Elaine Barbieri by the Rose, the Shield Read Free Book Online Page B

with a cunning gaze. “Meaning that should Cnut’s invasion fail, I will not go down with him because my devotion to William is obvious by my raising a cathedral to honor his god.”
    “William’s god?”
    “Yea, William’s god, for I honor no god except when it is expedient!”
    Noting approval in Champlain’s eyes, de Silva said abruptly, “I will speak to you again of my plans when they are more defined. For the time being, you are dismissed.”
    Waiting only until the two men left to attend the unceasing warfare training of their trade, de Silva turned toward the mirror. He scrutinized his appearance, smoothing his hair and picking a thread from his impeccable garments before whispering to his reflection, “All goes well, my friend. By what ever artifice necessary, you will soon attain what is rightfully yours.”
    Smiling at that thought, Guilbert turned toward the door with a definite destination in mind.
    “Where is he?”
    “My lord…to whom do you refer?”
    His gaze fixed on the baron’s irate figure as he dismounted from his great black steed, Hadley awaited aresponse to his question. The midmorning sun shone brightly on a site that was only partially visible to Hadley’s eyes, but the baron’s angry, threatening step was unmistakable as he advanced toward him and said, “You know who I mean! I am inquiring about your apprentice…the young fellow who is so necessary to your work that you
cannot spare him
, yet who is now absent from your side.”
    “Monseignor, I told you yesterday of the worker who was delivered here wounded and bleeding. I also told you that my apprentice is knowledgeable in the art of healing, and that he is the only person capable of treating the man’s serious wounds at this time.”
    De Silva barely retained patience as he growled, “Yea…you told me that.”
    “Ross is tending to him. The man is improved, but his wounds are grave and his condition is still unstable. Ross fears to leave him.”
    “Ross sacrifices the work you both may achieve here for this unnamed man?”
    “His name is Dagan, my lord.”
    “I did not ask his name! I asked where Ross is. Now that you have replied, I want to know when he will return to his duty here.”
    “Ross will return immediately upon completing the treatment he deems necessary for the wounded man.”
    De Silva responded through clenched teeth, “You have not answered me.”
    “I have given you the only response I am able to give. But I assure you that Ross will be here before the noon hour, when his help will be essential.”
    “His help is not essential now?”
    Hadley stuttered, “Yes, b..but I am presently involved in details that Ross may review later.”
    “So Ross is presently free?”
    “No, he tends to his patient.”
    “His patient be damned!” Turning, de Silva mounted his horse. He did not turn back when Hadley called out after him, “Where are you going, my lord?”
    Digging his spurs into his mount’s sides, de Silva goaded him into a leap forward without responding. Hadley choked on the cloud of dust the animal raised in departing and then turned to call out blindly, “Horace, please come to me.”
    Hadley whispered when Horace responded to his call, “The baron goes to find Rosamund. I fear she will reveal herself in her anger.”
    “Do not fear, Hadley. The girl is not a fool. She will maintain her disguise.”
    “I fear that at the least Rosamund will respond to the baron by saying something that will push his anger beyond retrievable bounds. I must go to her and forestall such an encounter.”
    “I will do anything you ask, so deep is my belief in you, but I warn you, Hadley, that your appearance at the hut has the potential of doing more harm than good. The baron will only turn on you if Rosamund is successful in thwarting him.”
    “I fear for her.”
    “Instead, have faith in her. Rosamund will prevail.”
    Dagan watched through slitted eyes as the lad carried the water he had heated at the