Here is Chapter Two. I spent all weekend on it so I hope you like it. Jocelyn and Christina finally make their appearance in this one. The whole gang is back. Sorry about the inconsistent indents. My computer does it when it goes form a Word Document to an HTML document. Enjoy!
Sweet Revenge
By Tatiana
Chapter 2: The Proposal
The flap of the tent was wrenched back and sunlight came streaming through the opening. The occupants of the structure let out a string of collective groans. Kate, who was closest to the entrance, squinted her eyes against the bright rays. She put a hand to her forehead in a futile attempt to stop the fierce throbbing.
" Rise and shine you poor souls." a smiling voice called. " May the day have mercy upon your hungover persons. "
" Jocelyn?" William murmured. He was lying closer to the center of the tent.
" Yes, it is I my darling William. The angel of mercy come to relieve your suffering." Jocelyn beamed cheerfully.
" Perhaps, Lady Jocelyn," Chaucer groaned, resting close to William's feet, as he raised himself upon his elbow. " You should be the poet and I should be the nobleman's daughter."
" You would make a lovely noblewoman Chaucer," she smiled.
" You'd never have to walk about without clothes on." Roland muttered from where he lay on his back on by William's head, his arm thrown over his eyes. Christina, who was standing beside her lady, moved to his side.
" So you've brought a remedy for our aches?" William asked, sitting up.
" No," Jocelyn replied cheerfully. " But I have brought you a kiss."
" Then why on earth did you bother coming?" he moaned, falling backwards onto the ground.
Jocelyn laughed, stooped down beside him and planted a kiss on his forehead. " Is he always this grumpy in the morning?"
" No," Roland answered as Christina helped him sit up. " He's worse when he isn't hungover." He turned to look at Christina. " Where is my kiss?" Christina blushed and cast her eyes downward for a moment. Then with a shy smile she pecked him softly on the cheek. Roland grinned at her.
" Well," Will sighed sitting up once again. He turned to look at Jocelyn. " That's all and good for Roland and I but what about Kate, Geoff, and Wat?"
" I'll do just fine without a kiss, thank you." Kate declared, slowly rising to her feet.
" I'll get my kisses elsewhere," Geoff assured them. He rolled over. " Just as soon as I sleep this headache off."
" What of you Wat?" William smiled. " Wat?" He glanced over his shoulder to where the red headed man slept with his pillow over his head. Just then Wat admitted a little snore.
Kate rolled her eyes as William and Roland chuckled.
" All that man does is eat, sleep, and drink." Kate said, shaking her head, her hands on her hips.
" And makes threats!" Chaucer called from where he lay, his back to them.
Everyone who was awake was forced to laugh. Chaucer would know all about Wat's threats and his carrying a few of them out.
" Jocelyn?" William queried.
" Hmm?" Jocelyn looked to him.
" I think that kiss worked a bit." he said.
" Did it?" Jocelyn asked, nodding her head knowingly.
" Yes. Well, a bit." William replied. " I'd feel much better if you gave me another." A slow smile formed on her face as she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. " I feel much better now." he grinned.
" I'll bet." Jocelyn laughed.
Kate stood there awkwardly watching them. She glanced over to Roland and Christina. They were gazing at each other as if they'd be content to do so forever. Kate pursed her lips and lowered her chin to her chest. She brought her chin back up. " I think I'll go take a look at the armor!" she declared.
Both of the couples turned their attention to her, surprised, almost as though they'd forgotten her presence.
" Don't you want to break your fast first?" Jocelyn asked. She motioned to Christina who gestured to the forgotten basket of food that they had brought. " We brought food."
" Yes," William added. " Stay and join us Kate."
" Thank you but no." Kate said, flustered. " I've got to make you a new breastplate. Adhemar butchered the last one."
" You'll feel better after you eat." Christina asserted from her place beside Roland.
" Thanks," she smiled at the young woman. " But I'm fine." Kate turned and stepped out of the shaded tent and into the sunlight.
The bright light sent pain shooting through her head. She squinted her eyes against it, raising her hand to shade her eyes. As soon as her eyes adjusted to the daylight she started off for the forge. As she walked through the streets, people rushed about carrying out their daily business. Many of the knights that had competed in the World Tournament had already departed. Things around the area were already returning to normal. Kate glanced up at the sky and the sun that plagued her temples. It was nearly midday. So much time lost. Perhaps she and the boys had celebrated a bit too much last evening. Kate shrugged to herself. It wasn't every day that the common son of a thatcher won the World Championship. Well, William wasn't exactly a common son of a thatcher when he became the champion. He had been knighted before then.
When she reached the forge she noticed that most of the smithies had already left for the next tournament. She made her way to her designated forge and began to heat it. Then she retrieved her tools and apron. Then taking out William's old breastplate she stood and studied it. The tip of the lance had punched through the right shoulder. Kate's brow furrowed and she pitched the useless piece of steel onto the scrap pile. She'd have to start fresh. Kate took a deep breath, set her shoulders and her mind against the aftereffects of the previous evenings festivities, and went to work.
* * * * *
Count Adhemar walked from the stables towards his tent. He was livid, his face fixed in a vehement scowl. His prize charger was now a possession of Thatcher. Adhemar had gone to the stables in hope that he could make a payment for the beast instead of a change in ownership. His hopes were dashed upon arrival. Thatcher had informed the stable master and the tournament officials immediately after the match that he would keep the stallion rather than ransom it. That war-horse was a valuable, well-trained animal. It would be near to impossible to replace.
" Damn you Thatcher!" Adhemar growled under his breath.
He turned down street that led to the tents. As he passed through the forges he took note that the blacksmiths and armorers had gone or were packing their paraphernalia to head to the next contest. The clanging of a hammer upon an anvil reached his ears. He stopped and listened, his scowl disappearing, replaced with slight curiosity. The clangor continued, coming from behind him. Adhemar turned around and saw that one smithy remained. It was a woman with black hair. A bit of the scowl returned as he realized that she looked familiar. She turned to retrieve a tool from the table behind her, giving him a look at her face.
" You have been weighed."
" You have been measured."
" And you absolutely…"
Adhemar blinked as he recognized her. He became thoughtful for a few moments. Perhaps she could be of some use to him. He squared his shoulders and headed towards the female blacksmith. She didn't hear his approach and continued to pound away at the sheet of steel. Adhemar stopped to stand a couple yards away to her right. Leaning back against a wooden post, he folded his arms across his chest and he watched her. She didn't notice his as she shoved the sheet of metal into the coals to reheat it.
" You're William Thatcher's armorer aren't you?" Adhemar inquired.
Kate glanced at him in surprise, she hadn't been aware of anyone standing there. She saw it was Count Adhemar. Her eyebrows furrowed in suspicion.
" What is it to you?" she demanded.
" Just curious." Adhemar shrugged indifferently.
" Aye. I make Sir William Thatcher's armor." Kate confirmed, putting heavy emphasis on the Sir.
He ignored her accentuation. His mouth spread into a thin-lipped smile as he gestured to the pile of scrap metal just beyond her. " The breastplate didn't withstand the lance's blow?" he asked nonchalantly.
" Don't flatter yourself Adhemar." Kate said tersely, pulling the sheet of metal from the coals.
" I'm merely stating the obvious. Your armor failed." he remarked.
Kate shook her head, glancing over her tools. " We both know that you had your lances tipped." She turned her head to glare at him. " If you hadn't cheated the armor would withheld anything you dished out."
" So you say," Adhemar shrugged again. She didn't miss the note of sarcasm in his voice.
The cynicism of the remark grated on her. Kate glared at him in annoyance. " Is that all?" she demanded, brandishing her hammer. " I have work to do."
" How much is Thatcher paying you for armor that doesn't measure up?" Adhemar inquired, picking up a horseshoe from a nearby shelf and studying it. He chose to disregard the indication that she wanted him to leave.
" I don't believe that's any of your business." she asserted.
" And I don't believe that he is paying you properly." Adhemar said tossing the metal shoe back onto the table. It landed with a clang.
" For armor that doesn't get the job done?" Kate asked, shaking her head. " He's wasting his money is he?"
" No," Adhemar said. "Actually, I feel that you aren't being paid enough. If a knight were pay you more, perhaps the quality of your work would become superior to the work of others."
Kate paused. She shoved the sheet of steel back into the coals of the forge. Turning to him her hands went to her hips. " What are you getting at Adhemar?" she demanded, she'd lost her patience with his obscure remarks. " I've got work to do. Say what you've come to say and be on your way."
" I would pay you twice what Thatcher is paying you for a set of armor." Adhemar stated. He watching her face for a reaction.
Kate met his gaze and held it for a few moments. She then looked him up and down. "You can't afford me." she smirked. " You can't even buy back your horse."
Adhemar's eyes hardened, his mouth was set in annoyance. " I assure you, lady that I could afford far more than what Thatcher is giving you." His hand moved to the leather purse hanging at his belt. He unfastened it and tossed it onto the stone ledge of the forge. The heavy purse fell open upon the shelf and a few gold coins fell out. Adhemar raised his eyebrows. " Here is an advance. That is merely a fraction of what you could earn."
Kate stared at the bright gold pieces. The light from the glowing coals caused them to glimmer. Keenly aware of his scrutiny she kept her face expressionless. She set her chin stubbornly and met his gaze once again, her eyes flashing defiantly. " You're wasting your time." Kate took up her tongs and turned her back to him. " Take your coins and leave me be."
Adhemar clenched his jaw tightly, his eyes narrowing; their glare drilled into her back. He remained standing where he was as she returned to her work. Kate held herself erect, her back as stiff as a board.
" A gift then," he declared. His voice was hard. " A gratuity for making armor that my lance could puncture."
" I don't want your money," she said.
" It would be wise of you to reconsider." Adhemar advised. His voice sounded almost threatening.
" I never considered a first time." Kate spoke with quiet firmness. " Go about your business."
Adhemar stayed where he was. Kate pounded away on William's new breastplate. He shifted his weight from on foot to the other.
" I believe the lady asked you to leave." a voice declared from behind him. Adhemar turned around to see William standing in the sun with his arms folded over his chest. Behind his stood Wat, Chaucer and Roland. And standing behind the three men was Jocelyn and Christina. Kate turned at the sound of William's voice.
Adhemar smirked at them. He clasped his hands behind his back. " How chivalrous Sir William." he said mockingly laying into the Sir with thick satire.
He walked leisurely past William, between Wat and Roland and up to Jocelyn. Adhemar reached out and brought her hand up to his lips. She pulled it away. A cynical smile spread across his lips.
" My lady." He addressed Jocelyn eyeing her up and down covetously. He bowed courteously, deliberately taking his time. He then strolled away toward the tents.
Jocelyn shivered after he disappeared behind the corner. " I hate that man." William came to her side and put a comforting arm around her shoulder.
Chaucer and Wat went to Kate.
" Are you all right?" Chaucer asked softly.
" Of course I am!" Kate attempted to laugh off their concern. Her gaze fell on the bag of gold coins. " He forgot his money."
Wat and Chaucer followed her gaze. Their eyes widened in surprise.
" That git! I'll fong him!" Wat exclaimed, pivoting around and starting to sprint after Adhemar. Chaucer grabbed his arm.
" Calm down Wat!" Chaucer exclaimed. " Deep breaths man, deep breaths. Remember what we talked about."
Wat took several deep breaths but his face only became redder. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.
" What's the matter?" Roland asked him, grasping his shoulder.
" He wanted Kate to be his prostitute!" Wat burst out, then covered his mouth with his hand.
" What?" Roland demanded.
" What?" Kate gasped.
" What?" Chaucer gaped.
" Wait, what was that?" William asked popping up beside Roland.
Wat shook up and down his head vehemently. Kate shook her head side to side in denial. Before she could put a voice to her protestations Wat pointed at the bag of coins. " There is the money he was going to pay her with!"
All eyes when to the fat leather purse. Then they shifted to Kate. They all looked at each other.
" Ohhh." was the collective sound let out.
" He did not!" Kate cried, her voice mixed with laughter and desperation.
The men let out a slow sigh of relief.
" What was it for then?" Wat asked innocently, scratching the top of his head.
All eyes turned to her once again. Kate shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the questioning looks. " He proposed…"
" Marriage?" Wat suggested.
"No!" Kate gasped.
"Wat!" Roland scolded. " Shut up!" Wat closed his mouth.
" No," Kate began. " He suggested that I might make him a suit of armor." Silence followed her admission. " I turned him down." she swore. " I told him to take him money and go."
" Kate," William smiled affectionately. " Don't turn down work because of us. You are an armorer. Don't deny your trade just because you're afraid of what we'll say."
" I would never do that!" Kate huffed. " Don't flatter yourself William." she teased. " I'd never let a snake like Adhemar wear my armor. It would be degrading to my handiwork."
" That a girl!" Chaucer praised grinning from ears to ear, adopting Wat's phrase from the night before.
Roland slapped Kate on the back. Wat's color returned to normal as he gave Kate a soft, amiable knock to the jaw. She laughed and returned Wat's blow but a bit harder, sending him flying backwards. Chaucer gave her a high five and laughed at Wat. Wat scowled at the herald and pounced upon him fists swinging. Geoff cried out in protest.
" All right! Enough!" William chuckled. He reached forward a drug Wat off of Geoff. " Enough!"
"Ouch!" Chaucer cried holding a hand to his cheek.
Wat grinned at him tauntingly.
" Kate, we came to ask you on a picnic." William said. " Jocelyn and Christina roused us all and convinced us that we should enjoy the day."
Kate raised an eyebrow.
" We promised them a meal at the pub this evening." Jocelyn laughed, coming up behind Will and putting her chin on his shoulder.
Kate smiled. " I'd love to go on a picnic if I get a meal at the pub tonight." She reached down and picked up the purse of coins. " Adhemar's treat." She declared tossing the bag up in the air and catching it again.
" Yeah!" they all laughed.
" Come on then!" Christina exclaimed. " The day will be over by the time all of you are ready!"
William grinned over his other shoulder at Christina. " Well come on then."
Wat hurried out to where Christina stood. The mere thought of free food had him all excited.
" He's like a dog," Geoff muttered under his breath.
Kate smiled and patted his shoulder. " How is your face?" she asked Chaucer sympathetically.
* * * * *
Sorry if the hangover symptoms are not accurate. I don't have first hand experience in that area so what I wrote might be a bit sugar coated. Oh well! Thanks for the reviews! They were very encouraging. Please keep on reviewing! Hopefully I'll finish the next chapter as quickly as this one. It's fun to write when you're on a roll. I'll try to keep rolling! See-ya!