Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 Read Online Free PDF Page A

them. “Are you mad to speak so in such a public place?” he hissed. “I am a man sworn to uphold the law.”
    “You act as if I spoke of murder. I merely mentioned the dangers such a despicable man faces while traversing the realm.”
    “Come now, Talan,” Leofrick said. “Do not take me for a fool.”
    “Then leave me with some slight hope.”
    “Apart from my mother and sister, I have yet to love a woman to such an extent.” Leofrick leaned back in his seat. “If this is what love does to a man, I shall forever forgo the pleasure.”
    “If you ever meet the woman you are destined to be with, you would have no choice.” Talan raised his cup. “I propose a toast to true love. It is far more fickle than fate, and ever the more painful.” 
    Leofrick hesitated, unsure if he should raise his glass. Thinking better of it, he downed the rest of his ale.
    By late afternoon the pair had consumed more ale than all of the other tavern patrons combined.
    Nearly missing the planked table, Talan focused on gingerly setting his cup down. “Do you know who annoys me more than Justice Ranulf de Glanville?”
    “King Henry?” Leofrick drunkenly guessed. He took another swallow of ale leaving a line of foam in his blond mustache.
    “No, no, no.” Talan waved a hand in dismissal. “Tis your brother Edmund I am thinking of. He is such a disagreeable sot.”
    “He can be, and we brothers often disagree,” Leofrick slurred. “Is it not the same with your fellow knights?”
    “Gervase is often a bumble headed dolt, Guy’s head is in the clouds, Albin’s jesting grates on my nerves, Osbert is green, and young Warin has a lot to learn.” Talan pointed a finger in Leofrick’s general direction. “Yet I would lay down my life for any one of them.”
    “Then we are in accord since I would do the same for my brothers.”
    “Can I get you something to eat?” Winifred gained their attention with a disapproving look. “You have been drinking so long we are now serving supper.”
    “Why did you not say so prior to now?” Leofrick lurched unsteadily to his feet. “Ma would have my head were I to miss one of the last family meals.”
    “If you do not mind my saying, she may still have your head,” Winifred said.
    “Let us hope her mind is on other matters.” Leofrick turned too fast and lost his balance. Falling hard against the table, he slowly righted himself. “Did I mention that I need to let a room, Winifred?”
    “You must have overlooked it.” Winifred clasped his arm to steady him. “I shall have Mary prepare one for you.”
    “Will you join me to sup?” Leofrick attempted to focus on Talan. “Under the circumstances even Edmund is not like to refuse.”  
    Lunging to his feet, Talan slowly shook his head. “I would never present myself to your family in such a state.”
    “That is very wise of you, my friend,” Leofrick fell back into his seat. “Mayhap I should stay with you.”
    Taking charge, Winifred signaled for her husband. “It appears Mister Leofrick needs an escort home.”
    Assisted to his feet, Leofrick drunkenly wrapped his arm around William’s shoulder. “Good man you are.” On their way out, he called back, “Talan, I would have liked to be your brother. Do not get so soused that you will be unable to bid Mylla farewell on the morrow. It would break her heart.”
    Winifred cleared her throat. “Why do not I get you a bowl of stew, Sir Talan? You will make yourself ill by carrying on in this way.”
    “Stew is the last thing I need.” Dropping back into his seat, he resumed drinking.
    “Pardon my saying, I think it is exactly what you need right now,” Winifred persisted.
    “Fine, if you insist. Get me some stew whilst you refill my cup. I am just going to rest my eyes a moment.” Laying his head down on the table, Talan passed out.
    It was not until Winifred roughly shook him hours later that he finally stirred. “Sir Talan, we are near to closing. Why do you not seek