Four days later, Roland and his little band had just crossed the same ford and entered the same Tuscan forest where they’d first encountered Ferractus, his sister, the Moorish Princess, Floripas and the deserters. During their initial passage, there hadn’t been time to notice or appreciate how gorgeous the Tuscan forest really was. Now, unrushed, they were able view and enjoy the lush beauty that surrounded them.
The undulating terrain over which they traveled was densely populated with ancient groves of Holm and Turkey Oaks interspersed with colorful stands of giant Beech trees. Throughout the varied groupings, huge Silver Fir and Black Fir trees dotted the varicolored and tightly knitted patchwork forest.
Up in front, Berenger was lost in conversation with Count Guyferros, recounting how he’d discovered and rescued the Moorish princess from certain ravishment and murder and how, due to the shortness of time, he’d had to send her back to her home unescorted.
Melesinda and Mitaine were riding abreast of one another a short distance on back. Their current location in the forest had prompted Melesinda to review with Mitaine, Roland’s encounter with the brigands and the parts they’d played in the rescue of Ferractus.
It was a beautiful day; the same as the three previous—not too warm or too cool and breezeless. The water rushing over the uneven rocks in the distant river created a muffled roar that sounded like a distant wind, high in the tops of the trees. As the little party rode along in the shade of the forest canopy, the footfall of their horse’s hooves on old leaves, strewn over the flagstone road made a soft, muffled, clomping sound. From time to time a forest jay’s call was all that broke the peaceful serenity.
Roland and Alda hadn’t really had much opportunity to truly get to know one another on the deeper levels, due mostly to the whirlwind nature of their romance. The two were, as one might expect, trailing the others at a fair distance; far enough to be safely out of earshot.
Roland had been teasing Alda. He loved listening to her melodic laughter. It seemed almost as if it were softly caressing his ears and he just couldn’t seem ever to get quite enough of its feel.
Practically out of breath now, she asked in a more serious tone of voice, “So dear, would you like to get married when we get back to Carcassonne?”
The question surprised Roland but was even more music to his ears. However, he felt obligated to at least remind her of her promise. “Wasn’t it you who said Archbishop Turpin was the only clergyman you’d allow to perform the ceremony?”
Alda reacted with a frustrated frown. Sighing, she replied, “Ah, me! That’s right! I almost forgot! We’ll have to wait ’til we get to Aachen.”
Roland really didn’t want to wait if he didn’t have to. Seeing the window of opportunity closing fast, he commented quickly in hopes he could change her mind. “I’d much prefer doing it sooner rather than later and wouldn’t fault you at all if you were to change your mind.”
Alda was thoughtful but resolute. “No! It has to be the archbishop!” There was a short silence as she paused, then added mischievously, “You’re just going to have to wait a little longer to discover what I’m really all about!”
Her comment seemed almost that of a temptress. Roland felt the heat pass through him and didn’t think at all about the words that followed from his lips. He was simply reacting. “I don’t know if I can wait much longer to see and hold your naked beauty in my arms.”
Alda was shocked and blushed. But she was pleased to know he lusted after her all the same. “Roland!” she scolded, “That’s no way for a knight errant to express himself to his lady fair!”
He remained unapologetic. “Why not? At this moment, I have no other choice but to imagine what a perfect work of art; no, what a masterpiece of heaven your body is! And I have no shame in admitting, that watching you move every day makes me stiffen like a pillar of stone from head to toe. Your body inspires as much lust in my spirit as your face does love in my heart!”
Alda’s face couldn’t get any redder. The blood pulsed in her temples and roared in her ears. She was feeling dizzy. Fearing she might faint from his words she grabbed the saddle’s arcon with her free hand and held it tight.
“Roland, stop it! You mustn’t talk like that to me ’til after we’re married and can do something about it! I’m terrified as it is that I won’t be able to stand much more of the erotic nuance your words insinuate!”
Roland smiled and couldn’t resist teasing her once more. “My dear, you started it! I’ll quit now. But there’s just one more thing I need to ask.”
Alda was suspicious but receptive. “Go ahead.”
Roland grinned the naughty grin of a little school boy. “You mean you think about being naked in bed with me too?”
Alda was simply fit to be tied but at the same time, she felt cornered and compelled to give an honest answer. “I admit your suggestive words lead me into thoughts that drive me wild with passion and desire for you! So please, show me some consideration and a modicum of restraint, and keep your thoughts on the subject, at least for now, to yourself.”
Roland laughed. “I’ll try. But I can’t promise. Being around and close to you constantly every day, yet unable to sleep with you and hold you in my arms at night, is torture. I’m resisting you with all my might. Still, because it’s you who’s the object of my desire, I can’t guarantee I still won’t be overcome and break down. So, no promises. We both know that a promise, once made by a knight, can never be broken. If that ever happened, I’d forfeit the love, trust and respect of the one I love most forever.”
He paused to accentuate his point. “That’s you, my love.”
Alda felt her heart melting all over again. “Darling, I won’t argue the point. I’m no match for you with words where reason is concerned. Therefore, lust after me and I’ll understand you can’t help it and forgive you.” She waited for a response. When none came, she added a post script. “And I’ll provide you with what little comfort I may.”