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

“‘Courssse. ‘Course I am. Just enjoying this wonderful party the Duke’s giving me, that’s all.

After your birthday, it’s jussst been onne party after anothhher.”

The Duke winked at me. “He’s fine, Helena.” He smiled at Simonet. “I don’t suppose you’ll indulge yourself with any wine tonight, Simonet?”

Simonet maintained his frown. “I prefer to keep myself alert.”

Duke

Laurent

leaned

toward

Papa.

“Simonet is extremely self-disciplined. He’s the closest thing I have to a priest.”

I looked about, hopeful to see our actual priest. “Is Father Vestille here?”

“I invited him,” Duke Laurent said. “But he declined.”

Francois barked out a laugh. “He’s afraid of the beer!”

Papa leaned close to the Duke as Francois continued to laugh louder. “He’s visiting one of the 65

other provinces. Dijon. There’s a large church there –.”

“Ah, of course,” the Duke said. “Can’t expect him to remain satisfied with a tiny province like La Rue Sauvage forever. I wish him success.”

Papa knit his brow. “He’s not seeking a better position. Just visiting.”

“Oh, he has friends there?”

“Yes. Well – friends he’s made there. On previous visits.”

“Ah. I see,” the Duke said, smiling.

I looked from one face to the other, trying to understand. “What are you saying, Monsieur Laurent?”

“Nothing at all, Helena. For any man, even a priest, there comes a time to think about the future. I came here from Versailles myself and I’m quite proud of our accomplishments. But I wouldn’t blame anyone for seeking opportunity in a larger province. Somewhere more comfortable or safe. A man like Father Vestille could become very influential if he found the right church.”

I felt as if he had ripped my heart out and left a gaping hole in my chest. “You think he wants to leave?”

He shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you what he’s planning. But I find it hard to imagine him remaining content with a small church when he could do so much more, and be well-rewarded for his service. And there are certainly safer places to preach than La Rue Sauvage.”

Mama bowed her head and spoke in the firm voice she usually reserved for scolding me.

66

“We’ve known Father Abier Vestille for years. We invited him here from Burgundy, after we settled.

He’s not cowardly or opportunistic and never has been. He only wants to serve others.”

“I certainly understand that,” the Duke said. “But – well, it doesn’t matter. I’m sure if you know him that well, you know the true purpose of his trip to Dijon.”

Papa shifted his foot as Mama fell silent.

“He didn’t say. Exactly.”

The Duke looked from Papa to Mama and back again, still offering a friendly smile. He cleared his throat, sounding uncomfortable. “No matter, Henri. Whatever the reason, I’m certain his trips take precedence. Come. Enjoy the party. We have a wonderful feast.” He strode toward a table filled with rich food and we moved to follow him, though I began to drag my feet.

Father Vestille had always been like part of our family. Before last year, he visited our house every Sunday after Mass. We ate lamb or stew and talked about the Scripture lessons and the events in the village and the new dress Mama was making.

He sat me on his lap to tell him everything the sheep and Valiant were doing, everything I saw in the field that day, every cloud and flower and insect.

Before last year, that is.

Before the wolf.

“Hey, Helennna,” Francois said, bending down to take my arm. “Hey, let me introduce you to a friennnd of mine.” He waved a heavy hand 67

toward the bar, as though he were trying to fish something out of the air.

Mama started toward me, but Papa held her back with an arm around her shoulder. “She’ll be all right. It’s their party. We’re safe in here, at least.” Mama relented and they stepped away with the Duke.

A man wearing an apron stepped out from behind the bar and marched toward us. He had strong arms and a broad, crooked smile beneath a mop of reddish-brown hair.

Francois waved his arm toward the man and thumped him in the chest. “This’s my bessst friend in all