Heartsong Read Online Free PDF Page B

furs. Garrett
    glowered at her before starting toward the end of the line.
    Carefully, trying to avoid any more pain, she turned to watch as he rode beside the rest of his army. Aye, she and Arthur had to leave today.
    Although she doubted he had heard their conversation, Garrett ordered Arthur to ride a goodly pace in front of her. She admitted deShay intended to keep them separated. Today, she even had a soldier walking beside the cart.
    The gray clouds began to dissipate and she watched a weak sun begin its climb above them. It was then that Garrett ordered Arthur to the rear of the march. She couldn’t even see him for all the legs of the horses and the walking soldiers. Frustrated, she scowled as deShay rode past.
    He stopped and she turned away.
    “And good day to you,” he said.
    She wondered why that taunting smile angered her so much.
    Never had she liked being laughed at. She’d had five brothers who did just that. “It is not a good day,” she shouted back. “I am tired to death of riding. I need to walk, but your man says nay.”
    “‘Tis for the best, wench. At least until after the nooning. Then, we’ll see.”
    She stared into those deep blue-gray eyes and shivered. Something about him caused a reaction in her, one she couldn’t explain. She gazed at his lips—moist, wide, full—and the strangest sensation flowered in her stomach. More apprehension she told herself.
    But, she knew she lied.
    “I want to talk to my countryman.”
    “I think not.”
    Rhianna pouted. Such action oft times worked with her brothers. It seemed deShay was immune.
    “Nay,” he answered, wheeled his horse around and raced toward the front.
    The long day continued.
    For a space of time she counted the minutes, but her panic grew. Arthur could have been a league away, for if she couldn’t see him, she could not signal to him.
    Only a small part of the army paused for the midday
    meal, and Rhianna wanted to scream. Her brother was not among those stopping to eat. She would have to move away from the soldiers to signal Arthur, but deShay refused to allow her to stroll beside the cart.
    When the order to mount up came, she reluctantly ambled to her transport. She had no intention of sitting in that box, so she took her place beside the vehicle and moved forward at the command.
    deShay glanced back once but said nothing. Oh, he wasn’t pleased, she could tell that, but he would allow her this tiny favor.
    To her delight Arthur rode a few paces to her left, behind a group of foot soldiers. He’d hear her shout. Now, she only had to await the lethargy that soon would surely take its toll.
    For over an hour, she strolled along, gazing often at the sky. Again it had turned gray and cloudy. The weather could only aid in their attempt. To her delight, a man behind her yawned. Boredom was sitting in. She’d be willing to bet they were not nearly as alert as they had been that morn.
    When she dropped back a foot, then two, she watched the soldier driving the cart, alert for any action on his part. None came. She heard only a grumble, a mutter. Slowly, she slipped back more.
    Finally, one of the foot soldiers noticed her position. She saw his confusion, then he frowned.
    She had to act.
    Now!
    She turned and dashed for Arthur.
    “Run!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. She rushed toward him, her arms outstretched.
    He looked stunned. Then he reacted.
    He yanked on the reins of the horse. He dashed off.
    Away from the English. Away from her.
    “Nay,” Rhianna howled in outrage.
    He was a stupid clod! He needed to take her with him.

Three
    Stunned, Rhianna watched three knights race after her brother, their swords drawn.
    Oh, nay! What had she done?
    She started to run after the knights. Her world tilted as she jerked through the air, then over the neck of a horse. But, not just any horse. deShay’s black beast.
    His knee dug into her side. Her shoulder burned. She squirmed but deShay wrapped his hand around her narrow