Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy) Read Online Free

looking at the floor. “How did he die?” Shock lodged its unemotional
bearing inside her, and she felt coldness in the pit of her stomach.
    “Your
father gave me the item and told me to hide it. I went to put it with my
belongings, and when I returned, he was injured. He told me to go, but I didn’t
want to leave him, my lady, but he commanded me to.” His voice grew thick with
emotion.
    “Who
killed him?” Kate looked at the cloth she held. She didn’t want to believe her
dear papa was gone. It seemed unreal, as though she’d dreamt it.
    “I
know not, my lady, the heathens were coming and a battle ensued just outside
the tent. Lord Hawk told me to tell ye that he loved you then he yelled at me
to leave. He was a good man, the Hawk.”
    Kate
knew how fond he’d been of her father. “Manik, you were brave. I’m sure Father
thought so, too. Now, tell me, what does Lord Richard have to do with this?”
    “When
Lord Hawk returned from battle, I took his gear to clean it. The healer tended
his leg, and I saw Lord Richard and my lord talking, they became heated, but I
know not what they said. After Lord Richard left, Hawk ordered me to hide the
object. When I returned, he lay dying.”
    “Did
you see Richard?”
    “Nay.
Hawk fought to stay alert, but the sound of soldiers’ loud voices bore down on
us. He kept telling me to leave, so I lifted the edge of the tent to escape,
knowing there was little I could do for him. Before I slipped out, I saw a
large man enter the tent. I waited for the blow that would surely end my lord’s
life, but I admit my fear, and I quickly left the tent. Look at the object. My
lord said he wrote ye a note.”
    Kate
unwrapped the cloth and found the medallion, it looked old, but lustrous. She
turned it over and back again.
    “My
lord put the note inside, open it.”
    Kate
turned it over, took the dagger he held out to her, and pressed the tiny clasp,
it clicked open. She removed the folded parchment and read it.
    “ Beware
the friend with the black heart . Where was Lord Richard when this
happened?” She didn’t trust Richard, not after hearing in her father’s words
that he’d wanted the medallion.
    “I
know not, when I returned, Hawk was alone.” Manik’s face looked bleak.
    “We’ll
have to keep this a secret until I can figure it out. Pray, don’t let on that I
have it. I sense evil afoot. I do not trust Richard.”
    “I
shan’t tell a soul, my lady. I was unable to protect my lord. I’ll never be
able to …”
    “’Tis
no fault of yours, Manik, don’t feel guilty. You’re back with us and that is
all that matters. My father wouldn’t have wanted you to hold yourself
accountable.”
    “Thank
you, my lady, for such kindness.” Manik opened the door and left.
    Kate
sat on the bed, staring at the medallion. She glanced at the note again,
recognizing her father’s writing. Why wouldn’t he tell her whom he referred to
outright? Until she could uncover its meaning, she would be wary.
     
    *****
    Kate
stood in stunned silence. Immediately upon his unexpected arrival, Richard de
Morris handed her a missive, which she read with furrowed brows.
     
    Lady
Stanhope, I regrettably inform you that your father is presumed dead. His tent
was found burned to the ground and we could not locate his whereabouts. I will
be staying in Egypt for sometime and have given your guardianship to my vassal,
Lord Richard de Morris. On my return, I shall turn your father’s lands over to
your husband which the king has selected. His Highness has betrothed you to
Angus Barclay of Scotland, and your marriage will take place upon my return.
    Condolences,
    Lord
Aldwyn de Guylet
     
    Apparently,
her betrothed wasn’t even knighted or titled and likely landless. The most
astounding news was that he lived in Scotland. Her worst fear had come true.
She was betrothed to a man not worthy of her rank, but the king had chosen him
so she had to have hope that he was prosperous. With shaking hands,