Read Online The Skeleth by Matthew Jobin - Free Book Online Page A

decision, stepped forward to crown him. “Well, well—not wholly undeserved, I suppose.”
    â€œThank you, my lord.” Edmund was not sure whether, under the circumstances, he was supposed to bow, so he contented himself with a nod of the head.
    Lady Isabeau held forth the flower crown. Katherine curtsied and lowered herself down, only to find the crown jerked back before it touched her head.
    â€œWe will accept the boy, but not the girl.” Lady Isabeau turned back to the crowd. “Choose another.”
    â€œWhat?” Surprise forced sharp questions from Edmund. “Why not Katherine? What’s wrong?”
    â€œBy ancient custom, the king and queen of Harvestide must be chosen from the folk of our villages.” Lady Isabeau stepped away from Katherine. “This girl has no parents residing in the villages of Elverain, and since she is unmarried, that means she is without standing among you. She is a maid of this castle, and ward of my husband. She is no longer one of you. Choose another.”
    The folk of the barony muttered to one another, and even Lord Aelfric shot a bemused glance at his wife. Edmund felt sick, but there was nothing he could do.
    â€œThat’s better.” Lady Isabeau’s face broadened into a smile once the votes were called and Luilda had won. “What a goodly girl, this one. A fine wife and mother she will make to some townsman, a good example for the younger girls.”
    Luilda fairly skipped up to Katherine’s place. “Ooh, isn’t this fun?” She took Edmund’s hand. “Too bad you’re so short, but we’ll make it work!”
    Lady Isabeau crowned Luilda, then rounded on Katherine. “What are you doing still standing here? There are pots to wash—back to the scullery with you!”
    Edmund wanted to shout at the injustice, to cast a mighty spell, to walk right up to Lady Isabeau and clout her on the ear. Instead he stood helpless in his stupid, scratchy crown and watched Katherine hang her head low and scurry away.
    Lord Aelfric took the arm of his wife, and raised his wispy voice as loud as it would go. “My people, we shall now retire for the evening. Enjoy the plenty of our feast. Hail to the king and queen of Harvestide.”
    The lord and lady exited to the left, while the Harvestide king and queen ascended to the right. Edmund wanted to take off his crown and throw it at whichever snooty Northend boy thought his father had bought it for him. Luilda Twintree giggled and simpered on his arm, throwing winks across the hall at Lefric Green and blowing kisses to her family.
    â€œNow, sit here, right here, my boy.” Lord Wolland pattedthe seat of Lord Aelfric’s chair. “I want to hear all about your exploits. Beats talking about pigs all night!”
    Edmund led Luilda to Lady Isabeau’s chair. He drew it back, and bowed. “My queen.” He took Lord Aelfric’s seat and shot a furtive look along the table at Ellí, who continued to scribble in her books as though he were not present. Servants came and bowed before them and set out the next course of the feast, more sumptuous than anything Edmund had ever seen in his life—roast venison, goose in almond milk, and jellied eels sliced out in strips.
    â€œNow then, Your Grace, attend me over here.” Lord Wolland snapped his fingers. “You must tell me your tale! Is it indeed true that you traveled to the lair of the fabled Nethergrim?”
    Edmund felt the heat of many gazes from up and down the length of the high table. “It is true, my lord.”
    â€œHa!” said Lord Wolland. “And look at you! A nine days’ wonder. And what did you find there?”
    â€œThe Nethergrim, my lord.”
    â€œNot dead after all, eh?” Lord Wolland shot a knowing wink at his companions.
    Richard Redhands made sure his snort was heard by one and all. “You see, my lord? I have always said that old