King's Man by Angus Donald

Author:Angus Donald [Donald, Angus]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Medieval, Action & Adventure, Fiction, Suspense, Historical, History
ISBN: 1847444911
Google: zYpCGtZDOWUC
Amazon: B0053YQ9MG
Publisher: Hachette UK
Published: 2011-07-20T16:00:00+00:00

The Prince had dropped his shallow pretence of being a friendly, jolly companion; he was talking about me as if I were not even in the great hall, let alone seated two feet away from him.

‘We’ll watch him, of course. He has a well-earned reputation as a slippery fellow. Low-born fellow, too, I hear. But if he plays us false – well … we will deal with that if and when. I need fighting men, Ralphie. Besides, Nick de Scras vouches for him, and that’s good enough for me.’

Prince John looked at me directly now, and his voice changed and became harsh once more. ‘Let me speak plainly, Dale. I will give you the manors of Burford, Stroud and Edington. They lie in the West Country, not far apart from one another, and make up one knight’s fee. I expect you to do me faithful service in return. If you betray me, if you even disobey me, you will lose the manors – and your head. Am I clear? Now, do you accept my offer and will you swear to serve me loyally?’

‘I accept,’ I said.

‘Good,’ said the Prince. ‘I will have the charters drawn up and we will do the homage ceremony tomorrow at noon in the chapel. Now get out.’

I was on my feet before I knew it. ‘I thank you, sire, from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity to serve you,’ I said, bowing low. ‘I am most grateful for your royal kindness.’

But the Prince had returned to his plate of greasy chicken and so I bowed once more, ignoring Sir Ralph completely, and reflecting, as I made my way out of the great hall, that I would have to get better at this royal boot-licking. After all, I might be required to do it on a daily basis.

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