Page 74 of Oath of Rebellion

She blinked, her mind still asleep but tension growing between her shoulder blades. Something was wrong. She stepped around the tree and took care of her morning business before kneeling at the creek and washing her hands.

When she turned back, Knox stood tense, a frown on his face as he stared overhead. She wiped her eyes and yawned. "Is there food?"

An owl hooted nearby, and the wind began to blow through the trees in strange patterns.

Knox walked to her but didn't look at her. He reached out a hand, and she linked their fingers. "Yeah, in the saddlebags. We'll have some jerky in the saddle once we're safe from the eagles."

"What eagles?" she asked, tilting her head. She didn't hear any eagles. She tried to clear the confusion and wake up, but she just wanted to curl up next to him some more.

The owl hooted again, and her eyes widened.

Knox pushed her behind him and backed up slowly toward the horse, his eyes never leaving the treetops above them. "The eagles that terrorize the edge of the Hartsgrove land. I didn't think we were that close to the center."

The owl hooted. She gasped, "We have to go." The fear from the owl tinged her own words. "The owl says danger is coming."

He frowned and grabbed her hand as they reached the horse, who now stood frozen, his eyes wide with fear. Knox helped her swing into the saddle, the soreness between her legs still pulsing so good from the feel of him.

He sat behind her and gathered the reins. "We can't outrun them to the dwarves. They're too fast. We're going to have to head into Hartsgrove. They won't go near the place."

They waded into the stream, leaping on the bank on the other side. "I hear a but in your tone," Eirwyn said, gritting her teeth and holding onto the pommel at the rough ride.

"But I don't want to take you to Hartsgrove," he growled as the horse plunged between the trees. "It's too dangerous for you, princess."

"If we have to get a few scratches to get to safety, it'll be worth it. The owl–we have to get to safety, Knox. Now."

An ear-piercing screech made her gasp and wince. The horse reared up on his back legs. Fear licked at her stomach, twisting it in knots.

Knox cursed, his arm holding her tight around the stomach as he crooned to the horse to calm him down. "Hells, we have no choice. I'll protect you, princess. Don't worry."

They plunged into the forest, the underbrush growing thicker. The eagle screeched overhead, and she held on tight. How could she not worry or be afraid?

Yet somehow, with Knox wrapped around her like a cloak, she knew she'd be alright as long as they stayed together.

Chapter 26

KNOX HEARD THE CRASHING in the underbrush, and his heart raced. He turned Ryder deeper into the forest, going northeast toward Hartsgrove.

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