Read The troubadour's song for Free Online Page A

allowed herself a glance at Gaucelm. When their eyes met, she thought she saw a challenge flicker there. Her story gave her more courage, but the heartless Simon de Montfort quickly threatened her again.

    "How noble of you," he said, crossing in front of Gaucelm. "Then again, perhaps you were in the forest ministering to heretics."
    Three
    Allesandra lifted her chin. It was on the tip of her tongue to strike back with a venomous insult, for she did not like this Simon de Montfort. Under normal circumstances Marguerite would not stand for having one of her guests insulted thus. But they were prisoners of war. Already their tangle of lies might end up strangling them if they did not find a way for Allesandra to escape back to her own home. So she tempered her words with a false sweetness.
    "My lord, if the people in the forest are heretics, it is their business, and they hardly shared their beliefs with me."
    "Hmmm, perhaps. Well, I'm afraid I cannot remain here to discuss these matters. Gaucelm, these women are under house arrest. They may move about the castle freely, but they may not communicate with anyone outside until the bishop has seen them. I leave you to make arrangements with Lady Borneil for the garrisoning of our men here. I must give orders regarding booty."
    Gaucelm nodded and Simon turned to bow to the ladies. "I accept your invitation to supper, my lady."
    Then he turned on his heel and marched back through the hall. His guards held the doors for him to pass through.
    "Does this inconvenience come as a surprise to madam?" Gaucelm asked Allesandra.
    There was still that annoying challenge to his otherwise attractive voice.
    "I—" Allesandra hesitated Then with stronger words, she stated her true feelings. "Time was when a woman could travel

    safely with only a few retainers, and go on journeys and pilgrimages. Now armies march across the land, and one must fear for one's safety."
    "Ah, I see. Then you were hoping to return home soon?"
    She felt a slight flush creep into her cheeks. "Yes, I was. My . . . husband expects me."
    "Hmmm. Then perhaps you can send word. If you would care to write a letter, I will see to it that it is carried to Rouen for you."
    She nodded politely. "How kind. I will write this evening."
    She hoped he would leave them alone, but instead Gaucelm paced a little way in front of his lady prisoners. Apparently their interrogation was not over just because the hateful commander had left.
    "Tell me, Madam Chavanne, do you always dress thus when riding into the forest?"
    She glanced down at the man's tunic and leggings she had not had time to discard. Then she met his piercing dark eyes once again.
    "Yes, my lord. As I said, the roads are not safe anymore. Dressing as a man, I feel safer even in the nearby woods."
    "Hmmm. I see." The corners of his distractingly sensual mouth turned up slightly. "Surely then, we can expect you to honor us with feminine attire for supper this evening."
    She clamped her teeth together at this boldness. But she lifted her chin. "Of course, my lord."
    Gaucelm now flicked his eyes to Marguerite. "And you, madam. There is no reason to hide in a simple housewife's gown. Even as a captive you may dress according to your station."
    Marguerite's eyes widened, but she said nothing.
    Allesandra's thoughts were in turmoil. She had hoped to escape tonight, but now she must make a show of being present at supper. The matter was now more than inconvenient; she had backed herself into a corner fraught with danger.
    Gaucelm took a step backward. "You heard my lord de Mont-fort's orders. You are free to run your household, Lady Borneil.

    My sergeants-at-arms will remain here with you. They will carry any communications you wish. If you have needs they cannot provide, I will attend upon you at your call."
    He then bowed low, and for a moment Allesandra envisioned him as a French courtier, instead of a mail-clad knight. But she looked away, just as his head rose to eye level.