The Witch and The Warrior Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’m not of a mind to permit either to happen,” he continued, binding their tied wrists together, “you will hide beyond these trees and keep quiet until I tell you it is safe to return. If either of you get any foolish notions about trying to escape, be warned—if the wolves don’t find you, I will.” His tone suggested being mauled by wolves would be preferable.
    Gwendolyn watched as he vanished into the darkness.
    â€œWe can’t just stay here,” protested Isabella nervously. “We must try to—”
    A strangled groan pierced the night.
    â€œBy God, MacDunn,” thundered Robert’s furious voice, “show yourself and fight like a real warrior!”
    â€œRobert!” squealed Isabella. “I’m over—”
    â€œSqueak again and I’ll turn you into a rat,” hissed Gwendolyn. “Do you understand?”
    Isabella whimpered and nodded.
    Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 
    Alex swiftly withdrew his sword from the belly of a MacSween, then spun around to deflect the blow of another. His attacker’s blade forced him to leap back. The weapon’s point sliced into his shirt, and he was vaguely aware of a stinging sensation in his chest. He raised his sword and buried it deep into his opponent’s gut.
    â€œDamn you, MacDunn,” cursed the warrior, sinking to his knees, “you’ve got the devil on your side.” He grunted, then fell onto his face.
    Warm blood was seeping into Alex’s shirt, but he ignored the pain. The ringing and scraping of steel told him Cameron and Brodick were well occupied. He cautiously moved forward, searching the veil of trees for more MacSweens.
    Suddenly a huge brute of a man leaped out from behind a tree, his ax poised to split Alex’s skull open. Before the weapon began its descent, the warrior gasped, took a faltering step, then collapsed. An arrow protruded from his back. Alex looked up to find Ned’s small form perched on a branch, another arrow already taut against the string of his bow. Alex followed his aim and saw Robert moving toward him through the darkness, unaware that he was about to die.
    Alex raised his hand, signaling for Ned to hold.
    â€œGood evening, Robert,” he called pleasantly. “I must confess, I wasn’t expecting you quite so soon.”
    â€œI’m sure you weren’t,” Robert sneered. “I prefer to surprise my enemies.”
    â€œEnemies?” repeated Alex, sounding surprised. “But what a sad turn of events this is, when just hours ago you so graciously invited me to attend your marvelous witch burning. You know,” he continued conversationally, planting the tip of his sword in the ground and leaning against it, “I was really looking forward to that feast.”
    â€œYou should have kept out of it, MacDunn,” Robert advised, moving closer. “You were a fool to think I wouldn’t come after you.”
    â€œOh, but I knew you were coming,” Alex assured him. “Gwendolyn told me you would. Her powers of perception are quite extraordinary.”
    Concern flashed across Robert’s face, but he was quick to master it. “What else did she tell you?” he demanded, closing the distance between them.
    â€œEverything,” Alex promptly lied. “In fact, we had quite a long talk.” He idly adjusted the folds of his plaid. “She really is an intriguing creature, isn’t she? I can understand why you want her back.”
    â€œI want her back so justice can be carried out,” Robert replied shortly. “She is a witch and a murderess.”
    â€œAh, yes, that nasty business about her father. Fortuitous that you were there to witness it, wasn’t it, Robert?”
    â€œWhere is she?” demanded Robert, taking another step forward.
    â€œActually, I’m not sure,” Alex replied, shrugging. “She is hiding somewhere out there,” he added, gesturing