Choose the Sky: A Medieval Romance (Swordcross Knights Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

women soon reached the church and its attendant buildings, where her cousin Joscelin pursued his studies to attain the rank of priest.
    Domina hadn’t sent word ahead, but she was confident that the mention of the de Warewic name would grant her entrance. The servant who received her looked rather like a churchman himself, and he cast a suspicious eye over the two women, as if they would at any moment turn into serpents.
    Nevertheless, he went to announce her to Joscelin. Domina moved to a side room to wait, and Constance stood near her, staring at the gracious lines of the building with awe.
    An older man entered after a few moments, clearly the highest-ranking churchman in residence. He greeted her civilly. “You say you are Joscelin’s cousin?” he asked.
    “Yes, Domina de Warewic. My father Godfrey is his uncle. Joscelin lived with us at Trumwell Castle.”
    “Ah, yes. He did speak of his life then. A happy time for him, after so much sadness. He mentioned a cousin whom he still prays for.”
    Domina smiled. “We pray for him, too, though it seems God is already pleased with his work.”
    “You are grateful, I trust, that such a devout man shares your blood.”
    Domina nodded, saying, “My father was so proud of him when he chose to pursue the path of a priest.”
    “He will excel,” the older man said. “I would not be surprised if he becomes one of the youngest bishops ever. His speech comes directly from the angels.” At a sound, he turned to see someone approaching. “Ah, he has arrived. I will leave you to speak alone,” he said, apparently deciding that Domina was no threat to Joscelin’s sanctity.
    “Thank you,” she said.
    “Cousin!”
    Domina broke into a smile at hearing Joscelin’s voice.
    Joscelin was about three years younger than her, but even at nineteen, he inspired a certain regard. He had gentle brown eyes that often seemed to look past the world into heaven.
    She’d first met him when he came to live at Trumwell, after the death of his parents and sister from a plague. Though a skinny young child burdened with grief, he had an air of calm and purpose. As far as Domina was concerned, her cousin Joscelin was like a brother.
    “I had no idea you were here in London!” he said, embracing her. He stepped back and gazed at her. “What business brings you so far from home?”
    “A routine matter,” she said, not wishing to worry him. “I had to present myself at court and confirm the strength of our castle and garrison. It is done now, so I’ll return home as soon as I can. But I wanted to see you first!”
    “I am glad to look on your face, cos,” he said. His voice dropped to a more confidential tone. “When they told me you were here, I feared the worst news. How is your father?”
    “The same,” she said. “No worse, but no better.”
    Joscelin sighed, and put one hand on her arm. “Dearest Mina, you’re doing all you can.”
    “I only wish I could do more. Or do something else. The right thing.”
    “Sometimes it is not given to us to know,” Joscelin said. “You are an ideal daughter, and you must continue to care for him just as you are. The Lord in his mercy and wisdom will guide you.”
    Joscelin’s voice soothed Mina, and the words that once might have irked her now bolstered her instead.
    “I hope you are doing well here,” she said, striving for a happier topic. “Both in your vocation and in this city! It’s nothing like what I expected—the city, I mean.”
    “What did you expect?”
    “I don’t know. Something divine, with gleaming spires and broad streets and marvels from strange lands. The city has spires, but they’re half hidden by smoke. As for marvels…well, I can’t forget half of what I’ve seen, though I’d not call it marvelous. There are beggars everywhere, and the smells alone…”
    He nodded. “It shocked me as well. There is much to be wary of.”
    “So I learned. We were set upon by footpads the very evening we