The Dunston Blade Read Free Page A

Castle and deliver these pieces of armour I have been repairing. They are for Sir Walter, but you
    had better see the Steward first.”
    John picked up the sack containing the parts and set off. The Steward was in the courtyard and John went to give him the sack of armour but the Steward
    said to him, “You had better see Sir Walter and see what he says about the repairs. Follow me.” They climbed up the back stairs to Sir Walters quarters
    where they met a servant who informed them that Sir Walter was in the Great Hall. John’s eyes opened wide when they entered the Hall, the room was the
    largest John had ever seen. Sir Walter was standing by one of the windows, he turned as they entered.
    “The Smith has sent the repaired parts of armour to you my Lord.”
    “Bring them over,lad,” said Sir Walter, moving to a large table. John placed each part on the table and stood back. “Your father has done magnificent work
    on these besagues, they were really bent and damaged. I must send a suitable reward,” exclaimed Sir Walter. A door at the far end of the room opened and
    two women entered. John recognised the women he had met on the common.
    “Ah, Cecily, look what a fine repair the Smith has made on my armour. I must see if Roger’s needs any work.” “Why should you need to prepare our son’s
    armour, he is not going into battle?” exclaimed Sir Walter’s wife. “You never know what might happen in these unsettled times my dear,” he retorted.
    “Avice, show the young man out and then call your brother Ralph to me.” With his last comment Sir Walter strode out of the room. The young lady came to
    John and walked out of the room with him. John attempted conversation but it was clear the girl was shy. When they reached the courtyard John turned and
    said, “If ever I can be of service to you, my Lady, just send me a message and I will come.” John hurried out of the Castle and did not see Avice’s eyes
    following him and her cheeks glowing a bright pink. As yet there had been no suiters calling at the Castle. John had plenty of time to think of Avice on
    his way home and the differences in their situations. As beautiful as she was she was out of his reach, not like Roger and Joan were, Jack and Matilda were
    honoured by Rogers attention, the only worry was were his intentions honourable.
    II
    Roger eased the reins on his horse and let it come to a stop. He had ridden hard when he left Norwich Castle and the animal was blowing, he looked around
    and recognised the spot where he had first encountered the poachers. Roger dismounted and led his horse towards the village. He soon saw the Smithy and was
    tempted to stop to see Joan but he did not have much time to organise himself for the return trip, however it was not going to be so easy as the cottage
    door opened and John stepped out.
    “Roger!” exclaimed John in surprise. “What are you doing here have they thrown you out already or have you escaped?”
    “No, I am home to prepare myself for a campaign, or something,” and Roger explained what had happened in Norwich.
    “It sounds as though they are after something, maybe more land. Will your father let you have the destrier?” “ I doubt it,” answered Roger. “I must go as I
    have lots to do before……,”
    “Not before you’ve spoken to me,” interrupted a small voice and Joan appeared through the doorway.
    “I will meet you on the common at our usual place tomorrow morning,” said Roger. “I cannot linger now as I am dusty and tired from my travel.”
    Joan, a little crestfallen, replied, “I shall be going to the church mid morning.”
    Roger smiled and nodded to her, “I will walk with you.”
    Roger moved off towards the Castle and the two siblings returned to the cottage. As was their custom they went to bed early and John lay awake listening to
    the sound of the night animals out hunting. A fox barked not far from the Smithy, then came the sound of the hens, but they had been