The Star of Lancaster Read Online Free PDF Page A

comparatively safe; but, when the old King had grown senile and paid more attention to his mistress Alice Perrers than to the affairs of the country, laws had become lax and the robbers multiplied. Richard was young yet and it was not known what his rule would be but it seemed clear that his laws would not be as strict as those of his grandfather in his heyday.
    Her hands went to the girdle at her waist. It was not over-elaborate, not to be compared with the kind Eleanor wore – but it would have great value in the eyes of some needy vagrant.
    There was another sound. There was no doubt now. Someone was coming nearer. She walked on, quickening her pace. Whoever it was quickened pace also. So she was being followed.
    She was now really afraid.
    She started to run. Was she going in the right direction? So many trees, so many bushes, that looked alike and she had been too absorbed in her thoughts to notice landmarks.
    Could she be sure that she was going the way she had come, that the trees would be less dense in a few moments and she would be able to glimpse the grey walls of the castle?
    Whoever was following her was running now.
    ‘Wait!’ called a voice.
    She ran on.
    Someone was immediately behind her, and a hand was laid on her arm. She started violently as a voice said: ‘Good day to you, my lady.’
    She turned sharply. It was a boy – a few years older than herself, tawny-haired, blue-eyed and fairly tall.
    ‘Why do you run from me?’ he asked. ‘You are quite breathless.’
    ‘What do you want?’ she asked and instinctively her hands went to her girdle.
    He stood back a pace and bowed low. ‘To serve you,’ he said and there was a slightly mocking look in his eyes.
    ‘Then show me the way to the castle.’
    ‘You have not come far.’
    ‘Am I on the right path?’
    He shook his head. ‘You will need my help.’
    ‘You will want payment for it, I see. Never fear. Take me back to the castle and you will be rewarded.’
    ‘How did you come to lose your way?’
    ‘No matter, I have lost it. Are you going to show me the right path?’
    ‘Follow me,’ he said.
    She was relieved for a moment. He walked ahead of her. She noticed his well-shaped head and how his tawny hair curled softly; he held himself proudly. She thought he might be the son of some neighbouring squire.
    After a few minutes she said: ‘I do not remember coming this way.’
    He turned to smile at her and there was a hint of mischief in the smile. ‘Ah, but you lost your way.’
    ‘Are you sure this is the way back to the castle?’
    ‘I swear that I will show you the way.’
    They had come to a clearing in the trees.
    ‘I did not see this before.’
    ‘It is a pleasant spot,’ he said.
    She had become very frightened. He was not leading her to the castle. It seemed rather that he was taking her away from it.
    ‘Please show me the way at once,’ she said.
    ‘You are tired,’ he answered soothingly. ‘Rest awhile. Then I promise you that I will show you the way back.’
    ‘I have no desire to rest.’
    ‘I think you have. You are flushed with exertion and alarm. Sit for a few moments. Look, there is a pleasant spot under the trees there.’
    ‘I have no wish to. Good day to you.’
    He had thrown himself down under a tree and looked up at her smiling. She thought: How insolent he is, this son of a squire! My uncle would punish him severely for this.
    She turned away and immediately asked herself which way to go.
    She hesitated and she heard his voice. ‘You will go further into the forest. Better wait for me.’
    She came back to him. ‘If you will take me back now, I will pay you well.’
    ‘Later,’ he said. ‘Later.’
    He indicated the spot beside him. She hesitated for a second and seeing that she needed his help she sat down beside him.
    ‘You must know how eager I am,’ she said. ‘It is not very gallant to behave as you do. You should study the manners of knighthood, even though you may not be of noble