Page 68 of Sword of Rage
“Who’s the woman?”
“Lady Harley of Melenia.”
The man squinted. “She looks familiar.”
“I recognize you,” Harley said, stepping beside Ackley. “You were in the kitchen that day during the takeover.”
His eyes darkened. “That I was.” He waved them forward. “Get in the cart before someone else sees you. I’m taking you to Kerdan.”
Interesting that the man didn’t use a title with Kerdan’s name. “How far away is he?” Ackley asked.
“I should have you there tomorrow sometime. I can’t give you any information beyond that.”
Ackley took hold of Harley’s hand, leading her to the cart.
“The name’s Gelik Wolf.” He smiled wryly as he climbed onto the driver’s bench.
Ackley thought he was missing something with the name. Regardless, Gelik felt trustworthy, so he helped Harley up into the back of the cart, climbing in behind her. The cart lurched forward, heading away from the village.
“At least we don’t have to walk,” Harley whispered, settling in beside Ackley, closer than necessary. The back of the cart was empty save for a few pieces of straw.
“I was looking forward to getting a room for the night and having nothing to do but tend to my wife.” It was a bold thing to say, but he felt like pushing the boundaries. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly. He longed to lower his head, kissing her. However, that was one line he couldn’t cross.
“I’ve never met anyone like you,” she whispered.
He hadn’t expected her to say that. “No, I suppose I’m one of a kind.” He stretched his legs out before him, crossing his ankles.
Her hand reached out, resting on his forearm. He held still, surprised she was touching him again. “I think that’s a good thing. I’m not sure the world could handle two of you.”
A laugh escaped him. “Who knew you were so funny.”
“Likewise.”
* * *
Arriving sometimetomorrowended up being a rather liberal use of the word. They’d been riding in this cart for well over twenty-four hours. Darkness had descended for the second time. Ackley was pretty suretomorrowwas at an end. At least Gelik fed them. Granted, it was bread. But food was food.
Harley hadn’t spoken much. She’d remained at his side, resting against him, not attempting to make small talk. Which was good. They didn’t need Gelik overhearing their conversations.
“I didn’t think it possible, but it’s getting even colder,” Harley mumbled, snuggling closer to Ackley as the cart trudged along. “I can’t feel my fingers, but I can feel my toes.” She wiggled her feet. “Thank you for the socks and boots.” She’d thanked him over a dozen times already.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, tucking her in close. Since it was so frigid out, she didn’t even argue and instead, seemed to melt against him. Their nearness was out of necessity, nothing more.
The cart finally came to a stop. Ackley glanced around, not seeing any signs of a town or village nearby.
“We’re here,” Gelik announced.
“It doesn’t look like we’re anywhere,” Harley commented as she climbed out.
There were at least two men in the nearby trees. Ackley couldn’t see them, but he could feel them. “Are they your men?”
Gelik smiled. “You could say that.” He whistled.
A man swung down from the tree to Ackley’s right, landing deftly on his feet.
“These two are here to see Kerdan,” Gelik told the man.
He nodded. “I’ll take care of them.”
