Page 19 of King’s Knight

“He won,” Lora finally said, “but only because Alex stumbled, else it might have ended differently.”

Merewyn wanted her friend to see the good in the golden-haired English knight who, like Merewyn, had been taken under Lady Serena’s wing. “Earl Renaud has much confidence in Jamie,” she said. “ ’Tis an honor to be named captain of the house knights.”

Lora tossed her thick hair behind her. The sun glistening in the long strands made them appear like burnt umber. It was not difficult to imagine why Jamie was so enamored of her. And Lora had a good heart, using her knowledge of herbs, gained from her mother, for others.

“Jamie is an honorable knight,” Lora admitted. “But I have known him all my life. He was already the Red Wolf’s squire when I was born.”

Merewyn laughed. “Yea, but he is not old. Have you never asked yourself why such a well-favored knight is unwed?”

“I just assumed ’twas because of his service to Talisand’s lord.”

Merewyn shook her head. “Nay, I think not.” She fingered her bow, wondering if she should say the words that were on her tongue. Mayhap they would help Lora see the prize that was hers to claim. “The man is too shy to speak his heart, but you can see his words in his eyes.” Meeting her friend’s dark gaze, she said, “ ’Tis you, Lora. Whenever you are near him, he looks nowhere else.”

Lora stared at her with a perplexed expression.

“Aye,” said Merewyn, “I was right in thinking you were unaware. I only tell you so that you do not discourage Jamie over much.”

“Jamie? Interested in—” Her words trailed off as she looked toward the grass growing at the edge of the river.

Merewyn put her arm around her friend. “To win the affection of one like Jamie is not a small thing. There are many women at Talisand who would gladly have him, but he waits for you.”

Lora’s eyes filled with tears and she turned and hugged Merewyn. “Thank you.”

It pleased Merewyn to realize she had done the right thing in speaking to her friend. “Go tell him how well he did today and see his eyes light like the sun.”

Lora nodded and hurried back toward the palisade gate.

Merewyn walked on by herself for a while, enjoying the sun-filled afternoon and the peaceful flow of the river, remembering the match between Alex and his father. Deep in her thoughts, she nearly bumped into Maugris, who suddenly appeared in front of her.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “I did not see you.”

The old seer greeted her with a smile. “Good day to you, Mistress Merewyn. I see you still carry your bow and wear the apparel of one of Rhodri’s archers. Your shooting today amazed all.”

“You are kind to say so, Maugris.”

She meant to pass by, but he held up a hand. “A word if I might.”

“Of course,” she said turning to face him.

“Remember, the archer controls the bow and not the bow the archer.”

She blinked twice. Whatever does that mean? The wise one was known to speak in riddles and this bit of advice was beyond her understanding. Did he know of her conversations with her bow? After all, he knew things no one else did.

At her puzzling look, Maugris smiled, his face a sea of wrinkles and his blue eyes twinkling. “Do not discount the words of an old man. I have faith in you,” he said as he turned to go.

“I will try and remember that,” she said to his back. What vision had he seen that caused him to speak so?

Still pondering his words, Merewyn strolled back to the manor and climbed the stairs to her chamber, thinking to please Lady Serena by changing into a gown for what would likely be another feast, this one to celebrate the tournament’s champions.

She entered the dimly lit room, closing the door behind her, and set her bow and arrows on the table. “You did well today,” she muttered to her bow, “but you need not look so smug.” She walked to the window and threw open the shutters. The afternoon sun flooded the chamber and a pleasant breeze caressed her face as she looked beyond the river curling around the palisade to the green hills beyond.

Turning into the chamber, she froze. On the far side of the chamber, asleep on her bed was Alex, curled up on top of the furs with his back to her, his long black hair free of its leather tie a dark cloud on her pillow. The sunlight falling on his long lean body made her think of a sleeping Hercules.

She looked toward her bow. Silently, it warned, “Do not trust him! Remember his reputation.” The bow spoke the truth. She could not allow anyone to find him here for they would think the worst. And if he remained in her bed she might be tempted to succumb to his seductive charm.

Walking to the bed, she gently prodded his still form. “Alex, what are you doing here?” she whispered, afraid someone might hear. “You must leave!”

Alex rolled over to face her, one gray eye barely opening under a dark arched brow. “Have you come to join me?”