Igraine the Brave Read Free Page B

them is make trees blossom in winter and conjure up magical presents for your children!”
    “Ah. I see,” murmured Sir Lamorak. A little silver powder fell on his shoes as he ran his fingers through his hair.
    “Osmund’s castellan is offering the villagers bags full of gold to tell him about the defenses of your castle,” said Bertram. “And that spiky brute puts his sword to the throats of those who don’t take his gold and keep their mouths shut. He wants to know everything — whether the stone lions can do anything apart from roaring, how dangerous the snakes in the castle moat are, whether the gargoyles can really devour arrows and spit fire.” Bertram looked at Sir Lamorak with concern. “The people of the village like you, sir. You’re kind and generous, you’ve helped almost all of them at some time or other. But Osmund’s castellan knows how to frighten them!”
    “Those poor people,” said Melisande angrily. “Bertram, next time you’re in the village, would you be good enough to tell everyone they’re welcome to pass on all they know to that castellan? What can he discover that’s so important, anyway? And if this man Osmund really does attack us, then Lamorak and I will think up a few nice little magic surprises for him, won’t we, my love?”
    “Definitely,” said Sir Lamorak.
    “He will attack, Your Loveliness!” said Bertram, his voice husky with concern. “More soldiers are coming to Darkrock every day; heaven knows where Osmund finds them all. They’re streaming into the castle from all points of the compass, and his spiky castellan is bringing in horses, arms, and armor. As you know, the Baroness stored nothing but her barrels of mead in the prison tower, but Osmund is having the place fitted out as a dungeon again, and I’m afraid you’re meant to be his next guests in it.” Bertram shook his head. “Yes, I fear he’s going to come calling at Pimpernel Castle very soon, and it won’t be a friendly visit.”
    “Ah, well!” Sir Lamorak sighed, and his eyes wandered over the portraits of his ancestors. “Pimpernel has had unwelcome visitors many times before, and all of them wanted the Books of Magic. But the books are still here. No, I’m not worried. The Baroness’s disappearance is a far worse headache. As soon as Igraine’s birthday is over, I’ll ride to Darkrock and find out whether our old friend has really gone on pilgrimage. But thank you very much for telling us all this, Bertram. Will you stay for dinner? Good heavens, I believe we haven’t even had breakfast yet!”
    “Thank you very much, sir,” said Bertram, bowing to Igraine’s parents and then to her and Albert, “but I must get back before anyone notices my absence. Do be careful, and please take my warning seriously!” Then he turned and walked to the door with a heavy tread.
    “Wait a minute, Bertram!” cried Igraine, following him into the courtyard.
    “Pull the drawbridge up the moment I’ve left, Igraine,” Bertram told her. “Bar the gates, and keep well away from Darkrock while Osmund is lording it there! No fencing practice with the servants, no secret rides on Lancelot! And I’m afraid you and I won’t be able to meet for some time.”
    Igraine didn’t answer. She looked out of the gateway and to the east, to the place where the strange banner flew from the towers of Darkrock Castle.
    “Don’t you think it might be useful for someone to spy on that Osmund?” she said. “I mean, he wouldn’t know who I am!”
    “Don’t you dare!” Bertram picked up his reins. “I will personally throw you into the moat if I catch you at Darkrock. And I’ll never take you to a tournament like I promised! I’ve told you all there is to know about Darkrock at the moment, so enjoy your birthday, and pray for Osmund to die of indigestion before he can stretch his greedy fingers out to Pimpernel. Oh, yes,” he added, putting his hand into his saddlebag and bringing out a beautiful bridle,