Sword of the Rightful King Read Online Free Page A

Gawaine’s sleep had not been a dream, for he heard it still.
    He stood, dropped the blanket, and—walking somewhat unsteadily as the boat rolled on the high waves—headed toward the sound.
    It was Agravaine, of course, his head over the side of the boat, heaving dryly into the waves.
    For a minute Gawaine thought to leave him there.
Good for him to feel pain once in a while instead of inflicting it
. But Gawaine could not help feeling sorry for any suffering creature. Even a pig like his brother.
    He went back for a waterskin and some dry bread, then brought it to Agravaine, who was, for once, too sick to even think of going on the attack. At Gawaine’s urging, he took several sips and slowly chewed on a piece of bread, then fell back against Gawaine’s chest, exhausted.
    Gawaine held his brother in his arms until morning brought a glassy sea. The minute the sea calmed and the sun rose, Agravaine pushed him away, saying, “If you tell anyone about last night, I shall kill you. Slowly. You will cry like a sow in labor.”
    Smiling wryly, Gawaine stood and walked away. It was comforting to know that some things never changed.
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    L ORD B EDWYR had arranged horses for them at the quay, and everyone but Agravaine was glad of it. Agravaine’s color had not yet returned and his mood never lightened. Someone who did not know him might have guessed that was from the sour taste in his mouth from several days of vomiting. But Gawaine knew better. Agravaine was always sour. In fact, on landing, Agravaine slapped his manservant for being slow, then after that, whipped the horse he was presented with, when it was not as soft-mouthed as he would have liked, or as handsome. Finally he swore vehemently at Hwyll.
    Hwyll, being ever mindful of his station, and wary of his charges temper, bowed and quickly got out of the way.
    â€œYou should mind your manners,” Gawaine said quietly, making certain that no one else could hear this caution, “else Cadbury will be an uncomfortable place indeed. If you are so hardhanded, no one will let you in on their secrets. And how will you tattle to Mother if you have nothing to say?”
    â€œShut up, brother,” Agravaine advised loudly, “or I will whip
you
as well.” That lent a little flush to his countenance, but it was gone in seconds and he was as green as before.
    â€œYou will do no such thing,” Gawaine answered, but so low only Agravaine could hear.
    Still, Agravaine understood the threat in the quiet steely voice and did not speak further.
    As if to emphasize his utter disdain, Gawaine turned away and chivvied the twins to their mounts like a shepherd with sheep. They bounded like lambs.
    â€œWill he try to whip you, Gawaine?” asked Gareth and Gaheris together.
    Gawaine guessed they were less curious than hopeful.
    â€œNot if he values his whip arm,” Gawaine said.
And not as sick as he is
, Gawaine thought. He got them settled and then chose his own steed, a sweet-faced gelding the color of good earth, with a white blaze down its nose.
    The horses that Lord Bedwyr had sent were good, serviceable ones. Not the heavy horses for battle nor lighter ones like those the Companions rode when boar hunting in Cadbury. These were sturdy ground-eaters who would take them down south with a minimum of fuss, thirty miles a day at least, weather permitting. Fast enough to escape even the most diligent of thieves, many of whom lay in wait in the highland forests.
    â€œGive your lord my thanks,” Gawaine said to Bedwyr’s man. “Tell him I will see him in Cadbury when next the Round Table meets.” He handed the man a small ring with a stone worth the price of a horse.
    The ostler looked up at Gawaine, his plain face wreathed with smiles. He touched his hand to his forehead. “I will do so, young master, when he returns from deer stalking.” Then he had to sidestep quickly as Agravaine insinuated his horse