Page 71 of King’s Knight

Owain did not wait for him to lunge. He pulled back the string and loosed the arrow. It hissed through the air and sank into the calf of Alex’s right leg. Alex stumbled back but did not fall.

“Alex!” she screamed, starting toward him.

Owain held her back with his arm.

She pushed at him. “You shot him!”

Alex staggered. From his mouth came a feral snarl, a sound more like an animal than a man. His gray eyes became like shards of granite as he glared at Owain. “Have you never heard, Welshman, a wounded wolf is more dangerous? I asked you to give me what is mine. Now I will kill you before I take her.”

While the men faced each other, Merewyn sped the few feet to Owain’s pony and reclaimed her bow.

Owain nocked another arrow and took aim.

Merewyn, too, nocked an arrow and swiftly drew alongside the two men, separated by a dozen feet, lifted her bow and pulled back the string. “Both of you stop!”

The two men turned their harsh looks from each other to her.

“Owain, you will not loose another arrow. Alex, you will let Owain go. He meant me no harm.”

Alex gave her an angry, incredulous look, but he held his sword still. Blood dripped from his leg. Her chest heaved for the panic she experienced. The arrow could mean his death.

“Owain, go!” she shouted.

Owain looked at her with disdain. “You would choose to stay with this Norman dog, who would plant a babe in your belly yet offer you no ring for your finger?”

“It is my decision to make, Owain. Wales is not far. Leave us.” When he failed to move, she added, “Please!” Her unwavering gaze met Owain’s angry brown eyes. “Go!”

Owain slung his bow over his shoulder and swung onto the back of his pony. “Only because you ask it of me, Merewyn. But should you change your mind, you have only to send for me and I will come.” With that, he shot another glare at Alex, turned his pony and galloped away.

She ran to Alex and kissed him. With his free arm he drew her to his side. She looked down to see the arrow had gone through his leg, the tip sticking out the back of his calf. “You must have care. Let me help you.” She placed her shoulder under his left arm and leaning on her, he was able to sheathe his sword.

“What was that about a babe in your belly?” he gritted out, wincing with the pain, as he tilted his head toward her.

“Can we come out now?” said a voice she recognized as Rory’s. The redheaded knight stepped out of the trees. Beside him stood Guy. Both were wearing mail, their swords drawn.

Alex’s gaze shifted to his companions. “Aye. Might as well join us. You can see I have managed to get myself shot and the Welshman got away.”

“But you did rescue the fair damsel,” said Guy, his mouth twitching up in a grin.

“Aye,” said Alex. “My errant wife.”

“We need to talk about that, Alex,” she whispered. He might have claimed she was his wife for Owain’s benefit, but why did he persist in doing so now that Owain was gone?

“You two can talk in Chester,” said Rory, sheathing his sword as he walked to where they stood. “Let Guy and me help you to your horse.” Bracing Alex under his right shoulder, he said, “It seems we must impose, once again, on Earl Hugh’s hospitality.”

Guy sheathed his sword and came alongside Alex. Merewyn relinquished her hold.

“First,” said Alex, “break off the fletching and pull the arrow through. I would have it out sooner rather than later.”

“If you insist,” said Rory. “Hold him steady.”

With Guy and Merewyn holding him, Rory tore open Alex’s hosen and broke off the fletching.

Merewyn kept her eyes on Alex’s face. He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes, bracing for what was coming.

Rory pulled the arrow through. Alex grunted, bearing the pain.

“Hold him for a moment while I fetch the horses,” said Guy.