The Dragon Lord by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online Page B

said, “I lied, Father, and feel no remorse for having done so.”
    Father Nyle sent her a thoughtful look. “Did your lie harm anyone?”
    “No one but myself,” she whispered with a note of defiance. “I lied to save Starla, and I would do it again.”
    There can be no absolution without genuine remorse,” the priest reminded her. “Do you wish to tell me about it?”
    “I am sorry, Father, but I am responsible for what I did and I shall shoulder the blame. I want no one punished on my account. I shall face God’s displeasure and the Dragon’s wrath with courage, Father.”
    “May God forgive you, child,” Father Nyle said as he lowered his head and offered a blessing.

Chapter Three
    The rose has thorns only for those who would pluck it.
    —Chinese Proverb
    There it is, Raj,” Dominic said, indicating the large, square structure surrounded by a high wall that loomed before them. The bell in the chapel began tolling the hour of Sext as they approached the gate. They had made good time, Dominic thought as he checked the position of the sun in the sky.
    Dominic reined his destrier before a heavy oak gate and dismounted.
    “Shall I ring the bell, master?” Raj asked.
    Dominic glanced up and saw a large brass bell with a rope attached to its handle mounted atop the gate.“Aye, ring away, Raj,” Dominic growled.
    Raj grasped the rope and set the bell to clanging. It was so loud Dominic covered his ears with his hands to dull the noise. Then he waited. And waited.
    “Try again, Raj,” Dominic said, his patience slowly eroding.
    Dominic clenched his teeth as Raj set the clapper in motion again. The second time produced results. Dominic watched in grim satisfaction as a woman clad in black and wearing a white wimple on her head approached the gate.
    “How may I help you, sir?”
    “Open the gate. I wish to speak with your two new arrivals.”
    Sister Isolda gave her head a negative shake.“Men are not allowed inside. I will relay a message for you.”
    “Not good enough,” Dominic returned impatiently. “My business is with Lady Nelda and her daughter. Either let my man and me inside or send them out.”
    Raj stepped from behind Dominic, giving Sister Isolda the full benefit of his impressive height and rather ominous scowl.
    “I… I will summon the abbess,” Sister Isolda said, scurrying off.
    “Damn!” Dominic cursed. “I do not want to speak to the abbess,” he called after the frightened nun. “If you do not send out Lady Nelda and her daughter, my man and I will break down the gate.”
    Sister Isolda’s response was to pick up her skirts and run.
    Think you the little blackbird will send out Lady Nelda and her daughter?” Raj asked.
    “We can only hope,” Dominic said.
    Dominic paced before the gate, his patience wearing thin. If someone did not appear soon, he was fully prepared to break down the gate. It should not be difficult to find a battering ram from among the fallen logs he had seen while passing through the forest
    “Someone comes,” Raj said.
    Dominic swallowed another curse when he realized the woman approaching was neither Lady Nelda nor Rose’s twin. He was in no mood to bandy words with another holy woman, but it looked as if that was precisely what he was going to do.
    The nun, stout of body and round of face, planted herself before the sturdy gate and stared at Dominic. Dominic knew the exact moment she saw Raj, for her eyes widened and she took an involuntary step backward.
    “I am the abbess. Sister Isolda said you wish to speak with Lady Nelda and Starla. They are newly arrived and resting after their journey. State your name and business.”
    “I am Lord Dominic Dragon of Dragonwyck. My business is personal,” Dominic said in his most intimidating voice.
    The Dragon Lord,” the abbess gasped, obviously aware of his name and reputation. It took a few minutes for her to regain her composure. The gate cannot be opened to you or any man, my lord.”
    “My temper