Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione Read Online Free PDF Page B

Kendrick’s words and gradually exchanged his scowl for a smile. “Did you learn anything yet?”
    “Not just yet,” Kendrick replied. “But I’m about to. They’re calling us to the ceremony.”
    Moments later, Kendrick and Casimir mounted the platform, along with Sir Vincent, the knight who had placed third. The crowd cheered as the third-place gold coin was presented to Sir Vincent, then cheered louder as Kendrick and Casimir each received first-place coins.
    Kendrick took his coin, held it high above his head to show the crowd, then placed his arm around Casimir’s neck. The crowd stood to their feet and applauded riotously. Casimir glared at Kendrick but then reluctantly lifted his coin as well, adding fuel to the cheers of the crowd. Kendrick encouraged Sir Vincent to join them, and Kendrick put his arm around his neck too. The crowd loved it all.
    When the applause finally died down, Kendrick slapped the backs of both men and released his embrace. “Well done, gentlemen!” He smiled broadly at them. Sir Vincent smiled in return, but Casimir quickly stalked off the platform.
    Kendrick watched him go, then climbed down to where Duncan waited with the horses. The young man’s smile was as wide as his face. “You’re quite a showman, Sir Kendrick. I had no idea!”
    Kendrick hardly broke a smile, but he tossed the second coin to Duncan. The two men mounted their horses and set their course for the inn.
    “Is he the one?” Duncan asked.
    “I’m not sure.” Kendrick turned to look at Duncan. “But I now know he wears a heavy chain about his neck. We just need to find out what it’s carrying.” Kendrick pursed his lips. “This mission is proving more difficult than I thought. We have but one day left to discover the man’s identity and his origin.” Kendrick fell into deep thought.
    Duncan didn’t disturb him. He was preoccupied with thoughts of his own.

CLANDESTINE TRUTH
    Duncan stayed awake that night long after Kendrick, who was weary from the day’s competition and had fallen asleep quickly. His mentor’s steady breathing rumbled through their shared room as Duncan turned over and over on his bed, thinking.
    He knew he was fortunate to be involved in such a significant mission. He had only been a Knight of the Prince a short time and had little experience in actual combat. It was truly a privilege to be mentored by a knight of Kendrick’s caliber.
    But why couldn’t Kendrick have more respect for
Duncan’s
abilities? The man treated him more like a squire or even a wayward child than a fellow knight. He seemed determined to deny Duncan what he desired most—the opportunity to prove himself.
    The dilemma of discovering the true identity of Sir Casimir was just such an opportunity, and Duncan was not about to let it pass by. If he could verify that Sir Casimir was indeed a Vincero Knight and possibly discover the origin of his stronghold, then their mission would be successful and he would have proven himself as a worthy knight.
    For the past two days he had been working out a plan to do just that. All he had to do now was wait for the dark of night to fully envelop the town. He turned again in his bed, listening to the night sounds and hoping the plan would work. It was simple but bold and risky.
    A lot depended on the girl Duncan had befriended at the inn—a maid named Abbra. A little coaxing and a few coins had proved sufficient to enlist her promise of help. He just hoped she had managed to arrange what he needed.
    Finally the occasional barking hound returned to silence. The second hour of the night arrived. It was time.
    Duncan rose, fastened a knife to his belt, and quietly exited the room, leaving his sword behind. Careful not to stir a soul, he made his way from the inn to an alleyway behind the Black Crow Tavern nearby. He located a basket and withdrew a long hemp rope.
    Duncan smiled. Abbra had done what she promised.
    He traveled east through the silent streets of Attenbury,