A Warrior's Promise Read Online Free PDF Page A

thought
better of it. Her blunder would be forgotten once she resumed the role of the
lad.
    â€œWe struck a bargain, and so my word was given,”
Bryce said.
    â€œNot all men keep their word.”
    â€œI do.” He grinned. “My da taught me the importance
of honor, and my mother taught me to heed a woman’s word.” His grin grew. “I
prefer a woman who heeds my word.”
    â€œThen it’s a mindless fool you want for a
wife?”
    Bryce laughed. “You have much to learn about
women.”
    â€œTeach me,” she challenged, curious to know his
thoughts on women.
    â€œYou would be an old man by the time I finished,”
Bryce said, laughter coloring his words as he stretched out on the hard ground,
crossing his arms beneath his head.
    â€œOne bit of wisdom?” Charlotte asked.
    â€œLet no woman have your heart until you’re ready to
give it,” Bryce said. “Now sleep. Tomorrow is a busy day.”
    Charlotte stretched out on the opposite side of the
campfire from Bryce. She lay on her side, staring at him. He lay with his eyes
closed, his arms still pillowing his head. His response had startled her. She
had expected a humorous quip, not serious words.
    Was that what he did? Did he hold firm to his heart
when it came to women? Would he give nothing of his heart, not a bit, until he
was ready? And if so, how would he ever know if he was ready to love?
    One day, many years ago, she had asked her father
about love. He had told her in his usual pragmatic manner that love could never
be defined; it could only be felt.
    Bryce had given a peek inside himself, and she
intended to probe more deeply.

Chapter 4
    B ryce stopped just before climbing the small rise and turned to Charles. “The people in this village no doubt will be leery of strangers. It seems that many have passed this way recently, and, being remote from common trails, it has the villagers curious and cautious.”
    â€œIs this the information your whispering got you at the market?” the lad asked.
    â€œMy whispers bartered for food, no more,” Bryce snapped. The lad was more observant than he had realized, for that information was exactly what his whispers had gotten him.
    â€œAs you say.”
    â€œI say that you remain by my side and keep that tongue to yourself. You have a habit of speaking when things are better left unsaid.”
    â€œA loose tongue can help at times—”
    â€œAnd other times it can bring trouble, and you—”
    â€œHave to know which time is the best to let it loose,” Charles finished.
    â€œ Now is not the time,” Bryce warned. “Stay silent. Hear, listen and learn and keep alert.”
    â€œI can do that.”
    â€œSee that you do,” Bryce said, and began climbing the rise. “I don’t need to be worried about rescuing you again when we both have missions to accomplish.”
    Bryce wore a pleasant smile as he approached the fields outside the walled village. He acknowledged the workers with a nod, and it was returned in kind though all eyes bore caution. It was the same beyond the wooden wall. Villagers nodded but remained vigilant.
    The information Bryce had gleaned led him to believe that the smithy would be the best one to approach. Not wanting Charles to be privy to the conversation, he turned to the lad. “Go find the bowyer and see if he has a bow that will suit you. I will be along shortly.”
    The lad hesitated a moment though it certainly wasn’t out of fear of leaving Bryce’s side. More likely it was that the lad was more curious about what was to be discussed. But he took himself off without further delay, and Bryce regretted not reminding him again to be watchful of his behavior and tongue.
    The smithy was short though solid with muscle. His hair was a garish red with two thick side braids. He banged at a sizzling-hot piece of metal on the anvil with a hammer, and Bryce said nothing