How happy his brother must have been when he received news of his union, but Valteri knew he could never have the happy marriage Will shared with Maude.
Nay, no matter how much his fetid heart cried for him to stay, he must leave.
Even though part of him longed to believe that Ariel, Will, and the children wouldn’t be the only ones to accept him, he knew better.
Life didn’t work that way.
If wishes were horses, even beggars would ride.
This one afternoon in no way made up for his lifetime of hell.
Will was king and no one would dare mock him, but Ariel and the children could easily turn into Edna. To this day, he was haunted by the kind old woman who’d once taken mercy on him and who had been branded a witch and driven from her home. But not before they’d thrown everything from rocks to rotten vegetables at her. Burned down her cottage and slaughtered her animals.
Last he’d heard, she’d starved to death during the winter months, while she’d been forced to beg.
Just like her, they would be abused and tormented for their charity toward him, and he had no desire to see them hurt because of him.
Not when he could prevent it.
Despite the denial of his soul, Valteri knew what he must do. In a fewhours, once dawn arose, he’d summon Wace and make his way toward London.
There, he’d make certain William gave him his release. Then he’d return to battle.
It was what must be done.
Wheeling his horse about, Valteri headed for the manor.
Out of nowhere, something streaked before his destrier. Ganille reared, kicking in fright and bucking as Valteri jerked the reins to avoid the unknown object. Whatever it was, it jarred his senses while he struggled with his mount.
His horse refused his commands.
An unfamiliar stench filled Valteri’s nostrils, choking him. Ganille shot up the hill and again the streak appeared.
It hit the ground in front of them.
“Whoa!” Valteri pulled the reins.
Shrieking, the horse reared against the partially finished wall, penning Valteri between his backbone and the damp stone. He cursed as the rough masonry tore through his tunic. Pain engulfed him, but still he held his seat.
Then suddenly, the reins broke from his hands and Valteri found himself on the ground beneath the thrashing hooves. Instinctively, he put his arm up to shield his face. Sharp hooves struck the bone of his forearm, numbing the full length of his arm until he could scarce lift it.
Lowering his head, he tried to get away, but Ganille followed as if he were an enemy in battle, kicking and bucking. A thousand pains racked his body from each and every strike of those biting hooves.
Barely able to breathe, he finally succeeded in pulling himself away from the frightened horse.
Aching in pain, Valteri lay to the side of the wall as agony tore through him. Damn, it hurt.
Dampness covered his right temple and cheek. Without checking, he knew it for blood. Aye, the salty taste left no doubt.
He needed to get back to the manor before he passed out. Last thing he needed was to be unconscious out here, exposed to the elements and wildlife.
Exposed to enemies who wanted him dead.
When he attempted to rise, his sight dimmed even more and he fell back to his knees.
He drew a ragged, pain-filled breath. He’d never make it back in this condition.
Out of the hazy corner of his gaze, he saw a white wolf approaching.His body burning with agony, he pushed himself up and stumbled toward his horse.
