Chris Karlsen - Knights in Time by Knight Blindness Read Free Book Online Page B

garden,” Juliette said and gave him a tug on the arm and
    they changed directions.
    He jumped at the sudden whoosh and gust of fresh air.
    “It’s all right. You’re fine. The doors open automatically.”
    How convenient. Why didn’t King Edward have this nicety?
    Juliette took his elbow in a light clasp and led him into garden. A strong scent of roses
    filled the air. Whatever other flowers that were planted, their fragrance stood no chance against the rose bed.
    “The hospital is known for their garden and wide variety of roses. Each has been chosen
    for a different reason, some for color, some for shape, some for their scent and some for the size of their blooms.”
    Stephen ran his cane along what he suspected was a cobblestone path from the uneven
    surface. With Juliette on his left, he tapped and found the path’s border on his right.
    “Sit.” Juliette knew the location of a bench and they sat quiet for a long time.
    He freed his mind of worries and relaxed. It felt good to be outside. He tipped his head,
    enjoying the sun on his face. Around him birds sang and he bent his ear to their individual songs.
    Where in the past, he’d never appreciated how each had a melody of his own, the singer in
    Stephen appreciated it now.
    After a time, she asked, “Shall we walk more in the garden?”
    “I feel no need to do so.” Further meandering brought risk. “I like this spot.”
    He reached out in hopes a bush would be within arm’s length. First he found a stem laden
    with thorns and then the blossom. “Am I permitted to pluck a flower?”
    “Not really.”
    He stood and tapped to find how high the path border was and then stepped over it to the
    shrub. He cupped a bloom. How lush and soft it felt.
    “Do you happen to know what type of rose grows near the bench?”
    Juliette joined him. “One moment. She bent and then rose again. “It’s called a Brother
    Cadfael .”
    “How do you know this?”
    “The tag has a Braille title.”
    “Braille?”
    “Braille is a form of written language for the blind.”
    “Who is Brother Cadfael?”
    “He’s a character in a mystery series.”
    “Strange someone would name a flower for a holy man.” He cupped the plump bloom
    again. “This feels so soft and heavy with petals, almost like a peony. I imagine it’s beautiful.”
    “I imagine you’re right. Shall we go back to your room now?”
    “Yes. I’m hungry.”
    He stepped away from the rose bush without turning and testing his path with his cane.
    One moment he was on his feet, the next he was falling backwards, futilely wind-milling his arms in an effort to regain his balance. The scalloped stones of the border dug deep into the small of his back. His elbow slammed against the sharp edge of one. He’d have a mean bruise there
    tomorrow and another painful one on his lower spine. New bruises to go with the ones on his
    knees from when he fell days earlier.
    “Are you all right?” Juliette knelt next to him her hand on his chest. “Air rushed past me.
    When you groaned, I knew you fell.” She wrapped her hand around one of his to help him up.
    Stephen jerked his hand from hers.
    “What were your words,” he said and rolled onto his sore knees and pushed himself to his
    feet. “The world is still a place you can enjoy.” He snorted. “Perhaps...if I am not made a cripple first.” He patted the ground, found his cane and left without waiting for Juliette.
    Chapter Seven
    Gloucestershire, England
    Alex had experienced the strangest changes and events nature can throw at a person. He
    dealt with the tragic and the fantastic and found success and happiness. He believed himself
    beyond surprise at anything.
    Then, he opened the morning paper.
    His eyes snapped up to where Shakira, his wife, was refilling her coffee cup.
    “You’re not going to believe this.” Alex laid the newspaper down on the table.
    “What?”
    “You’d better sit.”
    Shakira pulled out the chair next to him and sat.