The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton

Author:Eli Easton [Easton, Eli]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: Glbt, Historical Fiction, Romance, Middle-Ages, Knights
ISBN: 9781627985451
Google: QIUrBgAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00S8U0TT6
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2015-01-18T23:00:00+00:00

THE KENDAL alehouse was like many others they’d seen on the road—a dim place that smelled of unwashed bodies and grilling meat. It was nauseating. After so many days on the open road, Christian had lost his ability to filter out the stench of enclosed spaces. The half-timbered walls surrounded one large room with sturdy wooden tables and chairs. The ceiling was low, but not quite so low that William had to stoop. As usual, their entrance provoked plenty of stares. The least welcome came from a group of seven hardened-looking men sharing a table at the back. Something about the men made the hair on the back of Christian’s neck stand on end, especially when one of them, a smarmy brute with a crooked nose and cruel eyes, looked Christian up and down with mocking lechery.

They’re nothing to us. Ignore them. Nevertheless, Christian was glad he was with William and not by himself. William seemed to disregard the group after one glance, but he chose a small table close to the wall and took the chair that faced the men.

“Two plates, two pints,” William told the alewife.

“Aye, good knight,” she replied cheerfully—or at least, that’s what Christian thought she said. It was hard to tell since she had no teeth and a broad North Country accent.

The ale and food came quickly. The day’s plate contained sausages and mashed turnips. One bite, and Christian’s appetite returned with vigor. William downed half his pint and gave him an inscrutable look. “Well? Out with it. What is this plan you spoke of?”

Christian took a swig of ale and leaned forward eagerly. “As you have said, Somerfield knows your face. If you directly challenge him, it will go badly. Our best chance is to get Lady Elaine out by subterfuge. I will go to the castle and seek work as a servant—”

“Absolutely, and adamantly, no,” William said. Loudly.

By the saints, Christian could swear the man was not called the Lion for his valor but for his cantankerous roar. “You might hear me out before saying nay,” Christian said with some annoyance.

William frowned.

“I’ll seek work in the castle,” Christian continued in a quiet voice. “In a week’s time, I’ll learn in what rooms Lady Elaine is kept and what her schedule is—when she walks in the garden or attends confession. That way, we might find the best time and place to get her and the children out unobserved.”

“I do not want you entering that castle.”

“’Tis our best chance of success! You must consider Elaine. Our goal must be to free her and keep your head on your neck. And damn your pride, Sir William Corbet!”

William focused on his food for a few long moments, considering the proposition. Christian glanced around and noticed that Crooked Nose was staring at him again. The man licked his lips in an unmistakably lewd way. Christian felt a flush of anger. He was a knight and that was a blatant insult. But the man had a lot of friends, and Christian’s conversation with William was too important to get distracted.

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