Portals Of Time Read Online Free PDF Page A

have a vow from you.”
    His black brow arched in question.
    “Making demands already wife? I need nae make any vows afore or after we are joined...tis me husbandly right ta enjoy your body.”
    “I don’t ask for much and I didn’t mean to sound like I was demanding it. It’s just a worry that I would have your reassurance on.”
    Peering intently at her he mulled over Arianna’s request. She has the ‘sight’...if she asks for something then it must be for a good purpose. He gave a curt nod.
    “Ye may ask.”
    “I would like your oath that you and any sons that we may have never go on a Crusade.” His startled expression confirmed her worst fears...he had considered it at the very least. She was treading tenuous ground here and she knew it. To grant her request could je opar dize his honor in the future. Arianna held her breath as she waited for his response.
    Lucian was startled by her entreaty but not for the reasons she thought. He had already been asked to join in the latest Crusade and he had turned them down. He needed no glory or honors from the king. These battles with the infidels were fruitless...a waste of lives and time. A chill shot through him. Had she known of the request?
    “Why do ye ask this of me? And I will have the truth!”
    Licking her dry lips, she tried to gauge his response. He did not seem angry, just stern. All righty, you want the truth then that’s what you’ll get. This marriage won’t work if we keep secrets.
    “The third Crusade ended about seven years ago ...am I right?” He nodded. “Then I suspect that the church is gearing up for Crusade number four , which will begin in twelve-aught-two.”
    His eyes narrowed suspiciously. No one knew of these plans as of yet.
    “I happen to know that altogether there will be nine Crusades and still the Muslims will not be defeated. Twelve hundred and seventy-two is the end of the last one.”
    Her cerulean eyes filled with tears as she glanced up at him . Immense sorrow overtaking her.
    “It is a fruitless waste of life, Lucian. The world I just left was utterly destroyed with weapons of a massive scale. They are so powerful that it takes only one to wipe out an entire city and poison the land for a hundred years! There is nothing and no one left because of these weapons . It was caused by these same Muslims with the same values. They are evil and apparently God wishes to be the one to prevail over them. Man’s efforts are futile.” Tears began to spill over as she pleaded with him.
    “I don’t want you or our children to waste your lives fighting something that you can’t possibly defeat. Can you understand what I’m saying? Damn it! I promised myself that I wouldn’t cry! That world was not worth it! ”
    He strode quickly to her side and lifted her from the chilling water. Placing her on her feet before the hearth, he dried her body brusquely then wrapped her in his plaid as he considered her words.
    Her tears had disturbed him...her tale more so. She has witnessed the end of time! What folly our lives are that we waste it with mundane matters. He bent over as he kissed away her tears.
    “Ye have me oath, wife. Ye must n ever repeat your tale t a anyone though. They will call ye witch. Do ye understand me?” A smile cracked her face as she nodded. She knew the dangers that she faced.
    “Good! Now dress quickly! We have a wedding ta celebrate and the clan grows restless. I will send Agnes t a attend ye.”
    Placing her hand on his arm she replied, “Thank you, Lucian, for understanding...and your oath.” With a brusque nod, he left.

    The silence in the great hall was deafening when she entered on Lucian’s arm. All eyes were turned to them causing her to wonder if perhaps her gown was askew or her hair mussed. Arianna was certain that it wasn’t true so she decided to mimic her husband’s comportment. Straightening her spine she raised her head a notch, never breaking stride with Lucian as she looked straight ahead