Read Online The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss - Free Book Online Page A

poor,” she retorted harshly as she examined the wound. “He could have spared me much a hand’s breadth over.”
    Wulfgar gave a snort. “Get on with it. I have much that needs my attention.”
    Nodding she fetched a bowl of hot water and seating herself again as she was, began to wash the open flesh. When all the blackened tissue and gouts of blood were removed, she brought the knife from the fire then noted that Sweyn picked up his ax and came to stand nearer. She met the Norseman’s calm, deliberate stare.
    Wulfgar grinned sardonically. “So that you will not be tempted to remedy the Saxon’s aim and spare yourself my company in bed.” He shrugged. “Sweyn’s own manhood is so often and mightily tested he would see mine preserved as well.”
    Aislinn turned cold, violet eyes to him. “And you, my lord?” she sneered. “Do you not wish for sons?”
    Wulfgar waved her question away wearily. “ ’Twould goad me less if there were no chance of that. Too many bastards are about these nights.”
    She smiled wryly. “ ’Twould do me no ill either, my lord.”
    She laid the glowing blade against the wound and drew it quickly down the length of it, sealing the flesh and burning away much of the poisoned part. Wulfgar made no sound as the sickening stench of scorched flesh choked the air, though his body jerked taut and his jaw tightened with his effort. This done, Aislinn rubbed the salve in and about the slash. She took from a plate on the hearth handfuls of moldy bread and, wetting it until it made a thick paste, packed it upon the wound then bound the whole tightly with clean strips of linen.
    Aislinn stood back and surveyed her work. “This should stay for three days untouched, then I will remove it. I would suggest a good night’s rest till then.”
    “It eases already,” Wulfgar murmured, a bit pale. “But I must be about or it will set and leave me lame.”
    Shrugging, Aislinn gathered her potions on the tray and would have left him but as she moved behind him to fetch other linens, she noticed a chaffed spot behind his shoulder that showed signs of the reddish color that bespoke of poisoning. She reached out to touch the place and Wulfgar twitched and turned to stare at her with just enough of a start showing on his face to make her laugh.
    “ ’Twill not need the searing, my lord. Just a small knife prick and a balm to sooth it,” she said and began to tend it.
    “My ears betray me.” He frowned. “I swear you vowed your vengeance would wait.”
    A knock on the door interrupted and Sweyn opened it to admit Kerwick with a load of Wulfgar’s belongings. Aislinn glanced up as her betrothed entered, but quickly bent her eyes to her labors and carefully kept them there lest she give a hint to Wulfgar, who watched the young man place the clothes and chest near the bed. Kerwick paused, and seeing Aislinn’s averted gaze, left without a word.
    “My bridle!” Wulfgar snorted. “Sweyn, take it back and see they do not bring the Hun to my chambers.”
    When the Norseman had closed the door behind him, Aislinn again took up her tray to leave.
    “One moment, damoiselle,” Wulfgar bade her.
    Aislinn turned to wait his leisure and watched with detached interest as he pulled himself from the seat and gingerly tested the leg. When he was assured of its strength, he pulled a shirt over his head and went to throw open the shutters. He turned then and gazed about the room in the new light.
    “This will be my chamber.” His tone of voice was distant. “See your mother’s things are moved and the room well cleaned.”
    “Pray tell, my lord,” Aislinn sneered at him. “Where shall I put them? In the sty with the other English swine?”
    “Where do you sleep?” he asked, giving no heed to her temper.
    “In my own chamber, unless I find it taken.”
    “Then place them there, Aislinn.” He looked directly into her flaring eyes. “You will have little need of it henceforth.”
    Aislinn blushed hotly