Rebel Warrior (Medieval Warriors #3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

mine.”
    By the time they arrived in the hall, the cavernous room was filling with those attending the evening meal. Torches set in sconces, a fire in the stone hearth and candles provided ample light.
    Catrìona and Fia stood to one side watching those assembled. Boisterous conversations erupted in laughter, some in Gaelic but others in the Saxon tongue. Most of those in attendance were men but some women mingled among them, which was a comfort to Catrìona. Spotting the queen surrounded by several other women, Catrìona tugged on Fia’s sleeve.
    “ ’Tis the queen and her ladies. Let us join them.”
    They launched forth, passing clusters of men and drawing interested stares. Catrìona attributed their curious gazes to the fact she and Fia were new. Or, it could be her bright auburn hair. Her father had once told her, “Anyone would know you are mine by that thick head of dark red hair, little cat.” She felt, but did not return, the men’s stares as she guided Fia through the throng to where the queen stood.
    Margaret had changed into another beautiful gown, this one azure silk embroidered in golden thread at the neck and sleeves. Seeing Catrìona approach, the queen raised her head to greet them. “My new ladies… did you find all you needed in your chamber?”
    “Yea,” said Catrìona, “and we thank you, My Lady, for your kindness.”
    Margaret gestured toward the women standing with her. “These are your fellow ladies. I will allow them to introduce themselves.”
    First came Audra with light brown hair and hazel eyes. “I am the daughter of Duff, Mormaer of Fife. I bid you welcome.”
    The woman’s pleasant face and unassuming air contrasted with what Catrìona knew of the Mormaer of Fife, the warrior who led the king’s army. Since Dunfermline was in Fife, to make conversation, Catrìona said, “You did not have far to travel.”
    “Nay, not far,” Audra said with a smile.
    Next in the circle of women was Davina. “I come from Lothian to the south.” Her sweet smile was set in a round face with brown eyes framed by honey-colored hair. By her expression, Catrìona judged her to have a genial nature. “Welcome,” was all Davina said.
    Mayhap she is shy.
    Isobel, darker in both hair and skin than the others, was quick to inform them she had served Margaret since she became queen two years ago. Catrìona thought she heard Isobel say she was from Ross in the north.
    Lastly, there was Elspeth. “I am from west of Fife near Loch Tay.” To Catrìona’s mind, by her giddy demeanor, Elspeth appeared to be the youngest of the ladies, especially after seeing the flirtatious looks she flung at the men with her large brown eyes that were the same color as her hair. A charming imp .
    “We passed Loch Tay as we traveled to Dunkeld a year ago,” said Catrìona. “ ’Tis very beautiful.” She resisted the urge to say Loch Lomond was far more resplendent. She was very proud of the beauty of the vale.
    “Aye, Loch Tay is grand,” said Elspeth, stretching out the word “grand”.
    Catrìona thanked the women for their welcome. She could scarce recall their names, much less which one came from where. In time I will know them well .
    Fia had told her the queen’s ladies were rumored to be pious to a woman, making Catrìona wonder if she would be accepted into their company. Pious was not a word she would have used to describe herself. What little faith she had possessed had been shaken by the attack on the vale and the deaths of her parents.
    “We lose ladies from time to time,” offered Audra once they were all acquainted.
    “Lose them?” Fia repeated, startled.
    “Yes. Lose them to their new husbands,” she said in a teasing manner, “as one of us is married off by the king. You two replace ones we lost in such a way.”
    The others laughed but the queen remained quiet, leaving Catrìona curious as to whether Margaret considered herself one of those who had been “married off”.
    Catrìona was