Page 38 of The Guardian's Witch

“The air around your stall makes my mouth water.” She hoped the baker couldn’t hear her rumbling stomach. She searched for her pouch and finally fished out a coin. She tore a corner from the crusty roll and slowly savored it. “Hmmm, even better than I imagined.” She motioned to the two men who passed. “If only those two could get along.”

“Lord Alex’s potter has been outspoken and jumps to conclusions. He’s always on the opposite side of any discussion. They’re both good men, m’lady. They like to argue. You would never know they’ve become good friends. Sometimes I think there are two different villages, theirs and ours.”

“Lord Alex and his men are not like the others the king has sent?”

“No, m’lady. They’re much like our men. They’re fair and honest. They pay for what they take. Not like the others who took what they wanted and paid for nothing.” Anger flashed in his eyes. “No, m’lady, your father would approve of Lord Alex. He’s your father’s type of man.” He turned to his next customer.

She caught other pieces of conversations and observed people on her way back to the castle. Her pace slowed when she reached the steps. She turned and looked toward the village.Not like the others.Was he different? What would he do if he knew about her visions? Once he found out her secret, she’d be lucky if all he did was commit her to the dungeon. She climbed the steps and entered her solar.

She gathered her needlework and made herself comfortable by the sunlit window. In and out, the needle glided. She added fine small stitches to the last of the repairs to the tapestry and smoothed them with her forefinger. The forest scene she stitched looked vibrant. She looked up at the gray walls and held the needle poised in the air. Laura was right. The villagers weren’t afraid of her. They weren’t fearful of Alex or his men.

Her sister’s words echoed in her ears. Dare she move on? Dare she hope? Were her other fears just as empty? Her eyes scanned the familiar surroundings, now drab and cold even with the fire in the hearth. She looked from one wall to another. It was time to complete the renovation with the rich tapestries, the armor and plate.

With the castle renovated, she would move on and so would everyone else. She went to the kitchen.

“Ann, gather everyone. I’ve finished the repairs on the tapestries.”

“And we’ve finished polishing the plate, and found material for the banners.”

“Good, then let’s put everything in place.”

Chapter Eleven

“But he gave very clear orders, m’lady.” John shifted from foot to foot, his nervousness apparent.

“John, I must go. I told Laura I would meet her today at the lodge. I have this nagging feeling that something is not right.”

Visions of Richard’s impending disaster and her parent’s accident swirled in her head. She steeled herself to keep from pushing John out of her way. She wouldn’t sit still if there was any chance Laura was in danger. She closed her eyes. Everyone else she loved had left her; she wouldn’t let Laura go without a fight.

“She may not even be there, John. But I must make certain. If there’s any danger I must warn her.”

“M’lady, Lord Alex gave orders. No one is to leave the castle while he’s away.”

She knew the man wouldn’t budge. “Very well, John.” She grabbed her shawl. “This is outrageous,” she muttered.

“I’m sorry, m’lady—did you say something?”

“No, I was...thinking out loud.” She hurried on.Surely Alex will understand.The lodge is practically at our doorstep.A turn in the garden usually soothed her but not today. She sat on the garden bench. Her thoughts raced from one catastrophe to another. If anything, Alex’s high-handed manner provoked her more. She didn’t realize the mist was building until there was a small pool by the bench. She stilled and the vision materialized. Her nerves already being on edge, made the vision more vivid. Scenes shifted from one to another in rapid succession. A shadowy figure, she couldn’t see who, was at the lodge huddled at the table. A hand and knife appeared. “Laura.” She jumped up from the bench. “She said she would bring the children.” She left through the garden gate, crossed the bailey, and headed into the village.

“I’ve a fresh loaf of bread here, m’lady, hot out of the oven. On a cool day like today, the hot bread can keep your hands warm while you visit the other stalls.”

The baker startled her. Her eyes were on Alex’s soldiers who stood by the road and blocked her way. “Very well, one loaf please,” she said without really paying attention.

The baker stretched his neck to see what she was looking at. “Are you looking for someone, m’lady? My boy can find them for you.”

She brought herself back into the moment. “No, that won’t be necessary. I think Laura may come to visit, and I didn’t want to miss her.”

“If I see her I’ll tell her you were looking for her.” He turned to the next customer. “Yes, what would you like?”

“Who are you looking for, Lisbeth?” a familiar voice said behind her.

Surprised, she turned and faced Bryce.

He took the package, slipped her arm through his, and escorted her along.

They continued on through the village. The weak sun gave off little warmth. The wind picked up and sent her cloak billowing out. She wrapped it tightly around her.

“Who are you looking for?” he asked her again.

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