Lions and Legacies: The Scarlet Lioness

By Kefira Bar-Golani

Back at her home in Scandinavia, Scarlet is glad they are back and her family is once again whole but the memories of the past two springs haunt her day and night.
As she tries to make the best of her life as the formal Duchess of Agammar, Scarlet finds it might not be the life she wants after all. A banquet honoring her title proves her life as a warrior are not over and will change her life forever.
The sudden appearance of Elize, Henrys ward, the disturbing disappearance of a dear friend and the arrival of a former suitor leaves Scarlets mind in turmoil. But all that changes when she finds out why Hugh couldnt come to her banquet and as she returns to her brethren she comes across some discoveries that will force her into a path from which she might not return

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503581968

Kefira Bar-Golani

I've been writing stories ever since I was 13. It was my escape into a fantasy world from an otherwise unpleasant reality. It was my unique way of expressing my self and with an active imagination I came to realize I was really good at it. when I was 18, a young women who later became an inspiration told me I have to become an author, I have to publish my books! I didn't though. When I was 27 I had the biggest inspiration of my life - My son. As soon as I brought him home I knew I had to write again and publish my work. My son and I currently reside in silicon valley. My life can be quite exciting, I meet new people everyday, I balance a full time job and my family time but unlike my heroine - I have yet to find my Henry...

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Kefira Bar-Golani.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015910506

ISBN:            Hardcover      978-1-5035-8198-2

                      Softcover      978-1-5035-8197-5

                      eBook         978-1-5035-8196-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 11/24/2015

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Contents

Part I

Morgan Camber.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Part II

The Camber Brethren.

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Part III

Camber Hearts.

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Part IV

The Last Camber.

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Epilogue

Part I

Morgan Camber.

Ire-Scandinavia 1102-1122

With the rise of a new king and a new

Faith spreading through the land,

Many found themselves at war in

The name of a god.

Orphans of war became slaves or thieves.

Either one didn’t live long lives…

Chapter 1

I t was a winter morning and the chill on his nose woke the boy. He sat on his bed, or what was considered his bed which was in fact a pile of straw and hay under a cotton blanket, he moved the golden locks of hair from his face and yawned. He put his boots on, they were large on him and as he walked they nearly fell off. He walked out to the well through the tall snow covered trees and tossed the bucket into the narrow well, pulling the bucket of water up with a thick rope. It was heavier than usual and the boy pulled really hard to get it up, he held the bucket and placed it on the ground, it was full of water and bits of ice. He washed his dirty face and rubbed the water through his blond hair and looked at the woods in front of him, he saw a lone wolf walking around, looking for his next meal, the white wolf saw him but kept on walking. His heart thumped with fear and re lief.

Oy, boy! he heard a shout from behind him and nearly fell as he turned around quickly. A tall man stood there, his well-tailored tunic and pants were clean and made him stand out in the chill morning, but what got the boys attention was his stern face. Where is me water?! Hurry up! A turtle is faster than you! he walked back inside and the boy followed as fast as he could with the bucket of water. He walked through a short narrow hallway to the kitchen where the man sat at a wooden table, waiting for the boy to bring him the bucket of water, as it was place before him he place his hands in it and sighed. He then looked up at the blue eyed boy. You’re getting taller, Morgan, he said as he washed his face.

Yes, my lord, Morgan said quietly.

I’ll see if my brothers have some old clothes for you, the man said and leaned back as he wiped his face off with a piece of cloth. You’re a good kid, Morgan. But you should be more than grateful I found you and took you under my wing and gave you a warm bed in my home, Morgan looked at the corner room where his small bed made of hay was made up.

Yes, my lord, he said, lowering his head.

You will be a fine servant boy, he said and stood up, walking towards the door. Keep me pleased and you will never be a slave, he walked out. Leaving the boy in the center of the kitchen, he didn’t even notice the young woman standing in the corner.

Like being a slave is so much better than what we are, she said and he turned around to face her. She was a short woman with a slim figure and round cheeks but her biggest feature was the flaming red hair under her head cover. A few curls came down on her face and neck. Morgan walked up to her as she prepared food for their master. One day we will be our own masters, she said as she tossed a potato into the black pot.

When? he asked and she looked at him. Her face turned peaceful as she looked at him with her bright brown eyes.

When we learn to fight back, she said with a hint of anger in her voice. I should have gone with my sister to that British castle up north. Father says she was never happier…

Brogan isn’t so bad… Morgan said in a low voice and she looked at him with her big eyes.

You are so innocent… she said and rubbed his blond straight hair. You are a bright little lad. One day you will see the true colors of the world, she continued with her cooking and started humming a local song. Morgan sat with her and helped her prepare the food, listening to the humming and feeling the warmth of the small fire.

Brogan was in the front court when he called out for his servant boy, Morgan watched him fight another man in his guard with a big heavy sword. A small boy stood bear by and looked at him as well; Morgan walked over to the slightly taller boy and stood next to him as he watched the two men fight. Who do you think will win? the boy asked still looking at the fight.

Your father will, Morgan said. Brogan is good with the sword.

You are just saying that because you serve him, the boy laughed. Brogans opponent fell to the ground, leaving Brogan victorious.

I told you, Morgan said.

You are a clever boy, Brogan said as he heard their conversation. Cu’an, he looked at his son. Go get a fur coat; we will go out for a hunt soon.

Yes, father, Cu’an said and looked at Morgan for a few moments. Can my friend come?

Cu’an, my son, Brogan knelt in front of his son. Morgan is not your friend. He is our servant boy, he is here to take care of our every need, Morgan lowered his eyes as he heard that and stood silent.

But – Brogan knelt in front of his son and the boy fell silent.

Listen, my boy, there are two types of men in this world: the ones who rule and the ones who serve. Those who serve and those who rule will never be friends, Morgan held a tear from coming out. Our hunting trip will prove that to you, go get ready.

Yes, father, Cu’an said and his father walked back into the small castle. He looked at Morgan and smiled. You are my friend, he whispered to Morgan. No matter what my father says, you are my only friend, Morgan smiled and they walked in to the castle to prepare for the hunting trip.

They travelled through the snowy woods for two days and barely made a single hunt. Morgan walked behind Brogan, a large heavy quiver in both arms, Brogan placed an arrow on his bow and let it loose into the woods. A deer scattered by and vanished quickly. Cu’an stood next to him and pulled an arrow on his bow but could barely pull it all the way back. His father helped him pull the string a little further and the boy gave out a little whimper of pain as his arm stretched back and Morgan saw a little blood stain on the string as it dug into his small fingers.

It hurts, the boy said with pain.

Pain makes us men, Brogan said and when the string was pulled all the way they let the arrow go. It missed its mark, a small animal in the bushes ran away quickly but Brogan wasn’t mad. You will get it next time, Brogan said and looked at Morgan. Go fetch the arrows, boy, he commanded and Morgan ran into the woods, he didn’t even see brogan drawing an arrow and aiming at him.

What are you doing, papa? Cu’an asked with fear in his voice.

A man must know pain to become stronger, Brogan said. Is he your friend?

Papa, I –

Is he? tears came down the boys eyes as he looked at Morgan collecting the arrows, he grabbed his father leg and cried.

Please don’t kill him, please, Brogan pulled the string tighter but then relaxed his arm. He knelt by his son who was still sobbing.

Warriors have no friends, he said. And noble blood doesn’t mix with the common bastard, Cu’an looked up at his father. If we do not find hunting by tomorrow morning, he will be our hunting game, he said looking at Morgans he was looking for the second arrow.

Why?

Because you need to learn to hunt… and he needs to learn his place, Cu’an looked at Morgan and wiped his runny nose with the back of his hand…

At night they set up camp under the clear skies. Morgan lay on his back and tried to count the stars with his eyes but kept loosing count. A thud next to him broke his concentration as Cu’an lay next to him and counted the stars as well.

Does your father know you are not in your bed? Morgan asked.

He is sleeping, they both heard the loud snoring. Where is your father?

Dead, Morgan said and looked back up at the sky. Men came to our home and killed him with my mother.

Why?

I don’t know… they were laughing when they did it.

How did my father find you?

In a slave market.

He bought you?

Yes.

To be his servant boy.

Yes.

If he wouldn’t have found you what would you have done?

I don’t know, Cu’an looked at his snoring father and then back at Morgan with fear in his eyes.

You should run, he finally said.

What? Why?

My father said this is a hunting trip. If we don’t find animals to hunt we will hunt something else.

Like what?

Like you, Morgans eyes widened with fear and his hands started to shake. Father says I need to learn to hunt and you need to learn your place, Morgan sat up and saw Brogan turn to his other side, still snoring. Cu’an sat up as well and placed his hand on Morgans shoulders. You need to run.

What if we find more animals to hunt tomorrow?

What if we don’t? Please, Morgan… the little boy started to sob. You need to run, Morgan stood on his feet and wrapped a fur blanket around him. He looked down at the only friend he ever had and ran into the woods. He ran as fast as he could, through the darkness and the lightened part the moon hit. He ran even though he ran out of air, pausing by a tree here and there until he tripped and fell on a tree, his head hit it so hard he fell unconscious…

When he woke up he could feel the morning dew on his bare face along with some leaves that fell during the night. He wasn’t sure how long he was out but the morning sun rising told him it had been a while, along with a familiar voice in the distance, calling his name. He sat up and between the trees he saw Brogan and Cu’an walking around looking for him, quiver on his back and a bow ready in his hand, Brogan looked more like the animal he hunted with the look of anger in his eyes. Morgan his beneath the bushes and slowly crawled away. An arrow flew in his direction and just nearly missed him. He looked at the long thin arrow and heard footsteps approaching his way; he quickly crawled beneath a wide tree root and hid in the shadows. He could see Brogans tall figure arrive nearby above him and saw Cu’an looking around as well.

Oy, boy! Brogan called. Come on out from where ever you’re hiding! Morgan didn’t move. He saw Brogan draw another arrow and pull it against the string of his bow, moving it slowly around until he reached the tree and aimed for its roots, Morgan looked up at the shiny arrow head and his hands stopped shaking, fear was suddenly gone. If he were to die he could see his family again, was the only thought he had. A whistle flew by and the next thing he saw was a knife if Brogans hand. The big man screamed in pain and looked at his assailant. A tall figure under a dark long cape came closer to him, a long sword in his hand, Morgan saw him and for a moment thought he saw his own father coming to save him. He smiled in anticipation as the stranger removed his hood. He was an older man, a bit older than Brogan, his hair dirty from the road and his clothed had the smell of blood but he was not his father, Morgans heart sank with disappointment. You will be hanged for this! Brogan hissed and felt the tip of the man’s sword under his chin.

Death by hanging is not my preferred way to die… or kill, the man said with confidence. Hunting so early in the morning… he must have done something bad, Brogan didn’t answer. Or as a slave you just wanted to have some fun and kill him before breakfast.

No, I –

That wasn’t a question!

Do you know who you are talking to? I am the king’s man in –

Kings men don’t mean much to me unless they pay me well, the stranger said and came closer. I have met many kings in many lands; those who use slaves for hunting games didn’t live long if I was around.

I will make you pay –

I think you are the one who will pay! the man stepped closer and looked at Cu’an who stood still. But I wouldn’t dare take you away from your son… you may not be much of a father but blood is strong, he removed his sword from the man’s neck and stepped back. Now leave, before I change my mind.

Pray we don’t meet again, stranger, Brogan said as he walked away with Cu’an.

I was about to say the same, the warrior said and watch them vanish into the woods, Cu’an looked back as he followed his father, looking to see what would happen to Morgan.

After they vanished, the stranger helped Morgan climb out from under the tree roots. Morgan cleaned some spider webs from his face and hair and noticed the stranger look at him as he placed his sword back in the sheath on his belt. You are a brave lad, aren’t you? the tall man said. Not even one tear came out when you were cornered, Morgan stood there silently. What’s your name, son?

Morgan.

You are free now, Morgan, he turned to leave.

Where will I go now? Morgan asked and the stranger stopped.

Where ever you want, Morgan ran after him.

He will come looking for me.

Will he now?

Can I go with you to the nearest village? the stranger stopped and turned to look at him with a serious look on his face. I’ll find my way through there.

I don’t think that’s far enough, Morgan, the stranger knelt on one knee in front of him and looked into his eyes. You look like a strong one. How would you like a chance to be something better than a slave?

I was a servant boy.

A fancy word for a slave… what do you say?

Don’t we have enough children at home? they heard a loud voice and Morgan looked behind the stranger to see another big man approach, his eyes blue and narrow and his look pierced into Morgans soul as if he were to kill him.

You are right, the stranger said with a smile as he stood in front of his companion. Maybe I should have you go back to your wife so I’ll have one less child in my household…

Your household, bring as many children as you want, the man laughed and looked down at the boy. Can he fight?

We will see.

I hope he’s less of a menace then those twins you brought… bloody havoc those two create!

Twins? Morgan asked and fell silent when the blond man gave him another piercing look.

I like him, he finally said. He is easily scarred, he laughed and walked away to a nearby wagon.

Don’t mind Garik, son, the man said. He has… problems, the man chuckled to himself.

What problems?

Women problems.

What are women problems?

Having too many.

No such thing, they heard Garik laugh.

Just promise me one thing, boy, Hugh said,

Of course.

Don’t ever marry two women… or more, he looked over his shoulder to Garik. One of them is likely to kill you, Morgan caught Gariks piercing look and swallowed heavily.

Will he kill me? Morgan asked in a very low voice.

I hope not, the man said and helped Morgan up the wagon.

Just stay out of my way boy, Garik said and Hugh gave him a look that made him silent.

He respects you, Morgan said in a whisper.

People who know me know it’s best to do so.

Thank you for saving my life, I don’t even know your name, Morgan said and the warrior smiled.

I am Hugh. Hugh Camber.

Chapter 2

W hen Morgan woke up he was in warm room in a real bed. He sat up and looked around, rubbing his eyes to make sure he’s seeing things right. A loud voice scarred him and he looked around. The room was empty but the door was open. Another loud sound came to his ears, it sounded like metals clashing together with force, again and again. He looked out a narrow window and saw the warrior known as Garik fighting another man he never saw before. The door opened and a woman came in, she was one of the most beautiful women he had even seen, her dark hair came down her slender shoul ders.

Good morning, little one, she said with a smile as she carried a wood tray with a piece of bread and a small bowl of hot stew. He stood there frozen as he looked at her, she placed the small tray on the short bed and sat on a wooden stool. You slept for a long time, he looked at her silently and she smiled. You don’t talk much, do you?

I talk enough, Morgan said in a low voice and walked to the tray, sat in front of it on his bed and grabbed the bread. It was soon gone, and so was half of the stew.

Boys are always hungry, she said. I’m Jane, mistress of this home, she looked at him devour his food and barely look at her. You slept soundly through the journey, is what Hugh said… I am glad to have a new child in our home, although I did ask him for a girl… she smiled. Hugh told me your name is Morgan.

It is, he said as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and his sleeve. Should I get water?

What do you mean?

I always go out first thing in the morning to get water for my master.

Your master? Morgan, we are not your masters. We are you new clan, she smiled widely and saw the confusion in his eyes. You’ve been a slave for a long time haven’t you?

Ever since I can remember, Morgan said and met her green eyes. Rose said I was a little boy when Brogan brought me, after my parents were killed, Jane sighed.

Barbarians travel through lands and kill whatever they please… kill, or take, she looked down at some scars on her wrists. I was once a slave as well.

Really?

Many years ago when I was a young woman, she smiled and looked at him. I was a slave just like you, I was told I was a servant and that I should be grateful for the opportunity to serve a noble man… You are lucky you are a small boy and not a young woman.

Why?

Never mind, I’ve said too much, she stood up and reached her hand out to him. Come. I want to show you what we can make of you, he took her hand and followed her outside to the back of the castle. When he stepped into the sun he understood what the clashing metals were, the warrior known as Garik and another warrior of similar height were fighting each other.

Is that an enemy? Morgan asked.

That is Charles, Jane said with a laugh. We are all family here.

Why are they fighting?

This is the training area, she said when Garik was thrown down on his back in front of them.

Training area is no place for a woman, Charles said as he overheard her.

More so - Garik added as he stood up. There is no place for a woman in the training area. Women do not know how to use weapons!

Of course, Jane said with a smile and looked at Morgan. Garik and Charles will get you familiar with our life style, she rubbed his head and walked back into the castle.

You’re a scrawny looking one, Charles said as he looked down at Morgan. But looks like you have strong muscles, he felt his arm.

Slaves usually do, Garik muttered.

I wasn’t a slave, Morgan protested silently. Garik snorted and walked to the center of the training area, swinging his sword in fancy ways.

Let us resume, Charles, Garik said.

I didn’t know you were in a hurry to fall down again, Charles said and blocked Gariks attacks. Morgan watched them in fascination for most of the day and many days after that one…

Two springs have passed since Morgan found his new clan. When Garik was there he made sure to train him as much as possible but according to Garik, Morgan wasn’t learning fast enough. Hugh noticed that when he saw Morgan dragging himself through the woods after Garik who was on a horse while carrying two buckets full of water and a heavy sword on his back.

How long are you going to let him do that? Jane asked as she stood next to him on a small hill.

Morgan is a strong boy, he can handle it…

I was referring to Garik. He treats him like a slave, Hugh looked at her and then back at Morgan.

I trust Garik, He finally said and looked back at her. I shall return as soon as possible, he said and held her hand. It’s not too far and I am glad… I find it hard to stay away from you, she smiled. Her eyes shined as she looked at him, the wind playing with her big curls.

I will be here, she said and breathed in the fresh air. Don’t forget to bring me a gift, he smiled and looked around. When he was sure no one was looking he leaned in and kissed her lips gently.

I will bring you something special this time, he said and walked down the hill to his horse and rode off, his dark cape flying with the wind behind him as he vanished in the woods. Jane walked back to the stone building and as she did she saw Morgan on his knees, catching his breath. As he saw her he quickly got up and carried the water buckets to the castle.

Hugh left, hua? Garik said as he cleaned his sword, waiting for Morgan to arrive at the training area.

Indeed, she said and saw Morgan fall to his knees again, his arms shaking. It’s time for you to eat, Morgan, she said.

I’ll say when he can eat! Garik exclaimed.

Go along, Morgan, she said, ignoring Garik. Morgan smiled and left.

Any other woman would get a beating from me… Garik hissed.

Don’t you have something to take care of?

What? Oh, that… he said. So you want me to leave already…

The journey to the mountains is long, she said and walked up to him.

I suppose it is, he said in a low voice and chuckled. Dear mother, I could never treat you like I treat other women.

I am glad to hear that, she said.

And I am glad that you are the only woman in this household, he replied. I don’t think I could take one more of you under the same roof… might have to kill the other one.

Any other woman under this roof will be under my protection.

Arrgg, he exclaimed with fury.

You should leave now.

I don’t know if or when I will be back.

I know. Farewell, Garik, he gave her a smile.

Not the crooked one he usually has but a genuine one.

He placed the clean sword in the sheath on his belt and walked over to a black horse that waited for him by an old oak tree. Jane sighed and walked back inside through the small door of the small kitchen. Morgan sat at the small table and ate some bread.

You are the most well behaved boy that ever lived in this house, she said and sat in front of him, her arms on the table in front of her as she leaned forward. Your parents must have taught you well, he didn’t answer. She looked down at the bruises on his hands and then at his stained face. After you’re done we will go to the lake to get you cleaned up.

Yes, Mother, he said and she smiled proudly. Even though none of the boys in her household were her real sons, she treated them as if they were and most of them treated her as their mother. What about my training with Garik?

You won’t be training with him for a while. He has his own mission to do, she said. Charles and Junior will help you out.

And Hugh?

Hugh won’t be back for a while, she saw him finishing the last piece of bread. Now let’s go to the lake… your clothes aren’t going to clean themselves, he ran outside and she walked after him.

Hugh came back three seasons later towards the end of autumn and he didn’t come back alone. As he pulled the wagon full of rewards from his journey he came down and helped a little red headed girl off the wagon. Morgan was excited to see him and ran towards him to hug him and didn’t even notice the girl until a few moments later. After they unloaded the wagon, Morgan saw the little girl follow Hugh to his room t be introduced to Jane, he held the big barrel and his arms started to shake from the effort. Junior took the big barrel and Morgans arms relaxed.

Don’t ogle, he heard Junior say and Charles laughed. Maybe you will get your work done.

I think it’s almost time to tell him about women, Charles laughed.

Nah, we should let Garik give him that talk… he will never want to look at women ever again, he laughed and so did Charles. Morgan looked at them with a blank expression on his face.

Morgan went out to the wagon again and found a short pile of fur blankets. As he was about to take them he saw the little red girl run out into the woods. She was fast; her bare feet carried her swiftly across the green woods. He followed her carefully and saw her talking to the twins. Ax and Ox, as they called themselves; they were slightly older than him as they claimed and after two season he understood why Garik referred to them as menacing. Jane came and took Scarlet down to the stream and Morgan came to help the twins with the chopping of the wood.

She is different, Ox said.

She is a girl, said Ax.

Do you think they will keep her? Ox asked as he chopped a piece of wood in two almost equal slices.

What do you mean? Since when don’t they keep children? Morgan asked confused and looked at Scarlet and Jane as they sat afar.

Hugh had to find another home for that one boy… I forgot his name, said Ax as he swung his double-sided ax and hit another piece of wood.

What happened? Morgan asked.

The boy didn’t show the proper respect to the head of the house.

Hugh? Morgan asked and the twins laughed. What’s funny?

That you think Hugh is the head of this household, Ox said and looked at his twin. He probably thinks Garik is in charge around here too… Ax laughed out loud.

Well, isn’t he? Morgan asked and they laughed again.

He’s not so bright is he? Ox asked his twin brother.

Hey! Morgan exclaimed.

Welcome to the Camber clan, Ax said. The true leader of this clan will never be a man… he laughed and kept chopping.

Ire, 1114.

It was one of the coldest winters he had ever witnessed and it seemed that the snow went on for miles over the surface and covered most of the ground and the trees. His long knife in one hand and a short dagger in the other, he walked around, listening to the silence. Charles followed with a crossbow in his hand, ready to release the sharp arrow and following in the rear came Scarlet. The sword hanging on her back and a smaller crossbow in her hands, she looked around at the client woods, her green eyes scanning the ice and the snow that surrounded her. She stopped and looked to her right, Morgan saw her still and stopped as well and looked at the direction she was looking at.

Did you find him? Charles asked as they walked towards her but before she could answer he launched at her from between the trees, she leaped aside, her body pressed against the snow and she rolled over, never letting go of the crossbow. He stood up between her and her brothers, his angry face twitched and his sharp teeth were revealed as he roared.

That is one angry bear, Charles said and aimed his crossbow at him. The bear made his way to Scarlet who aimed the crossbow as well. Both she and Charles released their arrows and hit the bear but it barely stopped him. She tried to outrun him but he slashed hi mighty paw at her back and she flew in the air, hitting a tree and then falling to the snow that turned red with the drops of blood.

NO! Morgan yelled with rage as he lunched at the big, wild animal, waiving his sword and dagger fiercely. The bear smacked him and he was tossed aside just like Scarlet who lay still on the snow. Morgan looked at her and tried to move but then a darkness fell on him.

The next thing he knew he was in his warm bed in front of a small fire.