Prologue
July, 1499 King Henry Tudor carefully looked over his royal guard, his next decision a crucial one. His gaze fell to one man, Matthew Cameron, son of his longtime friend Baron Lander Cameron. Henry had to inwardly admit he had a soft spot for this handsome young knight, whom he had personally knighted on the battlefield during the fight for the crown. "Sir Matthew! Step forth!" Matthew knelt before his king. "I am here for your bidding, your majesty." "I wish to speak to Sir Matthew alone." He dismissed the other disappointed knights, whom had all harbored hopes of being chosen for this important mission. "Arise, Matthew." The knight stood up and grinned at his king, the two being close friends through his fathers relationship. "Matthew, I am putting you in charge of finding these renegades, and stopping them. I trust you shall not disappoint me." "I shall do my best, Sire, although I fear your over- confidence in me is unfounded. Perhaps an older, more experienced knight . . ." The king waved off his comment. "Now, Matthew, spare me your modesty, we both know your bravery has been proven." Matthew turned his gaze downward with a sheepish grimace. "Aye, Sire." "You shall take a regiment to the last known position of these raids, I believe upper Lincolnshire. Notice has been sent to all lords in the vicinity to gather their men and join you. I want these raids stopped." "Do we know why this is happening, Sire?" Henry shook his head, his mouth pinched into a tight frown. "Who knows? They strike unmercifully, killing even women and children whom happen in their path. Then they disappear like ghosts." "And their leader?" "No one has come forward with a name. We only know he rides a white horse and is ruthless." His tone dropped to one almost pleading. "Please, Matthew. They must be stopped. I am counting on you." The roguish blond knight nodded complacently; it would not do to argue with the king. "Aye, Sire." "Excellent, you will leave first thing tomorrow." The king paused, then in a more solemn tone added, "and, Matthew . . .please attempt to not get distracted this time. I expect you to report back, in person, within the month. Do I have your word?" Matthews smile faded. "Aye, Your Majesty." He bowed and took his leave. As Matthew turned, he was thankful the king couldn't see the look of trepidation on his face. What the hell had he gotten himself into this time? He quickly headed back to his room, where a willing chambermaid lay waiting. It might be a long time before he would have access to the favors of another woman. Order the novel!
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