Exile's Return Read Free Page A

of youth.
    In the long years that had followed, he had often wondered what had become of them, the men that he had called the Guardians of the Crown. In his mind they all lay dead on that field of battle.
    If Longley still lived, then maybe there was hope for Kit?
    Daniel swallowed. ‘A lifetime ago, my Lord,’ he replied hoarsely.
    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the King glance at Hyde. Whatever private message passed between them, Hyde acknowledged it with a slight inclination of his head.
    The King straightened in his chair. ‘You are welcome, Lovell. Welcome to my court and, God willing, soon to be welcome in a peaceful England.’
    Daniel’s lips curled. ‘I am not so certain of the last sentiment, Your Majesty. As you pointed out, there will be some in London who would like to see me hanged for my alleged crimes.’
    â€˜They’ll have to catch you first, my friend, and it seems you have your brother’s aptitude for evasion. Longley,’ the King indicated the dapper Viscount. ‘Take our friend Lovell and introduce him to the joys of this town. They do good ale, but not much else I am afraid, Lovell.’
    Dismissed, Daniel bowed and left the room, his question unanswered.
    ***
    â€˜Tell me, Lovell, why have you come back now?’ Longley asked as a greasy and ill-tempered pot boy slammed down their ales, slopping most of it on to the table.
    Daniel looked around the crowded taproom. A haze of tobacco smoke hung in the air, tinged with smoke from the huge fire that burned at one end of the room. A fug of unwashed bodies and boiled cabbage completed the picture. He could not have been further from the dens of Fort Royal in Martinique, and it felt good.
    He took a draught of the excellent ale and considered his reply.
    â€˜As I said, Cromwell’s dead. His son is fled to the Continent. The time is right for the King to return.’ He paused. ‘For us all to return. How many years has it been since you were last in England?’
    Longley sighed. ‘I’ve not been back since my own escape from Worcester. Is it really eight years?’ He took a swig from his tankard, brushing foam from his well-groomed moustache. ‘I long to return, but it is not quite so simple, my impetuous friend. We must see the King legally restored by the will of the people. Until such time we continue to bide here. Exile teaches you patience.’
    Daniel smiled. ‘Patience has never been one of my virtues, my lord. I have paid my dues and I am no longer a raw youth hungry for his first taste of battle. The simple fact is, I want to go home.’
    Giles studied him for a long moment. ‘Longley will do … and no, you’re not a raw youth. I can only guess at what you have endured over the last eight years. But why would you risk going back now? Why not wait?’
    The questions surprised Daniel. It had not occurred to him to kick his heels within plain sight of England.
    He considered his response. ‘Let me just say I have some unfinished business.’
    â€˜Ah,’ Longley’s moustache twitched. ‘I can only guess at what that means.’
    Daniel studied the older man. ‘I saw my father murdered in cold blood on the step of his own home, my lord. I cannot forget. I intend to find the man who gave that order.’
    Longley’s mouth tightened and he set his beer down on the sticky table. ‘I counsel you now. The King does not want to see more blood spilled. If there is to be any reckoning, it will be at his hand. Who is the man you seek?’
    Daniel shook his head. ‘It is none of your concern, my lord. I came here seeking news of my brother, no other reason. No one has yet provided me with an answer.’
    Longley’s fingers beat a tattoo on the worn and stained tabletop. He sighed heavily. ‘I am sorry it falls to me to break the news, but your brother is dead.’
    Daniel had long since learned to school his