The Dragon Lord Read Free Page B

with a critical eye, noting with approval the rectangular towers that topped the curtain wall at regular intervals. Nestled against the wall were various buildings and outbuildings. He identified a brewery, a storage shed, a thatched barn and stables, a smithy, a mews and, next to the keep, a chapel. Stretching his neck, Dominic caught a glimpse of a fenced-in garden, and beyond that an orchard and beehives. Ayrdale appeared to be thriving despite its absent lord.
    Fairchild’s fair daughter dismounted before the keep’s stone stairs and tossed the reins of her palfrey to a squire. Dominic barked out orders to his guardsmen and followed close on her heels as she mounted the long staircase. Another squire sprinted ahead and opened the immense oak doors for them. Trusting no one when it came to his master’s life, Raj brought up the rear, his huge hand resting on his sword.
    Dominic’s appreciative glance swept over the great hall. Trestle tables had already been set up for the evening meal, and villeins hurried about performing their duties. The head table, resting upon a raised dais, was set with fine cloth and plates and cups of wrought silver for the lord, his family and their guests. A huge hearth warmed the large chamber, and the rushes smelled sweet and clean. Comfortable chairs and benches were positioned around the hearth for the lord and his lady to take their ease.
    Dominic’s sharp gaze focused upon the two women who rose from their chairs and waited for him to approach. He had nearly reached them when he came to an abrupt halt, his gaze riveted on the younger of the two women. She was the exact image of the young woman who had met him at the portcullis. He blinked and looked again. The same hair, the same eyes, the same nose.Identical twins! Had the king known that Lord Fairchild had not one but two daughters?
    Smiling, the older woman stepped forward and curtsied. “My lord, welcome to Ayrdale. I am sorry my husband cannot greet you himself but he would want me to bid you welcome. I am Lady Nelda of Ayrdale, and these—”
    “Mama,” the warrior maiden cautioned. “Lord Dragon brings news of Papa. Perhaps we should hear him out before we offer hospitality.”
    Lady Nelda’s eyes sparkled with excitement and she clasped her hands over her heart. Though she was older than her daughters, Dominic thought her every bit as lovely.
    “You have news of my husband, my lord? Oh, my, ‘tis so long since we have heard anything. Please tell me what you know.”
    Dominic pulled off his hood and bowed over the lady’s hand. Telling this kind lady that her husband had been put to death wasn’t going to be easy, but being a straightforward man, he got right to the point. No sense in prolonging it.
    “Unwelcome news, I fear. I regret to inform you that Edwyn of Ayrdale is dead.”
    Lady Nelda turned deathly pale, and Dominic feared she would faint. He stood ready to catch her but Sir Eric of Carlyle rushed forward to steady her. The lady did not faint, however, but one of the twins swayed and would have fallen had her sister not placed a bracing arm around her.
    The twin who had met him at the portcullis with the bared sword glared at him, her fury palpable. “Did you have a hand in my father’s death? I want the truth, Lord Dragon, if you are capable of telling it. The last we heard, my father was residing in the Tower.”
    This hot-tempered girl was definitely not for him, Dominic decided. He glanced at the more demure sister, his look speculative. She stood with her eyes downcast and her hands folded in front of her; her lips moved in silent prayer. She appeared to be opposite in nature to the spitfire who dared challenge him with blazing eyes and raging temper. If he could not have Veronica, he would take the shy sister and find a husband for the other. A woman with a sharp tongue, bad temper and defiant nature would try his patience.
    “I had naught to do with Lord Edwyn’s death,” Dominic said firmly.“I