Page 83 of The Guardian's Witch

“Alex, you look ready to bolt. Surly it’s not Lisbeth and marriage that has you brooding,” his brother Cameron teased.

Alex laughed. “No.” He raised his ale in a salute to the family crest and drank deeply. “The Stelton Legacy must be faced.”

His brothers settled down and listened. “Alex, the legacy has been a mystery for centuries.”

Alex related the story of Tannin the Hawk and William the Brave to his brothers. “My sin was pride.”

“Yes, we know that much about you—all proud and full of yourself,” said Cameron. There was a rumble of chuckles from his brothers.

“I battled my demon and have been greatly rewarded. I could have lost everything if it hadn’t been for Lisbeth. You each have your own challenge to face.”

“So, it begins,” said Geoffrey, the oldest brother, propped up against the desk.

“Yes, when you complete your quest you will find something that completes another part of the crest.” He waited for his words to sink in. “And, in the end, hope that our ancestor William the Brave comes out the victor.”

“Alex, this beautiful woman won’t wait forever.” Philip came to the door.

“Father’s right. You don’t want to give her any excuse to cry off.”

The men left the room. Alex and Edwin lingered behind.

“I want what you have, Alex. A home, land, a woman. I want it all.”

“Edwin, Mother’s property and income are already yours. Do you really want more?”

Edwin looked at him, a pained expression on his face. “It isn’t enough.”

“My challenge was to overcome my excessive pride and to know the value of my own worth. I completed my quest but I almost lost Lisbeth.”

“It isn’t enough.” The young man went on ahead.

Alex looked after his brother. Greed would be his challenge. He hoped Edwin would do well. But now there were more important things for him to take care of. He squared his shoulders, opened the door to the Great Hall, took his place, and waited for his bride.

* * *

“Lord Alex.” Philip announced and ushered Alex in front of a solid man in elegant robes. Bennett and Cameron joined him.

“Kneel sir,” the cleric, sword in hand, demanded of Alex. “Kneel and prepare for the sword of courage. Take your rightful place and humble yourself before your king and maker. As you bravely and solemnly come here today, you have shown to all present that you are worthy and ready to care for this woman, Lisbeth, you have chosen from this day forward. To take thy woman’s hand is an act of bravery only supplanted by the call to arms. Do you understand and accept this, sir?”

“Yes, I understand.”

The robed man easily handled the sword. “Three times I tap thee, once in the name of our king...”

A shout rang up from the attending audience.

“...once in the name of our bishop, and once in the name of our holy protector. Now that you have knelt and been christened and tapped, I declare thee ready to receive your bride. Now this is the day and time appointed for betrothal, Lord Alex and Lady Lisbeth are here with family, friends, and neighbors, standing together.”

* * *

“Lass, Wesley and Darla would be proud,” Jamie whispered while they stood waiting to enter.

Lisbeth looked up at Jamie, tears filling her lids. Unable to speak, she squeezed his arm.

“I knew all along you two were perfect for each other.”

She followed his gaze to a pair of satchels that stood in the entranceway. “He promised he would bring me back to the lodge himself when the threat was over.”

Jamie flashed a concerned look.

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