A Knight of Honor Read Online Free PDF Page B

the horse.   She paused to glance over her shoulder at the stream, where the horses drank, to see Slane bent over near the water, splashing his face.
    “What do you think he wants with the ring?” Taylor wondered.
    Jared snorted.   “Don’t know,” he said, lifting a flask of ale to his lips.   He lowered the bag and wiped his mouth with his sleeve, then offered the flask to Taylor.   “But that’s not all he’s interested in.”
    Taylor took the flask and lifted it to her lips.   The refreshing ale slid down her dust-filled throat.
    “He was asking about you,” Jared whispered.
    Taylor lowered the flask and shifted her startled gaze to Jared.   He raised his eyebrows and nodded.   She returned her gaze to Slane.   He was standing now, stretching, reaching toward the sky with his arms.
    “What did you tell him?” Taylor asked.
    Jared chuckled.   “That you were a fat, lazy girl with blond hair.”
    Taylor lifted an amused eyebrow.   “And he believed you?”
    “They don’t know you like I do,” Jared said, chortling deeply.
    She squatted beside her friend and handed back the flask.   “Do you think Father sent him?”
    Jared’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Slane.   “I don’t know,” he said quietly.   “All I know is I don’t like him.”   His gaze turned to Taylor.   “So stay away from him.   You hear?”
    “You know me, Jared,” Taylor said, standing.   “I don’t court trouble.”
    Jared groaned and rubbed his hands over his face.
    Taylor walked across the small clearing toward the horses.   Slane was checking his animal’s bridles and straps, and she watched his strong shoulders and golden head over the horse’s back.   How many stories she had heard about him!   Lord Slane Donovan of Castle Donovan winning the tournament at Warwickshire.   Then the tournament at Glavindale.   Then another tournament.   And there were the great battles, fighting at the King’s side.   She shrugged.   It all seemed so unreal to her.   She had just turned away when his soft voice reached her.
    “Where was Jared when you got those bruises?”
    Taylor turned slowly.   “Jared is not my protector,” she said.   “I am a free woman and I do as I please.”
    He lifted his gaze to her, and she was suddenly startled at how blue his eyes were.   Then those tawny brows slanted over his eyes, and he returned his concentration to his horse.
    He had dismissed her without a word!   Exasperation filled her.   But in that exasperation was a sense of victory.   For the woman he sought stood face-to-face with him and he didn’t even know it!
     
     

CHAPTER THREE
     
     
     
     
    T hey rode into Briarwood just as the sun was setting.   Jared and Slane went ahead to the inn to secure rooms and order a hot meal, and Taylor led the horses to the stables.   As she dismounted, she noticed dark clouds brewing in the distance, promising rain.
    “It looks ta be a bad one,” a boy’s voice said.
    Taylor turned to the young stable boy as lightning ripped through the churning clouds and thunder rumbled in the distance.   He had sandy blond hair that hung into his eyes.   She handed the reins to him, nodding.   “That it does,” she answered.   She motioned to the horses.   “See to these horses.”
    “I’ll take good care of ‘em,” the boy promised, swiping the hair from his eyes.   “I’ve done lots before.   I’ve even done a warhorse once.”
    Taylor smiled at him.   “I’ll bet you’re the best,” she said.
    The boy beamed, nodding his head.   Taylor turned to leave, but the boy added, “I never seen no lady carrying a sword like you do.”
    Taylor turned around, the old feeling of defensiveness surging within her.   He studied her face for a moment.   She straightened her back.
    “Looks like you been in lotsa fights, too,” he added.
    After a quick moment, Taylor decided he meant no ill will and a smile split her swollen lips.   “That I have,” she