Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 02 Read Online Free PDF Page A

back, Albin sounded confused by the request.
    “If you assist me to stand, I am sure I can manage to walk the length of the passageway, Sir Albin.”
    “How long has it been since you were out of bed, Edric?”
    “It has been a while now,” the elder man admitted.
    “That is what I thought.” After a moment, Albin addressed Lecie. “If you would lead the way, we shall follow, lass.”
    Turning around, Lecie was surprised to see her father cradled in Albin’s muscular arms. Seeing the vast difference in sizes between them, she met Albin’s concerned gaze with one of her own. “The passageway is clear.”
    She stood by the bathing room door averting her eyes as Albin lowered her father into the heated water.
    With a soft sigh of pleasure, Edric leaned back against the lip of the tub. “You shall forever have my thanks for this, Sir Albin.” 
    “Will you be all right for a spell so I can lend assist to Lecie in changing the bed linens?”
    “Aye, I shall be fine.” Edric managed a weak smile as he studied the two of them standing together. “God willing, things will work out the way I have always prayed they would.”
    “Call if you need assist,” Albin replied with a confused look.
    Leading the way into the hall, Lecie paused outside her father’s bedroom door. “Sir Albin, I shall not keep you any longer. After I change the linens, I shall find Hamon to lend assist.”
    “And if Hamon is nowhere to be found?”
    “He never disappears for very long,” Lecie hedged. “He and Gunilda often take strolls in the woods. They are bound to return soon.”
    “Why are you so stubborn, lass?”
    “I am not stubborn, Sir Albin.”
    “Are you not?” he teased. “It looks to me as if you need assist and I am here to offer it. By your refusing, it gives credence to the fact that you are indeed stubborn.”
    “It has nothing to do with being stubborn. You are a paying guest here and as such should be afforded our hospitality, not put to work.”
    “I am a friend, and there is no one else who can lift Edric from the tub, Hamon included. Why, it looks to me a brisk wind could knock the oaf over.”
    Smiling at the visual of Hamon sprawled in the dirt, she relented. “In that you are no doubt correct.”
    “So accept what is sincerely offered.” Albin’s tone softened as he stared down at her.
    “I would not have you shirk your duties to his lordship.” Tearing her gaze away, she led the way into her father’s chamber. 
    He watched her in silence as she began to strip the soiled linens from the bed. After a moment, he walked up behind her. “How long does he have?”
    “I know not.” Turning to face him, tears slipped from her eyes. “The village leech will no longer come to check on him.”
    “You love him,” Albin stated without a hint of emotion.
    “More than anything,” Lecie’s voice broke as she struggled to contain her sobs.
    “Then let me help you tend him.”
    Brushing at her cheeks with the back of her hands, she nodded.
    They were finishing with the bed when Talan knocked on the doorframe. “Hello, Lecie.”
    “Sir Talan.” Lecie managed a slight smile. “It is good to see you again.”
    “About time you awoke, layabout,” Albin teased.
    “I would have risen with the sun had not my rest been disturbed,” Talan shot back with a grin.
    “I fear I am to blame for your lack of sleep, Sir Talan.” Lecie raked her teeth along her lower lip. “For that I thank you and apologize.”
    “See what you did?” Albin cuffed Talan’s shoulder. “You made Lecie feel bad.”
    “I was merely jesting.” Talan frowned at Albin as he responded to Lecie. “I was most pleased to be of service.”
    “Better,” Albin approved. “If you will excuse me a moment, Lecie, I shall check and see how Edric is faring.”
    “Thank you, Sir Albin.” Lecie shook her head with a smile. “I feel as if I am constantly repeating myself this morn.”
    “It is my pleasure.” Albin dipped his head.