Free The King's Bishop by Candace Robb Page A

be there.’
    After Harold departed, Owen held his arms out to Lucie. Grateful that he understood her mood, she stepped into his embrace.
    Their quiet moment did not last long. Soon Jasper came puffing in, obviously winded from a good run. ‘God go with you,’ he cried, then hesitated at the door.
    Lucie could see that he was about to burst with news. She moved away from Owen, smoothed her apron and the kerchief holding up her hair. ‘What is it, Jasper?’
    ‘It’s Ned leading the company! Did you know? Was it to be a surprise?’
    Owen frowned. ‘Ned Townley?’ The boy nodded. ‘Are you sure?’
    ‘I would not mistake him,’ Jasper said. The lad had been quite taken with Ned when he had met him the previous summer. ‘So you did not know. And I have been first to tell you.’ Jasper was pleased.
    ‘Why would he be part of the company?’ Lucie asked, suddenly adding another worry to her growing list. Was this a matter requiring more armed men? ‘You did not tell me that there would be need for two such fighters as you and Ned.’
    Owen squeezed Lucie’s shoulder. ‘We do not know that is the case, though it is possible.’ He shrugged.‘We shall know soon enough. It would be very like the Archbishop to lead me into trouble with nary a word of warning.’
    As Archdeacon of York, Jehannes had a substantial house near the minster. It was simply furnished, his spiritual life being that which drew his attention. Neither hangings nor painted plaster softened the walls, nor embroidered cushions the chairs. But the fire was welcoming and the food and wine were good.
    However, this evening the room seemed more ascetically furnished than usual, with Ned Townley’s elegance radiating from the corner, standing as a contrast against the dark walls. Even in his travelling gown and leggings, Ned looked too elegant for the room, the clasp on his travelling cloak a heavy circle of bronze, his leather belt intricately tooled and clasped with a silver buckle, the sheath of his dagger tipped in silver, his boots of fine make, his hair precisely cut to frame his handsome face.
    Owen lounged in the doorway as he took in Ned’s appearance. ‘So you’ve taken to baiting the thieves in the forests, flaunting Lancaster’s generosity to his spy?’
    Ned had begun to cross over to greet his friend, but he hesitated at the comment, his smile frozen. ‘Baiting … ?’
    Owen nodded towards the ornate scabbard. ‘A bit of silver to lure them?’
    Ned glanced down, then laughed and slapped Owen on the back. ‘I must keep the King’s men in fighting form, my friend. How better than to invite attack?’
    ‘You will not wear the silver on the road?’ Jehannes asked with a worried frown.
    Ned wiped the grin off his face when he saw the Archdeacon’s concern. ‘Fear not. I am no fool.’
    Owen slapped his friend on the back, nodded to Jehannes. ‘He is a good man, I assure you.’ He turned his good eye on his friend. ‘I am glad to see you, Ned, never doubt it, and glad to have you riding with me. But knowing you as I do, I know there’s a story to why you are part of this company. And the others who join our company in York will ask. It is common knowledge that Lancaster opposed Wykeham’s advancement to the Privy Seal, believing he climbed too high. Bishop of Winchester, Lord Chancellor – the titles would make Wykeham even more powerful. As Lancaster’s spy, it’s passing strange you would come with us to speak for Wykeham in this matter – unless Lancaster has had a change of heart?’
    Ned raised an eyebrow, burst into hearty laughter. ‘Nay. The enmity goes too deep for that.’
    ‘Then come, my friend. Sit down and tell us how it is you are here.’ Owen joined Jehannes near the fire, motioned to Ned.
    Ned returned to his seat, settled back in his chair, nodded. ‘It was not my design to hide the sad circumstances that bring me here. I merely waited for the proper moment.’
    Jehannes asked Harold to pour wine.