Sleepless Knights Read Online Free

did little to diminish the fire in his cheeks. “Well, when I say
south
, what I really mean is —”
    â€œSir Perceval. You need not temper your words.
If
Sir Gawain has ventured further than is strictly permissible, the Master does not need to be informed. Provided I can find our comrade in time for the ritual.”
    â€œHe went to Cardiff for the night,” said Sir Perceval, with a sigh of relief. “But you didn’t hear that from me, Lucas.”
    â€œOf course, Sir Perceval.”
    Â 
V
    De Troyes Manor was situated
en route
to the city of Cardiff; no small blessing, for after picking up its owner I could enlist his help in the retrieval of Sir Gawain. But, as I noted the large number of vehicles parked along the length of the tree-lined drive, I began to suspect that the attention of Lance De Troyes might be otherwise engaged.
    Mr Crossley, Mr De Troyes’ head butler, confirmed as much when he met me at the door. “Tonight is the presentation dinner for the De Troyes Foundation’s Active Life Achiever of the Year, Mr Lucas,” said that fine footman, handing my coat to a subordinate. I glanced into the main hall, thronged with the county’s great and good. “The final course has just been cleared, but I could bring you a selection of cold cuts while you wait?”
    â€œThank you, Mr Crossley, but time is in short supply. Please inform your master of my arrival, and the need for a swift departure, as soon as he has performed his duties.”
    â€œForgive me, Mr Lucas, but he made no mention of leaving the Manor this evening.”
    â€œThat is curious, Mr Crossley.”
    â€œThat was my sentiment. He has set aside this night for yourself and the Old Boys every year that I have been in his service. However, perhaps the following message will illuminate his intentions. He wishes you to know that heis feeling ‘far from hale and hearty’ this evening. Are you quite alright, Mr Lucas? Your face has taken on a sudden anaemic hue.”
    â€œI wonder if you would be so kind as to fetch me a glass of water?”
    He did so. I drained it in one draught.
    â€œThank you. Those were his exact words?” I said.
    â€œTo the letter. Master De Troyes was adamant I convey the message just so.”
    â€œThe message is well delivered, Mr Crossley,” I said. He nodded and returned to his duties. I positioned myself at the back of the main hall, centre to the stage where the man of the hour was preparing to make his speech.
    Lance De Troyes adjusted his microphone, observing his mature and immaculate audience until every eye was fixed on him alone. A crackle of anticipation charged the air, raising gooseflesh on the arms of every woman and several of the men. The chatter of the crowd dropped to a low susurrus.
    â€œLadies and gentlemen. Welcome to De Troyes Manor. Now, you all know I’m not one for long speeches. Not when the night is young and the wine is vintage.” He paused in a warm wash of laughter. “But of all the work undertaken by the De Troyes Foundation, the Active Life Achiever of the Year is closest to my heart. This year’s winner is an example to us all. I fully intend to follow her example — when I finally retire, that is.” He ran a hand through his lightly silvered hair. “But I digress. Tonight is not my night. Tonight belongs to a lady who sits on no less than
five
of the charity committees supported by the De Troyes Foundation. A lady who, when not sharing her expertise on the bowling green with disadvantaged teenagers, is keeping her fellow pensioners as fit as she is with her aqua yoga classes. A lady who considers any spare time to be wasted, if it is not spent at her sanctuary for abandoned dogs. And so, without further ado, it gives meenormous pleasure to present the Active Life Achiever of the Year award to… Mrs Kathleen Bliss!”
    A twinkling septuagenarian took to the stage, to a round