The Silver Falcon by Katia Fox Read Free Book Online

Ellenweore coldly.
    William looked up sharply. “No, Mother, not that.”
    But she had already turned away and was on her way back to the workshop.
    William ran after her. “I have to be here when the king’s messenger comes.”
    Ellenweore stopped, turned around, and looked at him almost pityingly. The anger had left her face. “No one’s coming—don’t you see that? Get that idea out of your head, once and for all.”
    “I know he’ll send someone.”
    “You’re to be a smith, and that’s all there is to it. I’m sure Arthur will be happy to take you on if I hand over a share of the tenancy. He’ll be a good master.”
    “But—”
    “There’s no point arguing about it any longer. My decision is made. You have only yourself to blame: you were warned.”
    William’s shoulders slumped, and he followed her silently into the workshop. He knew her decision was irrevocable. Perhaps it really would be better if he left this place.
    Over the evening meal, Ellenweore told the others about their departure, which she had already arranged for the next day.
    Rose tried to make it easier for William with a smile and some encouraging words, while Jean gave him a few well-intentioned pieces of advice about the journey and how to behave with his new master.
    But William only half listened and said nothing. Confused thoughts whirled about in his head. Was it disappointment, hope, or fear that was making his heart race?
    Rose gave them some provisions, a loaf of bread and some cheese, all tied up in a piece of cloth. Then she added two water skins.
    The previous evening, Jean had found William’s favorite hammer. “If you must go in for smithing…” he whispered in his ear as he gave it to him.
    William was touched by the gesture.
    “Come and see us at Christmas, and show us what progress you’ve made,” Jean continued with exaggerated heartiness, clapping William on the shoulder kindly. “She won’t be on your back all the time, and you’ll learn a lot of new things.”
    Rose took William in her arms, sighing, and pressed him to her breast like a young child, which made him blush. “Make sure you don’t catch a chill again when you go running,” she whispered in his ear. Then she pinched his chin and looked serious. “We’re really going to miss you.”
    William looked down through tear-filled eyes. “
She
won’t miss me.” He glanced angrily toward where his mother was standing.
    Ellenweore seemed not to have heard him. Gesticulating excitedly, she was talking to Isaac and checking the saddles on the two horses that Peter, the longest-serving and most faithful of her apprentices, had prepared for the journey.
    “Nonsense, my lamb. It’s hard for her, but she thinks sending you to Orford is the right thing to do. That’s why she doesn’t show her sorrow. She only wants the best for you, believe me.”
    “You sound like Isaac,” grumbled William. He was disappointed that his stepfather had not done more to change his mother’s mind.
    “Well, you see, then you know I’m right.” Rose winked at him encouragingly and stroked his hair. “Take good care of yourself.” Hastily, she wiped away the tiny tears that were running down her cheek. “Now I must get back to my work,” she said briskly, then rushed into the house.
    This leave-taking only made William’s heart heavier. He said good-bye to Agnes and Marie, and to Raymond and Alan, Rose and Jean’s two sons. Then he shook hands with Peter, the two hired hands, the new apprentices, and Brad and Luke. He even shook hands with Adam, though he was probably the only one William would not miss.
    Isaac took his arm and privately slipped him a figurine he had carved for him. “It’s a falcon, cut from a nice smooth piece of ash wood, so you’ll never lose sight of your dream,” he uttered. “It will protect you on your journey and comfort you when you’re alone among strangers.” Then, louder, he said, “You will be successful, William. One day