She sighed softly, keeping her gaze focused on the open gates. Oh, he knew. He knew she didn’t know which way to go. He was purposely waiting. Raven didn’t look back at him.
With a chuckle that grated her nerves, Landyn cantered his steed past her.
Of all the men to work with, why had the commander put them together? Raven wondered with aggravation.
Landyn and Raven rode quickly until the sun was beginning its downward path. He had been pleased to find she wasn’t one of those travelers who needed to talk the entire time. Either that was the reason she was so silent, or she was still angry with what he had said. He hadn’t meant his derogatory remark about her being a woman. She was probably as good at tracking and sword skills as some men he knew. But they needed to work together now.
They paused down the road from the village of Les Tiplies. The main road extended into the small town. Farmers’ fields stretched behind the homes.
“If the squadron entered the town, the villagers would have knowledge of it,” Landyn said, his gaze on the empty road leading into town and the wattle and daub houses at the entrance.
Raven hesitated, scanning the area. “We should stay out of the village.”
Shocked, Landyn looked for the evidence she saw, but everything appeared normal to him. The road entering the town was open. Homes and businesses dotted the side of the street like in any other village. Nothing seemed out of place.
“We can find the information we need by asking the farmers on the outskirts,” she suggested.
Landyn shook his head. “There is nothing wrong here.”
“If a squadron of men came through harassing the villagers, the people will be unlikely to welcome strangers,” Raven advised.
“There is no sign the squadron has been this way,” Landyn insisted.
Raven grinned sarcastically. “Then why are we going this way?” She pointed to the village. “There are no people out. No animals. No children playing.”
Landyn had to agree that was strange but not unheard of. “Perhaps they are eating or in for the night.”
Raven cocked her head to the side in thought. “Perhaps. I’m going around the rear to speak with farmers,” she stated. “If you’re insisting on going into the town, be careful. Watch your back.” She spurred her horse in an arc around the side of the houses. “I’ll meet you at the end of the road, outside the village.”
He clenched his teeth. He didn’t like her going alone. Not when Boucher was out there. He spurred his horse after her and cut her off. “We shouldn’t split up.”
“I’m touched you’re worried about me,” she replied, her tone thick with sarcasm. “But I can take care of myself.” She directed her horse around him.
Landyn watched her ride away. Stubborn, he told himself. But she was not Viola. Shecouldtake care of herself. “Be careful!” he called. After a moment, he steered his horse toward the village.
He trotted the steed down the dirt road, eyeing the surroundings. There were no people out. Not even children. No animals. It was as Raven had said. Usually, he wouldn’t have thought too much about it, but since she’d pointed it out…
Tingles of unease spread up his spine. Itwasunusual. A breeze swept by him, and he slowed his steed to a walk, observing the houses for any indication of movement or occupancy. Even the bakery was closed. Perhaps that was normal for this town.
Perhaps it wasn’t.
His senses were heightened. Leaves rustled. Birds chirped and flew through the sky. Yet, he saw no sign that a large group of men had been through this village. Not the destruction he would expect from Boucher. He spurred his horse. He didn’t like leaving Raven alone, but this job was only going to be finished by sticking to the mission. Not traveling through back routes. If a squadron had been through this village or anywhere around, the villagers would know.
But where were the people?
He heard a scamper of footsteps and turned his head in time to see a young boy scurry behind a barrel near one home. He guided his steed over slowly. “I won’t hurt you, boy.”
No movement came from behind the barrel.
“I’m looking for a large group of men,” Landyn said.
Silence for a lengthy moment.
Landyn wondered if the boy had heard him.
“Are you with ’em?” a tentative voice finally asked.
“No. I am Sir Landyn of Winchester. I am with the Templar Knights.”
