Read Online Word of Honor (Knights of Valor Book 1) by Lauren Linwood - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Lauren Linwood
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head rose.
“I shall
tell you how your brother died. ‘Twas not a hero’s death but a coward’s. He
betrayed king and country to our enemies.”
Geoffrey
took his time, setting the stage and painting the story of Barrett’s betrayal.
Part of him did so to allow Hardi to understand the events that unfolded. Yet a
part of him longed for keeping the boy as company. He judged he was a month
into his imprisonment, and already loneliness swallowed him whole.
When he
finished, horror was written across Hardi’s face. Even his posture became
defeated, knowing his brother had been executed as a traitor in front of the
Black Prince.
“Because
your father had been far from these events and only arrived with the Duke of
Lancaster and his army, your family is spared. Usually, a traitor’s lands and
title revert to the king whilst his family lives in shame and poverty.”
“I hated
him,” Hardi revealed. “Barrett. He was so mean to me. He was older and cruel,
never kind.” He gripped the bars, his knuckles turning white. “I’m glad you
discovered his treachery, Geoffrey.”
Just to
hear his name spoken aloud seemed like manna from Heaven above. And to
experience a glimmer of hope. This boy was on his side. He must carefully cultivate
their friendship.
“I hope
you’ll grow to be a better man than your brother or your father, Hardi.”
CHAPTER 11
KINWICK CASTLE—May, 1363
“Tilda, give
the king’s messenger food and drink. I shall read his missive and compose my
answer.”
Merryn left
the Great Hall and returned to their chamber. She still thought of this room as
theirs. The one night they’d spent as man and wife both haunted and tantalized
her after all this time.
She knew
what Edward’s letter would contain before she even broke the seal.
Ferand
insisted upon writing the king a month after Geoffrey disappeared. He wanted to
keep his liege informed. The king had visited Kinwick twice since then, both
times while on summer progress, with his full court in tow. He’d instantly
taken to Merryn, insisting she walk with him. Edward loved history, and she had
read and knew a great deal about it. They’d shared long discussions over
England’s past—and what he wanted for its future.
She broke
the seal and opened the missive, spreading it across the small table.
My dear
Lady Merryn—
I hope this
finds you in both good health and high spirits. I myself feel a few creaks in
my knees. I should, I suppose. ‘Tis not every day a man reaches two score and
ten as I have.
I write to
tell you that I shall return on summer progress Kinwick way and will stop to
call upon you. I bring with me a knight I should like you to meet. His name is
Sir Symond Benedict, and he has served me faithfully in my royal guard. You
might recall him from my last sojourn at your lovely estate.
‘Tis time,
my lady. I have not pressed you, knowing the sorrow you have been burdened with
and wanting to give you ample time to grieve. But I insist you make a marriage
and find some happiness for yourself. Almost seven years is a long time to
mourn a husband of one day. Symond would make a good partner to you. He is
courteous and respectful, and he has a good head on his shoulders—though I believe
you would be the more intelligent.
All I ask
is that you think upon it. We can discuss it together when I next see you.
I receive
excellent reports of the wonderful work you do at Kinwick. The wise decisions
you make. How your crops thrive. And of your healing hands. I may beg of you to
make me some of your special remedy that soothes the aching in my head from
time to time. I have run out of the last batch you so kindly provided me on my
last visit.
I shall
make my way to Kinwick next month, arriving in mid to late June. Till then, my
lady.
Merryn
pushed the parchment aside. She did remember Sir Symond. The one time Edward
had motioned him over for them
“I shall
tell you how your brother died. ‘Twas not a hero’s death but a coward’s. He
betrayed king and country to our enemies.”
Geoffrey
took his time, setting the stage and painting the story of Barrett’s betrayal.
Part of him did so to allow Hardi to understand the events that unfolded. Yet a
part of him longed for keeping the boy as company. He judged he was a month
into his imprisonment, and already loneliness swallowed him whole.
When he
finished, horror was written across Hardi’s face. Even his posture became
defeated, knowing his brother had been executed as a traitor in front of the
Black Prince.
“Because
your father had been far from these events and only arrived with the Duke of
Lancaster and his army, your family is spared. Usually, a traitor’s lands and
title revert to the king whilst his family lives in shame and poverty.”
“I hated
him,” Hardi revealed. “Barrett. He was so mean to me. He was older and cruel,
never kind.” He gripped the bars, his knuckles turning white. “I’m glad you
discovered his treachery, Geoffrey.”
Just to
hear his name spoken aloud seemed like manna from Heaven above. And to
experience a glimmer of hope. This boy was on his side. He must carefully cultivate
their friendship.
“I hope
you’ll grow to be a better man than your brother or your father, Hardi.”
CHAPTER 11
KINWICK CASTLE—May, 1363
“Tilda, give
the king’s messenger food and drink. I shall read his missive and compose my
answer.”
Merryn left
the Great Hall and returned to their chamber. She still thought of this room as
theirs. The one night they’d spent as man and wife both haunted and tantalized
her after all this time.
She knew
what Edward’s letter would contain before she even broke the seal.
Ferand
insisted upon writing the king a month after Geoffrey disappeared. He wanted to
keep his liege informed. The king had visited Kinwick twice since then, both
times while on summer progress, with his full court in tow. He’d instantly
taken to Merryn, insisting she walk with him. Edward loved history, and she had
read and knew a great deal about it. They’d shared long discussions over
England’s past—and what he wanted for its future.
She broke
the seal and opened the missive, spreading it across the small table.
My dear
Lady Merryn—
I hope this
finds you in both good health and high spirits. I myself feel a few creaks in
my knees. I should, I suppose. ‘Tis not every day a man reaches two score and
ten as I have.
I write to
tell you that I shall return on summer progress Kinwick way and will stop to
call upon you. I bring with me a knight I should like you to meet. His name is
Sir Symond Benedict, and he has served me faithfully in my royal guard. You
might recall him from my last sojourn at your lovely estate.
‘Tis time,
my lady. I have not pressed you, knowing the sorrow you have been burdened with
and wanting to give you ample time to grieve. But I insist you make a marriage
and find some happiness for yourself. Almost seven years is a long time to
mourn a husband of one day. Symond would make a good partner to you. He is
courteous and respectful, and he has a good head on his shoulders—though I believe
you would be the more intelligent.
All I ask
is that you think upon it. We can discuss it together when I next see you.
I receive
excellent reports of the wonderful work you do at Kinwick. The wise decisions
you make. How your crops thrive. And of your healing hands. I may beg of you to
make me some of your special remedy that soothes the aching in my head from
time to time. I have run out of the last batch you so kindly provided me on my
last visit.
I shall
make my way to Kinwick next month, arriving in mid to late June. Till then, my
lady.
Merryn
pushed the parchment aside. She did remember Sir Symond. The one time Edward
had motioned him over for them
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