Orphan of Destiny Read Online Free PDF Page B

least find someone in the nearby countryside who has them for sale. You two start walking. Follow the coast. As soon as I can find horses, I’ll catch up.”
    “Isn’t it the first place Hugh would look?” Maryam asked. “And you,” she said, looking at Robard. “I don’t like you always disappearing into the woods and leaving us alone. How would we ever know if something happened to you?”
    “I’m going to get the horses,” Robard said, “because I’m a native who didn’t grow up in a monastery and thus has no idea how to bargain. I’ve purchased stock before and know how to deal with horse traders. I’m less likely to be noticed. We’ve been waiting here for two days while Tristan recovered. We can’t take the chance Sir Hugh hasn’t put the word out about three wanted criminals traveling together. I’ll catch up to you with the horses, and I promise we won’t split up after that. At least then we’ll be on horseback and have a better chance of eluding capture.” Robard was trying hard to convince her. Maryam had woken up in a foul mood.
    “I think Robard’s plan makes sense. But go quickly,” I said, removing the small bag of coins from the satchel and adding Sir Thomas’ ring to it. “We need good mounts, and this is all the money I have left. If you have to use the ring . . . I . . . would rather keep it, but if you must.”
    Robard’s hand closed over the coin purse. “I’ll do my best,” he said.
    He handed his bow and wallet to Maryam. As we had traveled through France, after escaping from Montségur, Robard had been teaching Maryam to shoot his longbow.
    “Take care of these,” he said. “You’re becoming quite a proficient archer. Remember, shoulders steady, feet set and breathe out when you loose.”
    “Robard! You might need it,” she exclaimed, pushing it back to him.
    He shook his head. “No. Not this time. They’ll be searching for an archer fitting my description. So if I don’t fit the description . . . ,” he trailed off. “Besides, I have this!” He grasped the hilt of Sir Thomas’ battle sword hanging from his belt.
    Maryam glanced at me with a pained expression. “Robard. Please don’t take this the wrong way . . . ,” she said.
    “What?” he said, curious.
    “You know you are a gifted archer,” she said.
    “Of course.”
    “Well, you are not so talented with the sword. In fact, you are a horrible swordsman. There, I said it,” she finished quickly.
    “What? I am not! I can fight as well with a sword as anyone!” he nearly shouted.
    He pulled the sword as if to make his case. It was a clumsy draw, though, and the point hung up on the scabbard. Then the blade became stuck and he had to push it back in and draw again. In all, about a half minute passed before the sword cleared.
    “See what I mean?” Maryam said.
    There was no need to let Robard’s temper get the best of him, so I jumped in. “You are right, Robard. Go and return as quickly as you can. Maryam and I will start out for Dover. I’m sure you’ll be able to track us. But if you lose us somehow, there is a well-trod road, called the traveler’s road, west of the city, about three leagues out. We will gather there if need be.” I even gave him a little salute.
    “Right. Well, I’d best be on my way,” he said. He tried to return the sword to the scabbard and succeeded after three attempts. Please, God, I prayed. Keep him safe until he returns to us . I crossed myself and Maryam uttered a prayer to Allah. We watched until Robard disappeared from sight.
    Angel whimpered, as she always did whenever we separated, but she rolled over onto her back and Maryam gave her a good belly rub. Satisfied, she sat up and sniffed the air. I took the opportunity to walk back and forth around the campsite, testing my wounded side. Each step brought a small wave of pain, but it was bearable, and slowly I worked at returning to full strength. I remembered my dream. Sir Thomas warned me danger was