Red Rider RIsing: Book 2 of the Red Rider Saga by D.A. Randall (best books to read for beginners .TXT) 📗

Their boots clomped across the porch beside the hitching post as they guffawed, one slapping the other on the back. I sighed, quivering.

Mama put an arm around me, tugging me close. She frowned at Papa. “Helena doesn’t need to be around men like these. Especially after all that’s happened.”

Papa studied me, weighing his decision.

“It’s for Francois,” he said. “We won’t stay long.”

Mama gave me another strong squeeze, then waited for Papa to hitch up Royale and help her down. He brought me down next. He never swung me in the air anymore, the way Francois did, though I was light enough and my wounds had all mended. Instead, he set me down like I was a porcelain doll.

62

Mama put her hand on my shoulder and we pushed through the large oak double doors.

Inside, men roared with laughter and deafening shouts. Some waved their fists in the air as they spoke. I backed into Mama, then clutched her hand with both of mine. This place looked like it could get out of control within seconds.

Duke Laurent spotted us from across the room. He strode toward us with open arms, which gave me some assurance. No one could harm us with the Duke standing close by. “Henri! Celeste!

So good to see you!” He shook Papa’s hand and kissed Mama’s, then smiled at me. “And how are you today, Helena?”

“A bit nervous,” Mama answered for me.

“I’m afraid this isn’t the most suitable environment for an eight-year old girl.”

Papa put a hand on Mama’s shoulder, too late to quiet her.

The Duke’s face fell. “I am so sorry,” he said. “I know Francois frequents this place and I know some men who come here. I thought it would be ideal to recognize his actions. I’m afraid I failed to consider what a difficult position it would put you in.” He gave a little laugh. “Perhaps that is why the royal family places so little faith in me.”

“It’s all right, Your Grace,” Papa said.

“We’re sure you planned this out as best you could.”

Mama’s face softened as she met my eyes.

I held her hand more loosely now, feeling safer 63

with the Duke standing between us and the crowd.

“Yes, we’re here for Francois, after all,” she said.

The Duke kissed Mama’s hand again,

bowing lower. “The grace of a Queen. Henri is fortunate to have you, and I’m fortunate to have your forgiveness. Now, please, come in and we’ll find Francois. Ah, Simonet! You have not met Henri’s family. Madame Basque, may I present my chief advisor, Siegfried Simonet. Monsieur Simonet, this is Henri’s wife, Madame Celeste Basque, and their daughter, Helena Basque.”

The Duke’s advisor loomed over me, tall, thin and frowning, with stringy black hair that rode down his back like the Duke’s. He regarded me with lazy eyes and gave a disinterested nod. I resisted the urge to flinch.

Thankfully, Monsieur Simonet turned from me to shake hands with Papa and nod at Mama. He seemed just as unconcerned with them, and quickly turned to Duke Laurent. “How many more guests do you anticipate?” he asked. “Our guest of honor wants to make certain you are providing enough wine and ale.”

The Duke laughed. He turned to spread his arms wide as Francois came thundering toward him. “For our hero, all the wine and ale he wants!”

“That’sss what I like to hearrr!” Francois said, stumbling a little as he approached. ‘Most grateful for your hossspitality, Your Highnesss.”

I prepared to run toward him, to let him swing me through the air. But Mama’s hand pressed on my shoulder and held me back.

64

Papa stepped forward. “Francois. Good to see you.”

“Heyyy,” Francois said, blinking at Papa as if he didn’t recognize him. “Henri. And Celeste.”

He turned to me and crouched, pressing his hands over his knees. One fist held a dark half-empty bottle. “And there’s little Helena. How’rrre you, little Mademoissselle?”

“Fine,” I said. “Are you all right, Francois?”

He waved me off and stood, like an old woman trying to rise from