02 The Ring by Chester Deborah

Author:Chester, Deborah [Deborah, Chester,]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-04-10T10:50:39.805000+00:00

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

The church knights gaze took in Sir Terents size and steely determination. Sir Terent was no knight of the court, but instead a rough fighting man, as tough as they came, and utterly fearless. Youre one of the Thirst men, Sir Damiend said.

I am. As you should remember, commander. Im one of the expendable men you watched fight your foe while you held back.

A flush spread across Sir Damiends cheeks. Before he could answer the kings voice rang out:

Therell be no challenges between protectors. Desist, both of you. The contests are over.

Sir Damiend bowed and backed away a few steps, but not without a parting glare at both Dain and Sir Terent.

Sir Terent sniffed in contempt. Damned puppy.

The crowd suddenly parted to make way for the king, who came now into the enclosure and walked up to Dain. The hot sunlight shone on his gold collar and sparked fire inside its enormous rubies.

Well fought, young Dain of Thirst, he said, and held out his hand in friendship.

People gasped. Dain, nearly overwhelmed by the tremendous honor shown to him, extended his hand. It was grasped firmly and released.

King Verence smiled at him through his neatly trimmed beard. His green and blue eyes twinkled in good humor. I cant say I cheered for you, but I like a good contest thats well-matched. He turned his head and beamed at his sulky son. The next time you two joust, I daresay Gavril will be hot for revenge. That will liven up the game, eh?

Dain stared at him in wonder, hardly able to believe the king was chatting to him in such a friendly way. And what did he mean by saying thered be another joust? Was he implying that he would approve Lord Odfreys petition of adoption? Dains heart began to thump.

Mind, however, the king continued, that you do not infect his highness with your reckless ways. You are bold on the field, young Daina bit too bold. These older knights will soon take that out of you, eh, Lord Roberd?

The champion, attired now in a doublet of black silk and a fine chain of gold, looked like a simple country baron of wealthy means, except for the scars on his knuckles and a hawkishness about his dark eyes. He bowed to the king and shot Dain a glance of keen appraisal. Promising, he murmured.

To Dain, that was the highest praise of all. Among the onlookers, Sir Polquin beamed as though bursting to tell one and all that hed been the one who trained Dain in arms.

Laughing, the king patted Dain on the shoulder and moved on. His guards, protector, and entourage followed him. The courtiers, especially the ladies, stole quick looks at Dain as they passed by. Embarrassed by all the attention, Dain was relieved when the royal party began to wend its way across the enclosure.

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Dains grin vanished.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.