Knight Triumphant by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online

refusing to believe in the illness, managed to depart your husband’s castle at the first sign we were telling the truth. They have crossed the border, and are ordered to remain in an abbey there until they are certain they will not bring this contagion into England. It’s a pity that none of the king’s lackeys could have delivered it straight into Edward’s bosom. The Earl of Pembroke, that illustrious battle arm of Edward, has sent word that none should leave here until all are certain that the illness will not be spread beyond these gates. There is lengthy rhetoric here, which you are welcome to read, but in truth, it says that all must die with the Scottish rebel prisoners rather than risk infesting the land. Of course, the message has been sent to your late husband. Apparently, no one has received word of his demise. But you must be grateful, of course, that I waylaid you before you were able to disobey an order from the long arm of your king.”
    â€œNo reasonable man would want this plague spread. It came to Langley through your people. It is an enemy to you, and to me. Any ruler, mindful of his subjects, would give such an order.”
    â€œMadam, you are very understanding. What would your father think, however, knowing that his child must be sacrificed along with all the others!”
    â€œMy father, sir, cannot share his thoughts on the matter. He has been dead some months now.”
    â€œAh! So the king can cast you to your fate with no fear of reparation among his greatest barons. Ah, but, surely, there is someone to claim the title now?”
    â€œMy brother.”
    â€œAnd, pray tell, does he fight for Edward?”
    â€œHe is expected to ride with him soon. He just turned seventeen.”
    â€œJust seventeen? Do you know how many young men of that age litter not just the battlefields here, but the farmsteads and villages as well?”
    â€œJustin is an excellent horseman and swordsman. The king has taken a keen interest in his training, and has been intent that he should be fully prepared to command his elders.”
    â€œOh, yes, of course. Poor lad. He is an earl. He can’t be taking orders from lesser men. Yet I wonder if he is aware of what has occurred here, news can travel so slowly. And if he knew . . . what could he do? Orders have been given. So his dear sister must stay here . . . languishing among the doomed!”
    â€œBy the time my brother hears of the situation here, it will be over.”
    â€œAnd how shall it all end?” he asked lightly, and she realized that he didn’t want an answer. He was watching his wife where she lay upon the bed. He leaned toward her, then told Igrainia tensely, “Her fever does not lessen.”
    â€œI am afraid she has fallen very ill.”
    â€œYou know that you must save her.”
    â€œI know only that I can do my best.”
    â€œIf she dies—”
    â€œAye, yes, I know, you will murder us all. Then you must, for I can do all that is in my power, but I am not invested with magic.”
    Again, he did not seem to be paying any heed. His eyes were upon his wife, and though she loathed him, she felt an odd chill, wondering what great love he must have for this woman that he could think that anyone, any power, could fight death.
    She was startled when he replied to her after several moments. “That is not what they say.”
    Igrainia stared at him, but his steady gaze remained upon his wife. He knew much more about Langley Castle, and about her, than she had imagined.
    She measured her answer carefully. “If I were a witch, sir, with magic beyond that of healing herbs, I would have saved my own husband.”
    That brought his steady gaze to her at last, and he slowly arched a brow. “Madam, your marriage was arranged at your birth, and you have been lady here less than a year.”
    She felt the hot burning of her eyes, and she was furious. It was one thing that he should come