Free Sworn Loyalty - A Medieval Romance by Lisa Shea Page A

Finally he nodded. “Ten years,” he stated quietly. “You have filled out.”
    Erik drew his gaze down the line of men, each armed with crossbow or longbow, all weapons ready but undrawn. “Quite a contingent you have out today.”
    Michael’s eyes stayed calmly on his. “Bandits have been in the area.” He paused for a beat. “Perhaps you know something about that.”
    Erik’s eyes shadowed. “Indeed I do,” he murmured. He took in a deep breath, looking the older man in the eye. “Mary and I officially request sanctuary in the keep. Once she is safe, I will explain all I know of the situation, and do whatever I can to help.”
    Michael’s eyes moved to hers, a question held within them. She gave the slightest of nods.
    Michael looked back to Erik. “My Lady Cartwright is currently indisposed, but I will grant temporary sanctuary to you and your friend until we receive full confirmation from her,” he offered. He looked down below him. “Open the gates.”
    The thick, wooden gates swung wide. Erik paused for a long moment, his gaze on the large courtyard before him. Then he strode forward, stepping deliberately across the threshold, returning home at last.
    Michael moved down the steps to join them, reaching the ground as the gates were barred shut. He came around to stand before Erik, his eyes carefully assessing the man. Mary could see the tension in Michael’s form, the warring between the fond Master of Arms who had been all but a father to him, and the loyal servant of the keep who had dedicated his life to its protection these past ten years.
    At last he put out an arm to Michael. His voice was gruff when he spoke. “I’m glad to see the Saracens weren’t able to best you.”
    A glimmer of a smile came to Erik’s face. “After the training you put me through, they were hard pressed to match me,” he stated, clasping Michael’s arm with warmth. “I gave thanks to you, after each battle, for the rigorous workouts you inflicted on me.”
    “You were always my best pupil,” returned Michael, releasing his hand. “I was sore pressed when you left.”
    A silence fell between the two men, and after a moment Michael turned to Mary. Mary could see the warmth in his eyes, but he pitched his voice to be distant. “And who is your traveling companion? Mary, you say her name is?”
    Erik gently laid a hand on her shoulder. “Yes, and I would ask that you treat Mary with the greatest of honor. She risked her life to save me. When that bandit carved up her leg –”
    Michael’s voice went hoarse. “You are injured?” He dropped to one knee before Mary and pulled back her cloak, revealing the bandage. He scanned it before looking up at her. “Have you checked for infection? You know that –”
    She smiled fondly at him. “Erik has taken good care of me,” she soothed him. “What I could use right now is a warm meal and a hot fire.”
    Michael drew up to his feet, nodding. “Of course.” His eyes creased and he rounded on Erik. “Wait, are you injured?”
    Erik gave a wry smile. “Just a minor wound across my stomach. A few stitches, nothing more.”
    Michael shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “I swear, you could get your leg hacked clean off and say it was a minor wound,” he muttered, but there was a sparkle in his eye. “Let us get both of you in and seen to.”
    Erik slid his arm around Mary’s waist, and Michael fell in at her other side. Mary could feel the tension easing out of Erik’s stance with each passing step, the sense of comfort and relaxation he felt as he moved deeper into his home. Michael pushed open the main keep doors before them, and they walked through the narrow hallway before it opened into the great hall.
    It seemed that the entire staff of the keep had found a reason to be present as Erik stepped into the room. Their faces were curious and cautious, but most held welcome as well. He had been their beloved young lord for so many years, and well