Page 19 of The Guardian

The screech of an owl sounded in the nearby trees. The piercing sound declaring it had found its prey. It was almost as if nature sent a message. Every living being must live according to a code. When the balance was offset, there was a price to pay.

It wasn’t long before Liam’s men crested the hill and rode toward where Hendry and his men were. Liam turned to him. “I have every reason to think this is them. They tried to escape upon seeing us, throwing items into thickets. I ordered my men to look for whatever they tried to get rid of. I expect it to be items that will tie them to the attacks.”

The trio were bound to saddles on very tired and gaunt horses. They’d obviously not been cared for. Despite the men’s bloody noses and split lips, Hendry felt worse for the horses.

It was obvious by their open mouths and wide eyes that they’d never expected to see him alive. Much less standing before them as they were yanked from the horses and made to kneel before him.

“Is this them?” Liam asked loudly as their men formed a circle and looked on.

One by one, he met each of the men’s gazes, noting no sign of remorse. Instead they sneered as if daring him to say something against them.

“Aye,” Hendry replied loudly.

“See that the mounts are watered before ye head to the keep,” Liam called out and met Hendry’s gaze as the horses with their prisoners were taken toward the creek.

“I will send men to inform the relatives of those harmed. They will wish to be there to see the trio punished.” His friend hesitated for a moment. “Take time to yerself. Alexander will expect a decision upon yer return.”

“I am going to fetch Tobin. The ride will give me time alone to think,” Henry said, looking toward the creek where the gaunt horses drank their fill. “Their horses will benefit from all this. One can tell if a man is honorable by the way they treat their animals. There is no honor in any of them.”

Teller’s happy barks made Ailith smile. Since Tobin’s arrival, the dog and young man had formed a bond. From the garden, she saw Tobin running in circles, holding a stick, with Teller chasing him. When he threw the stick, her dog dashed after it and returned, dropping at Tobin’s feet.

It was obvious the young man had a heart for dogs, and Ailith wondered if he had one of his own. She imagined life at the keep provided little rest, but at the same time a dog would be a relief from the doldrums of each day.

Both Tobin and Teller walked to the rain troth, and she watched as he dipped the dog’s bowl into the water and placed it on the ground, before dipping the cup that hung from twine taking some for himself.

“I will miss him,” Tobin said softly, reaching down to scratch behind Teller’s ears. The dog leaned into the touch, tongue lolling in bliss. “I best go walk about and ensure all is well.”

“Be with care,” Ailith stated. “I best go inside then.”

Tobin gave a crooked smile and tilted his head toward the road. “I will, but ye can remain outside. And as fate would have it, here comes my master himself.”

Her stomach gave a traitorous flip. She turned to see a rider approaching, the thud of hooves rhythmic and steady. Before she could speak, Teller took off in a flurry of excited barks, tearing across the path and nipping at the horse’s legs with wild abandon.

“Teller!” Ailith called, her voice sharp. The rider pulled his mount to a halt and dismounted in one fluid motion.

Then something changed.

The dog’s stance softened, hackles lowering as he sniffed the man’s boots and cloak. Within seconds, Teller’s tail was wagging furiously, and he was circling Hendry like an old friend returned from war.

“Traitor,” Ailith muttered beneath her breath.

Tobin chuckled, a low, warm sound. “Yer dog’s becoming friendlier. He’ll be wanting belly rubs from the next intruder that crosses yer path. I fear that may be my fault.”

She gave him a sidelong glance. “He’ll snap back into guardian mode once ye and Hendry leave. I’ve always believed dogs can sense cruelty and those who carry none.”

Then Hendry stepped fully into view, and her breath caught. Dressed in worn leather and thick wool, his hooded cloak dusted with road and wind looking every bit an intimidating warrior. The sword strapped across his back spoke of danger; the shadows in his hazel eyes, of things he’d seen and done.

Ailith swallowed, unsure of the fluttering in her chest. It seemed more a foreboding sense that she was about to tread dangerous waters.

Hendry neared greeting Ailith with a slight nod. “Ailith, how fare ye?”

“I am well,” she replied automatically, looking him over for any sign of pain or distress. It seemed that in just a few short days, he’d made almost a complete recovery by the smooth way he moved and walked.

“Tobin, ye are free to return to the keep. Ensure to bathe and get rest. Ye can return to yer duties the day after tomorrow.”

The squire turned to Ailith. “Be with care.”

“Ye as well,” Ailith replied, watching as Tobin hurried away, Teller racing after him with a stick in his mouth.