The Shattered Rose Page 0,2

fiercely when he had to, but he agonized over each death, particularly over the deaths of innocents.

In Jerusalem, even the children had fought. And died....

Again he pushed such thoughts out of his head. They did no good, no good at all.

Raoul ate when he was hungry, drank when he was thirsty, and used women when he felt the need. He reminded Galeran to eat and drink, and teased him about his celibacy. "Everyone knows it's harmful for a man to store his seed," he had argued.

"Monks survive."

"God gives them a special blessing."

"Then I'd think God would give the same blessing to crusaders."

"But we're not pledged to celibacy. God knows it would weaken us."

"Are you saying I'm weak?"

Raoul had laughed, for, shorter and lighter, Galeran could often beat him in armed combat. At wrestling Raoul had the edge, but Galeran could still hold his own.

Raoul was another of God's blessings. They'd met in the service of Duke Robert and, despite their different natures, instantly taken to each other.

The unlikely friendship had saved Galeran's sanity, and probably his life.

Born and raised in the balmy lands of southern France, Raoul had taken the cross for adventure, not blessings. As far as Galeran could tell, he'd found no spiritual meaning in visiting the land where Christ once walked. When they'd liberated Bethlehem, Raoul had not knelt on the ground, but looked around at the small houses cluttered with poultry, goats, and grubby children and remarked that he'd expected the Lord's birthplace to be somewhat grander.

Having seen that Jerusalem, too, was just a city, Raoul had been happy enough to return to Europe. It was clear, however, that his main purpose in returning so quickly was to take care of his friend.

Perhaps out of guilt.

At the end of the taking of Jerusalem, finally revolted by the slaughter, Galeran had tried to defend a bunch of boys from a group of German knights. The children had been armed only with sticks and slingshots, but they'd been dangerous nevertheless, fighting with the same ferocity as their fathers. It was sensible to kill them, insane to get involved, but Galeran had been ready to die there by their side.

Raoul had stopped him, knocking him senseless and dragging him away. It had taken days for him to get his wits back, so it wasn't surprising that Raoul had been concerned. Sometimes Galeran thought that he'd not wanted to get his wits back and remember those children. . . .

Any ill effects of the blow had worn off long since, but Raoul was being proved right about the lust. If the horses could go without rest, Galeran would never stop, and he never ate without prompting. He shook his head and instructed himself to be sensible. Getting lost in heated daydreams was more likely to delay his arrival than speed it.

He tightened his horse's girth and checked the dun gelding. He'd not taken time to seek out ideal horses* but this one seemed to be fair enough.

Satisfied, he mounted and pulled up his coif.

Raoul rode over to his side, tawny hair still uncovered. "Do you expect trouble here? There's been no sign of unrest."

Galeran shrugged and pushed the chain hood back again. "I suppose not, though King William does not keep an orderly realm, and we're close to the Scottish lands."

Raoul scanned the area. Here by the river, trees softened the landscape, but to the west and north lay sweeping moorland made sullen by the cloudy day. "It's hard to imagine anyone wanting this place. "You warned me, my friend, but I didn't expect something quite so ... bleak."

"I gather it was somewhat less bleak before it was fought over in 'sixty- eight."

Raoul grimaced. "I don't think fighting caused the climate."

Galeran laughed. "I suppose not. The sun does shine sometimes, I promise." He urged his horse up the slope to the road. "And you're right.

We're safe enough. If the Scots were bold enough to raid hereabouts, my father and brothers would drive them back with their tails between their legs."

Raoul joined him, and they went forward at a walk to ease the horses.

"Your father's castle is close by our road?"

"Yes."

"That's good. We can get a proper meal."

"Do you think of nothing but food?"

"Someone has to."

"Well, hungry or not, we ride by."

Raoul stared at him. "After two years abroad?"

"I can hardly stop, gobble a hunk of beef, and leave, can I? And I intend to be home today. I'll do the happy family reunion another time."

After a moment, Raoul said, "Have