Hearts Across Time (The Knights of Berwyck: A Quest Through Time Novel ~ Books 1 & 2) Read Online Free Page A

liege with a bow.
    “You have served me well these many years, Patrick, but it seems fate has other plans for us, for she is a fickle mistress,” Dristan proclaimed and turned the boy to face Riorden. “As you have served me, now go and serve your new master as his squire. He will need you more than I during his days at court, I think.”
    “Dristan, really, I cannot−” Riorden began.
    “As you wish, my lord,” Patrick answered promptly, ignoring Riorden’s protests.
    Patrick knelt, bowing his head and holding out his hands towards his new liege as if in prayer and complete submission. He patiently waited ’til Riorden at last came to his senses and clasped the boy’s outstretched hands in his own.
    It seemed as if Patrick’s oath of fealty to Riorden came easily to his lips, almost as though he had waited a lifetime to make such a commitment and sacrifice. “I, Patrick of Berwyck and of Clan MacLaren, do so swear on my faith in God the Almighty, to serve thee as my liege lord, Riorden de Deveraux. I promise in the future to be faithful to my lord, never causing you harm, and will observe my homage to you completely; against all persons, in good faith, and without deceit.”
    “I accept thee as my vassal,” Riorden whispered and watched as Patrick stood afore him with pride.
    “Watch over my brother, Riorden, and do not fail me in his care. I know you will do right by him in continuing his training so that he, too, may be a great knight someday,” Dristan replied, and the two men clasped each other’s shoulders once more.
    “Of course, I will ensure his training and care, Dristan.”
    Dristan nodded and gave a bit of a smirk. “He can be a bit mischievous, our young Patrick here, which is not much of a surprise, given who his sister is.”
    “Dristan…really!” Amiria said, aghast, as she managed to remove a dirk from her boot and point it at her husband.
    “You see what I must contend with?” Dristan laughed with an amused quirk of his brow towards his wife. He came to her and rested his hand upon her shoulder, which had a calming effect. “Now I have another, who seems hell bent to avoid wedded bliss no matter how many worthy lads I lay at her feet.”
    Lynet could be heard muttering a very unladylike reply and took up a stance at the now vacated window. Everyone in the room knew the reason behind her continued rejections, for Lynet had fallen in love with Amiria’s captain, who had not graced the walls of the castle for nigh unto five years. ’Twas doubtful Ian would return anytime soon.
    When the family began to leave the chamber in preparation of Riorden and Patrick’s departure, Riorden went to the young girl. As he drew near, he saw upon her face one lone tear running slowly down her cheek. Before she could brush it away, he reached out to cup her face. Ever so slowly, he brushed his thumb across the smoothness of her face to dry her tears.
    He gave her a brief embrace, this young girl who had been like a little sister to him, and took her chin so she would stare up into his eyes.
    “If Ian does not come to his senses soon, Lynet, he never will. Do not shed one more of your precious tears on his behalf since he will not be worthy of them,” he whispered. “Promise me you will not spend your life pining away for someone who could not see the prize that was right afore his very eyes. You deserve much better than that.”
    Lynet only stood there, trying to find the words to ease his mind.
    “Your promise to me, Lynet,” Riorden urged.
    Lynet gave a heavy sigh of resignation. “Aye, I promise, Riorden. Safe travels and God speed to you.”
    “Good lass. I shall endeavor to return soon to ensure you have kept your word, for I am sure our paths shall cross again.” Giving her a quick kiss on the forehead, he left her standing there and made his way to collect his belongings.
    The courtyard was filled with familiar faces, people who had come to wish him well as he traveled to serve the