Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court Read Online Free Page A

and took a few steps toward the open alleyway where his companion was now waving for them.
    Bentley half stumbled in their direction, still numb from the fight.
    “You're a dead man, Bentley!” York yelled from behind him.
    Bentley began to run, knowing he could never go back. No one would defend him against York, especially Lord Kifus, who believed the Followers were slowly destroying the order of the Noble Knights.
    Bentley followed the two men through streets and alleyways; they stopped at the back door of a candle maker's shop. The three men were breathing hard. One of the Followers looked up and down the alley searching for their pursuers. He opened the door. “Inside.”
    Bentley hesitated.
What if I discover these Followers are truly madmen?
    He sucked in a breath, then crossed the threshold into a jumbled storeroom.
    “Thank you for saving our lives,” said the man who had tugged on Bentley's tunic. “I am Esmond, and this is Trae.”
    The one named Trae nodded slightly but glared hard at Bentley with dark brown eyes. He grabbed Esmond's arm and pulled him off to one side of the room. They conversed in agitated whispers, at last returning to where Bentley stood.
    “You are Sir Bentley,” Esmond stated.
    “Yes.”
    “Trae here is concerned about your true intentions. There is much at risk if we believe you.”
    “Then we have something in common. I am also concerned about my intentions, for I know not what they are, and I have risked much already.” Bentley began to shake his head as the reality of his actions fully gripped him.
    “What then shall we do?” Esmond walked away a few steps, pondering what course they should take.
    “We can't take him to the haven.” Trae nodded at Bentley “No offense.”
    “None taken. I understand your concern. I must get to my father.”
    “Why?” Trae asked. “Isn't he a Noble Knight?”
    “Yes, but… I just need to see him.”
    Esmond walked back to Bentley. “You shouldn't go home. That is the first place they will look for you.”
    “Perhaps, but it is a risk I must take. He and my mother deserve to know what has happened.”
    “What will you do then?”
    Esmond's question fell heavily upon Bentley's heart, for it was a question that asked so much more. And he had no idea what the answer was.
    Bentley sought Esmond's eyes. “Is He real?” They were words he had pondered in his heart for years and dared not ask a soul. The answer to this simple question was the substance of all purpose and existence in life, and he finally knew it. It was why he had risked everything and was standing before these Followers this very moment.
    Esmond's countenance slowly illumined with a smile that spoke his heart. He turned to look at his friend, and even Traes countenance had softened. Esmond looked back at Bentley. “A Noble Knight who seeks the truth—'tis a rarity. Listen, I have an idea, but we must move quickly. First I must speak to the council. Trae, will you take him to his father?”
    Trae looked at Bentley and smirked. Bentley could hardly blame him.
    “It's all right,” he said. “I will go by myself.”
    Esmond shook his head. “You'll never make it alone. Every Noble Knight and many citizens will be looking for you. You aren't exactly an inconspicuous fellow in Chessington.”
    “So what do you—?”
    “We have people throughout the city who will help us. We've become… experts at hiding people. You need us now.”
    Trae sighed. “I'll take him.”
    Esmond put his hand on Traes shoulder. “Be careful. Have him meet me at Swallow's Creek at dusk.”
    The men separated, and Bentley followed Trae back through the door. After hours of stealthy maneuvering through the city they neared Barrington's estate. Trae looked about anxiously as they entered through a gate at the back of the walled courtyard. After giving Bentley directions to Swallow's Creek, he turned to leave.
    “Trae,” Bentley called after him.
    Trae turned, anxiety on his face.
    “Thank