Page 57 of The Sword and the Damsel

She let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

So far, they suspected nothing.Thank God.

Opening the door ever so slightly, she peered out. The coast was clear.

She tiptoed out and made for the front door only to find it guarded by a disheveled but muscular man sitting on a barrel. She froze just out of his line of sight.

You can do this, Alais. He’s all that stands between you and freedom.

The rock was still in her hand. If she could sneak up on the man unawares, maybe, just maybe she could escape. This was her chance. She would not get another. As silently as she could, she snuck up behind the beefy guard.

Cold sweat trickled down her back, and her heart thudded loudly in her ears.

Just as she raised the rock, his head jerked around. “Hey, what are you doing?”

Holy Mother of God, she was caught. She thought her knees would give way, but this was no time to succumb to weakness.

The man lumbered to his feet and made a grab at her. Summoning all the courage she possessed, she ducked, then swung and whacked him over the head as hard as she could.

“Ow,” the man said, still conscious, but momentarily distracted by the pain. It was the best chance she was going to get. She raced through the door, ran down the street, and ducked into an alleyway. Immediately, she heard pursuers. She slunk deeper into the shadows, hiding behind some broken barrels.

It wasn’t a good hiding spot. Surely, they would find her.

Her whole body trembled as she tried to calm her breathing and her racing heart.

Footsteps approached, then passed her by, missing her, just barely.

Hardly able to believe her luck, she slipped out from her hiding spot and slunk away, praying no one found her before she reached Lady Helisende.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Morning came, butthe fog remained, leaving the forest an impenetrable morass. Victor was unable to find anything useful in the gray morning light, and on foot leading his lame horse, his range and speed were limited. He decided he would have to enlist the aid of others to succeed in his quest.

He’d had dealings with the Templars of Westfield in the past on behalf of his aunt. In fact, more than once, the Templars had tried to recruit him. They’d almost succeeded before he went to Winchelsea. While he had no appetite for becoming a holy warrior, before Alais, he didn’t know what else to do after his miserable year attempting to return to normal life in Hastings. He’d seen enough slaughter in the Lord’s name with Lord Amalric to want no part of it ever again, but there was an undeniable appeal in walking away from all earthly possessions and earthly ties when no one wanted you around anyway.

He walked up to the castle, leading Socorro, and gave his name to the guard at the gate. Shortly thereafter, he was ushered inside. A groom took Socorro to the stable, offering assurances his injuries would be seen to.

“Sir Victor, we are honored by your visit. To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?” The man who was speaking wore a rough white monk’s robes with the red Templar cross on the front.

“Brother Stephen, thank you for receiving me. I would have let you know I was coming if I had known myself.”

“Dare I hope that you’ve finally decided to join us?”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m here on a personal matter. Is there somewhere we can sit and speak?”

Brother Stephen led him to a small room with bare walls, a square wooden table, and rough wooden benches. A particularly gruesome crucifix was the room’s only decoration. “Have you eaten, my lord?” he asked, offering Victor a seat.

“I haven’t, and I don’t have time to. My mission is urgent.”

Brother Stephen seated himself and folded his hands in front of him. “Of course. Then tell me what brings you here at the break of dawn.”

“I was married two days ago to Alais de Vere of Winchelsea.”

“Congratulations, my lord. Though I must say that makes your presence here even more of a mystery.”

“My cousin, Robert, was jealous of our marriage and kidnapped her yesterday evening from Guestling. I tracked him through the night and lost him in woods just south of here several hours ago. She wasn’t with him last night, but I think I know where she is. I’m hoping you’ll be willing to lend me aid in finding her. You know the people and the territory for miles around.”

Brother Stephen gave him a look of mixed sympathy and calculation. “I’m sorry to hear about this terrible family tragedy.” He emphasized the word “family.”

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