Chivalrous Read Free

conferring the honor upon you, although I assume there is another to which you hope to pledge your fealty.”
    Allen had not deemed himself ready to head off into the world, but if Sir Walter thought him worthy to be a knight, perhaps he should go now, before Timothy returned and the winter weather arrived. “I still long to head to North Britannia, m’lord. You of all people know that I’ve felt oddly drawn there ever since I learned about it. Do you truly believe there might be a place there for one such as me?”
    â€œNow that the political situation has stabilized, North Britannia has opened its borders, and as we assumed, it has continued in its quest to become a just and righteous dukedom after the tradition of Arthur’s Camelot. They say that any man of valor and pure heart might find his place there.”
    â€œAs much as things have improved in England as a whole, I still wish to be a part of such a quest. I cannot help but believe that God himself has placed such a strong desire in my heart.” Anticipation rushed over Allen.
    â€œI shall send you with a letter of introduction and give you my highest recommendation.”
    â€œYou are too kind, m’lord, but I would not wish to inconvenience you.”
    â€œâ€™Tis no bother. I am proud of you, my boy.” Lord Linden led the way around a turn in the path.
    The previously abandoned village, which had been a tangle of weeds, bushes, and decrepit huts a year earlier, now appeared neat, tidy, and bustling with life. At a distance he spotted Lady Merry, dressed in a lilac kirtle rather than the boy’s clothes she had worn to lead their forest raids. She sat on the steps of the manor home singing to little Wren, who cuddled upon her lap. Merry’s waving brown hair had grown from its previous short cut and now tossed in the breeze, accenting her striking features.
    â€œPlease do not tell them I plan to leave,” Allen said. “I would like to speak to Lady Merry first.”
    â€œI am certain your former mistress will support your decision.” Lord Linden seemed not to understand how close they had all become in the forest, nor how class divisions had melted away. And he most certainly did not know that Allen, born of the lowest class, had once kissed the noble Lady Merry on a tree branch.
    Allen’s cheeks warmed at the thought, but he hoped that any ruddiness would blend with the flush of the day’s earlier battle. “Yes, but I feel I should tell her before we make the news public.”
    â€œYou shall stay for the wedding, of course,” Lord Linden said.
    â€œI think not. I had best start out as soon as possible. It will take me several weeks to get there, and I should be well on my way before any early snows might block the mountain passages.”
    â€œYou have ample time, but I understand your eagerness. I had thought to save it as part of the wedding celebration, but I shall arrange for your knighthood ceremony a few days hence. An exciting adventure awaits you!”
    â€œThank you.” Allen hoped that Lord Linden was correct, for he was about to leave everything and everyone he held dear far behind.

    â€œYou shall never win at that pace!” Gwendolyn shouted over her shoulder as she raced Andromache through a rainbow field of wild flowers.
    Rosalind’s faint, “I’m trying,” was muffled against the rush of wind.
    Gwen thrilled at the exhilarating moment of freedom as she clutched her horse’s mane, leaning forward over her graceful white neck. Hovering weightless with each powerful stride, she felt as if she could fly.
    Together they dashed down a rolling hillside and crashed through a trickling stream. Droplets of frigid mountain water splashed against the bare skin of her forearm and speckled her tunic. They raced across her hidden jousting field, through a patch of trees, and up a rocky incline before pulling to a stop next to a small wooden