With his cloak yet upon her back.
Once again she fled, and once again, Bartholomew chased her through the shadows and bracken of the forest. Was this a feint to see him robbed anew? Or was Percy truly in peril?
And what had happened to Duncan’s saddlebag? If any soul looked within it, Bartholomew doubted he would retrieve the relic readily.
If at all.
He could not so betray the trust of Gaston and of the order of the Temple. He had to recapture that bag, no matter what the price.
Even if this defiant wretch of a maiden held the key.
*
Percy was panting with terror.
He did not know what had happened to Anna. She was not behind him and he could not hear her at all. He hoped she had taken another path to lead their pursuers astray, just as she usually did.
He ran on, making for the cavern as was their usual plan.
He leapt over a log and flung himself through the forest, then paused. Had he heard sounds of pursuit? Percy leaned back against a large rock for a long moment, letting his heartbeat slow as he listened.
Naught. He was safe.
Anna would follow him soon, but he could take his time reaching the cavern.
After all, he had the prize.
What was it?
Percy licked his lips and hunkered down to unfasten the saddlebag. It was heavy, and he had imagined its contents as he ran. A mound of silver coins. Jewels fit for a king. Even stack of pennies would be welcome. His fingers trembled with cold and excitement as he unfastened the ties. He made a wish, as always he did, and cast back the flap.
Percy’s mouth fell open in astonishment at the sight of the golden item within. What was it? It was as large as his head, maybe larger, studded with gems and covered with writing. He had never seen the like of it.
He might have removed it from the saddlebag, but he heard a sharp intake of breath that revealed he was not alone.
“I will take that,” declared a man, his voice familiar. Gaultier, the baron’s Captain of the Guard, stepped out of the undergrowth, and his smile made Percy feel cold. “I knew you would return when you had made another theft, but this is an exceptional prize.”
“Nay!” Percy cried and clutched the bag as he bolted.
The silhouettes of three more knights blocked his view, and he knew himself to be trapped. Still, he tried to fling himself through their ranks, then kicked and screamed when he was seized. The saddlebag was claimed by Gaultier, while the others trussed him and carried him away.
“Help me!” he roared.
“Please do summon your associates,” Gaultier said smoothly. “I should very much like to see your sister again, if she lives.”
Percy clapped his mouth shut. He did not know what had happened when Anna had been imprisoned, but Gaultier had done her some injury before her escape. He could not cast her into that knight’s power again.
Gaultier chuckled. “So, she does live. I had wondered. We shall search for her on the morrow. Let her have time to realize you are gone.”
The horses had been hidden behind the hill, and Percy was carried easily toward them.
“Hoy there!” Gaultier shouted. “Whoever is allied with this brat can find him in Haynesdale’s dungeon, if you would care to make a bargain for his survival.”
With those words and the knight’s chuckle of satisfaction, Percy had the wits to say no more.
*
Not Percy!
