The Falcon and the Flower Read Online Free PDF Page A

yet I lack that ruthless ambition for the throne that drives my brothers. So I also tell myself the driving ambition that crushes everything and everyone in its path was passed down to my brothers through their mother, Queen Eleanor. Mercifully I had another dam. I am not blind to Arthur’s shortcomings or John ’s faults, but they are royal princes and both in line to the throne. Should the day arrive when either is crowned king, I am his man … to the death!”
    Falcon de Burgh wished he himself saw things in such a simple, straightforward way. If only things were cut and dried, black and white, how simple life would be. But things were not black and white these days, they tended to fall into the vast area of gray with its infinite shadings.
    William’s voice brought him back to the present. “I extend the hospitality of Salisbury to you and your knights, de Burgh. I would like you to meet my daughters, but of course there is a catch. I have an ulterior motive,” he said frankly.
    Falcon de Burgh was flattered and honored. Salisbury was making it plain that he viewed him favorably as a suitor.
    William continued, “I should like to ride straight home in case there is urgent news, and yet Berkley Castle and Castle Combe have not been visited this year. Would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to inspect them in my stead?”
    “You do me great honor, William, to trust me with such a task.” The words came from his heart. Falcon was being trusted to collect Salisbury’s share of the produce of the two demesnes along with the rents of his tenants. He would have to inspect the men-at-arms and defenses of the keeps, listen to any complaints, go over the accounts and tally sticks. It was not lost on him that Williamwas also showing him two of the holdings that his daughters would inherit.
    Falcon wheeled his great destrier about and rode down the line to his own men. Immediately Normand Gervase and Walter de Roche flanked him.
    “Sir Walter, I want you to take half the knights and men-at-arms to Mountain Ash. The other half will come with me to England. I am putting you in charge at Mountain Ash. Your word is law so be heedful that if anything goes amiss, I will hold you responsible.”
    “Rest easy, my lord,” said de Roche, grinning with deep pleasure at his newfound authority. He dropped back to select his men as impartially as he could, for de Burgh would need good men to. Accompany him into England.
    Falcon said to his squire, “Gervase, I want you to go to Mountain Ash also, but when your task is completed you will catch up with me as soon as may be. We are invited to Salisbury.”
    “Then it is true! William Longsword is giving you your choice of his daughters for your wife.”
    “Softly, man. I think the wind lies in that direction, but there’s many a slip twixt cup and lip,” he cautioned. He winked at Gervase. “I will need you at Salisbury … to help me choose!”
    “God’s nightshirt, you know I’ve had little experience with the fairer sex; they scare the shit out of me.”
    Falcon chuckled. “I’m giving you an opportunity to gain some experience. The female hostage, Morganna … see her safely to Mountain Ash.”
    Gervase paled visibly. “My lord, I command men easily, you’ve been a good teacher, but a woman is another matter … especially this woman. Why, she is as fierce as a young warrior. I-I have doubts that she would heed my authority,” he confessed bluntly.
    “Come,” said Falcon, “I’ll give you a short lesson.”
    They rode down the line to where the hostages rode on their sturdy Welsh ponies. De Burgh signaled to Morganna, who eagerly guided her mount to his side. Rumors were rife that King Richard, Coeur de Lion, was dead, and she planned to get the answers to a dozen questions when he bedded her tonight.
    “My squire here, Normand Gervase, will see you safely to Mountain Ash. His word is my command. You will obey him to the letter,” he said in a tone that