Page 69 of The Great Pursuit
Aerity and Harrison looked at each other with pursed lips.
“You needn’t worry, sirs,” Aerity said. “This beast is quite different, I assure you.”
The men all furrowed their brows in skepticism except Harrison, who stared down at his hands and sighed. Lief looked ready to say something.
At that very moment a giggle sounded down the hall and Wyneth could be heard saying, “Slow down, Furball!”
Now was their chance to show these men just what a threat the creature was. Aerity called out for her cousin to come into the office. She hadn’t seen Furball since the day before. When Wyneth came through the door holding the end of a rope, and the beast bounded in beside her, Aerity sucked in a breath.
Deep seas! How was it growing so quickly?It walked on four legs, but if it lifted onto its hind legs it had to be as tall as Wyn.Harrison and the other men gawked.
“What are you feeding it?” Harrison asked.
Wyneth laughed. “He’s not picky, I’ll give you that! Any type of meat or fish, vegetables, grains. Whew!” She stared around at the faces and her smile faded.
“My lady,” Lief said carefully, “where did it stay during the night? It’s hardly detainable.” He eyed Furball’s claws as the cub swatted at tassels hanging from chair cushions. He swatted again and the tassel was swiped clean off.
Wyneth stood straighter and jutted out her chin. “Furball is a he, not an it. He’s quite smart. I’ve house-trained him. And he sleeps in my chambers.”
Mouths fell open. More silent glances of horror were shared.
“I’m not sure that’s wise,” said a guard.
“It’snot.” Lief’s face had gone fierce.
“To be honest,” said Wyneth, “I feel more protected with him by my side than any human guard. No offense.” The guard who had spoken looked at the playful cub and shook his head.
“Watch this,” Wyneth said to him. “Grab my arm.”
“Wyn . . .” Harrison’s voice held warning.
“Don’t worry,” she told him. Then she looked to the guard again. “Grab my arm.”
He hesitated before he reached out and grasped her. Wyneth let out a dramatic “Ow!” and the little beast suddenly changed. His ears perked. A ridge of fur pricked up alonghis neck and back, and he stood on his back legs, letting out a growl and baring sharp fangs. The guard released Wyneth and jumped back with a yell.
Lief moved forward in warrior stance, the muscles in his arms bulging.
Wyn made a double clicking sound with her tongue against the roof of her mouth and said firmly, “Down.” Furball immediately went to a sitting position, never taking his eyes from the guard who’d grabbed her. Wyneth put a hand on the guard’s shoulder and said soothingly to Furball, “Friend.” Then she clicked her tongue again and snapped her fingers, pointing to her side. “Come.”
Furball walked forward, swaying his wide bottom, and sat at Wyneth’s feet. He licked his jowls.
Aerity gave a nervous laugh of shock. Wyneth grinned at her.
“You’ve certainly been busy,” Harrison remarked. Lief crossed his arms and scowled.
“Aye.” Wyneth eyed the guards and soldiers. “Please let your men know that Furball is a danger only to anyone who tries to hurt me. He will stay at my side, and this castle is his home.”
The guards and officers nodded, albeit with seeming reluctance as they stared at the strange creature.
“Furball, my lady?” said an officer, trying to hold back a grin.
“Aye, sir. Apparently you can blame Lieutenant Gillfinfor that mighty name.” Wyneth gave a gorgeous full smile at Harrison, and Aerity could have sworn his cheeks became pinker as he stared at Wyn and let out a dry laugh of his own. Lief gave a grunt and stalked from the office.
Wyneth was on her way to the gardens, where Furball could run through the maze of bushes. She had been training him nonstop, marveling at his ability to obey, but she wanted to see if she could call him to her when he was a distance away. The gardens seemed safe enough, since only royals could use them, and the royals, well . . . they weren’t there, were they?
Another bout of sadness descended on her as she walked Furball down the stairs, accompanied by a guard. He peered around at the empty garden with its high wall of shrubbery and gave a nod that it was safe.
Wyneth stood there a few minutes, staring into the manicured space as her warm breath made clouds in the air. Everything was still. The sky was gray. Wyneth had never liked winter. She found it depressing, except for the first snow, which was pure beauty. But the lack of warmth and the abundance of darkness had always felt soul sucking to her. It was so much worse now without the joyful sounds of her siblings and cousins running about. So much worse without the comfort of her parents and presence of their seasoned ruler.
