Page 78 of Sword of Desire
“I’m certain.” He readjusted himself on the saddle since the bags attached to it took up so much room. “Rikter, you’re in charge of my Knights and soldiers until you reach Marsden.”
“And in Marsden?” he asked.
Ackley smiled. “I left someone in charge. Give her a full report of what happened here.”
“Her?” Fletcher asked.
Ackley nodded. He’d left one of Reid’s sisters in charge. He hoped things were going well. Since he was staying on the mainland for some time, he’d have to leave her in charge a little longer. “Make sure you get every man on that ship. Leave no one behind. Safe travels.”
Each of his Knights placed a fist over his chest. Ackley lifted his right fist, placing it over his chest as well. “It has been a pleasure serving with each of you.” With that, he nudged his horse and took off. He had no doubt Rikter would ensure every Marsden made it home safely.
* * *
Even though Ackley knew every man would make it on that ship, there was one woman who would not. He needed to discover what had happened to Gytha. She’d be furious he’d sent his army home without her. However, she could easily make the journey later. Owen and Idina planned on opening trade with Marsden. Gytha could hop on one of those ships if she wanted to. Ackley wasn’t convinced she’d want to return home yet.
He traveled for two days. When he came to the dilapidated barn he’d spent the night in with Harley, he decided to stop and stay there for a few days. Not that the place was particularly appealing, but it had sentimental value. He unloaded the supplies off his horse, taking particular care of one of the items.
He unwrapped the blankets and found Harley still knocked out from that root concoction she’d made. He easily slung her over his shoulder as he carried her up the rickety ladder to the loft, then carefully laid her down, setting her head on a pillow of hay.
He sat at her side, waiting for her to wake up. She’d told him it could take a few days. He had plenty of food and water nearby for when she returned to him. While she’d been asleep, he’d done a lot of thinking. Mainly, he didn’t want to go on without her in his life.
Another lonely day passed. Ackley sat and watched Harley. The leather armor she’d worn under her tunic had prevented the knife from embedding into her. However, it hadn’t stopped the nasty bruise from the hit. It looked as if a rib was broken, so he’d wrapped her torso just in case.
He kept holding her hand, feeling her warmth, trying to assure himself she was alive.
Finally, on the fifth day, her eyelids fluttered and opened.
“Did it work?” she rasped out.
He nodded.
She closed her eyes and smiled.
He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ve missed your beautiful eyes.”
She opened them, her smile deepening.
“Everything went just as you planned,” he told her.
“I didn’t want Owen to have to deal with me committing treason.”
“He probably could have pardoned you.”
She sat up, although the movement was obviously painful. Ackley couldn’t help reaching out to touch her hair cascading around her shoulders.
“Possibly,” she said. “But then he would have been seen as weak. I didn’t want him to start his reign that way.”
“I’m not arguing with you.” Now he had her all to himself.
“I can go anywhere now, be anyone.” Her smile deepened. “I can do anything.”
“Anything?” he teased. He leaned forward, kissing her bare shoulder.
“Where’s my shirt?” She gently touched the bandages wrapped around her torso.
“I removed it so I could keep an eye on that.”
“It hurts pretty badly.”
