Raven and her sisters had worked with their father many times before, but on jobs he believed were safe. This one was different. There was a reason he had not asked them to accompany him. A risky one. “But I’m here now. Shouldn’t I know what to expect?”
His lips tightened. He shook his head and straightened in the saddle. “Stay near me. And this time, follow instructions.”
His disapproval made her feel as if someone were stepping on her chest. It felt tight. She hadn’t meant to disappoint him. Her shoulders drooped and she nodded.
Her father trotted his steed to the front of the line of men.
Raven skimmed the caravan again. The knights wore the white tunic emblazoned with a red cross. Some dismounted their steeds and led them to the forest to tie their reins to the trees. Other knights urged their horses closer to the wagons to guard them.
Her eyes focused on the wagons. What was in those crates? Something worthy of guarding, something precious or expensive.
Contents her father didn’t want her to know about.
Thunder nickered and tossed his head.
She rubbed his neck. “Don’t you start,” she whispered and rode him to her father’s side.
He swung his leg over his horse and dismounted.
Raven glanced again at the trees. As the sun set, it cast a red glow across the leaves. She didn’t like stopping here. Unease filled her and yet, she couldn’t explain why. She shivered slightly.
“Are you well?” her father asked.
She jerked her attention to him. Damp strands of his dark hair hung around his face and yet he still maintained his strength of character and his commanding presence. It was why there were legends about him. Why everyone knew his name. She nodded.
“I shall have a fire lit,” he said. “You can warm yourself there.”
“No, Father,” Raven objected. “It’s not safe.”
“You are chilled. Landyn!” He strode toward Landyn, ignoring her protests.
Raven swung her leg over Thunder and dismounted. She reached out to stop him.
“Have a small fire started so Raven can warm herself,” he ordered as Landyn neared.
Landyn’s gaze swiveled to her and then he nodded.
Raven groaned inwardly and ground her teeth. Yes, the delicate woman needs a fire started. How humiliating! Now, Landyn must think she was as weak as a pampered lady. She would have been fine with a blanket, just like the rest of the knights.
Landyn rode off to convey the order.
“I don’t need a fire, Father,” she protested. “I have a blanket in my bag.”
He stared hard at her.
In the dying sunlight, Raven saw that look. The look of tenderness for his one flaw. His love for his daughters. She was certain he was as concerned for Sage and Willow as she was and that he had a good reason for not going to find them. She shook her head slightly. “It’s dangerous,” she protested weakly.
“Not as dangerous as you becoming ill.”
After losing her mother to illness, such things were always on his mind. She relented with a nod. She would keep the fire small and try to shelter the light from the outside world. The other knights would probably gather round it, too. They must be as chilled as she was. If her father thought it was safe, then she would comply.
Still, she glanced warily at the trees and bushes along the side of the road. This was not a place she would pick to rest. Unease snaked up her spine.
As he moved toward the crates, she followed him, asking, “Who is coming after you?”
He scowled in confusion.
She straightened. “These knights are guarding those crates. You’ve sent scouts ahead and into the forest. Who are you searching for?”
