With a light touch of his hand, Wil took Frieda’s elbow and turned her to face him. The girl’s brown eyes were wide with anticipation, yet she quickly lowered them. Wil laid his forefinger under her chin and lifted it upward. “Frieda,” he said softly. “Oh, dear, beautiful Frieda …” The young man’s heart raced, and his limbs pulsed with vigor. He took her gently by the shoulders, and the feel of them, soft and firm in his grasp, made him want to pull her close.
At the gentle touch of Wil’s strong hands, Frieda’s body filled with warmth such as she had never known. The feeling was exhilarating, yet she wanted to melt away in his embrace. With a slight tremble she looked up into Wil’s face, and as he leaned close to hers, she closed her eyes and parted her lips.
When their lips touched, the world stopped. For a seeming eternity, Wil and Frieda were aware of nothing and none save each other.
“Frieda,” Wil finally breathed. “Frieda … you are the one true good that has come out of this cursed journey. I’ve oft wondered if Karl would still be with us if I’d chosen differently … but even so, I do not regret leaving m’hearth and home if it meant I might find you.”
Frieda was so overcome with emotion that she could not speak, but as she looked deeply into Wil’s eyes, the warmth and depth of her love were plainly written on her face.
“Ah, Frieda, say you won’t leave us when we reach Weyer.”
Frieda lowered her eyes in despair. “But, Wil, what place is there for me? I can’t wander about on my own forever. There is none left to me but my mother, and she is in Westphalia. I suppose I can return to the monastery … perhaps they would welcome me if I were to take the vows.”
“What!” Wil exploded. “You mustn’t! What would become of you? You simply cannot think of it.”
“What else can I do, Wil?”
For a long moment Wil was silent. As his thoughts tumbled violently, he could not shake the inexplicable fear coursing through him. The idea of Frieda taking vows to the Church was simply unacceptable. He had not thought of finding love when he set out on crusade—but then neither had he anticipated suffering and death such as he and his comrades had endured on their journey.
The trials of the past year had matured Wil considerably. Young though he still was, he was no longer the same foolish lad who denied those closest to him at the castle of Domodossola. The true nature of love had become clearer to the young man, helped in part by the discoveries he was making about his father. In his newfound wisdom, Wil recognized that denying his feelings now would cost him more than any man could afford.
How can I let her go? he asked himself. There is only one way….
“You must stay and become my wife!” declared Wil triumphantly.
Stunned, Frieda’s head shot up, and joy filled her face. “You wish me to … to marry you, Wil?”
“Aye, dearest, I would have no other. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” cried Frieda. “Oh, most assuredly yes!”
The next hour passed all too quickly for the couple. Together they walked hand in hand through the forest, dreaming and planning as their two destinies became intertwined. Finally, they returned to the clearing. Seeing the others nearby, Wil cried, “All gather!”
“The boy’s fidgeting like I’ve ne’er seen,” whispered Heinrich.
“And look at Frieda. She’s red as a beet!” Heinz giggled.
Wil waited impatiently until Pieter drew near. “Pieter, you once said this place is marked by love. Frieda has agreed to become my wife, and we do not wish to wait any longer than necessary. Would you … would you marry us here, now?”
The pilgrims stood mute and dumbstruck. Heinrich’s mouth dropped open, and Maria gasped.
“Did you hear me?” laughed Wil.
Pieter was suddenly weeping again. He raised his staff to heaven. “Deo gratias! Thanks be to God! Ja, ja, of course I will marry you … here and now if you wish!” The old fellow leapt into the air and tried to click his heels. Apparently, he hadn’t done that for quite some time, and he fell atop Solomon with a loud crash! Lying on the ground, he laughed heartily as the others congratulated the happy couple.
Heinrich beamed. He had secretly hoped for this very moment. They are so good for one another, he thought. She makes him feel free … I can see it in his eyes when she is near. And he makes her feel safe and treasured. Thanks be to God indeed. He turned his face toward heaven. Karl, lad, if you can see, be happy for them. And Emma, Lukas, Ingly, and Richard… this is a good day under the sun!
It was midafternoon when the joyous company gathered around the bride and groom. Frieda turned all heads with her radiant beauty. Maria had adorned the fair damsel in an array of wildflowers that the angels must surely have coveted. Atop her golden hair was set a ringlet of blue and white, and around her neck she wore a quick-woven wreath of green vines and yellow petals. The young woman stood pink faced and smiling, her beauty in full bloom despite the plain black dress she wore. Her happy eyes were moist with unshed tears, but her head was held high and her figure regal, bearing testimony to the proud lineage from which she came.