Page 12 of The Guardian's Witch

He stood aside and waved her through. “My lady?”

Biting her lip she gave the room one final look. She squared her shoulders, spun on her heel, and left the lodge. She hoped she was doing the right thing—for both of them.

Chapter Four

“Are circumstances really this dire? I hadn’t realized,” Lisbeth said softly. Alex led her past the long line of people on the main road to the castle. “They strike me as travel weary. No, more than weary. They’re spent.” The tree branches swayed in the wind shaking what leaves were left on them to the ground. Women drew their shawls closer. Dry leaves, caught up in the blustery weather, scurried along the trail and were trampled under wheels, hooves and feet.

“They’ve had a difficult time. While they harvested their crops they had to keep watch over their shoulder. I’ve sent soldiers to every farm.” He picked up a fallen doll and handed it to a frowning girl in the wagon. “No one gets left behind,” he said and winked at the child, who giggled in return.

The wagons spanned almost the width of the trail. Alex took the lead and cleared the way for Lisbeth. His powerful well-muscled body moved with an easy grace. No one could deny he was a leader. Even in a crowd, he commanded attention. She had yet to determine whether that was out of fear or respect.

Their pace slowed when they reached the village square. It was alive with the day’s marketing. Villagers rushed from stall to stall with their parcels. The market wasn’t safe from the gusts of autumn wind that assaulted it. The wind chimes at one stall tinkled and the women’s skirts fluttered as they negotiated their bargains. It caught Lisbeth’s long hair and sent it flying wild around her.

“Lady Lisbeth, how good to see you.” The leather tradesman turned and called over the table to his wife. “Nora, come quick. Lady Lisbeth is here.” He searched through his wares until he found what he was looking for. “M’lady, this will hold back your hair. You seem to have lost the last one I gave you.” He thrust a strip of purple leather at her.

“That’s no way to speak to Lady Lisbeth,” his wife admonished him. Nora gave Lisbeth a warm smile. “M’lady, how good to see you. We would be honored if you would wear the leather.”

Lisbeth rummaged in her pouch for coin. The gentle touch of Alex’s hand on hers made her look at him bewildered. Alex handed Nora payment.

“M’lord, this is too much.” The woman looked at the coins she held in disbelief.

“Not if the leather pleases Lady Lisbeth.” He took the strip from the tradesman and carefully tied back Lisbeth’s hair as if he did it every day. “There,” he whispered in her ear. He took Lisbeth’s elbow and led her away. The stall teemed with people.

Her free hand touched the purple leather. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Now we have matching leathers.” He released her elbow and touched the strip that held the charm around his neck. “We have a common bond. We’re tied together of sorts.” He looked straight ahead.

She tilted her head in his direction and tried to read his meaning. His expression was closed.

“What else would you like?” He took a deep breath. “Ah, the meat pies smell good. All we have to do is follow our noses.” They walked on, sniffing the air. They turned the corner and stood in front of a table of hot spicy tarts set out to cool. Alex paid the baker and handed Lisbeth one.

“Thank you, m’lord.” The man pulled off his cap and quickly bowed in excitement. His eyes gleamed as he counted the coins.

They walked for several minutes in silence.Safe. She let out a heavy sigh.

“Did you say something?” asked Alex.

“No, I was thinking how comfortable it feels...” She kept her eyes forward and continued walking. Dare she say more?

“To be home.” He finished for her.

“Yes, you could say that.” Her voice was just above a whisper.

By the time they entered the bailey both she and Alex were weighed down with purchases.

“You must get tired of this commotion,” she said.

He helped her up the steps. The broad smile on his face sent her pulse racing. “No, I’ve never seen the villagers this enthusiastic. You’ve been missed, Lisbeth.”

“Missed?”

“Why else did they gather and come out to see you? You have forsaken them for too long.”

His arrow hit its mark. But she hadn’t abandoned her people. She’d separated from them to protect them. He had no idea. Why, if he knew her secret he might very well tell the king himself. No, she had made the right decision.

Inside the castle Lisbeth turned to Alex. “By your leave.” She advanced toward the stairs.

“Do you need any help?”

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