When Knighthood Was In Flower

Sara B.

Sir Walter and Sir Reynard looked down into the pit. Sir Reynard, the son of his Lordship William, and Sir Walter had been friends since Reynard was a boy. Walter had been teacher, mentor, best friend and surrogate father for as long as Reynard could remember. Now they were brothers in armor in his father’s service.

“It doesn’t make sense.” Walter said.

“It doesn’t” Reynard agreed.

Neither man took their eyes from the sight below. The pit was filled with the captives from the days skirmish. It wasn’t natural. Captives, during their first hours of confinement usually fought their bounds.  They raged against the bars, not this group. But that was not nearly as strange as the earlier happenings on the battlefield.

The fight had started at dawn. The two camps were evenly matched and victory was in no measure assured. Casualties were not heavy but Walter had taken a lance to his shoulder.

In the midst of the fight a cry carried over the Knights of the Kerin Clan. It was started by a grizzled old Knight, who had Sir Dunkin pinned with his sword, and was repeated throughout the battlefield. The cry had been in Gaelic so, other than the word Colin, Reynard couldn’t understand what was said but the reaction among the opposing force was immediate. They laid down their weapons and surrendered. He’d later sought out Sir Brian for an interpretation of the cry; it was ‘they have Colin!’

Once the prisoners were processed, Reynard and Walter made their way to the observation balcony. At first the prisoners acted as predicted. They barked and railed then suddenly, without preamble, they quieted. The assembly circled around one person, a boy, too young to be a Knight. Reynard and Walter immediately knew who the mysterious ‘Colin’ was. They listened with intensity to the young Colin. A boy so young that no whisker had taken residence on his chin and his voice had not fallen to its manly timber. Somehow this unassuming child had become the undisputed leader of these men. Colin pointed out the uselessness of fighting their prison. When one of the men started to act out a gentle hand to his shoulder and quiet words calmed him. “We cannot see this as defeat. We fought bravely and no souls were lost. This is a victory and we all should be proud. I am humbled by your loyalty and friendship. I thank you all.”

The only time the men reacted with violence was when the guards entered and demanded Colin. Their quiet had been mistaken as cowardice, a notion instantly corrected by the men’s vehement refusal to turn over the boy. Reynard, himself, called off the guard from his perch above the fray.

The boy’s humiliation at being the cause of the near riot was not lost on Reynard. He also saw that Colin was comforted by the old Knight who’d started the cry on the battlefield. That was the man they needed to speak to.

Sir Dunkin came up to the men.  “So that whelp is the cause of the cowardice earlier. Seems they have a sheep in wolf’s armor,” he taunted.

Reynard didn’t even grace the fool with a look.  “You should be grateful they did lay down their arm for you were within moments of not taking another breath.” He heard the huff of indignation come from Sir Dunkin. “Besides it was not cowardice it was probably the most bravery I have or will ever see. Would any of us be brave enough to lay down our arms in the midst of battle?”

Walter turned toward Sir Dunkin, taking in his appearance.  Dunkin was young with flaxen hair that was thinning at the crown. He was known as a fair fighter but had not much else to lay claim. His loyalty had been called into question on occasion and he had a penchant for self promotion. “It was you, Dunkin, who first told of the invasion, was it not?”  The young man’s chest puffed out. “Could you have been mistaken to their intent? Maybe their mission was to work toward peace?” Dunkin stormed out of the balcony chamber.

“Do you think that could be? That they are here on a mission of peace?” Reynard asked his friend.

“I observed their fighting and it was more defense than offence.” He nodded toward the pit below, “only one way to find out.”

~x~

Reynard and Walter entered the chamber and the reaction from the men was immediate.

“We are not here for Colin, but him” Walter pointed toward the old Knight. They saw the boy reach for the man but he shook his head and the boy pulled back. He turned toward the child and spoke in low tones. Colin nodded and his eyes followed the man’s exit.

Reynard and Walter walked into the room that held the prisoner. The man stood next to the lone window, his countenance dark.

“Sir, please have a seat. May I offer you some refreshment?”  The man gave the pair a pointed once over before he sat. He took no food or drink from the bounty laid out before them.

“I am Sir Reynard and this is Sir Walter and how shall we address you?”

The man was clearly taken back by the civility being extended. His Lordship was known to be a civil man and treated his prisoners with condescension but he was still these men’s enemy. “My name is Sir Cowan. Before we continue I entreat you to provide me with information about my charge, Colin.”

“Sir Colin remains with your men. It is he that we want information about. The respect and reverence the men show him is . . .” Walter was at a loss on how to proceed but his words caused the Sir Cowan to smile.

“Tis remarkable considering that . . .” He stopped abruptly as if he were about to say the wrong thing. Regaining his composure he continued, “Colin’s age.” The words seemed to stick in his throat. “The men will follow Colin and they do as sh . . .” Sir Cowan began to choke and took a sip of ale. “Excuse me. I was going to say they will follow Colin’s lead regarding their actions.”

“I guarantee that Sir Colin will be treated with the greatest of courtesy and respect. It is imperative that we speak with him. We have been charged by Lord William to extend a treaty of peace to the Clan Kerin,” Reynard told the man.

Sir Cowan’s eyes lit. “This is good, very good. Both sides need allies to fight the encroachment from the Prince Carl.” He stood and paced slowly. “Take me back to the men. I can explain the need to speak with Colin. They will let you take Colin if I’m allowed to go too. The men know I would guard Colin with my life.”

It had started to become apparent that Sir Cowan always referred to the young boy as Colin, never he or him, not even Sir Colin.

The trio returned to the chamber where the captured men were held. Sir Cowan lead them through the crowd and both Reynard and Walter felt their vulnerability but tried to hide it. He motioned for them to stop about ten feet from Sir Colin. He spoke lowly so they could not hear but Sir Colin proceeded to the door at his conclusion. While they waited for the guard to open the door, Reynard’s eyes caught Colin’s and he felt a clenching of his heart. This young man’s face was as beautiful as any woman’s.

They returned to the room where they had earlier conversed with Sir Cowan. Sir Cowan introduced everyone. Reynard began, “Sir if you would like to get more comfortable I can arrange for someone to help you remove your chain.”

“Sir Reynard, I appreciate the offer but I find no comfort in removing my only protection in the presence of the opposition. Sir Cowan has informed me of the proposition and I believe I may speak for my Lord and say it would be welcomed. What terms?”

Reynard was astounded by the manner of this boy, which was well beyond his years. There was no hesitancy in word or deed. This creature was truly a mystery. He was slight as a post and stood no higher than Reynard’s chest, yet his presence commanded respect. He could almost understand the men’s actions, almost.

A scribe was called and Walter and Sir Cowan laid out the plan for unity and Reynard and Colin watched interjecting only when clarification was needed or a point was unacceptable. Several hours later the day’s activities caught up with them and they needed to retire. Sir Colin insisted on returning to his men, it caused a slight argument between him and Sir Cowan. The younger man finally conceded to allow the men to decide. Reynard had the impression that young Colin did not loose arguments often.

They returned to the cell and the men were visibly relieved to see him. Colin addressed the men about the negotiations and was rewarded with cheers. Cowan broke in and told the men of the offer of accommodations for Sir Colin and as a whole they insisted Colin and Cowan not sleep with them. Colin was hesitant and argued. Cowan spoke with him, moments later it was agreed that Cowan would stay with the men. This didn’t sit well with them and they started to protest. Walter stepped in and offered to stay too; assuring the men that nothing would happen to their young emissary.

Reynard escorted Sir Colin to his room.

“Mine is across the hall. Would you share dinner with me?”

“Thank you, Sir, I am getting rather hungry. My men will be taken care of, won’t they?”

“Sir Walter will ensure it. The man won’t eat anything that isn’t just so. Your men will have a very fine repast.”

Reynard sent his servant to arrange for their dinner to be brought to his room and he and Colin retreated to their rooms to freshen up.

Colleen waited till the door closed before she removed her cap. She examined her surroundings. The room was well appointed with tapestries adorning the walls. The bed was situated on a pedestal in the center of the room at the East wall and it was surrounded by curtains. On the bed, robes had been laid out for her or, should she say, him? So far her gender remained a secret. She was sure that three years ago, when she replaced a young serf, no one could have envisioned all she had seen. The men realized she was as brave and daring as any man and soon forgot she was Lady Colleen and not Sir Colin. They were loyal to the man and followed her unflinchingly. Her battle plans rivaled Generals with decades of service to her father. She would have given anything to see her parents when her deception had been found out. It was interesting enough when they’d returned. Her father lectured her lengthily on her irresponsible behavior. When her father finished her brother Will started up where their father finished. It was then Sir Cowan broke in and told the assembly of her triumphs. The look on her two brother’s faces displayed their doubt and Will sneered at the older man’s tales of her achievements. When Sir Cowan finished, Sir Gawain lead the men in cheers for her. In the years that followed, her skills became legendary throughout her father’s lands. Though her gender was well known among the Knights under her father’s command it had never been revealed to outsiders. This was the first time she’d been captured and she was still reeling from the actions of her men. She’d been pinned by one of his Lordship’s Knights and Sir Cowan called out and her men laid down their weapons for her. She was angry and humiliated at first but the potential of unity between the two camps made it worth it. But she vowed it would never happen again, this was her last campaign; she would not compromise her men ever again.

~x~

Sir Reynard watched the door close after Sir Colin left. What was going on with him? He felt a strong pull to this boy, a pull that was not natural to him. He’d known several Knights who’d dallied with the young serfs. It never bothered him unless they forced a relationship with the serf. The only concern Sir Reynard had with his fellow Knights was their actions on the field of battle. Now he found himself attracted to this dynamo who was almost young enough to be his son.

Colin and Reynard sat across from each other. Reynard couldn’t take his eyes off this boy. His eyes were clear blue and Reynard felt he could see into his soul. Hair of fire arranged in a long braid down his back. Colin’s hands were small, like the rest of him, but agile. They were not the hands of a warrior, but the same had been said of his own larger ones. This Knight was nothing one would imagine a warrior to be. Yet he led one of the most successful marauding parties known in the land.

They kept their conversation light. Reynard asked about Lord William, head of Clan Kerin. Colin asked about his family. They exchanged stories of their childhood and past battles. Reynard had a younger sister, Elizabeth, and Colin had two brothers and a sister. Many of their interests were shared. They parted company late in the night.

Neither would sleep that night.

~x~

Sir Cowan and Sir Walter conversed easily. Both were older and protective of their young charges. Sir Gawain joined them. “Pardon the intrusion but I have a thought to share.  To ensure an ever standing union it would be wise to join the families.” Both Walter and Cowan’s eyes lit up.

Cowan now had a means to protect his charge. “My Lord has four children, two girls and two boys. The eldest daughter is betrothed and the eldest son is married with two heirs. The youngest girl is nineteen and the boy but fifteen.”

Walter spoke. “Lord William has but two charges the eldest, Sir Reynard, who is seven and twenty and a girl of twenty. The girl’s hand is promised but Reynard is free.”

“So it will be Reynard and Colleen.” Cowan said while he thought ‘how do I convince Colleen?’

~x~

The morning found Cowan and Walter excited with the prospects. Walter took Reynard aside and explained the union of the families. Reynard was horrified. “Sir Cowan assures me that the Lady Colleen is comely and sharp of mind and wit.” It was a start but he knew he had still had some convincing. Not that it mattered; Reynard would do what was best for his people.

Sir Cowan took Colleen and explained what had been recommended. He expected her to reject the prospect, she didn’t. She didn’t exactly embrace the idea but she was resigned to it. Sir Reynard was an honorable man and fair of face and sound of mind, she could do worse. Sir Cowan questioned her about this turn. “Not that I’m complaining, but I know you Colleen and this doesn’t seem like you.”

She placed a hand on his arm and smiled. “Yesterday all my men laid down their arms in the midst of a battle because I was in danger. They could have been killed and it would have been because of me. I can’t do this to them, I’ve been a fool and they have suffered. I will never jeopardize them again. Besides I’ve always known I would be married off one day. Sir Reynard is a good match and it unifies our Clans. We supped last evening and we share many interests. I give my blessing to this match.”  She turned and looked out the window.  “I am the second daughter and my father’s house has two male heirs; I am not the best commodity in the market.  I bring not much more than a dowry and my wit to my marriage bed.  We are lucky that the bonding will bring a much needed unity to the Clans.”

Several days later a courier was dispatched to relay the terms of the agreement.

A week passed and the courier returned with Lord William’s positive response to the proposed alignment and joining of the two Clans.  It also told that a party, including the Lord and his Lady, their family and select and noted group of nobility would be traveling to witness the nuptials. 

With the exchange of promises between the Clans, the Kerin men were released and given camp near the southern wall of the castle. Colin wanted to join the men but Reynard asked him to stay.  Sir Walter and Sir Cowan encouraged it so he stayed.

That evening Colin and Reynard shared their meal, each deep in their own thoughts. Reynard was vexed by his attraction to Colin and it preyed on his intellect.  Eventually he broke the silence, “could you tell me about Lady Colleen?”

A shy smile broke out of Colin’s face. “The Lady is nineteen and a maid.  She has red hair and blue eyes, the third of four children. Colleen has been told that her face lights up when she smiles, which she does rarely. She has a fine mind and has been taught to read and write, but she tends to be too strict in her thinking. She has been known to be stubborn but she is fierce in her loyalties.  Her parents indulged her leanings and allowed her to train in the military arts with her brothers.”

“You seem to know her well. Do you and she have an understanding that this marriage is interfering with?”

Colin broke out in a laughter that Reynard found infectious. “No, we have no understanding. We could never feel that way for each other.  Lady Colleen has no encumbrances nor has she ever had them.”

Reynard nodded.  “Colin, in the short time we’ve known each other I feel we have a bond, a real friendship.  Would you agree?”  Colin nodded in complete agreement.  “I have something to confess and I hope it does not sever that bond.  Just know I would never act on this.” Reynard was nervous.  “I’ve never been inclined this way but I feel, drawn, to you.”

He began to pace while Colin looked to the window. It was time for another confession.

“Reynard there is something you need to know.” She quickly removed her outer robe and stood before him in just her under jumper, her figure was outlined by the firelight at her back. Reynard stared, unable to not look at her body. Unaided by his mind, Reynard moved to her and his hand reached out and touched the soft plumpness of her breast; his thumb circled the nipple then pinched the hardened nub. It wasn’t until she gasped did he realized his actions and pulled his hand back. She hurriedly pulled the robe back on.

“You, you are Lady Colleen.” It wasn’t a question and a huge smile of relief took over his countenance.  “Praised be Jehovah, I was beginning to think I’d . . .”  He didn’t finish “How, I mean why, I mean do your men know?  Hades, I have no idea what I mean.” But in his mind he knew this explained quite a lot and the relief spread throughout his body.

Reynard looked at her with changed eyes, not as a Knight but soon to be bridegroom.  He brought his hand to her face stopping but a hairsbreadth from touching and asked, “may I?”

Colleen chuckled, “Sir, considering your earlier liberties I think touching my face would be quite acceptable.”   

Reynard blushed then joined in her amusement, “they told you true when they said your face lights up when you smile.”  His hand grazed her cheek and found it soft as down.

“Reynard, is there any encumbrance that our betrothal interferes upon?”

“No, I was betrothed to the daughter of Sir Drake two years back but Prince Carl sent for her to be his bride.  Her name is Diane and I only met her twice.  Once when I was ten and she twelve, when the marriage was arranged and once just before she was taken to the Prince.  The day before our wedding.”

“Oh, Reynard, I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not.  Diane was fine of face and figure but inferior of mind and temperament.  Truly I think the Prince wanted more to vex my father than to gain a bride.  It has been joked that the Princes’ ill temper is, in part, caused by his lady.  They have no issue and none are expected.  The Prince is old and it is rumored he may be unable.  The Princess has been known to be cruel and severe.  She is not well liked among the people.  One thing I am sure of is that I have gotten the best of the deal.”

“You seem to know much of what happened.”

“I used to be friends with the Prince’s son, Jeffrey, from the Princes first wife and he kept me well informed.  We were good friends until the Prince interceded.  Now we are on opposing sides and if we met in battle I would be forced to defeat him.”  Reynard was clearly saddened by the idea.

~x~

Colleen and Reynard decided that it would be best to keep her identity quiet.  They confided in Walter and told Cowan that Reynard knew.  There was fear that Prince Carl’s spies might find out and the Prince would spirit her away under the pretext to marry his son Jeffrey.

Colin and Cowan were treated as honored guests and supped with his Lordship.  The older nobleman was taken with the charm and wit of the young whelp from the north.  Colin soon became a favorite of Lord William who peppered him for information of his soon to be daughter-in-law and her family.  Lord William’s wife was a haughty but kind woman who was enamored of old Sir Cowan’s tales of battles.

One evening Sir Cowan told of a great battle that was nearly lost.  “Many of our men were dead or near dead and more wounded, including Sir Garth the leader, who lost his right eye.  The men who remained fought gallantly but they were greatly out numbered.  No one noticed the small unassuming serf who picked up a fallen Knights sword and climbed a tree at the edge of the battle.  The sword was nearly as long as the boy was tall and it took tremendous effort for him to climb with it.  He moved to the furthermost branch that could handle the weight and threw the sword at the commander of the opposing side.  It hit him in the neck and severed his head.  The serf then dove from the branch to the slain leader’s horse and charged into the center, slaying many of our enemies.  Our men were so inspired that they were able to spark up and we slew the intruders and banished them from our lands.”

“Oh my,” her Ladyship proclaimed.  “I’ve never heard of such daring.  Where is that young boy now?”

Sir Cowan smiled and pointed to a very embarrassed Sir Colin.  “Let me say that Sir Cowan’s version is ‘slightly’ more dramatic than the reality,” Colin said quietly.

Sir Walter spoke, “During my stay with your men any number of them gave accounts of that battle and all of them were much more dramatic than this version.  One man assured me that there were no less than ten widows created by your hand.”  He patted the boy on the back.  “I accuse you of being modest, Sir Colin.”

“No, good Knight, I assure you they are all exaggerations.”

~x~

Six weeks later the bride’s family arrived to much heraldry.  Banners from the two Clans decorated the halls and a great feast was planned to honor the alliance.  The visitors were given a wing in the castle to house their number.  Colin was moved from the chambers across from Reynard to be nearer his kin.  No one from the Kilgorn Clan had seen the bride.  But that would happen this evening when the marriage happened and the treaty signed. 

The great hall was decorated and the tables nearly buckled with the weight of the delicacies from the kitchen.  The noble men and women lined the tables waiting for the ceremony to commence.  The families of the bride and groom were seated at the head table and Lord William nodded signaling to begin. 

The great hall’s doors opened and Reynard entered escorted by Sir Walter and Father Michael.  They took their places in front of the head table.  Music started and again the doors opened.  This time two female figures entered.  One was covered from head to toe so only her eyes and hands were visible. 

When the women reached the front the good Father began the ceremony and they were wed.  Reynard removed the veil covering Colleen’s face and kissed her softly.  They turned toward their parents and Lord William announced, “I know this face, ‘tis the face of Sir Colin.  What devilment is this?”  He saw the smile on his son’s face and nodded as the pieces started to place themselves.  He looked at Colleen and smiled.  “Was a masterful deception, my dear.”

~x~

Colleen was taken to prepare for the wedding night.  It had been so long since she’d played her true sex she’d forgotten the encumbrances of the female costumes.  The ladies in waiting stripped her of her trappings and draped her in the sheerest of chemise and a robe.  Her hair was draped loosely down her back and perfumes were applied. 

The ladies were chatting about the events to come and her mother could tell Colleen’s nerves were becoming more frayed with each comment.  “Stop, all of you.  I would like to speak with my daughter alone.”

She waited for the doors to close then pulled Colleen into a tight hug.  “Colleen, you have faced much scarier situations.  No one has ever died from their wedding night.”

“I’m afraid.”  Was the only comment the girl gave.

“Of the pain?  There will be pain but it doesn’t last long; and it can be very enjoyable.”  She poured a glass of wine and handed it to Colleen.  “This will help you relax.”

“It isn’t the pain I fear, it is not pleasing him.  What if I repulse him?”

Her mother cupped her cheek and smiled.  “This is not the face or body that would repulse any man.  You have no fears in that department.  If you are afraid that he won’t be satisfied, I think that too is unfounded but let him teach you what he likes and you teach him what you prefer.”  She stepped back and looked at the child.  “It is time for you to retire.” 

She called the ladies and Colleen was led to the bedchamber.  They stripped her robe from her shoulders and placed her in the bed to wait for her husband

Reynard entered the bridal bedchamber led by three of his kinsmen.  It was required that the deflowering of the new bride be ‘witness’ to ensure that the marriage is consummated.  The kinsmen took their places on three sides of the bed then turned their backs.  They would retreat once they could assure his Lordship that the marriage was consummated.

Reynard removed his robe and moved to the bed.  He pulled back the curtain enough to enter then closed it.  He turned toward Colleen and his heart melted.  She was seated and covered by the bedclothes.  He pulled them down and saw the gown they’d placed her in and wondered why they bothered for all it covered.  Her body was displayed before him in all its lush splendor.  He saw the fear in her eyes and he moved to her. 

He pulled his nightshirt over his head and exposed himself to her; his ardor prominently displayed.  He reached for her and said simply and quietly, “remove that.”

He aligned their naked bodies and he began to caress her and kiss her.  Within moments she was panting and the look of fear was transformed to one of passion.  “I’ll make this quick, they say that is easier on the woman for her first time.” 

Colleen cried out as the pain shot through her.  Reynard stilled for a moment to give her body time to adjust to his intrusion.  It was Colleen who began to move and he followed.  Moments later she cried out again with pleasure, not pain, and he felt her body milking him and soon he was crying out in ecstasy.    

They held each other till their breathing stilled.  “I’m sure the kinsmen will give a favorable report to our fathers.  I certainly will.”  Reynard teased then kissed her embarrassment away.  “Colleen, it was expected.”

“I know but it still was, well, you know.”

“I do know, I was afraid that their being here would make it impossible for me to perform.”  Colleen gave him a saucy smile.  “But one look at you made that fear leave.  You are so beautiful.”  He kissed her deeply.  “We don’t have to be monitored again, the bed has been bloodied.  From now on it will just be us.”  They nuzzled each other and dozed.

He felt her gentle hands exploring his body which responded to her ministrations.  Colleen pushed him on his back and straddled him.  She kissed his torso, she licked his small nubbed nipples then lifted her body and impaled herself on him.  Again she cried out with pain but it was less intense than before.  She moved on him and they created a symphony that culminated as they peaked.

~x~

Reynard heard her screams and wanted to run to her to ease her pain.  His father and mother sat and watched their son pace and Walter tried everything to divert his friend’s shadowed thoughts.  It had been hours and Reynard needed to see Colleen, her screams were unbearable for him.

The door to the inner chamber opened and the nurse came out with a bundle.  Reynard ran to the woman and she opened the blanket to reveal his son.  He then ran into the room to his exhausted wife and kissed her deeply.  “He’s beautiful and you’re beautiful.”  She chuckled because the last thing she felt was beautiful.  The nurse returned with the child and placed him in his mother’s eager arms.  Reynard slipped in the bed with them.

Colleen looked at their child.  “I want many more just like him.”

“But the pain?”  Reynard wasn’t sure he could take watching her in so much pain again.

“I remember another time when I was in pain, I didn’t let that stop me from taking you in me again and again and again and. . .”  He kissed her to stop her talking.

“I remember, but there was also pleasure.”  He teased.

Colleen held up the child.  “There is this time too.”

~x~

Dana Scully jolted from sleep unaware of her surroundings.  Her heart was racing and she had trouble catching her breath.  She blinked and realized she was in her own bed.  The dream had been so real.  She could smell the blood and feel the pain and the passion.  Without thinking she picked up the phone and dialed.

“Mulder,” he answered in a sleepy voice.

“Reynard, it’s me.”

“Colleen,” Mulder replied in awe.

End