The Red Witch

Chapter 14

Soon enough, the harvest was upon the valley again. Karin made a full recovery from her ordeal and came to blossom and then bloom completely in her new role as Lady of Ferrydean Castle. Ferrydean Snr handed his mantel to his son and stepped back from formal life to spend time with his daughter Elizabeth, now renamed Faith in Karin’s mother’s honour. The Tilling brothers were never found and rumour was rife for a while as to what had happened to them. Karin kept her mouth shut and simply let them lie. Judith was formally stripped from the family history and named only as a surrogate for Faith. The hot sun baked the ground during the day while heavy rain replenished the ground overnight and the harvest this year would be the best yet. Many claimed it was Greyson’s new and inventive attitude that caused it, while a few claimed Karin was still a witch and it was her magic and sorcery that had made the ground so fertile. Karin didn’t mind it, it made her laugh sometimes. But for the first time in many years, the world seemed at peace. Moreover, this peace and prosperity lasted nearly two years.

Taking her usual walk along the battlements, Karin lifted her head to the sun and smiled. It shone into the wooden canopy at just the right angle that it bathed her in golden light. Her hair danced about in the breeze like flames and she was sure the sun had bleached it almost to copper. She took a deep breath, taking in the smells of the wheat and corn from the fields, the sweet flowers from the hedges and woodlands beyond and the water of the well in the courtyard. After basking a little, Karin continued her walk, nodding her head politely at the guards that passed her and tipped their helmets at her. Down in the courtyard itself, she heard children playing and chasing Betty’s precious chickens. She chased after them with a broom, making Karin laugh happily and on the steps, Ferrydean enjoyed the sunshine from his large chair while Greyson danced around with Faith. She stopped her walk to watch a while.

Faith was growing quickly and she toddled about holding onto Greyson’s leg for support before falling to her rump and then crawling. Laughing happily, Greyson lifted her and swung her around, making the girl squeal with delight. He then put her down on a small daisy patch and picked flowers with her, laughing as she tried to eat them. Karin chuckled quietly as she continued to watch and soon enough, the other children began to join in. They made daisy chains that sat on Faith’s head and then it was Greyson’s turn. He pretended to flee but then let them all pile atop him and pin him down and crowned him with more daisies.

“He looks so happy, doesn’t he.” Emily said, creeping up on Karin. The woman jumped and clutched her chest a little, then laughed and nodded. Emily moved to the banister and leaned on it with her friend and Mistress. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this before.”

“He’s reliving his boyhood, I think.” Karin commented.

“I don’t think he ever grew up to begin with.” Emily returned with a nudge and a snort of laughter. “But I see something else there too.” Karin turned her head some. Emily’s smile softened and she almost sighed. “The way he is with Faith, it’s like she’s his own daughter.”

“He’s only like that because Father can’t keep up with her anymore.” Karin countered. “She has to play somehow. Greyson is the only one with energy enough to manage it.”

“Are you sure about that?” Emily asked and then after nudging her friend again, she left Karin alone on the wall.

From somewhere under the pile of little people, Greyson roared and rose up like a monster from the deep. The children screamed and laughed, scattering and he chased them down. He then swooped in on Faith, snatching her up and pretending to eat her alive. The girl squealed with laughter and pulled his braid. He gave her a sloppy kiss on the cheek and then flopped down on his rump in the grass. He waved his hand in defeat and sat cuddling Faith a while before he got back up again. He took Faith to her waiting nursemaid and handed her over, waving his hand for them both to go inside. He didn’t want Faith’s delicate skin to get burned in the sun. Betty appeared again with her broom and swiped it at him angrily. Karin couldn’t know what had happened but she had to laugh openly at the way he fled from the woman. She swiped at him a few more times before pointing at her errant chickens. Greyson had to catch them all and put them back where they belonged and she stood with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face as he obeyed. Karin shook her head and moved from the banister to continue her walk, still chuckling to herself at his larking about.

She stopped again at the back wall of the chapel and looked out towards the forest in the distance. She leaned on the wall and relaxed her shoulders simply soaking in the happiness and contentment in the air. A few people gathering fruit from the orchard saw her and waved and she waved back before continuing further around until she reached the other side of the grounds. As she came down the steps, she smiled as she watched one of the guards offer a flower from the garden to his sweetheart, one of the kitchen maids. She then made a hasty and quiet retreat when they kissed. In the end, Karin found herself heading into the kitchen from the back door.

From his spot near the fire, Bane offered a gruff and a wag of his tail before he got up and limped his way to her. Sadly, he had never really fully recovered from his injuries. The arrow her brother had shot him with had damaged the tendons in his hip and leg, leaving him somewhat lame on that side but he didn’t seem to mind much. He could still bound about with the best of them when he wanted to. “Hello Bane.” She said lovingly, giving him a firm rub behind the ear. “And how is my favourite companion today?” He panted and licked her hand in response and she laughed, wiping the slobber down her skirt. She continued through as he settled back near the fire. She spotted Grace rocking gently and singing a soft lullaby as she nursed Faith and then let her fall asleep before taking her upstairs for a nap. Betty was busy as always preparing the evening meal and keeping her staff in line. The woman looked up at her briefly and smiled before returning to her work. Karin smiled back and then whistled for Bane to come to her. The wolverine obliged happily and the pair made their way upstairs.

Bane settled in his usual place by the fire, curling up on his favourite fur mat to continue his afternoon sleep. Karin sat in Greyson’s chair and took up a small square of cloth. She began to hum a tune quietly and she moved the needles of her embroidery. She had made a point of mastering the hobby as it seemed to please both Greyson and his father to watch her create something. Unseen and unheard, Greyson entered the main hall in his bare feet. He left his boots carefully by the table and crept up on Karin. Bane opened his eyes but otherwise did nothing more. Karin continued her happy melody, unaware of him until he reached around the back of the chair and covered her eyes. “Boo!” He whispered, making the woman jump clean out of her skin and she stabbed him in the hand with a needle. “Ow!” He yelped, snatching his hand back.

“That’ll teach you to creep up on someone.” Karin said after she regained her breath and then laughed as he sucked on the tiny wound. “And why are you creeping anyway?” She put her embroidery down and regarded him with a warm smile. He came around the chair and lifted her out of it. He turned, sat down and pulled her into his lap. “Ugh, you’re all sweaty!” She protested.

“I have something for you.” He told her with a laugh.

“Maybe after you’ve had a bath!” Karin quipped and he laughed again, reaching into his shirt. He pulled out a small pouch and handed it to her. It was a little damp from his sweat but she took it and opened it. It was a finely crafted bracelet. “Oh Greyson, it’s beautiful!” She cried and then laughed as she realised exactly what it was. Between the delicate chain links hung six pieces of iron. She slapped his chest and then held out her wrist. “And the occasion?”

“A belated anniversary gift.” He told her as he hooked the two ends together around her wrist. “Two months ago, I had an idea to celebrate your arrival here but I couldn’t find anything good enough to give you.” He took his hand in hers, “I saw the money and I knew then what I wanted to give you so I took the coins to a silversmith and he fashioned this.”

“I love it.” She told him and kissed his cheek lovingly but then wiped her mouth. “But you still need a bath.” She told him and quickly fled his lap.

“As you wish.” He said, getting back to his feet. He strode away with purpose and shouted for Emily to draw him a bath. Karin returned to the chair and her embroidery.

The evening bell rang as Karin finished her square and soon after, the family arrived at the table to eat. Prayers of thanks were said as the food was served and Greyson, now bathed and clean again as well as clean shaven, sat with Faith on his knee bouncing her as she gnawed on a pork rib to strengthen her gums and help the rest of her teeth come through. She then banged it on the table before dropping it. Bane was quick to collect and ran off with it. Greyson then fed her small chunks of pre-chewed meat and potatoes on his fingers while she played with his spoon, banging that in the table instead. Karin laughed and admired him from her seat across as she picked at her food and sipped her wine. At his usual place at the head of the table, Ferrydean smiled at his daughter as he chewed on his own meal before drinking his own wine. They chatted and laughed as they enjoyed their meal, especially when Faith bit Greyson’s finger when he lingered too long. Karin enjoyed the meal immensely, letting herself imagine for a moment what Emily had hinted at earlier that day. Greyson noticed her staring and he smiled as he carefully got up and moved around the table. “Your turn.” He said as he passed Faith to Karin.

“Hello sweetheart.” Karin said as she took the child and held her close, rocking gently. Faith began to yawn and it wasn’t long before her thumb found her mouth and she was snoozing gently in Karin’s arms. She left the table carefully while the men carried on eating and she paced the floor, singing a lullaby quietly. Greyson watched on with a smile as Ferrydean slowly turned in his chair.

“That should be your babe she sings to, not mine.” Ferrydean told his son eventually, never once taking his eyes from Karin’s back. “She will make a fine mother if you’d give her the chance.”

“I know.” Greyson replied smoothly. “It’s just finding the time.”

“Make time.” Ferrydean demanded quietly. He turned back in his chair again and relaxed to let his meal settle. “Nice touch, by the way.”

“Hmm?” Greyson was mesmerised.

“The bracelet.” Ferrydean said with a snort of laughter. “Six iron, I see. Fitting.” Greyson laughed softly but said nothing. They sat for a few moments longer before Karin started back towards them. “Oh goody, my turn.” He said eagerly taking the snoozing toddler from her. He cradled her gently and rocked as he’d been taught to.

“I think she’s about ready for her last feed and then to bed.” Karin told him quietly as she began stacking the platters and dropping the leftover meat on the floor for Bane. The wolverine quickly took full advantage.

“I’ll sort it.” Ferrydean said quietly as he smiled down at Faith. Betty arrived soon after and cleared the table and Greyson made his way upstairs.

After making sure all was in order, Karin made her way upstairs, yawning quietly as she walked along the balcony and down the corridor to the bedroom. She entered quietly, thinking Greyson was asleep and carefully set the candle down on the nightstand before turning to close the door again. She didn’t see Greyson hiding behind it. As she turned, he gently pushed the door closed and revealed himself. He had stripped to his bare skin and he stood proud as he entered the light. Karin jumped and then blinked a few times. “Greyson!” She gasped, “You frightened me! Why do you have to creep around like a ghost?”

“Hush.” He told her as he quickly advanced on her. He kissed her deeply, tugging at the laces of her dress until it fell away.

“Oh my!” Karin sighed as he lifted her slip over her head. He then picked her clean off the floor and carried her towards the bed, kissing her again passionately. She wrapped her legs around his back as he crawled onto the bed with her tight to him. “I should make you take a bath more often.” She chuckled as he settled between her thighs and kissed at her throat. He entered her quickly, making her gasp in both pleasure and shock and he growled in his throat. She lifted her knees high on his ribs and he grabbed one of them, holding it tight as he settled into a strong rhythm. He brought himself to release quickly, pushing his seed deep and when he’d finished, he stayed within her, his hips moving gently against her. She cried out loudly and gripped the sheets, feeling her own crash down as his did. “What…?” She asked breathlessly and then sighed as she felt him continue to move within her. “Greyson, what’s with you tonight?”

“I want you.” He told her as he felt himself stiffen again and he started a new rhythm, growling deep in his throat. Karin cried out softly beneath him and moved as he wanted her to. A second release hit her, making her almost scream and he roared at her as he thrust deeper and harder into her, grinding his hips against her until she was almost delirious under him. A layer of sweat covered her as he brought her to release a third time just as quickly. He slammed against her then, making the bed shift and hit the wall with a loud thump. He planted his large feet against the bottom for ever more power and leverage and grabbed her hip almost painfully. He held her there as he quickened his pace, bringing his release stronger than before. His head dropped to her shoulder and he shouted through gritted teeth against her flesh. His entire body became painfully tense and he roared then, powering his hips forward and pushing his seed as deep as he could. Karin cried out and screamed again, gripping him tight about his neck and shoulders, her knees clasped tight to his sides. It took him a while to relax but even then, he kept moving within her.

“I know what you’re doing.” She whispered softly against his ear as he began to settle into a more tender rhythm. “I saw the way you were looking at me with Faith.” Slowly, he lifted his head, the exertion still rippling through his features and she smiled.

“Then let me.” He whispered back, leaning down to kiss her tenderly but passionately.