Unicorn Saga - The Unicorn Peace Part 49

He nudged Nastrus into a trot and waved to the women. They were cantering by the time they reached the road. Even though his thoughts were on the Hold, he noticed that the trees were beginning to turn and that they weren't as colorful as those up north. The lichened walls of the Hold came into view and he saw that the gates were open. No one challenged them as they rode in. but both he and Nastrus were greeted at the stables as old friends. Jarrod's new status did not seem to affect the ostlers and the grooms.

He took his saddlebags and slung them over his shoulder, bade Nastrus good-bye and made his way to the house. As he approached the steps, he was greeted by a middle-aged man he did not know. The man, ob- viously a gentleman by his dress and his bearing, was accompanied by a young squire.

"May the best of the day be before you, my lord."

The man bowed deeply. "I am Kerris of Aylwyth, Sen- eschal of Gwyndryth."

He must have had a lookout posted to get here this fast, Jarrod thought. "And may your night be tran- quil," he returned politely. He unslung his saddlebags and the squire quickly retrieved them. "May I ask what happened to Sir Ombras?"

"Lord Obray retired to his estate two months ago,"

the Seneschal replied. "His eyesight's failing and his hearing is none too good."

"I am sorry to hear that. He was a good man and he served the family well. I must make a point of riding over to pay my respects while I am here."

''I am sure that it will be much appreciated, Sir Jar- rod," Aylwyth replied smoothly. "In the meantime, your quarters have been made ready against your coming."

"I am obliged to you." He moved forward. "How is the Lady, er, how is my wife?"

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Sir Kerris looked at Jarrod speculatively and then seemed to come to a decision. "Quite impossible, my lord," he said straight-faced.

Jarrod's eyes opened wide and then he threw back his head and laughed. "By the G.o.ds, you are a gambling man, sir. However, the Lady Marianna that I know can express herself, ah, somewhat forcefully."

Sir Kerris smiled. "She resents being confined," he said companionably, "and it must indeed be a great trial for someone as active as my lady. Wisewoman Jaff- ney thought it best because the Lady Marianna is"-he glanced up at Jarrod-"not overly young to be with child." The lips twitched upward slightly. "The Lady Marianna did not take kindly to the suggestion."

"I can imagine," Jarrod said sympathetically. "In fact I'm surprised that she agreed to it."

"Well we have Mrs. Merieth to thank for that. She's the only one who can give my lady orders."

"Merry? I'm surprised that she's still alive."

"She's alive all right and sprightly with it," Aylwyn said as they climbed the steps. "Her husband died a good ten years ago. She's been at a loose end since Master Joscelyn went off into your care. She is really looking forward to this baby and she is not about to let Lady Marianna take any unnecessary chances." He stood aside to let Jarrod go through the door first.

"I forget my manners, my lord," he said. "You must be tired and hungry after your journey." He snapped his fingers.

"Hungry more than anything else," Jarrod admitted.

He was, in fact, ravenous.

The squire with the saddlebags appeared.

"Take those up to my lord's suite and put water on for a bath." The Seneschal turned to Jarrod and ges- tured to the staircase. "Permit me to escort you to your quarters," he said formally. "I trust that they will be to

272 your liking. If there is anything lacking, or anything that you want changed, you have but to tell me."

"I'm sure it will be perfectly satisfactory," Jarrod said soothingly letting the man lead the way.

"That I think I can promise," Sir Kerris replied, "but this is, after all, your home and your rooms should suit you to a T."

My home, Jarrod thought as he mounted the stairs.

I suppose he's right. No, this will always be Marianna's home. The Outpost is mine.

At the doorway to the apartments he was handed over to a short, swarthy man with a neatly kept ma.s.s of black hair. He was ushered in with an extravagant Court bow of unexpected grace. Jarrod turned and thanked Sir Kerris and asked, diffidently, if some food could be sent up as soon as possible.

"At once, my lord," the Seneschal said, and de- parted.

1 like the man, Jarrod thought- No "Is there anything in particular you feel like eating?"

"I bid you welcome, Lord. I hite Semmurel and have the honor of being your personal bodyservant." The man's Common was impeccable, but the accent of the Southern Marches gave it flavor.

"Greetings, Semmurel," Jarrod returned, looking around at the dark paneling and tiny windows of the anteroom. Gwyndryth was one of the oldest Holdings in Arundel and had, to all appearances, never been modernized. It had seemed picturesque to him the last time that he had stayed here, but he had become accus- tomed to light and fresh air. There would be sugges- tions that he'd be making to Sir Kerris after all.

Jarrod looked down at his new servant. Bright, black, b.u.t.ton eyes looked back, curious and alert. "You don't have to use the Formal Mode," he said, "unless there is company that would require it." He gave a quick, 273.

impersonal smile. "I'll warn you now that my Arunic, while not perfect, is good, especially when it comes to swear words. I had an excellent tutor."

Semmurel grinned. "I shall be mindful of that, my lord. May I show you the rest of the rooms?"

"By all means." Jarrod followed him through the in- ner door.

The bedchamber was large and well appointed. The windows were larger here, the traditional inside shutters folded back against the walls. It wasn't gloomy, the walls were whitewashed, but Jarrod still found it cheer- less. The bed was large and canopied. There were two clothespresses and a wardrobe, all three heavily carved, a fireplace with a cauldron hanging over the flames, two armchairs with rush seats, a table against one wall and half a dozen side chairs around the others. There was a well-worn carpet by the bed, but apart from that the planks were bare.

"Through yonder door there is a writing cabinet with the garderobe off it. It's big enough for the jakes and a decent tub." He produced an ingratiating little smile.

"Luckily for my not too stalwart back, the fireplace is big enough to heat the water in. Lucky for you too, my lord; your baths will be hotter."

"Are there quills and ink?" Jarrod asked.

"There are, and there are a number of pieces of parchment."

"Good. I shall also need shelves for books, but that is not an immediate concern."

"Very good, my lord. I shall make a note of it." Sem- murel gestured to the wardrobe. "That is your ward- robe and there are some of the outfits that the Lady Marianna bade me make for you." He made a self- deprecating little movement. "I am by way of doubling as a tailor," he said.

He coughed, as if embarra.s.sed. "Her Ladys.h.i.+p made

274 it very clear to me that . . ." His voice petered out.

"That is to say that Her Ladys.h.i.+p would prefer it if you did not wear Magician's robes while in residence."

He took half a pace back as if antic.i.p.ating an out- burst.

Jarrod watched him for a couple of beats. "In that case, let us see what my wife considers suitable attire."

He was far from certain that he would like her taste in men's clothes.

"As you say. Lord," Semmurel said quickly. "And, if it would not be too much trouble, I should appre- ciate it if Your Lords.h.i.+p would try on a couple of things. Just until the food comes," he hastened to add.

He essayed a smile. "Her Ladys.h.i.+p was quite precise about the sizes, but memories can sometimes play tricks."

"Quite so."

Jarrod began to unb.u.t.ton his jacket. He hadn't known what to expect at Gwyndryth, but it definitely wasn't this.