Keeper of the Grail Read Online Free PDF

know, and I knew that I would never find them here. Deep into the night I tossed and turned until I felt my eyes grow heavy and sleep overtook me.
    At first light the Templars were ready to leave. Astride their horses, they sat in the courtyard of the abbey waiting for me. The brothers stood on the steps as I came through the door. I had tied my belongings into a roll, fixing it about my neck so that it hung at my side. I had slept fitfully, still unsure of my choice, but in the end decided I must take this opportunity. The brothers would say it was God’s will, but I felt it was my own, and thought that unless I at least tried to find the answers I sought, I would never know peace.
    I saw Sir Thomas and Sir Hugh standing at the head of the column of riders. They spoke in hushed tones but appeared to be arguing. Sir Hugh finally threw his hands up as he shot me a nasty look, then went to his horse. I guessed that he had just learned I would be accompanying the regimento and was not happy at the news. Sir Thomas just smiled and nodded at me, and he too mounted up.
    The abbot’s brow was furrowed and his dark eyes gazed intently at me. Brother Rupert beamed and put his hands together in front of him, and I could hear him murmuring a prayer. I found that comforting, assuming as I was that I would need all the prayers I could get on this journey.
    I ambled gingerly down the steps, still sore and stiff but suffering no permanent damage from the previous night’s attack.
    “Tristan,” the abbot said. “It would seem that you have made a decision.”
    “Yes, Father. I have decided to accept Sir Thomas’ offer and accompany the knights to the Holy Land.”
    “Are you sure you feel well enough to travel?” he asked.
    “Yes, Father, I feel much better. I was not seriously hurt,” I said.
    “I see.” The abbot was quiet for a moment as he considered me. Then he gave me a rare smile. “We knew this day would come,” he finally said. “Admittedly, we did not expect it to happen so soon. But we realized that someday you would leave us. This is a sad day for St. Alban’s.”
    I was moved by the abbot’s words. “Thank you, Father,” I said.
    Brother Rupert stepped forward, holding out a small leather pouch. Taking it I could hear the clink of coins and feel the weight of them in my hand.
    “It’s only a few crosslets,” he said. “We took up a collection amongst the brothers. You might need some essentials when you reach Dover. This isn’t much, but it should help.”
    I was too moved to speak. The brothers had all taken vows of poverty, and any money they earned went directly to the abbey. This “collection” must have come from the treasury. This likely explained the pained look on the abbot’s face.
    “Brother Rupert,” I said, “I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but I cannot accept this…” I started to hand it back to him, but his hands closed over mine, keeping the purse clutched in my hand.
    “Tristan, you are one of us. We would not send a brother out into the world empty-handed. You have earned this with your sweat and your kind heart. Take it and think no more of it,” he said.
    Before I could say anything, Sir Hugh broke in. “If you are coming with us, boy, make up your mind. We’re leaving now, and you have no mount, so you’ll have to keep up. Say your good-byes and step lively.” His voice was cold, and tinged with something unsettling.
    Brother Rupert shot Sir Hugh a rather nasty look for a monk. He squeezed my hands and clapped me on the shoulder.
    “Where is Brother Tuck?” I asked. “I can’t leave without saying good-bye…”
    Just then, I heard a commotion to my left and turned to see him coming around the side of the abbey leading Charlemagne, one of our plow horses. Charlemagne wore the ancient saddle that the brothers used on occasion. Brother Tuck beamed at me as he led the horse to a stop before me.
    “This is the last of our gifts,” said Brother Rupert. “He will get