Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court Read Online Free Page B

you for helping me.”
    Trae simply nodded and disappeared through the gate.
    Bentley cautiously crossed the courtyard and entered his home, gazing at the ornate moldings and marbled floor as if he had never seen them before. White columns stood guard along the wide hallway that led to the foyer. He already felt like an intruder. His heart began to ache as he considered the grief his actions could bring his father and mother.
    “Bentley!” Lady Deonne's voice came from the top of the banister, and she hurried toward the curved staircase. “Barrington, Bentley is here!”
    Bentley greeted his mother in the foyer at the bottom of the staircase. She grabbed both of his arms, her eyes filled with angst. “What has happened, Bentley?”
    Bentley looked up as his father appeared at the top of the stairs, looking larger and fiercer than Bentley had ever seen him. For a long moment his father stood there, staring at him. Then he started down the staircase with purpose in each step, his cape flowing behind.
    Bentley had only seen his father truly angry once in his life, and he had never wanted to see it again. Even now, part of him wanted toshrink back into boyhood and wish away all the consequences of his decision. But he was no longer a boy He forced himself to stand tall and meet his father's gaze.
    Deonne stepped aside as Barrington came to stand before his son. His eyes were piercing and full of inquisition. Along moment of silence passed.
    “Is it true?” Barrington asked.
    “Yes.”
    Barrington closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, they were moist with tears of pain. “I can't protect you, son. Kifus is too strong.”
    “I would never ask you to, Father. I've come only to say that I'm sorry for what this will cause you.” Bentley felt his mother's hand on his arm and looked down into her pleading eyes. She was slowly shaking her head. Bentley put a gentle hand over hers. “And to say good-bye.”
    “Sir Barrington!” A servant rushed urgently into the foyer. “Sir, Noble Knights are approaching in the distance!”
    “When they come, occupy them, Oakley,” Barrington commanded.
    “Yes, my lord.”
    “Come.” Barrington turned to his wife and son. “We haven't much time.”
    The three went to the stables where Barrington's big gray gelding was already tacked up and ready for travel. Barrington grabbed the reins and thrust them into Bentley's hand.
    “Take Silverwood.”
    “I can't—”
    “You'll need the best horse there is, son. I've had Thomas pack your traveling gear.”
    Deonne grabbed Barrington's arm. “Surely there's another way,” she pleaded as she wiped tears from her face.
    Barrington touched her cheek sadly. “They will try him, and he will tell the truth. Then they will—”
    A servant appeared at the stable door. “They're coming into the front courtyard, sir!”
    Bentley leaned down to his mother, and she threw her arms around him.
    “I'll be all right, Mother. And one day I'll return.”
    Barrington gently pulled Lady Deonne away, and she sagged against him. “He must leave now.”
    Bentley looked at his father. “I must know.”
    Barrington nodded, then put his hand on his son's shoulder. “Wherever this takes you, know that I love you.”
    Bentley put his hand on his father's. “I will honor you!”
    “And I you!”
    Bentley mounted Silverwood, looked down at his parents, and launched the powerful steed into the kingdom… a kingdom waiting for one young knight to discover the truth of a Stranger.

OUTCAST OF
CHESSINGTON
    The day closed in as Bentley rode with all speed to the northeast edge of the city, carefully avoiding the known routes of the Noble Knights. He didn't know how extensive the search for him would be, but he felt better once he was outside the city limits.
    Finally he found the place he'd been looking for. He entered a grove of trees and located a hollow where a small creek flowed through. He slowed his horse, looking for Esmond in the