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Conqueror CHAPTER 1 The year was 1066. A new king had just been crowned. He was William, Duke of Normandy. Edward the Confessor had remained childless. Upon his death in January, 1066, there are those who said that he called for Harald Godwinson, the son of the Earl of Wessex, and brother to the Queen of England--the most powerful man in England at that time. It is also said that Edward offered William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy, the crown before he spoke of Harald. The English nobles wanted Harald as king and, therefore, before anyone could blink, Harald was crowned king almost before Edward was decently buried. But William was not to be thwarted. He prepared to take the crown. He received the blessing of the Pope, and carried the people's approval of his right to the throne; and with the promises of riches and titles, he had his men. And so William headed for England, read for battle. It was October 14, 1066, which proved Harald's downfall. He was killed at the the Battle of Hastings and William was named "conqueror." On Christmas Day, 1066, William was crowned King of England. It was then William proceeded to divide the land among the men loyal to him. One such noble knight was Sir Garth of Ranock. Sir Garth now stood cooling his heels awaiting the King's pleasure. He could not understand why he had been summoned so hurriedly. The door opened and he was beckoned to enter. He strode into the room to where the King awaiting him. "Sire," he said as he bowed before the King. "You have need of my services, I understand." William studied him for a long, hard moment before answering. "Yes. I have decided on a fitting reward for your loyal services to me." Garth was long-schooled at hiding emotion. Although the King's summons took him by surprise, no look gave window to his thoughts. He had not expected a gift from the King. His family held much land and wealth in Normandy. As the eldest son, he would inherit all upon his father's death. "I am bestowing on you the lands of Breeton Castle. It is not a large holding,but 'tis very important that someone loyal to me hold them. It is my wish--nay, my command, that you wed the Lady Reena of Breeton and hold those lands safe in the name of your King. It could mean the difference between a successful invasion by others, or their downfall. I, therefore, need someone I can trust. The people there were fervant followers of Harald Goodwinson. They will not let you rule them easily. It is imperative that you wed the girl in order to secure their loyalty." Garth was totally dumbfounded. He had no thoughts of marriage. In fact, it was the farthest thing from his mind. He was speechless, but realized the King awaited a response. He pulled himself together. "Sire, I don't know what to say. You are most generous. But is it really necessary for me to wed? I had not thought to do so for some time yet. Cannot the lands be kept safe by other means?" "I have thought this through carefully. There is no other way. "Tis time for you to marry, Garth. You are of an age. I have conferred with your father and have received an answer that he would not be opposed to such a match." The King hesitated, but Garth could find nothing to say. "I have heard the girl is not uncomely. You could do much worse Garth of Ranock. Your father is not a young man and it is time you secured an heir." Still Garth did not respond. He honestly could think of nothing to say. To cross his King and his father? He knew futility when it was presented. He saw a fleeting look of frustration cross the King's face. The King waved him away. "'Tis enough discussion. There is not much time. The lands must be secured--and soon. My decision has been made." William turned away. "You may leave me." Garth finally awoke. He realized he had displeased the King. He bowed and finally dutifully responded. "Your Grace, by your leave. I thank you for your kind beneficence. You have been most generous." The King nodded, apparently satisfied. The audience was at an end. As Garth left the King's presence, he thought about his 'gift.' He would need to begin preparation the next day for the trip to Breeton Castle. He had much to do. He was not at all pleased about have a bride thrown into the bargain. The lands he would secure easily enough. As he entered his chamber, a rustling drew him back to the present. He chuckled softly. A low voice purred seductively. "Garth, what kept you away so long?" He had almost forgotten her. Eleanna. One of the ladies in waiting to Matilda, lady wife to the King. A more comely and welcoming lass he had not seen in some time. She had a burnished red mane of hair, thick and luxurious, which fell around her shoulders in long waves, and soft curves that a man could sink himself into willingly. She had been married off as a young girl to a noble more than twice her age and was known to curry sexual favor beyond her marriage bed. Garth now looked at her with an appreciation for her earthy beauty. She made an intoxicating picture, with her hair spilling about her soft milky white shoulders and breasts which were only slightly hidden by the blanket covering her. His cock sprang to attention. "Come back to bed, Garth," she pouted prettily, as she patted the side of the bed with her long, shapely fingers. "It is getting cold and I need someone to warm me." She allowed the blankets to fall away, exposing her full, lush breasts to his hungry gaze. Yes, indeed, she was welcome respite from the harsh reality of war. Garth smiled. Tomorrow he would deal with this new acquisition of lands and bride. Tonight, he would lose himself in the arms of this lovely, wanton woman in his bed. * * * At that same moment, Lady Agatha stood in the middle of her room at Castle Breeton. She could only stare at the crumpled letter in her hand with impotent fury. A messenger had arrived from the King only that morning. With trepidation she had opened the packet only after sending the messenger to the kitchens to be fed. She scanned the contents of the letter after returning to her private chambers. "Never!" she cried, crumpling the note and flinging it across the room. "Never will my daughter marry a Norman kinight." She had fully expected that her daughter would marry one of the nobles who owned land adjoining their own. One who had been loyal to King Harald. She had certainly not expected that in such a short time after the coronation a command would be forthcoming so quickly. Breeton was only a small holding compared to many others. Lady Agatha was tired of trying to manage the estate, though small as it was, since her husband's death. Because they had no son, upon Sir John's death the lands reverted to the crown and Reena and she were now wards of the Bastard King, pawns to be used at his whim. Mere chattel to be handed out wherever the King deemed appropriate. Well, she would not give in so easily. She would think of a plan before the cursed wedding took place. But for now it was her duty to prepare Reena for the arrival of the hated Normans. "Martha," she called, "send Lady Reena to me at once." As Reena entered her mother's chamber, she looked at Lady Agatha with concern. "Mother, what is it. Martha was most concerned when she came for me. Has something happened?" Lady Agatha turned to greet her daughter, eyes glittering with anger. "Reena, I have news of some import to relay to you." She motioned to a chair as she sat. "Sit down, please. I have today received a message from the King. As you know, when your father died, his lands reverted to the crown as he had no son. 'Tis not fair, that you cannot inherit, but alas, 'tis the law. As such, you, and I as well, have become wards of the King. "Tis a woman's lot is the best I can say." Lady Agatha stopped. "Yes, mother, I understand all this. You explained this to me after Father's death. What has transpired to distress you so?" Lady Agatha took a deep breath before she continued. "You are so young Reena. "tis difficult for me to tell you. The King has given these lands," her hand swept about her, and then she paused. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "and your hand in marriage, to a Norman knight--Sir Garth of Ranock." There was a surprised silence between them. Reena's gaze widened and she quickly stood up in excitement. "What? But, mother, are you saying that I am to be married?" "Yes, that is what the King commands," answered her mother bitterly. "It is the King's opinion that the lands and you must be safeguarded. From what, I cannot imagine. We are small and certainly of no danger to him or the crown. He has chosen this Knight for that purpose. According to the King's message, Sir Garth should arrive here at the Castle within the next fortnight. At that time, we have been comanded to begin preparations for the marriage ceremony." Lady Agatha stopped and watched her daughter closely. Reena wasn't sure what her mother wished her to say. Her father had died in support of King Harald and she knew her mother hated King William with a passion. That Reena was now to marry a Norman knight would not set kindly with her mother. "It is all so sudden. What if I fail to please this Sir Garth, or in fact, what if he does not please me? What if we hate each other?" This marriage was completely unexpected. She knew she was of a marriagable age, but she thought it would be to someone she was acquainted with. There had been talk before her father died of a marriage contract with Allen, the son of Whitney of Arden, who held the lands bordering their own to the north. Allen was very nice and she felt she would make him a good wife. But after her father's death all talk had ceased. Sir Whitney had also died in the wars and things had been so unsettled that no further discussions had taken place. Now this. "What should I do, mother?" she asked. Her mother gave her a stern look. "There is nothing either you or Sir Garth are able to do. It is the royal command of the King and you cannot disobey. If you were to turn away Sir Garth he would have the right to seize our lands, he could destroy the people here in his anger, and worse. And in the end, take you by force. You must accept this graciously and do as you are bid. It is for us to do the best we can with what we are given. You must keep your head child and you will be safe." She leaned forward and caressed Reena's cheek. "Leave all to me and you will be well. Now go. Tomorrow we shall begin preparation for the arrival of this Norman knight." Reena rose from the chair and bent over to kiss her mother on the cheek and left the room. Her thoughts were already elsewhere, trying to picture what Sir Garth would be like. In a way it was exciting, a new life would begin for her soon.
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