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

“Talan, would you mind heading up to the tower without me this morn? Lecie has her hands full and I thought I would stay behind to lend her assist.”
    “If you so wish, I shall take on the responsibility of meeting with the overseer whilst we are here,” Talan offered. “That way, you can remain here unless a problem arises.”
    “Until further notice, please do so.” Albin slipped from the room before Lecie could voice an objection.
    After he was gone, Talan helped bundle the soiled linens. “I am very sorry about Edric. He is a good man.”
    “Thank you, Sir Talan.” Close to tears, Lecie busied herself tidying the room. “That is very kind of you to say.”
    Sensing her discomfort, Talan switched topics. “I put up some barley to soak. Now that Albin is in residence, I have no doubt he shall drink through your current store of ale.”
    Glad for the change of subject, Lecie paused in her task. “I did not realize you brewed your own ale, Sir Talan.”
    “It was something I picked up in my youth.”
    “In your youth?” Taking in his boyish good looks, she looked skeptical. “I take that to mean you believe you have reached your dotage?”
    “Aye,” Talan agreed. “At a score and four, I feel much older than I am.”
    “There are times I feel much older than my years,” Lecie murmured. “I suppose everyone experiences that feeling at one time or another in their life.”             
    “I would have to disagree with you,” Talan replied. “I would wager you are no older than a score.”               
    “How truly remarkable you should say that.” Lecie’s eyes flared slightly in surprise. “I am no more than a score.”
    “I know.” Talan leaned forward as if to impart a secret. “Mylla let your age slip to me in London.”
    They laughed in unison.
    Finished with her task, Lecie perched on the edge of the bed. “How old is Sir Albin, if you do not mind my asking?”
    “Albin is the eldest of our band of knights at a score and nine.”
    “Why do you think it is he never married?”
    “Albin?” Talan shrugged. “Of all of us, I believe he is the least likely to take a wife.”
    “I see.” Her heart sinking, Lecie studied her hands. “I should have guessed it.”
    “You should know the same thing was also said about his lordship,” Talan confided. “There were large wagers at court that he would remain unwed.”
    “I have heard he is quite content with her ladyship. It pleases me to know he is so well settled.”
    “I have never seen a man more content than he, Lecie.”
    “We have always thought highly of Baron Erlegh. Please extend to him our congratulations on the birth of his daughter when you see him next.”
    “I shall do so. I believe it will be some time before he once again ventures far from home.”
    “In that case, I shall let his chamber,” Lecie spoke half to herself. “Tis the best we have to offer and we could use the additional income.”
    “It is indeed a task to run such a place,” Talan observed. “Will you need assist with the brewing when the barley I put to soak matures?”
    “Truth be told, I had barley set to soak in the shed ready to germinate, along with a batch ready to brew. The village festival is in a few days. Apart from the crowd expected here, we set up a booth in the square.”
    “It sounds like we arrived at the right time.” Talan smiled. “If you have the malt dry and ground, I shall lend assist with the hot water and draining the wort when I return. You are on your own when it comes to the herbs and yeast. If I meddle with your recipe, Albin will never forgive me for it.”
    “I cannot make servants of knights, Sir Talan.”
    “No, you cannot,” he agreed. “You can accept the assistance of friends.”
    “You sound like Sir Albin.”
    “It is not often he and I agree on things. I suggest you take advantage of this momentous occasion.”
    “In that case, I shall. You have my sincerest