He reached for his sword that was strapped to his saddle, but Ganille bolted at his approach before he could unsheathe it.
Too tired to resist, he fell to the ground where he was sure the wolf would end his useless life. At last Ariel would be spared his presence and the mockery of his people. Mayhap it would be best for him to die like this.
Closing his eyes, he waited for the wolf to rip out his throat.
Ariel woke up with a start. A haunting howl echoed in her ears from some faraway wolf that stalked the night. One that seemed oddly familiar.
A sudden image appeared in her mind. She recoiled in horror. Somehow, she sensed Valteri’s pain. Heard his short, raspy breaths as he struggled for consciousness.
He was hurt, she knew it. She didn’t know how, yet she couldn’t deny the part of her that heard him whisper her name, the part of him that reached out like a desperate soul from the grave.
Throwing back the covers, she bolted from the bed. In seconds, she donned her clothes and rushed into the hall, seeking Wace where he slept against the far wall.
“Wace,” she whispered, gently shaking him awake.
He yawned widely before opening his eyes to stare at her in disbelief. “Milady?”
“Aye.” She pulled his blanket from him, and glanced to the other people sleeping nearby—which reminded her to keep her tone low. “We must hurry.”
“Hurry?”
“Aye,” she repeated, trying to stifle the agitation in her voice. “Your lord needs you!”
He glanced about the hall like a drunkard seeking his ale. “Is he here?”
Seriously? Why would she be waking the boy if Valteri were here?
Biting back her irritation and sarcasm, she handed him his tunic. “Nay. You must help me go to him.”
Frowning, he stifled another yawn as he shrugged on his tunic. “What do you mean, go to him?”
Ariel gathered his shoes from the floor and urged him to take them. “He’s injured and we have to help him.”
“He’s injured?” That chased the sleepiness from the boy. He grabbed his shoes and donned them. “Where is he?”
“The castle site.” She scowled as soon as she spoke. How did she know that?
Yet she was most certain she would find him there.
Wace paused in tying his breeches and stared up at her as if he doubted her sanity. “What do you mean he’s—”
“Enough questions! We must hurry.”
Though she could barely see his face in the dark shadows, Ariel had the distinct feeling he wanted to argue further, but he held his tongue.
Soon they were headed across the yard, and finally into the stable.
Without a word, he began saddling their horses.
Once he finished, Ariel started to mount, but his hand on her arm stopped her. “’Tis unsafe, milady. Many outlaws and rebels travel by night. I think I should—”
“Nay, Wace. We shall be fine. I know it.”
He bit his lip and for a moment she feared he would naysay her plea. “All right, milady, but if any harm should befall you, Lord Valteri will feed my hide to the dogs.” He helped her mount.
“Lord Valteri will be too grateful for your help to be overly harsh.”
“So say you. But I’ve seen him skewer men for far lesser grievances. Such as burning his toast. I’m pretty sure you mean more to him than toast.”
