Page 36 of The Guardian's Witch

Lisbeth, her pensive mood gone, ushered them outside. “John.” The retired soldier emerged from the side of the lodge. “We must go.”

The women embraced each other tightly.

“I’ll see you here next week and try to bring the children.”

“Yes I will.” Laura gave her one more hug. “And be careful.”

* * *

The dried twigs crunched under their feet. It was the only sound Lisbeth and John heard as they traveled down the trail. John trudged stoically next to her, his hand poised and ready on his blade.

Apprehension seeped through her and a chill crossed her back. Someone was watching them. The feeling clung to her like a pall.

“M’lady, don’t hold your cloak close. Let the material flow.”

“My cloak?”

“You make it difficult for an arrow to find its mark when the material is loose.”

His request startled her to silence and quick action. Without a question she loosened her grip on her cloak.

John led her off the trail.

“John?”

She noted his anxious expression and understood his silent message. She followed his lead without any further questions. Within minutes, they stood at the edge of the forest at a meadow far north of her usual trail. This was a longer way to the castle, one she rarely traveled. Flat and sparsely forested, the view was unobstructed for miles. Weeks had passed since she last came this way, and the charms for safe passage were weak. She mumbled the sacred words and renewed their strength.

John set the pace with long strides. Lisbeth hurried to keep up. A nagging fear sprung up until she was in a full panic.Laura.She turned to look back but John put his hand firmly on her shoulder.

“No, m’lady. Keep going. Lady Laura’s well protected.”

John, his hand still on his sword, didn’t relax his hold on his weapon until they entered the bailey and he delivered her safely to the castle steps.

The courtyard was a flurry of activity with horses and men everywhere.

“John, do you have any idea what’s happening?” Lisbeth asked.

“Lord Alex makes ready to lead the troop on patrol, m’lady. He’s gathering the last of the farmers and bringing them to the castle grounds.”

“We’ll see to the farms at the far border first.” She heard Alex give his commands. “We’ll work our way back from there. I want to visit every house and farm. I want everyone brought here. No one is to be left behind.” His voice dropped with a warning tone. “Keep alert and stay close.”

Alex nudged Prime over to where she stood. “Ann told me you and John went to the lodge to see your sister. I hope you enjoyed your visit?”

“Yes. There’s been much too much time between visits.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Family is important.” He shifted in his saddle but hesitated. He gave her a pensive look. “I’ve given orders no one is to go off the castle grounds while I’m gone. No one.”

The experience of the trek back to the castle was fresh in her mind. Intellectually she understood his demand, but that didn’t prevent her hackles from rising in objection. When she turned to leave, she was startled. She didn’t want to take her eyes off him. She imagined the heat of his body next to hers, and her face flushed from the thought.

A quick glance at him and she saw his face light with a smile that took her breath away. Did he have any idea the power of his smile? She looked at the set of his shoulders. Yes, she was certain he did. She focused on his lips and rolled her fingers into a fist to stop from reaching out to touch them.

He bent down close to her.

She felt the panic explode. She steeled herself and with great difficulty did not step back, instead holding her place.

“Are you well? Your face has taken on a rosy color. Are you feverish? There’s no need to worry. Robby’s in command of the men.” He righted himself in his saddle. “You will be safe.” He gave his men the order to proceed.

They stood watch as the troop rode out the gate. When the last riders passed, Alex turned to her and saluted. His face was serious. His eyes were filled with pride. Perhaps he rode out like the other protectors, doomed not to return. She frowned at the unpleasant thought. She gave him a curt nod of farewell.

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