The Darkest Knight (Guardians of Camelot #3) - Victoria Sue Page 0,35

my lord. I followed from my village two days ago when the king’s force rode through.”

“And then everything went to hell, huh?” Davidas grunted. “Well, the main fight will no doubt be tomorrow. This was a skirmish, and there will be Saxons here to claim the bodies soon. Stay with me while we get to the camp.” He eyed Kay. “God’s, boy, they will eat you up. There is no shame in wanting to go back home.”

“I cannot do that, my lord.”

“Need employment, huh?” Davidas asked not unkindly, then rolled his eyes. “You look half-starved. If you’re like any of my sons, your belly told you to follow the army. Most young men are led with their stomach.”

He heard the tired chuckle of one of the soldiers behind him. “You mean all this time when my mother insisted we were led by another part of our bodies, she was wrong?”

Davidas grinned. “Marcus, make sure he stays with you, and get him cleaned up. I am in need of a page.” He seemed to notice the sword Kay was carrying. “Be careful carrying that. This isn’t playacting, and people will get the impression you know how to use it.”

Kay dipped his head respectfully, glad to play an innocent role while he found out what the hell was going on, and thanking his lucky stars he still looked young. If they thought him a simple farm boy, he wouldn’t get any difficult questions, and he could have collected the sword from one of the dead soldiers.

Were the others here? It had to be something to do with Galahad, but he’d been speaking to Charles and got the impression the task Galahad wanted fell to him. He had said the sword must be returned to Uther Pendragon—Arthur’s father—but Uther was killed at Badon. If this was a skirmish, then the battle and Uther’s death would be tomorrow. Kay swallowed with difficulty. Uther had to die to have Arthur crowned, so he was pretty sure he wasn’t here to stop that happening, just retrieve the sword. Galahad had been very clear on that, that they couldn’t change history. Though even as a page he wouldn’t get anywhere close to the king or his son to retrieve the sword.

As they crested the hill, Kay took in the scene before him and the rows and rows of tents, tethered horses, servants, soldiers, and carts carrying everything Uther’s forces would need. People scurrying about. Everyone from weapons masters to cooks. There were even women doing laundry in a nearby stream.

A man rode toward them as soon as they were sighted. “My lord, your presence is requested urgently.”

Davidas frowned. “What’s happened that I don’t even get a chance to—”

“My lord,” the messenger interrupted. “There was an attempt on His Majesty’s life.”

“What?” Davidas snapped out. “Is he well?”

“Yes, sir, and an arrest has been made.”

“Only an arrest?” the soldier behind Kay remarked. “The traitor still lives?”

The messenger’s voice dropped. “They are worried he has magic, my lord. Maybe sent to proceed a Roman invasion, and His Majesty has sent for Merlin.”

“As if we don’t have enough trouble at home with the damn Saxons,” Davidas muttered and kicked his horse on. Kay kept a pace behind him, intending on being there unless he was forbidden, which was almost a certainty. They drew up the horses, and stable hands rushed to take them.

“Be careful with Daisy. See she gets a rub down, and be generous with the oats,” Davidas ordered and caught the surprised look on Kay’s face. “I’m supposed to ride a stallion apparently, but no one told my girl that.” He patted her rump affectionately as she was led away.

Kay slid from his horse and took a step after Davidas, unsurprised when a hand landed on his shoulder. Marcus gestured to a smaller tent, and Kay followed him, grateful when he was given a fresh bundle of clothes and ordered to dress which he did with some haste. He followed Marcus back out of the tent, expecting to be given some task. He wasn’t expecting the female servant holding out a jug and a goblet though.

“For Sir Davidas,” she said, thrusting the tray toward him. Kay took it, thanking his good fortune. She assumed he was already Davidas’s page and would be expected to wait on him. Without another word, Kay went to the tent and paused as a guard blocked his way. “For Sir Davidas.”

The guard nodded but reached and took the sword from his hip. “You can