Free MacAuliffe Vikings Trilogy 3 - Lord of the wolves by Heather Graham Page B

would marry and, when she did, give her power over to her husband.

    She was very determined to hold tight to what she considered hers, and hers alone.
    “What do the stars say, astrologer?” Count Manon demanded with a certain humor.
    Astrology was an ancient science. Sometimes it seemed that the count properly respected it as such, but sometimes it seemed that he regarded it with as much humor as he did the old Roman legends that a god like Jupiter turned into all manner of animals to seduce human women.
    Most often Ragwald would have defended the study of the stars instantly, but tonight he suddenly could not. Strange, but he felt as if he had been somewhat blinded recently. He watched the moon and knew when the tides would rise high. He watched it grow and wane, and knew when the people would be in good spirits and wild, knew when babes would be born, when some men would go mad. But he felt as if he could see nothing, nothing at all of the immediate future but an awful black void, and that frightened him terribly.
    “The stars say your daughter must marry for her own safety,” he said stubbornly.
    “Perhaps.” The count spoke softly, smiling up at Melisande. “But to me she is still a child. And I"d like her opinion on the few men I have in mind.”
    “A child"s opinion?” Ragwald challenged.
    “An educated child"s opinion!” Melisande answered sweetly, her violet eyes amused and victorious.
    He started to wag a finger at her, then gripped his hands tightly behind his back instead. This young ward of his was too precocious.
    The count stared at the fire, watching the fantastic display of colors, listening for a moment as the logs snapped and crackled. “I would very much like to see her marry for love,” he said thoughtfully.
    “Love!” Ragwald exclaimed, so amazed that he flew around, his ragged cloak circling him as if he were a pagan dancer. “Love! Dear Lord above us!
    Who ever thought of such a foolish requirement for an advantageous marriage!” Count Manon grinned, looking from his daughter to his old mentor, and back to the fire. “I was in love with her mother,” he replied, his voice still soft, reflective. “So much so that I could never take another wife when I lost her. It is a marvelous thing, love, Ragwald. You must try it some time.” Ragwald sniffed. “You"re jesting.”
    “Father is very serious,” Melisande assured him.
    Ragwald shook his head, lifting his hands in bewilderment. “Count Manon, you married Lady Mary at your father"s command, you must recall. The love came later.” He cleared his throat delicately. “I believe, milord, that it is the, er, living together which creates this wonder of love.”
    “Still, it is something I wish for my daughter.”

    “Milord—”
    “We will talk of it no more tonight. I am very weary from my journey, and I"ve presents for you both!” He rose, striding quickly toward one of the many trunks that had been brought up to the keep. He drew his calf knife and slit the rope that bound it, then threw open the top. He took a leather satchel out first and presented it to Ragwald. “There, astrologer! This may well keep you busy for a while!”
    Ragwald looked from the satchel to the count. “And my good count? This is?”
    “Open it, open it, nothing that will bite!” promised the count. “It is filled with medicinal herbs, purchased from a Greek physician serving the Burgundian princess, a very clever man. They are acquired from all over the world.”
    Ragwald smiled, delighted with the gift. Chemistry was another science he adored, and he was fascinated with the healing qualities of herbs and how they might best be combined. For a moment, he forgot his determination to see to Melisande"s future well-being.
    “And this!” the count exclaimed. “This is for you, my dear daughter!” And so saying, he produced a tunic of mail.
    Ragwald set the herbs aside and stared at it. It was magnificent. The mesh was extremely fine. It would be