The Chessboard Queen by Sharan Newman

Author:Sharan Newman [Newman, Sharan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780312863913
Amazon: B00JWTHR1U
Goodreads: 166681
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 1983-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Arthur lolled against the pillows in his tent, relishing the chance to relax unwatched. It had been a good trip, worthwhile. Craddoc had been more than eager to swear allegiance to Arthur, especially if he received protection from Meleagant in return. It had not surprised Arthur to learn that Meleagant had decided to go on an extended hunting trip just at the time that Arthur was to have visited. He considered it a compliment. The man was more wary of him than he had hoped.

It had been a good recruiting trip, too. The new men were fresh and enthusiastic, as were some old men. Ector, Cei’s father, had gotten quite carried away and promised to come down in the spring and help with the training. This journey had shown the mettle of some of Arthur’s fosterlings, too. He had not previously noticed Bedevere much, but the boy had blossomed into a diplomat of rare persuasion. All in all, Arthur was satisfied and more at ease than he had felt for years. Now, as soon as he could get home to Guinevere. . . .

He set down his wine cup and drifted off into a semiconscious dream, familiar and never quite fulfilled.

Someone was making an outrageous racket outside. Arthur started awake, knocking over the cup. He stuck his head outside the tent. The guard hurried over.

“What is all that noise?” Arthur demanded.

“I’m not sure, sir. I believe that a messenger has arrived and insists on seeing you at once. The watch told him you had retired, but he refuses to wait until morning.”

“If the man wants to see me that badly, send him in! Who told the watch that it was their decision to make?”

The guard did not answer. He was already gone.

Arthur stretched and mumbled as he wrapped himself in a proper cloak instead of his fur blanket. The watch should have been able to figure out for themselves that any man who wanted to see him in the middle of the night must have a good reason. Those men would have to be switched to some duty less mentally taxing.

He had hardly sat down again when the tent flaps were pulled open and Cheldric burst in. He was breathing heavily and trying to slip his cloak off with his one arm as he bowed to the King.

“Sir Cei has sent me to you with evil news, my Lord. The Queen, on her way to Caerleon, was kidnapped by King Meleagant.”

“What!” Arthur leaped to his feet. “This is no subject for humor, sir.”

Cheldric backed a pace. “I would not have come all this way for a joke, sir. The roads are treacherous. All the able-bodied men are preparing to set out at once, upon your arrival.”

“When did this happen?” Arthur snapped. He no longer doubted. This was just the sort of trick which would appeal to a mind like Meleagant’s. He ground his teeth. Just the sort, too, that would amuse the other powerful kings like Maelgwn. He knew

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