emotions cross her face, but in the end, reason won and she held out her small hand for him to take. His hand encompassed hers and he pulled her down to his level. Holding her against him, he agilely descended, branch by branch, until they were back on the ground. Rhona immediately tried to break free but he had a firm hold on her.

"Going somewhere?" he growled.