Page 9 of Fortress of Snow

She would find John, and he would know what to do and where she might stay. He could help her figure out what to do about Warin trying to marry her off to someone ancient and undesirable. She had to marry, of course, but John could find someone who was not vicious or cruel.

As she drew nearer to the knights’ barracks, she saw three men come and stand outside, talking quietly to each other.

The tallest one had brown hair and a strong chin, broad shoulders, and a kind expression on his face. In the moment when his eyes met hers, she was quite sure he was the handsomest man she had ever seen.

“Do you need help?” the tall knight asked as she approached, glancing from her to Piers and back to her.

“I am looking for my brother, Sir John of Wexcombe. Do you know where he is?”

“You are his sister, then?”

“I am.”

“I shall fetch him for you. Wait here.” He turned to go, then spun around. “And I am Sir Berenger of Dericott.” He smiled as if amused at himself for forgetting to introduce himself.

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir Berenger.” She smiled back and wished she had not come through a rainstorm, slept on the ground, then traveled all day in the sun.

While they were talking, one of the other knights went into the barracks and came out with her brother right behind him.

John was easily recognizable by his wide forehead and sharp blue eyes, but he had grown a dark mustache and beard since she’d last seen him.

“John, it’s Mazy.” She smiled.

“What are you doing here?” He walked toward her, his eyes widening.

“I came to visit you.” She closed the gap between them and embraced him.

He was quite awkward as he put an arm around her and squeezed, somehow getting her neck caught against his collarbone and choking her for a moment. But she didn’t care. She had found her brother, the one who called her “Mazy” and “Maze Queen” and “Leap Hare” because he said she jumped around like a hare in the spring. Now that Father was gone, he was the only person who cared for her. But she couldn’t think about that now. She’d start crying in front of all of these men.

“What are you doing traveling so far by yourself?” He glanced at Piers.

“The farmer Alan’s son, Piers, accompanied me.”

By the way John looked Piers up and down, he was not impressed with him.

Piers mutely bowed to John.

“Did anyone try to harm you? Were you robbed?”

“No, of course not.” She shook her head, almost laughing. “We encountered no robbers nor any nefarious men along the way. We are only tired and hungry after being wet for too long and—”

“Warin is a knave for letting you come all this way alone.What was he thinking, letting you put yourself in harm’s way?” His expression was fierce, his eyes turning cold and hard.

“Warin did not let me come. I left without telling him. I wanted to see you.”

“He did not come and find you and take you back home, did he? He is a scoundrel.” John’s face clouded even more. “I should run him through with my sword for that.”

Her heart rose into her throat. She had created a difficult situation for both of her brothers. But she could not stay there. Surely John would understand.

“Nothing bad happened. I am well, and I suppose I am at fault for putting myself in danger, if I was in danger.”

“He let you wander away. Any number of dangers could have befallen you, alone on the open roads with no one to protect you but this villager.”

While her brother ranted, the other knights shifted their feet and didn’t look directly at her or John, except for the handsome one, Sir Berenger. He stared first at John, then at her. Then he spoke up.

“Don’t you think we should find somewhere for the lady to sleep tonight? Your sister looks tired.”

John said something under his breath.