Read Online Silverhawk by Barbara Bettis - Free Book Online

of the past mattered now, and it stomped his way.
    “Ho, there!” Lord Osbert boomed. “Stable that animal before he does harm.” He stopped, gaze fixed on Nuit, then he glanced up.
    “I know you.” His sharp eyes bored into Giles, as if he sought a name.
    Henry had dismounted to stand behind Langley. “This is Sir Giles of Cambrai. He’s a friend from Normandy. I was certain you would welcome him.”
    “Yes, yes. Told him to return, didn’t I?” Lord Osbert grunted. “Healed right fast, I’d say. Giles of Cambrai?” He stopped as the name registered. His thick, gray brows slammed together. His fists clenched. “You’re the damned Silverhawk, are you? Never thought I’d clap eyes on you here in England.”
    “No,” Giles agreed with a solemn nod. “I’d lay odds you didn’t.”
    Langley motioned to Lord Henry. “Business to discuss. Come along. Stable that devil black,” he shouted over his shoulder
    The devil black’s lips rolled back. His low whicker sounded like a growl as he eyed a stable lad loping toward them. The youth stopped short, stumbling over his own feet. “I won’t take ’im,” he announced.
    Giles recognized the boy. Davy, whose brother had used a whip on Nuit. Giles stood in the stirrups to dismount, and the lad’s eyes widened in fear as he hopped back. “I’ll…I’ll…”
    Easing to the ground, Giles murmured, “I’ll take him in.”
    He glanced toward the keep and stopped short. Eyes squinted, he identified Emelin on the top step, forest green drenched in a sunbeam. The world smiled. Not a nun this day, by God. His heart stuttered; his body hardened.
    Perhaps he wasn’t too late after all.
    ****
    “Chauvere approaches.” The messenger’s shout rang.
    Emelin had started across the hall after the king’s man left, but the call brought her racing back to the door. Chauvere. Hope gave her step an unladylike bounce. Had Alyss come? Oh, to have a friend by her side at a time like this. But would Henry’s elder sister remember Emelin?
    And Emelin must remember to address him as Lord Henry, now. She forced her hands to fold properly at her waist, but she couldn’t prevent her fingers from twining in hope.
    She stepped outside to search the new group. She hadn’t seen Alyss for years. Five years to be exact. Her stomach fluttered in disappointment. Alyss surely must be wed by now and likely wouldn’t be here.
    From this distance she couldn’t identify any of the newcomers. But when the last lone rider entered, a ripple moved through the crowd. As he rode forward, a circle yawned around him.
    Rays from the setting sun gleamed in his dark hair. Emelin pressed a hand to her chest. Unable to make out his features, she still felt a tug of recognition. The way he sat his horse, the angle of his shoulders, the tilt of his head, all seemed familiar. It wasn’t Lord Henry. Emelin recognized Alyss’ older brother, who had dismounted beside a cart.
    Emelin descended the steps. The girl in the cart wasn’t Alyss. She was too young, and the hair was darker, curlier than Alyss’ had been. Was this Lord Henry’s wife? As the oxen halted, Emelin could see the girl’s merry smile, and she smiled in return.
    Perhaps I’ve found a friend.
    Lord Osbert followed close behind the cart. “My lady...” He raised his voice as he joined her. “Here is Lord Henry of Chauvere and his sister, Lady Evelynn. My lord, come along.” He barked orders as he turned away, and servants ran to unload the baggage wagon.
    Evelynn. The scamp of a baby sister who always trailed after Stephen and Henry. My, she had grown up. Emelin could see the family resemblance, especially in her eyes.
    After assisting his sister to alight, Lord Henry nodded to Emelin, then hurried after Osbert. The young lady smiled again and held out her hands.
    “My sister, Lady Alyss, sends you greetings and good wishes,” she said in a bright and easy manner. “Alyss just became a mother for the second time. Her husband