Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court Read Online Free

Bentley. “Consider your heart carefully, son, for there is much to lose. Don't forget that we took an oath.”
    “And what shall be more justly considered, the oath of a man or the truth of a King?” Bentley paused. “What if the Stranger really was—?”
    “I'd rather you not finish that question.” Barrington held up his hand. “Though we are father and son, still, it borders on treason.” Barrington's hard stare eased, and a smile crossed his lips. He slowly nodded his head. “You have truly become a knight who is noble, and I am proud. The answer to that question will surely test the mettle of a man.”
    Barrington put his arm around his son's shoulder, and the two men left the terrace to join Lady Deonne. Bentley had discovered no answers, but strangely he felt better… at least for a time.
    Later, in the still of the night, Bentley heard his name called once again.

AN ACT OF
TREASON
    “Kill them, Bentley!”
    Bentley stood between York and two Followers he had cornered and disarmed. His sword felt heavy in his hand, as did his heart in his chest.
    “For what crime?”
    “Do not question me!” York's face became red with anger. “I gave you an order, and you will follow it!”
    Bentley turned part way around to face York, who was now striding briskly toward them. “For what crime?” Bentley repeated, his determination bolstered by York's absurd order.
    York's voice was harsh. “Step aside or I'll cut you down with them!”
    “No!” Bentley hesitated just an instant before raising his sword and turning to fully face York, knowing that the action would bring dire consequences in one form or another. His back was now to the two Followers, but he was no longer concerned about their actions toward him. The real threat came from his own mentor.
    York hesitated, his eyes wide, as if he couldn't believe what he hadjust heard and seen. He yelled, and two swords of the Noble Knights collided. York was experienced and strong, but Bentley was young and quick. He had learned York's swordsman skills well and was able to defend against each cut and slice. What was different this time was the strength with which they came.
    At first Bentley was preoccupied with simply surviving the fight. But as he adjusted to York's intensity, Bentley began to consider what was happening and why.
    Everything his father had taught him about true knighthood was being tested at this very moment. Everything he had thought and considered over the past weeks was shifting into place. In an instant, he came to understand that York's response and fight were efforts of sheer desperation to kill not just the Followers, but the truth.
    The Noble Knights had killed the Stranger, but His message lived on.
    They had imprisoned the Followers, but His message lived on.
    They had killed the Followers, but His message lived on.
    Only truth could be this resilient. As of yet, Bentley could find no contradiction in what he'd seen and heard… only noble pursuit.
    York brought a wide powerful slice from the left. Bentley deflected it and countered with his own. York parried and made a quick thrust that sliced through Bentley's tunic just beneath his left arm but met no flesh. Bentley slammed his sword downward on York's to keep it from wounding him on the retraction. He immediately followed with a diagonal slice across York's sword arm that met its mark.
    York screamed as the razor edge of Bentley's sword sliced across his upper arm. His sword clanged as it hit the cobblestones beneath.
    Bentley stood panting, momentarily stunned. Three other Noble Knights ran toward them.
    “Traitor!” York screamed, covering the gash with his left hand. “Your days as a Noble Knight are over!”
    Bentley stepped backward, wondering what he was supposed to do next.
    “Come!” Bentley felt a tug at his tunic. He turned to see one of the two Followers. The man looked anxiously toward the approaching knights.
    “Quickly!” The man pulled again on Bentley's tunic