Page 8 of Arrows and Gems
But that would mean admitting what he had done, and she wasn’t sure she could stand the humiliation.
Locking eyes with the young nobleman, she replied, “Luther was on his way out. Could you ensure he doesn’t get lost on the way?”
Luther’s expression was not friendly, but he didn’t resist as the guard motioned toward the front gate. Helena watched him go, assuring herself that he would not be returning.
Most of the noblemen were as full of themselves as Luther. The only one she could stand was Tobias, but he was in love with Liesl. She refused to put her brother’s friend and her friend in the same position that she and Michael had been in... before he stubbornly chose to do the right thing. And it was – she knew it was, even if she didn’t like it.
Such a future was unacceptable. But changing it would not be simple – the council had seen to that.
Turning, she strode forcefully toward the castle. She had preparations to make.
CHAPTER 3
Cap
The sweet song of a bird filtered through the aspen trees that surrounded them. A squirrel chittered back angrily, scolding the bird for its happy tune while the squirrels still frantically collected nuts against the approaching winter. The bird ignored it, continuing its call as if it hadn’t a care in the world.
Swinging down from the saddle, Cap patted his horse, silently apologizing for not removing Farrell’s tack. He pulled the reins over the horse’s head and looped them over a nearby branch, secure enough that his mount couldn’t pull away but loose enough to undo quickly.
“Tucker, you’re on guard duty. Take care of the horses and stay alert. If we come back in a hurry, the horses need to be ready by the time we arrive.”
“Aw, Cap, really? You’re leaving me behind?” the tall, wiry boy whined. “When you agreed to let me come today, I thought you were going to let me join the action. I’m not a child. You’re letting Rouge go, and she’s a girl!”
Cap sighed as he adjusted the quiver on his hip. “Youarea child, Tucker; you’re only fifteen. Rouge is a woman. And much more skilled at the sword than you are.”
Rouge smirked, tying a green handkerchief over her distinctive red hair. “Tough luck, Tuck. Maybe next time.”
“Nineteen isn’t that much older,” Tucker grumbled. Hebuttoned his lip when Cap fixed him with a commanding gaze.
“Guarding the horses may seem less exciting than the raiding party, but it’s still important. The quicker our retreat, the more likely we escape.”
The teenager bowed his head. “I understand,” he mumbled. “I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”
Cap checked his sword belt and the bow sheath across his back one more time, then pushed some loose hairs out of his face. He might have to give in and let Rouge cut it for him; it was starting to get in the way.
Pulling his hood over his face, he motioned to Rouge and Jean-haut as he headed into the trees.
“Cold?” Jean-haut asked, tilting his head to the side. The forester had his own dark green cloak thrown open, only clinging to him by the tie around his neck. The trees were thinner on this part of the mountain, so a light breeze made its way through to ruffle his short brown hair.
Shaking his head, Cap scanned the surrounding trees as they walked. “No. This area doesn’t get many travelers, but that is no guarantee.”
Rouge rolled her eyes. “You and your caution.”
If he was truly as cautious as she implied, he would have brought more people on this trip. His source claimed the messenger would be alone, so three people should be sufficient. Especially given Cap’s skill with both the bow and the sword.
But the General’s new taxes meant increased patrols.
“Feel free to plan the next attack yourself,” he said simply, raising an eyebrow that she couldn’t see past his hood. “But don’t be offended if I stay home.”
Jean-haut huffed a laugh. “He’s got you there, sis. Cap’s abundance of caution may come with the position, but your hair fits the stereotype.”
Small tongues of flame danced across her hands as shescowled at her older brother.
“Control yourself, Rouge,” Cap snapped. “It’s the middle of October, and the mountain hasn’t had rain in a month.”
Her lips pinched together, but she balled her hands into fists, extinguishing the flames.
“Sorry, Cap,” she mumbled, not looking at him.
