A Knight's Duty (The Knights of Honor Trilogy, Book 2) Read online

  A Knight’s Duty

  The Knights Of Honor Trilogy – Book Two

  by

  Dana D’Angelo

  Copyright © 2013 Dana D’Angelo

  http://www.dana-dangelo.com

  All rights reserved. This book, in its entirety or in parts, may not be reproduced in any format without expressed permission. Scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book through the Internet or through any other type of distribution or retrieval channel without the permission of the author is illegal and is punishable by law. Please purchase only legitimate electronic versions of this book and do not engage in or encourage piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  The characters, places and events portrayed in this fictional work are a result of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarities to real events, locales, or people, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Thank You Gift

  Acknowledgments

  About The Author

  More Titles By Dana D’Angelo

  Chapter 1

  Stanbury, England 1359

  “We’re in the middle of nowhere,” Egbert de Monluc said. He looked at the thick forest on either side of them with distaste. “I would have preferred to stay in the Royal Palace.”

  A sudden rustling sounded off to the left. Egbert reached for his broadsword as his horse’s ears perked. But when he saw the tail of a red squirrel disappear into the underbrush, he frowned fiercely. His hand dropped from his sword hilt.

  “Blast it! These creatures creep out of nowhere, and without warning. I thought ‘twas a wild boar.”

  “You have nothing to fear — boars don’t come out at mid-day,” Derrik d’Evant said. “And besides, ‘tis unlikely that you would encounter one foraging here.” He gestured to the well-traveled highway that stretched far ahead.

  Egbert colored slightly. “I have no fear,” he protested. “’Tis just that I would rather face fighting men than come upon some wild, unpredictable beast.”

  “You should rest easy once we arrive at Stanbury Castle,” Derrik said, unable to keep the amusement out of his voice. “There should be no wild beasts there.”

  “What takes us to Stanbury Castle, sire?” Egbert asked. “I don’t understand the purpose of this expedition. Does His Majesty believe that Lord Stanbury will be waiting patiently for us to arrive?” He turned his head and spat onto the ground with unrestrained force. “’Tis an absurd commission. Does His Majesty not know this?” His eyes narrowed as if a new thought entered his head. “Perhaps ‘tis the king’s plan to make us go to this godforsaken land so you can prove your mettle once again to him.”

  Derrik’s face suddenly froze and he felt the old tension rise to his broad shoulders; Egbert’s words hit closer to the truth than he cared to admit. Raising his hand, he began to massage the knot that suddenly formed there. Luckily Egbert didn’t notice his discomfort and continued to swat at the mosquitoes that hovered near his exposed face.

  When King Edward had summoned Derrik, he didn’t know what to make of the situation. Out of all the knights in His Majesty’s realm, Derrik didn’t understand why he was chosen for this particular task. However it wasn’t for him to question the king. Even though the mission seemed simple enough, there was a small part of him that wondered what would happen if he failed. There was no doubt that if he couldn’t apprehend the traitor, the kingdom would be disastrously altered. And a shattered kingdom was something to be avoided at all cost.

  Yet some part of him still doubted whether he had the skills and abilities to bring the traitor to heel. After all, he wasn’t the legendary Iron Hawk. Hell, he wasn’t even on the same level as Gareth de Mowbrey, the Hawk’s former garrison commander. He was just Derrik d’Evant, an orphan boy whose parents were killed, and his home ravaged by savages during the black plague. It was then that his Uncle Jared pitied him enough to take him under his wing, and show him the ways of a knight.

  And when Derrik came under King Edward’s service, he worked hard, fighting with ferocity and boldness to maintain peace within the kingdom, and to prove to himself and others that he was a worthy knight. It was saying something that at the age of twenty-five, he managed to earn a place of honor and respect among the king and his men. And now he was entrusted with protecting the king’s life. If he failed in this, his king would pay the ultimate price.

  “Going to Stanbury was my idea,” Derrik said.

  “Your idea?” Egbert abruptly turned his head to look at him, his tone incredulous. He rubbed at a bite on his cheek. “Damn mosquitoes,” he muttered before turning his attention back to his commander. “With all due respect, sire, I think you’re wrong to take us to Stanbury. If I was the lord, I wouldn’t be going to the most obvious place that would be searched.”

  “You forget that Lord Stanbury is only accused of high treason. We don’t have enough proof to ascertain the true merit of that charge. And besides,” he said, shrugging. “He may very well be at the castle — the most obvious of places as you say. We just need to bring the lord in to stand trial before the king. If he’s innocent, then he has nothing to fear.”

  “If that is the case then why not send lesser guards to escort the lord back to the royal court? ‘Tis a simple enough task. Why bring an elite troop here?” He slapped at an insect that flew near his ear. “If you ask me, we should focus our efforts in finding His Majesty’s brother instead of going after a minor player in this treasonous scheme.”

  “This task is far from simple,” Derrik said, shaking his head.

  Egbert turned, waiting for Derrik to persuade him otherwise.

  “There’s a plot to overthrow King Edward, as you know,” Derrik said, an edge entering into his voice. “And ‘tis obvious that the king’s brother, Lord Richard, is in hiding. ‘Twould be nearly impossible for us to locate the high lord, especially if his sympathizers offer him aid and comfort. But I’m convinced that there’s someone — a mastermind — behind the plot, and ‘tis not Lord Richard. If we can capture the key man behind the conspiracy, we might stand a chance in thwarting this overthrow attempt.”

  Egbert nodded, the look on his face turning grim. “’Twould be terrible if His Majesty’s brother took over the crown.”

  “Aye, terrible indeed,” he agreed. “If he manages to usurp the throne, the king would face execution. ‘Tis well known that Lord Richard is brutal in his greed, and will stop at nothing to expand in all directions. He will inflame the wrath of our long-held allies, and every man, woman and child will be ill affected. ” He paused and took in a deep breath. “I fear that if this were to happen, he would throttl
e our kingdom until it feels as if the black plague descended upon us once more.”

  And the outlaws and criminals, he knew, would be out in full force, wreaking havoc on the helpless and weak. Derrik’s hands tightened on the reins as the dark memories started to close in on him. His parents were dead now, he reminded himself. It didn’t help his cause to dredge up the past.

  “The plague brought devastation and death, I remember,” Egbert said, echoing Derrik’s thoughts. “Fewer people worked the land, and the kingdom was brought to heel because of famine and raging crime.” He let out a long, weary sigh and turned his lips downward. “If Lord Richard takes the throne of England, I foresee that the wicked will rise. And once again, the women and children will suffer the most.”

  “Aye, all our efforts over the past five years will come to naught.” Derrik compressed his lips. “’Tis imperative that we stem this conspiracy before ‘tis too late.”

  They both fell silent as they became lost in their own brooding thoughts. The horses’ hooves fell against the dirt road, the sound of their metal gear clinking and creaking with every step. One of the men that rode behind them coughed, the noise echoing in the stillness.

  “What is it about the ambitions of younger brothers?” Egbert sighed and raised his eyes to the sky. “This Lord Stanbury that we’re after, is he not also the younger brother of the Lord High Steward?”

  “Aye, from the advisor’s recount, his lord brother asked him to renounce King Edward, and join with the rebel cause. When His Grace refused, a fight ensued between them, and Lord Stanbury escaped. Unfortunately as long as the traitor is free, this treasonous plot continues.”

  “What will we do if we cannot find Lord Stanbury?”

  “Oh, we will find him,” Derrik said. “The Lord High Steward says his brother’s wife and daughter remain in the castle. His Grace assured me that Lord Stanbury cares greatly for his family. If the lord is in hiding, his womenfolk will know where he is.”

  “’Tis unlikely that the womenfolk would lead us to his hiding place,” Egbert said doubtfully.

  “You’re right, of course. However I trust in your persuasive qualities,” Derrik shot a grin at his friend. “If the women concealed their lord, then we will know it when we speak to them.”

  Egbert relaxed visibly. He behaved well around the fairer sex, and Derrik could count on his friend to use his charms to unearth any dark secrets that the Stanbury women might harbor.

  An opening between the trees showed the Stanbury Castle standing large and looming on top of an idyllic hill, while the white clouds shifted peacefully behind the stronghold. Derrik had seen many similar stone fortresses in his travels, except this one likely sheltered a most dangerous criminal.

  Chapter 2

  “The king’s men are here,” Lady Edeline de Courtenay announced as a trumpet blasted in the distance.

  “The king’s men?” Amelie de Calmette turned her head and exchanged alarmed glances with Clarisse de Servian, who was her cousin, and her mother’s attendant.

  Setting aside her embroidery, Amelie got up from her stool. A dark, uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. “The king’s men would not come here unless there was something amiss.”

  Lady Edeline leaned against the wall, one hand braced against the cold stone finish, while the other hand grasped the smooth window ledge. She latched onto both as if they were the only things preventing her from falling. Her face had turned as white as the linen wimple on her head. “Aye, there is no doubt about it,” she said, her lips pinched with worry. “They wear the royal colors.”

  Amelie moved to stand near her mother. Her nursemaid Margery and Clarisse followed closely behind. Clustering around the window, they watched as seven knights rode boldly in from the gatehouse; the flag they carried had the unmistakable red and purple royal colors. Servants ran out of their way while startled ducks and geese squawked and scattered throughout the bailey, creating a flurry of dust and feathers. Amelie’s apprehension grew and she clutched at her chest. There was only one reason that the knights would be here, and she knew it wasn’t because the king wanted to inquire about their health.

  “Do you think they are here because of your father?” her mother asked, voicing Amelie’s unspoken dread. She reached over and clasped Amelie’s hand.

  “I do not know,” Amelie said slowly, and seeing the fear on her mother’s face, she squeezed her hand. “I am certain that we have nothing to fear,” she lied.

  “They will likely want to speak with you, Lady Edeline,” Clarisse said. Her eyes were trained on the knights, and she missed seeing her mistress’ startled look.

  Lady Edeline released her grip on Amelie’s hand. Ever since Gordon de Calmette, Lord of Stanbury had gone missing, she gravitated toward the window as though the act of looking out could somehow summon his reappearance. She, like everyone else, believed that the lord had gone on another trip to oversee one of his estates. However that was over three weeks ago, and he had yet to return to the castle. For the first time without any prompting, her mother turned away from the window. Raising trembling hands to her temples, she cradled her head, rocking it slowly from side to side.

  “I am rather unwell,” she said, her voice scarcely audible. She feebly scanned the room. “I — I need to sit.”

  Lady Edeline was in no condition to meet with the king’s men. Likely she would collapse as soon as they made their introductions.

  Clarisse grabbed the nearest stool and rushed over. “My lady, here,” she said, setting the seat in front of her mistress. “You are very pale,” she added as a frown creased over her youthful countenance. She gestured to the table where a cup and a flagon of spiced wine sat. “Shall I bring you your drink?”

  Lady Edeline shook her head, letting out a small, troubled sigh as she settled herself in her seat. She then resumed her burdened posture, burying her head in her palms, as if the contents of her head were too heavy for her neck. Her eyes pressed tightly into the fleshy base of her hands in an apparent attempt to block out the light from the chamber, or to crush the worries that occupied her mind. After a moment and with what appeared to be great effort, she lifted her head, freeing her hands to drop to her lap.

  “Nay, I do not need the drink now, Clarisse.” Then turning a fatigued gaze to Amelie, she said, “Perhaps you should go in my stead, and find out what they want.”

  Amelie’s heart constricted suddenly, and she wanted to refuse her mother’s request. Instead, she gave a brisk nod. “Fine,” she said, the word sounding forced even to her own ears. At this moment, she wished that she was still a little girl, and that someone else would go in her stead. She clenched her fists, allowing her nails to dig into her flesh. Then inhaling sharply, she slowly released the air. She straightened her back. Like always, she would have to shoulder the responsibility.

  The women stared at her, waiting for her command.

  “Mother stays in the solar. Margery will accompany me.”

  “You are a good daughter,” her mother said in a voice filled with gratitude.

  Clarisse reached over and tugged at Amelie’s sleeve. “Take me along as well.” Then realizing her faux pas, she turned to Lady Edeline and bowed her head. “That is if I can have your permission, my lady?”

  “Go,” she said, tiredly flicking her hand at the door.

  Amelie felt a small sense of relief and unfurled her fists. At least she wouldn’t be alone when she faced the king’s representatives.

  Clarisse was the perfect ally to help soften the pending encounter with the king’s men. At the very least, she would provide a distraction to the knights, for she possessed fair looks and a sweet disposition. Everyone she turned her sunny, dimpled smile upon instantly fell under her charm.

  At times it was hard to believe that she and Amelie were related; her cousin often displayed great maturity and wisdom even though she was three and a half years younger than Amelie. In the time that Clarisse had come to live at Stanbury Castle, they had become cl
ose, almost like sisters. But Amelie knew that even if Clarisse wasn’t here, she would be forced to deal with whatever came her way. Her mother was too ill to carry on the responsibilities of the castle and relied on her to make everything run smoothly. And now with her father gone, she had to take on more burdens.

  “Perhaps I should stay here with Lady Edeline after all,” Clarisse cast a worried glance over at her lady aunt, unconsciously biting her lip as indecision gripped her.

  “You heard my mother, Clarisse,” Amelie said, shaking her head. “You have her permission to come with me.”

  “Aye,” Lady Edeline agreed. “If I need anything, I can call upon one of the servants to assist me.”

  Pursing her lips, she looked from Amelie to her lady aunt. “All right, I will only be gone for a short while.”

  Amelie gave her cousin and nursemaid a tense smile. “Let us go meet the king’s men,” she said.

  The three of them made their way to exit the room. Margery reached to open the wooden door and gave a startled gasp when she found a knight standing on the other side of the threshold, his fist raised in mid-air.

  “My ladies,” he said as he saw that they were about to make their exit. “It seems that I have caught you in time.”

  Amelie’s eyes flared with interest when she recognized Sir John, her father’s garrison commander.

  But before Amelie had a chance to address the commander, Margery said, “You best move aside, sire. We have important matters to attend.”

  The knight automatically moved over to the right, although he bristled slightly at the nursemaid’s clipped tone. He looked like he was about to retort except he became aware that everyone watched him, so he kept silent.

  Amelie raised one delicate eyebrow at her nursemaid, wondering at the tension between them. It was rare for any servant to show disrespect to a person of higher status, especially if he possessed military ranking. And even though Margery acted as a nursemaid, she was still a servant, and one who came from humble beginnings. In fact, Margery had come to work at the castle only after the first nursemaid had unexpectedly died. Lady Edeline was desperate to replace the servant, and settled on a town girl who the physician recommended, and who seemed to know how to care for babies.