Queen Of Knights Read Online Free PDF Page B

have a strong chin, Sir Miles, and intelligent eyes.  I could fare worse.  There is one, and only one, boon I would ask.”
    “Then speak it, for it is granted . ”
    “Not yet .  If you succeed in winning my hand, you will hear my boon on our wedd i ng day . ”
    “And why not now?” Miles asked, puzzled by her secrecy, yet at the same time feeling an intense anticipation .
    “Because, my gallant knight , until we are actually betrothed, and until the words of the marriage ceremony are to be a reality and not a dream, I will trust no one with what I must ask.”
    Hearing the passionate depths of her words, Miles tightened his grip on her hand.  “You will always be able to trust me, my lady, always.  Now, up with you,” he said as his hands went around her waist and he lifted her effortlessly onto the mare’s back.  Gwendolyn closed her eyes at the pleasure of finally having someone who could make her feel like a woman.
    “Soon, my Lady Gwendolyn, I will come to claim you.”
    “I know , ” Gwendolyn whispered.  Then she sat straight on the horse’s back and, using her heels, urged the mare into the trees.  She rode smoothly, not giving in to the impulse to glance back.  She had no need .  Miles’s features were inde l ibly printed in her mind: his strong face, his deep, but gentle eyes, the strength in his hands, and the aura of his power.
    Gwendolyn knew that now she must go to the cave.  She must feel the sword of her father in her hands, and with it, she must think over everything that had happened to her this day.

 
    Chapter Two
    Gwendolyn rode deep into the forest , her mind confused, yet peaceful at the same time.  Over and over, she forced herself to rep l ay the encounter at the pool .  She analyzed every moment now that she had the time to do so .  She remembered all her mistakes clearly, but at the same time she realized she could have done no better.  A l l her training-in - arms and the ways of fighting had been learned by observation of t he squires and knights when they practiced; and her own practice had been limited by necessity to the times when she was alone .  And then she could on l y fight imaginary foes with her sword.
    She reviewed what had happened and again saw Miles charging forward on his mount, his head bared, his halberd hanging on its thong, and his sword held high, reflecting sunlight and gleaming its intent as he whipped it downward against the others.  But there was his handsome face .  .  .shivering, even in the warmth, Gwendolyn wondered what the fates had in store for her .
    Why had she spoken so boldly? Because I have waited a lifetime for him! Because he is the only man I have ever seen that I could allow myself to be with ! Because I see within him a vast good.
    W i thout realizing it, Gwendolyn had arrived a t her destination.  She slid from her mount's back and dropped the reins.  Pausing as she looked at the obscured opening in the face of the moss-covered hill, she fe l t her heart beat faster .
    Breathing deeply, Gwendolyn started forward .  As always, a tingling began i n the bal l s of her feet , and by the time she reached the entrance, it spread through her ent ir e body.  It was a far - from - unpleasant feeling and one she always looked forward to .
    Ducking her head, Gwendo l yn entered the darkened cave .
    Inside, she wa l ked unerringly toward the deep n i che in the far wall .  Reaching up , Gwendolyn’s fingers sea r ched until they brushed against the soft chamois .  She sighed in relief.  It was always so, every time she r eturned to the cave: she feared that she would never find it.  Her fingers grasped the object and she drew it down.
    With the chamo i s-wrapped b l ade secure in her hand , Gwendolyn walked toward the entrance of the cave.  Halfway there she reached the dayl i ght filtering inward in a misty flow .  At the first edge of light upon the cave ’ s floor, she stopped.
    Sinking gracefully to her knees,