WolfeStrike (de Wolfe Pack Generations Book 2) Read online

  WOLFESTRIKE

  A Medieval Romance

  By Kathryn Le Veque

  De Wolfe Pack Generations

  © Copyright 2020 by Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc.

  Kindle Edition

  Text by Kathryn Le Veque

  Cover by Kim Killion

  Edited by Scott Moreland

  Reproduction of any kind except where it pertains to short quotes in relation to advertising or promotion is strictly prohibited.

  All Rights Reserved.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  License Notes:

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook, once purchased, may not be re-sold. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it or borrow it, or it was not purchased for you and given as a gift for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. If this book was purchased on an unauthorized platform, then it is a pirated and/or unauthorized copy and violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Do not purchase or accept pirated copies. Thank you for respecting the author’s hard work.

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  Author’s Notes

  The de Wolfe Pack just keeps getting bigger and bigger…

  Just when I think it’s getting “too” big, I notice that some authors have a 50-book series, so then I think I’m falling behind! But seriously, I love the de Wolfe Pack as much as anyone and probably more, so I’m always excited to write about another de Wolfe.

  Now, it’s Thomas’ turn!

  Or “Tor” as he is now known. You’ll find out why in the novel. You’ll also find out that his father is the only one who still calls him “Tommy”. This is Scott de Wolfe’s second son, whose mother was Athena. She tragically drowned with her sister and a few children several years before this novel (read ShadowWolfe and DarkWolfe for this background), and Tor grew up looking more like Paris’ side of the family than William’s. He’s very big, fair, with auburn hair that started going gray early, as many redheads do. It made his hair more of a strawberry blond. He’s a big, gentle giant, a personality more like his grandmother, Caladora, than his grandfather, Paris – or William or even Jordan. Tor is the strong, silent type.

  Until he meets Isalyn.

  Fun fact about the heroine’s family – you’re going to meet Isalyn de Featherstone, a very unique young woman, and the de Featherstone – or de Featherstonehaugh family – really did exist. There really was a manse in the location I describe, so this is a bit of fact mixing with fiction. Currently, there is a building still residing on the spot where the Featherstone manse was built, but it has gone through many iterations over the centuries. The entire area near Featherstone and Blackpool (a new de Wolfe castle) was known for heavy Roman occupation. Hadrian’s Wall isn’t far from Featherstone, in fact. The history of that part of England is rich.

  Speaking of double-named characters, we’ve got another set here – two knights with the name Nathaniel. One is Nathaniel Hage, named after Jemma’s father, and the other is Nathaniel de Wolfe, son of Scott and Avrielle, and named after Avrielle’s first husband, Nathaniel du Rennic. It’s a common enough name in any case but, in this book, I’ve got both Nathaniel characters in the same scene, same place, so I have differentiated them by calling Nathaniel Hage “Nat” – and Nathaniel de Wolfe “Nathaniel”. That’s how you can keep track. I also have Thomas de Wolfe and Thomas “Tor” de Wolfe in the same scenes – both named for the same man, Jordan’s father, but you can tell them apart easily.

  Some of this story deals with plays, or “dramas” as they were once called. Back in Medieval times, these plays were heavily controlled by the church and almost always had a biblical source or inspiration. Usually, they were performed on wagons that could travel from town to town. Dramas were not, however, the preferred mode of entertainment – music and troubadours far exceeded the demand of that kind of entertainment, as did outdoor games like archery and falconry. Medieval people found their entertainment in things other than plays but, in this tale, I address “dramas” as kind of a less popular, rare type of entertainment. Just know that it wasn’t the norm.

  There is also something to note – the women really run the show in this story. They are fearless! Isabella de Wolfe, daughter of Blayth, is the granddaughter of Jemma Hage. Enough said there. Isalyn, the heroine, is the granddaughter of Christian St. John and Gaithlin de Gare from The Warrior Poet, and she is also quite bold and fearless – she got it from her grandmother, a female warrior.

  This is a complex tale with a lot of twists and turns, but you’re going to love the subtle humor and sweet love story. Uncle Blayth de Wolfe plays a big part in this – and I’m always up for including the de Wolfe who lived among the dragons. And in speaking of Blayth, watch for the mention of a scene from the novel BlackWolfe towards the end – one of my favorite scenes of all time.

  With that – I hope you enjoy Tor and Isalyn’s tale!

  Hugs,

  The parents, children, and grandchildren of de Wolfe

  (Note: Don’t be intimidated by these family trees – skip over them if you wish and then refer back to them if you need clarification on a relationship)

  William (deceased 1296 A.D.) and Jordan Scott de Wolfe

  Total children: 10

  Total grandchildren: 75 (including 4 deceased, 7 adopted, 3 stepgrandchildren)

  Scott (Troy’s twin) – (Wife #1 Lady Athena de Norville, has issue. Wife #2 Lady Avrielle Huntley du Rennic, has issue)

  With Athena

  • William (married Lily de Lohr, has issue.)

  • Thomas “Tor”

  • Andrew (deceased)

  • Beatrice (deceased)

  With Avrielle

  • Sophia (with Nathaniel du Rennic)

  • Stephen (with Nathaniel du Rennic)

  • Sorcha (with Nathaniel du Rennic)

  • Jeremy

  • Nathaniel

  • Alexander

  • Seraphina

  • Jordan

  Troy (Scott’s twin) – (Wife #1 Lady Helene de Norville, has issue. Wife #2 Lady Rhoswyn Kerr, has issue)

  With Helene

  • Andreas

  • Acacia (deceased)

  • Arista (deceased)

  With Rhoswyn

  • Gareth

  • Corey

  • Reed

  • Tavin

  • Tristan

  • Elsbeth

  • Madeleine

  Patrick – (Married to Lady Brighton de Favereux, has issue)

  • Markus

  • Cassius

  • Magnus

  • Titus

  • Thora

  • Kristiana

  James – (Wife #1 Lady Rose Hage, has issue. Wife #2 Asmara ap Cader, has issue)

  With Rose

  • Ronan

  • Isabella

  With Asmara (as Blayth)

  • Maddoc

  • Bowen

  • Caius

  • Garreth (known as Garr)

  Katheryn (James’ twin) – (
Married to Sir Alec Hage, has issue)

  • Edward

  • Axel

  • Christoph

  • Kieran

  • Christian

  Evelyn – (Married to Sir Hector de Norville, has issue)

  • Atreus

  • Hermes

  • Lisbet

  • Adele

  • Aline

  • Lesander (goes by Zander)

  Baby de Wolfe – (Died same day. Christened Madeleine)

  Edward – (Married to Lady Cassiopeia de Norville, has issue)

  • Helene

  • Phoebe

  • Hestia

  • Asteria

  • Leonidas

  • Dorian

  • Dayne

  • Stephan

  • Pallas

  Thomas – (Married to Lady Maitland “Mae” de Ryes Bowlin, has issue)

  • Artus (adopted)

  • Nora (adopted)

  • Phin (adopted)

  • Marybelle (adopted)

  • Renard & Roland (adopted)

  • Dyana (adopted)

  • Alexander

  • Cabot

  • Matthew

  • Wade

  • Tacey

  • Morgan

  Penelope – (Married to Bhrodi de Shera, Earl of Coventry, hereditary King of Anglesey)

  • William

  • Perri

  • Bowen

  • Dai

  • Catrin

  • Morgana

  • Maddock

  • Anthea

  • Talan

  Holdings and Titles of the House of de Wolfe and close allies as of 1300 A.D.

  Scott de Wolfe – Earl of Warenton (Heir: William “Will” de Wolfe, Lord Killham)

  Troy de Wolfe – Lord Braemoor (Heir: Andreas de Wolfe)

  Patrick de Wolfe – Earl of Berwick (Heir: Markus de Wolfe, Lord Ravensdowne)

  Blayth (James) de Wolfe – Baron Sydenham (Heir: Ronan de Wolfe)

  Edward de Wolfe – Baron Kentmere (Heir: Leonidas de Wolfe)

  Thomas de Wolfe – Earl of Northumbria (Heir: Alexander de Wolfe, Lord Easington)

  Wark Castle (Wolfe’s Eye):

  Larger outpost for the Earl of Warenton. Literally sits on the border between England and Scotland.

  • Titus de Wolfe (son of Patrick de Wolfe), commander

  • Ronan de Wolfe (son of Blayth/James de Wolfe)

  Berwick Castle (Wolfe’s Teeth):

  Massive border castle, strategically important, de Wolfe holding and seat of the Earl of Berwick, Patrick de Wolfe

  • Alec Hage, commander

  • Edward “Eddie” Hage, commander

  • Hermes de Norville, second

  Castle Questing (Wolfe’s Heart):

  Massive fortress, seat of the Earl of Warenton, Scott de Wolfe.

  • Apollo de Norville, second

  • Nathaniel Hage

  • Owen le Mon

  Rule Water Castle (Wolfe’s Lair):

  The largest outpost in the de Wolfe empire, known as The Lair. Seat of William “Will” de Wolfe, Viscount Kilham, heir apparent to the Earldom of Warenton.

  • Magnus de Wolfe, second

  • Adonis de Norville, second

  • Perri de Shera, son of the Earl of Coventry and Penelope de Wolfe de Shera (squire)

  Monteviot Tower (Wolfe’s Shield):

  Smaller outpost in Scotland, strategic. Holding of Troy de Wolfe.

  • Andreas de Wolfe, commander

  Kale Water Castle (Wolfe’s Den):

  Larger outpost on the England side of the border, strategic.

  • Troy de Wolfe, Lord Braemoor, commander

  • Troy also commands Sibbald’s Hold, former home of Red Keith Kerr (his wife’s father). A minor property commanded by son Garreth de Wolfe.

  Kyloe Castle (Wolfe’s Howl):

  Seat of the Earl of Northumbria, Thomas de Wolfe

  • Christoph Hage, second

  Roxburgh Castle (Wolfe’s Claw – unofficially)*

  Large royal-held castle near Kelso, formerly manned by knights from Northwood, but awarded to the House of de Wolfe by royal decree for meritorious service to the crown. Volatile location, often attacked by Scots, and is manned by both royal and de Wolfe troops.

  • Blayth (James) de Wolfe, Lord Sydenham, commander

  • Axel Hage, second

  *Note: Because of the extreme volatile location and nature of this garrison, Blayth (James) de Wolfe was given the title Lord Sydenham and the Sydenham Barony, a small but strategic barony between Wark Castle and the town of Kelso.

  Blackpool Castle (acquired by Scott de Wolfe around 1300 A.D.) known as Wolfe’s Strike:

  • Thomas “Tor” de Wolfe, commander

  • Christian Hage, second

  Northwood Castle:

  Massive border castle, very important and strategic. Belonging to the Earls of Teviot. Not part of the de Wolfe empire, but strongly allied to de Wolfe by marriage and blood. The Earl of Teviot is John Adrian de Longley, Adam de Longley’s eldest son. Adrian’s mother is Cayetana Fernanda Teresita Silva y Fausto de Longley, Princess of Aragon.

  • Hector de Norville, captain of the guard (also Lord Bowmont)

  • Atreus de Norville, second

  • Tobias de Bocage, second

  Edenburn Tower (House of de Norville):

  Smaller tower on the southern end of de Wolfe properties belonging to the House of de Norville. Owned and commanded by Alec Hage

  Castle Canaan (Kendal) Wolfe’s Bite:

  The Earl of Warenton’s southernmost holding, not directly related to the Scottish border but a source of additional troops if needed. Inherited the property when he married the widow of Castle Canaan.

  • Stephan du Rennic, commander

  Seven Gates Castle (Kendal):

  • Seat of Edward de Wolfe’s Barony – Kentmere in Kendal that adjoins brother Scott’s lands at Castle Canaan

  • Isleworth House, Surrey

  Cheswick Castle (Northumberland) Wolfe’s Roar:

  • Seat of Markus de Wolfe, Lord Ravensdowne, heir to Berwick earldom

  • Also included in this alliance is Trastamara Castle, home of Markus’ stepson, Atlas de Abril (formerly Atlas de Sauque) and wife Caria de Wolfe de Abril.

  De Wolfe Pack Generations

  The grandsons of William de Wolfe are referred to as “The de Wolfe Cubs”. There are more than forty of them, both biological and adopted, and each young man is sworn to his powerful and rich legacy. When each grandson comes of age and is knighted, he tattoos the de Wolfe standard onto some part of his body. It is a rite of passage and it is that mark that links these young men together more than blood.

  More than brotherhood.

  It is the de Wolfe birthright.

  The de Wolfe Pack standard is meant to be worn with honor, with pride, and with resilience, for there is no more recognizable standard in Medieval England. To shame the Pack is to have the tattoo removed, never to be regained.

  This is their world.

  Welcome to the Cub Generation.

  De Wolfe Motto: Fortis in arduis

  Strength in times of trouble

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Author’s Notes

  The parents, children, and grandchildren of de Wolfe

  Holdings and Titles of the House of de Wolfe and close allies as of 1300 A.D.

  De Wolfe Pack Generations

  Prologue

  The Hunting Party

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen
>
  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Epilogue

  Kathryn Le Veque Novels

  About Kathryn Le Veque

  PROLOGUE

  Year of Our Lord 1284

  August

  Lioncross Abbey Castle, The Welsh Marches

  It was dawn.

  From the rains the previous night, the fields were green but the road was muddy, thick and uneven, like a puddle of congealed gravy. It made for difficult travel as the two-thousand-man army from Lioncross Abbey Castle returned from a nasty battle for control of Goodrich Castle, several days’ journey to the south. The English held it, a local Welsh lord wanted it, and the Lord of Goodrich had called upon most of his allies, including the mighty House of de Lohr.

  It hadn’t been a long campaign as far as campaigns went. They’d been on longer, but this one had been particularly brutal because of the Welsh tactics. They didn’t want to give up Goodrich and the English had to beat them back repeatedly. But in the end, the banner of William de Valence, Lord of Goodrich and half-brother to the king, flew proudly alongside the de Lohr blue lion standard.

  The battle, for now, had been won.

  But it was a battle that had taken a toll on the knights of de Lohr. William de Lohr, son of Chris de Lohr and the great-grandson of the great Defender of the Realm, Christopher de Lohr, had sent out most of his knights to answer the call of service. Those who rode out were some of the most elite knights on the Marches – his own sons, Curt and Lucas, were leading the army along with Jorden de Russe, a mountain of a man from the legendary de Russe family, Rhun du Bois, son of Maddoc du Bois, and perhaps the best knight out of all of them, Thomas “Tor” de Wolfe.

  Though it was an impressive group, the toll on their strengths and spirits had been substantial.

  The men from Lioncross Abbey been gone almost three months to Goodrich, long enough so that the Welsh grew weary of fighting and of losing good men, and three months away from home was a very long time for them. All of the knights had families, including Tor, who was expecting his first child with his wife, Jane.