The Red Witch

Chapter 3

Ferrydean Castle was just that, a large castle sat atop the shallow valley. It was old before Karin’s father had been born and was once rumoured to have been the place Vikings had first taken control of the North. It was just rumour though, created to give the place more power and value than it actually had and there had never been proof. Ferrydean had taken residence some thirty years ago after his defining career in the King’s army. It wasn’t as grand as many in the country but it was plenty enough for Ferrydean and his kin. Among the battlements and towers, Karin could see guards patrolling the walls and above the gate, she could see his banners, a large golden Wolverine on a red shield. Around the gate’s entrance, people were going about their own business but as Ferrydean and Greyson arrived, many backed up and bowed their heads in respect. Ferrydean ignored them for the most part but Greyson bowed his head back to many. They also stared openly at Karin and it didn’t take long for many whispers to begin. Most if not all had heard about her, though they didn’t know her in person. She turned her head away as she heard the whispering. “Witch!” Greyson didn’t seem to notice for the time being, or he didn’t show it as he kept moving forward.

Once inside the courtyard, two grooms raced forward and the men dismounted. Greyson pulled Karin down roughly and she yelped quietly as her bare feet landed on some sharp stone in the mud. Greyson took her by the arm and pulled her towards the steps of the main building. Some people continued to stare and whisper to each other and then silence as Ferrydean’s young wife emerged from the building. She was quite tall and clearly more than a decade younger than her husband. He bowed to her and smiled but she didn’t look at all pleased with him. Her ice blue eyes stared at Karin as her golden hair lifted slightly in the breeze. “What is that, Steven?” She snapped and pointed at Karin. Ferrydean took her hand gently and guided her down the steps towards Greyson and Karin.

“Judith, this is Karin Tilling.” He told her lovingly.

“No!” The woman snapped icily, “I will not have that red-headed imp in my house!” She turned about sharply and skipped back up the steps. “Get rid of it, now!”

“But I’ve bought her for you, my love.” Ferrydean countered quickly. “She can read.” He lifted his eyebrow as his wife stopped and turned. “Wouldn’t you like a girl to read prayers to you of an evening?” He held out his hand again but she didn’t take it.

“That thing has no business reading my prayers.” She snapped. “Get rid of it!” She turned about again and stormed back inside. Ferrydean cast a passing glance at his son and shrugged. He then entered the house and the door closed.

For what felt like an age, Greyson stood stoic, his hold on Karin unwavering. She chanced to look up briefly, noting the tension in his thick neck and the anger spreading on his face. Then she yelped as he suddenly moved, dragging her towards the side entrance of the house. “Sire!” She pleaded, “Where are you taking me? Sire!”

“Just shut up and do as I say.” Greyson snapped and pulled her through a small door under an arch. He had a little trouble getting his bulk through. He shoved her through into a large kitchen and then kicked the door closed behind him. The noise made everyone stop suddenly and several turned and bowed their heads. He pushed Karin forward to a large woman with curly grey hair and big blue eyes. She wore a dirty brown dress and apron. Her hands were covered in flour. The woman bowed her head in respect and then looked Karin up and down. “Betty.” He said firmly, “This is Karin. Find her a place if you can and give her a meal. But keep her out of Lady Judith’s sight.”

“Of course!” Betty replied with a wide smile. The kitchen went back to normal as Greyson left via the main stairs up to the house. Karin could only whimper in sheer terror. After wiping her hands down her apron, Betty came forward and smiled to the girl. “I’m Betty.” She said, “Head cook.” She made to take Karin by the arm but when she flinched, Betty lifted her brow and c****d her head to one side. “I won’t beat you unless you give me cause to.” She said firmly but warmly. “Now, Lord Greyson has ordered I feed you and goodness, do you need it! Come with me.” She navigated around the staff easily with Karin sticking close behind until they reached the main fireplace and she motioned for Karin to sit by it. Karin did so quickly. The light caught her deep red hair and Betty c****d her head to one side. Reaching over the fire, Betty scooped a large amount of stew into a wooden bowl and handed it to Karin. “Eat up.” She offered in a kind tone. Karin didn’t hesitate and tucked in hungrily. She didn’t even care about her fingers burning from it. “My goodness!” Betty said as she watched the girl empty the bowl in less than a minute. “Would you like some more?” Karin nodded quickly and Betty obliged. The second bowl was eaten less quickly but it was empty soon enough. Karin wiped her mouth on her sleeve and put the bowl down carefully. She finally spoke.

“Thank you Mistress.” She offered with a bow of her head. “I can see why you are head cook here. That was divine.”

“You are most welcome, child.” Betty replied with a broad smile. She eased herself down to sit by Karin and get a proper look at her. “You’re skin and bones, girl.” She said, “In a dress far too big for you. Where have you come from?”

“In the valley.” Karin replied as she pointed at the door. “My father sold me to pay the lease on his farm. The Lord was to give me to Lady Judith but she doesn’t want me.”

“I can see why.” Betty said, taking a small lock of Karin’s hair. Karin flinched again and Betty moved her hand away quickly. “Redheads aren’t well received here, I’m sad to say. Thankfully, mine turned grey early on.” She smiled then as Karin looked up. “You could be very pretty if you were cleaned up and in clothes that fit. Lady Judith is right not to want you, no doubt the master’s head would be turned from her to you.” Karin began to whimper again and Betty quickly shook her head, “Fear not, I won’t let you out of my sight.”

“Thank you Mistress!” Karin cried softly.

“And you can call me Betty, or Mamma. Many of the servants here do as I’ve been here the longest.” Betty told her warmly.

“Thank you Betty.” Karin whimpered as she wiped her face on her sleeve.

It took only a few days for Karin to prove her use in the kitchen and Betty was highly impressed with how much work Karin could do in a short space of time. Before the bell had rung for the evening meal, Karin had collected all the eggs, washed and scrubbed all the tables and the floor near the door, set out the platters for the meal and cleared the ash from the hearth. The most surprising thing she managed was to feed Bane without being bitten. She was quick though, making sure to get well out of his way and disappear before he regarded her a threat. Many of the lower servants looked on her in jealousy for how much she had done but Betty was thrilled with her.

The bell was rung and the higher servants arrived to take the food upstairs. At this point, Karin disappeared entirely in case her presence was made known to Lady Judith. She went outside behind the chicken pen and curled up in a corner on some hay until she was called for. While knotting together a small straw dolly, Karin realised she was being watched and looked up nervously. She didn’t see anyone at first but when a shadow moved in a window above, she turned quickly. It was Greyson! As quick as she could, she bolted into the kitchen again and hid behind a large water vat. It wasn’t long before she heard his large boots thumping down the stairs. Betty was quick to greet him after seeing Karin hide. “Lord Greyson!” She said nervously. “Is there anything wrong?” He moved around her and looked around the kitchen, unable to see Karin. He slowly turned back to Betty. “Sire?” She asked.

“The girl who cleaned the platters.” He said, “Where is she?”

“Uh, I know not Sir.” Betty said quickly, “Has she done wrong?”

“No.” Greyson replied and looked around again. “My step-mother has commented on the shine. She has enjoyed eating a clean meal.”

“Uh, thank you Sir!” Betty laughed nervously. “Thank you much!”

“I know it was her, Betty.” Greyson said with a raised eyebrow. “I know it was Karin that cleaned the platters. My step-mother wants to know how she’s managed it.”

“Yes, my Lord!” Betty said quickly.

“Clean her up first, please, and get her something more fitting for upstairs.” He said, then smiled down at her. “That is, when you can find her. I shall tell my step-mother that you will send her up when she has finished her chores. And cover her hair.”

“Yes Sire.” Betty said with a warm smile, “Thank you.” She bowed her head again as Greyson left and then slowly turned around. “You can come out now, girl.” She called. Karin did so gingerly.

The transformation took a good couple of hours but Betty and a few of her personal maids were able to scrub Karin clean and find her a new dress. Her hair was thoroughly brushed, braided and curled up under a cap. One of the girls commented on a selection of fading bruises and small scars down Karin’s back and legs but Betty nipped the whispers quickly and made sure Karin felt at ease as much as possible. As she finished the cap tie behind Karin’s neck, she smiled warmly and then looked Karin up and down with some pride. She was handed one of the platters Karin had worked hard to bring to shine and let her see her reflection. Karin was shocked at how well she looked. She was still very thin and her skin was still quite pale but she had never been so clean and well dressed. Betty had even given her some slippers to wear. Those were a little on the big side but once the laces were tied up and then clipped in, they felt comfortable. She even managed a nervous smile which pleased Betty immensely. A stray curl was tucked away and Karin was sent upstairs with another servant to be presented to Lady Judith.

The main room was huge and Karin couldn’t help but stare in awe. The ceiling was high and vaulted with tall windows on both sides. The windows had ornate shutters. Long red drapes kept out any draughts. Along the rafters, the Ferrydean banners hung with pride. Along the near wall, a long balcony in dark wood ran from one end to the other with wide stairs down the middle. In the middle of the floor, a long, dark wood table and benches sat proudly. No less than ten candelabras adorned it interspaced with bowls of seasonal fruits and nuts and a large stone vase with tall flowers stood in the centre. At the far end, a massive fire burned, heating the entire space. Two high backed benches and a large chair stood near the fireplace, sat on a thick fur to soften the stone floor. Above the fireplace, a shield and two swords held pride of place. Every few feet along the walls were sconces that held yet more candles. Karin dipped her head right down and clasped her hands to her front as they approached the fireplace and the waiting family. Ferrydean lounged on one bench, petting Bane lovingly while Lady Judith created some embroidery. Greyson took the chair and was warming his feet by the fire. Ferrydean looked up and smiled brightly as Judith put her embroidery down and regarded Karin with suspicion. Greyson didn’t look for the moment. “Ahh, finally!” Ferrydean chimed. It took a moment for him to realise it was Karin and he nodded at his son. “Well now, aren’t you happy you decided to come along?” He got to his feet as Bane growled his displeasure at being forgotten. Karin resisted the urge to remind him her presence there wasn’t at all by choice. She smiled though, keeping her head low. “Judith, my beloved.” He said to his wife lovingly, “Isn’t she much better all washed up and clean?”

“This is the same girl?” Judith asked with confusion and suspicion.

“Yes my love.” Ferrydean chimed. Judith got to her feet slowly and approached Karin.

“Did you polish the platters, girl?” Judith asked, her tone as icy as her eyes.

Karin bowed her head lower in a nod, “I did Mistress.” She replied quietly before daring to look up a little.

Judith lifted her chin, looking at Karin down her nose. “Why?” She asked sharply. Karin looked around quickly and nervously.

“Betty asked that I clean them.” She replied gingerly. “Was I not to polish them, Mistress?” She had heard what Greyson had told Betty in the kitchen but she was so nervous, she forgot.

“I don’t trust you.” Judith said coldly. “God may have given you life but it’s Death you serve, I know it. You’re a witch.” It was more a statement than a question. Karin dropped her head down again. Judith nodded and turned back to her husband. “I told you to get rid of that thing.” She told him firmly.

“The fault lies with me.” Greyson offered, still gazing into the fire. “She was taken as payment for the Tilling farm lease until the harvest. Seeing as she was bought, I figured I may as well put her to use somewhere. I thought the kitchens would keep her out of your way, Step-mother.”

“Send it back.” Judith said as she picked up her embroidery and carried on.

“Mistress.” Karin suddenly said, “I beg of you, please do not send me back? My father would surely murder me for failing.”

“I should care because?” Judith snapped coldly. “Steven, get rid of it.” Ferrydean sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ll buy her then.” Greyson offered up as he finally turned his head. Karin gazed into his bright amber eyes briefly before looking down once more. Both Ferrydean and his wife looked at him oddly.

“You will not!” Judith snapped. “I won’t have that thing in my home!”

“The last I knew, Step-mother, this was still my father’s home.” Greyson returned sharply before looking at his father. “Make me an offer.”

Ferrydean lifted an eyebrow and then grinned. “Ten coins of iron.” He said.

“Steven!” Judith gasped, “Don’t you dare!”

“Hush wife.” He told her quietly, “I am negotiating with my son.”

“Four.” Greyson replied.

“Eight.”

“Six.”

“Done.” Ferrydean clapped his hands to close the deal and Greyson reached for his purse. He pulled out the money and handed it over. Ferrydean took the money with a smile and a nod before looking at Karin again. “Well then girl,” He quipped, “Off you go.” He laughed openly as he pointed at the stairs but Karin didn’t move. She couldn’t.