The Falls of Erith Read Online Free PDF Page A

directions. If nothing else, Constance had learned over the years to
be very resourceful to ensure her family’s survival.  And she had learned not
to discount any opportunity.
    “What
do we know of this knight?” she asked her daughter.
    Gray
was seated on the only chair in the room, mending in her hands. Once her father’s
solar, it was now a sad reflection of its glorious past. Anything of value had
been stripped and sold, even things of sentimental value. But Gray had long
gotten over the sorrow that selling her father’s items had provoked.
    “His
name is Braxton de Nerra,” Gray said as she struggled with an uncooperative
piece of thread.  “He told Brooke that he is a knight bannerette. Beyond that,
I do not know.”
    Constance’s
cool gaze lingered on the men in the distance. “A knight bannerette,” she
snorted softly. “Hardly a man of noble breeding. Why on earth did you not
refute your daughter when she offered him shelter and sup?”
    Gray
was used to her mother’s disapproval at her actions. That was normal. “I told
you; it would have been rude to do so. The man had just saved Brooke’s life and
I felt as if we had to do something to thank him. Moreover, they have brought
their own food. It is not as if we shall be feeding them from our stores. We
shall even eat meat. Do you know how long it has been since we have eaten meat?”
    Constance
turned away from the window, pulling her tattered shawl more tightly around her
thin shoulders. “I shall not join you for sup,” she said imperiously. “I will
take my meal in my room.”
    Gray
did not look up from her mending. “Though we rarely have visitors, Mother, you
have always taught me that the true mark of nobility is impeccable manners. It
would be unmannerly of you not to at least greet our guest.”
    “You’ll
not lecture me,” Constance snapped softly. “I know more of nobility and manners
than you could ever hope to.”
    “Then
you will attend us.”
    “I
shall do as I please.”
    The
last exchange was spoken sharply, the words overlapping.  Gray would not
acknowledge her mother’s disdainful words. She had long learned to deal with
her supercilious mother who still fancied herself a fine lady of wealth and
power. In tense silence, Gray finished mending the girdle, one that had
belonged to her and she now modified for Brooke. Her daughter was growing by
leaps and bounds, developing the figure of a woman that must be property
outfitted. Though it was an old girdle, it was still serviceable.  They
certainly could not afford to buy another one. Biting off the thread, she
collected her things and stood up.
    “Then
I shall excuse myself to see to the preparation of the meal,” she knew her
mother would not fight her for the task. “I would hope you change your mind
about attending us.”
    Constance
didn’t reply. Her silence was her dismissal. She listened to her daughter walk
from the room, her well-worn shoes making scuffing noises along the boards. 
She continued to gaze out over the ward, watching the men in the corner of the
bailey, noting that they did not appear ragged or impoverish as traveling
armies sometimes did. In fact, she had counted four big chargers adorned with
expensive saddlery. Poor knights could hardly afford a horse much less lavish
tack. And the knights themselves, that she had been able to see, were clad in
well-made armor. These mercenaries were well-supplied and apparently with some
means of wealth.
    Men
such as these did not usually take wives, but with the promise of a fortress as
the dowry, even a traveling soldier might consider. In fact, being that these
men fought for money, the lure of monetary or material gain was their primary
motivation. Constance began to see a positive side to their presence. 
    She
reconsidered her decision not to join them for sup.
     
    ***
     
    The
great hall of Erith had once been a fine place back in the days when men of
power inhabited its stone walls. It was still the