Midnight Magic Read Free Page B

vouches for him, and I doubt any knight is slow-witted enough to challenge an entire garrison. I say we allow him inside.”
    Sedwick hesitated a moment more before tossing up a hand, signaling the guards to lower the drawbridge. The winches groaned and chains clanged as the heavy door of wide planks began its decent.
    Gwendolyn swiftly headed for the gate tower stairway, removing the helm that had pressed hard against her thick braid and giving her head instant relief. She handed the detested headpiece to the page who’d held her veil and circlet, deciding to leave on the chain mail. Time enough to take it off after she heard Garrett’s news.
    The bridge thudded to the earth, sending her scurrying down the stairway, Sedwick and several guards close behind. By the time she reached the bailey, Garrett and his companion had crossed the bridge.
    She halted at the base of the gate tower, her curiosity centered on the young knight who’d removed his helm, which struck her as arrogantly confident he wasn’t in any danger.
    And sweet mercy, Alberic possessed a riveting countenance.
    He looked about him, taking in his surroundings with eyes as green as summer grass. Wheat-blond hair skimmed the wide shoulders she’d noted earlier, and framed a swarthy-skinned visage that had undoubtedly quickened the beat of many a careless maiden’s heart.
    Gwendolyn wasn’t careless, having learned from her parents the importance of holding her heart on tight rein. So she appreciated Alberic’s handsomeness as if admiring a finely sculpted statue, choosing to ignore the faster beat of her pulse.
    She could tell nothing of his thoughts during his perusal of the castle and contents of the bailey. Then he turned to look at her, and his eyes narrowed in disapproval at the sight of her chain mail.
    Understandable, she supposed, and of no importance. What he thought of her strange garb mattered not.
    Garrett, who’d looked weary from a distance, looked nigh on haggard up close, but not for all the gold in the kingdom would she embarrass the proud knight by fussing over him.
    The knights dismounted, Garrett with the difficulty of age, Alberic with the grace of a skilled horseman.
    Garrett attempted a smile. “Thought that was you on the battlements, Lady Gwendolyn. A welcoming sight to these unworthy, weary eyes.”
    Now wasn’t the time for smiles and gallantry.
    “You bring news, Garrett. What has happened?”
    Garrett took a long, steadying breath. “The worst news, I fear. My lady, I am given the sad duty of informing you that your father and brother have . . . fallen.”
    Nay! Sweet Jesu, nay!
    For several long moments Gwendolyn could only stare at Garrett, unable to breathe, struggling to deny what she couldn’t possibly have heard. Then Sedwick cursed, mocking her feeble attempt at disbelief. Grief hit hard. Tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks. To keep herself upright, she grabbed hold of Garrett’s forearm.
    “Fallen? Both?” she asked, almost choking on the words.
    “In battle, near Wallingford.”
    Briefly her thoughts flew to her sisters. The elder, Emma, and the youngest, Nicole.
Orphans, all of us.
    But not poor, and not without resources. Father had been most specific on her course of action should the worst happen.
    Gwendolyn palmed away her tears, forcefully setting aside her grief. Later she would mourn, but now she must see to her duty to her loved ones, and then to the legacy.
    With her father gone, she alone could ensure the safety and continuation of the legacy.
    “Where are they?” she asked of Garrett, relieved to hear her voice sounded stronger.
    “On a cart in the woodland.” Then he sighed and put his free hand over Gwendolyn’s. “We brought Hugh and William home for burial. However, we cannot bring them into the castle until we are assured all at Camelen are prepared to accept their new lord.”
    Shock left her speechless. Gwendolyn soon reasoned out who that
new lord
must be.
    Sir Alberic of