Free Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 by A Knight of Valour Page B

Rochester.
    †
    “Leofrick!” Chaucey staggered down the hall of The Wounded Stag bumping into the paneled walls. “Where are you? Leofrick!”
    Opening his chamber door, Leofrick stepped out into the passage. “Hells bells. What is all the bellowing about so early in the morn?”
    “It is well past dawn.” His red hair standing on end, Chaucey’s bloodshot eyes blinked in the dimness of the passage. “The justice is expected to arrive at the house of your father at any moment.”
    “Merde, we must have over imbibed last night,” Leofrick said. “Let me put my boots on and we shall be off.”
    “I will await you below.” Chaucey attempted to smooth the wrinkles from his woolen tunic on the way down the steps. Unshaven, unkempt, and reeking of ale and vomit, he gave it up for a lost cause.   
    Perched on the edge of the bed, Leofrick pulled on his boots while mentally preparing himself for what was to come. Concern for his sister and Talan had him stalling for time. Every delay meant they were closer to reaching the safety of Wales.
    Chaucey was anxiously waving off an offer of libation from Winifred when Leofrick finally joined him. “What kept you? The justice shall have my head should I present myself in such a state.”
    “Ahem.” Winifred planted her hands on her hips. “You have not yet accounted for the large quantity of ale you both consumed yester-night.”
    “I will return to settle the accounting with you later,” Chaucey said. “Leofrick, I beseech you to make haste.”
    Unperturbed, Winifred gave the panicking clerk the once over. “If need be, I shall send my husband to remind you of the tab. I would not let m’lady down by shirking my duties in her absence.”
    “Woman, I am clerk to the second most powerful personage in the realm.” Chaucey looked insulted and stunned at the same time. “I assure you my word is good.”  
    “Uh, Chaucey,” Leofrick said. “Should we not be off?”
    Hungover and insulted, Chaucey left the tavern without another word. 
    “I shall return when I can.” Leofrick winked at Winifred on his way out.
    Chaucey switched from running to a sort of hop-skip in his haste.
    Leofrick’s long strides allowed him to catch up without exerting himself. “Fear you not, Chaucey. If the justice makes an issue of it, I shall take the blame for our passing the night in the tavern.”
    “You do not understand,” Chaucey said out of breath. “It will not matter if you take the blame. My employer will still hold me accountable.” Rounding the corner leading to the sheriff’s residence he slowed his frantic pace. “The justice has yet to arrive. I still may have time to bathe.”
    “Our day can only get better.” Thumping Chaucey on the shoulder, Leofrick preceded him into the house. “The family should be breaking their fast so let us join them for a quick repast.”
    “Did you not hear me?” Chaucey was again becoming alarmed. “I need to make myself presentable.”
    “What you need first is something to eat. One look at you and the justice will know you spent the night drinking.” Gripping Chaucey’s bony bicep, Leofrick nearly dragged him down the passageway. “A good meal will make you look and feel better.”
    His stomach roiling, Chaucey gave in. “Mayhap I shall have time for a light repast. I am not at all feeling myself and it would not do to retch in my employer’s presence. He loathes illness of any kind.”
    “I am sure he does.” Leofrick fell silent at the scene awaiting them in the dining chamber. By her red puffy eyes, it appeared his mother had been weeping. His father and brothers turned solemn expressions on the newcomers. Pulling out a seat, he plopped down beside Caine. “Good morningtide, family. What has everyone looking so glum this fine morn?”
    “Spent the night passed out in the tavern, have you?” Edmund glared accusingly at his younger brother. “And if that were not bad enough, you dragged the justice’s clerk