Page 27 of The Herald's Heart
“Abbess.” Did the woman’s sudden appearance startle Larkin? No doubt it was petty of him to feel pleased that someone could unnerve her, even if he could not.
The abbess inclined her head. “Mother Clement will do. You found Larkin.”
“She arrived while I waited for you.”
“So I see.” She raised a brow.
“I have all the herbs you requested,” Larkin said. “But the pony ran off with them in the cart, and the burn blossoms have not bloomed yet.”
Talon seized on this second mention of her missing pony cart. “Why did the pony run off?”
“Someone shot an arrow at it as I freed the cart from a mud hole.”
“Why would someone shoot at you?”
Even the poor torchlight was enough to let him see her pale.
“I cannot say. Most likely someone who wished to kill me, but who would want that?”
She squared her shoulders, but he heard the tremor in her voice. She was afraid of something.
“’Tis a likely consequence of claiming that which is not yours, Larkin,” warned Mother Clement.
“But I—”
The abbess raised a hand. “Pray that God will provide what is needed and trust in Him. Now, when do you think you may return to pick the burn blossoms? ’Tis the best treatment for itchweed, burns, and other ailments of the skin. Our supply is exhausted, and we need the blossoms urgently.”
“If it please you, I will come back after the next full moon.”
“Excellent. In the morning, I will send some of the sisters after your pony cart and have it returned to you.”
Talon coughed. “I regret, Mother Clement, that Larkin will not be able to gather these blooms for you.”
“Why not?” The woman drew herself up in a way that he had seen King Edward do when opposed.
“Because she was found trespassing in the keep and must remain there until the earl returns to speak her justice. In addition, she is safer there than wandering around the countryside alone. The keep has too few guards to spare even one to escort her.”
“Is this true, child?”
Larkin dropped her gaze. “Aye, my trespassing is the reason I’ve made no deliveries in the past weeks.”
“That was very foolish of you.”
“Aye.”
He had never seen Larkin so meek. He was not certain he liked it. Humility did not suit her. She appeared weak, and he knew she was stronger than most women.
“Others may suffer for your actions.”
Her head jerked up. “They already suffer when I cannot make deliveries.”
“We managed before we had a carter. So even though you provide a useful service, you cannot break your parole.”
“I did not.”
The abbess held up a hand once more. “Nor even bend it for the sake of others.”
“But—”
