Nightbound by Lynn Viehl Read Free Book Online

survived.”
    “I would have died with them, Seneschal, but two days before the massacre my master sent me on errand to Rome.” His mouth took on a bitter curve. “He wished to move our entire
jardin
to England, and bade me put the matter before the council. He wished them to approve the relocation before he petitioned the high lord. It is ironic. In another month or two, we would have been safely beyond their reach.”
    Jayr knew of the Brethren’s brutal campaign to drive the Kyn out of Europe; like the other American suzerains, she had offered sanctuary to as many refugee warriors as she could absorb into her
jardin
. She’d never given much thought to how the horrific attacks impacted their mortal allies, however. “Such a grievous loss renders all words inadequate, Mr. Leeds. Please accept my sympathies.”
    “You are very gracious, my lady.” Leeds bowed his head. “I count myself fortunate in that I am youngenough to start again, and do what I can to preserve my bloodline. To serve in your household would be a very new experience for me, a chance at a new beginning, if you like.”
    Jayr was struck by how practical he was; she suspected, like her, he handled his difficulties by working through them. “Some of the
tresori
I have interviewed did not seem comfortable with the thought of making their oath to a lady paramount. How do you feel about the prospect of serving a woman instead of a man?”
    “You are the first lady to rule the Kyn, and I imagine all you do is subject to special scrutiny.” Now he sounded sympathetic. “It is apparent that you need a well-trained
tresora
who can adapt to this new order of rule. One who has the appropriate standards, who can serve your needs without reservation or prejudice, and who will run your household flawlessly. I believe I am that man, or I would not be here.”
    “And modest to boot,” Byrne muttered.
    Jayr frowned at him. “You say our need is apparent, Mr. Leeds, as if there is something wanting.”
    “Many things, I fear, my lady. This chamber, for example.” The
tresora
gestured around him. “I can tell that this was once your armory. Converting it to a study makes it a very welcoming room, but what was done with the weapons that were stored here?”
    “I believe my seneschal moved them to our underground storage rooms,” Jayr said. “What does it matter where they are?”
    “If the keep were suddenly attacked, your men would waste precious time retrieving what they needed for defense from the lower levels.” He clasped his hands, bracinghis elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. “As I was escorted here, I noted a number of unoccupied rooms which could be used for weapons storage. You should also have caches hidden on every level for the same purpose.”
    “We are open to the mortal public, lad,” Byrne said, sounding peevish. “The Brethren do not skulk about here torching the unwary. They hardly have any presence in America.”
    “As you say, Seneschal,” Leeds agreed, “but now that they have caused so many to flee Europe, I fear they will soon be crossing the Atlantic in pursuit.”
    Jayr knew Byrne’s moods better than anyone; for some reason he had taken an instant dislike to Leeds. She didn’t understand why, but she couldn’t discuss it with her lover in front of the man. That she didn’t share Byrne’s odd antipathy made the matter even more complicated. She liked Leeds, who was far more qualified than any of the other candidates, and wanted very much to offer him the position.
    “I expect you have much to consider,” Leeds said, as if reading her mind. “There is no reason for me to return to Italy immediately, so if it would be agreeable to you, I should like to offer my services as
tresora
on a trial basis. Would a month be sufficient time for you to evaluate my performance? It may help you and your household to decide if I am the right man for the job.”
    “I think it would.” Jayr glanced at Byrne, who was