A Stormy Knight Read Online Free PDF

be found? "
    " Milady, I have the men on the ready as we speak. We can leave as soon as you wish it. Is there anything else we can do? "
    " Aye . " S he stood and turned her back to de Toeni momentarily so he could not see the fear in her eyes as she tried to steady her hands. She was lost and alone, and the weight of the morning ' s events was c rushing her spirit.
    She let one tear slide down her cheek before she steeled herself and spun back to face him. " You must send a message to King Henry. I need assistance. My father said if something were to happen to him , Henry should be reached immediately. "
    " Right away, milady . " H e stood to leave the chapel. He hesitated for a moment and then said, " Your father has faith in you and so do I. You know what to do. You have watched your father run this castle for years , and these people love you. You have to stand tall and lead until help arrives. Do not doubt yourself and do what you already know has to be done. I am always ready to assist if you need me. "
    Without waiting for her response, Oliver ducked to go through the door of the chapel and walked out into the early morning light. He and his men were soon gone, leaving her to think about what he said and what she was going to do next.
    She called for her father ' s squire, who had stayed behind to help her whil e Oliver was gone. T he remaining men were ordered to be on high alert. For the time being, the gates were locked to anyone not already living in Blackstone. Next, s he found Hesse with Isabel in the hall. It was time to eat.
    It was futile, but she tried desperately to make sense of it all. Her father was ill. Father Darius was still with him , and she had not heard a word from him. Oliver should be well on his way to London by now. There was a traitor among them, though what they wanted was a mystery. It could be someone they trust ed . To what end, though? He r father was stern but well loved, so who had been killing off servants and possibly even him?
    She felt a tugging on her skirts. " Gemma? " It was Isabel. " Wh ere is Father? Can we eat now? "
    Gemma glanced around. Everyone was watching her. Since her father was not there, she had to sit down at the dais for the meal to begin. She moved toward the high table and beckoned Hesse to join her.
    Hesse listened as Gemma spoke in hushed tones while the food was set before them. She tried to speak without alarming Isabel, who was quick - minded and did not miss much going on around her. " Please stay with Isabel today and do not leave her side for one moment. Remain within the castle walls and try not to allow her to prattle on too much about Father. "
    " Milady, I understand. " Hesse nodded sl owly. " What are we to do then? ' Tis hard enough to keep her occupied on most days. She ' ll be wanting to know about yer father soon enough. "
    " Just do what you can. Do not wander away from the eyes of father ' s men-at-arms, at least until instructed otherwise. If you can get her to read or to work on embroidery in the nursery, all the better. I shall talk with her about our father later today. " Hesse nodded again and glanced at Isabel who was playing with her food.
    Gemma got up quickly and took the steps two at a time to reach the solar. She wanted to see her father. The priest was just leaving Blaise ' s chambers when she arrived. He s lowed his pace when he saw her.
    " He lives, my dear. The Lord has not asked him to go home just yet , " Father Darius said.
    " But what, " she stammered, " what is wrong with Father? Can I see him? "
    " Aye, you may see him, dear, but he is not awake. He cannot see or hear you. I am not sure what is ailing him, but other than being in a deep sleep, there appears to be no injury. Some people do fall into a sleep after a great shock, but I do not know if this is what has befallen your father. He has a small bump on the back of his head, but that would be from the fall he took on the stone floor. "
    " He will awaken soon? "
    Father