To Defy a King Read Online Free PDF Page A

superior height -
    which was appropriate and as it should be, since he was the son of a king.
    He sent his herald to make the challenge and wagered five marks on the outcome.

    De Braose was amused by the bet and eager to compete, although given his bulk and maturing years, he put one of his squires in the saddle. 'You're never afraid of the odds against you, Longespee, I'll say that for you,' he chuckled, his breath clouding the air. He smacked his hand against the black's solid neck, making the stallion flinch and sidle.

    The King arrived, cloaked and booted, ready for the chase, and eyed the proceedings with a mingling of interest and scorn before strolling over to Longespee. 'I hazard de Braose's stallion will win.' He handed up his whip of plaited black leather. 'You'll be needing this to stand any chance.'

    Hugh's heart began to thud. 'Sire, I never whip my horses, and neither does my father--'

    'Then perhaps you should.' John looked contemptuous. 'Horses, dogs, women and bishops. All benefit from the lash to quicken their paces from time to time.' He waved his hand at Longespee. 'Make her fly, brother, because my lord de Braose will give you no quarter.'

    Longespee reined the mare towards the castle gate in a tight turn that pulled on her mouth. Ralph sprang to his saddle and followed his half-brother at a rapid trot. Hugh swallowed a repeat warning, knowing they would think him an old woman, and instead snapped at a groom to saddle up his remount. He had to leap aside as de Braose's big black came shouldering through, sweat creaming against the line of the reins on its neck. Hugh's stomach was hollow. He wished he had left Arrow at Settrington, or stayed there himself.
    There was less danger in chasing wolves.

    A crowd had gathered in a field beyond Micklegate Bar and other men were wagering their swiftest horses against the main contenders. The Earl of Derby had put his squire up on a lean chestnut, and another of the King's half-brothers, Geoffrey, Archbishop of York, had sent his bay courser with a young groom astride.

    Hugh chewed the inside of his mouth as the distance was measured to four furlongs and a wooden post thrust into the ground as the turning point. He thought about making Longespee dismount and riding Arrow himself, but matters had gone beyond that point; all he could do was watch and pray. He was concerned at the way Arrow was sidling, swishing her tail and dancing on her hooves under Longespee's hands. The competitive light in his half-brother's eyes, the tension in his body, worried him too.

    He was briefly distracted as his father arrived in the company of several Bigod retainers.

    'What's happening?' Roger cocked his head towards the milling men and horses.

    Hugh told him. His father's expression remained unchanged, but Hugh sensed his displeasure. 'I should have refused,' he said.

    The Earl nodded. 'You should, but you will know better next time. Learn from this - both of yourself and of other men. William Longespee covets that which is best. He has a soldier's courage and a gambler's heart - and that is why Ralph loves him as he does.'

    Riders and horses clustered at the start of the impromptu course, eight in all by now, their mounts prancing and eager, the riders fretting the reins and casting intimidating glances at each other. De Braose's black snapped and lashed out at all who came near. Someone quipped that the horse was not unlike de Braose's acerbic wife, if somewhat less ridden. There was ribbing too for Hugh's mare amid remarks about untrammelled virginity. Longespee laughed aloud. Hugh forced a smile, although he had never felt less like smiling in his life. He felt queasy as he watched Longespee pull on Arrow's ears and slap her sweating neck with all the intimacy of an owner.

    A starting line had been marked across the grass with floor sand from the King's chamber and the horses jostled and milled behind it. A herald arrived bearing a horn, set it to his lips and blew