The Knight and the Seer Read Online Free PDF

alive?”
    “It would serve no purpose to kill her. Logan has long desired a war between us. My father resisted, believing it would drain our clan. Now, with Sabrina as bait, we’ll have no choice but to do battle with those who covet our land, our flocks, our people.”
    “Would you surrender all in order to save her?”
    He didn’t answer directly. Instead he seemed to turn inward for a moment before choosing his words carefully. “I am a warrior. I will do what I must to avenge the death of my father.”
    “What will you do for an army?”
    He gave a mirthless laugh. “My bravest and strongest warriors were left in Edinburgh, to guard the queen. Until they return, what I have left is a village of old men, and women and children.”
    “I could stay and help.” She spoke the words softly.
    “You? And how will you help? Will you cast a spell upon my enemies?”
    She knew her cheeks were coloring again. She could feel the heat burning. She looked down, avoiding his eyes. “I can try.”
    “I’m sorry.” Again that hint of laughter, though he managed to hold it inside. “I don’t believe a pig’s bladder will do much harm to my enemies. But I do thank you, my lady.”
    She felt the sting of his rejection. He thought her puny attempt at a spell was laughable.
    Andrew had already dismissed her as he reached for the bell, convincing himself that there had been no blisters on her hands. In his grief, he’d only imagined them. He was certain of it.
    Minutes later the little servant entered and began pouring tea and spooning pudding into dishes.
    When the servant took her leave, Gwenellen tasted, then smiled. “It isn’t as good as Bessie’s, but it’s still quite tasty.”
    “And who is Bessie? Another troll?”
    Gwenellen’s smile faded at his mocking tone. “A hunched old woman who lives in our kingdom. She once lived in your world, but because of the way she looks, she was often ridiculed. When she had the opportunity to leave this world and live with us in the Mystical Kingdom, she was most eager to do so.”
    “I hardly blame her.” Andrew found himself fascinated with a strand of honey hair that dipped over one eye. It begged to be touched. With an effort he looked away. “There are many in my world who are cruel to those who are small, or weak or different.” He set aside his half-eaten sweet. “If there is such a place as the Mystical Kingdom, I can understand why you and your family would choose to live there.”
    “Though I know you don’t believe me, it truly does exist. I’m too young to remember, but I’m told that when we lived in your world our lives were threatened because we practiced the old ways. There were many who feared us, and wanted us put away.”
    “That seems to be our way of things.” Ignoring the tea he reached for his goblet and emptied it, then pushed away from the table and stalked to the fireplace, where he stared in silence for many minutes. At last he turned and held her chair. “Come. After the day we’ve put in, we both have need of our rest.”
    He opened the door and allowed her to precede him before following her up the stairs.
    Outside the door to her chambers he paused. “Despite the fact that your spell failed, I do thank you, my lady, for all that you did for me this day.”
    “You are most welcome, sir.”
    “As for your witchcraft…” He paused, then decided she’d suffered enough for her mistake. “I hope you’ll take some time before trying another of your spells.”
    “As you wish.” Gwenellen’s smile faded when she suddenly felt his hand at her shoulder.
    Startled, she turned back.
    “Forgive me, my lady. I meant no offense.”
    “None taken.”
    But he could see that he’d hurt her. Her lips had already turned into a pretty little pout that held his gaze even when he tried to look away.
    Without thinking he lifted her hands to his lips. “It would seem my grief has robbed me of my humanity. Even at my best, my mouth has always