Read Online Alas My Love by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online Page B

his childhood training.
    “Exactly. But man, being man, questions things quite naturally. To reason a matter seems a logical choice until another comes along and declares you a heretic for having no faith.”
    “A twisted matter to be sure.”
    “Alas,” Tancred said with a look of peace so clear upon his face that Devon could not doubt the truth of his statement. “ ’Tis more important that God has given peace to my soul.”
    Devon nodded, knowing that peace for himself. “Aye. ’Tis indeed most beneficial.”
    j
    In a small, unpretentious room, Richard found himself face to face with his king. Henry, in his surcoat of green and gold, entered the room and waived off the cleric who dogged his every step.
    “I have no need of you here, Man. Await me in the outer room,” the king spoke, and the man quickly responded to his command.
    “Richard!” Henry said with a heartiness he reserved for family. “ ’Tis good you are with us. There is a matter that I believe you will find much to your liking.”
    “You have always treated me generously,” Richard replied.
    “And you have served me faithfully. Therefore, I have brought you here this day to inform you of a particular matter. I am granting workers and monies to see an expansion of your harbor. You will soon have a fine place to receive goods and trade of all manner.”
    Richard stared in surprise. “I had no idea. I sought but a charter to give our town a fair each year. I had little reason to hope such a thing as this could be within my grasp.”
    Henry smiled benevolently upon the man who had once held residency with his own family after the death of his parents. “ ’Tis a generous act, for a good man.”
    “I am most humbly honored.”
    “There is yet another matter,” the king said, pleased with the announcement he was about to make. “I have had word that your brother’s ship safely entered our harbor yesterday. He and your wife’s brother are making their way north to Gavenshire. I release you to join them.”
    Richard’s face revealed his anticipation and pleasure at the news. “What of your men and the harbor plans?”
    “I will send them north within a fortnight. Give it no further concern for the time,” Henry replied, then lowered his voice as if to imply secrecy. “Richard, I know you seek the murderer of your father and mother. You have my leave to bring that person to justice. I pray you are successful, only make certain of the facts. A man’s life is now eleven years gone, and all because we rushed to judgment. I regret that deeply and beg God’s forgiveness.”
    “I, too,” Richard admitted to the pious king he so admired. “ ’Tis a lesson I’ll not soon forget.”
    “Aye,” Henry answered, nodding. His face seemed to change from the sobriety, however, in a flash. “Then be off with you, Man. They have a lead on you by more than a day’s ride.”
    Richard bowed, and then the matter of Helena came to mind.
    “Sire, there is a matter that I feel should be aired.”
    “Pray tell?”
    “I have taken a young woman into the protection and care of my castle. Her name is Helena, but she claims memory of nothing more. She is gentle born and clearly a lady.”
    “I see,” Henry said, thoughtfully stroking his chin. “No one knows of her origins?”
    “Nay,” Richard replied. “I sent out riders and they returned without a single word to encourage us. Helena says very little, but she is a kind and hearty soul. I gave her leave to remain with us, but thought you should be made aware of the matter. There is always the possibility that someone may seek her out, and should they begin their search here, you will already be aware of the circumstance.”
    “I will bear it in mind.”
    ❧
    The sound of riders caused Devon and Tancred to come to their feet. A heavy fog had just begun to cloud over the land, and what the darkness did not blot out, the misty whiteness did.
    “Who goes there?” Devon called out, his hand on