Page 14 of Wolfehound (De Wolfe Pack Generations #11)

Liam shrugged. “As I am sure you are aware, the past few years have not been without strife,” he said.

“The Scots are unsettled. Edward used Berwick, which belongs to Patrick de Wolfe, in order to show his support for John Balliol. This did not sit well with supporters of Robert Bruce, as you can imagine, so there has simply been a good deal of chaos and contention since then. If it is not one thing, it is another.”

“I would believe it.”

“Blayth and Scott wanted things to settle down before they sent out messages about their father’s death,” Liam said. “When they deemed it safe enough, they sent out several knights to allies. I’ve already been to a few. You are the last one.”

“Good,” Carlton said. “You may stay with us for a while and rest. In fact, we will hunt. It has been a while since I’ve gone on a good hunt.”

Liam smiled weakly. “I would like that,” he said. “But I’ve also come to see Cambria. Has she been well?”

“Very well,” Carlton said. “Where is the dog she gave you?”

Liam’s smile grew. “Bran is well,” he said. “He was riding in the wagon when we arrived because he’s practically walked all the way from the north. Also, he tangled with a badger yesterday and suffered a little in the battle. The ridiculous dog must learn he cannot chase down a brock .”

A brock was another name for a badger, a creature that most sane dogs wouldn’t deliberately tussle with. But Bran the dog, named for a fearsome mythological canine, still hadn’t learned that he couldn’t take on the world and win.

Carlton shook his head. “The dogs that my daughter continues to raise are big and strong,” he said. “No one ever said they were smart.”

Liam laughed softly. “He’s actually quite smart,” he said. “Sometimes, anyway. But he loves me and I love him, and I must thank Lady Cambria for the gift. She has no idea how much better that ridiculous dog has made my life.”

Carlton patted him on the shoulder in a gesture reminiscent of the days when Liam had been his squire.

Truth be told, Carlton was a mild-tempered man and he’d never raised his voice to Liam the entire time the lad had been his squire.

He’d always calmly instructed or calmly reprimanded him, but never a harsh word.

Harsh words came from Colm. But Liam had always appreciated the way Carlton had treated those in his command.

Like now.

It was a gesture of comfort.

“You will tell her soon enough,” Carlton said. “But you have had a long journey and I am sure you could use some rest. It cannot be easy telling men that the great William de Wolfe has passed away. He was fond of you, Liam. I know. He told me.”

Liam appeared pensive for a moment before he looked up at Carlton. “I will tell you a secret,” he said, eyeing Colm as he did so. “It must go no further. Will you swear this to me, both of you?”

“Of course,” Carlton said seriously. “What is it?”

“William de Wolfe was my grandfather.”

Colm’s eyebrows lifted in surprise as Carlton sighed faintly, perhaps with some genuine sympathy for the young knight who seemed to show a crack in his composure when he’d said that.

Something in his eyes flickered. The pain was there, a pain he’d had to keep hidden because few knew of his true relationship to William, but he’d felt comfortable enough with Carlton and Colm to let his guard down a little.

With men he’d served with years ago, men he trusted.

That kind of trust was rare.

“I know,” Carlton murmured. “Warenton confided in me on the night Cambria was brought to Folkingham. He only told me because he wished for there to be a betrothal between you and Cambria, so it was only fair that I knew why he wanted you, since I was to raise Cambria as my own.”

Liam didn’t seem particularly surprised to hear that Carlton had already known. As he’d said, given the fact that Liam was betrothed to his adopted daughter, it was only fair he know the extent of their relationship.

“Did he tell you why it is a secret well kept?” Liam asked after a moment.

Carlton nodded. “To protect your father’s mother,” he said. “Your grandmother’s reputation must be preserved.”

That was the truth. With a nod, perhaps one of grief for the man he could never publicly acknowledge as his grandfather, Liam tried to stand up but realized his legs were too weary to do so.

It was true that he’d traveled a great deal over the past few weeks, and this was honestly the first time he’d been able to let his guard down.

It was probably the first time since the passing of Warenton, because he’d been in command and control mode since then to relieve the family of any burdens.

But now… now, he could acknowledge his weariness, and it was great.

When Carlton saw him struggle to rise, he simply motioned him to stay in the chair.

“Rest here,” he said. “I will ensure that a room is prepared for you. Colm will make sure your men are settled. You brought quite a few with you.”

Liam leaned his head back against the high back of the chair. It was carved wood, and uncomfortable, but it didn’t matter. He was exhausted.

“One hundred and eighty,” he muttered. “They can camp outside the walls if you wish.”

“That is not necessary,” Colm said, moving past Carlton as he headed for the door. “I will clear a place in the bailey for them.”

“That is appreciated.”

Colm headed out. Carlton followed shortly, without another word, leaving Liam sitting in that stiff chair, wondering if he would ever rise again. His legs hurt, his buttocks and back hurt, and all he wanted to do was sleep.

His task was done.

Barely another minute passed before his soft snoring filled the chamber.