Page 28 of The Guardian's Witch

The men looked and nodded at each other. A roll of light laughter passed through the troop.

Alex chuckled along with them. “Well, let’s put the swim behind us and concentrate on making the repairs. Robby, take the men back to the castle and bring what’s needed. I want to look around. When you’re done, post some men here to make certain there’s no further mischief.”

“Men, mount up.” Robby took the men back to the castle.

“Alex, you gave me some scare. I’m glad to see you’re well.” Bryce and his men remained.

“I’m fine Bryce, only a bit wet.”

“My men and I had worked our way up the river when we came upon your men. I was concerned that the current might have swept you downstream. We were near the falls looking for your...for you, when we got word you were napping on the river bank.”

The concern in Bryce’s eyes registered with Alex.

“Well, you can manage here. I’ll take my patrol down river and follow our original plan. I’ll meet you back at Glen Kirk and give you a report of what we find,” said Bryce.

“Many thanks.”

Bryce and his men rode off.

Alone, Alex climbed over the edge of the cliff to get a better look. His hand brushed over the exposed beam edge. The wood had indeed been cut halfway through. There was no way the bridge could tolerate the weight of him and his horse. As soon as he and Prime ventured to cross, the planking broke through.

“Someone’s really out to do you in.”

Chapter Nine

Alex looked up at the rim of the cliff. Jamie was on his haunches looking down at him. A broad grin lit up his face.

“So, it was you sneaking about in the woods? You must be careful, Jamie. Even my men are willing to blame the Scots.” Alex stretched up his arm for assistance.

Jamie grabbed Alex’s hand and helped him back onto firm ground. “You worry like my wife. And I wasn’t sneaking about.”

Alex brushed the dirt and decayed leaves from his clothes. “When anything happens it seems your people are the first to be suspected. I would think you would be more careful.”

Jamie bowed slightly from his waist. “Spoken like a true brother.” He pounded Alex on his back. The grin on his face faded and was replaced with serious concern. “You’re a very lucky man, Lord Alex Stelton. There’s no way you or your horse should have survived. You both should have crashed into the rocks.”

“I know. I wonder how Prime and I survived the fall?”

Jamie ran his hand through his hair, indecision written all over his face. “It’s not easy to explain.”

“Try.” He didn’t want to pressure the man, but he needed answers.

“Where to start,” Jamie muttered to himself.

“At the beginning. I’ll protect her. Surely you know that. But I can only protect her if I know everything.” Alex waited for Jamie to soak up his words. Alex knew Jamie was smart and would see he had no choice and admired him all the more for his determination to protect her.

“She has no idea the depth of her abilities,” Jamie finally admitted. He took a deep breath as if a burden had been lifted off his chest. “Somehow she protected you. I’m not certain how. Her abilities are...unique.”

Alex watched Jamie relax. He was right. “She was at the river. I heard her command to the water.” He looked at Jamie. “She believes in the old ways.”

“Does that bother you?”

“No. I respect the old ways and those who believe in them. Lisbeth uses charms and spells,” offered Alex. “I seem to have been the beneficiary of both.”

“Hubert—”

“One of the protectors,” Alex sneered.

“Yes, the first one actually, called her a witch. When those around her protested, he called them her coven. It wasn’t long after that encounter that she moved into the hunting lodge.”

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