Robinson Crusoe 2244 Read Online Free PDF Page B

Robinson saw a glint of silver there.
    “There are things I should have told you about her father long ago. Things I had hoped to say once you finished school and joined me in the trade. I see now I’ve waited too long.”
    “Father, I would never jeopardize—”
    Leodore held up a hand to silence him. “I cannot forbid you from attending the ball. Your absence would draw too much attention. And attention right now is the last thing either of us needs.” He looked at the bruises on his son’s arms as he said it. “But I can and will insist you stop seeing this girl immediately.”
    “But, Father! We’re in love!”
    “Of your sincerity I have no doubts. And maybe the girl loves you too. Who knows? All that matters is that you are my son and I know what’s best for you. I forbid you from having contact with her. And if you defy me on this, I will have no choice but to see you apprenticed to another Tier. Someone in the far Regens to the north where you’ll be safe. From others … and from yourself. Do I make myself clear?”
    Robinson was too stunned to answer.
    “I’ll take your silence as assent. Please don’t test me on this. What I do—what I have always done—is for the sake of this family. Your mother would have done the same.”
    “No, she wouldn’t have!” Robinson said. “She would never agree to this!”
    “Your mother knew the value of sacrifice better than any other, Robinson. I only hope you are spared that pain.”
    Even as his father walked away, Robinson knew he would defy him. He and Tessa belonged together. Regardless of the rift between their fathers, he knew in his heart they would risk the Wall, the Road, and everything short of dying to stay by each other’s side.
    As dusk arrived, the rain slowed to a drizzle. Robinson sat on the porch, watching the clouds turn pink to the east. A screen door squeaked. Vareen sat down beside him.
    “He doesn’t know what real love is,” Robinson said. “Or maybe he did once and has forgotten.”
    “Is that what you believe? That after six months, your mother’s memory has passed from his mind? You’re not that big a fool, boy.”
    Robinson hung his head. “What history is there between father and Tier Saah? I know they’re both on the council. And rumor has it one of them will succeed the Regent when he retires. But it goes deeper than that, doesn’t it?”
    Vareen nodded. “When your father was your age, your grandfather made a pact to marry him to the daughter of the Tier of Rivers.”
    “Wait. You mean, Tier Saah’s wife?”
    “She was Janal Florencia then. Some say she was the most beautiful girl to ever walk the Isle. He used to visit her at the House of Healers where she apprenticed. But it was during those trips that he noticed a second girl who was beautiful in a different way. Strong willed but compassionate. And she had a gift for medicine that went far beyond those who had come before.”
    “Mother.”
    Vareen nodded again. “Alan Crusoe was not a man to be defied, especially by his own blood. He threatened to Exile your father and disown him. Even beat him senseless. But none of these could change his heart. When the Naming Day Ball arrived, Annabess and your father stood before the entire Crown and abdicated their apprenticeships for each other.”
    Robinson was stunned.
    “No one had ever turned their back on the Tiers before. They were prepared to live the lives of ordinary citizens or accept exile themselves. Your grandfather knew it was no bluff. It cost him most of his political clout, but in the end, Leodore remained a Crusoe and your mother along with him.”
    Robinson couldn’t believe it. Abdicating an apprenticeship? He’d never heard of such a thing.
    “I don’t tell you this story to give you ideas ,” Vareen said. “Those were different times. But they do illustrate one undeniable truth: the greatest love anyone can hope for is the one for which you are willing to sacrifice everything. Make sure