Queen Of Knights by David Wind Read Free Book Online

through the woods and, moments later, crested a low hill.  In the murky distance, set within the confluence of two small rivers , was the imposing form of Kildrake Castle standing proudly upon high earthworks.  Because of its high perch, the castle had no moat: its defense was in the very height it occupied.  The triangular shape of the stone castle was unusual i n this area, but ten-foot-thick walls and high battlements told all who approached that an attack would be foolish.
    The two knights riding in the lead reined in their mounts.
    The entourage behind them did th e sa me.  “Kildrake is more impressive than I remembered,” sa i d the knight who wore a pol i shed hauberk covered with a simple surcoat bordered in purple.
    “It is imposing, Sire.  The duke has added much to it in the last few years, especially the new barbican.  Look how the stone reflects even this poor light,” ventured Miles.  “But he has proved his loyalty to the crown many times over.”
    “You have no need to remind me of that.  Miles, are you sure you want to do this ...thing?” Richard fixed Miles with a riveting stare.
    “Yes, my lord,” Miles replied, meeting the king’s probing stare with openness.
    “I shall never understand this thing between a man and a woman.”
    “One day you shall, Sire.”
    “I think not.  You know the stories they say about me.
    That I have no temperament for women.  That I seek only the company of my knights.  What is it that prevents my people from accepting the fact that I am not yet prepared to marry?”
    “Your subjects want only to have an heir, Majesty.”
    Miles’s reply was tactful, yet at the same time he was reminding the King of England of his royal responsibility.
    Richard laughed harshly when Miles spoke, his bearded face split by a half sneer.  “You are a true statesman, Miles.  But behind my back they call me a lover of boys!”
    “What care you what they say, for it is truly behind your back.  You are the king of the mightiest country in the world.  You are Richard, King of England, Duke of Normandy, and the strongest knight the world has ever seen.”
    “And you have the gall to flatter me yet ....  You must want her very badly.”
    Miles’s face was suddenly drawn into tight lines.  The two men were of equal height; both were strong figures looming almost larger than life as they sat on their horses, staring at each other in the last light of the day.  After a moment, Miles slowly nodded.  “As I have never wanted another,” he admitted.
    Richard lifted one large hand and placed it on Miles’s shoulder.  In the fast fading light, king and earl gazed into each other’s eyes, and the friendship flowing between them was a thing that could be felt.  “Then you shall have her, my friend.  I must tell you that I envy you your feelings.”
    “Sire?”
    “I wish I could please my people.  I wish I could find a woman who would arouse my passions, but I cannot.  I have known this since I was twelve.  Women are too weak, too easy to overpower.  I have no use for weakness, only strength.  I have met only one woman who was strong, and the shame is that she is my mother.”
    Miles could say nothing to this.  He had known Richard for years.  He was as close to the new king as any man was and knew that England’s king loved only one thing — had only one all - consuming passion — fighting .
    “Come,” ordered Richard.  “It is time to meet this maiden of yours.”
    Together, the King of England and the Earl of Radstock led their men to the gates of Kildrake Castle .
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    Although it was still early spring, the weather was warm, and that evening a gentle breeze blew along the battlements and walkways high on the castle’s walls .
    Standing in a darkened corner, Roweena, Gwendolyn’s servant, watched her mistress tread the stones.  Only moments before she had helped bathe Gwendolyn, as she did every night, winter or summer.  She smiled when she