The Prize Read Online Free PDF

rigid training requirements.
    He couldn't hide his surprise when Ingelram nodded. "I did witness such retaliation. Baron Guy never killed a vassal, but several unfortunate soldiers later died from the punishment he inflicted. Their wounds became infected."
    "Ingelram, that explains your peculiar behavior," Hugh interjected. He turned to Royce. "The boy's speaking the truth, Royce. Guy uses physical retaliation and humiliation to gain obedience and loyalty. Tell me this, Ingelram," Hugh continued with a glance in the vassal's direction. "Are the bastards Henry and Morgan still acting as Guy's right and left hands?"
    Ingelram nodded again. "They are his closest advisers," he said. "When Baron Guy is occupied with more important matters, Henry and Morgan supervise the training of the men."
    "And the punishment as well?" Hugh prodded.
    "Yes," Ingelram answered. "The punishment as well."
    "Morgan's worse than Henry," Hugh announced. "I've seen him fight. I hoped he would die during the invasion, but the Saxons didn't accommodate me. I suppose the devil's bent on keeping him alive."
    Ingelram took a bold step forward. "May I speak freely?" he asked Royce.
    "Isn't that what you've been doing?" his baron answered.
    Ingelram blushed. Royce suddenly felt like an old man. He was a good twelve years older than the vassal, but the differences in their reactions made it seem more like twenty. "What else did you wish to say, Ingelram?"
    "Most of the soldiers are obedient to Guy, but they aren't loyal, as Baron Hugh supposed. They fear him and do his bidding for that reason alone. There's no loyalty, save to Duke William, of course."
    Royce showed no outward reaction to the startling news about Guy. He leaned back against the mantel of the fireplace and folded his arms across his chest. He looked very relaxed. Inside he was furious. A man of such status should be a protector by nature, Royce believed, with values stronger than those of his men. It sounded as though Guy had become a destroyer.
    "Ingelram?" Hugh asked. "Did you request this move into Royce's ranks?"
    A noticeable wheeze had entered Hugh's voice. He leaned back in his chair to ease his weariness and rubbed his whiskered jaw while he waited for an answer.
    "I did request the move," Ingelram answered. "In truth, I held little hope I would be considered, though. The list of soldiers begging entrance into Baron Royce's army numbers over a thousand. My father was able to sway William's mind, however, and my name was lifted to the top of the list. I was very fortunate."
    Hugh shook his head. "I still don't understand how you managed it, with or without William's blessing. First you had to gain Guy's permission to request this transfer. 'Tis a fact Guy isn't known for granting requests, especially those that might benefit Royce. Guy's been in competition with Royce ever since their squire days together."
    Hugh paused to let out a low chuckle. "I almost pity Guy. He always comes in second best. I think it's making him crazed."
    Royce was watching Ingelram. The vassal's face had turned bright red. When Ingelram realized his lord was staring at him, he blurted out, "Baron Guy isn't your friend. He's filled with jealousy. You always best him."
    "But why did he grant you this transfer?" Hugh prodded, wishing to get to the bottom of this puzzle.
    Ingelram's gaze turned to the tops of his boots. "He didn't see my transfer as a favor to Baron Royce. Quite the opposite, in fact. Both Henry and Morgan had a good laugh over their lord's cunning decision. They all believe I'll never be a fit knight."
    "Why would Guy consider you unfit?" Royce asked.
    If Ingelram turned any redder, Royce thought, he might burst into flames. He held his patience and waited for the soldier to answer him.
    "I'm weakhearted," Ingelram confessed. "Baron Guy said I wasn't strong-willed enough for his unit. Now you have the truth, and Baron Guy has been proven correct. My weakness caused your defeat."
    Royce felt like