A Bit of Heaven on Earth Read Online Free Page A

at Ashgrove learning how to run a large estate, keeping his father’s army of knights ready to fight at a moment’s notice.
    Finally, his time came again. Today. Gavin, now officially knighted, would once more follow the Black Prince into the fight against the French. Gone, however, was Aldred, who remained at Kentwood. Age had taken its toll on the gallant warrior. Since Gavin left his service, Aldred had married for a third time, almost half a score ago. The union had produced no children.
    It was unfortunate because Aldred’s elder son died in the taking of Calais several years before, while his younger son fell from his horse while hunting. Paralyzed for two years, every breath an agony, the boy succumbed to the same fever that also took his younger sister. Gavin knew of these events from missives received by his father. After the deaths of Aldred’s two remaining children, no news came.
    He shook himself from the past, wondering why he always became so contemplative before battle. It pained him to think of Aldred’s troubles, for he loved the old lord to his core. His own father, Berwyn, never seemed more than a distant relative. They had little in common except their connection through Gillian.
    Gavin smiled at the thought of his beloved mother. Though she spent much time in prayer, she’d never been the remote parent his father had. She lavished him with love from his earliest memories. An English victory today might mean he could return home. Her health, always delicate, caused him some concern. He prayed she was well and then rose for the day.
    Dace, as usual, appeared from nowhere. The loyal squire anticipated his every thought and action. Gavin knew the boy would make a steady soldier one day. High-spirited, with boundless enthusiasm, Dace was as much family to him as Robert.
    “Here’s a loaf of bread and a bit of ham, my lord.” Dace handed over the food and removed a wineskin gripped under his arm. “Wine, too. A good soldier needs his strength to enter battle.”
    Gavin smiled indulgently at his retainer and ruffled the boy’s hair affectionately. “Right you are, Dace. When your time comes, you will be more than ready.”
    Dace’s eyes gleamed at the thought of entering battle.
    “And did you start the morning feast without me?”
    Gavin turned and saw Robert standing there. “Good morn to you, my friend. I trust you slept well?”
    Robert laughed. “Like a babe, Gavin. The thought of battle may terrify most, but somehow ‘tis a sense of peace that falls over me the night before a conflict begins.”
    Gavin handed him the wineskin, and Robert took a swig. “Nectar from the gods. These French know how to do something right, after all.”
    The three chuckled, and Gavin tore a hunk of bread from his loaf to share with his trusted companions. They talked for a few minutes before Dace reminded them they must prepare themselves for the fight ahead.
    As the squire dressed Gavin and Robert for battle, Gavin looked fondly upon them both. Dace he’d known since the boy was a tot, but Robert came from a manor in the south, close to Aldred’s estate. They’d met years ago and had renewed their friendship when Robert rushed to Gavin’s aid in battle. They’d fought side by side ever since. An established trust between them made Robert the brother Gavin never had. He couldn’t conceive going into war without the steadfast Robert next to him.
    “Ready?”
    Gavin adjusted his cuirass and nodded to his friend and then issued his usual warning to Dace to stay far back from the action. “I can care for myself and if trouble should arise, Robert will be there to aid me. You are to remain here, Dace. Understood?”
    The boy nodded his head, but Gavin had his doubts whether he would listen this time. At four and ten, Dace was eager to enter battle and prove his prowess. He also had a sweetheart back home. He’d confided to Gavin that he couldn’t wait to tell her tales of his bravery against the French.