Page 15 of One Knight
That prompted raised brows from the other men.
“Come. I shall take you to the stream before we set off.”
“But—”
“Come.”
He held out his arm, and she realized it was not just an invitation, but an order.
She took it and let him lead her to the stream.
“Get a drink, splash your face, and take a moment to gather yourself. It will help.”
She groaned as she lowered into a squatting position. “Are you sure I am not broken for the rest of my life?”
“Quite sure.”
“How?”
“The first few times you ride in armor, you think you’re going to die afterward. But you don’t.You won’t either. You’re just sore. It will go away with time. The priory may have some kind of concoction for it as well. The sooner we are there, the sooner we can ask.”
“God must have some remedy.”
“A good massage of the muscles will help as well.”
She looked up at him. “And who is going to do that?”
“I will. After.”
There was no question in her mind whataftermeant. After their vows were said and her body became his property.
She stared down at the stream and splashed her face with water to cool her heating cheeks.
“At least that’s something to look forward to. Relief.”
“In more ways than one.”
She swung around to study him, but he was staring off in the distance.
“You sent her in a cart.”
“What?” Elisande bolted to her feet despite her sore muscles.
Sir Henry grabbed her hand and tugged her along with him back to the camp.
“Mount up and ride. There’s a cart ahead. Surround it!”
“No!” Elisande yelled.
Sir Henry picked her up and tossed her on the back of her horse. “Follow us.”
“You’ll terrify her.”
He didn’t reply, but mounted his own destrier.The warhorse surged forward as soon as he leaned in.
“No!” Elisande screamed again, urging her horse into a gallop to follow the thunderous knights. “Alger! Run!”
There was nothing she could do.
