The sword lowered, Burke shifting behind her. She remained perfectly still as he assessed his chances of getting away.
"You would kill an innocent babe?" Gillian asked, thankful her voice remained steady and calm.
"And you as well, Lady Gillian."
There was an insult in his tone, but she ignored it, her gaze remaining firmly on Royce. He was here, he would save her! She must keep calm, for surely her opportunity to flee would come. If only she knew of some way to get off the horse without endangering Rowan. At that moment, the babe let out a wail that echoed through the forest.
The cries must have startled Burke, for he loosed his hold on her. Did she dare risk it? She had no choice. Holding the child securely in her arms, she jerked free ofBurke and hurled herself to the ground, away from his sword. As she fell, she twisted, hoping to land with the babe atop her. Shouts echoed around her, but she ignored them in her attempts to protect Rowan. Her son. When she landed hard on her back, the brief satisfaction at her success was chased by the breath forced from her lungs. Hands were upon her, and she struggled for a moment, until a familiar voice broke through her panic.
"Gilly, come with me." Simon helped her to her feet. Struggling to breathe, she accepted his assistance and hurried away before Burke could come after her again. She and Simon took up a position surrounded by the king's men. She rocked Rowan, thankful he finally quieted.
"There is no place to run, Burke. Surrender now." Royce dismounted and unsheathed his sword.
Burke shook his head. "I think not. You will have to kill me here and now."
Gillian held her breath, hating the sorrow that came into her husband's eyes. Even though Burke had betrayed them all, clearly Royce still mourned the loss of his friend.
"Very well, if that is how you choose to die, face me."
Burke gave another one of his mad grins and dismounted, sword at the ready. "Let us end this now."
***
Royce circled his former captain, recognizing the madness in the other man's eyes. All these years, he had trusted his friend, while the entire time Burke had been planning to destroy them all. These last weeks, Royce had learned more of Burke's mother's family, and knew now how Burke had been able to amass enough men and weapons for the constant sieges that occurred along the border. And Royce had unwittingly helped, sending him to scout Apshire several times. He'd correct his mistakes now.
"What are you waiting for Panther?"
The taunt drew a few derisive shouts from the men surrounding them. Royce didn't dare take his eyes from his opponent.
"Your first mistake."
Burke's smile slipped, turning into a sneer. He charged, sword raised. Royce easily blocked the blow, the screech of the blades crackling in his ears. Shouts of encouragement came from the men, whistles and cheers sending any remaining animals of the forest fleeing.
"I'll kill you, you sanctimonious bastard!" Burke screamed, swinging wildly now.
"You can try," Royce drawled, evading another wild slash. Over the next several minutes, he merely evaded and blocked every move Burke made. The other man tired and grew more sloppy. He blocked another overhead blow and shoved, forcing Burke to stumble backward. He advanced.
The unexpected swing at his face startled him and he pulled back, but not before the tip of the blade sliced along his cheek, burning. A shrill scream filled the air. Gillian. He didn't dare look up, but the time for toying with his enemy ended now. Royce swung at Burke, but the captain sidestepped. Narrowing his eyes, he watched the other man, looking for any weakness.
There, his left side. His mail gapped. He thrust at Burke, a rain of blows that compelled Burke to retreat. Yet, with a ducking roll, the captain was now behind him. Before his thrust reached flesh, Royce turned and caught Burke's blade with his, immobilizing the steel. His free hand fisted and he slammed it into Burke's face, the satisfying crunch of bone accompanied by a howl of pain. Cheers and applause erupted among the men.
Burke collapsed, holding his face, blood dripping in rivulets to the ground. Royce strode over and lifted his blade, ready to finish the battle. At the last moment, Burke rolled away, somehow rising again to stand. Blood covered his face and tunic, and he swayed unsteadily.
"Surrender," Royce ordered. "Before the king and these witnesses."
Burke gave another one of his mad laughs. "I will never surrender."
Royce never expected the charge, and moved to sidestep, but Burke wheeled suddenly about, hooking hisfoot behind Royce's legs. Off-balance, Royce stumbled and fell. The clearing fell silent when Burke stood over Royce, sword raised.
"Now you die!"
Just as Royce lifted his blade, an arrow slammed into Burke's chest. Royce immediately rolled away and to his feet, staring in shock at the blood spilling over Burke's chest. The heavy sword fell from the captain's hands as he gaped at the arrow, his bloodied hands grabbing the shaft in an attempt to pull the arrow out.
Royce thrust his sword into Burke's gut, pulling it out and thrusting once more. One last tug jerked the blade free. He turned.
Gillian stood just inside the ring of men, bow in hand. He looked back at Burke at the very moment the man collapsed to the ground. Thunderous roars of exultation rang through the forest. Royce faced his wife.
Even now, she taunted him with a smug smile. While he could have easily blocked Burke and regained the upper hand, he refrained from saying so. He stalked over to her, stopping inches away.
