A Dishonorable Knight Read Online Free Page A

first Duke of Lancaster. The houses of Lancaster and
York—both children of the great Edward III—had been warring for the
crown since before Gareth was born. King Richard’s brother, Edward IV, had
claimed the throne for York after killing the Lancastrian king, Henry VI.
Though the fighting had largely involved small, scattered battles between the
noble families, should Henry Tudor successfully return to England, the war
could escalate to encompass the entire country.
    "King Charles of France has
promised Henry money and ships. And with he and Oxford planning the battles,
all we need do is raise troops for them to lead," said the grey-haired
man.
    "When will he land?"
    "'Tis not been determined yet.
Just stay at the ready, for when the call comes, we will have to move
quickly."
    Gareth turned to whisper in Cynan’s
ear. “’Tis treason these men speak. Why did you include me?”
    “Because I’ve known you since we were
babes and you’re no man of Richard’s.”
    Gareth would have argued further but
Cynan stepped closer into the circle of men.
    Some logistical talk ensued about
chains of communication, but Gareth paid it no heed. He chewed on his lower
lip, mulling over Cynan’s comment. He’d not spoken to his friend of his
frustrations since joining Richard’s court, had made no mention of his
disenchantment with his sovereign, not to mention the persistent belief that
Richard had murdered his own nephews to secure the crown for himself.
Nonetheless, Cynan seemed to cut right to the heart of Gareth’s inner turmoil.
    The group broke up as Viscount
Lovell, one of Richard's council members walked by.
    Gareth pulled Cynan aside. "You
should be more careful. What are you thinking meeting like this in Richard’s own
keep? You're going to get yourself drawn and quartered."
    “We’re hiding in plain sight. And
where better to recruit embittered subjects than in the viper’s own nest?”
Though Gareth had made sure to speak quietly, Cynan spoke in a normal tone of
voice.
    "Will you hush! This is the king's own residence. Do you think you can speak ill of him and not
be heard?" Grabbing Cynan's tunic, he pulled him outside where the cool
air was refreshing after the enveloping heat of the great hall. Bryant put his
mug down and followed them. "You never did have any sense as to when to
keep your mouth shut, Cynan."
    "His wife tells him that all the
time," added Bryant as he shut the rough door behind him.
    "Do not tell me you're mixed up
in this, too."
    "If you mean do I want Henry
Tudor on the throne, then yes, I'm mixed up in it, too."
    Gareth sighed. "You are going to
get yourselves executed as traitors."
    "If I am a traitor because I
would see a good and noble Welshman on the throne over a scheming murderer,
then so be it, I am a traitor," said Cynan fiercely.
    "There has not been any proof
that Richard had his nephews killed," Gareth protested, though he knew
there could be no other explanation for the boys’ untimely disappearance.
    Bryant spoke up. "Gareth, do you
mean to say Richard holds your loyalty and honor?"
    "He is the king and I a knight.
He must have my loyalty by all the vows I took when I first put on these
spurs."
    "And your honor?" Cynan
asked. "Do you believe in your heart that he is best for England and
Wales? Do you believe that his claim to the throne is more just than his
Lancastrian rival?"
    Gareth paused, loathe to betray his oath as a knight but unable to admit he was
Richard’s man at heart.
    "Come back to Gwynedd with
us."
    "What?"
    "You can hear the arguments for
Henry Tudor from much more level-headed men than I. Besides, your father has
not seen you in over two years."
    "Do not tell me my father is
involved in this nonsense?"
    "Of course he is. You do not
think he would give up the chance to put Wales ahead of England, do you?"
Cynan asked
    "I thought he had enough sense
to live to see a grandson someday."
    "You are talking like a
coward," Cynan spit out.
    "Cynan!" Bryant