Knight of Runes Read Online Free PDF

family.
    She grabbed the wheel and pressed her foot on the accelerator. The wheels spun, kicking up a spray of loose stones before biting into the roadway and sending the car leaping forward.
    Massive gnarled oak trees lined the wide, mile-long drive that led to the Manor. The lush canopy overhead reminded her of something ancient and mystical. The earthy aroma and the warm breeze added to her delight and set her adrenaline pumping and her heart racing with anticipation.
    The drive meandered through the trees and she was beginning to wonder if she’d taken a wrong turn when she came to an open area on the crest of a hill. She slammed on the brakes, skidding to a stop, and scanned the secluded valley with its sweeping manicured park. The gatehouse and the Manor with its single high tower and surrounding wall sat magnificently atop the rise at the far end of the valley. The rosy sand-toned buildings were a welcome beacon amidst the verdant backdrop. Fingers of excitement worked up her spine as she took in the view. “To hearth and home,” slipped out of her lips in a whisper. She continued down the road.
    She drove through the stone gateway, to the back of the Manor and pulled into a parking spot where a sign read Reserved for R. H. Tyler. If this is English efficiency, I love it. There were several buildings inside the Manor wall but the house dominated the area. It was much more than she expected.
    From where she parked she could see the back of the Manor with its deep sweeping marble patio that ran the width of the house. It ended at a short set of wide terraced steps leading into two gardens. A gentle breeze swept over the smaller informal garden behind the kitchen. The hint of lavender, sage and sweet marjoram filled the air. The Manor herb garden, she guessed. There was a small house—the gardener’s?—and then the second, much larger formal garden with hedges, trees and various flower beds. She passed the outbuildings, a stable, garage and cottage and went around to the front.
    It was large and impressive. Her academic eye glanced quickly over the building, taking in the original square that was the south wing, with two large arched windows on the lower level and four square windows on the second. This side of the house included a single tower overlooking the Manor and grounds. She imagined the view from the tower window must be wonderful. As was common with manor houses, an addition, in this case mirror image, created the north wing. There was a large raised porch in front of the entryway set between the two wings. The two large doors were thrown open, welcoming visitors. She took another look at the façade and basked in the knowledge that she was connected to this family and this place. Every nerve tingled with excitement. The drive through the forest, even the stop at Oak Meadow, made her feel alive and eager for answers about her people.
    With her notes in hand she entered as the hallway clock struck three-thirty. A middle-aged man with sandy hair and gray eyes greeted her. “Good day, miss. May I help you?”
    “Hi. I am here to see George Hughes. Do you know where I can find him?”
    “You must be Dr. Tyler. This way please. Mr. Hughes is waiting for you in the estate office in the private area of the Manor.”
    As they moved down the wide hall, she took note of the overall simplicity and elegance of the house. She took a deep breath and got a waft of the delicate fragrance of lavender and oil as a young woman finished polishing the hall furniture. “Dr. Tyler, I understand this is your first visit to Fayne Manor.”
    “Yes, it is. I have to admit I was not expecting such…well I thought I would find a simple farmhouse. I suppose the National Trust has moved things here from other homes to dress it up.”
    “Well, yes, it is a farmhouse of sorts and no, everything in the Manor belongs to the family. Ah, here we are.” Charles rapped softly and opened the door to the estate office.
    “Dr. Tyler,