Magic Casements by Pamela Sherwood

Author:Pamela Sherwood [Sherwood, Pamela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Castle Publishing

The Knight

The tourney field shimmered like a desert mirage in the midday sun. After defeating Lord John, I was more than glad to dismount and head back towards my tent.

Hugh appeared almost immediately at my elbow, taking my horse’s reins. “You’re well? And unhurt?’

I nodded. “A little weary, but that will pass soon enough!” Beneath my helm, a triumphant grin spread across my face. “We’ve acquitted ourselves far better than expected, so far, and now they don’t know what to make of us!”

“More fools they, for thinking that displays of wealth denote the warrior!” Hugh leaned in close to me. “There’s magic afoot in this court. I can practically smell it.”

“Ah.” I stilled, absorbing what he had said. “I had suspected as much when I first made plans to come here. Are our competitors—?”

“No. Everyone you’ve faced on the field today is as mortal as you, though no less capable for that. But the sovereign…” His voice trailed off significantly.

“Should I prepare myself for—possible interference?”

“I—think not. Imagine the whispers if the favorite wins on anything other than his own merits.” His tone grew grimmer. “And I’ve seen the favorite. Even without magical assistance, he’ll be hard to beat.”

“Lord Guillaume,” I acknowledged. “I caught a glimpse of him in combat. He’s formidable indeed, but he has yet to engage me in the fight.”

Hugh grunted. “Make no mistake—he’s also seen you at work. The better you acquit yourself here, the greater his own glory in defeating you. He’ll take you on in the next round, mark my words.”

“Noted.” I pushed back the visor of my helm, let the slight summer breeze cool my heated face. “I will take a little rest, in preparation for that bout. And my men are under orders to do the same.”

“Take what respite you can, while you can. The field has been winnowed, but there are several fierce fighters still in contention.” Hugh reached up to pat my horse’s damp shoulder. “In the meanwhile, I’ll wipe this fellow down, and get your second mount ready. Oh—” he turned back to me “—if, on the way to your tent, you should pass near the stands and the royal pavilion… you may see and hear something, or rather someone, that would give you pleasure.”

Something in his tone had me eying him more sharply. “Oh?”

A reluctant smile tugged at his mouth. “A lute player with an uncommonly skilled touch. Fair, slender, and—until a little while ago—wearing an expression that would curdle milk.”

Despite my apprehension, I chuckled. “A sweet song, but a sour singer?”

“Not so sour once you started winning, so pay close heed to the song. And God be with you,” he added somberly as he led my horse away.

I lowered my visor and resumed walking. Passing by the royal pavilion would not take me too far out of my way, though I would do my best to remain inconspicuous.

Fortunately, there were enough knights and squires wandering about the tournament grounds that I could pass unnoticed. Through the slits of

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