The Blue Falcon by Robyn Carr Read Free Book Online

leave, lady. You must be here when the tourney is over.”
    “ I will return before very long, my lord. Permit me a slight rest from the trials, at least while my son competes with an injury?”
    “ Very well, lady. Excuse yourself if you must.”
    Udele was trailed back to the hall by some of her ladies, her daughter Edythe among them. As she passed Medwin’s box she glanced at Chandra. The lass stood and waved toward Conan as he left the field. Her cheeks were flushed bright and her smile was wildly enthusiastic. Chandra yearned for Sir Conan publicly, proudly.
    Udele heard her women behind her as they laughed and talked. When she neared the hall she paused and turned to them. “ Make yourselves at ease here, ladies, and allow me some moments of quiet. I will return anon.”
    Those attending Udele remained in the courtyard and allowed her to enter the hall alone. Her step was quick and her head low as she contemplated her situation. She nearly fell over a knight sitting near the stair.
    “ Pardon, lady, I -- ”
    Udele straightened herself and saw that it was Tedric. For a moment her expression was all surprise, for she had not expected to see him, then her features molded into a sneer.
    “ So, Sir Tedric, you are waiting out the tourney here?”
    Tedric flinched with the insult. “ I have been excused, lady, but my father has not heard my explanations. All will be well when I have had some time to clear my name.”
    “ I should think it would take much more than a few words, Tedric. There were many witnesses to your unfair assault.”
    Tedric’s lips formed an insincere smile. “ All will assume that Sir Conan is the just and I, the unjust. It has always been thus, in his family and in my own.”
    “ And you will deny it?” Udele questioned tartly. She could not help but notice the swelling of one eye and wondered, briefly, if Tedric had indeed been blinded.
    “ I have long sought to show my father that I can equal Conan’s strength in arms, but once again Conan shines in the wake of my misfortune.”
    Udele threw her arm wide. “ Go yonder, sir knight, and look at the shine of my son! He is sore injured and will not cease in the games. But they will not allow your entry, will they?”
    Tedric’s mouth formed a thin, furious line and his rage was intense. “ My lowly state in my father’s house leaves all to praise the Falcon and scorn my every effort to show my worth. But I vow, lady, my wealth and influence will one day match his, and even you will treat me kindly.”
    Udele laughed outright. “ I heartily doubt that, Tedric,” she said easily. “ But the best to you in your efforts.” She turned from him and went toward the stair.
    “ When my betrothal to Lady Edwina is announced, you will hearken to me, lady. And one day, I will hold Phalen and be your friend and neighbor.” He bowed elaborately. “ If I so choose.”
    “ You will marry Edwina?” Udele questioned.
    Tedric smiled. He lazily seemed to judge the great lady’s surprise. “ My family does not yield me much in money and land, but my father and brothers promise much in their support of arms. Sir Medwin must leave his holdings to a knight capable of preserving them. Yea, he will give me Edwina.”
    Udele recovered herself and tried to smile. “ Then we shall have to learn to become better friends, Tedric,” she said politely. Then, turning, she left him alone and climbed to her chamber.
    Was it not enough, she thought, for Giselle to predict Conan’s marriage to a woman of slim financial means, without learning also that Tedric would gain a sizable holding and become a neighbor? The possibility that Conan and Tedric would eventually come to blows crossed her mind. While a battle between the two of them would certainly leave Conan victorious, she could not relax with that prospect, for Theodoric’s strength was not to be taken lightly. And in any battle, Theodoric would have to support his son.
    Within moments the dawning came to