The Chronicles of Aveline: Love and Blood (The Lady Crusader Series Book 2) by Fry Ken

Author:Fry, Ken
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ken Fry
Published: 2019-11-17T00:00:00+00:00

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Wine stains marred the whiteness of the king’s shirt. He was seated in his large chair. On a table nearby stood a half-full goblet of wine and a depleted gourd. Its only saving grace was that it succeeded in putting the king in a better frame of mind. His feet were stretched up on the table. He was barefooted.

He was pondering the recent events and more inevitable battles with Saladin’s forces. He thought of the massacre on that hill. They were Godless infidels and Christ despisers. They should have expected nothing less. Yet in his mind, the episode continued to repeat itself. He attempted to justify the event by reminding himself of Saladin’s vengeful retribution on a similar number of Christians. But in his quieter moments, he knew the massacres had achieved nothing. Saladin defaulted on their agreement … so what was I supposed to do?

He recalled the recent skirmishes and how Lady Froulingham, a mere woman, had saved his life twice, whilst the male guards had failed to do so. Perhaps all my guards should be women, eh? Lady Aveline is missing. God help her if the Muslims capture her. She would be better off dead. She was a joy to have as part of my retinue.

He reached out and poured what was left from the gourd into his very large goblet. The heavy gold rings on his fingers made clunking sounds as he did. He felt hungry and his cook was running late.

At that moment, the commander of the guard entered and gave a long, low bow.

“What is it, Commander?” Richard snarled.

“Sire, there are Muslims from Saladin outside.”

“In God’s Holy Heart! I thought I told them to wait until I was ready!” Richard leapt up and rammed his feet into his shoes and wiped the wine stains from his lips. He reached out for his tunic. “Who are they and what do they want?”

“Sire, rest easy. They bring someone you will be well pleased to see, and also a message from Saladin himself.”

“Bring them all in here but surround me with guards and archers outside.”

The commander nodded with excitement. “It will be done, sire.” He failed to suppress a grin as he dashed outside.

Richard flung on the best clothes he could muster and sat back in his chair. Minutes later, the commander entered, followed by a retinue of guards who scattered in formation.

“Well, where are they then?” His impatience was clear from his tone. “How in God’s name am I going to understand their foul language?”

“Have no fear, sire.” The commander widened the flaps and Lady Aveline of Froulingham walked in and knelt before her astonished king. The flag bearers followed, and to a man, gave deep bows with their hands on their hearts. Behind them came Giles and Quentin who looked more nervous than the Muslims.

“God smiles upon me!” Richard shouted with joy. “I thought you were lost forever and now these heathens bring you back. My day has now brightened. Lady Aveline, be seated. Pray, tell me of what happened.

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