Fall of Knight Read Online Free PDF

require, and he heard her mutter a thoughtful “Hunh.”
    “Are you all right?” he asked her.
    “Yes.” She straightened up and went to the railing, staring out at the same balmy vista that he had been studying.
    “Sleep okay?”
    “Slept fine. Everything’s fine.”
    He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you quite certain?”
    “Yes,” she said.
    Which, as Arthur knew all too well, meant no. He knew his wife, however, and was certain that she would get around to telling him what was on her mind sooner or later. It was just a matter of which one it would be.
    As it happened, it was later.
    Gwen had gone through most of the day in a mood that wasn’t exactly unresponsive, but neither was it especially chatty. Arthur informed her that he had made an executive decision and had set their ship in the direction of Bogo Pogo, which was the name she’d come up with for the island. He expected they’d arrive there within two to three days, presuming the weather held up. Gwen, wearing a white two-piece bathing suit and stretched out on a towel, sunning herself, displayed little to no enthusiasm, but simply said, “Okay, that’s fine.”
    When he did wind up catching some fish, Gwen took them down to the galley without comment. She had developed quite a bit of expertise when it came to scaling and gutting fish, and she prepared their midday meal with her customary expertise. Arthur complimented her repeatedly on the meal, but all she did was smile slightly and nod, and nothing much beyond that. Arthur sighed inwardly and continued to wait with the patience of someone who literally had nothing better to do but wait.
    At one point an airplane, a twin-engine prop job, appeared over the horizon. “Gwen!” Arthur called, and had to repeat her name a couple of times before she awoke, having dozed off while sunning herself. She propped herself up on her elbows and looked at him questioningly, but then heard the distant buzz of the airplane. He didn’t have to say anything further. She immediately gathered her gear and went down into the cabin, out of sight. Arthur continued to fish as if nothing was unusual. The plane passed by, never coming closer than a mile or so away. Still, better safe than sorry.
    “All clear!” he called to her.
    She came up from below, wearing her robe once more. There was a look of resolve on her face as she walked over to Arthur and dropped down cross-legged onto the deck. She looked up at him, and said, “You’re bored. Bored and frustrated.”
    “I am neither!” he protested.
    Gwen laughed at that, shaking her head. “You know…you always made such a point of stating that you didn’t lie. I always figured that it was this major moral imperative on your part. Now I don’t think so. Now I think it’s simply because you completely suck at lying.”
    “I do not suck,” he said with that archness that always sent Gwen into hysterics whenever he used coarse vernacular.
    This time, at least, she managed to restrain herself somewhat. “You do so suck at lying. Ohhh, don’t feel bad”—and she ran a hand across his cheek—“that’s a good thing. If you were skilled at lying, you wouldn’t be the Arthur I’ve come to know and love.”
    “I shall take that as a compliment,” he told her.
    “Well, good, because it was intended as such.” She pulled on his hand, indicating that she wanted him to join her on the deck. He made sure the fishing line was secured and did so, crossing his legs in imitation of hers. It wasn’t easy, though, and he felt a bit of stiffness in his thigh. He rubbed the cramp out as best he could. “Arthur,” she said, resting her hand upon his, “don’t even bother to deny it. I know you’re bored.”
    “Not with you. Never with you.”
    “I know that,” she said confidently. “But Arthur…my God, you’re a warrior king. A world leader. You’re built for quests and conquests. You’re made for great things.”
    “And is this not a great thing?” asked