Keeper of the Stone Read Online Free PDF

Lady Rhiann.  She will be treated with every kindness and respect as deserving her position as my wife.  I will not be returning to Normandy, my lord, unless you are in need of my services there.”
    “I suspect I will require your services more here, Nathan, which is why I decided to award the duke’s estates to you.  If I gave them to a man of wealth with lands of his own in Normandy he would be reluctant to make his life here.  You on the other hand are not troubled by such divided loyalties to hold you back from committing to a life in this new realm.  I want you to make your home here, Nathan and keep as many of your men who are willing to stay. The duke’s estates are quite vast and profitable.  You’ll encounter no trouble paying the wages of as many men as you can persuade to stay.”
    “My lord, I do not know how to thank you.  I never expected…”
    The king smiled and patted his arm, dismissing his vassal’s awkward attempt at gratitude.  “The lands you earned, Nathan.  The lady is my gift to you.  See that you value my gift as you should.”
    Nathan nodded and William continued. “I will see you this evening and introduce you to your bride then.  The wedding will be held tomorrow evening in the new abbey.  I imagine you would like your family present but it is best for Lady Rhiann and for the keeping of the peace among my knights if the matter of the duke’s estates and the lady’s future is settled as soon as possible.”
    Nathan bowed, offering another stumbling attempt to express his gratitude for the king’s magnanimous gift, and at the older man’s smiling dismissal, turned on unsteady legs and left the room.  His long stride carried him quickly along the hallway leading into the great hall and the exit.  He didn’t pause to exchange words with his friends, or even those of his own men awaiting his return. 
    The chill air and dim light of a late autumn afternoon greeted him as he exited the keep.  Upon reaching his tents, he called for his horse.  When his young squire arrived leading the huge stallion, Nathan mounted him in a single fluid movement.  At a galloping pace he sought to escape the city, away from the questioning glances of his acquaintances, away from the wealthy nobles who looked down at him for his lowly status and behind his back questioned his right to dine at the king’s table. 
    He still was unable to take in the soon to be, abrupt, incredible, unprecedented change in his fortunes. He was to be lord of his own lands, the estates of a former duke no less, who died defending his country against invasion, whose daughter was to be given to him along with her father’s lands.  The Lady Rhiann would no doubt be less than thrilled at the prospect of being joined in marriage to a man less nobly born than herself.  But Nathan did not doubt in time they would manage to deal reasonably well with each other. 
    He would keep his promise to William.  He would treat her kindly.  She would give him sons.  That was all he required in a wife – strong, healthy sons to pass his lands onto when he died.  And when he breathed his last he would be laid aside his former enemy in death and together they would watch the progeny of their bloods govern the lands once belonging to them both.
    He refrained from speaking of his good fortune upon his return to his tent, even to his commander and close friend, Archibald.  He saw the questioning looks in the eyes of those closest to him, but no one questioned him about the reason for his abrupt departure earlier, and Nathan offered only the most general of explanations for his extended absence, merely stating he was sent on an urgent errand for the king.
    He dressed carefully for dinner.  A wealthy man could appear at less than his best in the king’s hall since no one questioned his right to be there.  A lesser man could not.  Nathan never gave anyone a reason to question his presence among them. His garments were rich and