Serenity Valley Read Online Free PDF Page A

as best they could until
Lady Bella hired a teacher to educate the many children of the
hold. We were five years when we met during daily lessons. Gamel
was always in trouble, but he had a way with words even at an early
age and could talk his way out of almost anything. When we were
seven years old, the great fever came to the hold that claimed many
lives. Some called it the pox. Among the many, Gamel’s stepparents
were taken. I got the fever and developed the lung disease. I was
very weak and not long for this world when Gamel found me in the
tents used to hold the dead and dying before cremation. He carried
me off to the smith’s quarters and cared for me day and night. He
begged for poultices and herbs from the healer, but was refused as
I was judged beyond all hope. He stole what he needed and followed
his own way. I believe to this day that it was his own will that
refused to allow me to die. I wanted to go. I had given up, you
see.”
    “You mean to say that Gamel the Honest
actually stole something?”
    “Do not be misled, Sir Fulk. There
would be no limits to what Gamel may do for someone he
loves!”
    “So you do love him, then?”
    “With all my heart. And he loves me,
although he will not actually say it. It is easier to hide behind
his silver-tongued rogue disguise.”
    It was near dusk when Fulk shook me
awake.
    “Wake up, Gamel, the marshal has sent
for you.”
    “Guess I dozed off for a bit. Did
Basilea leave?”
    “She left some four hours ago; said
she would be back with dinner.”
    “I must see to Siren’s
preparations!”
    “I already took care of it, Gamel. I
restored her body, and she was laid to rest in the rose garden with
all respect. Now you must go.”
    “I need to see to the
colt!”
    “I will see to the colt. He has gorged
himself and now snores. Go!”
    “Thanks, Fulk. I’ll be off
then.”
    “They want you at the main
house.”
    I roused myself, brushed off my
clothing, and started the trek to the main gate. Spring flowers
were in bloom along the path leading from the stables to the great
house. Vibrant colors, in yellow, blue, and reds, lined both sides
of the roadway. All were painted in the fading light of early dusk.
Well, it certainly couldn’t hurt to suck up to the kitchen ladies a
little to ensure the continuance of most favored meals. Besides, I
was in the mood for pies, and Ada, the pastry cook, made the most
delicious pies. I quickly gathered three bouquets of wildflowers
and twined them with stems. Upon reaching the kitchen, I entered
through the side door and sneaked up on Ada, who was kneading out
pie dough.
    “Lady Ada,” I said, “I saw these
flowers, and they reminded me so of the rich blue of your
shockingly, vibrant eyes that I just had to bring some to
you.”
    “Ah, the lad of silver tongue. You
wouldn’t be wantin' a pie now, would you, boy?”
    “I am hurt deeply, Lady Ada. I assure
you, my intentions are purely honorable.”
    Ada smiled and walked over to a tray
of cooling pies, wrapped one in linen, and handed it to me. “Here,
boy, try this; blueberries picked just this morning.”
    “I thank you, dear lady. You are so
kind.” I handed the blue flowers to Ada and moved to where Eva, the
meat cook, worked over a side of beef. “Sweet Lady Eva, please
accept this small token in appreciation for the most delicious
turkey meal I have yet experienced.” Eva took the yellow bouquet,
smiling.
    “I thank you, young rogue.”
    I found Basilea at her bread station,
just removing a dozen fresh loaves of bread from the stone hearth
oven. “Ah, Princess Basilea, these flowers are for you. The red
reminds me of the color of your cheeks in the crisp morning
air.”
    Basilea smiled and accepted the red
flowers, taking time to inhale their sweet fragrance. “Why, thank
you, kind sir, but shouldn’t you be somewhere?” she asked. I looked
at her with puzzlement on my face. “Do not look so shocked, sir.
Nothing happens in the hold that is not soon known