For Camelot's Honor Read Online Free PDF

he did speak.
    Remember yourself.
As much as she enjoyed the jests and boasts of a flirtation, now was not the time, and this was most certainly not the man. Not while there was the chance that she and hers might soon be at war with these men was as great as the chance she might become a sworn vassal to their lord.
    Eyes discretely lowered, Elen returned to her place beside her mother’s chair. This did not keep her from catching a glance from Yestin, who lifted one quizzical brow and quirked his mouth as much to say
liked that one, did you?
She wished mightily she could cuff him on the ear.
    Sir Bedivere raised his cup in salute to Adara, but it was Sir Kynon who spoke. “My captain, Sir Bedivere, bids me render our thanks for this plentiful hospitality, Lady Adara.” Bedivere drank deeply and the other two did the same. There were mutters of approval from around the hall. Sir Kynon let them die away before he spoke again. “Sir Bedivere bids me say that we bring the Lady Adara of the cantrev Pont Cymryd the greetings of our lord Arthur Pendragon, High King of the Britons. He wishes you and yours joy, prosperity and deep friendship. As tokens of this, he asks you to receive these gifts of him.”
    Bedivere beckoned with his cup to the men and boys of the knight’s train. These came forward, bearing two heavily carved and banded chests between them, which would have been gift enough. Now came Yestin’s turn, and her brother walked down to stand before the chests as they were opened. The first revealed red clay jars sealed in white wax and packed carefully in straw.
    â€œVintage wine,” proclaimed Kynon. “And white salt for the savour of life.”
    The men opened the second, smaller chest.
    â€œFor the Lady Adara, the High King sends this belt of silver.” The men lifted the ornament out, and it flashed in the firelight. It was long enough to wrap twice around mother’s waist, and each link was worked into the shape of a hunting cat with periodots for eyes. “For young, the Lord Yestin, the High King sends this sword.” The men lifted out a scabbard and Bedivere handed his cup to Geraint so that he might draw the sword and hold it up. This was a princely gift. Even Elen could see the edge was keen and the weapon light and well balanced. The hilt was inlaid with gold and garnets. Elen thought she saw Yestin’s hands twitch, itching to take hold of the weapon and gauge its worth.
    â€œFor the Lady Elen, the High King sends this necklace.”
    It was a heavy and beautiful thing he held up, worked bronze and silver together into the shape of a flowering vine setting off pearls, amythists and garnets. But even with that rich present sparkling in the light of the fire and torches, Elen found her gaze slipped sideways to rest on the blue-eyed knight. A warm shiver went through her as she saw he was indeed looking steadily back at her.
    Take care, Elen,
she cautioned herself.
Take great care.
    The necklace was returned to the chest, and the ambassadors and their men bowed.
    â€œMost heartily do we thank Arthur Pendragon for these gifts and the friendship they betoken,” said Yestin. He looked a great deal like father as he stood there, one hand on his hip and his head held high, and Elen felt herself smile. “It is the honour and pleasure of this house to accept both.” Kynon murmured into Bedivere’s ear, translating Yestin’s words for him.
    Yestin raised his hand and four of their own men stepped forward to bear away the chests to the treasury. “Most gladdened are we by the presence of such friends. It is in peace and honour we greet you and welcome you thrice more to this house. Now, Sirs, it is our lady’s will that you and your men do come sit with us, that we might take meat and bread as well as counsel and conversation.”
    It was a pretty little speech and Yestin had been working on it for several days. Words were not what he