Shadow of Stone (The Pendragon Chronicles) Read Online Free Page A

relationship secret, but still, he had considered himself one of Yseult's closest friends, aside from her cousin Brangwyn.
    He drew a deep breath and took a sip of wine. And what if they were lovers? What was it to him? Neither had any other commitments, and he was well aware that Yseult had long ago sworn never to marry again after the disaster of her marriage to Marcus Cunomorus. From her point of view, a discreet relationship would be ideal.
    Then why did Cador suddenly feel sick at the smell of sweet wine cakes?
    * * * *
    Yseult followed the talk of war, trying to keep the worry out of her expression. Fulfilling her role as regent had become second nature, but it had been a long time since there had been anything more than minor border skirmishes in the southern kingdoms of Britain.
    This was different; with Caer Custoeint taken, Brangwyn no longer had a home. And this time, her son would be going to war with Arthur's troops. Kustennin was not yet seventeen, the age of adulthood for young men according to British custom, but Gawain had relayed Arthur's request that Kustennin become one of his standard bearers. Her son was discussing the upcoming trip to Caer Leon with his neighbor, his expression alight with excitement, unaware of his mother's worries. Yseult would have to try and keep it that way.
    She had been anticipating a restful visit in Lindinis, perhaps some hunting with Kustennin, a trip to Durnovaria to visit the horse fairs with Cador — now they would all be on the road as soon as Cador could get the men and horses together that Arthur needed. Yseult could have found an excuse to go to Caer Leon — to reassure herself that her cousin Brangwyn was well, for example — but with northern pirates attacking the coast of Dumnonia, she needed to ensure that the defense of Dyn Tagell would be sufficient to withstand attack. The situation in Voliba and Isca was not as urgent, since they were on the southern coast; nonetheless, it might make sense to hire reinforcements for those cities as well. In either case, she needed to speak with the captains of the guard about their preparations.
    Gawain tried to catch her eye and she looked away, helping herself to a piece of wine cake. Why oh why was he here? To bring the news of the attacks, of course — and as a reminder that the peaceful life she had made for herself was over, in more ways than one. Gawain, one of the most handsome men among Arthur's companions, even at close to forty years. Gawain, the image of a perfect warrior, tall and blond, but with an odd dent in his nose where it had once been broken, an imperfection that only made his face more interesting. Gawain, who could send her pulse beating with a broad smile or an intense gaze or simply by entering a room. Even now he made her so nervous, she was afraid she would give herself away.
    After her long trip from Eriu, she would be forgiven if she retired early. She pulled her favorite shawl up around her shoulders and turned to Cador's mother. "An excellent dinner once again, Enid. I don't know how you managed with so many people arriving unexpectedly."
    Enid smiled at the praise. "Luckily, there are always chickens."
    Yseult laughed and rose. "I will try to remember that. But now I must retire; my men and I have been traveling all day, and there is much to do tomorrow. Good night, Enid, Cador."
    "Good night," Enid said. "Your usual room has been prepared for you. Do you wish a servant to accompany you?"
    She shook her head. "Not necessary." That was one of the things she enjoyed so much when she was in Lindinis; it was like being at home, but without the responsibility.
    She offered her cheek to her son for a kiss and left the dining hall, avoiding Gawain's expectant gaze. A hint of daylight tinged the sky, and the air still held a breath of warmth. Grateful for the peaceful moment after the day's news, she sauntered along the porticoed passageway of the inner courtyard, taking her time. Just now, she did not