Page 36 of Lucie
Chapter Seventeen
Concern
“How far ahead of us is the barricade?”Yulenasked.
“I’d say about six hundred yards. At the bottom of a small ravine.”Attypointed to where the road took a dip. They’d followed Lucien and the girl up to the top of the embankment, then went to crouch on the roadway as men and horses quietly passed behind them to disappearback into the woods. The rain had stopped, and the clouds had parted enough for some moonlight to filter over them, which made it imperative that they try to remain unseen as much as possible from the compound.
“Any idea as to its size?”
“About fifteen feet high, but I couldn’t see either end of it. It’s like they built an additional wall all around them, and madesure to cut off the road to prevent anyone from entering or leaving.”
“Then we have to assume the road’s also cut off on the other side. Do you think there’s any chance the wall only extends so far, and doesn’t completely circle the compound?”
“Anything’s possible. One thing’s for certain. A battle lord didn’t build it. It’s haphazardly made. Just debris and fallentrunks all piled up on top of each other. There are some areas where you can see right through it to the other side.”
“So it’s more like a deterrent rather than a protective barrier?”
“Yeah. That was my impression.”
“Did any of you happen to spot any guards?”
“No, and we didn’t sense any, either. They may be keeping the guards situated onlyin the compound.”
“Or there could be none at all,”Yulencountered. “That compound might be empty.”
“Or dead,” his wife remarked, echoing his second-best guess. “So how do you want to do this?”
He checked over his shoulder. NeitherMastinnor Paxton were in sight, but Lucien was. But he was deep in conversation with theMutahwoman.Attynoticed wherehe was staring and snorted in amusement.
“I don’t think he’s noticed how pretty she is.”
Yulenlifted an eyebrow at her. “What?”
“And neither have you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“He’s too enthralled with her mark. And you’re too concerned about her impact on our son.”
“Aren’t you? Concerned about Luc?”
She reached over and gave his arm a squeeze. Her expression grew grim. “I’ve never stopped being concerned about him since he was born. And especially now. It’s been several hours since he was attacked. If he’s going to exhibit any signs of illness, it should be soon.”
Yulenglanced again at the young couple. “Why do I get the feeling he’s going to ask that we take her along with us?”
“Becauseyou know he will. We both do. It would make perfect sense. She has incredible vision that could be a great asset to us.”
He gave a nod. “That’s what I’ve been thinking.”
“There’s something else I’m sure you’re aware of.” She gave him that teasing little smile he loved so well. “When was the last time you saw Lucien actually interested in a girl?”
His eyes widened. Laughing softly,Attypattedhis arm. “Let’s go back down to the creek and discuss our plans with the others. Oh, and when Lucien asks for the girl to go with us, promise me you won’t give him a hard time about it, okay?”
“Why would I give him—”
Her narrow-eyed look made him stop.
“All right. You have my word. But we don’t have an extra horse for her.”
