The Gorgon by Kathryn Le Veque Read Free Book Online Page A

his
brusque lord; since it was rare that Bose display any emotion whatsoever, he
was able to deduce by his sharp mannerisms that Tate's ramblings held a measure
of truth. But how much truth? If for no other reason than to satisfy his
curiosity, Morgan was determined to find out.
    "Whether I tend the beast
now or at tournament time will be of little difference in how correctly the leg
has healed. Clearly, I have done all I can," turning to Tate, he met the
man's twinkling eyes. "Is that all you discovered about the Lady Summer?
What of her schooling, her beaux?"
    Tate shook his head, struggling
not to look at Bose as he spoke. "Apparently, she did not leave home to
foster and from what I have been told, she is not entertained a single suitor.
Most strange, considering the woman is lovelier than any female I have yet to
witness."
    Morgan cocked an eyebrow.
"Lavish praise coming from a man who had known his share of feminine
companionship," he said. “But I do believe your clues are obvious - there
must be something wrong with the woman. Mayhap beneath the beauty and grace,
she harbors the temperament of a shrew."
    Tate sensed the game, taking the
lead. "God be merciful, I should have realized. 'Tis the only explanation.
Mayhap... mayhap she harbors a hideous defect. Like a third leg hidden beneath
her gown, or a chest carpeted with hair."
    Morgan made a distasteful face.
"Good Lord, I can hardly imagine running my lips over breasts as hairy as
mine," suddenly, his unpleasant expression turned to one of overstated
dismay, his eyes bulging with mock horror. "What... what if she is not a
woman at all? What if she is truly a man, merely dressing as a woman?"
    "An incubus!"
    "A demon!"
    "A sorceress! Good Lord, a
sorcer er !"
    "A...!"
    "Enough!" Bose finally
roared, out of character for his normally restrained disposition. Turning away
from the sword he had been fumbling with, his dark face was lined with
irritation. "I have heard enough from the two of you. No more talk of
hairy chests or men wearing women's clothing. And I do not want to hear another
word regarding Summer du Bonne. Do you comprehend?"
    Unable to keep the smile from his
lips, Morgan snickered softly and clapped a companionable hand on Bose's shoulder
before returning to his own equipment. "Indeed, my lord. Not another
word."
    Bose's black eyes were piercing
as the older knight continued to snort disrespectfully. "I do not jest,
Morgan. Not another word."
    Morgan eyed the man, nodding his
head with earnest agreement. "I indicated that I understood, Bose. There
is no need for threats."
    "Aye, there is. You are
pushing me to the brink and should be amply forewarned."
    "I have done nothing of the
kind. What has happened to your sense of humor?"
    Bose continued to stare at the
man long and hard a moment before turning away. "It is intact given the
proper circumstances, and considering we have a competition in fifteen minutes,
I hardly find your amusement valid," lifting his arms as his squire
secured his scabbard for the melee, long and free and at the ready, he cast a
final glance at his two comrades. "Tate, get mounted. Morgan, if you are
not going to compete, you and Artur discover from the heralds who is to be on
our team for the melee. I would know these fools who intend to ride upon my
glory."
    With a smirk, Morgan quit the
tent. Tate maintained his position a moment longer, wondering if Bose intended
to press him for more information regarding the fair Lady Summer without
Morgan's presence. Even though he was well aware that Morgan was Bose's closest
friend, still, it would somehow be easier to discuss the lady between two men
rather than three.
    But Bose apparently had no
intention of pressing the issue further and Tate wisely left the tent, heading
for the gnarled oak where his squire had prepared his charger. Bose's massive
beast was prepared as well, muzzled to prevent him from attacking his handlers.
    As Tate mounted, making sure the
banner decorating his