The Red Witch

Chapter 6

The harvest was over and the deadline for the Tillings had come and gone. The first storms had left their mark in the valley and had left a fine layer of salt on the ground. Karin had been in Ferrydean Castle now for a little over half a year and much had happened since those turbulent first days. She had become Greyson’s near constant companion much to Judith’s disgust and Ferrydean’s annoyance. It seemed despite everything, Greyson had not become bored of his companion and Ferrydean had made do as long as possible with his wife but her constant complaining had worn him thin and he now sought comfort and companionship elsewhere. Karin now lived in Greyson’s rooms full time and thanks to Betty, was treated as a member of the home, not a servant. As promised, her life had become substantially better. She had fine clothes and even some jewels. It was something Karin was still getting used to but beyond the animosity at the table and Judith’s sniping about her attempts at embroidery, Karin had found herself actually enjoying her time. She still helped out in the kitchens once in a while but only after begging and pleading with Betty and pestering until the woman gave in and gave her some light chores to ease the boredom. Her flame red hair was no longer hidden beneath a cap or a bonnet. Greyson made a point of demanding she wear it in fine braids, curls or simply free down her back for all to see. She quickly filled out to a healthy weight and her figure became that of a fine young woman. The girl that had so cruelly gossiped in those first days was made her personal maid, bringing many in the kitchen into fits of laughter, but Karin remained respectful to her and in time, the girl, Emily, had grown to become something of a friend. Before the weather had become too harsh, Ferrydean travelled to his second home in the capitol to attend court. Lady Judith went with him if only to try and save her honour. Karin had free run of the castle.

With rain falling outside heavier than before, Karin snuggled into Greyson’s chair in their rooms by the fire and rubbed Bane behind his ear. The hound had come to love Karin now and would often go to her before anyone else. This caused Ferrydean ever more irritation but Greyson made it right by finding another for his father. “Miss Karin?” Emily came into the room.

“I’m here.” Karin replied with a warm smile. “Is everything ok?”

“All is well.” Emily offered with a smile. “I just wanted to let you know Lord Greyson is waiting for you in the main hall.”

“Thank you Emily.” Karin said, getting to her feet. She left the room, Bane following faithfully behind and she made her way down the stairs. Greyson had company. Four men and a woman were with him huddled around the fireplace. It blazed away, casting great shadows across the floor and walls and Karin couldn’t see the guests faces. She pulled her shawl tight about her as she felt a draught from somewhere and smiled warmly as Greyson spotted her. She moved to him and offered a small curtsy in respect. “You sent for me, My Lord?” She asked politely. It was then she saw who the guests were and her face paled. She stood straight again and folded her arms, pulling her shawl tighter.

“Hello Karin.” Fergus offered coldly. “I see you are well.”

“Being the lord’s w***e has it’s perks, it seems.” Hamish offered with a snort of laughter.

“Karin is not my whore.” Greyson corrected firmly. “She is my companion.”

“Forgive me Sire.” Hamish said quickly and bowed his head but his grin did not fade.

“I am well Father.” Karin said eventually, her stance becoming rigid and cold. “Thank you. You seem the same. As do you Hamish, Thackery.” She peered past them to find Magnus and she smiled then. “Magnus!” She said happily and went to him. “Brother! I’ve missed you!”

“Missed you too squirt!” Magnus replied, picking her up and swinging her around a little. He then put her down and took her hands in his. “You remember Heather?” He asked, moving Karin to his wife.

“You look so well!” Heather told her with a smile and kissed Karin’s cheek. “And how you’ve grown!”

“Thank you.” Karin replied and gripped Heather’s hand in hers. “What are they doing here?” She asked in whisper.

“Lord Greyson invited us all.” Magnus told her. “I’ve yet to learn why. I was told Father had paid up the lease.” As if on cue.

“Now that we are all present.” Greyson said with a smile. “Let us eat and drink and be merry. Karin, if you would please?” He motioned to Judith’s chair beside Ferrydean’s that he took for himself. Karin sat nervously, almost expecting the moment Judith and Ferrydean arrived and her presence caused havoc. Servants came with food and wine and while Fergus, Hamish and Thackery tucked in quickly, Greyson watched on with amusement. Seated to Greyson’s left, Magnus noticed all this and carefully leaned over.

“Sire, if I may ask?” He said in whisper.

“You may.” Greyson said with a coy grin, “And I shall answer you. I have invited you here because I wish to know better the bloodline from which my companion comes.” He looked over at Karin briefly, who picked at her food nervously, eating only a tiny amount.

“Sire, why?” Magnus asked. “I’m honoured that you would do this but I’m not sure what you intend with it. Was it not yourself and your father that took my sister as payment for his lease?”

“He did.” Greyson admitted, “And it was only until the harvest. Your father has since paid for his lease.”

“So are you not returning her to him?” Magnus asked with great care. Greyson looked across at him fully with a raised brow. “I meant no offense Sire.” He said quickly.

“None taken.” Greyson said, “But I have no intention of allowing Karin to return to him.”

“Then I beg you Sire, why are you doing this?” Magnus asked. Heather also looked to him cautiously.

“Eat Magnus.” Greyson urged, “And be merry a while. All will be revealed in time.”

“Thank you Sire, but I must insist.” Magnus said as Heather grabbed his arm and silently begged him to stop and do as the Lord asked.

“As I said Master Tilling.” Greyson told him, “All shall be revealed in good time.”

The meal went finely and it wasn’t long before Fergus, Thackery and Hamish were quite drunk. Magnus remained sober and stoic as he waited for whatever game Greyson was playing with them. Karin sat by the fire with Heather and the two women chatted happily while they petted Bane. The evening was growing late and Magnus was growing impatient. “Lord Greyson.” He said as the two watched the women talk and laugh by the fire.

“Yes.” Greyson said, seeing the impatience and frustration. “Why are you not drinking my wine with your father and brothers? Are you not enjoying yourself?” He nodded to Heather and Karin. “They seem happy enough, why not you?”

“Sire, I thank you for your hospitality and all but I cannot drink your wine as my father and brothers are doing.” Magnus offered carefully. “Forgive me but you’re up to something and I want to know what it is. If you intend to humiliate my sister, I must tell you that I will not allow it. My sister may be from poor stock but she is not to be played with.”

“What would give you cause to think that?” Greyson asked. “Your sister has become quite dear to me. Why would I wish to harm her like that?”

“Sire…” Magnus had to think very carefully on his next words. “My sister is dear to me also. Until I married Heather, she was dependant on me. My father is a cruel man at heart and since my mother’s passing, he had blamed Karin. I say this not to cause you offense but to protect my sister as best I can. Why are we here and why is she?” He nodded to Karin who continued to talk happily with Heather.

“Before Karin had come down, I intended not to humiliate her, but to humiliate all of you.” Greyson began. “But after seeing the way she greeted you, it was clear to me you weren’t to be a part of it.”

“And to know her bloodline better?” Magnus asked, finally sipping some wine.

“Her blood is fine.” Greyson replied smoothly. “Your father’s, however, is not. Clearly, Karin takes after her mother, as it would seem do you.”

“So tell me.” Heather urged, “What’s he like?” She nodded towards Greyson but didn’t dare look over at him.

“He’s kind.” Karin replied with a slight blush. “And he’s honourable. He made a promise that he would not touch me and he hasn’t. His father and step-mother believe I am his w***e but it isn’t true at all.”

“He’s also very handsome Karin.” Heather offered, “You could do far worse.”

“I’m not a w***e, sister.” Karin said firmly. Her eyes drifted to him briefly as he and Magnus talked quietly to each other. She wondered what was being said and why but she didn’t want to interrupt as it seemed important. “But you are right, he is very handsome. He’s like a giant protecting me from the world and I’m grateful every day for it.”

“I can imagine.” Heather said with a grin and a nudge. “So, if you’re not in love with him, are there any men here that do take your fancy?”

Karin shook her head quickly, “Absolutely not!” She quipped, keeping her voice down. “Perish the thought sister!”

“I was only asking.” Heather chuckled as Bane turned on his back and licked at her hand. She rubbed his belly with a laugh, making his leg tremble.

“Forgive me.” Karin offered quietly, “I didn’t mean it like that.” She gave Greyson another brief glance. “Most of the men here avoid me but I imagine Greyson has said something to them.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Heather told her. “You have become a beautiful woman, Karin. He’d be stupid to let another man near you.”

“I don’t know.” Karin said, “He’s done nothing to warrant me thinking he wants more than my companionship and on occasion my thoughts and opinions. Most of the time, he just parades me about like a prized horse during the day and then keeps me to himself of a night. But it’s a price I’m happy to pay if it means I can have a comfortable life here away from Father and my two brothers.”

“Speaking of which…” Heather said with a nod to the drunk men laughing and joking about. “I’m so glad Magnus decided to travel once we were married, but I wished we could have taken you with us. They are truly revolting people if you don’t mind me saying.”

“I agree with you.” Karin said, casting her gaze coldly at them. “I can’t wait for Greyson to do what he’s been planning to do and make them leave.”

“Karin!” Fergus lowered his cup long enough to spit her name. “Karin, I need you!” Hamish and Thackery laughed and joked at the table as Fergus feigned to struggle. “Come tend your father!”

“Yes Father.” Karin sighed as she left Heather on the fur with Bane. The commotion caused Magnus and Greyson to stop talking.

“Oh no.” Magnus said, making to get up.

“Sit.” Greyson said, grabbing Magnus by the arm.

“But he’s about to…..” Magnus started. Too late. Fergus turned on the bench, his trousers open and he urinated into a pot. Magnus groaned in disgust and shook his head. When he was finished, he held the pot out to Karin but as she reached to take it, he dropped it, soiling her hands and her dress.

“You useless w***e!” Fergus snapped. “You may be the Lord’s plaything but you’re still just a worthless cursed witch!” Karin backed up quickly and looked down at her ruined dress. Hamish and Thackery boomed with laughter but everyone else was silent. “Clean it up!” Fergus demanded.

“Clean it yourself!” Greyson said, finally getting to his feet.

“Sire?” Fergus looked quickly to Greyson, as did everyone else. Hamish and Thackery stopped laughing and put their cups down.

“I said.” Greyson said icily. “Clean up your own damned piss!”

“Greyson, please!” Karin protested quietly.

“Mistress Tilling, please take my companion upstairs and help her clean up, would you?” Greyson asked her politely.

“Absolutely!” Heather quickly went to Karin and the pair fled upstairs quickly. “Whatever he was planning on doing, I think he’s about to make it happen.” She whispered to Karin. The pair entered Greyson’s room and Heather immediately went for the tall wardrobe. “Where do you keep your clothes?” She asked, finding only Greyson’s things there.

“In the chest.” Karin said, pointing to a large pale wooden box under the window as she untied the soiled skirt and let it drop away.

“That bastard!” Heather cursed as she pulled a clean dress from the chest and then helped Karin with her bodice. “You should strike him for this.” She kicked away the soiled clothes and laid out the new dress on the bed. “Disgusting old monster! I hope he dies in his own mess!” She looked to Karin briefly before fetching the water bowl to her to wash her hands and arms. “Why did you remain silent for so long Karin? Honestly. If I’d known the extent of this. If Magnus had known. We would have taken you, travelling be damned.”

“It’s fine.” Karin replied sadly. “And it’s not your fault. His feelings for me were clear the night I was born. Losing my mother destroyed him and he was left with me. It should have been me that died that night, not her.”

“Don’t you dare!” Heather snapped. “Don’t you ever think that!” She collected the soft blue gown and held it open for Karin to step into. “Fergus can rot in hell while you live a life as a Lady in this place.”

“I’m no lady.” Karin told her. “I’m just a farmer’s daughter. Like I said, Greyson just likes to parade me around and ask my opinion from time to time. I’m just his companion and that’s all I’ll ever be.”

Fergus swallowed hard as Greyson stepped right to him, avoiding the puddle on the floor. “Well?” Greyson said coldly. “Your piss is staining my floor and making my fine home smell.” He leaned down, making Fergus cower somewhat. “Clean it up!”

“Y.. Yes Sire!” Fergus stammered and leaned over to pick up the pot. He reached it but he overbalanced and fell from the bench. Hamish immediately got to his feet to help his father.

“No!” Greyson shouted at the young man. “Sit down!” Hamish sat back down quickly. His eyes returned to Fergus, the bright amber flickering in the firelight with real danger. “I said clean it up!” He yelled. Whimpering in fear, Fergus began mopping up his urine with his shirt sleeve before he stood the pot upright again. His shirt sleeve was soaked through but Greyson shook his head. “All of it!” He snapped angrily. Fergus rolled over and used his other sleeve then until the floor was damp but otherwise cleaned. “Now get up!” He demanded. Fergus managed to sit but that was all.

“Lord Greyson, I beg you!” Hamish pleaded, “He can’t get up on his own. He needs help.”

“Then help him!” Greyson snapped. Screwing up his nose, Hamish helped his father sit back on the bench. Once settled, Hamish quickly removed his jacket. “Leave it on!” Greyson shouted at Hamish. “Bathe in your father’s stink!” Hamish put the jacket back on with a grimace. His attention then turned to Thackery who sniggered with some laughter at his brother’s and father’s discomfort. “You!” Greyson said darkly. He picked up the jug of wine and looked into it. There wasn’t much left. He upended it and poured it on the floor. “Now you can clean that up.” He said.

“Sire?” Thackery asked, his laughter ceasing abruptly.

“I said, clean it up!” Greyson snapped, “I can still smell his stench on the floor!”

“Yes Sire!” Thackery quickly grabbed a rag from the table and got down on the floor. He scrubbed the wine until the rag was soaked. He then used his own jacket to dry the floor before returning to his seat, aptly shamed with his father and brother.

“Lord Greyson…” Magnus offered. “Please forgive my family, they….”

“I will not.” Greyson said coldly before turning to the eldest brother. “You abandoned your sister to this cruelty. The only reason I have not humiliated you with them is because of the way she greeted you.” Magnus looked down in shame. “I thought as much.”

“In my defence.” Magnus said quickly, “Had I known this was Karin’s life, I would have taken her with me.”

“You should have known.” Greyson said angrily. He turned back to Fergus. The old man was near tears and in pain from his fall. “This is how you made your only daughter feel.” He said coldly. “This is the way you kept and treated your own child.” He leaned over, sniffing up and he pretended to wretch. “You disgust me, Fergus Tilling.”

“Yes Sire.” Fergus replied sadly. “May God forgive me my cruelty.”

“He might.” Greyson told him, “But I shall not.”

“What would you have me do Sire?” Fergus asked. “What would gain your forgiveness and favour once more? What might I do to atone for my sins?”

“Personally, I’d see you in a paupers grave with all your land, livestock and house become mine and your sons beggars on the streets for scraps.” Greyson said. Fergus broke down and began sobbing. “But for some reason known only to God, I will refrain.”

“Thank you Sire!” Fergus cried.

“Not yet.” Greyson told him. “What was your wife’s name before she fell from grace to marry you?”

“Faith.” Fergus replied sadly. “Faith Menoda.”

“How she must be turning in her grave at you now, Fergus Tilling.” Greyson said. Fergus could only nod in agreement. “Out of respect for her memory, I will not slur her any further. When Karin returns, you will give her that name and release her from your torment.”

“You wish him to disown Karin?” Magnus asked in shock.

“No.” Greyson said, “I demand it. She will no longer be a member of this disgusting family. She will be given her mother’s name.”

“Yes Sire!” Fergus said quickly, “Anything you wish Sire! Her name will be Menoda as her mother’s was.”

“Sire!” Thackery chimed in, “Please, let me take my father home. You can have whatever you want, just please let him go.”

“I’m glad you agree Fergus.” Greyson said, ignoring Thackery entirely. “And as she is no longer your daughter, she is free of your debt now and in the future.”

“Yes Sire.” Fergus nodded.

“Karin!” Magnus spotted her coming down the stairs with Heather. He went to her quickly and hugged her before taking Heather’s hand.

“Ahh good!” Greyson said with a wide smile. “Come, I have news for you.”

Having seen the commotion from the balcony, Karin had resisted coming downstairs at first but Heather had pulled her along regardless and once they were seen and beckoned back to the group, it was clear Karin had missed quite an event. “What have you done?” She asked Greyson as she made to help her father but he stopped her short, taking her by the arm firmly. “Greyson! Let me go!”

“Say to her what you said to me.” Greyson demanded of Fergus. The old man hesitated. “Tilling!”

“I release you!” Fergus almost shouted.

“What have you done?!” Karin gasped at Greyson.

“Say it Tilling.” Greyson said firmly.

“Sire please.” Magnus interjected. “Enough, I beg you. You have done what you set out to do. He’s just an old man and now he’s one child less than he was when he arrived. Let him leave with what he has left?”

“What under God is going on here?” Heather asked. “Sire?”

“Fergus Tilling was about to release Karin from his name.” Greyson said, “Freeing her from his torment and cruelty and begging her forgiveness.”

Fergus nodded quickly. “Forgive me Karin?” He pleaded. “For everything? I have been cruel and unkind to you for as long as you can remember. I give you your mother’s fine name and release you from any and all of my sins.” Karin nearly collapsed in Greyson’s grip but he held her up. “From this day, you will be known as Karin Menoda.” Karin’s legs gave out completely and she fainted. Greyson lifted her and then scooped her into his arms. “I’m sorry.” Fergus whimpered.

“Good riddance, I say.” Hamish said darkly as he then went to his father and helped him get up.

“Yes.” Greyson agreed. “Good riddance to all of you.”

Carefully, Greyson took Karin to his chair and placed her in it. Magnus made to leave with his father and brothers but Heather shot to Karin instead, forcing him to stay. “My sweet sister!” She cried softly as she cradled Karin’s head. Magnus came to her also but stopped short of reaching them. Instead, he moved to Greyson’s shoulder and dropped his head down.

“I cannot condone what you’ve done, Lord Greyson.” He said quietly. “But I can understand why you did it. I make only one request of you.”

“One demand, you mean.” Greyson said quietly as he picked up his wine and drank it down.

“As you wish.” Magnus said, “I have one demand of you.” He dared to look the lord direct in the eye, his dark green ones boring into Greyson’s hot amber. “Hurt my sister and I will kill you.” He said darkly, “Make no mistake Lord Greyson Ferrydean. You may be the son of a noble and I may be just a farmer’s boy but I will hunt you down to the ends of this world if I have to. Not even God will save you from me if I find you have wronged her.”

“Noted.” Greyson said without hesitation. “And on that note..” He turned to face the man. “Karin will have a substantial stipend to keep her in comfort regardless of me.” The seriousness faded into a warm smile. “A thousand gold pieces a year to start and free reign of this castle and any other property I have. She will live here in comfort with me until her death.”

“And if you die first?” Magnus asked.

“She will remain here in her home.” Greyson said firmly. “This castle and all its grounds will become hers and hers alone as the last of her name.”

Magnus couldn’t help but smile in disbelief as he looked around a little. “You’re serious.” He mused.

“As the plague.” Greyson said without hesitation.

“That’s why you had my father disown her.” Magnus said with a chortle of laughter. “So no matter what happened, he couldn’t lay claim to this.”

“Precisely.” Greyson said as he lifted his cup at Magnus. “Karin Menoda is a woman of independent wealth and means from this moment on and she is free to do as she pleases.”

“And I suppose now she is a woman of independence, it levels the playing field for yourself, I suppose.” Magnus posed.

“Perhaps.” Greyson said. “Your sister has come of age and as you can see, she has become quite a woman. A prize for any man of good standing. Tell me, what was your mother before she died?”

“I don’t understand.” Magnus said.

“What was her trade or purpose before she fell to that disgusting ogre?” Greyson clarified.

“She was a weaver.” Magnus said. Greyson nodded in approval. He looked around once more before looking down at Karin and Heather. Karin had woken and was staring into the fire. “Perhaps we should leave now.” He offered quietly. “I think we have outstayed our welcome.” He made to bow to Greyson.

“The hour is late Master Tilling.” Greyson said after a moment’s thought. “You and your wife are welcome to stay the night with us.” He nodded then and moved to Karin. “Come.” He said quietly, holding out his hand to her. “You and I shall retire for the night.”

“As you wish.” Karin replied quietly and took his hand. Greyson smiled and then snapped his fingers. A servant came quickly.

“Have the guest room made up for Master Tilling and his lovely wife.” Greyson ordered politely. “Make sure they have every comfort.”

“Yes Sire.” The servant said and he quickly fled to do as ordered.

“Thank you Sire.” Magnus offered with a low bow. Greyson simply nodded back and led Karin slowly up the stairs.